Looking for the best Canadian proprietary trading firms for futures traders? Here’s a quick overview of top firms offering access to capital, profit-sharing opportunities, and advanced trading tools.
- FTMO: Offers 80%-90% profit splits, a two-step evaluation process, and access to platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Fees start at $89 for a $10,000 account challenge.
- ThinkCapital: Provides dynamic leverage up to 2,000:1, advanced platforms like MT4, MT5, and ThinkTrader, and profit splits up to 90%. Known for its strong focus on professional tools.
- FundedNext: Features a one-step evaluation process, up to 90% profit splits, and payouts within 24 hours. Offers flexibility with no time limits for evaluations.
- The Trading Pit: Transparent evaluations with profit splits up to 80%. Supports platforms like NinjaTrader, Quantower, and TradingView with scaling options up to $5 million in capital.
- Blue Guardian Futures: Unique Instant Funding option with 100% profit retention on the first $15,000. Offers flexible evaluation paths and advanced trading tools.
Quick Comparison
| Firm | Profit Split | Evaluation Type | Platforms | Notable Features | Starting Fee ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | 80%-90% | Two-step | MT4, MT5, cTrader | Refundable fees, scaling plan | $89 |
| ThinkCapital | Up to 90% | One-step, Two-step | MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader | Dynamic leverage, advanced tools | $349 |
| FundedNext | Up to 90% | One-step | NinjaTrader, Tradovate | No time limits, fast payouts | $129 |
| The Trading Pit | Up to 80% | One-phase, Prime | NinjaTrader, Quantower | Scaling to $5M, weekly payouts | $99 |
| Blue Guardian Futures | 100% (first $15K), then 90% | Instant, Multi-step | ProjectX, Volumetrica | Instant funding, flexible evaluations | $64 |
Choose a firm based on your trading style, profit-sharing goals, and platform preferences. For beginners, ThinkCapital offers accessible options, while FTMO and The Trading Pit cater to experienced traders. Blue Guardian Futures is ideal for those seeking quick market access.
The BEST 3 Prop Firms for CANADIAN Traders in 2025 (Ranked & Reviewed)
1. FTMO Futures Program
FTMO, founded in 2015, has earned a solid reputation in the trading world, boasting over 1 million users and 240,000 accounts. Its ratings speak volumes, with a 4.8/5 on Trustpilot and 4.4/5 on ForexPeaceArmy.
Profit Splits and Payouts
FTMO starts traders off with an 80:20 profit split, which can increase to 90% as traders demonstrate consistent performance. Payouts are processed quickly, typically within 1–2 business days, and withdrawals are made on a monthly basis. For those who excel, FTMO offers a scaling plan, increasing funding by 25% every four months.
Since 2021, the company has paid out over $130 million in profits to traders in more than 180 countries. Impressively, the average payout processing time is just 8 hours. Traders also operate without risking their own capital, and the challenge fee is reimbursed with the first payout after becoming an FTMO trader.
Evaluation Process and Costs
FTMO uses a two-step evaluation process: the FTMO Challenge and the Verification phase. Both stages simulate real trading conditions, including fees, swaps, spreads, and trading hours, with a minimum of four trading days required.
The evaluation costs vary depending on the account size. For example, a $10,000 account challenge costs between $89 and $155, while the fee for a $200,000 challenge is $1,080. Currently, new clients can take advantage of a special promotion, accessing the $10,000 FTMO Challenge for just $89.
| Phase | Period | Min. Trading Days | Max Daily Loss | Max Loss | Profit Target | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO Challenge | Unlimited | 4 days | $500 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $89–$155 |
| Verification | Unlimited | 4 days | $500 | $1,000 | $500 | Free |
This structured evaluation ensures traders are ready to face real market challenges.
Trading Conditions and Technology
FTMO supports a variety of professional trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade. These platforms are available for Windows, Mac, web browsers, and mobile devices (Android and iOS).
Traders can access leverage up to 1:100 and a diverse range of instruments, including forex pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. Account sizes range from $10,000 to $200,000, allowing flexibility to suit individual trading preferences.
