10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
Q	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016
or
o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-34516

Cowen Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	27-0423711 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
599 Lexington Avenue New York, New York (Address of Principal Executive Offices)	10022 (Zip Code)

(646) 562-1000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes Q    No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  Q  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer Q Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o    No Q

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

As of April 29, 2016 there were 106,206,765 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

Item No.			Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION			4
	1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		4
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition	4
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	5
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity	7
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	8
		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	10
	2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		48
	3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		74
	4. Controls and Procedures		75
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION			75
	1. Legal Proceedings		75
	1A. Risk Factors		76
	2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		76
	3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		77
	4. Mine Safety Disclosures		77
	5. Other Information		77
	6. Exhibits		77
SIGNATURES			78
EXHIBIT INDEX			E - 1

2

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

We have made statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including in “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”) that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking terms such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “possible,” “potential,” “intend,” “seek” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology or similar expressions. In addition, our management may make forward-looking statements to analysts, representatives of the media and others. These forward-looking statements represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events (many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control) and are predictions only, based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, you should consider the risks contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as well as Item 1A of this periodic report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016.

Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this filing to conform our prior statements to actual results or revised expectations.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. The Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2015 were audited.

3

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Cowen Group, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

	As of March 31, 2016			As of December 31, 2015
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	67,046		$	158,485
Cash collateral pledged	10,157			10,085
Securities owned, at fair value	627,767			610,234
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	45,725			39,618
Other investments	166,785			140,647
Receivable from brokers	122,542			117,757
Fees receivable, net of allowance	41,172			34,413
Due from related parties	34,395			39,659
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $29,457 and $29,953, respectively	37,684			27,231
Goodwill	58,361			58,361
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $29,438 and $28,301, respectively	24,526			25,663
Deferred tax asset, net	146,459			143,560
Other assets	43,442			71,531
Consolidated Funds
Cash and cash equivalents	12,348			13,934
Securities owned, at fair value	40,523			32,000
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	125			—
Other investments	394,478			263,818
Other assets	1,401			663
Total Assets	$	1,874,936		$	1,787,659
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	$	412,810		$	257,159
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	25,134			21,183
Payable to brokers	23,837			131,789
Compensation payable	26,262			150,403
Notes payable and other debt	90,081			68,565
Convertible debt	124,251			122,401
Fees payable	1,746			5,638
Due to related parties	234			329
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	55,607			52,233
Consolidated Funds
Due to related parties	1			3
Contributions received in advance	2,600			850
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	1,367			—
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	2			—
Payable to brokers	2,315			—
Capital withdrawals payable	—			78
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	831			124
Total Liabilities	767,078			810,755
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
Redeemable non-controlling interests	324,938			186,911
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share: 10,000,000 shares authorized, 120,750 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2016 (aggregate liquidation preference of $120,750,000) and 120,750 shares issued and outstanding as of as of December 31, 2015 (aggregate liquidation preference of $120,750,000), respectively	1			1
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share: 250,000,000 shares authorized, 142,716,734 shares issued and 106,078,205 outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and 140,120,392 shares issued and 105,604,658 outstanding as of December 31, 2015, respectively (including 497,570 restricted shares, respectively)	1,167			1,167
Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share: 250,000,000 authorized, no shares issued and outstanding	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	908,462			902,554
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	18,231			23,627
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(3		)	—
Less: Class A common stock held in treasury, at cost, 36,638,529 and 34,515,734 shares, respectively	(144,938		)	(137,356		)
Total Stockholders' Equity	782,920			789,993
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	1,874,936		$	1,787,659

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

Cowen Group, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Revenues
Investment banking	$	26,147		$	65,233
Brokerage	50,935			35,454
Management fees	11,030			10,384
Incentive income	1,111			2,372
Interest and dividends	3,653			3,083
Reimbursement from affiliates	3,887			3,642
Other revenues	2,725			668
Consolidated Funds
Interest and dividends	1,076			244
Other revenues	475			14
Total revenues	101,039			121,094
Expenses
Employee compensation and benefits	63,181			95,864
Floor brokerage and trade execution	7,791			5,903
Interest and dividends	7,310			5,779
Professional, advisory and other fees	5,594			5,128
Service fees	2,184			1,886
Communications	4,139			3,642
Occupancy and equipment	8,005			6,828
Depreciation and amortization	3,067			2,138
Client services and business development	7,040			6,470
Other expenses	5,812			4,810
Consolidated Funds
Interest and dividends	1,120			209
Professional, advisory and other fees	302			90
Floor brokerage and trade execution	22			10
Other expenses	372			49
Total expenses	115,939			138,806
Other income (loss)
Net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments	3,188			38,991
Consolidated Funds
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other transactions	(2,692		)	4,720
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	3,102			397
Net gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions	(13		)	(31		)
Total other income (loss)	3,585			44,077
Income (loss) before income taxes	(11,315		)	26,365
Income tax expense (benefit)	(3,320		)	6,947
Net income (loss)	(7,995		)	19,418
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(4,297		)	2,720
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	(3,698		)	16,698
Preferred stock dividends	1,698			—
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	$	(5,396	)	$	16,698
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	106,364			112,053
Diluted	106,364			118,590
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(0.05	)	$	0.15
Diluted	$	(0.05	)	$	0.14

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

Cowen Group, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016						Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Net income (loss)				$	(7,995	)				$	19,418
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation		(3	)					(2	)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax				(3		)				(2		)
Comprehensive income (loss)				$	(7,998	)				$	19,416

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

Cowen Group, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

(dollars in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

	Common Shares Outstanding		Common Stock		Preferred Shares Outstanding		Preferred Stock		Treasury Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings/ (Accumulated deficit)			Total Stockholders' Equity			Redeemable Non-controlling Interest
Balance, December 31, 2015	105,604,658		$	1,167	120,750		$	1	$	(137,356	)	$	902,554		$	—		$	23,627		$	789,993		$	186,911
Net income (loss)	—		—		—		—		—			—			—			(3,698		)	(3,698		)	(4,297		)
Foreign currency translation	—		—		—		—		—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)	—
Capital contributions	—		—		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			217,633
Capital withdrawals	—		—		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(2,267		)
Deconsolidation of entity	—		—		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(73,042		)
Restricted stock awards issued	2,596,342		—		—		—					—			—			—			—			—
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost	(2,122,795	)	—		—		—		(7,582		)	—			—			—			(7,582		)	—
Preferred stock dividends (See Note 13)	—		—		—		—		—			—			—			(1,698		)	(1,698		)	—
Income tax effect from share based compensation	—		—		—		—		—			(515		)	—			—			(515		)	—
Amortization of share based compensation	—		—		—		—		—			6,423			—			—			6,423			—
Balance, March 31, 2016	106,078,205		$	1,167	$	120,750	$	1	$	(144,938	)	$	908,462		$	(3	)	$	18,231		$	782,920		$	324,938
	Common Shares Outstanding		Common Stock		Preferred Shares Outstanding		Preferred Stock		Treasury Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings/ (Accumulated deficit)			Total Stockholders' Equity			Redeemable Non-controlling Interest
Balance, December 31, 2014	111,691,199		$	1,160	$	—	$	—	$	(79,771	)	$	772,296		$	17		$	(16,027	)	$	677,675		$	86,076
Net income (loss)	—		—		—		—		—			—			—			16,698			16,698			2,720
Foreign currency translation	—		—		—		—		—			—			(2		)	—			(2		)	—
Capital contributions	—		—		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			3,379
Capital withdrawals	—		—		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			(6,210		)
Restricted stock awards issued	1,367,618		—		—		—		—			—			—			—			—			—
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost	(1,889,920	)	—		—		—		(9,982		)	—			—			—			(9,982		)	—
Income tax effect from share based compensation	—		—		—		—		—			1,536			—			—			1,536
Amortization of share based compensation	—		—		—		—		—			4,162			—			—			4,162			—
Balance, March 31, 2015	111,168,897		$	1,160	$	—	$	—	$	(89,753	)	$	777,994		$	15		$	671		$	690,087		$	85,965

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

Cowen Group, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (dollars in thousands) (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(7,995	)	$	19,418
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,067			2,138
Amortization of debt issuance costs	291			291
Amortization of debt discount	1,665			1,524
Tax benefit (expense) from share-based payment arrangements	(515		)	1,536
Share-based compensation	6,423			4,162
Deferred tax benefit	(2,384		)	3,663
Deferred rent obligations	107			351
Net loss on disposal of fixed assets	—			31
Contingent liability adjustment	(2,135		)	—
Purchases of securities owned, at fair value	(1,293,147		)	(1,026,453		)
Proceeds from sales of securities owned, at fair value	1,263,611			1,252,567
Proceeds from sales of securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	1,068,580			525,223
Payments to cover securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	(910,751		)	(592,564		)
Net (gains) losses on securities, derivatives and other investments	(2,836		)	(38,661		)
Consolidated Funds
Purchases of securities owned, at fair value	(7,355		)	—
Proceeds from sales of securities owned, at fair value	878			—
Proceeds from sales of securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	2,049			—
Payments to cover securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	(855		)	—
Purchases of other investments	(212,028		)	(985		)
Proceeds from sales of other investments	855			4,845
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments and other transactions	245			(4,769		)
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Cash collateral pledged	(72		)	(617		)
Securities owned, at fair value, held at broker-dealer	8,004			13,164
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	(6,106		)	(7,076		)
Securities borrowed	—			676,100
Receivable from brokers	(4,785		)	(24,843		)
Fees receivable, net of allowance	(6,759		)	(19,588		)
Due from related parties	5,264			2,377
Other assets	(11,257		)	(3,565		)
Consolidated Funds
Cash and cash equivalents	1,586			(142		)
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	(125		)	—
Other assets	(738		)	750
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value, held at broker-dealer	(6,141		)	16,039
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	3,951			2,896
Securities loaned	—			(682,493		)
Payable to brokers	(107,952		)	(107,903		)
Compensation payable	(128,152		)	(70,004		)
Fees payable	(3,892		)	15,352
Due to related parties	(95		)	(76		)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	3,841			(3,438		)
Consolidated Funds
Contributions received in advance	1,750			—
Payable to brokers	2,314			—
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	2			—
Due to related parties	265			—
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	707			67
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities	$	(340,620	)	$	(40,683	)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

Cowen Group, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (dollars in thousands) (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
(continued)	2016			2015
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of other investments	$	(16,187	)	$	(5,760	)
Payment to acquire loan held for investment (see Note 18)	—			(15,000		)
Proceeds from sales of other investments	5,937			35,050
Proceeds from loans held for investment	39,200			—
Purchase of fixed assets	(12,383		)	(301		)
Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities	16,567			13,989
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on notes and other debt	22,072			2,140
Repayments on notes and other debt	(660		)	(1,030		)
Income tax effect from share-based payment arrangements	(515		)	1,536
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,571		)	(7,205		)
Cash paid to acquire net assets (contingent liability payment)	—			(108		)
Capital withdrawals to redeemable non-controlling interests in operating entities	(2,267		)	(4,457		)
Consolidated Funds
Capital contributions by redeemable non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds	217,633			3,379
Capital withdrawals to redeemable non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds	(78		)	(2,404		)
Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities	232,614			(8,149		)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(91,439		)	(34,843		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	158,485			129,509
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	67,046		$	94,666
Supplemental non-cash information
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost, through net settlement (see Note 13)	$	4,012		$	2,777
Preferred stock dividends declared (See Note 13)	$	1,698		$	—
Net assets of deconsolidated entities	$	73,309		$	—

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

9

Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

1. Organization and Business

Cowen Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation formed in 2009, is a diversified financial services firm and, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, “Cowen,” “Cowen Group” or the “Company”), provides alternative investment management, investment banking, research, sales and trading and prime brokerage services through its two business segments: alternative investment and broker-dealer. The Company's alternative investment segment, includes hedge funds, private equity structures, registered investment companies and listed vehicles. The Company's broker-dealer segment offers research, sales and trading, prime brokerage and investment banking services to companies and primarily institutional investor clients. Our primary target sectors are healthcare, technology, media and telecommunications, information and technology services, consumer, aerospace and defense, industrials, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), and energy and transportation sectors.

2. Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company completed two acquisitions. On September 1, 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of all of the outstanding interests in Concept Capital Markets, LLC ("Concept") offering prime brokerage services and outsourced trading. On October 1, 2015 the Company completed its acquisition of all of the outstanding interests in Conifer Securities, LLC ("Conifer") representing the prime brokerage services division of Conifer Financial Services LLC. Following the acquisitions Concept was renamed Cowen Prime Services LLC ("Cowen Prime") and Conifer was renamed Cowen Prime Services Trading LLC ("Cowen Prime Trading"). Both are registered broker-dealers (members Financial Industry Regulatory Authority "FINRA" and Securities Industry Protection Corporation "SIPC").

The acquisitions were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP"). As such, the results of operations for Concept and Conifer are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations since the dates of the respective acquisitions and the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and the resulting goodwill were recorded at their fair values within their respective line items on the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

The Company is currently in the process of finalizing the valuation for certain acquired assets of Concept and Conifer; therefore, the fair value measurements and goodwill are preliminary and subject to measurement period adjustments. The allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired will be finalized as necessary, up to one year after the acquisitions' respective closing dates, as the information becomes available. Both of the acquisitions were not deemed material individually but were material in the aggregate.

Included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are revenues of $11.4 million and net income of $1.8 million (excluding corporate allocated expenses) related to the Concept and Conifer combined results of operations.

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma information presents consolidated financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as if the acquisitions were completed as of the beginning of that period. This supplemental pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and is not intended to be indicative of what the Company's results would have been had the acquisitions been completed on January 1, 2015, nor does it purport to be indicative of any future results.

	For the three months ended March 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands,  except per share data)
	(unaudited)
Revenues	$	132,363
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	16,547
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.15
Diluted	$	0.14

10

Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

3. Significant Accounting Policies

a. Basis of Presentation

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") through Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles in the preparation of financial statements, and include the accounts of the Company, its operating and other subsidiaries, and entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest or a substantive, controlling general partner interest. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation. Certain fund entities that are consolidated in these accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, as further discussed below, are not subject to the consolidation provisions with respect to their own controlled investments pursuant to their specialized accounting.

The Company serves as the managing member/general partner and/or investment manager to affiliated fund entities which it sponsors and manages. Funds in which the Company has a controlling financial interest are consolidated with the Company pursuant to US GAAP as described below. Consequently, the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of these funds on a gross basis. The ownership interests in these funds that are not owned by the Company are reflected as redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The management fees and incentive income earned by the Company from these funds are eliminated in consolidation.

b. Principles of consolidation

The Company consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those funds in which the Company either directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest. In addition, the Company consolidates all variable interest entities for which it is the primary beneficiary.

The Company adopted the new accounting pronouncement regarding consolidation accounting using the modified retrospective method with an effective adoption date of January 1, 2016. The modified retrospective method did not require the restatement of prior year periods. The adoption of the new accounting pronouncement also resulted in a reclassification of certain entities which were previously considered voting interest entities and will now be considered variable interest entities.

In accordance with these standards, the Company presently consolidatesfivefunds for which it acts as the general partner and investment manager. As of March 31, 2016 the Company consolidated the following funds: Ramius Enterprise LP (“Enterprise LP”), Ramius Merger Fund LLC (the "Merger Fund"), Cowen Private Investments LP ("Cowen Private"), Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Fund ("Archview Feeder Fund") and Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Master Fund ("Archview Master Fund") (collectively the "Consolidated Funds").

The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting operating entity ("VOE") or a variable interest entity ("VIE") under US GAAP.

Voting Operating Entities—VOEs are entities in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance its activities independently and (ii) the equity holders at risk have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance.

Under US GAAP, the usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a VOE is ownership of a majority voting interest. Accordingly, the Company consolidates all VOEs in which it owns a majority of the entity's voting shares or units.

In connection with the adoption, the Company reevaluated all of its investment products for consolidation. As of January 1, 2016, the Company deconsolidated Quadratic Fund LLC ("Quadratic LLC") as the Company did not hold a significant voting interest in the fund. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the net income of Quadratic LLC were not material to the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition or statements of operations. The adoption of the new accounting pronouncement also resulted in a reclassification of certain entities for which the Company was presumed to have control and will now be VIEs.

Variable Interest Entities—VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a VOE. In accordance with US GAAP, an enterprise must consolidate all VIEs of which it is the primary beneficiary. Under the US GAAP consolidation model for VIEs, an enterprise that (1) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impacts the VIE's economic performance, and (2) has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, is considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and thus is required to consolidate it.

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The Company reconsiders whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by performing a periodic qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of the VIE that includes a review of, among other things, its capital structure, contractual agreements between the Company and the VIE, the economic interests that create or absorb variability, related party relationships and the design of the VIE.As ofMarch 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the total net assets of the consolidated VIEs were$452.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The VIEs act as investment managers or are investment companies that are managed by the Company. The VIEs are financed through their operations and/or loan agreements with the Company.

As of March 31, 2016the Company holds variable interests in Ramius Enterprise Master Fund Ltd (“Enterprise Master”) and Ramius Merger Master Fund Ltd ("Merger Master") (collectively the “Unconsolidated Master Funds”) through the Consolidated Funds. Investment companies, which account for their investments under the specialized industry accounting guidance for investment companies prescribed under US GAAP, are not subject to the consolidation provisions for their investments. Therefore, the Company has not consolidated the Unconsolidated Master Funds.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company also sponsors various other entities that it has determined to be VIEs. These VIEs are primarily funds and real estate entities for which the Company serves as the general partner, managing member and/or investment manager with decision-making rights.

The Company does not consolidate the Unconsolidated Master Funds or real estate entities that are VIEs as it has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary in each instance. Fund investors are entitled to all of the economics of these VIEs with the exception of the management fee and incentive income, if any, earned by the Company. The Company's involvement with funds and real estate entities that are unconsolidated VIEs is limited to providing investment management services in exchange for management fees and incentive income. Although the Company may advance amounts and pay certain expenses on behalf of the funds and real estate entities that it considers to be VIEs, it does not provide, nor is it required to provide, any type of substantive financial support to these entities outside of regular investment management services (see Note 5for additional disclosures on VIEs).

Equity Method Investments—For operating entities over which the Company exercises significant influence but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation as outlined above, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's investments in equity method investees are recorded in other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company's share of earnings or losses from equity method investees is included in net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. The difference between the carrying value of the equity method investment and its estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment charge when the loss in value is deemed other than temporary.

Other—If the Company does not consolidate an entity, apply the equity method of accounting or account for an investment under the cost method, the Company accounts for such entities (primarily, all securities of such entity which are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term as trading securities) in accordance with US GAAP, at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Retention of Specialized Accounting—The Consolidated Funds and certain other consolidated companies are investment companies and apply specialized industry accounting for investment companies. The Company has retained this specialized accounting for these funds pursuant to US GAAP. The Company reports its investments on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at their estimated fair value, with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other transactions. Accordingly, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect different accounting policies for investments depending on whether or not they are held through a consolidated investment company. In addition, the Company's broker-dealer subsidiaries, Cowen and Company, LLC ("Cowen and Company"), ATM Execution LLC ("ATM Execution"), Cowen International Limited ("CIL"), Ramius UK Ltd. ("Ramius UK"), Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading apply the specialized industry accounting for brokers and dealers in securities also prescribed under US GAAP. The Company also retains specialized accounting in consolidation.

c. Use of estimates

The preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires the management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the fair value of securities and other investments, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, the accounting for goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

d. Valuation of investments and derivative contracts

US GAAP 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). Thethreelevels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has

the ability to access at the measurement date;

Level 2     Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including

inputs in markets that are not considered to be active; and

Level 3 Fair value is determined based on pricing inputs that are unobservable and includes situations where there is little,

if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The determination of fair value for assets and liabilities in this

category requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Inputs are used in applying the various valuation techniques and broadly refer to the assumptions that market participants use to make valuation decisions, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may include price information, volatility statistics, specific and broad credit data, liquidity statistics, and other factors. 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. However, the determination of what constitutes “observable” requires significant judgment by the Company. The Company considers observable data to be that market data which is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market. The categorization of a financial instrument within the hierarchy is based upon the pricing transparency of the instrument and does not necessarily correspond to the Company's perceived risk of that instrument.

The Company and its operating subsidiaries act as the manager for the Consolidated Funds. Both the Company and the Consolidated Funds hold certain investments which are valued by the Company, acting as the investment manager. The fair value of these investments is generally estimated based on proprietary models developed by the Company, which include discounted cash flow analysis, public market comparables, and other techniques and may be based, at least in part, on independently sourced market information. The material estimates and assumptions used in these models include the timing and expected amount of cash flows, the appropriateness of discount rates used, and, in some cases, the ability to execute, timing of, and estimated proceeds from expected financings. Significant judgment and estimation goes into the selection of an appropriate valuation methodology as well as the assumptions used in these models, and the timing and actual values realized with respect to investments could be materially different from values derived based on the use of those estimates. The valuation methodologies applied impact the reported value of the Company's investments and the investments held by the Consolidated Funds in the consolidated financial statements. Certain of the Company's investments are relatively illiquid or thinly traded and may not be immediately liquidated on demand if needed. Fair values assigned to these investments may differ significantly from the fair values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed and such differences could be material.

The Company primarily uses the “market approach” to value its financial instruments measured at fair value. In determining an instrument's level within the hierarchy, the Company categorizes the Company's financial instruments intothreecategories: securities, derivative contracts and other investments. To the extent applicable, each of these categories can further be divided between those held long or sold short.

The Company has the option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. The election is made on an instrument by instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument.  The Company has elected the fair value option for its investments through Cowen Investments, LLC and certain investments it holds though its operating companies.  This option has been elected because the Company believes that it is consistent with the manner in which the business is managed as well as the way that financial instruments in other parts of the business are recorded.

Securities—Securities with values based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets are classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. These securities include active listed equities, certain U.S. government and sovereign

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

obligations, ETF's, mutual funds and certain money market securities. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for such instruments, even in situations where the Company holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

Certain positions for which trading activity may not be readily visible, consisting primarily of convertible debt, corporate debt and loans and restricted equities, are stated at fair value and classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair values assigned by management are determined in good faith and are based on available information considering, trading activity, broker quotes, quotations provided by published pricing services, counterparties and other market participants, and pricing models using quoted inputs, and do not necessarily represent the amounts which might ultimately be realized. As level 2 investments include positions that are not always traded in active markets and/or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability.

Derivative contracts—Derivative contracts can be exchange-traded or privately negotiated over-the-counter (“OTC”). Exchange-traded derivatives, such as futures contracts and exchange-traded option contracts, are typically classified within level 1 or level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on whether or not they are deemed to be actively traded. OTC derivatives, such as generic forwards, swaps and options, have inputs which can generally be corroborated by market data and are therefore classified within level 2. OTC derivatives, such as swaps and options where market data is not readily available or observable are classified as level 3.

