Introduction
In the world of cryptocurrency trading, understanding the mechanics behind margin trading is essential for both novice and experienced investors. Margin collateral ratio and margin calculation play significant roles in determining a trader’s buying power as well as their risk exposure. This article explains how these components function within Bitget’s Unified Trading Account (UTA).
What is Margin Trading?
Margin trading involves borrowing funds to trade larger amounts than what you possess. This method can amplify both profits and risks. In UTA, different assets have varying margin collateral ratios that represent how much of an asset can contribute to the margin used for trading.
Key Concepts in Margin Trading
- Effective Margin: The total value of assets available for margin trading after applying collateral ratios.
- Collateral Ratio: A percentage that dictates how much of the value of an asset counts as usable margin for trading.
- Assets: Different cryptocurrencies are treated uniquely based on liquidity and volatility.
Account Modes in Bitget’s UTA
Bitget’s UTA offers several account modes that cater to various trading needs:
| Account Mode | Tradable Products | Margin Support | Eligibility |
| ———— | —————- | ————– | ———– |
| Spot Mode | Only spot trading allowed. | No margin usage. | Default for regulated users. |
| Basic Mode | Spot, USDT & USDC Perpetual Futures. | Shared margin for USDT & USDC. | Global users with questionnaire. |
| Advanced Mode | All product types with mutual margin support. | Margin shared among all assets. | Equity ≥ 1,000 USD.
In Advanced Mode, assets can work together as margin enabling mutual offsets between profits and losses.
Understanding Margin Collateral Ratio
The margin collateral ratio is critical in determining how assets are valued within the UTA. For example, BTC and DOT may be pledged as margin but have different collateral ratios based on liquidity factors.
Example Calculations
-
User pledges BTC and DOT without liabilities:
- Assets: 1 BTC + 500 DOT
- Current Prices: BTC/USD = $50,000; DOT/USD = $4
- Effective Margin Calculation:
- BTC collateral ratio = 0.98
- DOT collateral ratio = 0
- Effective Margin = 50,000 × 1 × 0.98 + 4 × 500 × 0 = 49,000 USD
-
User pledges 40 BTC with no liabilities:
- Effective Margin Calculation:
- First 1,000,000 tier at 0.98, remaining at 0.97.
- Effective Margin = 1,000,000 × 0.98 + 1,000,000 × 0.97 = 1,950,000 USD
- Effective Margin Calculation:
How Collateral Ratios are Applied
To calculate an asset’s USD conversion:
- Direct USD indexed assets use their listed price.
- Quoted assets in USDT or USDC refer to respective rates for conversion.
Advanced Mode Trading Rules
When operating in Advanced Mode, users have to adhere to several trading rules to mitigate risks:
- Order Validation: Ensures total effective margin equals or exceeds the occupied margin.
- Margin Calculation Rules: Includes initial and maintenance margin calculations to manage risk effectively across spot and futures trades.
Initial Margin Calculation
- Total Initial Margin includes borrowed and derivatives margins.
- Borrowed Asset Initial Margin = Borrowed Quantity × USD Price ÷ Leverage.
- Derivatives Initial Margin calculated through position and order values.
Maintenance Margin Calculation
- Requires maintaining minimum margin levels based on the user’s trading strategy and market movements.
Risk Management Mechanisms
Bitget employs a two-layer risk control mechanism to ensure safe trading practices:
- Order Cancellation: Manages account risk by canceling open orders if Effective Margin < Used Margin.
- Pre-liquidation Tips: Users receive warnings when margins approach preset thresholds to take corrective actions.
Conclusion
Understanding the margin collateral ratio and how to calculate effective margin is fundamental to utilizing Bitget’s UTA efficiently. It is important for traders to stay informed about asset liquidity and volatility to effectively manage their risk while maximizing their trading potential.
FAQs
- What is the margin collateral ratio? It’s the percentage of an asset’s value used as margin after adjustments for volatility.
- Why are some assets ineligible as margin collateral? Typically due to low liquidity or high volatility.
- What triggers liquidation? Liquidation occurs when account margin ratios surpass 100% and cannot cover open positions.