What Is Portfolio Margin Mode?
Portfolio Margin Mode allows traders to manage spot, margin, perpetual swaps, futures, and options within a single account using a risk-based margin model. This approach calculates margin requirements by evaluating combined positions across asset classes, potentially reducing capital needs while maintaining efficient risk coverage.
Key Benefits:
- Unified Account: Trade multiple derivatives and spot assets seamlessly.
- Capital Efficiency: Lower margin requirements through portfolio risk offsets.
- Cross-Currency Support: Equity in various currencies converts to USD for margin purposes.
Eligibility Criteria for Portfolio Margin
To qualify, users must:
- Hold a minimum net capital of $10,000 USD.
- Acknowledge familiarity with portfolio margin concepts.
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How Portfolio Margin Risk Offsetting Works
OKX offers two margin calculation modes:
1. Derivatives-Only Mode
- Groups derivatives (perpetual swaps, futures, options) by underlying asset (e.g., BTC-USD, ETH-USDT).
- Margins are calculated per risk unit, allowing offsets within the same asset class.
2. Spot-Derivatives Risk Offset Mode
- Integrates spot holdings into margin calculations for derivatives.
- Significantly reduces margin requirements when derivatives are hedged with spot positions.
- Users can choose between USDT, USDC, or Crypto margin for spot allocations.
Example Risk Unit Grouping:
| Mode | ETH-USDT Risk Unit | ETH-USD Risk Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Derivatives-Only | ETH-USDT perpetual swaps, futures | ETH-USD perpetual swaps, futures, options |
| Spot-Derivatives | ETH-USDT perpetual swaps, futures + ETH spot | ETH-USD perpetual swaps, futures + ETH spot |
Margin Calculation Methodology
Maintenance Margin (MMR) Components
MMR is derived from 7 risk scenarios per risk unit:
- Spot Shock (MR1): Simulates price movements (±4%–25%) and volatility changes.
- Theta Decay (MR2): Measures 24-hour option value erosion.
- Vega Risk (MR3): Captures volatility shifts across expirations.
- Basis Risk (MR4): Accounts for futures price disparities.
- Interest Rate Risk (MR5): Models yield curve shifts (options only).
- Extreme Move (MR6): Tests worst-case price swings (up to ±50%).
- Minimum Fee (MR7): Covers liquidation slippage and transaction costs.
Formula: MMR = max(Spot Shock + Basis + Vega + Interest Risk, Minimum Fee)
Initial Margin (IMR)
IMR = 1.3 × Derivatives MMR + Borrowed IMR
Portfolio Margin Liquidation Process
Liquidation triggers at 100% margin ratio and follows a tiered approach:
- Dynamic Delta Hedging (DDH): Adjusts futures/swaps to offset options risk.
- Basis Hedging: Liquidates futures with mismatched expiries.
- Position Reduction: Prioritizes high-liquidity assets to restore safety.
Liquidation Flow:
![Flowchart: DDH → Basis Hedge → Position Reduction]
FAQs
1. How does spot-derivatives risk offsetting lower margins?
By treating spot holdings as collateral for derivatives, the system reduces net exposure, thereby decreasing margin needs.
2. Can I test portfolio margin before switching?
Yes, use OKX’s Portfolio Simulator to model margin impacts on existing or hypothetical positions.
3. What happens if my account falls below 300% margin ratio?
A warning is issued. At 100%, liquidation begins with DDH to mitigate losses.
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Appendix: Key Parameters
| Risk Scenario | BTC/ETH Thresholds | Other Assets Thresholds |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Shock | ±12% | ±18%–25% |
| Extreme Move | ±24% | ±36%–50% |
| Basis Risk | 10% forward basis | 35%–40% forward basis |
Note: Parameters adjust dynamically based on market conditions.
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