AquaFunded is a proprietary trading (“prop”) program that allows you trade in a simulated environment utilizing the company’s guidelines as well as targets. If you satisfy the guidelines, you can get approved for a “financed” account and get payments based upon your trading efficiency. AquaFunded claims it is not a broker, does decline customer deposits, and concentrates on simulated trading– not live customer brokerage.
They publicly market features like revenue breaks up to 100% and choices to avoid a difficulty for immediate financing (subject to present deals and guidelines).
If you’re attempting to sign up with AquaFunded and keep running into “restricted areas,” this quick guide is for you. Below I describe what AquaFunded is, how the program operates in basic actions, and the existing list of AquaFunded restricted nations (likewise called restricted countries or restricted jurisdictions). I’ll likewise cover typical concerns like U.S. availability, KYC, and why some locations are obstructed.
Quick note (dated October 1, 2025): Country access rules can change without notice. Always double‑check inside your AquaFunded dashboard or help center before you buy a challenge.
How AquaFunded Works
- Choose a plan
Pick an evaluation or instant‑funding option that fits your risk and budget. AquaFunded’s site mentions challenge routes and an option to skip the challenge for instant funding. - Trade under clear rules
You trade on a simulator with set drawdown limits and targets. Because it’s simulated trading, you’re not placing real‑money trades with a broker via client deposits. - Pass the evaluation (if you chose a challenge)
Hit the profit target, respect risk limits, and complete the required number of trading days (specific metrics depend on the plan and can change). - Verify your identity (KYC)
After passing, you complete KYC—AquaFunded says identity checks are required if you intend to get funded. They note that verification is handled by a third‑party provider (Sumsub). - Receive a funded account and payouts
Once approved, you can request rewards (payouts) according to the program’s schedule and rules. Details can vary by plan and over time; always check the latest in your dashboard or FAQs.
AquaFunded Restricted Countries:
As of October 1, 2025, AquaFunded’s help center lists the following restricted countries (users from these regions are blocked from using the service):
- Albania
- Algeria
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Cuba
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Malaysia
- Myanmar (Burma)
- North Korea
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Singapore
- Syria
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Source: AquaFunded Help Center article “Are there any countries we cannot trade from?” (updated recently).
Important: If your country is not on the list above, it’s generally considered available—but access can still depend on local laws, platform availability, and successful KYC. Always confirm in your account or help center before purchasing.
Is the United States Restricted?
There are special notes regarding the U.S.:
- AquaFunded’s website footer states that MT5 services and information are not intended for U.S. citizens/residents and should not be used where prohibited by law. This suggests limitations for U.S. users, at least for MT5.
- A reputable industry outlet reported that in February 2024 AquaFunded temporarily paused new U.S. registrations during a platform transition related to regulatory pressures; they indicated existing U.S. client trading would continue while they shifted technology. Availability has evolved since then.
What this means in practice: U.S. access has been nuanced and sometimes limited. If you’re in the U.S., check your dashboard and the latest program notices before you commit to a purchase.
Why Some Countries Are Restricted
Firms like AquaFunded restrict certain regions for a mix of reasons:
- Sanctions and AML rules (global compliance requirements)
- Local regulations that limit prop trading or specific trading platforms
- KYC/identity verification coverage (some IDs or jurisdictions aren’t supported by the identity vendor)
- Payment processing limits in certain markets
AquaFunded highlights that it operates simulated trading and not brokerage services, and it relies on KYC via a third party—both factors tie into regional compliance.
KYC & Privacy: What to Expect
- When KYC happens: AquaFunded says you’re required to complete KYC if you intend to get funded. If you decline KYC at that stage, they state they will fully refund you and won’t use your data for verification.
- Who handles KYC: Verification is handled by Sumsub, a third‑party provider; AquaFunded states it does not store your ID images on its platform.
Available Countries: Where You Can Usually Join
In simple terms, any country not listed under AquaFunded’s restricted nations is typically available, provided:
- Your local laws allow participation in such programs, and
- You can pass KYC with supported documents and payment methods.
If You’re in a Restricted Region, What Are Your Options?
- Don’t try to bypass restrictions with VPNs or false documents; that can violate terms and potentially break local laws.
- Consider other legal, compliant opportunities in your region.
- If you’re a traveler or expat, availability usually depends on your legal residency and your KYC documents, not just where you’re physically located on a given day. Check with support before purchasing.
Quick FAQ
Is AquaFunded “real” money trading?
No. AquaFunded describes its activity as simulated trading (demo environment). Payouts are program rewards based on your performance under their rules, not profits from a brokerage account funded with client deposits.
Do rules and payouts change?
Yes, offers and rules can change. Always confirm the latest in the help center and your account dashboard before you start.
What if my country isn’t on the restricted list, but my KYC fails?
In practice, that means your documents or jurisdiction aren’t supported by the verification provider. AquaFunded’s privacy notice explains the KYC step and refund policy if you choose not to proceed.
Summary
- AquaFunded is a simulated prop trading program, not a broker.
- The official AquaFunded restricted countries list currently includes 20 jurisdictions (see list above).
- U.S. access has been limited in some periods (e.g., 2024 pause for new sign‑ups; MT5 not intended for U.S. persons per site footer). Check your dashboard for the latest status.
- KYC is required if you want to get funded; verification is handled by a third party.
If you tell me your country of residence, I can translate all of this into a quick “allowed or restricted” snapshot for your situation, plus the exact next steps to take inside the app.