YRM Prop Restricted Countries 2026

Quick answer: YRM Prop does not publicly maintain a comprehensive restricted countries list as of January 2026. However, the firm is expected to restrict citizens and residents of OFAC-sanctioned countries (Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Russia, Belarus, Venezuela, plus targeted regions). Additionally, since YRM Prop exclusively uses Rise for payouts, traders from countries where Rise cannot operate will be unable to withdraw funds even if account access is granted.

This guide covers OFAC sanctions that likely impact YRM Prop, Rise payment processor limitations, citizenship vs residency restrictions, how country bans work in prop trading, alternatives for restricted traders, and critical warnings about VPN usage.

Understanding Country Restrictions in Prop Trading

Prop firms restrict certain countries due to three primary factors:

1. Financial sanctions compliance (OFAC, EU, UN)

U.S.-based firms like YRM Prop must comply with Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, which prohibit transactions with individuals from specific countries or regions under U.S. sanctions. Violations result in severe penalties including fines, criminal charges, and business license revocation.

2. Anti-money laundering (AML) requirements

Firms must verify customer identities and funding sources. Countries with weak AML enforcement, high corruption indices, or limited financial transparency create compliance risks that many firms choose to avoid entirely.

3. Payment processor limitations

YRM Prop uses Rise exclusively for payouts. If Rise cannot operate in your country due to local regulations, banking restrictions, or compliance issues, you cannot receive withdrawals even if YRM Prop allows account access. This dual-restriction mechanism means both YRM Prop AND Rise must support your location for successful trading and payout.

OFAC Sanctioned Countries (YRM Prop Likely Restricted)

YRM Prop operates under U.S. jurisdiction (New York-based LLC) and must comply with OFAC sanctions. The following countries are subject to comprehensive OFAC sanctions as of January 2026:

Comprehensive Sanctions (Full Restrictions):

• Iran — All transactions prohibited
• North Korea — All transactions prohibited
• Syria — All transactions prohibited
• Cuba — Comprehensive embargo with limited exceptions
• Russia — Extensive sanctions following 2022 invasion of Ukraine
• Belarus — Sanctions for supporting Russian military operations
• Venezuela — Targeted sanctions on government officials and entities

Regional Restrictions:

• Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions (Ukraine) — Prohibited under Russian sanctions framework
• Palestinian territories — Varies by specific region and government authority

If you hold citizenship or legal residency in these countries, YRM Prop is almost certainly unavailable. The firm cannot legally process payments, verify identities, or provide services to individuals from comprehensively sanctioned jurisdictions. For specific country verification before purchasing an evaluation, the YRM Prop support team can provide current restrictions.

Rise Payment Processor Coverage

YRM Prop exclusively uses Rise for all payout processing. Rise claims support for 190+ countries, but this doesn't mean all 190 countries can receive YRM Prop payouts.

Rise Supported Services

Coverage: 190+ countries for contractor payments
Currencies: 90+ local currencies plus stablecoins (USDC, USDT) and 100+ cryptocurrencies
Withdrawal options: Bank transfer, cryptocurrency wallet, e-wallets
KYC requirements: Mandatory identity verification before first payout

Known Rise Limitations

Rise must comply with OFAC sanctions, meaning the same countries restricted by YRM Prop are also blocked by Rise. Additionally, Rise faces local banking restrictions in certain regions even if not under OFAC sanctions.

Countries likely facing Rise limitations:

• OFAC sanctioned nations (Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Russia, Belarus, Venezuela)
• Countries with restricted banking access to U.S. financial systems
• Regions with unstable currencies or frequent capital controls
• Jurisdictions where Rise cannot obtain local money transmitter licenses

Critical point: Even if YRM Prop allows you to open an account and trade, if Rise cannot process payouts to your country, you cannot withdraw profits. Always verify Rise availability in your country before purchasing a YRM Prop evaluation, as detailed in the YRM Prop Rise payout setup guide.

