Market Maker Inventory Risk

Exposure

This risk quantifies the potential for loss incurred by a market maker due to an imbalance in their inventory of options or the underlying asset required for hedging delta neutrality. Accumulating a significant net short or long option position, or an unhedged delta exposure, exposes the firm to adverse price movements or volatility shifts. Prudent operation demands continuous monitoring of the inventory’s Greeks to maintain a tightly managed risk profile.