Professional Standards·

Verified vs Unverified Trading Results - What Makes Performance Trustworthy in 2025

Not all track records are created equal. Learn the technical differences between verified and unverified performance, the standards professional traders use, and how to build ironclad credibility.

🏆 The Trust Paradox in Trading

Here's a question that keeps prop firm managers, investors, and hedge fund recruiters up at night:

"How do I know if this trader is actually good, or just lucky—or worse, lying?"

In {YEAR}, any teenager with Photoshop can create a screenshot showing $100,000 profit. Any scammer can buy a fake Myfxbook account from underground forums. Any EA seller can backtest on cherry-picked data and claim "verified results."

The internet is flooded with unverifiable trading performance. And this creates a massive problem:

Real, talented traders can't prove they're legitimate.

Imagine you're a consistently profitable trader. You've spent years developing your edge. You have genuine results you're proud of. You want to:

  • Attract investors
  • Join a prop firm
  • Sell signals ethically
  • Build a reputation as a professional

But when you share your results, people assume you're another scammer. Because 95% of "verified" results out there are garbage.

This is the trust paradox: The market is so polluted with fake performance that genuine traders struggle to build credibility.

This guide solves that problem. I'm going to show you exactly what separates verified performance from unverified claims, what standards institutional investors actually use, and how to build a track record that passes the most rigorous scrutiny.

Whether you're a trader trying to prove yourself or an investor evaluating traders, this is your technical manual for understanding performance verification.

📊 The Verification Hierarchy: Levels of Proof

Not all verification is created equal. There's a hierarchy—from completely worthless to institutionally acceptable.

Let's break it down:

🚫 Level 0: No Verification (Trust Me, Bro)

What it is: Screenshots, personal claims, Excel spreadsheets, Telegram messages.

Why it's worthless: Can be fabricated in 5 minutes using basic photo editing.

Who uses it: Scammers, amateurs, people hiding something.

Trust level: 0/10

Example: "I made $50K last month! Here's a screenshot from my MT4 terminal showing my balance."

(Meanwhile, the screenshot is from a demo account, photoshopped, or taken right before a massive loss.)

⚠️ Level 1: Self-Reported with Manual Upload

What it is: Platforms where traders manually upload their trade data (CSV exports, trade histories).

Why it's problematic: Traders can cherry-pick winning trades, exclude losing accounts, edit data before uploading.

Who uses it: Both legitimate traders and scammers (you can't tell which).

Trust level: 2/10

Example: "Check my results on Platform X—I upload my trades every week!"

The problem: What about the trades you didn't upload? The accounts you didn't share?

⚙️ Level 2: Investor Password / Read-Only Access

What it is: Platforms that connect via MetaTrader's investor password (read-only access to your account).

Why it's better: Direct connection to broker, trader can't edit trades after they happen.

Why it's still not perfect: Trader can disconnect account during bad periods, reconnect when doing well.

Who uses it: Myfxbook, FX Blue, MyFxStat with investor password.

Trust level: 6/10

Example: "Here's my Myfxbook with investor password verification."

Improvement over Level 1: Trades can't be edited or deleted.

Remaining issue: Account can be disconnected/reconnected strategically, or trader might have multiple accounts (showing only the winners).

🔗 Level 3: Broker API with Continuous Synchronization

What it is: Platforms that maintain continuous, uninterrupted connection via broker API.

Why it's much better: Real-time synchronization, gaps in connection are visible, trader can't hide drawdown periods.

Why it's still imperfect: Requires platform integrity, trader could theoretically create new accounts and abandon old ones.

Who uses it: ShowMyTrades, some advanced Myfxbook features, institutional tracking systems.

Trust level: 8/10

Example: "My account syncs in real-time via broker API—every tick, every trade, no gaps."

Improvement over Level 2: Continuous synchronization means no hidden periods, drawdowns fully visible.

Remaining issue: Still relies on trader honestly showing all their accounts.

