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Maintenance Margin – Meaning & Comparison to Margin Accounts

In trading, margin accounts enable investors to borrow funds, thereby increasing their buying power. However, with this leverage comes the requirement to maintain a minimum balance, commonly referred to as the maintenance margin. This is not just a technical term—it is a key risk control measure that helps prevent excessive losses when market values fluctuate.

Understanding how maintenance margin works is essential for anyone considering leveraged trading through derivatives, such as options or certain types of bonds. It ensures that there is always a buffer in the account to cover potential market movements.

What is the Maintenance Margin?

The maintenance margin is the minimum equity an investor must maintain in a margin account after initiating a leveraged position. The broker will issue a margin call if the investor's account balance falls below this threshold, prompting them to make additional deposits or liquidate assets to bring the account balance back up to the required amount.

This margin is set either by the exchange or the broker, depending on the asset being traded. For example, in equity derivatives such as options, the exchange may set a minimum maintenance margin based on the underlying volatility and the size of the position.

Let’s break down how it works:

  • Suppose an investor buys securities worth ₹1,00,000 using ₹50,000 of their own funds and borrows the rest.

  • If the maintenance margin is 30%, the investor must maintain a minimum equity of ₹30,000.

  • If the account equity drops below this level due to a price decline, a margin call is triggered.

Key characteristics of maintenance margin:

  • Acts as a safety net against adverse price movements

  • Prevents account balances from falling into negative territory

  • Varies across asset classes like equities, options, and bonds

  • Reviewed periodically based on volatility and market risk

While it differs from the initial margin (which is the amount required to open a position), both are crucial in leveraged trading environments.

Margin Accounts vs Maintenance Margins

Aspect

Margin Account

Maintenance Margin

Definition

A brokerage account where investors borrow funds to trade securities

The minimum account equity that must be maintained to keep positions open

Purpose

To increase buying power through leverage

To prevent excessive losses from leveraged positions

Initial Requirement

An investor must deposit a specified percentage of the trade value

Not applicable at the beginning; triggered only if the balance falls

Trigger

Needed to initiate a position

Activated when equity drops below a certain threshold

Instruments Involved

Common in trading stocks, options, futures, and bonds

Applies after a margin position is opened, especially in derivatives trading

Broker’s Role

Offers funds and sets terms based on exchange or internal policies

Monitors balance and issues a margin call if the requirement is breached

Risk Control

Provides leverage but requires risk management

Core tool to manage downside risk in volatile markets

Regulated By

SEBI and exchange-specific margin frameworks

Determined by exchanges and adjusted as per regulatory updates

Impact on Investor

Can enhance potential gains and losses

Ensures the investor doesn’t fall into overleveraged positions

The distinction between margin accounts and maintenance margins becomes crucial when markets turn volatile. Traders who understand both can manage positions more effectively and respond proactively to changes in account value.

Conclusion

The maintenance margin is more than just a regulatory concept—it's a fundamental safeguard in leveraged trading. It helps control risk and ensures that accounts remain adequately funded during periods of market volatility. When trading instruments such as options or certain bonds, staying informed about the maintenance margin can help avoid sudden margin calls and unexpected liquidations.

Understanding the dynamics between margin accounts and maintenance margin requirements enables traders and investors to operate within safe financial limits, aligning with broader regulatory frameworks.

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