Other investments—Other investments consist primarily of portfolio funds, real estate investments and equity method investments, which are valued as follows:

i. Portfolio funds—Portfolio funds (“Portfolio Funds”) include interests in funds and investment companies which may be managed by the Company or its affiliates. The Company follows US GAAP regarding fair value measurements and disclosures relating to investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent). The guidance permits, as a practical expedient, an entity holding investments in certain entities that either are investment companies as defined by the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide, Investment Companies, or have attributes similar to an investment company, and calculate net asset value per share or its equivalent for which the fair value is not readily determinable, to measure the fair value of such investments on the basis of that NAV per share, or its equivalent, without adjustment.In accordance with US GAAP, investments which are valued using NAV per share as a practical expedient are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

ii. Real estate investments—Real estate debt and equity investments are valued at fair value. The fair value of real estate investments are estimated based on the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between marketplace participants at the measurement date. Real estate investments without a public market are valued based on assumptions and valuation techniques used by the Company. Such valuation techniques may include discounted cash flow analysis, prevailing market capitalization rates or earnings multiples applied to earnings from the investment, analysis of recent comparable sales transactions, actual sale negotiations and bona fide purchase offers received from third parties, consideration of the amount that currently would be required to replace the asset, as adjusted for obsolescence, as well as independent external appraisals. In general, the Company considers several valuation techniques when measuring the fair value of a real estate investment. However, in certain circumstances, a single valuation technique may be appropriate. Real estate investments are reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Company for significant changes at the property level or a significant change in the overall market which would impact the value of the real estate investment resulting in unrealized appreciation or depreciation.

Real estate and capital markets are cyclical in nature. Property and investment values are affected by, among other things, the availability of capital, occupancy rates, rental rates and interest and inflation rates. In addition, the Company invests in real estate and real estate related investments for which no liquid market exists. The market prices for such investments may be volatile and may not be readily ascertainable. Amounts ultimately realized by the Company from investments sold may differ from the fair values presented, and the differences could be material.

The Company's real estate investments are typically categorized as a level 3 investment within the fair value hierarchy as management uses significant unobservable inputs in determining their estimated fair value.

See Notes5 and 6for further information regarding the Company's investments, including equity method investments, and fair value measurements.

e. Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their useful life or lease term. When the Company commits to a plan to abandon fixed assets or leasehold improvements before the end of its original useful life, the estimated depreciation or amortization period is

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

revised to reflect the shortened useful life of the asset. Other fixed assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

Operating lease assets, related to our aviation business, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and are depreciated to estimated residual value using the straight-line method over the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Assets received at the end of the lease are marked to the lower of cost or fair value with the adjustment recorded in other income.

Asset	Depreciable Lives	Principal Method
Telephone and computer equipment	3-8 years	Straight-line
Computer software	3-7 years	Straight-line
Furniture and fixtures	5-8 years	Straight-line
Leasehold improvements	5-15 years	Straight-line
Capitalized lease asset	5 years	Straight-line
Airplanes	15-20 years	Straight-line
Modifications to airplanes	4-10 years	Straight-line

f. Debt

Long-term debt is carried at the principal amount borrowed net of any discount/premium. The discount is accreted to interest expense using the effective interest method over the remaining life of the underlying debt obligations. Accrued but unpaid coupon interest is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company adopted a new accounting pronouncement, during the first quarter of 2016, which reclassified the unamortized debt issuance costs in our previously reported condensed consolidated statements of financial condition from other assets to a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the debt. Notes payable and other debt and convertible debt as of December 31, 2015 was previously presented as $195.7 million. Due to the retrospective application notes payable and other debt and convertible debt is now presented as $191.0 million as of December 31, 2015.

g.    Deferred rent

Deferred rent primarily consists of step rent, allowances from landlords and valuing the Company's lease properties in accordance with US GAAP. Step rent represents the difference between actual operating lease payments due and straight-line rent expense, which is recorded by the Company over the term of the lease, including the build-out period. This amount is recorded as deferred rent in the early years of the lease, when cash payments are generally lower than straight-line rent expense, and reduced in the later years of the lease when payments begin to exceed the straight-line expense. Landlord allowances are generally comprised of amounts received and/or promised to the Company by landlords and may be received in the form of cash or free rent. These allowances are part of the negotiated terms of the lease. The Company records a receivable from the landlord and a deferred rent liability when the allowances are earned. This deferred rent is amortized into income (through lower rent expense) over the term (including the pre-opening build-out period) of the applicable lease, and the receivable is reduced as amounts are received from the landlord. Liabilities resulting from valuing the Company's leased properties acquired through business combinations are quantified by comparing the current fair value of the leased space to the current rental payments on the date of acquisition. Deferred rent, included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is $11.9 million and $12.0 million, respectively. Deferred rent asset, included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

h.     Insurance-related contracts

Premiums for insurance-related contracts are earned over the coverage period. In most cases, premiums are recognized as revenues ratably over the term of the contract with unearned premiums computed on a monthly basis. For each of its contracts, the Company determines if the contract provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, in accordance with US GAAP. If the Company determines that a contract does not expose it to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the contract under the deposit method of accounting with any net amount receivable reflected as an asset in other assets, and any net amount payable reflected as a liability within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

The liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are recorded at the estimated ultimate payment amounts, including reported losses.  Estimated ultimate payment amounts are based upon (1) reports of losses from policyholders, (2) individual case estimates and (3) estimates of incurred but not reported losses.

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses are charged to earnings after deducting amounts recovered and estimates of recoverable amounts and are included in other expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Costs of acquiring new policies, which vary with and are directly related to the production of new policies, have been deferred to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable from future premiums or gross profits. Such costs include commissions and allowances as well as certain costs of policy issuance and underwriting and are included within other assets on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

i.    Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In March 2016, as part of its simplification initiative, the FASB issued a new accounting pronouncement which simplified the requirements for share based payments. The guidance among other things covers the income tax consequences and classification of excess tax benefit and tax withholding on the statement of cash flows. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which amends and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements and most industry-specific guidance and creates a single source of revenue guidance.  The new guidance outlines the principles an entity must apply to measure and recognize revenue and related cash flows.  The guidance also provides a model for the measurement and recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain non-financial assets. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  In July 2015, the FASB confirmed a deferral of the effective date by one year, with early adoption on the original effective date permitted.  In March and April 2016, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations and identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2016, as part of its simplification initiative, the FASB issued a new accounting pronouncement which eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2016, the FASB issued two amendments relating to Derivatives and Hedging. The amendments clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require de-designation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. The Second amendment relates to Contingent Put and call option in a debt instrument and clarify the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts when assessed under the current guidance. For public business entities the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition and its disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance which amends and supersedes its previous guidance regarding leases. The new guidance requires the lessee to recognize the right to use assets and lease liabilities that arise from leases and present them in its statement of financial condition. The recognition of these lease assets and lease liabilities represents an improvement over previous GAAP, which did not require lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognized for most leases. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous GAAP. There continues to be a differentiation between finance leases and operating leases. However, the principal difference from previous guidance is that the lease assets and lease liabilities arising from operating leases should be recognized in the statement of financial condition. For public business entities the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition and its disclosures.

In January 2016, as a joint project with International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the FASB issued a new accounting pronouncement to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in the update made improvements to US GAAP for equity investments and investments carried at

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

amortized cost. The guidance also simplify the impairment assessment for equity investments and clarify the need for valuation allowance on deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities. For public business entities the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition and its disclosures.   

4. Cash Collateral Pledged

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company pledged cash collateral in the amount of $10.2 million and $10.1 million, respectively, which relates to letters of credit issued to the landlords of the Company's premises in New York City, Boston and San Francisco (See Note 12).

5. Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds

a. Operating Entities

Securities owned, at fair value

Securities owned, at fair value are held by the Company and are considered held for trading. Substantially all equity securities are pledged to the clearing brokers under terms which permit the clearing broker to sell or re-pledge the securities to others subject to certain limitations.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, securities owned, at fair value consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government securities (a)	$	3,774	$	3,016
Preferred stock (b)	23,696		25,563
Common stocks (b)	589,359		516,108
Convertible bonds (c)	250		819
Corporate bonds (d)	6,853		47,192
Warrants and rights	2,731		3,059
Mutual funds (e)	1,104		14,477
	$	627,767	$	610,234

(a) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from June 2016 to February 2017 with interest rates ranged between 0% to 5.95%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from January 2016 to August 2016 with interest rates ranged between 0% to 5.95%.

(b) Included in preferred stocks and common stocks are investments in securities for which the Company has elected the fair value option with the fair value of $4.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively, at March 31, 2016 and $7.7 million and $7.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2015. These investments were acquired in connection with merchant banking transactions.

(c) As of March 31, 2016, the maturity was March 2018 with an interest rate of 8%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from July 2016 to March 2018 with interest rates ranged between 8% to 10.00%.

(d) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from August 2017 to February 2046 and interest rates ranged between 3.48% to 7.25%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from March 2016 to February 2046 and interest rates ranged between 3.25% to 9.00%.

(e) Included in this amount as of December 31, 2015, are investments in affiliated funds of $13.4 million all of which was liquidated during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Receivable on and Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value

The Company's direct involvement with derivative financial instruments includes futures, currency forwards, equity swaps, and options. The Company's derivatives trading activities exposes the Company to certain risks, such as price and interest rate fluctuations, volatility risk, credit risk, counterparty risk, foreign currency movements and changes in the liquidity of markets.

Upon issuance of the Company's cash convertible unsecured senior notes ("Convertible Notes") (See Note 12), the Company recognized the embedded cash conversion option at fair value of $35.7 million which is valued as of March 31, 2016

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

at $20.9 million and is included in payable for derivative contracts in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. Also, on the date of issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company entered into a separate cash convertible note economic hedge transaction (the "Hedge Transaction") with a counterparty (the “Option Counterparty”) whereby, the Company purchased a cash settled option contract with terms identical to the conversion option embedded in the Convertible Notes and simultaneously sold an equity settled warrant with a higher strike price. The Hedge Transaction is expected to reduce the Company’s exposure to potential cash payments in excess of the principal amount of converted notes that the Company may be required to make upon conversion of the Convertible Notes. The Company paid a premium of $35.7 million for the option under the Hedge Transaction and received a premium of $15.2 million for the equity settled warrant transaction, for a net cost of $20.5 million. The Hedge Transaction is valued at $20.9 million as of March 31, 2016 and is included in receivable on derivative contracts in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. Aside from the initial premium paid, the Company will not be required to make any cash payments under the Hedge Transaction and could be entitled to receive an amount of cash from the Option Counterparty generally equal to the amount by which the market price per share of common stock exceeds the strike price of the Hedge Transaction during the relevant valuation period. The warrants cover 28,048,786 shares of the Company's Class A common stock and have an initial exercise price of $7.18 per share. The warrants expire over a period of 80 trading days beginning on November 14, 2018. The warrant transaction could have a dilutive effect to the extent that the market value per share of the Company’s Class A common stock exceeds the applicable strike price of the warrants.

The Company's long and short exposure to derivatives is as follows:

Receivable on derivative contracts	As of March 31, 2016				As of December 31, 2015
	Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value		Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value
	(dollars in thousands)
Futures	$	17,143	$	1,289	$	9,416	$	189
Currency forwards	$	56,569	154		$	67,862	659
Equity swaps	$	21,012	811		$	118,488	2,327
Options other (a)	334,903		38,978		289,433		31,456
Foreign currency options	$	280,507	4,493		$	283,797	4,987
			$	45,725			$	39,618

(a) Includes index, equity, commodity future and cash conversion options.

Payable for derivative contracts	As of March 31, 2016				As of December 31, 2015
	Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value		Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value
	(dollars in thousands)
Futures	$	15,401	$	1,834	$	11,995	$	101
Currency forwards	$	43,658	426		$	44,156	463
Equity and credit default swaps	$	7,236	156		$	7,605	71
Options other (a)	15,775		22,718		16,632		20,548
			$	25,134			$	21,183

(a) Includes index, equity, commodity future and cash conversion options.