To enhance the trading experience, FTMO offers valuable tools such as:
- Account MetriX for performance analysis
- Trading Journal to track trades
- Mentor App for building disciplined habits
- Equity Simulator for risk assessment
- Economic Calendar to stay informed
Additionally, FTMO provides 24/7 customer support in 16 languages, ensuring traders have help when they need it.
Traders often praise FTMO for its transparency and execution quality. One trader shared their experience:
"FTMO changes lives, if you stick to your plan, be disciplined, and be consistent in the market. If I can do it, you can also do it. Don’t give up on your dream."
Risk Management Features
FTMO prioritizes risk management to protect both traders and the firm’s capital. The evaluation process itself is designed to enforce strict risk management rules, preparing traders for live market conditions.
There are two main account types available:
- FTMO Account: Standard trading account
- FTMO Swing Account: Offers more flexibility, allowing traders to hold positions overnight, over weekends, and during news releases – an advantage for futures traders working across multiple time zones.
The demo trading environment closely mimics real market conditions, ensuring that traders who pass the evaluation are well-equipped for live trading while adhering to strict risk parameters.
2. ThinkCapital Futures Division
ThinkCapital has carved a niche for itself in the Canadian prop trading scene, thanks to its integration with ThinkMarkets‘ advanced infrastructure. In 2024, ThinkMarkets earned accolades for its innovation and analytical expertise [5]. This award-winning foundation underpins a suite of professional tools tailored for futures traders.
Trading Conditions and Technology
ThinkCapital equips traders with access to three professional platforms – MT4, MT5, and the proprietary ThinkTrader platform [6]. The MT4 platform, in particular, is a favorite among futures traders for its compatibility with over 20,000 expert advisors (EAs) and custom indicators, making it a great choice for those who lean on automated strategies [6].
The MT4 and MT5 platforms are further enhanced with features like the Autochartist plugin and Trading Central integration [6]. Autochartist, for instance, automates chart pattern recognition, which is especially useful for manual traders navigating the complexities of the futures market.
For traders seeking a more streamlined experience, the ThinkTrader platform offers a user-friendly interface packed with features tailored for active futures trading. These include:
- One-click trading
- Cloud-based alerts
- Six pending order types
- Custom watchlists
- Multi-screen display
- Integrated economic calendar
ThinkCapital also provides dynamic leverage of up to 2,000:1 and access to 4,000 trading opportunities across various markets [5]. With ultra-tight spreads, the platform is a strong choice for futures traders who need to maximize returns on narrow profit margins [5].
For those interested in social trading, ThinkCapital integrates with ZuluTrade, allowing traders to follow and copy successful strategies [6]. Additionally, developers can connect to ThinkCapital’s infrastructure using the industry-standard FIX protocol, enabling seamless integration of third-party tools [6]. These technological features not only enhance trading efficiency but also strengthen risk management capabilities.
Risk Management Features
ThinkCapital places a strong emphasis on risk management, offering traders advanced tools and technology to navigate market volatility. The Autochartist integration doubles as both an analytical and risk management tool, helping traders identify market patterns before they fully materialize [6].
By providing access to multiple platforms, ThinkCapital allows traders to diversify their risk through various execution methods. While MT4 and MT5 excel in automated trading, the ThinkTrader platform is ideal for manual oversight, offering comprehensive alert systems and multi-screen functionality [5][6].
"Tools, insights, and access that go further than execution." – ThinkMarkets [5]
The platform’s alert system is particularly useful for managing overnight positions in global futures markets. Additionally, the ability to handle up to six pending order types gives traders the flexibility to implement complex stop-loss and take-profit strategies across multiple contracts [5]. These features make ThinkCapital a strong contender for futures traders looking to balance advanced tools with effective risk management.
3. FundedNext Futures
While FundedNext Futures isn’t currently available in Canada [10], its structure sets a benchmark for what traders in the region might anticipate. From profit-sharing arrangements to evaluation criteria, the program aligns with the transparent and competitive standards seen in other top proprietary trading firms.
FundedNext has established itself as a major player in the prop trading industry, boasting over 97,000 traders and payouts exceeding $95 million as of November 2024 [9]. Its futures division reflects a trader-first philosophy, earning an impressive 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot [11].