🏛️ Level 4: Institutional / Regulated Verification

What it is: Performance verified by regulated entities (prop firms, audited hedge funds, registered investment advisors).

Why it's the gold standard: Legal accountability, regulatory oversight, third-party audits, fiduciary duty.

Why it's rare: Only available to professional money managers, prop traders, registered entities.

Who uses it: Hedge funds, CTAs, RIAs, verified prop firm traders.

Trust level: 10/10

Example: "I'm a registered CTA with audited performance available in SEC filings."

The limitation: Not accessible to retail traders or independent signal providers.

🔬 The 9 Technical Criteria for Trustworthy Verification

Now let's get technical. What specific elements make a track record truly verifiable?

1️⃣ Immutable Timestamp Authentication

What it means: Every trade has a timestamp that cannot be altered retroactively.

Why it matters: Prevents traders from changing trade entry/exit times to create better-looking results.

How to verify:

  • Broker API connection provides server-side timestamps
  • Look for timezone consistency (trades should use broker server time)
  • Check for suspicious patterns (all trades at exact minute intervals = likely edited data)

Red flag example: A trader shows entries at 10:00:00, 10:15:00, 10:30:00 exactly. Real trades have second-level variation (10:03:47, 10:18:22, 10:31:55).

Best practice: Platforms should display full timestamps including seconds, and ideally milliseconds for high-frequency strategies.

2️⃣ Complete Trade History Preservation

What it means: ALL trades are recorded permanently, with no deletion possible.

Why it matters: Prevents "cleaning up" losing trades from history.

How to verify:

  • Check for trade ID sequences (gaps suggest deleted trades)
  • Look for continuous history from account inception
  • Verify trades can't be manually edited or removed

Red flag example: Trade IDs go: #12345, #12346, #12348, #12352 (where are #12347, #12349, #12350, #12351?)

Best practice: Blockchain-style immutable ledger where trades, once recorded, cannot be altered or removed—even by the platform itself.

3️⃣ Live vs Demo Explicit Distinction

What it means: Clear, tamper-proof labeling of account type.

Why it matters: Demo results are worthless for proving real-world performance.

How to verify:

  • Direct verification with broker (broker API confirms account type)
  • "Live" or "Demo" badge directly from broker feed
  • Account type shown in broker statements

Red flag example: Platform shows "Live" but leverage is 1:1000 (most retail brokers cap real accounts at 1:100-1:500).

Best practice: Broker API returns account type as part of authentication. Trader cannot manually select or change this designation.

4️⃣ Real-Time Synchronization (Not Batch Updates)

What it means: Trades appear on verification platform as they occur in real-time, not uploaded in batches.

Why it matters: Prevents selective disclosure (choosing to upload only during good weeks).

How to verify:

  • Check update frequency (should be continuous, not weekly/monthly)
  • Look for "last updated" timestamp on recent trades (should be within minutes)
  • Verify platform shows tick-by-tick equity changes

Red flag example: All trades appear in batches every Friday, suggesting manual uploads rather than automatic sync.

Best practice: WebSocket or similar real-time connection that updates trade status within seconds of execution.

5️⃣ Drawdown Period Transparency

What it means: Equity curve shows full drawdown periods, not just the recovery.

Why it matters: Hiding how deep and how long drawdowns lasted conceals risk.

How to verify:

  • Examine equity curve for suspiciously smooth sections
  • Look for "last updated" gaps during what should have been trading periods
  • Check if maximum drawdown correlates with visible equity curve lows

Red flag example: Equity curve shows steady growth, but maximum drawdown of 40% is claimed—where is that visible on the chart?

Best practice: Continuous equity curve with every tick recorded, showing exact depth and duration of all drawdown periods.

6️⃣ Strategy Consistency Verification

What it means: Evidence that the trading strategy hasn't drastically changed mid-stream.

Why it matters: Showing results from Strategy A but now selling Strategy B is misleading.

