Competence Trainer

Simulation Package: Margin Requirements (information)

Analyse the pledging of cash collateral to manage counterparty (credit) risk; depositing initial margin and variation margin.

This simulation mimics the fundamentals of the trading environment and market activity. Focus is only on relevant aspects so that you cannot be distracted by (currently) irrelevant aspects. The modular setup of this simulation allows therefore for gradually grasping one concept or process after another, making it very suitable for non-traders. Actually, it is suitable for all professionals with a role in (or relating to) the wholesale commodity or energy markets. It is very suitable for non-traders as terminology is covered on the go, thereby intuitively embedding concepts and processes.

Capacity

You act in the role of a market participant.
You act in the capacity of aggressor.

Task

Your task is to analyse the margin deposits, both initial margin and variation margin.

Objective

The aim of this simulation is to:

Analyse the margin requirement(s) of an open position.
Therefore, open a position (long or short), initially of one unit only. Now, watch the initial margin being deposited instantly, being taken from your working capital and transferred digitally in an automated manner. Then, watch the market price to develop and see what this does to your variation margin requirement.

Analyse the margin requirement(s) of a closed position.
Therefore, close the position that was initially opened. Upon closing the position, your margin requirements are zero (and, therefore, your margin deposits should now be zero), both initial margin and variation margin.
Now start all over again, but this time you take a position of more than one unit (for instance four units). Again, analyse your margin requirements/deposits (or capital allocation); the variation margin (if required) will change dynamically, on the basis of market dynamics.
At a certain point, close your position and watch your margin requirements/deposits turn zero.