Citizenship vs Residency: How Restrictions Apply

Most prop firms restrict based on BOTH citizenship AND residency — if either applies to a restricted country, you're ineligible.

YRM Prop Likely Restriction Model

Restricted if:

• You hold citizenship from a sanctioned country (even if living elsewhere)
• You hold legal residency in a sanctioned country (even with different citizenship)
• Your IP address consistently originates from a restricted country

Example scenarios:

Scenario 1: Russian citizen living in Germany
Status: Likely restricted — Russian citizenship triggers OFAC compliance concerns regardless of current residence

Scenario 2: U.S. citizen living in Iran
Status: Restricted — Legal residency in Iran triggers sanctions regardless of U.S. citizenship

Scenario 3: Iranian citizen with German residency
Status: Uncertain — Depends on YRM Prop's specific policy. Contact support before purchasing.

Verification Process

YRM Prop requires KYC (Know Your Customer) verification before first payout through Rise. This process includes:

• Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, national ID)
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement showing physical address)
• Selfie verification to match photo ID
• Source of funds documentation in some cases

KYC verification reveals both citizenship and residency. Attempting to hide restricted status results in payout denial and potential account termination without refund when the verification fails.

Countries Commonly Restricted by Prop Firms

While YRM Prop hasn't published a comprehensive list, examining restriction patterns across established prop firms reveals common exclusions beyond OFAC sanctions:

Frequently restricted regions (based on industry patterns):

• Middle East: Afghanistan, Iraq (varies by firm), Yemen, Libya
• Africa: Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Zimbabwe (some firms)
• Asia: Myanmar (Burma), certain regions of Pakistan
• Europe: Russia, Belarus, certain Balkan regions
• Caribbean: Countries with high-risk offshore banking profiles

These restrictions stem from AML concerns, weak financial infrastructure, high fraud rates in those regions, or payment processor limitations rather than formal sanctions. If you're from one of these countries, verify availability with YRM Prop support before purchasing, as explained in the YRM Prop account verification requirements guide.

What to Do If Your Country is Restricted

Option 1: Verify First, Then Purchase

Contact YRM Prop support BEFORE buying an evaluation:

• Email: support@yrmprop.com
• Discord: YRM Prop community server
• Help center: yrmprop.com/help

Provide your country of citizenship and residency. Get written confirmation of eligibility. Screenshot the confirmation for your records. This protects you from wasting $37-$899 on an account you can't withdraw from.

Option 2: Choose Alternative Prop Firms

Some prop firms have smaller restriction lists or different payment processors that support more countries:

• Firms with broader country access: Research prop firms explicitly stating they accept your jurisdiction
• Firms using different payout methods: Alternatives to Rise may cover your country
• Regional prop firms: Some operate under local regulations in restricted regions

Compare YRM Prop to firms with potentially broader access:

• YRM Prop vs Apex Trader Funding — Different payout infrastructure
• YRM Prop vs My Funded Futures — Alternative payment systems

Option 3: Trade Personal Capital

If prop firms are unavailable:

• Open personal futures trading account with brokers accepting your jurisdiction
• Trade with your own capital (no funding restrictions)
• No profit splits, but 100% of profits are yours
• No evaluation fees or subscription costs

Personal trading lacks the capital leverage of prop firms but removes all geographic restrictions.

Option 4: Legal Relocation (Long-Term)

Obtaining legal residency or citizenship in an unrestricted country is a multi-year process requiring significant investment, but it permanently solves restriction issues. This is only viable if you're already planning international relocation for other reasons — don't relocate solely for prop firm access.

Why VPNs and Workarounds Won't Work

Critical warning: Using VPNs to bypass country restrictions will result in account termination, profit forfeiture, and potential legal consequences.

Why VPN Detection is Guaranteed

1. KYC verification exposes real location

When you request your first payout, Rise requires:

• Government-issued ID showing citizenship
• Proof of address showing residency
• Selfie verification

Even if you successfully traded using a VPN for months, KYC reveals your true location. If you're from a restricted country, your payout is denied and account terminated.

