Standard margin (Reg-T) vs. Portfolio Margin (PM)

2:1 leverage vs. ≈ 6.7:1 leverage

The buying requirement for standard margin accounts is governed by FINRA's Regulation-T which allows 2:1 leverage, namely 50% initial margin and 25% maintenance. On the other hand, Portfolio Margin accounts base on the Theoretical Intermarket Margining System (TIMS) margin methodology, which is a risk-based approach, thus allowing ≈ 6.7:1 leverage. Unlike a standard margin account that is subject to a fixed initial and maintenance requirement percentage, PM accounts take a risk-based approach. To learn more about PM and how to apply for PM, please click here.