Profit Splits and Payouts
FundedNext Futures offers profit splits of up to 90% [7] and ensures payouts within 24 hours – backed by a $1,000 bonus if delayed [10].
Payout schedules vary by program type, offering flexibility for traders:
| Program Type | Payout Schedule |
|---|---|
| Stellar 1-Step | Every 5 business days [8] |
| Stellar 2-Step & Lite | First payout after 21 days, then biweekly [8] |
Additionally, traders who pass the challenge phase are rewarded with a 15% performance bonus [7].
Evaluation Process and Costs
The evaluation process at FundedNext Futures is straightforward, featuring a single-phase challenge with no time limits, making it adaptable to different trading styles [10].
Here’s a breakdown of the challenge structure:
| Account Size | Challenge Fee | Profit Target | Daily Loss Limit | Max Drawdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $129 | $1,250 | $600 | $1,250 |
| $50,000 | $249 | $2,500 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| $100,000 | $449 | $6,000 | $2,400 | $3,000 |
To make the challenge more accessible, traders can save 5% on fees using the promo code PFFUTURES5 [10]. However, there’s also a consistency rule in place: no more than 40% of the profit target can be achieved in a single trading day [10].
Trading Conditions and Technology
FundedNext Futures pairs its evaluation process with access to advanced trading platforms. Traders can choose between NinjaTrader and Tradovate, both of which provide professional-grade tools, including detailed charting, efficient order management, and real-time CME futures pricing. Supported asset classes include currencies, indices, metals, energy, and agricultural products [10].
The program also offers flexibility with contract sizes, including both mini and micro options. Micro contracts, being one-tenth the size of mini contracts, allow for more precise position sizing [10]:
| Account Size | Mini Contracts | Micro Contracts |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | 2 | 20 |
| $50,000 | 3 | 30 |
| $100,000 | 5 | 50 |
Risk Management Features
FundedNext Futures, much like FTMO and ThinkCapital, places a strong emphasis on disciplined risk management. The platform enforces clear risk parameters, including a commission of $3 per contract per side (totaling $6 per round turn), along with a $1 exchange and regulatory fee for closing trades [10].
Automated trading is not permitted, requiring traders to engage in manual execution. This approach encourages active risk management and adherence to the platform’s strict daily loss limits and maximum drawdown rules [10].
With an 83/100 review score, FundedNext Futures strikes a balance between trader-friendly conditions and robust risk protocols, making it an appealing choice for disciplined traders [10].
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4. The Trading Pit Canadian Accounts
The Trading Pit stands out as a trusted prop trading firm for Canadian futures traders. Known for its transparency and global reach, it has paid out over $5 million to traders across more than 180 countries. Recognized as the "Most Transparent Prop Trading Firm Global 2023" and "Best Futures Prop Firm 2022" [12], the firm enjoys a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, reflecting strong trader satisfaction [12][16]. Like other Canadian-focused firms, The Trading Pit combines attractive profit splits with streamlined evaluation and trading systems.
Profit Splits and Payouts
The Trading Pit offers profit-sharing arrangements that can go as high as 80%, depending on the challenge type. Executive and VIP challenges provide the highest potential returns:
| Challenge Type | Profit Share Range |
|---|---|
| Lite | 50% up to 70% |
| Standard | 50% up to 70% |
| Executive Challenge | 60% up to 80% |
| VIP Challenge | 60% up to 80% |
Payouts are processed weekly every Friday [14][15], giving traders consistent access to their earnings. To qualify for payouts, traders must have their KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation approved [14]. Additionally, the firm refunds the challenge fee after the first profit split, easing the financial burden for traders [15].
The Trading Pit also offers a scaling plan that rewards consistent performance by increasing account sizes up to $5,000,000 [13]. In August 2024, the firm highlighted several standout traders: Felix from Germany led with $117,565.66 in profit and 11 payouts, Tho from Vietnam followed with $100,343.94 in profit and 10 payouts, and Francis from Canada ranked third with $99,718.93 in profit and 6 payouts [13].
Evaluation Process and Costs
The Trading Pit provides flexible evaluation options to suit various trading styles and experience levels. In August 2024, the firm introduced its Futures Prime Program, which features a simplified one-phase challenge for quicker access to funded accounts [17].
