UPDATE OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
UPDATE OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	UPDATE OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESA summary of our significant accounting policies is included in Note 2 of our 2020 Form 10-K. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, there were no significant changes to our significant accounting policies other than the accounting policies adopted or modified as part of our implementation of new or amended accounting guidance, as noted in the following sections. Accounting guidance adopted in fiscal 2021 Credit losses In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments (ASU 2016-13), which replaces the incurred credit loss and other models with the Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) model. The guidance involves several aspects of the accounting for credit losses related to certain financial instruments, including assets measured at amortized cost, available-for-sale debt securities and certain off-balance sheet commitments. The new guidance, and subsequent updates, broadens the information that an entity must consider in developing its estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of in-scope financial assets. The measurement of expected credit losses includes historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This new guidance was effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2020 and was adopted under a modified retrospective approach. The impact of adoption of this new standard resulted in an increase in our allowance for credit losses, including reserves for unfunded lending commitments, of approximately $45 million and a corresponding reduction in the beginning balance of retained earnings of approximately $35 million, net of tax. The increase in our allowance for credit losses was primarily attributable to loans to financial advisors and, to a lesser extent, bank loans. Prior-period amounts have not been restated. See Notes 8 and 9 for further information related to bank loans and loans to financial advisors and the related allowances for credit losses. The following sections highlight changes to our accounting policies as a result of this adoption. Available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale securities are generally held by Raymond James Bank, N.A. (“RJ Bank, N.A.”) and are classified at the date of purchase. They are comprised primarily of agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and agency collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), which are guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies. Available-for-sale securities owned by RJ Bank, N.A. are used as part of its interest rate risk and liquidity management strategies and may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, changes in prepayment risks, or other factors. As a result of the adoption of the new CECL guidance, credit losses on available-for-sale securities are limited to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value and should be recognized through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a direct reduction in amortized cost basis. Given that our available-for-sale securities portfolio is comprised of government agency securities for which payments of both principal and interest are guaranteed, and based on the lack of historical credit losses, we expect zero credit losses on this portfolio and the related accrued interest receivable. On a quarterly basis, we reassess our expectation of zero credit losses to consider changes in the available-for-sale securities portfolio. Other receivables Other receivables primarily include receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations, accrued interest receivables and accrued fees from product sponsors. Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations primarily consist of deposits placed with clearing organizations, including initial margin and receivables related to sales of securities which have traded, but not yet settled and amounts receivable for securities failed to deliver. We present “Other receivables” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, net of any allowance for credit losses. However, these receivables generally have minimal credit risk due to the low probability of clearing organization default and the short-term nature of receivables related to securities settlements and therefore, the allowance for credit losses on such receivables is not significant. Any allowance for credit losses is recorded for other receivables using estimates and assumptions based on historical experience, current facts and other factors. We update these estimates through periodic evaluations against actual trends experienced. As permitted under the CECL guidance, we include accrued interest receivables related to our financial assets in “Other receivables” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition instead of with the related financial instrument. We reverse any uncollectible accrued interest into interest income generally when the related financial asset is moved to nonaccrual status. As we write off uncollectible amounts in a timely manner, we do not recognize an allowance for credit loss against accrued interest receivable. Loans to financial advisors, net We offer loans to financial advisors for recruiting and retention purposes. The decision to extend credit to a financial advisor or other key revenue producer is generally based on their ability to generate future revenues. Loans offered are generally repaid over a five to 10 year period, with interest recognized as earned, and are contingent upon affiliation with us. These loans are not assignable by the financial advisor and may only be assigned by us to a successor in interest. There is no fee income associated with these loans. In the event that the financial advisor is no longer affiliated with us, any unpaid balance of such loan becomes immediately due and payable to us. Based upon the nature of these financing receivables affiliation status is the primary credit risk factor within this portfolio. We present the outstanding balance of loans to financial advisors on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, net of the allowance for credit losses. Refer to the allowance for credit losses section that follows for further information related to our allowance for credit losses on our loans to financial advisors. See Note 9 for additional information on our loans to financial advisors. Loans to financial advisors are considered past due once they are 30 days or more delinquent as to the payment of contractual interest or principal. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when we determine that full payment of contractual principal and interest is in doubt, or the loan is past due 180 days or more as to contractual interest or principal. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is written-off against interest income. Interest is recognized using the cash method until the loan qualifies for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to an accrual status when the loans have been brought contractually current with the original terms and have been maintained on a current basis for a reasonable period, generally six months. When we determine that it is likely a loan will not be collected in full, the loan is evaluated for a potential write down of the carrying value. After consideration of the borrower’s ability to restructure the loan, sources of repayment, and other factors affecting the borrower’s ability to repay the debt, the portion of the loan deemed a confirmed loss, if any, is charged-off. A charge-off is taken against the allowance for credit losses for the difference between the amortized cost and the amount we estimate will ultimately be collected. Additional charge-offs are taken if there is an adverse change in the expected cash flows. Allowance for credit losses We evaluate our held for investment bank loans, unfunded lending commitments, loans to financial advisors and certain other financial assets to estimate an allowance for credit losses over the remaining life of the financial instrument. The remaining life of our financial assets is determined by considering contractual terms, expected prepayments and cancellation features, among other factors. We employ multiple methodologies in estimating an allowance for credit losses and our approaches differ by type of financial asset and the risk characteristics within each financial asset type. Our estimates are based on ongoing evaluations of the portfolio, the related credit risk characteristics, and the overall economic and environmental conditions affecting the