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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Business Overview
Business Overview
BGC is a leading global marketplace, data, and financial technology company that specializes in the trade execution of a broad range of products, including fixed income securities such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and other debt instruments, as well as related interest rate derivatives and credit derivatives. Additionally, the Company provides brokerage services across foreign exchange, energy, commodities, shipping, equities, and futures and options. The Company also provides network and connectivity solutions, market data and related information services, and post-trade services.
BGC’s integrated platform is designed to provide flexibility to customers with regard to price discovery, trade execution and transaction processing, as well as accessing liquidity through our platforms, for transactions executed either OTC or through an exchange. Through the Company’s electronic brands, BGC Group offers several trade execution, market infrastructure and connectivity services, as well as post-trade services.
The Company’s clients include many of the world’s largest banks, broker-dealers, trading firms, hedge funds, governments, corporations, investment firms, commodity trading firms and end users, such as producers and consumers. BGC is a global operation with offices across all major geographies, including New York and London, as well as in Bahrain, Beijing, Bogota, Brisbane, Cape Town, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dubai, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, Houston, Johannesburg, Madrid, Manila, Melbourne, Mexico City, Miami, Milan, Monaco, Nyon, Paris, Perth, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, São Paulo, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, Toronto, Wellington and Zurich.
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
Consolidation The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements include the Company’s accounts and all subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassification Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported amounts to conform to the current presentation.
During the first quarter of 2022, the Company changed the name of the brokerage product line formerly labeled as “Equity derivatives and cash equity” to “Equities” to better align the caption with the underlying activity. The change did not result in any reclassification of revenues and had no impact on the Company’s Total brokerage revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022.
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company combined “Realized losses (gains) on marketable securities,” “Unrealized losses (gains) on marketable securities,” and “Losses (gains) on other investments” on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows into “Losses (gains) on marketable securities and other investments.” The recognition of gains and losses related to these investments were similar in nature and were immaterial to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.
During the third quarter of 2022, the Company renamed “Securities owned” as “Financial instruments owned, at fair value” and combined it with “Marketable securities” on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. In addition, “Losses (gains) on marketable securities and other investments” was renamed as “Unrealized/realized losses (gains) on financial instruments owned, at fair value and other investments” on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
During the second quarter of 2023, the Company renamed “Data, software and post-trade” as “Data, network and post-trade” on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During the third quarter of 2023, the Company renamed “Net income (loss) available to common stockholders” as “Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders” under the Basic earnings (loss) per share calculation on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During the first quarter of 2024, the Company changed the name of the brokerage product line formerly labeled as “Energy and Commodities” to “Energy, Commodities, and Shipping” to better reflect the integrated operations of these businesses. The change did not result in any change in the classification of revenues and had no impact on the Company’s Total brokerage revenues. See Note 22—“Segment and Geographic Information.”
The Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, the Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity of the Company for the periods presented.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. The standard improves the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in practice and inconsistency related to the recognition of an acquired contract liability, as well as payment terms and their effect on subsequent revenue recognized by the acquirer. The ASU requires companies to apply guidance in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers acquired in a business combination, and, thus, creates an exception to the general recognition and measurement principle in ASC 805, Business Combinations. BGC adopted the standard on the required effective date beginning January 1, 2023 using a prospective transition method for business combinations occurring on or after the effective date. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The guidance is intended to improve the decision usefulness of information provided to investors about certain loan refinancings, restructurings, and write-offs. The standard eliminates the recognition and measurement guidance on TDRs for creditors that have adopted ASC 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses and requires them to make enhanced disclosures about loan modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The new guidance also requires public business entities to present current-period gross write-offs (on a current year-to-date basis for interim-period disclosures) by year of origination in their vintage disclosures. BGC adopted the standard on the required effective date beginning January 1, 2023. The guidance for recognition and measurement of TDRs was applied using a prospective transition method, and the amendments related to disclosures will be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-04, Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Debt Restructurings Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations. The guidance requires entities to disclose the key terms of supplier finance programs they use in connection with the purchase of goods and services along with information about their obligations under these programs, including a rollforward of those obligations. BGC adopted the standard on the required effective date beginning on January 1, 2023, except for the rollforward requirement, which became effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2024. The guidance was adopted using a retrospective application to all periods in which a balance sheet is presented, and the rollforward disclosure requirement will be applied prospectively. The adoption of the guidance that was effective beginning January 1, 2023 did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The rollforward disclosure requirement did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial statements.
