Cross-Margin Risks
Cross-margin risks arise when a trader uses the total balance of their account as collateral for multiple leveraged positions. If one position moves against the trader, the losses can consume the entire account equity, endangering other unrelated positions.
This structure is highly efficient for capital usage but dangerous during extreme volatility. A single failing trade can trigger the liquidation of all other active trades in the account.
This creates a high-stakes environment where a trader has no compartmentalized protection for their capital. In crypto derivatives, cross-margin is common but requires sophisticated risk management.
Traders must be aware that their entire account balance is at risk at all times. It is a significant departure from isolated margin, where risks are contained to individual trades.