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What is the Trader Review Council?
What is the Trader Review Council?
Updated over a week ago

What is the Trader Review Council?

  • The Trader Review Council examines cases where user conduct is called into question. By thoroughly reviewing these cases, the Trader Review Counsel helps maintain compliance and keeps Topstep safe from fraudulent activity. Potential violations can include, but are not limited to, Terms of Use violations, fraudulent activity, or manipulation.

Who do I contact for an appeal?

  • You do not need to contact anyone for an appeal. The Trader Review Counsel handles the appeal process, and they will reach out to you. If an opportunity to appeal is given, you will receive an email with Steps to File an Appeal. The Trader Support Team does not assist in this process.

Why can’t I appeal?

  • If you can't appeal, it's important to know that an appeal may not be possible depending on the severity of the Terms of Use violation(s).

How do I know if I can appeal or if I qualify for an appeal?

  • If you qualify for an appeal, The Trader Review Counsel will provide the information needed if you are eligible to appeal a ban. You will receive an email with Steps to File an Appeal. Traders who are not provided with steps to file an appeal in the original email will not be allowed to appeal.

How do I start the appeal process?

  • To start the appeal process if an opportunity to appeal is given, you will receive an email with Steps to File an Appeal. Once the Trader Appeal Form has been submitted, reply to the original email to notify our Compliance Team.

How do I pay for my appeal?

  • To pay for your appeal, once the Trader Appeal Form has been submitted and you have notified our Compliance Team, a non-refundable PayPal link for $100.00 will be sent to your email address.

  • Once the appeal fee is paid, you will have to notify our Compliance Team by replying to the original email to move forward in the appeal process. Please be sure to monitor your email if additional information is needed. You should hear back within 10 business days about the outcome of your appeal.

Why is there a fee?

  • There is a fee because Topstep must charge for the time and resources it will take to consider your appeal.

How long do I have to appeal?

  • If you are eligible for appeal, you have 30 days to appeal your case from the time you received the banned email.

Can an appeal be denied?

  • An appeal may be denied if evidence is found in violation of the Terms of Use, fraud, or manipulation.

  • If I win my appeal, what are the next steps?

If you win your appeal, you will receive an email outlining the terms and conditions provided, which you will have to accept in order to return. If at any point our agreement is breached, your account will be terminated.

  • How do I pay back any lost chargebacks?

To pay back any lost chargebacks if your appeal is accepted and you owe funds to Topstep, you will need to make an additional payment via PayPal before your return.

  • What if I create a new profile?

If you create a new profile and we discover it, your account will be closed and no refunds will be issued.​

  • Is there a KYC (Know Your Customer) check?

Yes, we do have a KYC check. We have several verification processes in place to help us confirm that a trader's identity is legitimate and that they are who they say they are. These processes help keep Topstep safe from fraudulent activity.

Occasionally, traders may be asked to verify their identities, each request being contingent on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, our Compliance team may also review your account as part of our KYC process.

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