financial assets. For certain of our financial assets with collateral maintenance provisions (e.g., collateralized agreements, margin loans and securities-based loans), we apply the practical expedient allowed under the CECL model in estimating an allowance for credit losses. We reasonably expect that borrowers (or counterparties, as applicable) will replenish the collateral as required. As a result, we estimate zero credit losses to the extent that the fair value equals or exceeds the related carrying value of the financial asset. When the fair value of the collateral securing the financial asset is less than the carrying value, qualitative factors such as historical experience (adjusted for current risk characteristics and economic conditions) as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts are considered in estimating the allowance for credit losses. Credit losses are charged off against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of the financial asset is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Credit loss expense is recorded in earnings in an amount necessary to adjust the allowance for credit losses to our estimate as of the end of each reporting period. Our provision for credit losses for outstanding bank loans is included in “Bank loan provision/(benefit) for credit losses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and our provision for credit losses for all other financing receivables and unfunded lending commitments is included in “Other” expense. Loans We generally estimate the allowance for credit losses on our loan portfolios using credit risk models which incorporate relevant available information from internal and external sources relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Our forecasts incorporate assumptions related to macroeconomic indicators including, but not limited to, U.S. gross domestic product, equity market indices, unemployment rates, and commercial real estate and residential home price indices. At the conclusion of our reasonable and supportable forecast period, which currently ranges from two to three years depending on the model and macroeconomic variables, we use a linear reversion approach over a one-year period to revert to historical loss information for commercial and industrial (“C&I”), real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and tax-exempt loans. For commercial real estate (“CRE”) and residential mortgage loans, we incorporate a reasonable and supportable forecast of various macroeconomic variables over the remaining life of the assets. The development of the reasonable and supportable forecast incorporates an assumption that each macroeconomic variable will revert to a long-term expectation starting in years two to three of the forecast and largely completing within the first five years of the forecast. We assess the length of the reasonable and supportable forecast period and the reversion period, our reversion approach, our economic forecasts and our methodology for estimating the historical loss information, on a quarterly basis. The allowance for credit losses on loans is generally evaluated and measured on a collective basis, typically by loan portfolio segment, due to similar risk characteristics. When a loan does not share similar risk characteristics with other loans, the loan is evaluated for credit losses on an individual basis. Various risk characteristics are considered when determining whether the loan should be collectively evaluated including, but not limited to, financial asset type, internal risk ratings, collateral type, industry of the borrower, and historical or expected credit loss patterns. The allowance for credit losses on collectively evaluated loans is comprised of two components: (a) a quantitative allowance; and (b) a qualitative allowance, which is based on an analysis of model limitations and other factors not considered by the model. There are several factors considered in estimating the quantitative allowance for credit losses on collectively evaluated loans which generally include, but are not limited to, the internal risk rating, historical loss experience (including adjustments due to current risk characteristics and economic conditions), prepayments, borrower-controlled extensions, and expected recoveries. We use third-party data for historical information on collectively evaluated corporate loans (C&I, CRE and REIT loans) and residential mortgage loans. The qualitative portion of our allowance for credit losses includes certain factors that are not incorporated into the quantitative estimate and would generally require adjustments to the allowance for credit losses. These qualitative factors are intended to address developing trends related to each portfolio segment and would generally include, but are not limited to: changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection; our loan review process; volume and severity of delinquent loans; changes in the nature, volume and terms of loans; credit concentrations; changes in the value of underlying collateral; legal and regulatory requirements; and local, regional, national and international economic conditions. Held for investment bank loans The allowance for credit losses for the C&I, CRE (primarily loans that are secured by income-producing properties and commercial real estate construction loans), REIT (loans made to businesses that own or finance income-producing real estate), tax-exempt and residential mortgage portfolio segments is estimated using credit risk models that project a probability of default (“PD”) multiplied by the loss given default (“LGD”) at the loan-level for every period remaining in the loan’s expected life, including the maturity period. Historical data, combined with macroeconomic variables, are used in estimating the PD and LGD. Our credit risk models consider several factors when estimating the expected credit losses which may include, but are not limited to, financial performance and position, estimated prepayments, geographic location, industry or sector type, debt type, loan size, capital structure, initial risk levels and the economic outlook. Additional factors considered by the residential mortgage model include Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) scores and loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios. We generally use one of two methods to measure the allowance for credit losses on individually evaluated loans. A discounted cash flow approach is used to estimate the allowance for credit losses on certain nonaccrual corporate loans and all troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) that are not collateral-dependent. For collateral-dependent loans and for instances where foreclosure is probable, we use an approach that considers the fair value of the collateral less selling costs when measuring the allowance for credit losses. A loan is collateral-dependent when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale of the collateral. See Note 8 for further information about our bank loans, including credit quality indicators considered in developing the allowance for credit losses. Unfunded lending commitments We estimate credit losses on unfunded lending commitments using a methodology consistent with that used for bank loans in the respective portfolio segment and also based on the expected funding probabilities for fully binding commitments. As a result, the allowance for credit losses for unfunded lending commitments will vary depending upon the mix of lending commitments and future funding expectations. All classes of individually evaluated unfunded lending commitments are analyzed in conjunction with the specific allowance process previously described. The allowance for credit losses related to unfunded lending commitments is included in “Other payables” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Loans to financial advisors The allowance for credit losses on loans to financial advisors is estimated using credit risk models that incorporate average annual loan-level loss rates and estimated prepayments based on historical data. The qualitative component of our estimate considers internal and external factors that are not incorporated into the quantitative estimate such as the reasonable and supportable forecast period. In estimating an allowance for credit losses on our individually-evaluated loans to financial advisors, we generally take into account the affiliation status of the financial advisor (i.e., whether the advisor is actively affiliated with us or has terminated affiliation with us), the borrower’s ability to restructure the loan, sources of repayment, and other factors affecting the borrower’s ability to repay the debt.

