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KembaraXtra – Islamic Derivatives: Does Margin Deposit Apply to Option Contracts?


🔹 Short Answer
 
👉 Not in the same way as futures contracts.
  • In futures → both buyer and seller must deposit margin
  • In options → mainly only the seller (writer) needs margin


🔹 How It Works in Options
 
🔸 1. Option Buyer
  • Pays premium only
  • Does not need to deposit margin
  • Maximum loss = premium paid
 
👉 Example:
  • Premium = RM50
  • Worst case → you lose RM50 only


🔸 2. Option Seller (Writer)
  • Receives the premium
  • ⚠️ Has potentially large losses
  • Must deposit margin as security
 
👉 Why?
  • Because the seller is obligated to fulfill the contract if buyer exercises


🔹 Why Margin Is Needed for Seller Only
  • Buyer → has a choice (not obligation)
  • Seller → has a legal obligation
 
👉 So:
  • Seller carries more risk
  • Margin protects the system
Simple Analogy
  • Option buyer → buys a ticket (premium) 🎟️
  • Option seller → must be ready to deliver → needs a deposit (margin)


🔹 Simple Summary
  • Futures → both sides deposit margin
  • Options → only seller deposits margin
  • Premium ≠ margin
  • Margin protects against seller’s risk
 

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