The Futures Prime Program includes a 10-contract challenge priced at $189, with an additional $129 activation fee upon passing [17]. To unlock the first payout, traders must achieve a profit of at least $200 on 10 separate trading days. For subsequent payouts, only 5 profitable days are required.
Challenge costs vary based on account size and type:
| Challenge Type | Account Size | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Futures | $50,000 | $99 |
| Prime Futures | $100,000 | $189 |
| Prime Futures | $150,000 | $289 |
| Classic Futures | $20,000 | $99 |
| Classic Futures | $250,000 | $599 |
Once traders successfully complete their challenge, they gain access to a live funded account with real capital.
Trading Conditions and Technology
The Trading Pit enhances its evaluation process with advanced trading tools and technology. Canadian futures traders can access professional-grade platforms and detailed market data. Supported platforms include ATAS, Quantower, VolSys (Volumetrica), Rithmic/R|Trader Pro, Tradovate, NinjaTrader, and TradingView for Prime challenges [18].
The firm covers Level 1 market data costs for Chicago-based futures exchanges [20], while offering optional upgrades for advanced data feeds:
- Level 2 Market Depth (Chicago-based Exchange): $16/month
- Level 2 (Comprehensive US Futures Exchanges): $41/month
- European Derivatives Exchange: €23/month
Prime and Classic challenges come with distinct risk management features. Prime Futures Challenges include a trailing maximum drawdown and a daily pause system, while Classic Futures Challenges offer fixed daily drawdowns with scalable profit splits [18].
Risk Management Features
The Trading Pit employs structured risk controls to protect both traders and the firm’s capital. The Prime and Classic challenge formats cater to different trading preferences.
- Prime Futures Challenges: These feature trailing maximum drawdown limits that adjust as profits grow, offering flexibility for traders. A daily pause system helps mitigate emotional trading by temporarily restricting access after significant losses.
- Classic Futures Challenges: These maintain fixed daily drawdown limits, providing consistent risk boundaries. Scalable profit splits in this format reward steady performance over time.
"For me, Trading Pit is very transparent, has good support and is easy to use." – C N Vollzeit Anfänger [12]
The firm’s integration with NinjaTrader is particularly appealing to futures traders, including those in Canada, and strengthens its connection with the NinjaTrader community [19].
5. Blue Guardian Futures
Blue Guardian Futures sets itself apart with its generous profit-sharing model and flexible evaluation options. Unlike many other firms, it offers an Instant Funding program, allowing traders to bypass traditional evaluations entirely. The firm also boasts a standout profit split structure and multiple pathways to secure funded accounts.
Profit Splits and Payouts
One of Blue Guardian Futures’ biggest draws is its profit-sharing terms. Traders enjoy 100% profit retention on their first $15,000 in earnings, which is higher than the industry average of $10,000[21][23]. After reaching this initial threshold, the profit split adjusts to 90%[21].
"We’ve designed our program to prioritize trader success. Our goal is to reward skilled traders with the most favorable profit sharing terms in the industry."
- Sean Bainton, CEO of Blue Guardian Futures [23]
Withdrawals are straightforward: after a 7-day holding period, payments are processed within 48 hours through Riseworks, offering options like bank transfers, cryptocurrency, and local payment methods[21]. The minimum withdrawal amount for funded accounts is $100[21].
Profit splits also vary depending on the account type. Instant Funding Starter accounts provide a 50% split, while standard Instant Funding accounts offer an 80% split[21]. Additionally, once traders achieve a 6% profit, a 1% withdrawal buffer is triggered, and the trailing drawdown locks in at breakeven[22].
Evaluation Process and Costs
Blue Guardian Futures offers several evaluation paths, including 1-Step, 2-Step, and 3-Step challenges, as well as the Instant Funding option for those who want to skip evaluations entirely[22]. Account sizes range from $5,000 (Instant Funded Only) to $200,000, and traders have unlimited time to complete their assessments once they place their first trade[22].
| Challenge Type | Account Size | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Step Challenge | $10,000 | $67 |
| 1 Step Challenge | $100,000 | $347 |
| Guardian X Challenge | $5,000 | $64 |
| Guardian X Challenge | $100,000 | $463 |
| Instant Guardian | $50,000 | $595 |
| Instant Guardian | $100,000 | $695 |
For traders completing the evaluation process, the evaluation fee is fully refundable after receiving their fourth payout (except for Instant Funding accounts)[22].
