Definition of "Fictitious Credit"

The credit balance in a margin account is known as a fictitious credit because it cannot be withdrawn by the customer since it is held as collateral to secure the broker's loan of funds and securities to the customer. A fictitious credit is comprised of the proceeds from short sales and the margin requirement, which is established by Regulation T of the Federal Reserve Board. A free credit balance, on the other hand, may be withdrawn at any time.