: Automated liquidation is the protocol-enforced procedure for closing out positions that breach minimum collateral thresholds. This process is vital for protecting the solvency of the entire derivatives platform against negative equity accumulation. The efficiency of this automated deleveraging directly impacts systemic stability.
Control
: Margin requirements, including initial and maintenance levels, serve as the primary control parameters governing position size relative to collateral. When the collateral ratio falls below the trigger point, the system initiates the unwind sequence. Oversight of these parameters is a critical function for protocol governance.
Execution
: The actual process often involves a designated liquidator entity or an onchain auction to rapidly close the position at a price slightly below the true market value. This necessary penalty is factored into the margin calculation to compensate the liquidator for taking on the residual risk. Minimizing the slippage during this forced execution is a key design objective.