What is the Regulation T Collateral Value of a Security?

Definition & Meaning

The regulation T collateral value of a security refers to the current market value of a security, adjusted by the required margin percentage for a position held in a margin account. This definition is established under Regulation T, which is a set of rules created by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to govern margin accounts and the borrowing of funds for purchasing securities.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if an investor holds shares of a company valued at $10,000 and the required margin is 50 percent, the regulation T collateral value would be $5,000. This means the investor can borrow up to $5,000 against those shares.

(hypothetical example) If another investor has securities worth $20,000 with a 30 percent margin requirement, their collateral value would be $14,000, allowing them to leverage their investment more effectively.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Margin Account An account that allows investors to borrow money from a broker to purchase securities. Regulation T collateral value specifically refers to the value of securities in a margin account after accounting for margin requirements.
Equity The value of an ownership interest in a security. Equity does not consider margin requirements, while regulation T collateral value does.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are trading on margin or considering it, ensure you understand the collateral value of your securities. Review your brokerage's margin requirements and consider using US Legal Forms to access templates for margin agreements and related documents. If you find the process complex, consulting with a financial advisor or legal professional may be beneficial.

Quick facts

  • Typical fees: Varies by brokerage
  • Jurisdiction: Federal regulation under the Federal Reserve
  • Possible penalties: Margin calls or liquidation of securities if requirements are not met

Key takeaways