In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting provided optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. The ASU was effective upon issuance and generally could be applied through December 31, 2022. Because the relief in ASC 848, Reference Rate Reform may not cover a period of time during which a significant number of modifications may take place, the amendments in ASU No. 2022-06 deferred the sunset date from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024, after which entities will no longer be permitted to apply the relief in ASC 848. The ASU was effective upon issuance. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The guidance was issued in response to requests from investors for companies to disclose more information about their financial performance at the segment level. The ASU does not change how a public entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates them or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments. The standard requires a public entity to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis, and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that were previously required annually. Public entities with a single reportable segment are required to provide the new disclosures and all the disclosures previously required under ASC 280. BGC adopted the standard on the required effective date for the Company’s financial statements issued for the annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2024 and will apply the guidance for the interim periods beginning on January 1, 2025. Refer to Note 22—“Segment and Geographic Information.” The adoption of the new guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements—Codification Amendments in Response to the SECs Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. The standard is expected to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of ASC topics, allow users to more easily compare entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosure requirements with those entities that were not previously subject to the requirements, and align the requirements in the Codification with the SEC’s regulations. The effective date for the guidance will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of the related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective. If by June 30, 2027 the SEC has not removed the applicable requirements from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, the pending content of the related amendment will be removed from the Codification and will not become effective for any entity. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The standard improves the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. The ASU also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. The new guidance will become effective for the Company’s financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2025, will require prospective presentation with an option for entities to apply it retrospectively for each period presented, and early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-01, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards. The standard is intended to reduce the complexity in determining whether profits interests and similar awards are in the scope of ASC 718 and to reduce diversity in practice. The new guidance applies to all reporting entities that grant profits interest awards or similar awards to employees or nonemployees in exchange for goods or services. The ASU adds an example to ASC 718 that illustrates how to apply the scope guidance to determine whether a profits interest award should be accounted for as a share-based payment arrangement under ASC 718 or another accounting standard. The new guidance became effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2025 and will be applied prospectively to profits interest awards granted or modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-02, Codification Improvements—Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements. The Conceptual Framework establishes concepts that the Board considers in developing standards. The ASU was issued to remove references to the Conceptual Framework in the Codification. The FASB noted that references to the Concepts Statements in the Codification could have implied that the Concepts Statements are authoritative. Also, some of the references removed were to Concepts Statements that are superseded. The new guidance became effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2025 and will be applied prospectively to all new transactions recognized on or after the adoption date. The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The standard improves financial reporting and responds to investor input that additional expense detail is fundamental to understanding the performance of an entity, assessing its prospects for future cash flows, and comparing its performance over time and with that of other companies. The new guidance requires public business entities to disclose in the notes to financial statements specified information about certain costs and expenses at each interim and annual reporting period, including the amounts of employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization for each income statement line item that contains those expenses. Specified expenses, gains or losses that are already disclosed under existing U.S. GAAP will be required by the ASU to be included in the disaggregated income statement expense line item disclosures, and any remaining amounts will need to be described qualitatively. Separate disclosures of total selling expenses and an entity’s definition of those expenses will also be required. The new guidance will become effective for the Company’s financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2027 and interim reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2028, will require either prospective or retrospective presentation, and early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in these consolidated financial statements. Management believes that the estimates utilized in preparing these consolidated financial statements are reasonable. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported amounts to conform to the current period presentation.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition:
BGC derives its revenues primarily through commissions from brokerage services, the spread between the buy and sell prices on matched principal transactions, fees from related parties, data, network and post-trade services, and other revenues.
