Why Does an Exchange Require a Higher Margin for a Larger Position?

An exchange requires a higher margin for a larger position due to the increased systemic risk. A large position has a greater market impact upon liquidation, increasing the probability of significant slippage and a negative balance.

By requiring a higher initial and maintenance margin percentage, the exchange creates a larger financial buffer to absorb potential losses, protecting its insurance fund and the overall market stability.

How Does the ‘Insurance Fund’ on a Futures Exchange Relate to Liquidations?
Distinguish between ‘Positive Slippage’ and ‘Negative Slippage’
How Does the Size of an Insurance Fund Influence the Maximum Leverage Offered by an Exchange?
What Mechanism Is Typically Used by an Exchange to Handle Negative Equity Balances Resulting from a Stablecoin Depeg?
How Does the Insurance Fund Protect Traders from Negative Balances?
How Does a Tiered System Affect a Small Trader?
What Is an “Oracle Problem” and How Does It Pose a Systemic Risk to DeFi Clearing Mechanisms?
How Does a Multi-Tiered Margin System Reduce Systemic Risk?

Glossar