Multi-Asset Margin Emerges as Exchanges Seek to Reduce Futures Risks

New approach tackles futures trading risks

As crypto markets see perpetual futures volumes stabilize around $832 billion, exchanges are adopting new tools to tackle key challenges such as liquidation risk and inefficient capital deployment. Among the most notable innovations is the Multi-Asset Margin model, which lets traders use a combination of cryptocurrencies as pooled collateral for their futures positions.

Instead of relying on a single token, traders can now combine top assets like Bitcoin, Ether, and stablecoins to back multiple positions. This offers the flexibility to offset gains and losses across trades—for example, a profit from a short Dogecoin position can help balance losses from a long position in Solana. This cross-margin functionality significantly reduces the risk of cascading liquidations.

The ability to deploy mixed collateral improves capital efficiency, reduces conversion costs, and automates collateral adjustments—key concerns for active traders. With crypto derivatives continuing to dominate daily market activity, such improvements in trading infrastructure are becoming essential.

MEXC rolls out tiered Multi-Asset Margin system

MEXC has become one of the first global platforms to introduce Multi-Asset Margin, offering support for 14 tokens including BTC, ETH, SOL, USDT, and USDC. The exchange’s system uses a tiered collateral rate model: stablecoins are valued at 100%, while Bitcoin and Ether margins range from 97.5% to 85%, depending on position size. This is designed to encourage collateral diversification and avoid over-reliance on a single asset.

Such a model aims to curb systemic risk by distributing exposure across various cryptocurrencies. As an example, a drop in one asset’s value would have a muted impact on the overall margin position when other assets are performing better.

Broader market dynamics push for infrastructure upgrades

With Bitcoin hovering between $110,000 and $113,000 and gold seeing stronger inflows amid macroeconomic uncertainty, exchanges are under pressure to offer safer and more flexible trading options. The rise of Multi-Asset Margin reflects a broader trend in exchange innovation, geared toward improving trader security and long-term market liquidity.

These models may not eliminate risk entirely, but they offer practical tools to help traders better navigate volatile conditions while making more efficient use of their capital.