"Prop Number One is not just a prop firm—we are building the next-generation infrastructure for traders."
Prop Number One is a pioneering proprietary trading firm, founded to address the challenges faced by traders worldwide. With a focus on fairness, transparency, and innovation, the company provides optimal conditions for traders to thrive. The firm's founder, Luca Cerullo, brings a wealth of experience from both trading and risk management, shaping the company's trader-first approach and ambitious vision.
My journey started as a private trader, where I developed a deep understanding of the markets and trading dynamics. Over time, I transitioned into proprietary trading, refining my strategies and gaining firsthand experience in managing risk and capital efficiently. This experience naturally led me to the brokerage industry, particularly in Malta and Cyprus, where I specialized in risk management and handled a portfolio of clients.
Through these roles, I saw firsthand the challenges traders faced—unfair funding conditions, restrictive risk parameters, and a lack of real opportunities for sustainable growth. That’s what inspired me to create Prop Number One: a proprietary trading firm designed to solve these issues and provide traders with the best possible conditions to thrive. My background in trading and risk management allows me to shape the firm with a trader-first approach, ensuring that we offer a fair, transparent, and truly rewarding environment for our traders.
At Prop Number One, we define success not just by the number of traders who join us, but by the ecosystem we build for them. Our goal is not only to establish a solid and trusted proprietary trading firm chosen by thousands of traders but to evolve into a full-service financial group.
We envision offering all the services of a real broker, ensuring traders have access to the best execution, liquidity, and conditions tailored to their needs. Looking even further, one of our key ambitions is to establish our own bank, allowing us to issue debit cards for our clients and create a seamless financial experience.
The industry currently lacks a truly trader-friendly ecosystem, and we aim to fill that gap by providing everything a trader needs—from funding to banking solutions—all under one roof.
In an industry where many firms impose hidden restrictions, delayed payments, and unfavorable conditions, Prop Number One stands out by doing the exact opposite.
We have no unnecessary limitations—our traders can operate freely without restrictive rules that hinder performance. We always pay on time, without exceptions, ensuring that our traders receive what they earn, when they earn it. We also focus on solving real problems instantly, providing a level of customer support and responsiveness that is unmatched in the industry.
But most importantly, at Prop Number One, every cent a trader makes stays with the trader. We don’t manipulate payouts, change conditions arbitrarily, or create obstacles for profitability. Our mission is to offer a truly fair and transparent trading environment, something that is still rare in the prop trading space today.
At Prop Number One, we proactively monitor and adapt to emerging regulatory trends to ensure compliance while fostering innovation. Currently, we are in the process of acquiring a Category I (CAT I) Financial Services Provider (FSP) license in South Africa. This license, regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), will enable us to offer a comprehensive range of services, including:
By securing the CAT I license, we align ourselves with industry leaders who uphold stringent regulatory standards. This strategic move not only ensures our compliance with evolving regulations but also enhances our service offerings, reinforcing our commitment to providing a secure and innovative trading environment for our clients.
Liquidity management is a crucial aspect of Prop Number One because it ensures the stability of our model and the integrity of our payouts. Currently, we rely on trusted external partners to mirror our traders’ positions 1:1 in the market, ensuring that all trades are backed transparently and efficiently.
However, with the license we are in the process of obtaining, we will take transparency to the next level. We aim to provide traders with real-time visibility into how our algorithm is hedging their positions, including the exact instruments and quantities involved. This level of openness is unprecedented in the prop trading industry and will give our traders full confidence that our model is sustainable, fair, and built with their best interests in mind.
By combining cutting-edge technology with full transparency, we are setting a new standard for how a prop firm should manage liquidity and communicate with its traders.
From my personal experience, I’ve learned that traders who see financial markets only as a way to make quick money are the ones who always end up losing. The only way to be consistently profitable is to manage risk carefully and take a steady, disciplined approach to trading.
At Prop Number One, we don’t look for traders who behave like casino gamblers, chasing unrealistic gains without understanding the risks. Instead, we value traders who have a clear understanding of risk management, who can stay composed under pressure, and who approach the markets with a well-defined strategy.
The key to success isn’t about taking huge risks for short-term gains but about protecting capital, adapting to market conditions, and thinking long-term. Traders who master these principles will not only survive in the markets but will thrive with us.
From an insider’s perspective—and as an engineer myself—I believe that the current technology in the prop firm industry is far from being truly advanced. Many firms rely on outdated or third-party systems, limiting their ability to innovate and improve the trader experience.
At Prop Number One, I feel a moral obligation to bring real technological advancements to this industry. That’s why our goal by 2026 is to internalize all of our key technologies, ensuring that once they are mature and optimized, they are fully under our control.
By doing this, we will be able to provide a seamless, efficient, and transparent trading environment with real-time tracking, enhanced execution, and trader-focused innovations that the industry currently lacks. Prop Number One is not just a prop firm—we are building the next-generation infrastructure for traders.
My leadership style at Prop Number One is shaped by a few core values that I’ve learned throughout my career—both as a trader and as an entrepreneur.
First and foremost, I believe in fairness and transparency. I’ve seen too many traders struggle due to unclear rules, hidden conditions, and unfair practices. That’s why I’ve built Prop Number One on the foundation of honesty and trust, ensuring that every trader gets what they deserve.
Another key lesson that influences my leadership is that risk management applies not only to trading but also to business. Just like in the markets, sustainable success comes from measured decisions, long-term thinking, and adaptability. I don’t believe in shortcuts, and I encourage my team and our traders to approach challenges with the same mindset.
Lastly, I value problem-solving and innovation. Whenever I see an issue in the industry, I don’t just accept it—I work to fix it. Whether it’s improving technology, ensuring timely payouts, or creating a truly trader-friendly ecosystem, my goal is to constantly push boundaries and bring real change to the prop trading world.
Outside of the professional sphere, I’m a very sporty and competitive person. Sports have always been a big part of my life, and they inspire me in the same way trading does—through discipline, strategy, and the drive to push beyond limits.
Whether it’s training, competing, or simply staying active, I love the feeling of challenging myself and constantly improving. This competitive spirit naturally translates into my professional life as well, where I’m always looking for ways to innovate, grow, and stay ahead of the game.
For me, sports aren’t just about physical activity—they’re about mental strength, resilience, and the ability to stay focused under pressure. These are the same qualities I believe every successful trader and entrepreneur should have.
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