Two traders. Different countries, different backgrounds, different paths to the same seat in front of the charts. What they share isn’t a strategy or a setup, it’s a mindset. At FundingTraders, a proprietary trading firm built on transparent rules and community-first values, we’ve watched thousands of funded traders rise through discipline, risk management, and relentless focus. Getting funded isn’t just about passing a trading challenge, it’s about proving you have the right mindset, the consistency, and the skills to manage risk with real capital on the line. Jordan Marshal and Francois Babkine both passed the prop trading challenge, earned their funded trading accounts, and built something sustainable. Their journeys highlight what separates successful traders from the rest: not just sharp trading strategies, but strong habits, clear rules, and the discipline to follow a plan even when the market tests them. Their stories are different on the surface, but the lessons underneath the kind of actionable insights that don’t show up in textbooks are ones every aspiring prop trader needs to hear.
Quick Summary Box
In this edition of our funded trader insights series, we sit down with Jordan Marshal and Francois Babkine, two funded traders who’ve earned their stripes through FundingTraders’ funded trader programs. Jordan, a disciplined market veteran of five and a half years, built his success by committing to one trading strategy and following clear rules every single session. Francois, a two-year trader with a fire-and-learn mentality, discovered that trading journals, self-reliance, and patience are the ultimate tools for passing any trading challenge. Together, they offer actionable advice on risk management, discipline, managing funded accounts, navigating prop firm rules, and building strong habits that separate successful traders from the rest. Whether you’re just starting your funded trading journey or looking to scale into larger accounts, these insights will help you plan your next move with the right mindset.
Jordan Marshall: “Becoming consistent and persistent with one trading system.”
Total Payouts | Duration as a Trader with FundingTraders | # of Accounts Purchased |
|---|---|---|
$1375.43 | 2 Years | 9 |
What first drew you into trading, and how has your approach to the market evolved over the years?
I started trading 5 ½ years ago, when a friend from work introduced me to the market.
You’ve talked about the importance of sticking with a single system. What was the key mindset shift that helped you succeed in funded trader programs and start managing funded accounts with confidence?
The biggest mindset shift I made that helped me pass was becoming consistent and persistent with one trading system.
Risk management is critical for any funded trading account. How do you manage risk during both winning and losing streaks to protect your capital?
I stick to my rule of risking no more than 1% per trade.
The road to passing a trading challenge is rarely smooth. What setbacks did you face before becoming funded, and what kept you focused through the process?
Yes, I faced plenty of setbacks before becoming funded. Keeping my mindset towards my goals and objectives helped throughout the process.
Consistency is a word every trader hears, but few truly define. What does consistency mean to you in your day-to-day trading routine?
Consistency in trading means repeating your blueprint in the market throughout winning, losing, and breakout days.
Every trader has a costly lesson. What was the one mistake that taught you the most about discipline and protecting a funded account?
The biggest mistake I learned from was overtrading and blowing an account in one day.
What actionable advice would you give to traders in the middle of a trading challenge who are thinking about quitting?
My biggest advice to someone close to quitting would be to stay focused on their goals and the reason they began trading.
Jordan’s story proves that discipline and one focused strategy can turn a trading challenge into funded success. If you’re ready to put your plan into action, FundingTraders gives you access to real capital and the platform to prove yourself. Use code MADNESS for 30% OFF every challenge + 100% profit split, start your challenge today.
Francois Babkine: “The goal is to make the most beautiful trades possible.”
Total Payouts | Duration as a Trader with FundingTraders | # of Accounts Purchased |
|---|---|---|
$1136.06 | 7 Months | 5 |
You’ve been trading for two years, which is a relatively short time to be funded. What made you realize trading was worth pursuing, and how did your strategy evolve from day one?
I have been trading for 2years. I started because I realize how much potential there is in trading because the possible growth is infinite. It’s exponential.
Many traders involved in funded trader programs rely on mentors and signals early on. What was the biggest mindset shift that changed your results?
Stop relying on others and learning from myself.
Risk management separates funded traders who last from those who don’t. How do you plan to manage risk if you ever hit a prolonged losing streak?
Well a big losing streak never happened to me but if it were to happen I would risk 0.5% per trade instead of 1% until I get comfortable with risking 1% again.
You’ve openly said you blew your first funded account. What setbacks did you face, and what kept you from quitting the process entirely?
Yes, the emotions that NOW I can make money. That caused me to make irrational decisions because I was blinded. To be honest I blew my first funded and THAT was the learning curve. All you have to do is keep trading like you always do. I STOPPED wanting to get results fast. You will get there faster if you take your time opposed to trying to “get rich quick”
Consistency is a concept that many traders struggle to define. What does it mean in your trading plan, and what role do trading journals play in your routine?
It’s simple. There is NO such thing as consistency in the short terms. But year over year if you get 20-30-40% results that is amazing. And if you want a bit more short terms month over month 2-5% is amazing.
What is the single most important lesson or mistake from your trading journey that you’d want every funded trader to hear?
No having a trading journal that I MANUALLY enter all the data before and after a trade. You have to imagine that all the best traders will look at your trade and think if they would be proud or if they will call it BS. Also thinking that the goal in trading is making money. It is NOT, the goal is to make the most beautiful trades possible and money will come as a consequence of that.
For traders who are in the middle of their challenge and considering quitting, what would you tell them?
Take your time. If you quit you will guarantee your failure. Do you want to live in regret ? I sure hope not. Think about it, what’s the biggest risk? To guarantee living a shit miserable life or to actually try ? If you ask me, giving up and doing nothing is FAR more risky.
Francois turned a blown account into a funded success story, because he refused to quit. FundingTraders has paid out over $5.5M in total rewards, and the next payout could be yours. Use code MADNESS for 30% OFF every challenge + 100% profit split, claim your spot now.
Conclusion
Jordan Marshall and Francois Babkine come from different corners of the trading world, but their funded trader insights converge on the same truth: success in funded trading belongs to traders who respect the process. Discipline over impulse. Consistency over speed. Strategy over emotion. These are the traits that prop firms like FundingTraders look for — and they’re the traits that separate traders who earn consistent payouts from those who cycle through accounts without ever finding stability.
FundingTraders provides the tools, the trading platforms, the capital, and the community that aspiring funded traders need to build a real career in this industry. With transparent rules, clear expectations, and over $5.5 million in total rewards paid out, this company has earned its place among the top firms in the prop trading space. Whether you’re entering your first trading challenge or scaling into your fifth funded account, the resources and support are there.
The only question left is: are you ready to focus, plan, and commit? If Jordan and Francois can do it, one with five years of market experience, the other with just two, then the opportunity is open to anyone with the discipline to seize it. Take the challenge. Use code MADNESS for 30% OFF every challenge + 100% profit split. Your funded trading story starts now.
Disclaimer: Trading involves significant risk and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. All account rules, payout structures, profit splits, and promotional offers described in this article are subject to change at the discretion of FundingTraders. Promo codes may expire or be modified without prior notice. Always trade responsibly and only risk what you can afford to lose.
