AquaFutures Restricted Territories: Countries Where Trading Is Banned

Written by Paul

Published on

January 12, 2026

AquaFutures restricts access from certain countries due to regulatory compliance, sanctions, and legal restrictions. Common restricted territories include: Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, and regions under U.S. sanctions. Additionally, some countries with strict financial regulations (China, Russia at times) may face restricted access depending on current compliance requirements.

Quick heads-up: This article is based on my real experience with Aquafutures and the info available when I published/updated this. Things change in prop trading — rules, payouts, promos, all of it.

For the absolute latest, check Aquafutures´s website or their faq page.

The exact list of restricted countries changes based on international sanctions, regulatory updates, and AquaFutures' compliance policies. If you're in a restricted territory, attempting to access AquaFutures will result in account denial, login blocks, or immediate termination if discovered after signup.

I'm breaking down why territories are restricted, how AquaFutures enforces geographic restrictions, what happens if you try to circumvent them, which major trading countries are typically allowed, and alternatives if you're in a restricted region.

Why AquaFutures Restricts Certain Countries

1. U.S. Sanctions and Embargoes

AquaFutures (like most U.S.-based or U.S.-regulated financial services) must comply with:

Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)
Trading with the Enemy Act

These laws prohibit U.S. companies from conducting business with sanctioned countries, individuals, or entities.

Currently sanctioned countries typically include:

Iran
North Korea
Syria
Cuba
Venezuela (partial restrictions)
Crimea region of Ukraine

2. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Requirements

Prop firms must verify customer identity and prevent money laundering. Countries with weak AML enforcement or high-risk banking systems face restrictions:

Limited KYC infrastructure
High corruption indices
Weak financial oversight

3. Regulatory Compliance

Some countries prohibit foreign prop trading firms from offering services to their residents:

China (tight capital controls)
Japan (strict broker licensing)
India (forex/derivatives restrictions for offshore firms)

4. Operational Risk

Countries with unstable banking systems, unreliable payment infrastructure, or high fraud rates may be restricted for operational reasons—not legal ones.

How to Check If Your Country Is Restricted

Method 1: Check AquaFutures Website Before Signup

Most prop firms list restricted territories in their Terms of Service or FAQ. Look for:

"Restricted Countries" section
"Geographic Limitations" in Terms
"Who Can Sign Up?" in FAQ

Method 2: Attempt Signup

Start the registration process. If your country is restricted:

The country dropdown won't include it, or
You'll receive an error: "We cannot accept users from your region"

Method 3: Contact Support Directly

Email AquaFutures support before paying: "I'm located in [Country]. Can I open an account?"

They'll confirm whether your country is restricted.

For support details, see the customer support guide.

Major Trading Countries Typically Allowed

These countries usually have unrestricted access to AquaFutures:

North America:

United States ✅
Canada ✅
Mexico ✅

Europe:

United Kingdom ✅
Germany ✅
France ✅
Netherlands ✅
Spain ✅
Italy ✅
Poland ✅
Most EU countries ✅

Asia-Pacific:

Singapore ✅
Hong Kong ✅ (typically)
Australia ✅
New Zealand ✅
Malaysia ✅
Thailand ✅
Philippines ✅
South Korea ✅

Middle East:

United Arab Emirates ✅
Saudi Arabia ✅ (typically)
Turkey ✅
Israel ✅

Latin America:

Brazil ✅
Argentina ✅
Chile ✅
Colombia ✅
Peru ✅

Africa:

South Africa ✅
Nigeria ✅ (typically)
Kenya ✅
Egypt ✅ (typically)

This list is not exhaustive. Even "allowed" countries may face restrictions if there are changes to sanctions or regulations.

How AquaFutures Detects Restricted Territories

1. IP Address Tracking

When you access AquaFutures' website or platform, your IP address reveals your geographic location. If your IP is from a restricted country, access is blocked.

2. KYC Documentation

During signup, you'll submit:

Government-issued ID (passport, driver's license)
Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)

If these documents show a restricted country, your account is denied or terminated.

3. Payment Method Location

Credit cards and bank accounts are tied to specific countries. If your payment method is registered in a restricted territory, the transaction may be declined.

4. Platform Login Geolocation

Trading platforms track login locations. If you sign up from an allowed country but consistently log in from a restricted country, your account may be flagged and reviewed.

5. Withdrawal Destination

When you request a payout, AquaFutures verifies the destination bank account. If the bank is located in a restricted country, the withdrawal is denied and your account is investigated.

