Once you're in a Live Funded Account® (LFA), you're trading real firm-backed capital. When you have exceptional intraday performance, the Risk Team may set a minimum profit floor for the day. That's Risk Lock-In. It's not meant to stop you from trading or cap your upside — it's meant to make sure a great day stays great.
What Is a Risk Lock-In?
A Risk Lock-In is when the Risk Team sets a minimum profit level after a Trader has achieved significant realized or unrealized gains on the day. If your Net P&L drops below that floor, your account is liquidated and locked for the rest of the day. Trading resumes at 5:00 PM Central Time on the next trading day.
How It Works
When you're significantly profitable relative to your starting Daily Loss Limit (DLL) or net equity, the Risk Team may set a lock-in level. That level allows a controlled drawdown from your current profit, typically a multiple of your starting DLL:
1x, 1.5x, or 2x your starting DLL (intraday)
3x your DLL (overnight session)
The specific multiplier depends on your Net P&L, starting DLL, account balance, and recent trading behavior. As profits increase, the Risk Team may adjust lock-in levels upward.
You will be notified immediately via email or phone when a lock-in is set. Traders must remain available for communication while actively trading, per the Live Funded Account Trading Rules.
Example Scenarios
Account | Balance | DLL | Up on day | Lock-in set at | Drawdown available |
$50K LFA | $15,000 | $2,000 | $10,000 | $7,000 | $3,000 (1.5x DLL) |
$100K LFA | $75,000 | $3,000 | $20,000 | $14,000 | $6,000 (2x DLL) |
$150K LFA | $150,000 | $4,500 | $40,000 | $31,000 | $9,000 (2x DLL) |
$150K LFA (new) | $15,000 | $4,500 | $9,000 | $4,500 | $4,500 (1x DLL) |
If Net P&L falls below the lock-in level in any of these scenarios, the account is liquidated, locked, and all orders are canceled. Trading resumes at 5:00 PM CT the next trading day.
Why Risk Lock-In Exists
When a Trader is having an exceptional day, the Risk Team shifts from defensive to protective. Consistent net profitability in your Live Funded Account also makes you eligible for the Live Account Performance Bonuses and Dynamic Risk Expansions.