What is multi-account layering?
Multi-account layering occurs when the trader scales into the same trade idea across multiple Simulated Accounts, often at different price levels or using different risk parameters.
Even if done unintentionally, this behaviour can bypass the risk controls of individual accounts and create an outcome that wouldn’t be possible on a single account.
⚠️ This is not the same as copy trading, where you enter the same trade at similar times or price levels.
This rule applies to all Simulated Accounts, including challenge and funded accounts, regardless of mode or size.
Why is this a problem?
Each account in the PipFarm program must be traded independently or identically (copy trading), with its own risk, reward, and outcome. Layering trades across accounts, even with slight variations, can lead to outcomes that distort this balance.
In many cases, this can result in a trader reaching profitability on one account, while the overall strategy would cause a loss for the firm in a real trading environment, which is neither sustainable nor fair.
That’s why we monitor for these patterns and may issue warnings or apply probationary measures to prevent further violations.
How can this rule be broken?
Some traders breach this rule without realising it or understanding why it’s an issue. Common examples include:
Entering the same symbol (e.g. EURUSD long) on two or more challenge or funded accounts to continue the same trading idea, even if they utilise their risk allowances on one account.
Opening trades in the same direction with slightly different entries across multiple accounts, and cost-averaging one position over multiple accounts.
Using one account to “absorb risk” while protecting another, for example, if you make 1% profit in account A, stop trading and continue the same trading idea in another account.
If you’re actively managing more than one account, it’s your responsibility to keep your entries as close as possible or to keep your trading completely separate.
Example of layering trades across multiple accounts
Account 1: A trader opens a BUY position of 1 lot of XAU/USD at $3,500;
The price drops to $3,475, and this position is losing $2,500.
Account 2: Then, the trader opens another BUY position of 1 lot of XAU/USD at $3,475;
The price drops to $3,450, and this position is losing $2,500.
Account 3: Then, the trader opens another BUY position of 2 lots of XAU/USD at $3,450;
The price rises to $3,475, and this position has gained $5,000.
If the trader closes all three positions at $3,475, the following will happen:
Account #1: -$2,500
Account #2: -$0
Account #3: +$5,000
In this example, the three trades, layered across different accounts, result in a net profit of $2,500, yet the trader is owed a $5,000 payout (before split). In a real trading environment, the trader would have won at the expense of the company.
Why is this bad
Although Account 3 shows profit, the trader has managed their personal risk across three accounts in a way that would not be possible on a single account.
This behaviour:
Bypasses risk limits and intended challenge rules
Allows the trader to isolate profit into one account
Misrepresents the sustainability of their trading approach
What happens if this rule is broken?
While we want you to be aware of every rule, we understand accidents can happen. Therefore, if we detect multi-account layering:
We will contact you about this issue.
In some cases, we may reset accounts or deduct profits from trades benefiting from the rule breach.
In other cases, we may limit the number of accounts you can trade at a time to prevent this rule from being breached.
If the behaviour continues or is clearly repeated, it may result in a hard breach or permanent restrictions.
We always strive to be fair, but we also have a responsibility to maintain the integrity of the program for everyone.