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments (ASU 2016-13), which replaces the incurred credit loss and other models with the Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) model. The guidance involves several aspects of the accounting for credit losses related to certain financial instruments, including assets measured at amortized cost, available-for-sale debt securities and certain off-balance sheet commitments. The new guidance, and subsequent updates, broadens the information that an entity must consider in developing its estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of in-scope financial assets. The measurement of expected credit losses includes historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

This new guidance was effective for our fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2020 and was adopted under a modified retrospective approach. The impact of adoption of this new standard resulted in an increase in our allowance for credit losses, including reserves for unfunded lending commitments, of approximately $45 million and a corresponding reduction in the beginning balance of retained earnings of approximately $35 million, net of tax. The increase in our allowance for credit losses was primarily attributable to loans to financial advisors and, to a lesser extent, bank loans. Prior-period amounts have not been restated. See Notes 8 and 9 for further information related to bank loans and loans to financial advisors and the related allowances for credit losses.

Available-for-sale securities are generally held by Raymond James Bank, N.A. (“RJ Bank, N.A.”) and are classified at the date of purchase. They are comprised primarily of agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and agency collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), which are guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies. Available-for-sale securities owned by RJ Bank, N.A. are used as part of its interest rate risk and liquidity management strategies and may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, changes in prepayment risks, or other factors. As a result of the adoption of the new CECL guidance, credit losses on available-for-sale securities are limited to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value and should be recognized through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a direct reduction in amortized cost basis. Given that our available-for-sale securities portfolio is comprised of government agency securities for which payments of both principal and interest are guaranteed, and based on the lack of historical credit losses, we expect zero credit losses on this portfolio and the related accrued interest receivable. On a quarterly basis, we reassess our expectation of zero credit losses to consider changes in the available-for-sale securities portfolio.

