Portfolio Margin vs. Regulation T Margin. What's the Difference?

How can an individual trader get risk-based margins like a market maker without owning (or leasing) a seat or trading on the exchange floor? Portfolio margin.

Portfolio margin is a risk-based margin available for qualified accounts. Portfolio margin computes real-time margin for stock and options positions based on their risk rather than the fixed percentages and strategy rules associated with Regulation T margin. 

Portfolio margin at TD Ameritrade uses theoretical pricing models to calculate the real-time losses of a position at different price points above and below the current underlying price. The largest theoretical loss identified is the margin required for the position. 

TD Ameritrade uses an industry standard options pricing model to calculate, in real time, the theoretical fair value for both put and call options by using inputs of underlying price, strike price, time to expiration, volatility, the risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield (if applicable). 

The result of all this is frequently lower margin requirements and increased leverage when compared to Regulation T margin requirements. Here’s a breakdown of some of the other differences between portfolio margin and Regulation T margin.

A Brief History of Portfolio Margin

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) developed a risk-based margin model in 1988 for calculating margin requirements for future and options on futures.

On December 12, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved a rule change to make portfolio margin available to brokerage firms. The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) provided broker dealers with the only approved model, the Theoretical Intermarket Margining System (TIMS), which is a baseline minimum risk-based model to calculate margin requirements for portfolio margin accounts once a day after the equity market is closed.

FIGURE 1. A BRIEF HISTORY OF PORTFOLIO MARGIN.

Image source: TD Ameritrade

Now that you have an introduction to portfolio margin, and a basic understanding of some of the features and characteristics when compared to Regulation T margin, you can learn more about how portfolio margin works here.

Portfolio margining involves a great deal more risk than cash accounts and is not suitable for all investors. Minimum qualification requirements apply. Portfolio margining is not available in all account types.

Portfolio margining privileges subject to TD Ameritrade review and approval. Not all clients will qualify. Please consider your financial resources, investment objectives, and tolerance for risk to determine if it makes sense for your individual circumstances. Carefully read the Portfolio Margin Risk Disclosure Statement, Margin Handbook, and Margin Disclosure Document for specific disclosures and more details. You may also contact TD Ameritrade at 800-669-3900 for copies.