Commissions
Commissions:
The Company derives its commission revenues from securities and commodities, whereby the Company connects buyers and sellers in the OTC and exchange markets and assists in the negotiation of the price and other material terms. These transactions result from the provision of service related to executing, settling and clearing transactions for customers. Trade execution and clearing services, when provided together, represent a single performance obligation as the services are not separately identifiable in the context of the contract. Commission revenues are recognized at a point in time on the trade-date, when the customer obtains control of the service and can direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the asset. The Company records a receivable between the trade-date and settlement date when payment is received.
Principal Transactions
Principal Transactions:
Principal transaction revenues are primarily derived from matched principal transactions, whereby the Company simultaneously agrees to buy securities from one customer and sell them to another customer. A very limited number of trading businesses are allowed to enter into unmatched principal transactions to facilitate a customer’s execution needs for transactions initiated by such customers. Revenues earned from principal transactions represent the spread between the buy and sell price of the brokered security, commodity or derivative. Principal transaction revenues and related expenses are recognized on a trade-date basis. Positions held as part of a principal transaction are marked-to-market on a daily basis.
Fees from Related Parties
Fees from Related Parties:
Fees from related parties consist of charges for back-office services provided to Cantor and its affiliates, including occupancy of office space, utilization of fixed assets, accounting, operations, human resources and legal services, and information technology. The services are satisfied over time and measured using a time-elapsed measure of progress as the customer receives the benefits of the services evenly throughout the term of the contract. The transaction price is considered variable consideration as the level and type of services fluctuate from period to period and revenues are recognized only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenues recognized will not occur when the uncertainty is resolved. Fees from related parties are determined based on the cost incurred by the Company to perform or provide the service as evidenced by an allocation of employee expenses or a third-party invoice. Net cash settlements between affiliates are generally performed on a monthly basis.
Data, Network and Post-trade
Data, Network and Post-trade:
Data revenues primarily consist of subscription fees and fees from customized one-time sales provided to customers either directly or through third-party vendors. Regarding this revenue stream, the Company determined that software implementation, license usage, and related support services represent a single-performance obligation because the combination of these deliverables is necessary for the customer to derive benefit from the data. As such, once implementation is complete, monthly subscription fees are billed in advance and recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the license period.
The Company also provides software customization services contracted through work orders that each represent a separate performance obligation. Revenue is recognized over time using an output method as a measure of progress. As circumstances change over time, the Company updates its measure of progress to reflect any changes in the outcome of the performance obligation. Such updates are accounted for as a change in accounting estimate. As a practical expedient, when the work-order period is less than 12 months, the Company recognizes revenue upon acceptance from the customer after work is completed. The contract price is fixed and billed to the customer as combination of an upfront fee, progress fees, and a post-delivery fee.
Other Revenues
Other Revenues:
Other revenues are earned from various sources, including consulting income for Poten & Partners, underwriting and advisory fees.
Other Income (Losses), Net
Other Income (Losses), Net:
Gains (Losses) on Divestitures and Sale of Investments:
Gains (losses) on divestitures and sale of investments is comprised of gains and losses recorded in connection with the divestiture of certain businesses or sale of investments (see Note 5—“Divestitures”).
Gains (Losses) on Equity Method Investments:
Gains (losses) on equity method investments represent the Company’s pro-rata share of the net gains and losses on investments over which the Company has significant influence but which it does not control.
Other Income (Loss):
Other income (loss) is primarily comprised of miscellaneous recoveries and gains and losses associated with the movements related to the changes in fair value and/or hedges of Financial instruments owned, at fair value equity securities and investments carried under the measurement alternative (see Note 8—“Financial Instruments Owned, at Fair Value” and Note 14—“Investments”).
Segments
Segments:
The Company has one reportable segment (see Note 22—“Segment and Geographic Information”).
