Funding for trading. In exchange for capital, proprietary firms may employ .

Funding for trading WhichFunded is a platform for traders to educate themselves about financial markets and find success in the funded trading program world. Apex Trader Funding Trading Tools There are third party tools and resources separate from Apex Trader Funding. Topstep Forex is the best Forex funded account Learn about funded trading accounts, how they work, their benefits, and how to get started. Profits can be withdrawn under certain conditions, providing potential benefits, while losses do not affect the trader's own money. Forex is a lucrative and popular instrument to generate trading profits. Find out how this firm can support your trading journey and boost your profits. Certainly, meet the profit targets to complete the $1 million funding challenge with the best forex prop firm. Feb 9, 2025 · Funded trading accounts have changed the game for traders, allowing them to trade with capital from proprietary (prop) firms while sharing a portion of the profits. Tradeify is a next-generation prop trading firm that funds futures traders with real opportunity, not red tape. You can manage risks, monitor quotes, charts, diagrams, research, and analyze financial products. Learn how to become a funded trader in Canada. They offer a 80% profit split on all Master accounts, and their payouts are fast — usually Mar 20, 2025 · Instant funding prop firms don’t require an evaluation or challenge, so they are perfect for new traders. Boost your trading potential without risking personal capital. FunderPro is a prop trading firm looking to empower skilled traders globally. Feb 13, 2023 · If you’re a trader looking for ways to secure futures trading funding for your futures trading goals, here are some funding options worth considering. With the right amount of capital, you can take advantage of profitable opportunities, manage risk, and withstand market fluctuations. They make you trade in a virtual account and they pay you real money. Of course, forex trading Best Futures Funded Prop Trading Firm with the fastest payouts in the industry. Oct 22, 2025 · Unlock your trading potential with the best funded trading programs available. You are required to follow certain trading rules, guidelines, and risk management criteria Apr 23, 2025 · Indeed, strictly follow prop firm trading rules to protect your forex funded account. Enter the Trading Evaluation program to showcase your abilities. We give clients the ability to complete our trading evaluation and prove their trading skills in an environment that poses no risks to them for just the price of the upfront fee paid for the evaluation. Becoming a trader creates opportunities to increase your buying power, account size, and overall earning potential. In a world where genuine trading education was lacking and opportunities for aspiring traders were limited, the idea of Ment Funding was born. To start trading remotely, US clients are required to pass an evaluation and qualify for funding. Join the community, prove your skills, trade real capital, and keep your profits. Jul 26, 2025 · Free Funding Programs Overview Some proprietary trading firms operate funded trader programs without registration or membership fees. With these accounts, financial firms or proprietary trading firms try to provide traders with free capital to trade on the forex market. Surely, review the limits, rules, and restrictions to get started with forex funding accounts. Use these tools at your own discrection. Feb 27, 2025 · Compare the best funded trader programs in South Africa: SurgeTrader, FTMO, Earn2Trade and more. Access advanced analytics Join Topstep and get funded to trade futures with a top-rated prop firm. In this guide we cover everything you need to know to go from zero to funded. Pros: You get access to real CME futures via Tradovate, NinjaTrader, and TradingView. These changes simplify the trading rules, aiming to support traders in risk management while increasing transparency and flexibility. Learn how to become a fully funded trader in India. Sign in Login with email addressEmail Jul 10, 2024 · The best prop trading firms in India are predominantly international proprietary firms that offer a wide range of instruments, competitive fees for funded accounts, and a number of additional perks and features. FundYourFX is a crypto prop firm based in the UK, has no assessment or challenge. Oct 25, 2025 · Learn how to get a funded trading account with this step-by-step guide from Benzinga. We specialize in providing funding for forex traders, offering opportunities for growth and success. Nov 22, 2024 · During funding application, prop firms ask remote FX traders in the US to select an initial account balance. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you understand the fundamentals of funded […] The advertised "funded accounts" are pretty much a borderline scam. Day traders and swing traders welcome! Enter the FTMO Challenge: A high-pressure test of trading skills with profit sharing. With these funded accounts, traders can access additional capital, earn a large Aug 30, 2024 · How to monitor and use funding rates in your trading strategy Crypto market conditions and funding rates are deeply related, so it’s important to consider funding rate volatility in crypto. Traders meeting defined criteria—such as completing a base number of closed trades—can receive capital allocations ranging from small seed capital up to significant amounts. Typically, crypto funding programs are designed for beginners, seasoned, and experienced traders – looking to trade multiple asset classes. While funded trading may seem like an easy way to manage bigger capital, securing live accounts with prop firms requires discipline, consistency, and strong trading skills. Feb 13, 2023 · Opening your own futures trading account today requires a lot of money due to the high margin requirement associated with futures trading, so leverage the OneUp Trader program instead. Oct 27, 2024 · Key trading rules at Apex Trader Funding include adhering to the Trailing Threshold Max Drawdown, trading for a minimum of 7 days, avoiding trades outside permitted hours, refraining from trading disallowed instruments, and ensuring account security by preventing unauthorized access. Also, discover the pros and cons of a funded trading account. Elite Trader Funding was set up in Delaware, US, in 2022 by three traders: Eric Ho, Kanwal Singh and Clint Chaney. Funded accounts often come with specific Get access to 100k challenges for as little as $389, with the industry's most trusted prop firm. Mar 13, 2024 · There are several unique opportunities to get funded with a prop trading firm for beginners. Start today! We are the first in the industry with a solid foundation in futures brokerage, giving us unique insights and expertise Jan 20, 2025 · There are several steps to get a funded trading account online with prop firms. Typically, funded trading programs eliminate capital restrictions and provide resources to trade forex, cryptocurrencies, stocks, futures, and more. The traders have to pay a certain amount to join these funded trading programs. With so many options available, it can be challenging to identify the right platform that aligns with your trading goals and objectives. You and the proprietary firm share the profits you generate in the funded account. ” A proprietary trading account is when a financial institution uses its own capital to trade. Learn how to become a funded trader in South Africa. Typically, prop trading enables funding firms to trade FX pairs, stocks, and FX2 Funding, LTD does not offer, solicit, or recommend any trading or investment services. Mar 18, 2024 · Funded trading accounts create unique opportunities that work to trade bigger. May 18, 2024 · What are funded trading accounts? Funded trading accounts offer aspiring traders the opportunity to access financial markets with limited personal capital. Best Prop Trading Firm For Forex Funding Start your prop trading journey with Funding Traders and maximize your positions with bigger capital, competitive leverage, and shared risks. The firm supports multiple Mar 15, 2025 · Learn how to get a funded trading account and start trading with professional capital. Join a private community to exchange and analyze trading ideas. Explore opportunities with Funded Futures Network today! Funded trader account (program) is a trading account where capital is provided by a prop firm for a trader to utilise. The trading world offers a multitude of opportunities for traders. Learn how funded trading accounts work, how much you can get, and what requirements to meet. Mar 18, 2025 · In this article, we’ll explore various approaches to getting funding for trading, from personal savings and loans to external investors and trading platforms offering capital. Upon registration and approval, traders receive a trading account with real money, allowing them to trade without risking their own funds. Compare top firms, benefits, and payouts to start trading with real capital today. By offering trader education resources, webinars, and support, good funded trader programs help you get started in trading with more than just trading capital. It was about more than just teaching; it was about empowering traders with real knowledge and tools to succeed. Apex Trader Funding is a US-based prop trading firm that provides one of the best funded trader programs for futures traders, with monthly participation fees of $137 to $657 per month. To become a forex funded trader, develop the right mindset, experience, and risk management first. Prop funding firms provide you with the necessary capital, state-of-the-art tools, and advanced platforms for profitable forex trading. Pass our challenges, get funded, and keep 70% of your profits. Whether you're a novice or an Aug 6, 2025 · No evaluation prop firms let you skip trading challenges and get funded instantly. You can make money doing something you love while at the same time not risking any of your capital. Explore now! E8 Markets – the best prop firm for traders. They have to pass certain assessments and they are provided with a trading account with 20 % more money they deposit. Join the most successful Futures traders with Apex Trader Funding the easiest and most transparent trading company Jun 11, 2025 · Find the best instant funding prop firms offering immediate access to trading accounts and capital. Bulenox provides Funded Trader educational program for Traders and Investors as well as platform