How to verify:

  • Check average trade duration over time (should be consistent)
  • Look at instruments traded (sudden changes suggest strategy shift)
  • Analyze trade frequency patterns (scalping vs swing trading)
  • Compare recent performance to historical (major divergence = different approach)

Red flag example: First 6 months: 20 trades/month on EUR/USD, average 2-day hold time Last 6 months: 500 trades/month on 15 pairs, average 15-minute hold time

This is clearly a different strategy—using old results to sell new approach.

Best practice: Platforms should flag major strategy changes and clearly delineate performance before/after the change.

7️⃣ Multiple Account Disclosure

What it means: Transparency about how many accounts the trader operates.

Why it matters: Running 10 accounts and showing only the 2 winners is selection bias.

How to verify:

  • Ask directly: "How many accounts do you trade with this strategy?"
  • Look for account number patterns (consecutive numbers = multiple accounts)
  • Check if trader has history of abandoned accounts

Red flag example: Trader shows Account #83947 with amazing results. But quick search reveals they also have Accounts #83945, #83946, #83948 (all closed with losses).

Best practice: Platforms should allow traders to link all their accounts and show aggregate performance, or at minimum disclose number of active/inactive accounts.

8️⃣ Third-Party Custody of Data

What it means: Performance data is stored on servers the trader doesn't control.

Why it matters: If trader hosts their own data, they can edit it at will.

How to verify:

  • Verify platform is independent (not owned by trader)
  • Check that platform has no financial incentive to inflate results
  • Confirm platform stores data on their servers, not trader's

Red flag example: "Check my verified results at MyPersonalTradingWebsite.com"

If they control the server, they control the data.

Best practice: Independent third-party platform with no affiliate relationship to trader, broker, or anyone with vested interest in results.

9️⃣ Audit Trail and Change Log

What it means: Record of any changes, corrections, or account modifications.

Why it matters: Transparency about what (if anything) was altered and why.

How to verify:

  • Look for change log or audit history
  • Check if platform tracks account disconnections/reconnections
  • Verify if corrections (legitimate broker adjustments) are logged

Red flag example: No history of when account was connected, disconnected, or modified. Results just "appear" with no context.

Best practice: Full audit trail showing account connection date, any disconnections, broker adjustments, and reasoning for changes.

💎 Case Study: What Institutional Verification Actually Looks Like

Let me show you what happens when a real hedge fund or prop firm evaluates a trader. This is the standard you should aspire to.

The Scenario:

Sarah is applying to trade at a $10M prop firm. She claims 3 years of profitable trading with 60% annual returns and 15% maximum drawdown.

The Firm's Due Diligence Process:

Phase 1: Initial Screening (5 minutes)

  • ✅ Broker statements for all 3 years requested
  • ✅ Third-party verification link required
  • ✅ Written explanation of strategy
  • ✅ Live account verification (not demo)

If she can't provide these instantly, application rejected.

Phase 2: Data Authentication (30 minutes)

  • ✅ Verify broker statements match third-party platform data
  • ✅ Check account numbers are consistent across all documents
  • ✅ Analyze equity curve for suspicious patterns (Martingale, Grid)
  • ✅ Calculate independent metrics from raw trade data
  • ✅ Cross-reference claimed returns with actual equity curve

If any discrepancies found, application rejected.

Phase 3: Risk Analysis (1 hour)

  • ✅ Recalculate Sharpe Ratio independently
  • ✅ Analyze maximum drawdown duration (not just depth)
  • ✅ Check correlation to market indices (is she just long S&P 500?)
  • ✅ Examine trade distribution (time of day, day of week patterns)
  • ✅ Verify position sizing consistency
  • ✅ Calculate Value at Risk (VaR) and Expected Shortfall

If risk-adjusted returns below threshold, application rejected.