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition that are not segregated under regulatory requirements, other than those used for trading purposes, to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include money market funds, deposits with banks, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and U.S. Treasury securities.
Cash Segregated Under Regulatory Requirements
Cash Segregated Under Regulatory Requirements:
Cash segregated under regulatory requirements represents funds received in connection with customer activities that the Company is obligated to segregate or set aside to comply with regulations mandated by authorities such as the SEC and FINRA in the U.S. and the FCA in the U.K. that have been promulgated to protect customer assets.
Financial Instruments Owned, at Fair Value
Financial Instruments Owned, at Fair Value:
Financial instruments owned, at fair value primarily consist of unencumbered U.S. Treasury bills held for liquidity purposes as well as equity securities with readily determinable fair value, foreign government bonds, and corporate bonds. Debt securities presented within Financial instruments owned, at fair value are classified as trading and marked-to-market daily based on current listed market prices (or, when applicable, broker or dealer quotes), with the resulting gains and losses included in operating income in the current period. Unrealized and realized gains and losses from changes in fair value of these debt securities are included as part of “Principal transactions” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In accordance with the guidance on recognition and measurement of equity investments with readily determinable fair value, the Company carries these equity securities at fair value and recognizes any changes in fair value currently within “Other income (loss)” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Fair Value
Fair Value:
U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and further expands disclosures about such fair value measurements.
The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 measurements – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 measurements – Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 measurements – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
In determining fair value, the Company separates financial instruments owned and financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased into two categories: cash instruments and derivative contracts.
Cash Instruments – Cash instruments are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2. The types of instruments generally classified within Level 1 include most U.S. government securities, certain sovereign government obligations, and actively traded listed equities. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for such instruments. The types of instruments generally classified within Level 2 include agency securities, most investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, certain sovereign government obligations, money market securities, and less liquid listed equities, and state, municipal and provincial obligations.
Derivative Contracts – Derivative contracts can be exchange-traded or OTC. Exchange-traded derivatives typically fall within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on whether they are deemed to be actively traded or not. The Company generally values exchange-traded derivatives using the closing price of the exchange-traded derivatives. OTC derivatives are valued using market transactions and other market evidence whenever possible, including market-based inputs to models, broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. For OTC derivatives that trade in liquid markets, such as generic forwards, swaps and options, model inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. Such instruments are typically classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Receivables from and Payables to Broker-Dealers, Clearing Organizations, Customers and Related Broker-Dealers
Receivables from and Payables to Broker-Dealers, Clearing Organizations, Customers and Related Broker-Dealers:
Receivables from and payables to broker-dealers, clearing organizations, customers and related broker-dealers primarily represent principal transactions for which the stated settlement dates have not yet been reached and principal transactions which have not settled as of their stated settlement dates, cash held at clearing organizations and exchanges to facilitate settlement and clearance of matched principal transactions, and spreads on matched principal transactions that have not yet been remitted from/to clearing organizations and exchanges. Also included are amounts related to open derivative contracts, which are generally executed on behalf of the Company’s customers. A portion of the unsettled principal transactions and open derivative contracts that constitute receivables from and payables to broker-dealers, clearing organizations, customers and related broker-dealers are with related parties (see Note 13—“Related Party Transactions” for more information regarding these receivables and payables).
Current Expected Credit Losses
Current Expected Credit Losses:
In accordance with U.S. GAAP guidance, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, the Company presents its financial assets that are measured at amortized cost, net of an allowance for credit losses, which represents the amount expected to be collected over their estimated life. Expected credit losses for newly recognized financial assets carried at amortized cost, as well as changes to expected lifetime credit losses during the period, are recognized in earnings. The CECL methodology’s impact on expected credit losses, among other things, reflects the Company’s view of the current state of the economy, forecasted macroeconomic conditions and the Company’s portfolios.
