Surging trading volumes, geopolitical uncertainties and record-setting trading volumes have all contributed to recent volatility experienced within capital markets. The reasons have been numerous, and the knock-on effects have been covered extensively. With anything though there have been potential benefits and challenges to this.
Benefits have included increased trading activity, greater demand for risk management services, opportunities for market-making and potential new client acquisitions. On the reverse, firms have seen an increased risk of counterparty risk, amplified operational demands and regulatory scrutiny. The volatility has also led to increased margin requirements which is generally seen as a challenge but for some its proving to be a benefit.
Understanding what impacts margin and its requirements is crucial for optimising the value of a portfolio in volatile conditions. Equity value, more commonly known as Net Liquidating Value (NLV) or Premium Value, is a calculation of the current value of any options where the premium is paid upfront in a portfolio.
The calculation:
If this calculation is overlooked, there is a high likelihood that a share of ‘free’ risk is being missed out on and one’s investment potential is not being maximised. It also determines whether any further positions can be opened without paying any additional margin. With competition growing and clients’ demands and expectations ever-growing, this could be a huge differential in separating oneself from the herd.
Understanding the formula is key. If you were to have credit NLV, you could reduce your net margin, thereby utilising the equity value in your long positions to lower the amount of margin you pay. In times of extreme volatility, like we are seeing more and more regularly, the credit identified by NLV could exceed the initial margin and potentially offset it completely!
The trick and the ability to benefit from a credit NLV depends on how effective you can be in using it before it exceeds your initial margin. Just like a referee running around with arms raised giving an aggrieved team ‘advantage’, it is a similar case of “use it or lose it”. If the credit NLV more than offsets your initial margin, it opens the door to trading additional futures without extra margin costs.
There are two major considerations that need to be taken into account when leveraging NLV. The first is that the amount of initial margin that can be offset by credit NLV, is generally limited to the same group of products. Secondly, when an option expires or is exercised, the equity value disappears with it, which can suddenly increase margin costs. These considerations emphasise the importance of long-term strategic planning and the need for intense scrutiny and monitoring of a firm’s positions. As the American entrepreneur and author Jim Rohn said, “if you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary”.
Rising interest rates have also underlined a new way to generate revenue with the assistance of NLV. Offering competitive interest on customer margin balances has become an increasingly bigger factor in firms looking to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Effectively utilising NLV can increase customer margin balances, provide more opportunities for growth and encourage existing customers to maximise their portfolios.
Where there are rewards there are risks and effectively managing margin requirements through NLV proves no different. If it’s not managed carefully, there could be severe consequences.
When leveraging NLV to offset initial margin requirements, firms may be unaware that they have taken on additional risk exposure due to abruptly changing market conditions. There is a high likelihood of this occurring if these positions are not carefully monitored or accurately reported. Just the same as relying heavily on NLV to offset margin requirements could potentially create liquidity issues for firms if they are unable to close out positions or raise additional funds when needed.
From an operational perspective effectively utilising NLV will also increase regulatory scrutiny and operational complexity. Regulators may not feel comfortable with firms aggressively leveraging NLV to reduce their margin requirements. This is simply because this is seen as a risk and potentially an attempt at circumnavigating margin rules. A robust and accurate system should remedy any fears and quash any regulatory concerns.
Operationally it will require robust risk management systems, skilled personnel, and rigorous monitoring processes. These may inadvertently increase costs and test the strategic know-how of a firm’s employees. Adding an additional supplementary system could reduce any disturbances or costs and the provider will generally be able to help successfully reduce any risk exposures.
To conclude, understanding and leveraging equity value or NLV is essential for optimising a portfolio. In times of market volatility and rising interest rates, it is even more critical. If you can effectively manage NLV, there is an opportunity to unlock significant growth and profitability. In today’s market conditions, it’s paramount to stay ahead of your competitors and improve your offering through strategic utilisation and staying ahead of market dynamics.
HelloZero offers a range of suitable solutions designed to help firms of all sizes unlock the potential of NLV. Be it through a standalone or supplemental solution, HelloZero can provide the tools and expertise to help you effectively manage NLV, optimise portfolio margins and stay compliant with regulators.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your firm.
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