Understanding risks while trading in derivatives - National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) (2024)

Understanding risks while trading in derivatives

Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their value from an underlying asset, such as a stock or a commodity (see the article Understanding Derivatives). They are often used to manage risk or speculate on the future price movements of the underlying asset. While derivatives can be a useful risk-management tool for investors, they also carry significant risks.

The risks
Primarily, there are five major risks

Market risk refers to the risk of a decline in the value of the underlying asset. This can happen if there is a sudden change in market conditions, such as a global financial crisis or a natural disaster. If the value of the underlying asset falls significantly, the value of the derivative can also decline, potentially leading to significant losses for investors.

Leverage can enhance the impact of market risk. Since an investor is required to pay only the margin or premium, as the case may be, the actual exposure to the underlying would be a multiple of the amount paid. If the investor has not properly understood and put a significant amount of capital towards the margin or premium, the losses could be huge, potentially wiping the investor out financially.

Understanding risks while trading in derivatives - National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) (3)

Another risk associated with derivatives is credit risk—the risk that the counterparty to the derivative contract will default on their obligations. If a counterparty defaults on a derivative contract, the investor may not receive the full value of the contract, leading to losses. However, this risk does not exist in the case of exchange-traded derivatives, as the clearing house or clearing corporation acts as the counterparty.


Liquidity risk is another significant one. It refers to the risk that an investor may not be able to exit a position in the derivative market quickly or at a fair price. In the Indian securities markets, most actively traded derivatives contracts are short-term, so liquidity risk may not be much as the contract will expire soon.

Operational risk refers to the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, or systems, or from external events. While such instances could be rare, these incidents can lead to significant losses for investors who are unable to exit their positions in time.
In conclusion, derivatives can be a useful tool for investors in the Indian securities markets, but they also carry significant risks. Investors should be aware of the risks associated with derivatives and take steps to mitigate these risks. These measures can help investors use derivatives to manage risks better and potentially enhance their returns.

Understanding risks while trading in derivatives - National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) (2024)

FAQs

Understanding risks while trading in derivatives - National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM)? ›

If a counterparty defaults on a derivative contract, the investor may not receive the full value of the contract, leading to losses. However, this risk does not exist in the case of exchange-traded derivatives, as the clearing house or clearing corporation acts as the counterparty.

What are the risks of derivatives trading? ›

Counterparty risk, or counterparty credit risk, arises if one of the parties involved in a derivatives trade, such as the buyer, seller, or dealer, defaults on the contract. This risk is higher in over-the-counter, or OTC, markets, which are much less regulated than ordinary trading exchanges.

What is the regulatory framework for derivatives trading in India? ›

SEBI establishes the regulatory framework governing derivatives in India. It formulates rules, regulations, and guidelines concerning the trading, clearing, and settlement of derivative contracts.

What is the derivatives market in India? ›

Derivative trading is a complex yet interesting concept. One of the main advantages of derivatives is that you don't require any special tools or technologies to start trading in them. By opening a Demat account and a trading account in India, you can get started with buying and selling derivatives.

What is the trend in equity derivatives? ›

The trend has been more or less same for last few years. The equity derivatives market and equity cash market has grown with a CAGR growth of 39.24% and 19.42% respectively since F.Y. 2013-14 till F.Y. 2019-20.

What is the biggest underlying issue with derivatives? ›

The main drawbacks of derivatives include counterparty risk, the inherent risks of leverage, and the fact that complicated webs of derivative contracts can lead to systemic risks.

Are derivatives riskier than stocks? ›

Because the value of derivatives comes from other assets, professional traders tend to buy and sell them to offset risk. For less experienced investors, however, derivatives can have the opposite effect, making their investment portfolios much riskier.

Who regulates derivatives trading? ›

1.1 In India, different derivatives instruments are permitted and regulated by various regulators, like Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Forward Markets Commission (FMC).

What are the regulations for derivatives trading? ›

The Derivatives Exchange/Segment should have arbitration and investor grievances redressal mechanism operative from all the four areas / regions of the country. 5. The Derivatives Exchange/Segment should have satisfactory system of monitoring investor complaints and preventing irregularities in trading.

Who regulates derivatives? ›

CFTC Overview

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is an independent U.S. government agency that regulates the U.S. derivatives markets, including futures, options, and swaps.

What is the average salary of a derivatives trader in India? ›

Average salary for a Derivatives Trader in India is 8.7 Lakhs per year (₹72.9k per month). Salary estimates are based on 637 latest salaries received from various Derivatives Traders across industries.

Can I trade in US derivatives from India? ›

Yes, it is possible for Indian residents to trade in US index options. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, residents of India need to have a foreign brokerage account to trade US index options.

What are the four types of derivatives? ›

The four different types of derivatives are as follows:
  • Forward Contracts.
  • Future Contracts.
  • Options Contracts.
  • Swap Contracts.

Are derivatives debt or equity? ›

Unlike equity, derivatives are financial instruments traded through stock exchanges or Over-The-Counter (OTC). While almost all equity trades occur through an exchange, derivatives trades may be executed within or without the stock exchange framework. Some types of derivatives are futures, options, forwards, and swaps.

How much do derivative brokers make? ›

How much does an Equity Derivatives Broker make? As of Apr 29, 2024, the average annual pay for an Equity Derivatives Broker in the United States is $95,027 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $45.69 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,827/week or $7,918/month.

What is f and o in trading? ›

Futures and options (F&O) are derivative products in the stock market. Since they derive their values from an underlying asset, like shares or commodities, they are called derivatives.

What are the types of risk in derivatives? ›

There are seven risks associated with derivatives:
  • legal risk;
  • credit risk;
  • market risk;
  • liquidity risk;
  • operational risk;
  • reputation risk; and.
  • systemic risk.

What are the disadvantages of derivatives? ›

Below are the disadvantages of derivatives:
  • Complex Instruments: Derivatives are often complex financial instruments that require a deep understanding. ...
  • Speculative Nature: Derivatives are often used for speculative purposes, and this can result in substantial losses if market movements are not accurately predicted.
Feb 12, 2024

Why do people lose money in derivatives? ›

The emotional aspect of trading often leads to irrational decisions like panic selling. When the market moves unfavourably, many traders, especially those who are inexperienced, tend to panic and exit their positions hastily. This panic selling often occurs at the worst possible time, leading to significant losses.

Is investing in derivatives safe? ›

Risk-averse investors use derivatives to enhance safety while risk-loving investors like speculators conduct risky, contrarian trades to improve profits. This way, the risk is transferred. There are a wide variety of products available and strategies that can be constructed, which allow you to pass on your risk.

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