Look at the plight of traders at Nonko & Nevis, when you trade offshore to avoid licensing or PDT you risk a lot...
I agree. To answer OP's question, no you cannot trade at a prop firm unless you are licensed. A few firms have been offering retail PM with SIPC coverage, but that requires a much larger deposit. I'm really interested in seeing how the FINRA exam restructuring will play out for the prop industry.
and from what I've seen on here shark traders as well? It's ridiculous that anyone would risk that much just to avoid licensing
That is correct, but those retail account are not different than other retail accounts. They will be introduced from a FINRA BD vs the Prop BD. We get referrals from some prop firms for retail accounts as the traders want to use Sterling or Lightspeed Trader.