Accrued Commissions and Other Receivables, Net
Accrued Commissions and Other Receivables, Net:
The Company has accrued commissions receivable from securities and commodities transactions. Accrued commissions receivable are presented net of allowance for credit losses of approximately $23.3 million and $20.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The allowance is based on management’s estimate and reviewed periodically based on the facts and circumstances of each outstanding receivable.
The Company’s CECL methodology for Accrued commissions receivable follows a PD/LGD framework with adjustments for the macroeconomic outlook, with the calculation performed at a counterparty level. The receivable balance for each counterparty is the outstanding receivable amount adjusted for any volume discounts. Accrued commissions receivable are not subject to an interest income accrual. The Company writes off a receivable in the period in which such balance is deemed uncollectible.
The PD rate is sourced from Moody’s Annual Default Study for Corporates and it corresponds to the 1983-2023 average 1-year default rate by rating. The Moody’s quarterly updated data is used as well, if deemed appropriate. A significant number of the Company’s counterparties are publicly rated, and, therefore, the Moody’s PD rate is used as a proxy based on the counterparty’s external rating. In addition, the Company maintains internal obligor ratings that map to Moody’s long-term ratings.
The LGD rate is derived from the Basel Committee’s June 2004 Second Basel Accord on international banking laws and regulations. The Company understands that the LGD assumption is a well-known industry benchmark for unsecured credits, which aligns with the unsecured nature of these receivables. Management considered that historically the Company has collected on substantially all its receivables, and, therefore, the LGD assumption is a reasonable benchmark in absence of internal data from which to develop an LGD measure.
The macroeconomic adjustment is based on an average of the outlook scenarios for changes in the Real GDP growth rate for advanced economies over the next year. Historical and forecast data for this metric is obtained from the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook database. The Company believes that changes in expected credit losses for its counterparties are impacted by changes in broad economic activity and, therefore, determined that the Real GDP growth rate was a reasonable metric to evaluate for macroeconomic adjustments. Further, given that the Company’s receivables are related to counterparties with global operations, management sourced the data for this metric as applicable to advanced economies. The Company notes that, given the short-term nature of these receivables, a forecast beyond 1 year is neither required nor appropriate, and, therefore, the adjustment also covers the approximated life of these assets with no need for reversion.
Loans, Forgivable Loans, and Other Receivables from Employees and Partners, Net
Loans, Forgivable Loans, and Other Receivables from Employees and Partners, Net:
The Company has entered into various agreements with certain employees and, prior to the Corporate Conversion, partners whereby these individuals receive loans which may be either wholly or in part repaid from the distributions that the individuals receive on some or all of their LPUs in BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings, prior to the Corporate Conversion, and by distributions that the individuals receive on some or all of their LPUs in Newmark Holdings and any dividends paid on participating RSUs and restricted stock awards, subsequent to the Corporate Conversion. Certain of these loans also may be either wholly or in part repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the BGC employees’ shares of BGC Class A common stock. In addition, certain loans may be forgiven over a period of time. The forgivable portion of these loans is not included in the Company’s estimate of expected credit losses when employees meet the conditions for forgiveness through their continued employment over the specified time period, and is recognized as compensation expense over the life of the loan. The amounts due from terminated employees that the Company does not expect to collect are included in the allowance for credit losses.
From time to time, the Company may also enter into agreements with employees to grant bonus and salary advances or other types of loans. These advances and loans are repayable in timeframes outlined in the
Fixed Assets, Net
Fixed Assets, Net:
Fixed assets are carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depending on the type, internal and external direct costs of developing applications and obtaining software for internal use are capitalized and amortized over either three years or seven years on a straight-line basis. Computer equipment is depreciated over three to five years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated economic useful lives or the remaining lease term. Routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. When fixed assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related gain or loss is included in operating income. The Company has asset retirement obligations related to certain of its leasehold improvements, which it accounts for in accordance with U.S. GAAP guidance, Asset Retirement Obligations. The guidance requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement cost is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The liability is discounted and accretion expense is recognized using the credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate in effect when the liability was initially recognized.