What Happens If You're From a Restricted Country

Scenario 1: You try to sign up

Website blocks registration
You receive an error: "Service not available in your country"
No account is created

Scenario 2: You use a VPN to bypass restrictions

You sign up successfully using a VPN
You submit KYC documents from a restricted country
AquaFutures denies your account during verification
Any fees paid are typically non-refundable

Scenario 3: You fake your location throughout signup

You use a VPN, fake documents, or a friend's address in an allowed country
You start trading
AquaFutures detects inconsistencies (IP changes, payment method mismatch)
Your account is terminated immediately
All profits are voided
You may face legal consequences for fraud

Scenario 4: You move to a restricted country mid-evaluation

You signed up legitimately from an allowed country
You move to a restricted country
You log in from the restricted country
AquaFutures flags your account and contacts you
You must either stop trading or prove you've relocated to an allowed country

Can You Use a VPN to Bypass Geographic Restrictions?

Technically: Yes, a VPN can mask your IP address and make it appear you're in an allowed country.

Legally and practically: No. Using a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions violates AquaFutures' Terms of Service and may violate international sanctions laws.

Why you'll get caught:

✅ KYC documents show your real country

✅ Payment methods are tied to your real country

✅ Withdrawal destination is your real country

✅ VPN usage creates suspicious IP patterns (frequent location changes)

✅ Platform fingerprinting detects VPN usage

Consequences:

Account termination
All profits voided
No refunds on subscription fees
Permanent ban from AquaFutures
Potential legal action if you're violating sanctions

Bottom line: Don't use VPNs to bypass geographic restrictions. The risk isn't worth it.

For account sharing consequences, see the account sharing rules guide.

What If You're Temporarily Traveling in a Restricted Country?

If you're a legitimate user from an allowed country but you're temporarily traveling in a restricted country:

Best practice:

Contact AquaFutures support before traveling
Explain: "I'm a [allowed country] resident traveling to [restricted country] for 2 weeks. Can I continue trading?"
Provide proof of residence in your allowed country
Ask if you need to stop trading or if temporary access is permitted

Likely outcomes:

Option A: Support tells you to stop trading while in the restricted country. Resume when you return home.

Option B: Support allows temporary access with documentation proving you're a legitimate traveler.

Option C: Support terminates access as a precaution and reactivates when you return home.

Don't just log in from a restricted country without notification—that looks like fraud.

Are There Exceptions for Restricted Countries?

Generally, no. Sanctions and regulatory restrictions are absolute.

Possible exceptions:

1. Dual citizenship: If you're a citizen of both a restricted and an allowed country, you might qualify by using documentation from the allowed country.

2. Permanent residency: If you're a permanent resident of an allowed country but a citizen of a restricted country, you might qualify with proof of residency.

3. Diplomatic or military personnel: Some firms make exceptions for diplomats or military personnel stationed in restricted countries. Check with AquaFutures.

These exceptions are rare and require extensive documentation. Don't assume you qualify—confirm with support first.

Alternatives If You're in a Restricted Country

If AquaFutures doesn't accept users from your country, consider:

1. Other Prop Firms With Different Geographic Rules

Different prop firms have different restricted territory lists. What's blocked at AquaFutures might be allowed at:

Topstep
Apex Trader Funding
FTMO
Earn2Trade

Research each firm's restricted countries before signing up.

For firm comparisons, see AquaFutures vs Topstep and AquaFutures vs Apex.

2. Local Prop Firms

Some countries have domestic prop trading firms that aren't subject to U.S. sanctions:

Asia: Local firms in Singapore, Hong Kong
Europe: EU-based prop firms
Middle East: UAE-based firms

Search for "[Your Country] prop trading firms" to find local options.

3. Trade Your Own Capital

If prop trading isn't available in your country, trade futures with your own capital through international brokers that accept your country:

Interactive Brokers (accepts 200+ countries)
IG Markets
CMC Markets

This requires more capital but doesn't have geographic restrictions.

4. Wait for Policy Changes

Sanctions and restrictions change. Countries like Vietnam, Myanmar, and others have moved in/out of restricted lists over time.

Subscribe to AquaFutures' newsletter or check their website periodically to see if your country becomes eligible.

What If AquaFutures Restricts Your Country Mid-Evaluation?

If you're already trading and your country becomes newly restricted (e.g., new U.S. sanctions):

Likely outcomes:

Option 1: AquaFutures notifies you that your account will be terminated in 30-60 days. You have time to:

Finish your evaluation if close to passing
Request payouts for funded accounts
Withdraw any funds owed to you

Option 2: Immediate termination due to sudden sanctions. Your account is locked with no notice. You may lose:

Evaluation progress
Funded account access
Pending payouts

Your rights:

Under most Terms of Service, prop firms can terminate accounts due to regulatory changes with minimal notice. You typically have no recourse if your country becomes sanctioned.

Best practice: If you're in a country with political instability or risk of sanctions, don't invest heavily in prop trading—your access could disappear overnight.