Phase 4: Strategy Validation (2 hours)

  • ✅ Interview Sarah about her exact methodology
  • ✅ Backtest her described strategy on historical data
  • ✅ Check if backtest results align with her live results
  • ✅ Verify strategy logic is sound (does it make economic sense?)
  • ✅ Test robustness (does it work in different market conditions?)

If strategy can't be replicated or doesn't make sense, application rejected.

Phase 5: Background Check (1 week)

  • ✅ Search for other accounts under her name (is she hiding failures?)
  • ✅ Check forums for complaints or scam allegations
  • ✅ Verify identity (passport, utility bills)
  • ✅ Criminal background check (financial fraud history?)
  • ✅ Reference checks with previous employers/partners

If red flags emerge, application rejected.

Phase 6: Live Trial Period (3-6 months)

  • ✅ Sarah trades live with firm's capital (small allocation)
  • ✅ Real-time monitoring of every trade
  • ✅ Weekly performance reviews
  • ✅ Comparison of trial performance to historical results
  • ✅ Psychological assessment (can she handle pressure?)

If trial performance diverges from historical, allocation reduced or terminated.

The Result:

Only after passing all 6 phases does Sarah get a significant capital allocation.

Acceptance rate for this process? About 3-5%.

This is what "verified" means at the institutional level.

🛡️ How to Build an Unassailable Track Record

Now let's flip the script. You're a trader who wants to build credibility. How do you create a track record that passes institutional scrutiny?

The 12-Month Credibility Building Plan

Months 1-3: Foundation

Goal: Establish baseline verified performance.

Actions:

  1. Connect live account to third-party verification platform (ShowMyTrades, Myfxbook)
  2. Ensure continuous synchronization (never disconnect)
  3. Trade consistently according to your stated strategy
  4. Document your methodology in writing

Key metric to track: Consistency. Stay alive, don't blow up.

Months 4-6: Consistency Proof

Goal: Demonstrate repeatable edge.

Actions:

  1. Continue trading without interruption
  2. Publicly share results monthly (build transparency habit)
  3. Acknowledge losing weeks/months (shows honesty)
  4. Write about what you learned from losses

Key metric to track: Sharpe Ratio stabilization. Should trend toward >1.0.

Months 7-9: Strategy Refinement

Goal: Show improvement based on data.

Actions:

  1. Use performance data to refine approach
  2. Document changes transparently (don't hide strategy evolution)
  3. Compare refined strategy to baseline (is it better?)
  4. Share both successes and failures

Key metric to track: Profit Factor improvement. Should be >1.5 and increasing.

Months 10-12: Credibility Establishment

Goal: Reach 12-month verified milestone.

Actions:

  1. Prepare comprehensive performance report
  2. Highlight consistency across different market conditions
  3. Show complete risk metrics (don't hide drawdowns)
  4. Seek third-party reviews or endorsements

Key milestone: 12 months of continuous, verified, live trading with consistent strategy.

The Documentation Package Every Serious Trader Needs

By month 12, you should have:

  • Continuous 12-month history
  • Live account badge
  • All trades visible (no gaps)

2. Broker Statements

  • Monthly statements for all 12 months
  • Account numbers match verification platform
  • No missing months

3. Strategy Document

  • Written explanation of your methodology
  • Why your edge exists
  • What market conditions favor/disfavor your approach
  • Risk management rules

4. Performance Report

  • All 8 essential metrics we discussed earlier
  • Equity curve with full drawdown visibility
  • Comparison to benchmarks (S&P 500, etc.)
  • Honest assessment of strengths/weaknesses

5. Trade Log with Notes

  • Selected trades with your thought process
  • Examples of good execution and mistakes
  • What you learned from losses

This package is what separates professionals from amateurs.

🚨 Common Verification Mistakes Even Good Traders Make

Let's talk about credibility killers—mistakes that undermine otherwise solid track records.

Mistake 1: Starting Verification After Getting Lucky

What happens: Trader has a great 3-month streak, then connects to verification platform. Shows "100% verified results!" but it's only 3 months.