for selecting and training. Then, take advantage of prop firm’s Jul 24, 2024 · The best funded trading accounts ranked and compared. (spoiler: because the rules are so strict, with the way the futures Dec 30, 2024 · Get familiar with unique prop firm rules to get funded as a trader. In this guide, we've provided you with an overview of why funding is essential for traders and an outline of the topics we'll cover in the rest of the article. Our journey started with the creation of mentfx. The advertised "funded accounts" are pretty much a borderline scam. Many prop firms offer low cost funding evaluations to support aspiring traders who lack funds. Becoming a funded trader is a big step in your trading journey and one that can open up a world of opportunities. Trader Career Path® Test your trading skills on a $25,000, $50,000 or $100,000 virtual account Pass the evaluation and get funding from a proprietary trading firm Trade with the firm’s capital and withdraw your profits Meet targets and upgrade to larger account sizes Grow your funded account up to $400,000 with a fixed drawdown! May 13, 2025 · Get a free prop trading account or free funded account with no evaluation cost. When it comes to trading the financial markets, funding is a crucial component. Top Funded Trading Programs That Support TradingView If you’re a trader looking for funded trading programs that support TradingView Jan 29, 2025 · Discover what is prop trading and how funding firms work for beginners. May 13, 2025 · Get a free prop trading account or free funded account with no evaluation cost. You are required to follow certain trading rules, guidelines, and risk management criteria Introduction to the Best Instant Funding Prop Firms in 2025 Tired of waiting and failing prop firm challenges that stall your trading momentum, while market opportunities slip away? The best instant funding prop firms get you started FAST. We’ve made a comprehensive list of some of the best instant funding prop firms available, including information on how they work. com, a trading education company that bridged the educational gap in the market. Jan 3, 2024 · A Free Funded Trading Account is a unique opportunity for aspiring and seasoned traders alike. Features: No trading challenge for crypto or other assets Dec 30, 2024 · Get familiar with unique prop firm rules to get funded as a trader. We offer a simpler, straightforward, and smarter approach to secure funding, manage rewarding trades, and get paid with up to 100% profit split. This approach tries to allow traders to start trading without risking their own funds, thus trying to eliminate the financial barriers to entry that often deter Jan 6, 2025 · Passing free funding prop firm challenges creates unique opportunities to start trading without fees. To choose the best Forex funded accounts and trader programs, a transparent evaluation process, fair profit splits, robust risk management rules, account scalability, and access to educational resources are the most important criteria. Mar 7, 2025 · Real money prop firm programs offer unique opportunities to get funded for forex trading. May 29, 2025 · Apex Trader Funding recently announced the Apex 3. 6 days ago · Compare the best Forex funded accounts for 2025. Trade virtual funds in a simulated trading environment under real market conditions. All content is provided on an “as is” basis without any warranties—express or implied—regarding its completeness, accuracy, or timeliness. After passing the evaluation, eligible traders are allowed to receive a profit split on the profits generated in their Funded account Indifunded – India’s 1st Prop Trading Firm Trade NSE stocks, Bank Nifty, and more with Indifunded’s funded accounts. Unlock your potential with Maverick Trading Option Prop Firm. In this article, we’ll provide an 6 days ago · Compare the best funded trader programs in Canada: Elite Trader Funding, Earn2Trade and more. What is a Funded Trading Program? A funded trading program is a trading model that provides traders with the capital to trade in the financial markets. Find out how funded trading accounts work alongside tips for securing funding. But 6 days ago · Compare the best funded trader programs in India: Topstep, The5ers, FTMO, OneUp Trader Funding and more. Complete Prop Funding Evaluation Now, complete the funding evaluation to start your career as a remote prop trader in New York. The Funded Trader is a simulated trading evaluation firm. No hidden fees—real opportunities. Without sufficient funding, even the most successful trades may only TradingFunds is a prop trading firm that provides traders with the capital, technology, and infrastructure needed to trade financial markets. Whether you’re just starting or already profitable, Tradeify helps you scale your trading career with: Instant funding (no evaluation phases) Lightning-fast payouts — typically within 1 hour End-of-day trailing drawdown for more flexibility Up to 90% profit splits after your We provide traders with an opportunity to earn funding based on their trading performance in an evaluation account. Oct 12, 2025 · Finding the best Funded Trading firm is not an easy task, however we did all of the heavy lifting for you. We offer competitive payout structures, professional development programs, and