The number of margin loan accounts in Australia fell to a record low in the December quarter, relegating what was once a thriving market segment to niche status. The latest Reserve Bank margin lending report shows that account numbers fell 10.1 per cent from 89,000 in the December quarter 2022 to 80,000 in the December quarter last year. Balances fell 6.8 per cent to A$14.2 billion over the same period.  The margin lending market has been in decline for years. Account numbers peaked at 248,000 in June 2008 but fell away during the equity market correction that accompanied the global financial crisis.  At the peak, margin loan account balances were worth $41.6 billion. They have been as low as $10 billion since then. Stricter financial planning regulations, a more cautious approach to leveraging equity and other investments, and a withdrawal of lenders from the market have contributed to the ongoing decline.