We didn't enter this space.We created it.
Topstep was built on a simple belief: long-term trading success is driven by discipline, consistency, and sound risk management, not shortcuts.
Our mission
We’re on a mission to turn market access into opportunity to learn, trade, and earn profits more safely whether you trade our money or your own.
People first
We support the well-being and development of our team and our trading community.
Accountability
We empower individuals to act with ownership and be accountable for the results.
Continuous improvement
We embrace feedback, learning, and iteration as essential tools for progress and growth.
Diverse perspectives strengthen outcomes
We welcome different viewpoints. They can enhance our thinking and lead to stronger outcomes.
Behind the name
Before online trading existed, live trading took place in physical trading pits. The top step of the pit was reserved for the biggest and best traders. It offered the clearest view of the market and served as a constant motivator for traders working their way up.
Early beginnings
Early in his career, Michael Patak stood below that step. Like many new traders, he learned the hard way. After blowing out almost 6 figures, he came to understand that long term progress is not driven by talent alone, but by discipline, consistency, and structure applied over time. By committing to those principles, he eventually earned his place at the top.
The lived experience
The name Topstep comes from that lived experience. It reflects the belief that progress in trading should be earned through preparation and progress. It also serves as a reminder that getting to the top takes time and effort and celebrates the feeling of accomplishment that comes along the journey.
Trader-first always
Access opens doors. Topstep focuses on development first. Progress is unlocked rep after rep through discipline, consistency, and sound risk management, across simulated, funded, and self-directed trading.
We exist to help support healthier habits at every stage of the trading journey: The Ultimate Trading Experience.
Our journey
From the trading floor to a full ecosystem that supports trading at every stage, each milestone marks a step toward turning market access into real opportunity through learning by doing.
- 2010
Founding of Patak Trading Partners
The beginning of what became Topstep, built on managing risk, following rules, and building consistency.
- 2010
Office on Chicago Board of Trade trading floor
Built inside the real environment of professional trading from day one.
- 2012
Launch of Topstep Trader
Introduced structured, experiential learning, helping market participation become a path for development, not just access.
- 2013
Open first office in the Chicago West Loop
Expanded our footprint beyond the trading floor, building a company and programs around better trading habits.
- 2020
Rebrand as Topstep
Introduced a name that reflects steady progress through preparation, discipline, and consistency.
- 2023
Launch of TopstepTV
Brought live education and market context into everyday learning to support development in real-time.
- 2024
Launch of TopstepX
Built by traders for traders, we introduced a new integrated technology platform designed to support more disciplined, structured trading.
- 2026
Launch of Topstep Brokerage
Introduced a retail-focused introducing broker designed to make personal futures trading more accessible to people when trading their own capital.
The Ultimate Trading Experience
Today, Topstep LLC operates as a group of trading businesses that work together to help people build healthier habits and support development at every stage.
Our prop firm that offers a simulated evaluation and funding program that allows individuals to earn the opportunity to trade live markets using the firm’s capital, as part of a retail-focused proprietary trading firm.
A retail-focused introducing broker designed to make personal futures trading more accessible to people when trading their own capital. Clients have the option to fund their accounts by traditional methods, as well as through a direct transfer of their prop earnings from the Topstep prop firm. Topstep Brokerage is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and a member of the National Futures Association (NFA ID# 0567079).
TopstepX was built by traders, for traders who want to perform at the highest level. It features TradingView charts and real-time data straight from the CME, along with risk management tools that let you customize personal settings and trade with purpose.
A digital media network delivering real-time market insights, education, analysis, and entertainment to the global trading community.
