Business Description, Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Business Description, Organization and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the interim results, have been made. The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the interim reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The December 31, 2014 condensed consolidated statement of financial condition was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include AB and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.

Reclassifications

Reclassification

The first quarter 2014 amounts for Institutional and Private Wealth Management finders’ fees previously presented as other promotion and servicing are now presented as distribution-related payments in the condensed consolidated statements of income to conform to the current year’s presentation.