In order to prevent fraud from occurring, one must understand the business behind investing. One expert educates consumers on how to understand their brokerage account in an effort to protect them from fraud. It is also very important to understand the risks associated with any investment.
by Wall Street Fraud
March 1, 2012
Wall Street Fraud Blog
If you are thinking about opening a new brokerage account, there are a few decisions you will need to make. One of the most important is what type of brokerage account you want to open.
Most brokerage firms offer at least two types of accounts—a cash account and a margin loan account (often referred to as a “margin account”). Because these accounts involve different levels of risk, it is important to understand the difference.
In a cash account, you are required to pay for your securities in full at the time of purchase. In a margin loan account, your broker can lend you funds to purchase them, with the existing securities in your portfolio serving as collateral for the loan. The amount that you “borrow” from the brokerage must be repaid and will accrue interest, as with any other loan.
The Risks Associated With Margin Accounts
It is important to understand that margin accounts do come with certain risks, namely a “margin call.” A margin call is a demand that you repay all or part of the loan with cash, a deposit of securities from outside your account, or by selling some of the securities in your account.
In the case of a margin call:
- Your firm can sell your securities without contacting you.
- You are not entitled to choose which securities or other assets in your accounts are sold.
- Your firm can increase its margin requirements at any time and is not required to provide you with advance notice.
- You are not entitled to an extension of time on a margin call.
- You can lose more money than you deposit in a margin account.
Because of the risks involved, be sure to carefully review all of the documents provided by your broker to ensure that you sign up for the right type of account. With some firms, you sign up for a margin loan account by default unless you indicate otherwise on the application.
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