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The following tables present the gross and net derivative positions and the related offsetting amount, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

							Gross amounts not offset in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
	Gross amounts recognized		Gross amounts offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (a)		Net amounts included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition		Financial instruments		Cash Collateral pledged (b)		Net amounts
	(dollars in thousands)
As of March 31, 2016
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	$	45,725	$	—	$	45,725	$	—	$	7,305	$	38,420
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	25,134		—		25,134		—		582		24,552
As of December 31, 2015
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	39,618		—		39,618		—		9,339		30,279
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	21,183		—		21,183		—		534		20,649

(a) Includes financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting provisions that are permitted to be offset to the extent an event of default has occurred.

(b) Includes the amount of collateral held or posted.

The realized and unrealized gains/(losses) related to derivatives trading activities were $2.4 million and $2.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are included in other income in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Pursuant to the various derivatives transactions discussed above, except for the cash convertible note hedge (see Note 12) and exchange traded derivatives, the Company is required to post/receive collateral. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, collateral consisting of $13.2 million and $27.1 million of cash, respectively, is included in receivable from brokers and payable to brokers on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 all derivative contracts were with multiple major financial institutions.

Other investments

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, other investments included the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
(1) Portfolio Funds, at fair value	$	118,599	$	113,281
(2) Equity method investments	47,893		27,067
(3) Lehman claims, at fair value	293		299
	$	166,785	$	140,647

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(1) Portfolio Funds, at fair value

The Portfolio Funds, at fair value as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, included the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
HealthCare Royalty Partners (a)(*)	$	12,251	$	12,127
HealthCare Royalty Partners II (a)(*)	7,176		6,006
Orchard Square Partners Credit Fund LP (b)	4,000		4,170
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP (c)(*)	21,287		20,369
Starboard Partners Fund LP (d)(*)	9,396		14,036
Starboard Leaders Fund LP (e)(*)	1,209		1,080
Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. (f)	20,950		19,454
Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. (formerly Formation8 Partners Hardware Fund I, L.P.) (g)	1,733		1,101
RCG LV Park Lane LLC (h) (*)	575		809
RCGL 12E13th LLC (i) (*)	458		609
RCG Longview Debt Fund V, L.P. (i) (*)	18,170		18,147
RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. (j) (*)	2,468		2,468
Quadratic Fund LLC (k) (*)	4,865		—
Other private investment (l) (*)	7,534		6,909
Other affiliated funds (m)(*)	6,527		5,996
	$	118,599	$	113,281

* These portfolio funds are affiliates of the Company.

The Company has no unfunded commitments regarding the portfolio funds held by the Company except as noted in Note 11.

(a) HealthCare Royalty Partners, L.P. and HealthCare Royalty Partners II, L.P. are private equity funds and therefore distributions will be made when cash flows are received from the underlying investments, typically on a quarterly basis.

(b) Orchard Square Partners Credit Fund LP has a quarterly redemption policy with a 60 day notice period and a 4% penalty on redemptions of investments of less than a year in duration.

(c) Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP permits quarterly withdrawals upon 90 days notice.

(d) Starboard Partners Fund LP permits redemptions on a semi-annual basis on 180 days prior written notice subsequent to an initial two year lock up.

(e) Starboard Leaders Fund LP does not permit withdrawals, but instead allows terminations with respect to capital commitments upon 30 days prior written notice at any time following the first anniversary of an investors initial capital contribution.

(f) Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. is a private equity fund which invests in early stage and growth transformational information and energy technology companies. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(g) Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. (Formerly Formation8 Partners Hardware Fund I, L.P.) is a private equity fund which invests in early stage and growth hardware companies. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(h) RCG LV Park Lane LLC is a single purpose entity formed to participate in a joint venture which acquired, at a discount, the mortgage notes on a portfolio of multifamily real estate properties located in Birmingham, Alabama.  RCG LV Park Lane LLC is a private equity structure and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(i) RCGL 12E13th LLC and RCG Longview Debt Fund V, L.P. are real estate private equity structures and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(j) RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. is a single purpose entity formed to participate in a joint venture which acquired two fully entitled residential development sites in the New York City metro area. RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. is a private equity structure and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(k) Quadratic Fund LLC permits redemptions on a 30 days prior written notice.

(l) Other private investment represents the Company's closed end investment in a portfolio fund that invests in a wireless broadband communication provider in Italy.

(m) The majority of these funds are affiliates of the Company or are managed by the Company and the investors can redeem from these funds as investments are liquidated.

(2) Equity method investments

Equity method investments include investments held by the Company in several operating companies whose operations primarily include the day to day management of a number of real estate funds, including the portfolio management and administrative services related to the acquisition, disposition, and active monitoring of the real estate funds' underlying debt and equity investments. The Company's ownership interests in these equity method investments range from 20% to 55%. The Company holds a majority of the outstanding ownership interest (i.e., more than 50%) in RCG Longview Partners II, LLC. The operating agreement that governs the management of day-to-day operations and affairs of this entity stipulates that certain decisions require support and approval from other members in addition to the support and approval of the Company. As a result, all operating decisions made in this entity requires the support of both the Company and an affirmative vote of a majority of the other managing members who are not affiliates of the Company. As the Company does not possess control over any of these entities, the presumption of consolidation has been overcome pursuant to current accounting standards and the Company accounts for these investments under the equity method of accounting. Also included in equity method investments are the investments in (a) HealthCare Royalty Partners General Partners and (b) Starboard Value (and certain related parties) which serves as an operating company whose operations primarily include the day to day management (including portfolio management) of several activist hedge funds and related managed accounts and c) Surf House Ocean Views Holdings, LLC which is a joint venture in a real estate development project. The Company recorded no impairment charges in relation to its equity method investments for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015.

The following table summarizes equity method investments held by the Company:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
RCG Longview Debt Fund IV Management, LLC	$	331	$	331
RCG Longview Debt Fund V Partners, LLC	5,278		4,655
HealthCare Royalty GP, LLC	999		989
HealthCare Royalty GP II, LLC	1,215		1,017
HealthCare Royalty GP III, LLC	86		88
HealthCare Overflow Fund GP, LLC	50		—
Surf House Ocean Views Holdings, LLC	13,000		—
Starboard Value LP	22,805		15,769
RCG Longview Management, LLC	710		656
RCG Urban American, LLC	120		120
RCG Urban American Management, LLC	379		379
RCG Longview Equity Management, LLC	114		114
Urban American Real Estate Fund II, LLC	1,211		1,211
RCG Kennedy House, LLC	359		304
Other	1,236		1,434
	$	47,893	$	27,067

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company's share of losses in its equity method investment in RCG Longview Partners II, LLC has exceeded the carrying amount recorded in this investee. These amounts are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. RCG Longview Partners II, LLC, as general partner to a real estate fund, has reversed previously recorded incentive income allocations and has recorded a current clawback obligation to the limited partners in the fund. This obligation is due to a change in unrealized value of the fund on which there have previously been distributed carried interest realizations; however, the

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

settlement of a potential obligation is not due until the end of the life of the respective fund. As the Company is obligated to return previous distributions it received from RCG Longview Partners II, LLC, it has continued to record its share of gains/losses in the investee including reflecting its share of the clawback obligation in the amount of $6.2 million.

The Company's income (loss) from equity method investments was $4.6 million and $14.2 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is included in net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

(3) Lehman Claims, at fair value

Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (“LBIE”), through certain affiliates, was a prime broker to the Company, and the Company held cash and cash equivalent balances with LBIE. On September 15, 2008, LBIE was placed into administration (the “Administration”) in the United Kingdom and, as a result, the assets held by the Company in its LBIE accounts were frozen at LBIE. The assets which the Company believed were held at LBIE at the time of Administration (the “Total Net Equity Claim”) consisted of $1.0 million, which represented an unsecured claim against LBIE. The total amounts received to date in respect of the Company’s unsecured claim against LBIE are approximately $1.0 million, representing 100.0% of its agreed claim. The Company may receive further distributions in respect of its claim, but the amount and timing of these distributions remains uncertain. The Company does not expect future distributions to be material.

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value represent obligations of the Company to deliver a specified security at a contracted price and, thereby, create a liability to purchase that security at prevailing prices. The Company's liability for securities to be delivered is measured at their fair value as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. However, these transactions result in off-balance sheet risk, as the Company's ultimate cost to satisfy the delivery of securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value may exceed the amount reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Substantially all equity securities and options are pledged to the clearing broker under terms which permit the clearing broker to sell or re-pledge the securities to others subject to certain limitations. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stocks	$	412,750	$	257,101
Corporate bonds (a)	60		58
	$	412,810	$	257,159

(a) As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the maturity was January 2026 with an interest rate of 5.55%.

Variable Interest Entities

The total assets and liabilities of the variable interest entities for which the Company has concluded that it holds a variable interest, but for which it is not the primary beneficiary, are $5.4 billion and $1.0 billion as of March 31, 2016 and $3.1 billion and $473.3 million as of December 31, 2015, respectively. In addition, the maximum exposure relating to these variable interest entities as of March 31, 2016 was $483.8 million, and as of December 31, 2015 was $327.8 million, all of which is included in other investments, at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The exposure to loss primarily relates to the Consolidated Feeder Funds' investment in their Unconsolidated Master Funds and the Company's investment in unconsolidated investment companies.

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

b. Consolidated Funds

Securities owned, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, securities owned, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Preferred stock	$	28,000	$	32,000
Common stocks	7,100		—
Corporate bonds (a)	4,218		—
Term Loan	1,205		—
	$	40,523	$	32,000

(a) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from March 2017 to May 2049 and interest rates ranged between 3.25% and 14.37%.

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016, securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stocks	$	352
Corporate bonds (a)	1,015
	$	1,367

(a) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from September 2019 to March 2025 and interest rates ranged between 4.38% and 9.25%.

Receivable on derivative contracts

As of March 31, 2016, receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds are comprised of:

	As of March 31, 2016
	(dollars in thousands)
Currency forwards	$	2
Equity swaps	61
Options	62
	$	125

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016, payable for derivative contracts, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds are comprised of currency forwards of $2.0 thousand.

Other investments, at fair value

Investments in Portfolio Funds, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, investments in Portfolio Funds, at fair value, included the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Investments of Enterprise LP	$	113,696	$	111,075
Investments of Merger Fund	280,782		74,348
Investments of Quadratic LLC	—		78,395
	$	394,478	$	263,818

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Consolidated portfolio fund investments of Enterprise LP    

Enterprise LP operates under a “master-feeder” structure, whereby Enterprise Master's shareholders are Enterprise LP and RCG II Intermediate Fund, L.P. The consolidated investments in Portfolio Funds include Enterprise LP's investment of $113.7 million and $111.1 million in Enterprise Master as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. On May 12, 2010, the Company announced its intention to close Enterprise Master. Prior to this announcement, strategies utilized by Enterprise Master included merger arbitrage and activist investing, investments in distressed securities, convertible hedging, capital structure arbitrage, equity market neutral, investments in private placements of convertible securities, proprietary mortgages, structured credit investments, investments in mortgage backed securities and other structured finance products, investments in real estate and real property interests, structured private placements and other relative value strategies. Enterprise Master had broad investment powers and maximum flexibility in seeking to achieve its investment objective. Enterprise Master was permitted to invest in equity securities, debt instruments, options, futures, swaps, credit default swaps and other derivatives. As Enterprise Master winds down its positions, it will return capital to its investors. There are no unfunded commitments at Enterprise LP.

