What is counterparty risk?

Counterparty risk, also known as default risk, is the possibility that the other party in a financial transaction may not fulfill their contractual obligations. This risk is commonly found in trading, lending, and derivative contracts, where one party could default on payments or fail to deliver assets. Financial institutions often manage counterparty risk by assessing creditworthiness, setting exposure limits, and using collateral. Understanding and mitigating counterparty risk is crucial for maintaining stability in financial markets.