The Simulated Market at AquaFutures is designed to closely mirror live trading conditions, but there can still be some kind of a difference. We understand the unique challenges this creates for our platform, our funding partners, and most importantly, our traders. To maintain a fair, transparent, and balanced trading environment, we've put policies in place to prevent practices that could take advantage of the simulated setup or deviate from ethical trading standards.
Understanding Simulated trading environments
Some trading strategies can take advantage of the simulated fill algorithm, leading to strong performance during the evaluation phase but ultimately resulting in losses when moved to live environments. A small number of traders, either unknowingly or with intent to game the system, may use these strategies, which are stricly prohibited at AquaFutures.
1. Automated Trading Protocols
At AquaFutures (AF), we enforce rigorous guidelines to uphold a fair and transparent trading environment in automated trading:
Automated Scalping: AF limits the use of automated systems designed for ultra-high-frequency scalping, particularly systems that exceed 200 trades per day.
Automated Tools: AI, bots, and other fully automated trading mechanisms are strictly prohibited across all account types.
Semi-Automated Trading: Allowed only if traders actively monitor and manually manage trades, fully understanding the system’s purpose and limitations.
Automated Behavior: Fully hands-off, continuous, day-and-night trading or any type of complete automation is strictly forbidden.
2. Order Management and Market Conduct
AF prioritizes ethical trading practices and responsible order management to support a stable trading environment:
Order Placement: Placing multiple limit orders at the same price to manipulate order fills is strictly prohibited.
Gapped or Illiquid Market Trading: Trading strategies aimed at exploiting isolated fills in low-liquidity or gapped markets are not permitted.
Slippage and Bracket Exploitation: Using tight brackets or taking advantage of the simulated market’s absence of slippage to gain favorable fills is forbidden.
Economic Data Trading: Trading during tier 1 economic data releases is restricted to maintain stability.
Compliance with CME Group: All trading activity must comply with CME Group rules and regulations.
Collaborative Trading: Coordinated trading with others to execute identical or opposing strategies across unconnected accounts is not allowed.
3. Policy Violations and Consequences
AF enforces strict consequences for policy violations to protect the integrity of our trading environment:
Termination: AF reserves the right to terminate agreements immediately if a trader violates policies.
Profit Confiscation: Profits obtained through prohibited trading practices will be confiscated.
Evaluation Review: All passed evaluations are subject to review. Traders found to be in breach of policies will not be funded and may be ineligible for refunds.
If you have any questions on this topic, please feel free to reach out to our support team via Live Chat, submit a ticket on Discord, or email us at support@aquafutures.io. We’re here to help!