2. IP address pattern analysis

YRM Prop monitors login locations. If your IP suddenly shifts between continents or consistently uses known VPN/VPS IP ranges, this triggers fraud alerts. Remember: YRM Prop explicitly prohibits VPN usage in their terms of service, as detailed in the YRM Prop VPN and VPS policy.

3. Rise compliance checks

Rise performs its own AML/KYC verification independently of YRM Prop. They cross-reference IP addresses, bank account countries, and submitted documents. Mismatches result in permanent account bans across ALL Rise-connected prop firms.

Consequences of VPN Usage

• Immediate account termination without refund
• Profit forfeiture — all accumulated profits seized
• Permanent ban from YRM Prop and potentially other Rise-connected firms
• Potential legal action if fraud is suspected
• Wasted evaluation fees — no refunds on subscriptions or Instant Prime purchases

The risk-reward is catastrophically bad. You might trade successfully for weeks or months, but the moment you request a payout, KYC verification exposes the restriction violation. All profits disappear. Don't attempt this.

How to Confirm Your Eligibility

Step 1: Check OFAC Sanctioned Countries List

Visit the U.S. Treasury OFAC website (home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information) and verify your country isn't under comprehensive sanctions.

Step 2: Verify Rise Availability

Go to Rise's website (riseworks.io) and check if they explicitly list your country in supported regions. Look for contractor payment coverage, not employer coverage — you're receiving funds, not sending them.

Step 3: Contact YRM Prop Support

Before purchasing ANY account:

• Clearly state your citizenship country
• Clearly state your legal residency country
• Ask for explicit confirmation of eligibility
• Request this confirmation in writing (email or Discord DM screenshot)

Step 4: Test with Minimum Investment

If confirmed eligible but still uncertain:

• Start with the $50K Starter Challenge at $37/month (lowest cost)
• Complete the evaluation
• Request a minimum payout ($200)
• Verify the full payout process works before scaling to larger accounts

This approach minimizes financial exposure if unexpected restrictions emerge during the payout process.

Rise Payout Countries: What We Know

As of January 2026, Rise claims support for 190+ countries with these capabilities:

Confirmed supported regions (based on Rise documentation):

• North America: United States, Canada, Mexico (full support)
• Europe: All EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway (full support)
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan (full support)
• Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia (most major economies supported)
• Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Israel (varies by banking access)
• Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana (growing coverage)

Payout methods by region:

• High-income countries: Bank transfer, cryptocurrency, e-wallets all available
• Emerging markets: Cryptocurrency often most reliable option due to banking limitations
• Restricted banking access: Crypto-only withdrawals may be sole option

If your country has restricted banking access to U.S. financial systems, cryptocurrency withdrawals (USDC, USDT, Bitcoin, Ethereum) might be your only viable option through Rise. This works for some traders but requires crypto wallet setup and understanding of cryptocurrency tax implications in your jurisdiction.

Country Restrictions FAQ

Is YRM Prop available in my country?

YRM Prop doesn't maintain a public restricted countries list as of January 2026. The firm is expected to restrict OFAC-sanctioned countries (Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Russia, Belarus, Venezuela) and countries where Rise cannot operate. Contact YRM Prop support with your specific citizenship and residency countries for confirmation before purchasing.

Does YRM Prop restrict based on citizenship or residency?

Most prop firms (likely including YRM Prop) restrict based on BOTH citizenship AND residency. If you hold citizenship OR legal residency in a restricted country, you're typically ineligible regardless of where you currently live or trade from.

Can I use a VPN to access YRM Prop from a restricted country?

No, absolutely not. VPN usage is explicitly prohibited in YRM Prop's terms of service. Even if you successfully trade using a VPN, KYC verification during your first payout request will reveal your true location. This results in account termination, profit forfeiture, and permanent ban without refund. The YRM Prop VPN and VPS policy explains these restrictions in detail.

