Welcome to this comprehensive guide outlining the key terms, mechanisms, and risk considerations for margin and derivatives trading on OKX. Whether you're exploring leverage-based trading, futures, options, or perpetual contracts, understanding the structure and responsibilities involved is essential for informed participation in digital asset markets.
This document serves as a clear, user-focused interpretation of the Margin and Derivatives Trading Agreement provided by OKX Middle East Fintech FZE. It preserves all legal and operational details while enhancing readability, SEO optimization, and user engagement—without promotional content or prohibited material.
Understanding the Agreement Framework
Purpose and Scope
This agreement governs your use of advanced trading services offered by OKX, including Margin Trading, Futures Contracts, Options Contracts, and Perpetual Contracts. These services are accessible through the OKX platform and are designed for users seeking leveraged exposure to virtual assets.
The agreement works in conjunction with the overarching Terms of Service. In case of any conflict, this document takes precedence for matters related to margin and derivatives trading.
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User Classification
OKX classifies users based on regulatory standards set by the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) into one of three categories:
- Retail Investor
- Qualified Investor
- Institutional Investor
Retail investors are restricted to Margin Trading only under this agreement. All users must promptly notify OKX of any changes affecting their classification status.
Acceptance of Terms
By using any derivative or margin service, you agree to be bound by this agreement and acknowledge the high-risk nature of leveraged trading. You also confirm that you understand the financial implications and potential losses involved.
Available Trading Services
Core Offerings
OKX provides access to four primary financial instruments:
- Margin Trading – Borrowing funds to increase trade size.
- Futures Contracts – Agreements to buy/sell an asset at a future date.
- Options Contracts – Rights (but not obligations) to buy/sell at a set price.
- Perpetual Contracts – Futures-like instruments with no expiry date.
Each product carries distinct mechanics, risks, and settlement rules.
Leverage in Margin Trading
Leverage allows traders to control larger positions with less capital. The amount of leverage is displayed directly in your trading account and may vary based on market conditions and OKX’s discretion.
- Leverage is expressed as a multiple (e.g., 2x, 5x, 10x).
- Maximum leverage is subject to applicable laws.
- OKX reserves the right to adjust or withdraw leverage at any time, with reasonable notification via the platform.
Interest applies to borrowed virtual assets once a margin trade is executed. Rates are updated regularly and visible within the platform interface.
Derivatives Product Details
Futures Contracts
A futures contract obligates two parties to transact a specified virtual asset:
- At a predetermined price
- On a specific expiration date
Key features:
- Contract specifications are available directly on the platform.
- Settlement occurs weekly at 12:00 PM UTC on Fridays.
- For select tokens like BTC-USD and ETH-USDT, daily settlements occur at 8:00 AM UTC under cross-margin mode.
- Settlement does not alter position size; final delivery still happens at expiry.
OKX facilitates order matching but is not a party to the contract itself.
Options Contracts
An options contract gives the holder the right—but not the obligation—to buy or sell an underlying asset at expiry.
- Expiration exercise is automatic for in-the-money options.
- Out-of-the-money options expire worthless.
- Holders may close positions before expiry to realize gains or limit losses.
- The counterparty (seller) must fulfill settlement obligations if the option is exercised.
All contract terms are binding upon entry, and users are deemed to have accepted them upon placing an order.
Perpetual Contracts
These are among the most popular derivatives due to their flexibility:
- No fixed expiration date
- Funded through periodic funding rates
The funding rate ensures price alignment between the perpetual contract and the spot market:
- Paid every 8 hours (at 04:00, 12:00, and 20:00 UAE time)
- Long position holders pay shorts when funding is positive
- Shorts pay longs when funding is negative
- Funding rates vary per contract and are calculated solely by OKX
Users are automatically settled according to the funding cycle, with no manual action required.
Account Management and Trading Modes
Funding Your Trading Account
To engage in margin or derivatives trading, you must deposit virtual assets or eligible fiat currency (USD or AED) into your Trading Account.
OKX supports three trading modes:
1. Spot and Futures Mode
Positions are isolated by asset type—gains/losses do not affect other holdings.
