Maintenance Margin

Capital

Maintenance margin represents the minimum equity a trader must retain in a margin account relative to the position’s value, serving as a crucial risk management parameter within cryptocurrency derivatives trading. This requirement is dynamically calculated by exchanges, factoring in the volatility of the underlying asset and the notional value of open positions, ensuring solvency during adverse price movements. Sufficient capital is essential to absorb potential losses and prevent forced liquidation, thereby maintaining market stability and protecting both the trader and the exchange from systemic risk. The level is typically expressed as a percentage of the position’s value, and failing to meet this threshold triggers a margin call, demanding immediate additional funds.