Why Is Effective Leverage a More Important Metric than Nominal Leverage for ADL Ranking?

Nominal leverage is the leverage chosen by the trader when opening the position. Effective leverage is a dynamic metric that reflects the actual risk, calculated as the notional value divided by the current margin balance (collateral).

It is more important for ADL because it shows the true proximity to liquidation. A trader with low nominal leverage but high unrealized losses may have a higher effective leverage and thus a higher ADL ranking.

Why Is Monitoring the Margin Ratio More Useful than Just Monitoring PNL?
Why Is a Proof of Liabilities Equally Important as a Proof of Reserves?
What Measures Can a Trader Take to Minimize the Risk of Being ADL-ed?
Why Is Effective Leverage Used Instead of Nominal Leverage in the ADL Ranking?
How Can a Trader Reduce Their ADL Ranking Risk?
What Is the Concept of ‘Effective Leverage’ in Derivatives Trading?
What Is the Difference between Nominal Yield and Real Yield in a High-Inflation Crypto Environment?
What Is ‘Margin Utilization’ and Why Is It Important to Monitor?

Glossar