Investments
Investments:
The Company’s investments in which it has a significant influence but not a controlling financial interest and of which it is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method.
In accordance with the guidance on recognition and measurement of equity investments, the Company has elected to use a measurement alternative for its equity investments without a readily determinable fair value, pursuant to which these investments are initially recognized at cost and remeasured through earnings when there is an observable transaction involving the same or similar investment of the same issuer, or due to an impairment. The Company evaluates potential impairment of equity method investments when a change in circumstances occurs, by applying U.S. GAAP guidance, Equity Method and Joint Ventures, and assessing whether the carrying amount can be recovered. See Note 12—“Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities” and Note 14—“Investments” for additional information.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s policy is to consolidate all entities of which it owns more than 50% unless it does not have control over the entity. In accordance with U.S. GAAP guidance, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, the Company also consolidates any VIE of which it is the primary beneficiary.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-Lived Assets:
The Company periodically evaluates potential impairment of long-lived assets and amortizable intangibles, when a change in circumstances occurs, by applying U.S. GAAP guidance, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, and assessing whether the unamortized carrying amount can be recovered over the remaining life through undiscounted future expected cash flows generated by the underlying assets. If the undiscounted future cash flows were less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment charge would be recorded. The impairment charge would be measured as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over the present value of estimated expected future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved.
Leases
Leases:
The Company enters into leasing arrangements in the ordinary course of business as a lessee of office space, data centers and office equipment.
BGC determines whether an arrangement is a lease at inception. ROU lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent BGC’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Other than for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less, ROU lease assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The ROU lease asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise those options. Lease expense pertaining to leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Interest expense on finance leases is recognized using the effective interest method over the lease term.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net:
Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. As prescribed in U.S. GAAP guidance, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are periodically tested for impairment. The Company reviews goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that could reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. When reviewing goodwill for impairment, BGC first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill.
Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Definite-lived intangible assets arising from business combinations include customer relationships, internally developed software, and covenants not to compete. Also included in the definite-lived intangible assets are purchased patents. The costs of acquired patents are amortized over a period not to exceed the legal life or the remaining useful life of the patent, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes:
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method as prescribed in U.S. GAAP guidance, Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Certain of the Company’s entities are taxed as U.S. partnerships and are subject to the UBT in New York City. Therefore, the tax liability or benefit related to the partnership income or loss except for UBT rests with the partners (see Note 2—“Limited Partnership Interests in BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings” for a discussion of partnership interests), rather than the partnership entity. As such, the partners’ tax liability or benefit is not reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The tax-related assets, liabilities, provisions or benefits included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements also reflect the results of the entities that are taxed as corporations, either in the U.S. or in foreign jurisdictions. The Company provides for uncertain tax positions based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in “Provision (benefit) for income taxes” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various states, local and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is currently open to income tax examination by tax authorities in United States federal, state and local jurisdictions, and certain non-U.S. jurisdictions for tax years beginning 2021, 2011, and 2017, respectively. The Company does not believe that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next 12 months.
The Company has finalized its accounting policy with respect to taxes on GILTI and has elected to treat taxes associated with the GILTI provision using the Period Cost Method and thus has not recorded deferred taxes for basis differences under this regime.
Discretionary Bonus and Equity-Based Compensation
Discretionary Bonus:
A portion of our compensation and employee benefits expense is comprised of discretionary bonuses, which may be paid in cash, equity or a combination thereof. We accrue expense in a period based on revenues in that period and on the expected combination of cash, equity and, prior to the Corporate Conversion, partnership units. Given the assumptions used in estimating discretionary bonuses, actual results may differ.
Equity-Based Compensation:
The Company accounts for equity-based compensation awards using the guidance in ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. Equity-based compensation expense recognized during the period, for equity-based awards with a stated vesting schedule, is based on the value of the portion of equity-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. The grant-date fair value of equity-based awards with a stated vesting schedule is amortized to expense ratably over the awards’ vesting periods. As this equity-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reviewed for estimated forfeitures. Further, forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. In addition, equity-based compensation for LPU awards with no stated vesting schedule is recognized at fair value on the date the award is granted exchangeability or is redeemed in connection with the issuance of shares of common stock.