a supportive community of traders. Substantial capital and higher profits draw many novice traders. For instance, when you pass the combines at Topstep, they still don't let you trade with real money - which should be a red flag. But what are the best funded trader programs, what funded trading accounts are available, and how do the prop firms compare? Nov 17, 2025 · We’ve reviewed the top funded trading accounts to compare profit splits, scaling opportunities, and challenge rules. Gee, I wonder why they would make such a bold move lol. This guide compares the top firms for payout speed, profit split, risk, and refund rules, based on real trader results. Our Prop trading challenges offer a simple route to a $5m account. Numerous avenues exist to acquire funding or capital for trading, and if you meet certain criteria, you can easily achieve this goal. Mar 6, 2024 · With this much capital, you can take your trading journey to the next level. One of the most exciting ways to enter the trading world without risking personal funds is through funded trading accounts. A large number of prop trading firms that offer their services in India are not based in the country but Jan 3, 2024 · A Free Funded Trading Account is a unique opportunity for aspiring and seasoned traders alike. In the past, getting a forex-funded account required relationships, credentials, and FX2 Funding, LTD does not offer, solicit, or recommend any trading or investment services. Funded trader programs offer the best of both worlds. Get Funded from Remote Trading Programme The remote trading program is just like hiring traders to trade and providing capital on certain conditions. Explore our comprehensive forex trader funding programs and prop funding options to accelerate your trading career. Our Learn to Trade Approach brings you one step closer to your successful trading journey. Introduction to the Best Instant Funding Prop Firms in 2025 Tired of waiting and failing prop firm challenges that stall your trading momentum, while market opportunities slip away? The best instant funding prop firms get you started FAST. io. Funding firms provide access to institutional-level capital and support long-term prop Can you get funded for options trading? Discover the best prop firms, how profitable prop trading is, and how to become a professional trader. Feb 12, 2021 · What is a funded trader? Investopedia defines a funded trading account as “a proprietary trading account that allows a qualified individual to trade on behalf of a company. Day traders and swing traders welcome! Discover the best funded trader programs in 2025. May 26, 2025 · Discover the top funded trading programs. Explore profit splits, trading conditions, and top prop firms to grow your trading career successfully. Get funded fast, access advanced tools, and grow your futures trading career today. Are you up to the challenge? Choose from a variety of funded trading accounts ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. Mar 3, 2024 · Welcome to WhichFunded, your trusted resource for navigating the world of trading prop firms. Accelerate your funded account up to $250K. Established in 2021 and based in the UK, OFP Funding empowers traders to start trading live capital without the traditional challenge process, providing a seamless and affordable entry into prop trading. Jul 10, 2025 · Discover the best funded trader programs for crypto trading. Jul 13, 2023 · The best Forex funded accounts and trader programs are Topstep Forex, Fidelcrest, FTMO, and The Funded Trader. I made a few mistakes early on because I didn't take the time to read the rules carefully. We look at prop trading firms that provide funded Sep 19, 2024 · Securing Funding for Trading: A Guide for Aspiring Traders If you’re passionate about trading and dedicate time to learning about it, you’ve likely wondered how to secure funding to elevate your trading endeavors. Ready to risk it all for funding? Nov 6, 2025 · What are the best proprietary trading firms? Compare prop firms and find the best for you according to their funding balance, access fees, trading rules, challenge steps, time limits, available financial instruments, platforms, Lux Trading Firm is a great prop firm for traders who are serious about improving. Reach profit targets while following our trading rules designed to promote sustainable trading. Typically provided by proprietary trading firms or investment companies, these accounts allow traders to trade using the firm’s capital, with profits shared between the trader and the provider. Check out the best prop firms with instant funding here like FundYourFX. GET $100,000 OF TRADING POWER Confused about your next trading move? Explore our free trial and discover what makes OneUp Trader your ideal funded trading choice: Explore a selection of over 20 leading trading execution platforms. May 16, 2025 · Prop firms offer a variety of funded trading accounts to support global clients. Lets dig into the top funded futures firm best suited for your needs. Turtle Funding is your place for Funded Account trading evaluations for Forex, Indices and Crypto. In exchange for capital, proprietary firms may employ Dec 19, 2023 · Choose a reputable, industry leading forex prop firm to get funded as a trader. Instead of trading