Once funded, traders gain access to advanced trading platforms and flexible trading conditions tailored to their strategies.
Trading Conditions and Technology
Blue Guardian Futures supports popular trading platforms such as ProjectX and Volumetrica & Volsys/Volbook, which are widely used by futures traders[23][24]. The firm provides access to CME Group indices, currencies, and commodities[24].
Trading conditions are designed to be flexible, allowing strategies like hedging and Martingale without requiring mandatory stop losses[22]. While news trading is permitted during evaluations, funded account holders must refrain from opening or closing trades within 5 minutes before and after high-impact news events[22]. Additionally, Expert Advisors (EAs) and trade copiers are allowed, but traders are prohibited from using VPNs or VPS services to bypass trading rules[22].
Risk Management Features
To protect both traders and the firm’s capital, Blue Guardian Futures has implemented structured risk controls. According to their data, 73% of account breaches occur due to exceeding the Maximum Daily Drawdown[22].
The Guardian Shield is an automated risk management tool for funded accounts. If open trades result in a 1% loss of the initial account balance, the Guardian Shield automatically closes all positions across all symbols[22]. Other safeguards include a daily loss limit of 3% and a trailing maximum drawdown of 6% from the highest watermark. Once the 6% threshold is reached, the drawdown locks in[22]. Importantly, positions are only evaluated at market close, ensuring drawdown calculations are based on end-of-day performance[23].
Pros and Cons Analysis
Canadian proprietary trading firms come with a mix of advantages and challenges, offering traders a range of options tailored to different needs. However, the trade-offs between features and limitations can vary widely depending on the provider.
FTMO earns a 4.8/5 rating for its attractive profit splits, access to multiple trading platforms (MT4, MT5, and cTrader), and opportunities to transition into salaried prop trader roles [2]. On the downside, it lacks transparency about the brokers used for trade execution, which may be a concern for some traders [2].
FundedNext shines with its strong community presence – boasting over 700,000 members and more than $95 million in payouts to over 97,000 funded traders [2]. It offers six account types, refundable evaluation fees, and supports both copy trading and algorithmic strategies. However, its selection of tradable assets is somewhat limited [2].
ThinkCapital appeals to high-volume traders, providing advanced trading platforms and tools designed for professionals. While specific data on its offerings is less public, its focus on robust support for experienced traders is clear. However, these advanced features often come with higher evaluation costs.
The Trading Pit caters to high-volume traders with features like a maximum trading capital of up to $5 million and access to platforms such as Bookmap, R|Trader, Quantower, and NinjaTrader. It also offers fully refundable fees and no time limits for evaluations [25]. Both ThinkCapital and The Trading Pit provide profit splits of up to 80% [25], but The Trading Pit’s platform options may feel overwhelming for some.
Blue Guardian Futures sets itself apart with an Instant Funding option, allowing traders to bypass the traditional evaluation process and start trading right away. While this approach offers fast access, it typically comes with lower initial profit splits. Its flexible evaluation paths make it appealing for traders looking to enter the market quickly.
| Firm | Key Strengths | Key Weaknesses | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | High ratings, salaried positions, platform variety | Limited broker transparency | Experienced traders seeking career growth |
| FundedNext | Large community, refundable fees | Limited asset selection | Cost-conscious traders |
| ThinkCapital | Advanced trading platforms | Higher evaluation costs | Professional traders needing advanced tools |
| The Trading Pit | Refundable fees, no time limits, up to $5M capital | Complex platform options | High-volume traders |
| Blue Guardian Futures | Instant funding, flexible evaluation process | Lower initial profit splits | Traders seeking quick market access |
Across these firms, risk management policies are a shared focus. Most enforce a 5% daily loss limit and a 10% maximum drawdown, though specifics can vary. Some firms mandate guaranteed stop losses, while others place restrictions on hedging or scalping strategies [2][26]. Platform availability also plays a significant role in the trading experience. While MT4 and MT5 are commonly offered, specialized platforms like NinjaTrader, Quantower, and Bookmap are available only through select firms [25].