2. Multi-Currency Margin Mode
All assets are converted to USD equivalents for shared margin calculation—increasing capital efficiency but exposing more of your portfolio to volatility.
3. Portfolio Margin Mode
Positions with the same underlying asset are grouped into risk units. Margin is assessed holistically, optimizing requirements based on net exposure.
Access to Multi-Currency and Portfolio Margin Modes requires a minimum net equity of $10,000 (or equivalent).
You can also choose Isolated Margin per position to limit exposure.
Risk Management Mechanisms
Margin Requirements
Two types of margin apply across all leveraged products:
- Initial Margin: Required to open a position.
- Maintenance Margin: Minimum balance needed to keep a position open.
These values fluctuate based on mark price, position size, and market volatility. OKX updates these in real time on your dashboard.
Early Warning System
Your account displays a Margin Ratio—the ratio of equity to maintenance margin—which reflects account health.
- Default early warning threshold: 300%
- Adjustable down to 150% or 200% at user’s risk
- Notifications sent via preferred communication method (email/app alert)
While OKX issues alerts, monitoring remains your responsibility.
Liquidation Process
If your margin ratio drops to 100% or below, OKX may fully or partially liquidate your positions.
Actions may include:
- Closing open positions
- Selling virtual assets
- Cancelling pending orders
You will receive a notification during liquidation, but execution speed depends on market conditions. A liquidation fee may apply.
Insurance Fund and Auto-Deleveraging
Insurance Fund
In cases where liquidation fails to cover losses (i.e., negative account balance), OKX uses its Insurance Fund—a reserve pool funded by past liquidation profits—to absorb shortfalls.
However:
- There is no guarantee of full loss protection.
- During extreme volatility, the fund may be depleted.
- You may owe OKX for uncovered deficits.
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Auto-Deleveraging (ADL)
When the Insurance Fund drops by 30% within 8 hours, ADL is triggered:
- Open positions are ranked from most profitable to least.
- The most profitable positions are forcibly closed first.
- Profits go directly to the respective user accounts.
- No trading fees are charged during forced closures.
ADL disables when:
- The fund recovers to 75% of its pre-trigger level within 8 hours, or
- The fund value reaches at least $8,000
This mechanism protects system solvency during black-swan events.
Fees, Taxes, and Settlements
Trading Fees
Fees apply when opening, closing, or liquidating positions. They include:
- Trading fees
- Funding fees (for perpetuals)
- Settlement fees
Fee schedules are updated periodically and published within the platform.
Taxes such as VAT may be applied based on jurisdiction and are charged in addition to fees.
All payments are due immediately upon trade execution and deducted automatically from your margin account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if I don’t meet my maintenance margin requirement?
A: If your margin ratio falls below 100%, OKX may liquidate your position automatically. You remain liable for any resulting deficits.
Q: Can I trade futures without holding the underlying asset?
A: Yes—futures contracts are cash-settled or delivered digitally. Physical possession is not required.
Q: How often is funding paid in perpetual contracts?
A: Every 8 hours—at 04:00, 12:00, and 20:00 UTC+4 (UAE time).
Q: Who determines the funding rate?
A: OKX calculates and publishes the funding rate for each perpetual contract based on market premiums.
Q: Are retail investors allowed to use leverage on futures?
A: No—retail investors are limited to margin trading only under current regulations.
Q: What should I do if I receive a margin warning?
A: Deposit additional funds or reduce position size immediately to avoid liquidation. Monitoring your account daily is strongly advised.
Final Provisions
You will receive monthly account statements via the platform, though real-time data is always accessible. This agreement may be amended by OKX with appropriate notice, and termination requires full settlement of all liabilities.
OKX reserves the right to terminate this agreement at any time. However, core obligations—especially those related to outstanding positions and debts—remain enforceable post-termination.
All definitions used herein align with regulatory terminology, including VARA Rules, Virtual Assets, and Eligible Fiat Currency.
Understanding these terms empowers you to trade responsibly in high-leverage environments. Always assess your risk tolerance and stay informed about market dynamics before entering any position.
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