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted Stock Units:
RSUs provided to certain employees are accounted for as equity awards, and in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company is required to record an expense for the portion of the RSUs that is ultimately expected to vest. Further, forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Because assumptions are used in estimating employee turnover and associated forfeiture rates, actual results may differ from our estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The fair value of RSU awards to employees is based on the market value of the BGC Class A common stock on the grant date. As part of employee compensation, the Company has granted both participating RSUs, which receive dividends, or nonparticipating RSUs. For non-participating RSUs, which do not receive dividend equivalents, the Company adjusts the fair value of the RSUs for the present value of expected forgone dividends, which requires the Company to include an estimate of expected dividends as a valuation input. This grant-date fair value is amortized to expense ratably over the awards’ vesting periods.
For participating RSUs where dividends are paid during the vesting period or accumulated and paid to the employee upon vesting, the grant-date fair value of the award should not be reduced. As such, the Company does not adjust the fair value of the RSUs for the present value of expected forgone dividends. This grant-date fair value is amortized to expense ratably over the awards’ vesting periods. For RSUs with graded vesting features, the Company has made an accounting policy election to recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis. The amortization is reflected as part of “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Restricted Stock
Restricted Stock:
Restricted stock provided to certain employees is accounted for as an equity award, and as per U.S. GAAP guidance, the Company is required to record an expense for the portion of the restricted stock that is ultimately expected to vest.
The Company has granted restricted stock, prior to the Corporate Conversion, that is not subject to continued employment or service; however, transferability is subject to compliance with BGC’s and its affiliates’ customary noncompete obligations. Such shares of restricted stock are generally salable by their holders in five to ten years. Because the restricted stock is not subject to continued employment or service, the grant-date fair value of the restricted stock is expensed on the date of grant. The non-cash equity-based compensation expense is reflected as part of “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As a result of the Corporate Conversion, the Company has also granted shares of unvested restricted stock, which are subject to continued employment or service with the Company or any affiliate or subsidiary of the Company. The fair value of these restricted stock awards held by BGC employees is based on the market value of BGC Class A common stock on the grant date, adjusted as appropriate based upon the award’s ineligibility to receive dividends, as not all of these awards participate in receiving dividends, similar to the RSUs discussed above. The grant-date fair value of the restricted stock is amortized to expense ratably over the awards’ expected vesting periods. The non-cash equity-based amortization compensation expense is reflected as a component of “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Limited Partnership Units
Limited Partnership Units:
Certain BGC employees held LPUs in BGC Holdings and hold LPUs in Newmark Holdings. Generally, such units received quarterly allocations of net income, which were cash distributed on a quarterly basis and generally contingent upon services being provided by the unit holders. In addition, Preferred Units were granted in connection with the grant of certain LPUs, such as PSUs, which may be granted exchangeability or redeemed in connection with the grant of shares of common stock, to cover the withholding taxes owed by the unit holder upon such exchange or grant. This was an acceptable alternative to the common practice among public companies of issuing the gross amount of shares to employees, subject to cashless withholding of shares to pay applicable withholding taxes. Preferred Units were not entitled to participate in partnership distributions other than with respect to a distribution at a rate of either 0.6875% (which is 2.75% per calendar year) or such other amount as set forth in the award documentation.
