The Counterparty & Credit Risk Management Department assesses Market Participant credit requirements and assists in mitigating defaults that would otherwise be mutualized among Market Participants. Based on the assessments, the Counterparty & Credit Risk Management Department will assign a level of unsecured credit to credit worthy Market Participants or request collateral to support activity in the NYISO-administered markets. The Counterparty & Credit Risk Management Department also assesses financial exposure by market and evaluates the financial health of each Market Participant and applicant utilizing Know Your Customer tools, financial risk management analysis and metrics.