$223T Derivatives System: The Hidden Liquidity Fragility Beneath U.S. Banking

The U.S. banking system sits on top of $223 trillion in derivatives — but the real risk isn’t the notional value. It’s liquidity. This deep-dive breaks down how margin calls, collateral chains, FDIC limits, repo plumbing, and Federal Reserve backstops tie together — and why liquidity shocks, not headlines, trigger systemic stress. Includes beginner-friendly breakdowns, research links, historical case studies, and charts.