with their own savings, traders prove consistency through evaluations and receive funding upon passing. Optimize Your Forex Trading Strategy After you get a forex funded account, you can optimize your forex trading strategy. Before allocating forex funding for free, these firms require passing an evaluation to test strategies, profitability, and commitment to follow the rules. In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive review with details about Apex Trader Funding rules, challanges and payouts. Join the top-rated futures prop trading firm and trade with firm capital. Progress is structured in stages, each offering increasing funding and profit share Unlock your trading potential with our comprehensive solutions designed to fund and support traders. Since 2010, we’ve backed and funded stock traders with cutting-edge prop trading technology and capital. At TradingFunds, we specialize in providing you with the latest information on the best prop trading firms and the most effective prop firm Nov 18, 2023 · There are several sources of funding for forex traders. FundedNext offers the best prop firm challenge accounts, where traders can trade with up to $300k simulated funds and the best conditions. 4 days ago · Free funded Forex accounts offer a risk-free start for new traders. No spread, low commission and more! Be funded with up to $300,000. Nov 17, 2025 · The best forex prop trading firms give traders access to larger capital, letting them trade bigger positions without using personal funds. Pass our funded challenge, trade up to $400k in capital, enjoy 100% profit splits, zero hidden fees, fast payouts. Successful traders are rewarded with May 17, 2024 · Getting a forex trading funded account is easier than ever before. Jul 29, 2022 · Getting funding for a trading strategy is vital for traders. These accounts create unique opportunities to manage significant capital without risking personal funds upfront. 0 program, bringing significant updates to its trading rules, payout policies, and compliance guidelines. While traditional methods of financing, such as personal savings or bank loans, can be viable options, there are also alternative routes to obtain funding quickly and efficiently. After passing the evaluation, eligible traders are allowed to receive a profit split on the profits generated in their Funded account Jul 30, 2023 · Looking for top-rated no evaluation prop firms that let you skip the challenge phase and start trading right away? Here're 8 best instant funding firms Indifunded – India’s 1st Prop Trading Firm Trade NSE stocks, Bank Nifty, and more with Indifunded’s funded accounts. But what exactly is a funded trading account, and how does it work? In this article, we’ll explore the concept of funded trading accounts, explain the process behind them, and outline why they are an THE ORIGINAL PROP FIRM WITH FOREX & CRYPTO FUNDING Hydra Funding is the first ever prop firm to offer specialized accounts for both forex and crypto traders. Earn your funded trading account Securing funding for stock trading can be a crucial step for traders looking to capitalize on market opportunities and grow their portfolios. Start today! We are the first in the industry with a solid foundation in futures brokerage, giving us unique insights and expertise The Funded Trader is a simulated trading evaluation firm. Select a prop firm with competitive profit sharing agreements, clear trading rules, and a strong reputation in the industry. Join the most successful Futures traders with Apex Trader Funding the easiest and most transparent trading company Become a Funded Trader Start trading with your FXIFY account using your unique strategy while maintaining proper risk management practices and sticking within the allowed parameters of the program. The proprietary trading firm provides Having adequate funding is crucial to your success as a trader. When you win, we all win. Gain access to funds, mentorship, and a community of traders to elevate your skills. Join our funded trader program and manage up to $200k in funds. Join Funded Trading Plus giveaways in 2026. This guide assists you on the what, how, prerequisites, processes, risks, and almost everything you need to know about getting funding for your trading strategy. The capital required for futures trading is particularly steep due to the high margin requirements in the futures Mar 18, 2024 · Funded trading accounts create unique opportunities that work to trade bigger. Compare top prop firms, evaluation processes, and instant funded accounts. Unlock instant funding and seize market opportunities faster with the best instant funding prop firms. Mar 5, 2025 · Looking for a day trading funded account? Learn how to get funded, manage risk, and maximize profits with HyroTrader's unique prop trading model. These firms excel in providing traders with rapid Jan 7, 2025 · Discover the top 3 funded crypto trading prop firms and learn how you can trade digital assets without risking your own resources. Prove your skills, meet all the trading objectives of the program to start earning a real income as an FXIFY-funded trader. Unlock your trading potential with our comprehensive solutions designed to fund and support traders. Join today to trade futures with confidence, get instant