Risk Management Essentials for Crypto Futures Margin Traders
Crypto futures margin trading amplifies exposure with minimal collateral, but carries liquidation risks if margin thresholds breach. Initial margin acts as the entry ticket—typically 5% for a $20,000 position—while maintenance margin (e.g., 3%) becomes the lifeline to avoid forced closures. Unlike spot leverage, futures margin involves collateral deposits rather than interest-bearing loans.
Volatility turns small price swings into existential threats. A mere 5% adverse MOVE at 20× leverage wipes out the entire $1,000 margin. Traders navigating these waters deploy stop-loss orders, position sizing strategies, and real-time monitoring to survive market squalls.