Do Restricted Territories Apply to Funded Accounts Too?

Yes. Geographic restrictions apply to:

Evaluation accounts
Instant funded accounts
Funded accounts (post-evaluation)

If you pass an evaluation and get funded, you still must comply with geographic restrictions. Moving to a restricted country after getting funded terminates your funded account.

For funded account rules, see the funded account guide.

Can You Open an Account Using a Friend's Address in an Allowed Country?

No. This is fraud.

Using someone else's address, documents, or payment methods to bypass geographic restrictions violates:

AquaFutures' Terms of Service
Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations
Potentially anti-money laundering laws
Potentially sanctions laws (if you're in a sanctioned country)

Consequences:

Account termination
All profits voided
Possible legal action from AquaFutures
Possible prosecution for fraud or sanctions violations

It's not worth it. If you're in a restricted country, find a legitimate alternative—don't commit fraud.

How Often Does the Restricted List Change?

Minor updates: Every 6-12 months as sanctions or regulations shift.

Major updates: During geopolitical events (wars, sanctions, regime changes).

Recent examples:

Russia faced increased restrictions after 2022 geopolitical events
Afghanistan's status changed after 2021 government changes
Various countries move on/off lists as U.S. sanctions evolve

Best practice: If you're in a borderline country (frequent policy changes), check AquaFutures' restricted list before renewing subscriptions or starting new evaluations.

What Documentation Proves Your Country?

AquaFutures verifies your country through:

1. Government-issued ID

Passport (shows citizenship)
National ID card (shows citizenship/residence)
Driver's license (shows residence)

2. Proof of Address

Utility bill (electricity, water, gas)
Bank statement
Rental agreement
Government correspondence

3. Payment Method Location

Credit card billing address
Bank account country of registration

All three must match or provide a consistent story. If your ID says Country A but your utility bill says Country B, you'll need to explain (e.g., expat living abroad with permanent residency).

Final Thoughts: Don't Risk It

If you're in a restricted territory:

✅ Don't use VPNs to fake your location - You'll get caught and banned

✅ Don't use someone else's documents or address - This is fraud with legal consequences

✅ Don't lie about your country during signup - KYC verification will catch it

Instead:

✅ Find a prop firm that accepts your country - Different firms have different restrictions

✅ Trade your own capital with international brokers - No geographic restrictions

✅ Wait for policy changes - Restrictions change over time

Prop trading isn't worth committing fraud or violating international sanctions. Find a legitimate path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are restricted at AquaFutures?

Common restricted territories include: Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, and regions under U.S. sanctions. Additionally, countries with strict capital controls (China, Russia at times) may face restrictions. The exact list changes based on international sanctions and regulatory updates. Check AquaFutures' Terms of Service for the current restricted list.

Can I use a VPN to access AquaFutures from a restricted country?

Technically yes, but legally and practically no. Using a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions violates Terms of Service and may violate sanctions laws. You'll get caught during KYC verification (documents show real country), payment processing (card/bank tied to restricted country), or withdrawal requests (destination bank in restricted country). Consequences: account termination, all profits voided, potential legal action.

What happens if I move to a restricted country mid-evaluation?

Contact AquaFutures support immediately. Likely outcomes: (1) You must stop trading until you return to an allowed country, or (2) Your account is terminated due to regulatory compliance. If you move permanently to a restricted country, you lose access to evaluations and funded accounts.

How does AquaFutures detect restricted territories?

IP address tracking (shows login location), KYC documentation (passport/ID shows citizenship), payment method location (card/bank country), platform geolocation (tracks where you log in), and withdrawal destination (bank account country). Multiple detection methods make bypass attempts nearly impossible.

Are there alternatives if my country is restricted?

Yes. Try other prop firms (Topstep, Apex, FTMO) with different geographic rules, look for local domestic prop firms in your country, or trade your own capital through international brokers (Interactive Brokers accepts 200+ countries). Don't use VPNs or fake documents to access restricted firms—find a legitimate alternative.

Can I use my friend's address in an allowed country?

No. This is fraud and violates KYC regulations. Using someone else's address, documents, or payment methods to bypass restrictions leads to account termination, voided profits, possible legal action, and potential prosecution for fraud or sanctions violations.

Do restrictions apply to funded accounts too?

Yes. Geographic restrictions apply to evaluations, Instant accounts, and funded accounts. Even if you pass an evaluation while in an allowed country, moving to a restricted country terminates your funded account. Restrictions are permanent and apply at all account stages.

How often does the restricted territory list change?

Minor updates every 6-12 months. Major updates during geopolitical events (wars, sanctions, regime changes). Countries like Russia, Afghanistan, and various sanctioned nations have moved on/off restricted lists recently. Check AquaFutures' current Terms before signing up if you're in a borderline country.