Updated 2026-03-08
City Traders Imperium EA & Bot Policy Rule Explained
City Traders Imperium
Quick Answer
City Traders Imperium allows Expert Advisors and automated trading bots across all account sizes and phases.
This policy permits all automated trading strategies including EAs, bots, and algorithmic systems during both Challenge and Funded phases. There are no restrictions on automation type, but traders must still comply with all other trading rules including the 5% maximum total loss and 8% profit targets. Violating other rules while using automation can still result in account termination.
Key Rule Details
EAs Allowed
Yes
Restrictions
See official rules
HFT
Prohibited at all firms
Arbitrage
Prohibited at all firms
Copy Trading
Not allowed
Calculation Example
Common Mistakes
Assuming Full Rule Exemption
Some traders believe using allowed EAs exempts them from other rules like the 5% maximum loss limit. EAs must still operate within all risk parameters - a $10,000 account still faces termination if losses exceed $500. Automation doesn't provide protection from rule violations.
Unmonitored High-Frequency Trading
Traders deploy EAs without considering City Traders Imperium's infrastructure capacity for high-frequency operations. While EAs are allowed, excessive order frequency or rapid-fire trades may cause technical issues. This can lead to slippage, rejected orders, or unintended position sizes that breach risk rules.
News Event Automation
Despite both EA trading and news trading being allowed, combining automated systems during high-impact news creates unpredictable volatility exposure. A bot trading EUR/USD during NFP could quickly trigger the 5% maximum loss rule on a $25,000 account within minutes due to extreme price movements.
Inadequate Risk Parameter Programming
Traders program EAs without properly incorporating City Traders Imperium's specific risk limits into the code. An EA might be coded for 10% risk tolerance but must operate within the firm's 5% maximum loss rule. Poor programming leads to automatic rule breaches without trader intervention opportunity.
Protection Strategies
Set Conservative EA Risk Parameters
Program your automated systems with risk limits well below City Traders Imperium's 5% maximum loss threshold. For a $10,000 account, set EA maximum risk at 3% ($300) instead of the full $500 limit. This buffer accounts for slippage, gap openings, and unexpected market volatility that could push losses beyond your intended limits.
Implement Position Size Validation
Code your EAs to validate position sizes against account equity before executing trades. For a $25,000 account, ensure maximum position exposure never exceeds levels that could cause $1,250 loss even in worst-case scenarios. This prevents single trades from approaching the maximum total loss limit during volatile market conditions.
Deploy Real-Time Equity Monitoring
Set up automated alerts when account equity approaches critical thresholds, such as -3% drawdown as an early warning before hitting the 5% maximum loss rule. Configure your EA to pause trading or reduce position sizes when these alerts trigger, maintaining human oversight over automated decision-making during adverse market conditions.
Avoid EA Trading During Major News
Program trading halts or reduced position sizes around high-impact news events despite City Traders Imperium allowing both EA and news trading. Automated systems cannot adapt to sudden volatility spikes like Non-Farm Payrolls, which could instantly breach risk limits before manual intervention is possible.
Related Rules
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Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on City Traders Imperium's official website before purchasing a challenge. Updated 2026-03-08.