There were none of these LPUs or Preferred Units in BGC Holdings remaining after the Corporate Conversion was completed, while these LPUs and Preferred Units in Newmark Holdings held by BGC employees were not impacted by the Corporate Conversion. The quarterly allocations of net income on BGC Holdings LPUs held by BGC employees were reflected as a component of compensation expense under “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations prior to the Corporate Conversion, and quarterly allocations of net income on Newmark Holdings LPUs held by BGC employees, which were not impacted by the Corporate Conversion, are reflected as a component of compensation expense under “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Certain of these LPUs entitle the holders to receive post-termination payments equal to the notional amount, generally in four equal yearly installments after the holder’s termination. There were none of these LPUs in BGC Holdings remaining after the Corporate Conversion was completed, while these LPUs in Newmark Holdings held by BGC employees were not impacted by the Corporate Conversion. These LPUs are accounted for as post-termination liability awards under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, we recognize a liability for these units on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as part of “Accrued compensation” for the amortized portion of the post-termination payment amount, based on the current fair value of the expected future cash payout. The Company amortizes the post-termination payment amount, less an expected forfeiture rate, over the vesting period, and record an expense for such awards based on the change in value at each reporting period in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs.”
Certain LPUs were granted exchangeability into shares of BGC or Newmark Class A common stock or were redeemed in connection with the grant of BGC or Newmark Class A common stock; BGC Class A common stock was issued on a one-for-one basis, and Newmark Class A common stock is issued based on the number of LPUs exchanged or redeemed multiplied by the then-current Exchange Ratio. At the time exchangeability was granted or shares of BGC or Newmark Class A common stock were issued, we recognized an expense based on the fair value of the award on the grant date, which was included in “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. There were no LPUs in BGC Holdings remaining after the Corporate Conversion was completed, while LPUs in Newmark Holdings held by BGC employees were not impacted by the Corporate Conversion.
Prior to the Corporate Conversion, certain LPUs had a stated vesting schedule and did not receive quarterly allocations of net income. Compensation expense related to these LPUs was recognized over the stated service period, and these units generally vested between two and five years from the grant date. This expense is included in “Equity-based compensation and allocations of net income to limited partnership units and FPUs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Redeemable Partnership Interest
Redeemable Partnership Interest:
Prior to the Corporate Conversion, redeemable partnership interest represented limited partnership interests in BGC Holdings held by Founding/Working Partners. See Note 2—“Limited Partnership Interests in BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings” for additional information related to the FPUs.
Contingent Class A Common Stock
Contingent Class A Common Stock:
In connection with certain acquisitions, the Company committed to issue shares of the Company’s Class A common stock upon the achievement of certain performance targets. The contingent shares met the criteria for liability classification, are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and presented in “Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value are reported in “Other income (loss)” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries
Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries:
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries represents equity interests in consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable to the Company, such as the noncontrolling interest holders’ proportionate share of the profit or loss associated with joint ownership of the Company’s administrative services company in the U.K. (Tower Bridge).
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation:
Assets and liabilities denominated in nonfunctional currencies are converted at rates of exchange prevailing on the date of the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and revenues and expenses are converted at average rates of exchange for the period. Gains and losses on remeasurement of foreign currency transactions denominated in nonfunctional currencies are recognized within “Other expenses” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains and losses on translation of the financial statements of non-U.S. operations into U.S. dollar reporting currency of the Company are presented as foreign currency translation adjustments within “Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and as part of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments:
Derivative contracts are instruments, such as futures, forwards, options or swaps contracts, which derive their value from underlying assets, indices, reference rates or a combination of these factors. Derivative instruments may be listed and traded on an exchange, or they may be privately negotiated contracts, which are often referred to as OTC derivatives. Derivatives may involve future commitments to purchase or sell financial instruments or commodities, or to exchange currency or interest payment streams. The amounts exchanged are based on the specific terms of the contract with reference to specified rates, securities, commodities, currencies or indices.
The Company does not designate any derivative contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. U.S. GAAP requires that an entity recognize all derivative contracts as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and measure those instruments at fair value. The fair value of all derivative contracts is recorded on a net-by-counterparty basis where a legal right of offset exists under an enforceable netting agreement. Derivative contracts are recorded as part of receivables from or payables to broker-dealers, clearing organizations, customers and related broker-dealers in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share:
The Company computes basic and fully diluted EPS in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, utilizing the two-class method, “if-converted” method, or treasury stock method, as applicable.