Soft Liquidation

Liquidation

A soft liquidation, distinct from a forceful liquidation, represents a scenario within cryptocurrency derivatives, options trading, and broader financial derivatives where a margin account experiences negative equity, yet the trader retains some degree of control or discretion regarding asset management. It occurs when the mark-to-market value of a portfolio falls below the maintenance margin level, triggering a margin call, but the broker or exchange does not immediately close out all positions. Instead, the trader is granted a period to deposit additional funds or liquidate assets to restore the account to a healthy state, avoiding immediate forced closure.