Collateral Valuation Logic
Collateral valuation logic is the set of rules used by a protocol to determine the current value of assets held as margin. In a volatile crypto market, this is not as simple as taking the current market price.
Protocols often apply haircuts or discounts to collateral to account for potential price volatility and liquidity risks. For example, a volatile altcoin might be valued at 80 percent of its market price to provide a safety buffer for the margin engine.
This logic must be robust and resistant to manipulation, as it directly impacts the liquidation thresholds for all users. During extreme market stress, the valuation logic might be adjusted to prevent unnecessary liquidations while still protecting the protocol.
Designing this logic requires a deep understanding of asset correlation and market liquidity. It is a fundamental component of the risk management framework for any derivatives platform.