What if I'm a U.S. citizen living in Iran?

You would likely be restricted because Iran is under comprehensive OFAC sanctions. Your U.S. citizenship doesn't override the residency restriction. Contact YRM Prop support for specific guidance, as there may be exceptions for temporary stays versus legal residency.

What if I'm from Nigeria or Turkey?

Nigeria and Turkey are not under OFAC sanctions and should theoretically be eligible. However, some prop firms restrict these countries due to AML concerns or payment processor limitations. Verify with YRM Prop support before purchasing. If Rise supports your country for contractor payments, you should be eligible.

Can I trade if my country is supported but Rise doesn't work there?

No. Even if YRM Prop allows you to open an account and trade, you cannot withdraw profits if Rise doesn't support payouts to your country. Always verify BOTH YRM Prop AND Rise availability before purchasing. This dual requirement is critical and often overlooked.

Are there prop firms that accept restricted countries?

Some prop firms operate under different jurisdictions or use different payment processors that may support countries YRM Prop restricts. Research firms explicitly stating they accept your country. However, be cautious of firms operating in regulatory grey zones — established firms restrict certain countries for legitimate compliance reasons.

What happens if I lie about my country during signup?

When you request your first payout, Rise requires KYC verification including government-issued ID and proof of address. If these documents show you're from a restricted country, your payout is denied, account terminated, all profits forfeited, and you receive no refund. Additionally, you may be permanently banned from all Rise-connected prop firms.

Does YRM Prop restrict U.S. traders?

No, YRM Prop is a U.S.-based firm (New York) and fully supports U.S. traders. All U.S. states should have access, though you should verify Rise availability in your specific state for payout processing.

What if my country gets sanctioned after I start trading?

If new sanctions are imposed on your country after you've already opened a YRM Prop account, the firm will likely freeze your account and deny payouts upon next request. Geopolitical situations can change rapidly — this is an unavoidable risk when trading with any U.S.-based financial services company.

Alternative Props for Restricted Traders

If YRM Prop doesn't support your country, consider these alternatives that may have different restriction lists:

Different payment processors:

• Firms using Wise, PayPal, or Payoneer instead of Rise
• Firms offering multiple payout options (gives you alternatives if one fails)

Different jurisdictions:

• Non-U.S.-based prop firms subject to different sanctions frameworks
• EU-based firms following EU sanctions (different from OFAC in some cases)
• Regional firms operating under local regulations in your country

Different business models:

• Personal account trading with brokers accepting your jurisdiction
• Copy trading platforms that aren't classified as prop firms
• Funded account programs structured as partnerships rather than contractor relationships

Compare YRM Prop restrictions to established alternatives:

• YRM Prop vs Topstep — Different payout infrastructure
• YRM Prop vs Take Profit Trader — Alternative payment options

Final Recommendations for Restricted Traders

If you're unsure about eligibility:

✅ Contact YRM Prop support before purchasing
✅ Verify Rise supports contractor payouts to your country
✅ Get written confirmation of eligibility
✅ Start with minimum investment ($37/month $50K challenge) to test
✅ Request small payout first to verify full process works

Never attempt these:

❌ Using VPN to hide your real location
❌ Submitting fake documents during KYC
❌ Using someone else's identity or bank account
❌ Purchasing without verifying eligibility first
❌ Assuming "190+ countries" means yours is included

The consequences of attempting to bypass restrictions are severe: complete loss of all profits, permanent bans, wasted evaluation fees, and potential legal action. It's never worth the risk.

If YRM Prop doesn't support your country, research alternative prop firms with explicit support for your jurisdiction rather than attempting workarounds. The prop trading industry has grown substantially in 2024-2026, and options exist for most regions — just not necessarily with every firm.

For specific country verification and alternatives, check the YRM Prop support and FAQ hub.

‍