Other receivables primarily include receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations, accrued interest receivables and accrued fees from product sponsors. Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations primarily consist of deposits placed with clearing organizations, including initial margin and receivables related to sales of securities which have traded, but not yet settled and amounts receivable for securities failed to deliver. We present “Other receivables” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, net of any allowance for credit losses. However, these receivables generally have minimal credit risk due to the low probability of clearing organization default and the short-term nature of receivables related to securities settlements and therefore, the allowance for credit losses on such receivables is not significant. Any allowance for credit losses is recorded for other receivables using estimates and assumptions based on historical experience, current facts and other factors. We update these estimates through periodic evaluations against actual trends experienced.

As permitted under the CECL guidance, we include accrued interest receivables related to our financial assets in “Other receivables” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition instead of with the related financial instrument. We reverse any uncollectible accrued interest into interest income generally when the related financial asset is moved to

We offer loans to financial advisors for recruiting and retention purposes. The decision to extend credit to a financial advisor or other key revenue producer is generally based on their ability to generate future revenues. Loans offered are generally repaid over a five to 10 year period, with interest recognized as earned, and are contingent upon affiliation with us. These loans are not assignable by the financial advisor and may only be assigned by us to a successor in interest. There is no fee income associated with these loans. In the event that the financial advisor is no longer affiliated with us, any unpaid balance of such loan becomes immediately due and payable to us. Based upon the nature of these financing receivables affiliation status is the primary credit risk factor within this portfolio.

We present the outstanding balance of loans to financial advisors on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, net of the allowance for credit losses. Refer to the allowance for credit losses section that follows for further information related to our allowance for credit losses on our loans to financial advisors. See Note 9 for additional information on our loans to financial advisors.

Loans to financial advisors are considered past due once they are 30 days or more delinquent as to the payment of contractual interest or principal. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when we determine that full payment of contractual principal and interest is in doubt, or the loan is past due 180 days or more as to contractual interest or principal. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is written-off against interest income. Interest is recognized using the cash method until the loan qualifies for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to an accrual status when the loans have been brought contractually current with the original terms and have been maintained on a current basis for a reasonable period, generally six months.

When we determine that it is likely a loan will not be collected in full, the loan is evaluated for a potential write down of the carrying value. After consideration of the borrower’s ability to restructure the loan, sources of repayment, and other factors affecting the borrower’s ability to repay the debt, the portion of the loan deemed a confirmed loss, if any, is charged-off. A charge-off is taken against the allowance for credit losses for the difference between the amortized cost and the amount we estimate will ultimately be collected. Additional charge-offs are taken if there is an adverse change in the expected cash flows.

We evaluate our held for investment bank loans, unfunded lending commitments, loans to financial advisors and certain other financial assets to estimate an allowance for credit losses over the remaining life of the financial instrument. The remaining life of our financial assets is determined by considering contractual terms, expected prepayments and cancellation features, among other factors.

We employ multiple methodologies in estimating an allowance for credit losses and our approaches differ by type of financial asset and the risk characteristics within each financial asset type. Our estimates are based on ongoing evaluations of the portfolio, the related credit risk characteristics, and the overall economic and environmental conditions affecting the financial assets. For certain of our financial assets with collateral maintenance provisions (e.g., collateralized agreements, margin loans and securities-based loans), we apply the practical expedient allowed under the CECL model in estimating an allowance for credit losses. We reasonably expect that borrowers (or counterparties, as applicable) will replenish the collateral as required. As a result, we estimate zero credit losses to the extent that the fair value equals or exceeds the related carrying value of the financial asset. When the fair value of the collateral securing the financial asset is less than the carrying value, qualitative factors such as historical experience (adjusted for current risk characteristics and economic conditions) as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts are considered in estimating the allowance for credit losses.

Credit losses are charged off against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of the financial asset is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Credit loss expense is recorded in earnings in an amount necessary to adjust the allowance for credit losses to our estimate as of the end of each reporting period. Our provision for credit losses for outstanding bank loans is included in “Bank loan provision/(benefit) for credit losses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and our provision for credit losses for all other financing receivables and unfunded lending commitments is included in “Other” expense.