Why it's bad: Everyone assumes you had bad results before and are only showing the good period.

Fix: Connect verification from day one of live trading, even when results are mediocre.

Mistake 2: Disconnecting During Drawdowns

What happens: Account is connected, hits drawdown, trader disconnects "temporarily," reconnects after recovery.

Why it's bad: Platforms show connection gaps. Sophisticated viewers know you're hiding something.

Fix: Stay connected through thick and thin. Drawdowns prove your risk management works.

Mistake 3: Running Multiple Accounts but Showing Only Winners

What happens: Trader operates 5 accounts with same strategy, 2 succeed, 3 fail. Shows only the 2 winners.

Why it's bad: This is selection bias. Your "verified" results are lucky survivors, not skill.

Fix: Either show all accounts (aggregate performance) or disclose number of accounts and explain why others aren't shown.

Mistake 4: Changing Strategy but Keeping Old Results

What happens: Built track record with Strategy A (trend following), now selling signals for Strategy B (scalping), but showing combined results.

Why it's bad: Misleading subscribers about what strategy they're getting.

Fix: Clearly separate performance by strategy. Start fresh verification when you switch approaches.

Mistake 5: Not Disclosing Demo Testing

What happens: Trader tested strategy on demo for 6 months (positive results), switched to live (mixed results), shows 12-month total.

Why it's bad: Demo results don't count. Mixing them with live results is dishonest.

Fix: Only count live performance. Demo is for testing, not credibility building.

Mistake 6: Overstating Returns by Ignoring Costs

What happens: Shows 40% returns on verification platform, but doesn't account for:

  • Spread costs (included in trades but not mentioned)
  • Commission (some platforms don't show this separately)
  • Swap/overnight fees
  • VPS hosting costs
  • Subscription costs (if using paid signals/tools)

Why it's bad: Followers trying to replicate get much lower returns due to costs.

Fix: State net returns after all costs. Show realistic expectations.

Mistake 7: Using High Leverage on Small Account

What happens: Shows 200% returns on $1,000 account using 1:500 leverage and high risk per trade.

Why it's bad: Impossible to scale. $100K account with same strategy would face regulatory/broker limits.

Fix: Trade with realistic leverage and position sizing from the start. Show scalable results.

🏅 Verification Standards by Use Case

Different goals require different verification standards. Here's what you need for each:

For Attracting Investors/Capital

Minimum acceptable:

  • ✅ 18-24 months continuous verified history
  • ✅ Live account (never demo)
  • ✅ Audited broker statements
  • ✅ Risk-adjusted returns (Sharpe >1.5)
  • ✅ Maximum drawdown <20%
  • ✅ Written strategy explanation
  • ✅ References from existing investors (if any)

Gold standard:

  • ✅ 36+ months history
  • ✅ Performance through multiple market cycles
  • ✅ Third-party audit (CPA review)
  • ✅ Regulated entity (RIA/CTA)

For Selling Trading Signals

Minimum acceptable:

  • ✅ 12 months continuous verified history
  • ✅ Live account clearly badged
  • ✅ Public verification link (anyone can check)
  • ✅ Disclosure of all costs to replicate
  • ✅ Honest win rate and drawdown statistics
  • ✅ Money-back guarantee with clear terms

Gold standard:

  • ✅ Multiple account sizes showing scalability
  • ✅ Third-party reviews from independent sources
  • ✅ Live trading room or transparency sessions
  • ✅ Subscriber testimonials with verified accounts

For Joining Prop Firms

Minimum acceptable:

  • ✅ 6-12 months verified history
  • ✅ Consistent strategy throughout
  • ✅ Maximum drawdown <15%
  • ✅ No martingale/grid strategies
  • ✅ Sharpe ratio >1.0
  • ✅ Clear explanation of edge

Gold standard:

