- To trade forex on margin, an investor has to have a margin account. This can be obtained through a brokerage. This account gives the investor the privilege to use borrowed money (a loan) to purchase a larger investment than with the funds previously available to the investor. The borrowed funds create leverage that investors can use to their advantage. Investors looking to trade forex on margin need to sign up with a stockbroker or online discount broker for a trading account. Once the account is set up, the investor now can create a margin account by taking out the loan.
- It is important to understand that when an investor uses margin, the broker now manages the account. After all, it is the broker's money at stake. The broker has the right to make a margin call, which will indicate if the investor needs to deposit more funds or close out all positions to limit loss.
- Forex is a speculative market, and adding margin increases the risk. If the margin is lost through a declining position, the investor will have to pay back the loan in full or sell personal securities to cover the margin loan.