As shown in [Rudd and Schroeder, 1982], the problem of margining option portfolios where option spreads with two legs are used for offsetting can be solved in polynomial time by network flow algorithms. However, spreads with only two legs do not provide sufficient accuracy in measuring risk....

This paper presents the results of a novel mathematical and experimental analysis of two approaches to margining customer accounts, strategy-based and risk-based. Building combinatorial models of hedging mechanisms of these approaches, we show that the strategy-based approach is, at this point,...

In December 2005, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved margin rules for complex option spreads with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 legs. Only option spreads with 2, 3 or 4 legs were recognized before. Taking advantage of option spreads with a large number of legs substantially reduces...

This paper presents the results of a novel mathematical and experimental analysis of two approaches to margining customer accounts, strategy-based and risk-based. Building combinatorial models of hedging mechanisms of these approaches, we show that the strategy-based approach is, at this point,...

As shown in [Rudd and Schroeder, 1982], the problem of margining option portfolios where option spreads with two legs are used for offsetting can be solved in polynomial time by network flow algorithms. However, spreads with only two legs do not provide sufficient accuracy in measuring risk....

Margining is a crucial brokerage operation. In application to option portfolios it becomes exceptionally challenging because margin offsets with options require solving a highly intractable integer program. All these offsets are based on option spreads with a maximum of four legs. Although...