Retained Margin is an account state that activates when your equity (the real value of your portfolio, after subtracting what you owe on margin) falls below USD $2,500. While you're in this state, your margin line is paused: you can't use margin for new purchases until your equity rises again.
⚠️ Margin involves risk. Trading on margin means borrowing money to invest, and it can increase your losses as well as your gains. You can lose more than you deposited. If your equity falls below the requirements, Hapi may sell your assets without notifying you and without a prior margin call, and you don't get to choose which ones are sold. The firm may change maintenance requirements at any time. Interest is charged on the margin used.
What you'll see in the app
Your Available Margin drops to $0: you can no longer use margin for new purchases.
The margin buffer bar is replaced by one showing how much you need to recover to exit the retained state.
If you had margin in use, your Buying Power will show as negative, reflecting your outstanding debt.
If you had no margin in use, you'll still enter the retained state, but without a negative balance.
What you can and can't do
✅ Sell assets to reduce your debt or recover equity.
✅ Deposit funds so your portfolio value goes back above USD $2,500.
✅ Receive dividends normally.
❌ Open new positions while in this state.
❌ Withdraw funds if you have margin in use.
Why does it happen?
Your equity is the real value of your portfolio after subtracting what you borrowed:
Portfolio value = Market value of your assets (stocks and ETFs, not crypto) + Cash − Margin used
If the market drops and your equity falls below USD $2,500, your margin line pauses automatically. The mechanism is operational — to limit margin use when your portfolio value is low — it is not protection against losses: your assets' value can keep falling and your margin debt is still yours.
How do I exit Retained Margin?
Option 1 — Deposit funds. Make a deposit so your equity goes back above USD $2,500. Once processed, your margin could be reactivated.
Option 2 — Sell assets. By reducing the margin used or increasing your cash, your equity rises and you can regain access to margin.
Is it the same as a Margin Call?
Not exactly. A Margin Call happens when your account falls below the maintenance requirement, and you normally have a period to cover the difference. Retained Margin is a prior step: your line pauses when your equity drops below USD $2,500. In both cases, remember the firm may liquidate positions without prior notice if your account doesn't meet the requirements.
FAQ
Did I lose my margin line? No. Your line is still there; once your equity exceeds USD $2,500, it could be reactivated.
Am I still charged interest? Yes. If you have margin in use, interest keeps accruing on that amount until you cover it. You can check the current margin interest rate at this link.
Can I still see my positions? Yes. Your assets remain in your portfolio. Market data comes from third parties and may not be accurate, timely, or continuous.
How much time do I have to resolve it? There's no fixed deadline, but it's best to act as soon as possible. If your account doesn't meet the requirements, the firm may sell your assets without prior notice, so don't count on having time if the market keeps falling.
Need help? Write to [email protected] and we'll help you.
Margin and securities are offered through Hapi Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), with custody and clearing through Apex Clearing Corporation. Trading on margin involves risk and is not suitable for all investors; review the Margin Disclosure Statement and your margin agreement. SIPC protects against the loss of cash and securities in certain cases, but does not protect against the loss of market value of your investments (more information at sipc.org). Hapi is self-directed and does not provide investment recommendations. Investing involves risks, including the possible loss of capital.