  • ✅ Pass firm's proprietary evaluation
  • ✅ Live trial period with small allocation
  • ✅ Strategy backtest that matches live results
  • ✅ References from previous firms

For Building Personal Brand/Reputation

Minimum acceptable:

  • ✅ 6 months continuous history
  • ✅ Live account badge
  • ✅ Public sharing of wins AND losses
  • ✅ Educational content showing expertise
  • ✅ Engagement with community questions

Gold standard:

  • ✅ 24+ months history through various market conditions
  • ✅ Regular performance updates (monthly)
  • ✅ Detailed post-trade analysis shared publicly
  • ✅ Thought leadership content (not just bragging)

For Selling Expert Advisors/Algorithms

Minimum acceptable:

  • ✅ 12 months live forward testing (not backtest)
  • ✅ Multiple accounts showing robustness
  • ✅ Strategy disclosure (not "secret sauce")
  • ✅ Backtests with out-of-sample data
  • ✅ Walk-forward optimization proof
  • ✅ Monte Carlo simulation results

Gold standard:

  • ✅ 24+ months live results
  • ✅ Third-party verification on multiple brokers
  • ✅ Open-source code review option
  • ✅ Detailed strategy logic explanation
  • ✅ Stress test results (different market conditions)

🔐 The ShowMyTrades Verification Standard

Now let me explain how ShowMyTrades implements these principles—and why we built it this way.

Our Core Verification Principles:

1. Broker API Direct Connection

  • No manual uploads, no CSV imports
  • Real-time synchronization via MetaTrader API
  • Trader cannot edit, delete, or manipulate trades
  • Live vs Demo status pulled directly from broker

2. Continuous Synchronization

  • Every tick recorded in real-time
  • Gaps in connection are visible and flagged
  • No way to "disconnect during drawdowns" without it being obvious
  • Full equity curve with every drawdown period shown

3. Complete Transparency

  • All trades shown (no selective disclosure)
  • All risk metrics calculated automatically
  • Drawdown periods clearly visible
  • No hiding or cherry-picking possible

4. Independent Third Party

  • We don't trade, we don't broker, we don't sell EAs
  • No financial incentive to inflate anyone's results
  • Pure verification platform with no conflicts of interest

5. Free Access

  • Anyone can verify anyone's results for free
  • No paywall hiding the truth
  • Transparency is the product

6. Immutable History

  • Once a trade is recorded, it's permanent
  • Even we (platform operators) can't edit historical data
  • Audit trail of all account activity

What This Means in Practice:

For traders building credibility: Your ShowMyTrades profile becomes your professional resume. Investors can trust it because you can't manipulate it.

For investors evaluating traders: You can verify claims independently without relying on screenshots or taking anyone's word.

For signal providers: Subscribers can check your real results before paying—and see you're not hiding anything.

For prop firms: You can require traders to maintain ShowMyTrades verification as condition of funding.

Real-World Example:

Meet Alex (real trader, name changed):

What he did:

  • Connected MT5 account to ShowMyTrades from day one
  • Traded consistently for 18 months
  • Never disconnected, even during two significant drawdown periods
  • Shared monthly updates on Twitter with his profile link

His results:

  • 45% annual return (good but not crazy)
  • 12% maximum drawdown (conservative)
  • Sharpe ratio of 2.1 (excellent risk-adjusted returns)
  • 18 months continuous verified history

What happened:

  • A family office found his profile through Google
  • They verified his results independently
  • After 3 months of due diligence, they allocated $500K
  • He now manages $2.5M based on his verified track record

The key: He couldn't have faked any of it. The verification was bulletproof.

✅ Your Verification Checklist: Are Your Results Actually Credible?

Use this checklist to evaluate your own track record (or someone else's):

Technical Verification:

  • Connected via broker API (not manual upload)?
  • Live account with explicit badge?
  • Continuous synchronization (no gaps)?
  • Third-party platform (not self-hosted)?
  • All trades visible (no deletions)?
  • Timestamps cannot be altered?
  • Drawdown periods fully visible?
  • Real-time updates (not batch)?

