Has there been an increase in margin requirements?

[Guest Steve]

Hi ... please assist.

I have been dealing with ig as a small trader (mainly main currency pairs & indices).

I havent trade for 3-4 months, and know i find that leverage has changed dramatically.

I need 10xtimes cash amount  for same points trade.

Is it something to do with my account, or all accounts???

Can i change that ???

Please assist in any way you can.

[JamesIG]

Please find useful information on the following links. Margin requirements have changed basis ESMA requirements, however this is only on new positions. Old positions should be fine. This has affected all retail accounts. 

https://www.ig.com/uk/help-and-support/accounts-and-statements/my-accounts/what-is-a-professional-client-and-how-do-i-become-one

https://www.ig.com/uk/help-and-support/spread-betting-and-cfds/margin/why-has-my-margin-to-open-a-position-increased

[Guest triplesmn]

thanks for the reply, but ....

these, amongst others, reflect changes in margins, not leverages !

How were leverages affected, to whom etc

[JamesIG]

Hi - margin and leverage are basically the same thing. Margin required to open a trade is another phrasing on it.

Say you needed 100% margin to open a trade, that would be the same as 1:1 leverage.
Say you needed 50% margin to open a trade, that would be the same as 2:1 leverage.

If you do 100/percentage then you get the x:1 ratio. E.g. 20% margin - 100 / 20 = 5:1 ratio. 

If margin rates increase, leverage decreases.