Customer support is another differentiator. Well-established firms like FTMO and FundedNext typically provide quicker response times, which can be crucial when navigating strict trading rules or resolving account issues.
Final Recommendations
Choosing the right Canadian prop firm depends heavily on your trading goals and experience. Whether you’re prioritizing support, maximizing profits, or leveraging advanced technology, there’s a firm that aligns with your needs.
If you’re a beginner looking for transparency and support, ThinkCapital is a strong contender. With evaluation accounts starting at $349 for $100,000 in trading capital [1], it offers flexibility through one-step, two-step, and three-step challenge options, making it accessible for traders at various skill levels. On top of that, their profit-sharing model is generous, offering up to 90% splits with weekly payouts [1].
Experienced traders aiming for higher profit potential might lean toward FTMO, which boasts an impressive 4.8/5 rating for reliability [2], or FundedNext, known for its refundable fees and payouts to over 97,000 funded traders [2].
For traders focused on technology, platform compatibility is key. ThinkCapital’s proprietary ThinkTrader platform delivers a seamless and intuitive trading experience, while FTMO supports a range of platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader [1][2]. If you’re into algorithmic trading, be sure to check each firm’s policy on automated strategies.
Trading fees also play a significant role in your decision. These can range from $59 to $999, depending on the firm and account size. Some firms, like FundedNext, even offer refundable fees, which can be a big plus [2]. Be sure to weigh these costs carefully.
Finally, don’t overlook each firm’s risk management rules. Ensuring they align with your trading strategy is crucial for long-term success. Profit-sharing structures (typically 70–90%), platform features, and evaluation processes should all factor into your choice.
For futures traders, ThinkCapital stands out with competitive rates, straightforward rules, and robust tech support. Use these insights, along with the detailed comparisons provided earlier, to make the best decision for your trading journey.
FAQs
What should I look for in a Canadian prop firm for futures trading?
When choosing a Canadian prop firm for futures trading, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. First, take a close look at the firm’s profit-sharing structure and capital allocation. The profit split directly affects your earnings, so aim for firms offering competitive rates – some even share up to 90% of profits, which can significantly boost your income.
Next, dig into their evaluation process. This usually involves specific criteria like minimum trading days, profit targets, and drawdown limits to assess your trading abilities. Make sure these requirements align with your trading approach to avoid unnecessary hurdles.
Lastly, examine the trading platforms and tools they offer. Quality platforms and resources can make a big difference in your performance. Additionally, prioritize firms with transparent risk management policies and a solid reputation, as these factors ensure a more secure and trustworthy trading environment.
What are the differences in profit splits and evaluation processes among leading Canadian prop firms?
Profit-sharing models and evaluation methods differ significantly across top Canadian prop trading firms. Most firms require traders to go through an evaluation phase, which typically involves hitting specific profit targets while adhering to strict risk management guidelines. For instance, traders might need to achieve a 10% profit target within a designated timeframe, all while staying within a daily loss cap of around 5% and an overall drawdown limit of 10%.
After successfully completing the evaluation, traders are often offered more attractive profit-sharing arrangements, usually ranging between 60% and 90% of the profits. Some firms also provide immediate funding during the evaluation phase, though the profit splits may initially be lower, with the potential to improve based on the trader’s consistent performance. These models aim to encourage disciplined trading while maintaining effective risk control.
What are the best trading platforms for futures traders in Canada?
For futures traders in Canada, a few platforms stand out for their blend of powerful tools and competitive pricing. Interactive Brokers is a favorite among professionals, offering low commissions – typically between $0.25 and $2.50 per contract – and a flexible platform that provides access to a broad range of futures products. Another solid choice is NinjaTrader, which specializes in futures trading and is known for its cost-effective fee structure. For those just starting out, E*TRADE is a great pick, thanks to its educational resources designed to help beginners gain confidence and expand their trading knowledge.
These platforms strike a balance between affordability, advanced features, and support, catering to the unique demands of futures traders in Canada.