Portfolio Margin Mode: Cross-Margin Trading Explained

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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:


Eligibility Criteria for Portfolio Margin

To qualify, users must:

👉 Learn how to optimize your trading capital


How Portfolio Margin Risk Offsetting Works

OKX offers two margin calculation modes:

1. Derivatives-Only Mode

2. Spot-Derivatives Risk Offset Mode

Example Risk Unit Grouping:

ModeETH-USDT Risk UnitETH-USD Risk Unit
Derivatives-OnlyETH-USDT perpetual swaps, futuresETH-USD perpetual swaps, futures, options
Spot-DerivativesETH-USDT perpetual swaps, futures + ETH spotETH-USD perpetual swaps, futures + ETH spot

Margin Calculation Methodology

Maintenance Margin (MMR) Components

MMR is derived from 7 risk scenarios per risk unit:

  1. Spot Shock (MR1): Simulates price movements (±4%–25%) and volatility changes.
  2. Theta Decay (MR2): Measures 24-hour option value erosion.
  3. Vega Risk (MR3): Captures volatility shifts across expirations.
  4. Basis Risk (MR4): Accounts for futures price disparities.
  5. Interest Rate Risk (MR5): Models yield curve shifts (options only).
  6. Extreme Move (MR6): Tests worst-case price swings (up to ±50%).
  7. 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:

  1. Dynamic Delta Hedging (DDH): Adjusts futures/swaps to offset options risk.
  2. Basis Hedging: Liquidates futures with mismatched expiries.
  3. 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.

👉 Master advanced margin strategies


Appendix: Key Parameters

Risk ScenarioBTC/ETH ThresholdsOther Assets Thresholds
Spot Shock±12%±18%–25%
Extreme Move±24%±36%–50%
Basis Risk10% forward basis35%–40% forward basis

Note: Parameters adjust dynamically based on market conditions.


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