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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 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: 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: The Company derives its commission revenues from securities, commodities and insurance-related transactions, 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 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 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 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 are earned from various sources, including consulting income for Poten & Partners, underwriting and advisory fees. 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: The Company has one reportable segment (see Note 22—“Segment, Geographic and Product Information”). 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 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 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. See Note 8—“Financial Instruments Owned, at Fair Value” for additional information. 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. See Note 12—“Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities” for more information on the fair value of financial assets and liabilities. 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: 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. Refer to Note 25—“Current Expected Credit Losses” for additional information. 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 $20.9 million and $16.3 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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 1983-2022 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: 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 underlying agreements. The Company reviews loan balances each reporting period for collectability. If the Company determines that the collectability of a portion of the loan balances is not expected, the Company recognizes a reserve against the loan balances as compensation expense. 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. Internal and external direct costs of developing applications and obtaining software for internal use are capitalized and amortized over three 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: 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: 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: 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. Refer to Note 24—“Leases” for additional information. 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: 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 examination by tax authorities in United States federal, state and local jurisdictions and certain non-U.S. jurisdictions for tax years beginning 2017, 2011, and 2016, respectively. The Company has finalized its accounting policy with respect to taxes on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (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: 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: 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 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: 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. For additional information, see Note 2—“Limited Partnership Interests in BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings.” 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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. For additional information, see Note 6—“Earnings Per Share.

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