⚖️Margin

Margin system overview - what are the components, and how they interoperate together

The margin system integrated into Gamma Options is a crucial component that enables secure and efficient trading of European options on the Ethereum blockchain. Margin system allows traders to borrow funds from liquidity pool to sell or issue options, amplifying their buying power and potential returns, but also increasing their potential risks.

This system encompasses several key components, including the Margin Pool, Margin Account, Margin Account Health, and Account Liquidations. Together, these components provide an overview of how the margin system operates within Gamma Options.

Margin Pool

The Margin Pool is a pool of funds within Gamma Options that traders/LPs can borrow from to increase their trading power. By accessing the Margin Pool, participants can leverage their positions and enhance their potential returns. The availability of borrowed funds is determined by the collateral provided by Lenders, ensuring a balanced and risk-managed approach to margin trading.

For more information how Margin Pool component works, see Margin Pool Details.

Margin Account

The Margin Account serves as a dedicated account for users to manage their collateral and borrowed funds. Users must deposit collateral into their Margin Account to ensure the necessary funds are available to cover potential losses. This collateral acts as a safeguard and allows participants to engage in trading activities without risking their entire holdings.

Margin Account Health

Margin Account Health (or Health) is measured by the health formula:

HEALTH = TOTAL_LIQ / DEBT,

where TOTAL_LIQ is total margin account liquidity including debt, plays a vital role in assessing the risk level of a user's position within the margin system. The health formula calculates the ratio of the total liquidation value to the user's debt.

By monitoring and maintaining a healthy margin ratio, users can mitigate the risk of liquidation and ensure the stability of their positions.

Account Liquidations

In the event that a user's margin account health falls below a specified threshold, the liquidation process may be initiated. Liquidation involves the transfer of the debt and positions held in the margin account to another user. It is important to note that Gamma Options implements a unique approach to liquidation, where the liquidator assumes the debt of the liquidated account, and the user that liquidates receives a 10% reward of the debt amount. This incentivizes users to participate in the liquidation process while maintaining the stability of the platform.

Position Opening Under the Margin System

In a margin system implemented by Gamma Options, when a trader decides to open a position, they're essentially expressing a desire to enter into a trade using borrowed funds to amplify their purchasing power. To begin, the trader deposits an initial amount of money, known as the "initial margin," into their margin account. This amount serves as collateral and determines the size of the position they can open. It's important to note that the trader might be able to control a position many times larger than their initial deposit, thanks to the leverage provided by the margin system.

On position opening, the borrowed funds are automatically withdrawn from a Margin Pool. The trader's potential profits or losses are calculated based on the full size of the leveraged position, not just the initial margin they deposited. As the market moves, the net liquidity in the trader's margin account (the total value of the account minus the borrowed amount) fluctuates. If the account health drops below a certain threshold, the trader might face account liquidation. Conversely, if the trade is profitable, the gains are credited to the trader's account, after deducting any interest owed for borrowing the funds.

The margin system within Gamma Options, encompassing the Margin Pool, Margin Account, Margin Account Health, and Liquidations, provides a comprehensive framework for secure trading and risk management. By utilizing collateral, borrowed funds, and monitoring health, users can engage in margin trading while maintaining the stability and integrity of their positions.