Investing Dictionary
Risk

What is Counterparty Risk?

The risk that the other side of a deal can't hold up their end

Full Explanation

Counterparty risk is the chance that whoever you're doing a financial deal with defaults or fails. It's why people worried about banks during 2008 — if your bank fails, your money is at risk.

Pro Tip

FDIC insurance covers up to $250,000 per account. Above that, counterparty risk is real.

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