We generally estimate the allowance for credit losses on our loan portfolios using credit risk models which incorporate relevant available information from internal and external sources relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Our forecasts incorporate assumptions related to macroeconomic indicators including, but not limited to, U.S. gross domestic product, equity market indices, unemployment rates, and commercial real estate and residential home price indices. At the conclusion of our reasonable and supportable forecast period, which currently ranges from two to three years depending on the model and macroeconomic variables, we use a linear reversion approach over a one-year period to revert to historical loss information for commercial and industrial (“C&I”), real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and tax-exempt loans. For commercial real estate (“CRE”) and residential mortgage loans, we incorporate a reasonable and supportable forecast of various macroeconomic variables over the remaining life of the assets. The development of the reasonable and supportable forecast incorporates an assumption that each macroeconomic variable will revert to a long-term expectation starting in years two to three of the forecast and largely completing within the first five years of the forecast. We assess the length of the reasonable and supportable forecast period and the reversion period, our reversion approach, our economic forecasts and our methodology for estimating the historical loss information, on a quarterly basis.

The allowance for credit losses on loans is generally evaluated and measured on a collective basis, typically by loan portfolio segment, due to similar risk characteristics. When a loan does not share similar risk characteristics with other loans, the loan is evaluated for credit losses on an individual basis. Various risk characteristics are considered when determining whether the loan should be collectively evaluated including, but not limited to, financial asset type, internal risk ratings, collateral type, industry of the borrower, and historical or expected credit loss patterns.

The allowance for credit losses on collectively evaluated loans is comprised of two components: (a) a quantitative allowance; and (b) a qualitative allowance, which is based on an analysis of model limitations and other factors not considered by the model. There are several factors considered in estimating the quantitative allowance for credit losses on collectively evaluated loans which generally include, but are not limited to, the internal risk rating, historical loss experience (including adjustments due to current risk characteristics and economic conditions), prepayments, borrower-controlled extensions, and expected recoveries. We use third-party data for historical information on collectively evaluated corporate loans (C&I, CRE and REIT loans) and residential mortgage loans.

The qualitative portion of our allowance for credit losses includes certain factors that are not incorporated into the quantitative estimate and would generally require adjustments to the allowance for credit losses. These qualitative factors are intended to address developing trends related to each portfolio segment and would generally include, but are not limited to: changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection; our loan review process; volume and severity of delinquent loans; changes in the nature, volume and terms of loans; credit concentrations; changes in the value of underlying collateral; legal and regulatory requirements; and local, regional, national and international economic conditions.

The allowance for credit losses for the C&I, CRE (primarily loans that are secured by income-producing properties and commercial real estate construction loans), REIT (loans made to businesses that own or finance income-producing real estate), tax-exempt and residential mortgage portfolio segments is estimated using credit risk models that project a probability of default (“PD”) multiplied by the loss given default (“LGD”) at the loan-level for every period remaining in the loan’s expected life, including the maturity period. Historical data, combined with macroeconomic variables, are used in estimating the PD and LGD. Our credit risk models consider several factors when estimating the expected credit losses which may include, but are not limited to, financial performance and position, estimated prepayments, geographic location, industry or sector type, debt type, loan size, capital structure, initial risk levels and the economic outlook. Additional factors considered by the residential mortgage model include Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) scores and loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios.

We generally use one of two methods to measure the allowance for credit losses on individually evaluated loans. A discounted cash flow approach is used to estimate the allowance for credit losses on certain nonaccrual corporate loans and all troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) that are not collateral-dependent. For collateral-dependent loans and for instances where foreclosure is probable, we use an approach that considers the fair value of the collateral less selling costs when measuring the allowance for credit losses. A loan is collateral-dependent when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale of the collateral.

We estimate credit losses on unfunded lending commitments using a methodology consistent with that used for bank loans in the respective portfolio segment and also based on the expected funding probabilities for fully binding commitments. As a result, the allowance for credit losses for unfunded lending commitments will vary depending upon the mix of lending commitments and future funding expectations. All classes of individually evaluated unfunded lending commitments are analyzed in conjunction with the specific allowance process previously described.

The allowance for credit losses on loans to financial advisors is estimated using credit risk models that incorporate average annual loan-level loss rates and estimated prepayments based on historical data. The qualitative component of our estimate considers internal and external factors that are not incorporated into the quantitative estimate such as the reasonable and supportable forecast period. In estimating an allowance for credit losses on our individually-evaluated loans to financial advisors, we generally take into account the affiliation status of the financial advisor (i.e., whether the advisor is actively affiliated with us or has terminated affiliation with us), the borrower’s ability to restructure the loan, sources of repayment, and other factors affecting the borrower’s ability to repay the debt.