Consolidated portfolio fund investments of Merger Fund    

The Merger Fund operates under a “master-feeder” structure, whereby Ramius Merger Master Ltd's ("Merger Master") shareholders are Merger Fund and Ramius Merger Fund Ltd. The consolidated investments in Portfolio Funds include Merger Fund's investment of $280.8 million and $74.3 million in Merger Master as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Merger Master’s investment objective is to achieve consistent absolute returns while emphasizing the preservation of investor capital. The Merger Master seeks to achieve these objectives by taking a fundamental, research-driven approach to investing, primarily in the securities of issuers engaged in, or subject to, announced (or unannounced but otherwise anticipated) extraordinary corporate transactions, which may include, but are not limited to, mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, tender offers, hostile takeover bids, sale processes, exchange offers, and recapitalizations. Merger Master invests in the securities of one or more issuers engaged in or subject to such extraordinary corporate transactions. Merger Master typically seeks to derive a profit by realizing the price differential, or “spread,” between the market price of securities purchased or sold short and the market price or value of securities realized in connection with the completion or termination of the extraordinary corporate transaction, or in connection with the adjustment of market prices in anticipation thereof, while seeking to minimize the market risk associated with the aforementioned investment activities. Merger Master will, depending on markets conditions, generally focus the majority of its investment program on announced transactions. If the investment manager of Merger Master considers it necessary, it may either alone or as part of a group, also initiate shareholder actions seeking to maximize value. Such shareholder actions may include, but are not limited to, re-orienting management’s focus or initiating the sale of the company (or one or more of its divisions) to a third party. There are no unfunded commitments at Merger Fund.

Consolidated portfolio fund investments of Quadratic Fund LLC     

Quadratic LLC operates under a “master-feeder” structure, whereby Quadratic Master Fund Ltd's ("Quadratic Master") shareholders are Quadratic Fund LLC and Quadratic Fund Ltd. The consolidated investments in Portfolio Funds include Quadratic Fund LLC's investment of $78.4 million in Quadratic Master as of December 31, 2015. Quadratic LLC was deconsolidated on January 1, 2016 (See Note 3). The Quadratic Master’s investment objective is to achieve attractive, risk-adjusted rates of return through the use of proprietary fundamental global macro and options/swaptions based strategies. Quadratic Master’s strategy is primarily executed via options and swaptions.

Indirect Concentration of the Underlying Investments Held by Consolidated Funds

From time to time, either directly or indirectly through its investments in the Consolidated Funds, the Company may maintain exposure to a particular issue or issuer (both long and/or short) which may account for 5% or more of the Company's equity. Based on information that is available to the Company as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company assessed whether or not its interests in an issuer for which the Company's pro-rata share exceeds 5% of the Company's equity. There were no indirect concentrations that exceed 5% of the Company's equity as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Underlying Investments of Unconsolidated Funds Held by Consolidated Funds

Enterprise Master and Merger Master

Enterprise LP's investment in Enterprise Master represents Enterprise LP's proportionate share of Enterprise Master's net assets; as a result, the investment balances of Enterprise Master reflected below may exceed the net investment which Enterprise LP has recorded. Merger Fund's investment in Merger Master represents Merger Fund's proportionate share of Merger Master's net assets; as a result, the investment balances of Merger Master reflected below may exceed the net investment which Merger Fund has recorded. The following tables present summarized investment information for the

24

Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

underlying investments and derivatives held by Enterprise Master and Merger Master as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

Securities owned by Enterprise Master, at fair value

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stock	736		724
Preferred stock	1,478		1,484
Restricted stock	124		124
Rights	—		321
Trade claims	128		128
	$	2,466	$	2,781

Receivable/(Payable) on derivative contracts, at fair value, owned by Enterprise Master

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
Description	(dollars in thousands)
Currency forwards	$	—	$	(4	)
	$	—	$	(4	)

Portfolio Funds, owned by Enterprise Master, at fair value

		As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	Strategy	(dollars in thousands)
RCG Longview Equity Fund, LP*	Real Estate	$	7,407	$	7,635
RCG Longview II, LP*	Real Estate	702		698
RCG Longview Debt Fund IV, LP*	Real Estate	3,042		3,577
RCG Soundview, LLC*	Real Estate	452		452
RCG Urban American Real Estate Fund, L.P.*	Real Estate	307		312
RCG Special Opportunities Fund, Ltd*	Multi-Strategy	85,435		81,544
RCG Energy, LLC *	Energy	—		1,189
RCG Renergys, LLC*	Energy	1		1
Other Private Investments	Various	10,472		10,515
Other Real Estate Investments (*)	Real Estate	5,045		5,753
		$	112,863	$	111,676

* Affiliates of the Company.

Merger Master

Securities owned by Merger Master, at fair value

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stocks	$	814,309	$	157,429
Corporate bonds (a)	—		492
	$	814,309	$	157,921

(a) As of December 31, 2015, the maturity was June 2024 with an interest rate of 5.25%.

Securities sold, not yet purchased, by Merger Master, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, Merger Master held common stock, sold not yet purchased, of $581.3 million and $73.8 million, respectively.

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value, owned by Merger Master

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
Description	(dollars in thousands)
Options	$	16,582	$	1,275
Currency forwards	24		235
Equity swaps	1,289		1,001
	$	17,895	$	2,511

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value, owned by Merger Master

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
Description	(dollars in thousands)
Options	$	1,293	$	563
Currency forwards	21		—
Equity swaps	283		30
	$	1,597	$	593

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

6. Fair Value Measurements for Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds

The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

	Assets at Fair Value as of March 31, 2016
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
				(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Securities owned
US Government securities	$	3,774		$	—		$	—		$	3,774
Preferred stock	6,669			3,381			13,646			23,696
Common stocks	580,184			2,910			6,265			589,359
Convertible bonds	—			—			250			250
Corporate bonds	—			6,853			—			6,853
Warrants and rights	226			—			2,505			2,731
Mutual funds	1,104			—			—			1,104
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	1,289			—			—			1,289
Currency forwards	—			154			—			154
Equity swaps	—			811			—			811
Options	16,238			6,341			20,892			43,471
Other investments
Lehman claim	—			—			293			293
Consolidated funds
Securities owned
Preferred stock	—			—			28,000			28,000
Common stocks	806			6,294			—			7,100
Corporate Bonds	—			4,218			—			4,218
Term Loan	—			1,205			—			1,205
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
Currency forwards	—			2			—			2
Equity swaps	—			61			—			61
Options	46			16			—			62
	$	610,336		$	32,246		$	71,851		$	714,433
Percentage of total assets measured at fair value	85.4		%	4.5		%	10.1		%
Portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										118,599
Consolidated funds' portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										394,478
Equity method investments										47,893
Total investments										$	1,275,403

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

	Liabilities at Fair Value as of March 31, 2016
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Securities sold, not yet purchased
Common stocks	$	412,750		$	—		$	—		$	412,750
Corporate bonds	—			60			—			60
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	1,834			—			—			1,834
Currency forwards	—			426			—			426
Equity and credit default swaps	—			156			—			156
Options	1,826			—			20,892			22,718
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
Contingent consideration liability (b)	—			—			8,293			8,293
Consolidated funds
Securities sold, not yet purchased
Common stocks	352			—			—			352
Corporate bonds	—			1,015			—			1,015
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
Currency forwards	—			2			—			2
	$	416,762		$	1,659		$	29,185		$	447,606
Percentage of total liabilities measured at fair value	93.1		%	0.4		%	6.5		%

(a) In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

(b) In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during 2012 and the third and fourth quarter of 2015, the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income of the acquired businesses, if certain revenue targets are achieved through the periods ended August 2016, December 2020, and December 2018, respectively. The Company estimated the contingent consideration liability using the income approach (discounted cash flow method) which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts as of March 31, 2016 can range from $0.1 million to $8.6 million.

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

	Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
				(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Securities owned
US Government securities	$	3,016		$	—		$	—		$	3,016
Preferred stock	7,891			4,800			12,872			25,563
Common stocks	505,303			7,527			3,278			516,108
Convertible bonds	—			—			819			819
Corporate bonds	—			47,192			—			47,192
Warrants and rights	487			—			2,572			3,059
Mutual funds	14,477			—			—			14,477
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	189			—			—			189
Currency forwards	—			659			—			659
Equity swaps	—			2,327			—			2,327
Options	11,895			6,354			18,194			36,443
Other investments
Lehman claim	—			—			299			299
Consolidated funds
Preferred stock	—			—			32,000			32,000
	$	543,258		$	68,859		$	70,034		$	682,151
Percentage of total assets measured at fair value	79.6		%	10.1		%	10.3		%
Portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										113,281
Consolidated funds' portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										263,818
Equity method investments										27,067
Total investments										$	1,086,317

	Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Securities sold, not yet purchased
Common stocks	$	257,101		$	—		$	—		$	257,101
Corporate bonds	—			58			—			58
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	101			—			—			101
Currency forwards	—			463			—			463
Equity and credit default swaps	—			71			—			71
Options	2,354			—			18,194			20,548
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
Contingent consideration liability (b)	—			—			6,158			6,158
	$	259,556		$	592		$	24,352		$	284,500
Percentage of total liabilities measured at fair value	91.2		%	0.2		%	8.6		%

(a) In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

(b) In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during 2012 and the third and fourth quarter of 2015, the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income of the acquired businesses, if certain revenue targets are achieved through the periods ended August 2016, December 2020, and

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 2018, respectively. The Company estimated the contingent consideration liability using the income approach (discounted cash flow method) which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts as of December 31, 2015 can range from $0.1 million to $10.0 million.

The following table includes a rollforward of the amounts for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, for financial instruments classified within level 3. The classification of a financial instrument within level 3 is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
	Balance at December 31, 2015		Transfers in		Transfers out				Purchases/(covers)		(Sales)/shorts			Realized and Unrealized gains/losses			Balance at March 31, 2016		Change in unrealized gains/losses relating to instruments still held (1)
	(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Preferred stock	$	12,872	$	—	$	—			$	—	$	(218	)	$	992		$	13,646	$	566
Common stocks	3,278		—		—				1,069		—			1,918			6,265		2,054
Convertible bonds	819		—		—				—		(569		)	—			250		—
Options, asset	18,194		—		—				—		—			2,698			20,892		2,698
Options, liability	18,194		—		—				—		—			2,698			20,892		2,698
Warrants and Rights	2,572		—		—				—		—			(67		)	2,505		150
Lehman claim	299		—		—				—		—			(6		)	293		(6		)
Contingent consideration liability	6,158		—		—									2,135			8,293		2,135
Consolidated Funds
Preferred stock	32,000				(4,000		)	(a)	—		—			—			28,000		—

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Balance at December 31, 2014		Transfers in		Transfers out				Purchases/(covers)		(Sales)/shorts			Realized and Unrealized gains/losses			Balance at March 31, 2015		Change in unrealized gains/losses relating to instruments still held (1)
	(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Preferred stock	$	12,517	$	—	$	—			$	7,375	$	—		$	(412	)	$	19,480	$	(412	)
Common stocks	412		—		—				—		(3		)	2			411		5
Convertible bonds	900		—		—				—		—			(21		)	879		(21		)
Options, asset	36,807		—		—				—		—			4,835			41,642		4,835
Options, liability	36,807		—		—				—		—			4,835			41,642		4,835
Warrants and Rights, asset	1,322		—		(14		)	(a)	26		—			1,225			2,559		1,224
Lehman claim	380		—		—				—		—			(19		)	361		(19		)
Contingent consideration liability	4,083		—		—				—		(109		)	—			3,974		—
Consolidated Funds
Lehman claim	493		—		—				—		—			1			494		1

(1) Unrealized gains/losses are reported in other income (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of

operations.

(a) The investment was converted to equity.

All realized and unrealized gains (losses) in the table above are reflected in other income (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and therefore are not included in the tables above.

The Company recognizes all transfers and the related unrealized gain (loss) at the beginning of the reporting period.

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Transfers between level 1 and 2 generally relate to whether the principal market for the security becomes active or inactive. Transfers between level 2 and 3 generally relate to whether significant relevant observable inputs are available for the fair value measurements or due to change in liquidity restrictions for the investments.

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no transfers between level 1 and level 2 assets and liabilities.

The following table includes quantitative information as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 for financial instruments classified within level 3. The table below quantifies information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's level 3 financial instruments.

