Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust III (the “Trust”) is a statutory business trust formed under the Delaware Business Trust Act, as amended. Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“ML&Co.”) is the sole owner of the Trust common securities.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

For a complete discussion of significant accounting policies, refer to the audited financial statements included in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Trust for the year ended December 31, 2010. The interim condensed financial statements for the three- and six-month periods are unaudited; however, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed financial statements have been included.

INVESTMENTS

The Trust’s investment in Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding III, L.P. (the “Partnership”) Preferred Securities represents a limited partnership interest in the Partnership and is recorded at cost. Income on the Partnership Preferred Securities is accrued when earned.

MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED FUNDING III, L.P.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Merrill Lynch Preferred Funding III, L.P. (the “Partnership”) is a limited partnership formed under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, as amended. Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“ML&Co.”) is the sole general partner of the Partnership.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

For a complete discussion of significant accounting policies, refer to the audited financial statements included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2010. The interim condensed financial statements for the three- and six-month periods are unaudited; however, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed financial statements have been included.

INVESTMENTS

The Partnership’s investment in affiliate debentures is recorded at cost. Its investment in U.S. Government and agency securities is recorded at accreted cost and matures within one year. At June 30, 2011, the estimated fair value of the investment in affiliate debentures was approximately $884 million. The fair value of the investment in U.S. Government and agency securities approximated its carrying value.