Question 1

Why do prop firms restrict traders from Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

The reason is almost always upstream of trading: payment-processor rules, sanctions compliance, or the firm's broker not accepting Cook Islands clients. 3 firms list Cook Islands on the restricted list — the rationale is rarely published, but it's a back-office constraint, not a judgement of individual traders.

Question 2

Can I sign up using a VPN or a relative's address?

Accepted Answer

Strongly recommend against it. KYC catches mismatches between sign-up IP, ID address, and payout destination at the payout stage — exactly when you most want a clean record. Failing payout KYC after passing the evaluation usually results in a permanent account freeze with no refund.

Question 3

Are there any prop firms that still accept Cook Islands?

Accepted Answer

See the supported-countries list for Cook Islands on TradingPilot — it shows every firm we track that explicitly accepts Cook Islands traders. If that list is empty, the restriction is industry-wide rather than firm-specific, usually because of a sanctions or processor blanket.

Question 4

Does the restriction apply to the evaluation only, or the funded account too?

Accepted Answer

In most cases the restriction is end-to-end — you can't sign up for the evaluation in the first place, and even if you did slip through, the funded-account contract would be voided at KYC. A small number of firms only block payouts to Cook Islands but allow the evaluation; that's still effectively a full restriction since you can't be paid.

Prop Firms That Restrict Cook Islands Traders

Prop Firms That Restrict Cook Islands Traders FAQ

Related lists