	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value at March 31, 2016		Valuation techniques	Unobservable Inputs	Range
Level 3 Assets	(dollars in thousands)
Common and preferred stocks	$	2,551	Market/transaction multiples and option pricing method Illiquidity discount	Volatility Market multiples Discount	35% 1x to 5x 90%
Warrants and rights, net	2,505		Model based	Volatility	18% to 61% (weighted average 46%)
Options	20,892		Option pricing models	Volatility	45%
Other level 3 assets (a)	45,903
Total level 3 assets	71,851
Level 3 Liabilities
Options	20,892		Option pricing models	Volatility	45%
Contingent consideration	8,293		Discounted cash flows	Projected cash flow and discount rate	0% - 24.5% (weighted average 9.58%)
Total level 3 liabilities	$	29,185

	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value at December 31, 2015		Valuation techniques	Unobservable Inputs	Range
Level 3 Assets	(dollars in thousands)
Common and preferred stocks	$	2,569	Market multiples and option pricing method	Volatility Market multiples	34% 1x to 4.75x
Convertible bonds	819		Recovery analysis	Recovery rate	50%
Warrants and rights, net	2,572		Model based	Volatility	18% to 61% (weighted average 43%)
Options	18,194		Option pricing models	Volatility Credit spreads	38%
Other level 3 assets (a)	45,880
Total level 3 assets	70,034
Level 3 Liabilities
Options	18,194		Option pricing models	Volatility Credit spreads	38%
Contingent consideration	6,158		Discounted cash flows	Projected cash flow and discount rate	6.6% - 24.5% (weighted average 16.4%)
Total level 3 liabilities	$	24,352

(a) The quantitative disclosures exclude financial instruments for which the determination of fair value is based on prices from prior transactions.

The Company has established valuation policies and procedures and an internal control infrastructure over its fair value measurement of financial instruments which includes ongoing oversight by the valuation committee as well as periodic audits performed by the Company's internal audit group. The valuation committee is comprised of senior management, including non-

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

investment professionals, who are responsible for overseeing and monitoring the pricing of the Company's investments, including the review of the results of the independent price verification process, approval of new trading asset classes and use of applicable pricing models and approaches.

The US GAAP fair value leveling hierarchy is designated and monitored on an ongoing basis. In determining the designation, the Company takes into consideration a number of factors including the observability of inputs, liquidity of the investment and the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement. Designations, models, pricing vendors, third party valuation providers and inputs used to derive fair market value are subject to review by the valuation committee and the internal audit group. The Company reviews its valuation policy guidelines on an ongoing basis and may adjust them in light of, improved valuation metrics and models, the availability of reliable inputs and information, and prevailing market conditions. The Company reviews a daily profit and loss report, as well as other periodic reports, and analyzes material changes from period-to-period in the valuation of its investments as part of its control procedures. The Company also performs back testing on a regular basis by comparing prices observed in executed transactions to previous valuations.

The fair market value for level 3 securities may be highly sensitive to the use of industry standard models, unobservable inputs and subjective assumptions. The degree of fair market value sensitivity is also contingent upon the subjective weight given to specific inputs and valuation metrics. The Company holds various equity and debt instruments where different weight may be applied to industry standard models representing standard valuation metrics such as: discounted cash flows, market multiples, comparative transactions, capital rates, recovery rates and timing, and bid levels. Generally, changes in the weights ascribed to the various valuation metrics and the significant unobservable inputs in isolation may result in significantly lower or higher fair value measurements. Volatility levels for warrants and options are not readily observable and subject to interpretation. Changes in capital rates, discount rates and replacement costs could significantly increase or decrease the valuation of the real estate investments. The interrelationship between unobservable inputs may vary significantly amongst level 3 securities as they are generally highly idiosyncratic. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation can result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.

Other financial assets and liabilities

The following table presents the carrying values and fair values, at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, of financial assets and liabilities and information on their classification within the fair value hierarchy which are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. For additional information regarding the financial instruments within the scope of this disclosure, and the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate their fair value see Note 3.

	March 31, 2016						December 31, 2015						Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
				(dollars in thousands)
Financial Assets
Operating companies
Cash and cash equivalents	$	67,046		$	67,046		$	158,485		$	158,485		Level 1
Cash collateral pledged	10,157			10,157			10,085			10,085			Level 2
Consolidated funds
Cash and cash equivalents	12,348			12,348			13,934			13,934			Level 1
Financial Liabilities
Convertible debt	124,251		(a)	139,546		(b)	122,401		(a)	144,946		(b)	Level 2
Notes payable and other debt	90,081			72,375			68,565			71,945			Level 2

(a) The carrying amount of the convertible debt includes an unamortized discount of $23.1 million and $24.7 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

(b) The convertible debt include the conversion option and is based on the last broker quote available.

7. Receivables from and Payable to Brokers

Receivables from and payable to brokers includes cash held at the clearing brokers, amounts receivable or payable for unsettled transactions, monies borrowed and proceeds from short sales (including commissions and fees related to securities transactions) equal to the fair value of securities sold, not yet purchased, which are restricted until the Company purchases the securities sold short. Pursuant to the master netting agreements the Company entered into with its brokers, these balances are presented net (assets less liabilities) across balances with the same broker. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015,

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

receivable from brokers was $122.5 million and $117.8 million, respectively. Payable to brokers was $23.8 million and $131.8 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company's receivables from and payable to brokers balances are held at multiple financial institutions.

8. Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries and Funds

Redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds and the related net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds are comprised as follows:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds
Operating companies	$	8,561	$	10,906
Consolidated funds	316,377		176,005
	$	324,938	$	186,911

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds
Operating companies	$	(78	)	$	918
Consolidated funds	(4,219		)	1,802
	$	(4,297	)	$	2,720

9. Share-Based and Deferred Compensation and Employee Ownership Plans

The Company issues share based compensation under the 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan, the 2007 Equity and Incentive Plan (both established prior to the November 2009 transaction between Ramius and Cowen) and the Cowen Group, Inc. 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Equity Plans”). The Equity Plans permit the grant of options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights ("SAR's") and other equity based awards to the Company's employees and directors. Stock options granted generally vest over two-to-five-year periods and expire seven years from the date of grant. Restricted shares and restricted share units issued may be immediately vested or may generally vest over a two-to-five-year period. SAR's vest and expire after five years from grant date. Awards are subject to the risk of forfeiture. As of March 31, 2016, there were approximately 1.3 million shares available for future issuance under the Equity Plans.

Under the 2010 Equity Plan, the Company awarded $25.6 million of deferred cash awards to its employees during the three months endedMarch 31, 2016. These awards vest over a four year period and accrue interest between 0.70% to 0.75% per year. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had unrecognized compensation expense related to deferred cash awards of $49.2 million.

The Company measures compensation cost for share based awards according to the equity method. In accordance with the expense recognition provisions of those standards, the Company amortizes unearned compensation associated with share based awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the option or award. In relation to awards under the Equity Plans, the Company recognized compensation expense of $6.4 million and $4.2 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The income tax effect recognized for the Equity Plans was a benefit of $3.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

The Company values options and SAR's on grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model which requires the Company to make assumptions regarding the expected term, volatility, risk-free rate and dividend yield:

Expected term.    Expected term represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company elected to use the "simplified" calculation method, as applicable to companies that lack extensive historical data. The mid-point between the vesting date and the contractual expiration date is used as the expected term under this method.

Expected volatility.    The Company bases its expected volatility on its own stock price history.

Risk free rate.    The risk-free rate for periods within the expected term of the award is based on the interest rate of a traded zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a term equal to the awards' expected term on the date of grant.

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Dividend yield.    The Company has not paid and does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the assumed dividend yield is zero.

The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Shares Subject to Option	Weighted Average Exercise Price/Share		Weighted Average Remaining Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1)
				(in years)	(dollars in thousands)
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	16,667	$	4.89	1.10	$	—
Options granted	—	—		—	—
Options exercised	—	—		—	—
Options expired	—	—		—	—
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016	16,667	$	4.89	0.85	$	—
Options exercisable at March 31, 2016	16,667	$	4.89	0.85	$	—

(1) Based on the Company's closing stock price of $3.81 on March 31, 2016 and $3.83 on December 31, 2015.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company's stock options were fully expensed.

The following table summarizes the Company's SAR's for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Shares Subject to Option	Weighted Average Exercise Price/Share		Weighted Average Remaining Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1)
				(in years)	(dollars in thousands)
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	400,000	2.90		2.21	$	558
SAR's granted	—	—		—	—
SAR's acquired	—	—		—	—
SAR's expired	—	—		—	—
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016	400,000	$	2.90	1.96	$	522
SAR's exercisable at March 31, 2016	—	$	—	—	$	—

(1) Based on the Company's closing stock price of $3.81 on March 31, 2016 and $3.83 on December 31, 2015.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the unrecognized compensation expense related to the Company's grant of SAR's was $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units Granted to Employees

Restricted shares and restricted stock units are referred to collectively as restricted stock. The following table summarizes the Company's restricted share and restricted stock unit activity for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Nonvested Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	21,480,364		$	4.17
Granted	7,410,814		3.47
Vested	(2,851,670	)	4.00
Canceled	—		—
Forfeited	(79,182	)	3.85
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016 (1)	25,960,326		$	3.99

(1) Performance linked restricted stock units of 1,925,750 were awarded to employees of the Company in December 2013 and January 2014. An additional 2,800,000 performance linked restricted stock units were awarded in March 2016. Of the awards granted, 326,250 have been forfeited through March 31, 2016. The remaining awards, included in the outstanding balance as of March 31, 2016, will vest between March 2019 and December 2020 and will be earned only to the extent that the Company attains specified market goals relating to its volume-weighted average share price and total shareholder return in relation to certain benchmark indices and performance goals relating to aggregate net income and average return on shareholder equity. The actual number of RSUs ultimately earned could vary from zero,

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

if performance goals are not met, to as much as 150% of the targeted award. Each RSU is equal to the one share of the Company’s Class A common stock. Compensation expense is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will attain the performance goals.

The fair value of restricted stock (excluding performance linked units which are valued using the Monte Carlo valuation model) is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.

As of March 31, 2016, there was $79.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the Company's grant of nonvested restricted shares and restricted stock units to employees. Unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted shares and restricted stock units granted to employees is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.95 years.

Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units Granted to Non-employee Board Members

There were no restricted stock units awarded during the three months endedMarch 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016 there were 497,570 restricted stock units outstanding.

10. Income Taxes

The taxable results of the Company’s U.S. operations are included in the consolidated income tax returns of Cowen Group, Inc. as well as stand-alone state and local tax returns. The Company has subsidiaries that are resident in foreign countries where tax filings have to be submitted on a stand‑alone basis. These subsidiaries are subject to tax in their respective countries and the Company is responsible for and, thus, reports all taxes incurred by these subsidiaries. The countries where the Company owns subsidiaries that file tax returns are United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Gibraltar, and Hong Kong.

The Company calculates its U.S. tax provision using the estimated annual effective tax rate methodology. The tax expense or benefit caused by an unusual or infrequent item is recorded in the quarter in which it occurs. The Company uses the discrete methodology to calculate its income tax provision for its foreign subsidiaries. Based on these methodologies, the Company’s effective income tax rate was 29.35% and 26.35% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, the unusual or infrequent items whose tax impact were recorded discretely related primarily to state taxes and the tax provisions of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.

For the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, the effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state and foreign taxes, as well as other nondeductible expenses.

The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax benefit or expense that will result from differences between the carrying value of its assets for income tax purposes and for financial reporting purposes, as well as for operating or capital loss and tax credit carryovers. A valuation allowance is recorded to bring the net deferred tax assets to a level that, in management's view, is more likely than not to be realized in the foreseeable future. This level will be estimated based on a number of factors, especially the amount of net deferred tax assets of the Company that are actually expected to be realized, for tax purposes, in the foreseeable future. As of March 31, 2016, the Company recorded no valuation allowance against its net deferred tax.