Score: ___/8 (Minimum acceptable: 6/8)

Historical Completeness:

  • At least 12 months of history?
  • Continuous trading throughout (no long gaps)?
  • Strategy consistent across period?
  • Multiple market conditions covered?
  • Recent results similar to historical?
  • No account switching mid-stream?
  • All accounts disclosed (if multiple)?

Score: ___/7 (Minimum acceptable: 5/7)

Risk Disclosure:

  • Maximum drawdown stated?
  • Drawdown recovery time disclosed?
  • Sharpe ratio calculated?
  • Profit factor shown?
  • Risk per trade disclosed?
  • Leverage clearly stated?
  • All costs accounted for?

Score: ___/7 (Minimum acceptable: 5/7)

Transparency:

  • Public verification link available?
  • Broker statements match verification?
  • Strategy explained (not "secret")?
  • Losing periods acknowledged?
  • No obvious red flags (Martingale, etc.)?
  • Responds to questions openly?
  • No pressure tactics or hype?

Score: ___/7 (Minimum acceptable: 5/7)

Overall Credibility Score:

Total: ___/29

  • 24-29: Institutional-grade verification ✅
  • 18-23: Solid credibility ✔️
  • 12-17: Questionable, needs improvement ⚠️
  • Below 12: Not credible ❌

🎯 Final Thoughts: The Future of Trading Verification

Here's where I think we're headed:

The Old World (Pre-2020):

  • Screenshots and "trust me"
  • Easy to fake, hard to verify
  • Scammers thrived, good traders struggled to prove themselves

The Current World (2020-{YEAR}):

  • Third-party verification platforms emerging
  • Better tools, but still gaps and manipulation possible
  • Smart investors know what to look for, but most don't

The Future World ({YEAR}+):

  • Blockchain-based immutable performance ledgers
  • AI-powered fraud detection
  • Regulatory standards for performance claims
  • Reputation scores based on verified history
  • Universal verification requirements (like credit scores for traders)

The trend is clear: Verification is becoming mandatory, not optional.

If you're a trader, building verified credibility NOW gives you massive advantage as standards tighten.

If you're an investor, learning to distinguish verified from unverified saves you from scams.

🚀 Take Action Today

Here's what to do right now:

If you're a trader:

  1. Connect your live account to third-party verification (ShowMyTrades, Myfxbook, FX Blue)
  2. Never disconnect—stay verified through good and bad periods
  3. Document your strategy in writing
  4. Share your results publicly (transparency builds trust)
  5. Acknowledge losses openly (shows integrity)

If you're evaluating a trader:

  1. Demand third-party verification before considering any service
  2. Use the checklists in this guide to evaluate credibility
  3. Check for red flags from our earlier lists
  4. Verify independently (don't take their word)
  5. Walk away if verification is inadequate

If you're building a trading business:

  1. Make verification your competitive advantage
  2. Use it in marketing ("independently verified by ShowMyTrades")
  3. Encourage prospects to verify before buying
  4. Be transparent about both successes and failures
  5. Build long-term credibility over short-term sales

🎓 Conclusion: Verification is Your Superpower

Whether you're proving yourself or evaluating others, understanding verification is your superpower in the trading world.

For traders: Verified performance is your passport to opportunities—prop firms, investors, subscribers, reputation.

For investors: Knowing what real verification looks like protects you from scams and helps you find genuine talent.

For the industry: Raising verification standards pushes scammers out and rewards honest professionals.

The trading world is changing. Transparency is becoming non-negotiable. Those who embrace rigorous verification will win. Those who hide behind screenshots will lose.

Choose your side.


Build unassailable credibility with verified performance.

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Questions about building verified credibility? Need help evaluating a trader's verification? Contact our team at support@showmytrades.com—we help both traders and investors navigate performance verification.