Skip to main content

Liquidation

markets
derivatives

The forced closure of a leveraged position when collateral falls below required margin.

Also known as
forced close
margin call
1
concept

Liquidation occurs when a trader's equity falls below the maintenance margin required to keep a leveraged position open. The venue closes some or all of the position to repay lenders or protect the exchange from losses.

2
mitigation

Liquidation risk can be reduced with lower leverage, isolated margin, extra collateral, hedging, and clear exit rules. Stop orders help but do not guarantee protection in gaps or illiquid markets.

Conceptual links

Related terms

3 linked

Explore connected entries beyond the alphabetical index.

All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.