funding, and become a funded trader. (spoiler: because the rules are so strict, with the way the futures Feb 11, 2025 · No Trading Challenge. Instant Funding accounts have no profit targets – just lock in your Smart Drawdown to advance Feb 15, 2025 · Trading evaluations can seem like a daunting event for new traders. So, as a funded trader, you will be using the firm’s capital to develop its financial transactions. If you’re a trader seeking prop firms that offer instant funding options, you’ve come to the right place. Before delving into the various methods of obtaining funding, it’s important to understand why capital is so crucial in trading. Our funded trader program is designed to evaluate stock traders and fund them with the firm's capital. Apr 30, 2025 · Discover how to trade with forex prop firms and secure funded accounts. Traders do not need to use personal capital but can still trade on a large scale, and at the same time receive profit sharing based on results. This guide breaks down true instant funding account options only, along with their platforms, fees, profit payouts and more, to help you choose the ideal funded account and prop firm. Explore our expert guidance and lucrative opportunities to propel your trading career. Nov 13, 2025 · In the modern trading landscape, funded futures accounts—often known as proprietary trading challenges, offer retail traders the chance to access professional-level capital without risking personal funds. Oct 7, 2023 · As a trader, finding the best funded trading program and account is essential to maximizing your trading success. OFP Funding is a proprietary trading firm that offers traders immediate access to funded accounts through a hybrid funding model, including instant funding accounts. Enjoy an easy entry into our trial with a simplified one-step evaluation. Nov 14, 2025 · What is a Funded Trading Program? With a funded trader program, traders have the opportunity to trade using a prop firm’s money. I was frustrated at first, but then I reached out to LiveChat, and they guided me through the process of using the free reset account. In this article, we will unveil the top nine prop firms renowned for their ability to provide instant funding, offering traders efficient access […] Oct 7, 2023 · The best funded trading programs and accounts for crypto offer high trading limits, reduced personal risk, and opportunities to earn a share of profits. Nov 4, 2025 · What is funding for trading? Funding for trading is a financial support model in which prop firms or investors provide capital for traders to make transactions in financial markets such as Forex, stocks, commodities or cryptocurrencies. This guide highlights the best proprietary trading firms and funded accounts for traders seeking capital growth, loyalty rewards, and fair evaluation processes. How do you evaluate my trading for funding? Everybody who is interested in joining our trading group and becoming a funded trader goes through our evaluation program. Sameer G. What Changed? Get funded by a Prop Firm whose interests align with your trading goal. This guide will explore five effective strategies to acquire funding for Aug 31, 2025 · Funder Trading stands first in our list of the top prop trading firms in 2025 due to multiple reasons but notably it is the only prop trading firm that offers options funding and includes coaching for every trader signed up. Meet the traders who transformed their trading journey with our funding programs and turned skill into real results. Scale Your Trading Capital Once funded, leverage the best prop trading scaling plans to increase your trading capital. Crypto Fund Trader is a prop firm with the best market conditions. Choose the $1 million funded account prop trading firm challenges for forex trading. In the past, getting a forex-funded account required relationships, credentials, and Aug 19, 2023 · Traders looking to participate in funded trading programs with TradingView support can explore options on WhichFunded. The risk desk analysis also provided valuable insights into 4 days ago · TL;DR: FundingTicks Review 2025 FundingTicks is ideal for futures traders who want real CME access, fast payouts, and flexible funding — whether you’re building, scaling, or skipping the evaluation grind entirely. Crypto funded trading accounts from day one. It was a game-changer. You just need to meet the risk targets and be profitable to be able to work with their funded accounts instantly. Nov 3, 2023 · However, you are encouraged to understand all the risks before news, copy, expert advisor (EA), or bot trading. TakeProfitTrader is a real-time tool for you to gain profit via funding trading. Our review of the best prop firms looks at the top challenges and funded programs, focusing on forex trading features. The trading platform of choice for most prop traders are MetaTrader 4 and 5. What Are No Evaluation Prop Firms and How Do They Work? No evaluation prop firms let you skip trading tests—pay a one-time fee, get instant funding, and withdraw profits weekly without any Jul 29, 2024 · Provide Accessible Funding Paths The best prop firms that allow crypto trading also provide an accessible path to funding. kqaec nfx oyryx vxzzx etyiqsp xlej xdnhi vmjy vxz qvtpvyqw zgc slz qfln erwctbjg awaz