The Company is subject to examination by the United States Internal Revenue Service, the United Kingdom Inland Revenue Service, the Luxembourg Tax Office as well as state, local and foreign tax authorities in jurisdictions where the Company has significant business operations, such as New York. Currently, the Company is under audit by New York State for the 2010 to 2012 tax years. Management is not expecting a material tax liability from this audit.

The Company intends to permanently reinvest the capital and accumulated earnings of its foreign subsidiaries in the respective subsidiary, but remits the current earnings of its foreign subsidiaries to the United States to the extent permissible under local regulatory rules. The undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries totaled$1.1 million and $1.0 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and the tax liability that would arise if these earnings were remitted is approximately$0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

11. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Obligations

The Company has entered into leases for office space and equipment. These leases contain rent escalation clauses. The Company records rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including any rent holiday periods. Rent expense was $5.3 million and $4.4 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

As of March 31, 2016, future minimum annual lease and service payments for the Company were as follows:

	Equipment Leases (a)		Service Payments		Facility Leases (b)
	(dollars in thousands)
2016	$	1,810	$	13,198	$	13,971
2017	2,301		9,238		15,648
2018	2,221		4,653		15,656
2019	813		1,414		14,820
2020	—		—		14,814
Thereafter	—		—		32,250
	$	7,145	$	28,503	$	107,159

(a) Equipment Leases include the Company's commitments relating to operating and capital leases. See Note 12 for further information on the capital lease minimum payments which are included in the table.

(b) The Company has entered into various agreements to sublease certain of its premises. The Company recorded sublease income related to these leases of $0.8 million and $0.5 million and for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Clawback Obligations

For financial reporting purposes, the general partners of a real estate fund have recorded a liability for potential clawback obligations to the limited partners, due to changes in the unrealized value of the fund's remaining investments and where the fund's general partner has previously received carried interest distributions.The clawback liability, however, is not realized until the end of the fund's life.The life of the real estate fund's with a potential clawback obligation is currently in a winding-up phase whereby the remaining assets of the fund are being liquidated as promptly as possible so as to maximize value, however a final date for liquidation has not been set.The fund is currently winding-down and as of both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the clawback obligation was $6.2 million.

The Company serves as the general partner/managing member and/or investment manager to various affiliated and sponsored funds. As such, the Company is contingently liable for obligations for those entities. These amounts are not included above as the Company believes that the assets in these funds are sufficient to discharge any liabilities.

Unfunded Commitments

As of March 31, 2016, the Company had unfunded commitments of$5.3 millionpertaining to capital commitments inthreereal estate investments held by the Company, all of which pertain to related party investments. Such commitments can be called at any time, subject to advance notice. The Company, as a limited partner of the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds and also as a member of HealthCare Royalty Partners General Partners, has committed to invest $45.8 millionin the Healthcare Royalty Partners funds which are managed by Healthcare Royalty Management. This commitment is expected to be called over atwo tofive year period. The Company will make its pro-rata investment in the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds along with the other limited partners. ThroughMarch 31, 2016, the Company has funded$37.7 milliontowards these commitments.In April 2013, the Company committed$1.0 million to Starboard Leaders Fund LP, which may increase or decrease over time, and, as ofMarch 31, 2016, has funded$1.0 milliontowards this commitment. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company has an unfunded commitment to Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. of$0.5 million. The remaining capital commitment is expected to be called over aoneyear period. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has an unfunded commitment to Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. (formerly Formation8 Partners Hardware Fund I, L.P.) of$0.9 million. The remaining capital commitment is expected to be called over aoneyear period. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company has an unfunded commitment to Lagunita Biosciences, LLC of$3.5 million. The remaining capital commitment is expected to be called over a three-year period.

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Litigation

In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries and current and former officers, directors and employees (the "Company and Related Parties") are named as defendants in, or as parties to, various legal actions and proceedings. Certain of these actions and proceedings assert claims or seek relief in connection with alleged violations of securities, banking, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering, employment and other statutory and common laws. Certain of these actual or threatened legal actions and proceedings include claims for substantial or indeterminate compensatory or punitive damages, or for injunctive relief.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company and Related Parties are also subject to governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests (both formal and informal), certain of which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief. Certain affiliates and subsidiaries of the Company are investment banks, registered broker-dealers, futures commission merchants, investment advisers or other regulated entities and, in those capacities, are subject to regulation by various U.S., state and foreign securities, commodity futures and other regulators. In connection with formal and informal inquiries by these regulators, the Company and such affiliates and subsidiaries receive requests, and orders seeking documents and other information in connection with various aspects of their regulated activities.

Due to the global scope of the Company's operations, and its presence in countries around the world, the Company and Related Parties may be subject to litigation, and governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal), in multiple jurisdictions with legal and regulatory regimes that may differ substantially, and present substantially different risks, from those the Company and Related Parties are subject to in the United States.

The Company seeks to resolve all litigation and regulatory matters in the manner management believes is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, and contests liability, allegations of wrongdoing and, where applicable, the amount of damages or scope of any penalties or other relief sought as appropriate in each pending matter.

In accordance with US GAAP, the Company establishes reserves for contingencies when the Company believes that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company discloses a contingency if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred and there is no reserve for the loss because the conditions above are not met. The Company's disclosure includes an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for those matters, for which an estimate can be made. Neither a reserve nor disclosure is required for losses that are deemed remote.     

The Company appropriately reserves for certain matters where, in the opinion of management, the likelihood of liability is probable and the extent of such liability is reasonably estimable. Such amounts are included within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in theaccompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and currently available information and involve a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the type and nature of the litigation, claim or proceeding, the progress of the matter, the advice of legal counsel, the Company's defenses and its experience in similar cases or proceedings as well as its assessment of matters, including settlements, involving other defendants in similar or related cases or proceedings. The Company may increase or decrease its legal reserves in the future, on a matter-by-matter basis, to account for developments in such matters. The Company accrues legal fees as incurred.

On May 28, 2014, Energy Intelligence Group, Inc. and Energy Intelligence Group UK (collectively, "EIG") filed a lawsuit against Cowen and Company, LLC in the United States Court for the Southern District of New York (Energy Intelligence Group, Inc. and Energy Intelligence Group UK v. Cowen and Company, LLC, No. 14-CV-3789). The complaint alleges copyright infringement based on alleged impermissible distribution of EIG's publication, Oil Daily, by Cowen and Company, LLC, and Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC, as Cowen's alleged predecessor-in-interest. EIG is seeking statutory damages based on alleged willful infringement of their copyrights. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. On November 12, 2014, the Company filed an answer and affirmative defenses to the EIG complaint. On September 25, 2015, the Company filed its motion for partial summary judgment to dismiss certain of EIG’s claims relating to Dahlman Rose’s alleged copyright infringement. We expect the Company’s motion to be heard in the second quarter of 2016, but we cannot predict when the Court will issue a decision.Because the case is in its preliminary stages, the Company cannot predict the outcome at this time, but it does not currently expect this case to have a material effect on its financial position. The case could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations in a future period.

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

12. Convertible Debt and Notes Payable

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company's outstanding debt was as follows:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Convertible debt	$	124,251	$	122,401
Note payable	60,936		60,831
Other note payable	1,695		—
Revolver	25,000		5,000
Capital lease obligations	2,450		2,734
	$	214,332	$	190,966

Convertible Debt

On March 10, 2014, the Company issued$149.5 million of 3.0%cash convertible senior notes ("Convertible Notes"). The Convertible Notes are due on March 15, 2019 unless earlier repurchased by the Company or converted by the holder into cash in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank senior in right of payments to other obligations. The Convertible Notes may be converted into cash, upon the occurrence of certain events, whereby a holder will receive, per$1,000principal amount of notes being converted, an amount equal to the sum of principal amount outstanding and the conversion amount based on the current conversion price (the "Conversion Option"). The Convertible Notes were issued with an initial conversion price of $5.33per share.

The Company recorded interest expense of$1.1 million and $1.1 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2016and2015, respectively.The initial unamortized discount on the Convertible Notes was$35.7 millionand is shown net in convertible debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.Amortization on the discount, included within interest expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is$1.7 millionand$1.5 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, based on an effective interest rate of 8.89%. The Company capitalized the debt issuance costs in the amount of$3.7 million, which is included in additional paid in capital in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and changes in equity, and will be amortized over the life of the Convertible Notes. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company is in compliance with all covenants included in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes.

Of the net proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes, approximately$20.5 millionwas applied to pay the net cost of a cash convertible note economic hedge and warrant transaction which increases the effective conversion price to$7.18 (see Note 5), and approximately$0.3 millionwas applied to repurchase shares of Cowen Class A common stock. The remainder of the net proceeds is being used for general corporate purposes.

Note Payable

On October 10, 2014 the Company completed its public offering of$63.3 millionaggregate principal amount of8.25%senior notes due on October 15, 2021 ("2021 Notes").Interest on the 2021 Notes is payable quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15, commencing on January 15, 2015.The Company recorded interest expense of$1.3 million and $1.3 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company capitalized debt issuance costs of approximately$2.9 millionwhich is included in additional paid in capital in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and changes in equity and will be amortized over the life of the 2021 Notes.As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all covenants included in the indenture governing the 2021 Notes.

Other Note Payable

During January 2016, the Company borrowed$2.0 millionto fund insurance premium payments. This note has an effective interest rate of 1.38%and is due on December 31, 2016, with monthly payment requirements of$0.2 million. As of March 31, 2016, the outstanding balance on this note payable was$1.7 million. Interest expense for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016was insignificant.

Revolver

On July 31, 2015, the Company entered into a$25.0 million 364 day revolving unsecured credit facility with multiple financial institutions primarily for working capital management. The Company has drawn $25 millionunder this facility as ofMarch 31, 2016. Interest accrues on borrowed funds at LIBOR plus3.0%and interest accrues on the undrawn facility amount at

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

LIBOR plus0.38%. The revolver matures in August 2016. The Company is required to comply with certain financial covenants for which the Company was in compliance with throughMarch 31, 2016. Interest expense for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 was $0.1 million.

Capital Lease Obligations

The Company entered into several capital leases for computer equipment during the fourth quarter of 2010 and one in January 2014. These leases amounted to$7.6 millionand are recorded in fixed assets and as capital lease obligations, which are included in short-term borrowings and other debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, and have lease terms that range from48 to 60months and interest rates that range from 0.60% to 6.03%. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the remaining balance on these capital leases was$2.5 million. Interest expense was$0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Annual scheduled maturities of debt and minimum payments for all debt outstanding as of March 31, 2016, is as follows:

	Convertible Debt			Note Payable			Revolver		Other Note Payable			Capital Lease Obligation
	(dollars in thousands)
2016	$	2,243		$	3,914		$	25,000	$	1,718		$	704
2017	4,485			5,218			—		—			938
2018	4,485			5,218			—		—			938
2019	151,743			5,218			—		—			78
2020	—			5,218			—		—			—
Thereafter	—			68,468			—		—			—
Subtotal	162,956			93,254			25,000		1,718			2,658
Less: Amount representing interest (a)	(38,705		)	(32,318		)	—		(23		)	(208		)
Total	$	124,251		$	60,936		$	25,000	$	1,695		$	2,450

(a) Amount necessary to reduce net minimum payments to present value calculated at the Company's implicit rate at inception. This amount also includes the unamortized discount on the convertible debt.

Letters of Credit

As of March 31, 2016, the Company has the following nine irrevocable letters of credit related to leased office space, for which there is cash collateral pledged, which the Company pays a fee on the stated amount of the letter of credit.

