10. Variable Interest Entity

VIEs are entities with any of the following characteristics: (i) the entity does not have enough equity to finance its activities without additional financial support, (ii) the equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or (iii) the entity is structured with non-substantive voting rights.

The Company reassesses its initial evaluation of whether an entity is a VIE when certain reconsideration events occur. A reassessment was performed of AdvisorEngine in connection with the Company’s commitment to provide it with up to $30,000 of additional working capital, which occurred on December 29, 2017 (See Note 6). In connection with this assessment, the Company determined that AdvisorEngine had the characteristics of a VIE.

Consolidation of a VIE is required for the party deemed to be the primary beneficiary, if any. The primary beneficiary is the party who has both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) an obligation to absorb losses of the entity or a right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of AdvisorEngine as it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact AdvisorEngine’s economic performance. Such power is conveyed through AdvisorEngine’s Board of Directors and the Company does not have control over the board.

The following table presents information about the Company’s variable interests in AdvisorEngine (a non-consolidated VIE):


	December 31, 2017
Carrying Amount—Assets
Preferred stock	$	25,000
Note receivable—unsecured		18,748
Option		3,278

Total carrying amount—Assets	$	47,026

Maximum exposure to loss	$	55,026

The Company has a remaining commitment to provide working capital to AdvisorEngine of $8,000 at December 31, 2017 pursuant to the terms of the unsecured promissory note (See Note 6). The additional funding is scheduled to be provided on June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018 in the amounts of $5,000 and $3,000, respectively, if no event of default (as defined) has occurred or is continuing.