How Do Margin Requirements Mitigate Counterparty Risk in Derivatives Trading?

Margin requirements mitigate counterparty risk by requiring both parties to post collateral (margin) to cover potential losses. If a party defaults, the collateral is used to cover the loss, ensuring the solvent party is protected.

Higher margin requirements reduce the potential for uncollateralized losses, thus lowering counterparty risk.

What Is ‘Initial Margin’ versus ‘Maintenance Margin’?
What Is the Role of a Margin Account in Derivatives Trading?
How Does the Process of “Porting” Client Accounts Work during a Member Default?
Define “Margin Requirement” in the Context of Derivatives and Its Relation to Netting
How Does Margining Mitigate Risk in Futures Trading?
How Does a Clearing House Use “Margin Requirements” to Manage Risk?
What Is a ‘Default Waterfall’ in the Context of a CCP?
What Happens If a Trader Defaults on Their Obligation to Deliver a Physically-Settled Asset?

Glossar