Location	Amount		Maturity
	(dollars in thousands)
New York	$	355	May 2016
New York	$	1,861	May 2016
New York	$	794	October 2016
New York	$	3,373	October 2016
New York	$	1,600	November 2016
San Francisco	$	710	January 2017
New York	$	65	January 2017
New York	$	1,000	February 2017
Boston	$	382	March 2017

To the extent any letter of credit is drawn upon, interest will be assessed at the prime commercial lending rate. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no amounts due related to these letters of credit.

13. Stockholder's Equity

Preferred Stock and Purchase of Capped Call Option

On May 19, 2015, the Company completed its offering of120,750shares of the Company's5.625%Series A cumulative perpetual convertible preferred stock ("Series A Convertible Preferred Stock") that provided$117.2 millionof proceeds, net of underwriting fees and issuance costs of$3.4 million. Each share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

dividends at a rate of5.625%per annumwhich will be payable, when and if declared by the board of directors of the Company, quarterly, in arrears, on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Company may, at its option, pay dividends in cash, common stock or a combination thereof. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 the Company declared and accrued a cash dividend of $1.7 million.

Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is non-voting and has a liquidity preference over the Company's Class A common stock and ranks senior to all classes or series of the Company's Class A common stock, but junior to all of the Company's existing and future indebtedness with respect to divided rights and rights upon the Company's involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding down.

Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into a number of shares of our Class A common stock equal to the liquidation preference of$1,000divided by the conversion rate. The initial conversion rate is152.2476shares(which equates to$6.57 per share)of the Company's Class A common stock for each share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. At any time on or after May 20, 2020, the Company may elect to convert all outstanding shares of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, cash or a combination thereof, at the Company’s election, in each case, based on the then-applicable conversion rate, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s Class A common stock equals or exceeds 150%of the then-current conversion price on at least20trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the period of30consecutive trading days (including on the last trading day of such period) immediately prior to such election. At the time of conversion, the conversion rate may be adjusted based on certain events including but not limited to the issuance of cash dividends or Class A common stock as a dividends to the Company's Class A common shareholders or a share split or combination.

In connection with the issuance and sale of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company entered into a privately negotiated capped call option transaction (the “Capped Call Option Transaction”) with Nomura Global Financial Products Inc. (the “option counterparty”) for$15.9 million. The Capped Call Option Transaction is expected generally to reduce the potential dilution to the Company’s Class A common stock (if the Company elects to convert to common shares) and/or offset any cash payments that the Company is required to make upon conversion of any Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The Capped Call Option Transaction has an initial effective strike price of$6.57 per share, which matches the initial conversion price of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, and a cap price of$8.39per share. However, to the extent that the market price of Class A common stock, as measured under the terms of the Capped Call Option Transaction, exceeds the cap price thereof, there would nevertheless be dilution and/or such cash payments would not be offset. As the Capped Call Option Transaction is a free standing derivative that is indexed to the Company's own stock price and the Company controls if it is settled in cash or stock it qualifies for equity classification as a reduction to additional paid in capital.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock of $144.9 million as of March 31, 2016, compared to $137.4 million as of December 31, 2015, resulted from $4.0 million acquired through repurchases of shares to cover employee minimum tax withholding obligations related to stock compensation vesting events under the Company's Equity Plan or other similar transactions and $3.6 million purchased in connection with a share repurchase program.

The following represents the activity relating to the treasury stock held by the Company during the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Treasury stock shares	Cost (dollars in thousands)		Average cost per share
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	34,515,734	$	137,356	$	3.98
Shares purchased for minimum tax withholding under the Equity Plan or other similar transactions	1,124,676	4,012		3.57
Purchase of treasury stock	998,119	3,570		3.58
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016	36,638,529	$	144,938	$	3.96

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income includes the after tax change in unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translation adjustments and net gain (loss) and amortization of prior service costs related to the Company's defined benefit plans.

	Foreign currency translation (a)			Defined benefit plans (a)		Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net change	(3		)	—		(3		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	(3	)	$	—	$	(3	)
	Foreign currency translation (a)			Defined benefit plans (a)		Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	17		$	—	$	17
Net change	(2		)	—		(2		)
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	15		$	—	$	15

(a) During the periods presented, the Company did not have material reclassifications out of other comprehensive income.

15. Earnings Per Share

The Company calculates its basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with US GAAP. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. As of March 31, 2016, there were 106,078,205 shares outstanding. The Company has included 497,570 fully vested, unissued restricted stock units in its calculation of basic earnings per share.

Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by adjusting the weighted average outstanding shares to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive items. The Company uses the treasury stock method to reflect the potential dilutive effect of the warrants (see Note 5(a)), unexercised stock options, unvested restricted shares, restricted stock units, and SAR's. In calculating the number of dilutive shares outstanding, the shares of common stock underlying unvested restricted shares and restricted stock units are assumed to have been delivered, and options and warrants are assumed to have been exercised, on the grant date. The assumed proceeds from the assumed vesting, delivery and exercising were calculated as the sum of (a) the amount of compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized and (b) the amount of tax benefit that would be credited to additional paid-in capital assuming vesting and delivery of the shares. The tax benefit is the amount resulting from a tax deduction for compensation in excess of compensation expense recognized for financial statement reporting purposes. All outstanding stock options, SAR's, unvested restricted shares and warrants were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. All outstanding stock options were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share for the three months endedMarch 31, 2015 as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The Company can elect to settle the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock in shares, cash, or a combination of both. The Company's intent is to settle in cash and, based on current and projected liquidity needs, the Company has the ability to do so.

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The computation of earnings per share is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Net income (loss)	$	(7,995	)	$	19,418
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(4,297		)	2,720
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	(3,698		)	16,698
Preferred stock dividends	1,698			—
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	$	(5,396	)	$	16,698
Shares for basic and diluted calculations:
Weighted average shares used in basic computation	106,364			112,053
Stock options	—			—
Performance based restricted stock	—			411
Stock appreciation rights	—			119
Restricted stock	—			6,007
Weighted average shares used in diluted computation	106,364			118,590
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(0.05	)	$	0.15
Diluted	$	(0.05	)	$	0.14

16. Segment Reporting

The Company conducts its operations through two segments: the alternative investment segment and the broker‑dealer segment. These activities are conducted primarily in the United States and substantially all of its revenues are generated domestically. The performance measure for these segments is Economic Income (Loss), which management uses to evaluate the financial performance of and make operating decisions for the segments including determining appropriate compensation levels. Expenses not directly associated with specific segments are allocated based on the most relevant measures applicable, including headcount, square footage and other factors.

In general, Economic Income (Loss) is a pre-tax measure that (i) eliminates the impact of consolidation for consolidated funds (ii) excludes goodwill and intangible impairment (iii) excludes certain other acquisition-related adjustments and/or reorganization expenses and (iv) excludes preferred stock dividends. In addition, Economic Income (Loss) revenues include investment income that represents the income the Company has earned in investing its own capital, including realized and unrealized gains and losses, interest and dividends, net of associated investment related expenses. For US GAAP purposes, these items are included in each of their respective line items. Economic Income (Loss) revenues also include management fees, incentive income and investment income earned through the Company's investment as a general partner in certain real estate entities and the Company's investment in the activist business. For US GAAP purposes, all of these items are recorded in other income (loss). In addition, Economic Income (Loss) expenses are reduced by reimbursement from affiliates, which for US GAAP purposes is presented gross as part of revenue.

As further stated below, one major difference between Economic Income (Loss) and US GAAP net income (loss) is that Economic Income (Loss) presents the segments' results of operations without the impact resulting from the full consolidation of any of the Consolidated Funds. Consolidation of these funds results in including in income the pro rata share of the income or loss attributable to other owners of such entities which is reflected in net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiaries in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. This pro rata share has no effect on the overall financial performance for the alternative investment segment, as ultimately, this income or loss is not income or loss for the alternative investment segment itself. Included in Economic Income (Loss) is the actual pro rata share of the income or loss attributable to the Company as an investor in such entities, which is relevant in management making operating decisions and evaluating financial performance.

The following tables set forth operating results for the Company's alternative investment and broker-dealer segments and related adjustments necessary to reconcile the Company's Economic Income (Loss) measure to arrive at the Company's consolidated US GAAP net income (loss):

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
										Adjustments
	Alternative Investment			Broker-Dealer			Total Economic Income/(Loss)			Funds Consolidation			Other Adjustments				US GAAP
	(dollars in thousands)
Revenues
Investment banking	$	—		$	26,147		$	26,147		$	—		$	—			$	26,147
Brokerage	—			52,867			52,867			—			(1,932		)		50,935
Management fees	16,128			775			16,903			(370		)	(5,503		)	(a)	11,030
Incentive income	6,920			—			6,920			(157		)	(5,652		)	(a)	1,111
Investment Income	1,395			455			1,850			—			(1,850		)	(c)	—
Interest and dividends	—			—			—			—			3,653			(c)	3,653
Reimbursement from affiliates	—			—			—			(14		)	3,901			(e)	3,887
Other revenue	682			271			953			—			1,772			(c)	2,725
Consolidated Funds revenues	—			—			—			1,551			—				1,551
Total revenues	25,125			80,515			105,640			1,010			(5,611		)		101,039
Expenses
Non interest expense	20,261			83,761			104,022			—			2,791			(c)(d)(b)	106,813
Interest and dividends	3,183			1,090			4,273			—			3,037			(c)	7,310
Consolidated Funds expenses	—			—			—			1,816			—				1,816
Total expenses	23,444			84,851			108,295			1,816			5,828				115,939
Total other income (loss)	—			—			—			(3,413		)	6,998			(c)	3,585
Income taxes expense / (benefit)	—			—			—			—			(3,320		)	(b)	(3,320		)
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(2,227		)	—			(2,227		)	4,219			2,305				4,297
Economic Income (Loss) / Net Income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	$	(546	)	$	(4,336	)	$	(4,882	)	$	—		$	1,184			$	(3,698	)

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

	Three Months March 31, 2015
									Adjustments
	Alternative Investment			Broker-Dealer		Total Economic Income/(Loss)			Funds Consolidation			Other Adjustments				US GAAP
	(dollars in thousands)
Revenues
Investment banking	$	—		$	65,233	$	65,233		$	—		$	—			$	65,233
Brokerage	18			35,505		35,523			—			(69		)		35,454
Management fees	16,607			—		16,607			(238		)	(5,985		)	(a)	10,384
Incentive income	15,363			—		15,363			(183		)	(12,808		)	(a)	2,372
Investment Income	21,830			7,050		28,880			—			(28,880		)	(c)	—
Interest and dividends	—			—		—			—			3,083			(c)	3,083
Reimbursement from affiliates	—			—		—			(85		)	3,727			(e)	3,642
Other revenue	21			48		69			—			599			(c)	668
Consolidated Funds revenues	—			—		—			258			—				258
Total revenues	53,839			107,836		161,675			(248		)	(40,333		)		121,094
Expenses
Non interest expense	34,834			96,329		131,163			—			1,506			(c)(d)	132,669
Interest and dividends	3,044			978		4,022			—			1,757			(c)	5,779
Consolidated Funds expenses	—			—		—			358			—				358
Total expenses	37,878			97,307		135,185			358			3,263				138,806
Total other income (loss)	—			—		—			2,407			41,670			(c)	44,077
Income taxes expense / (benefit)	—			—		—			—			6,947			(b)	6,947
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(2,845		)	—		(2,845		)	(1,801		)	1,926				(2,720		)
Economic Income (Loss) / Net Income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	$	13,116		$	10,529	$	23,645		$	—		$	(6,947	)		$	16,698

The following is a summary of the adjustments made to US GAAP net income (loss) for the segment to arrive at

Economic Income (Loss):

Funds Consolidation: The impacts of consolidation and the related elimination entries of the Consolidated Funds are not included in Economic Income (Loss). Adjustments to reconcile to US GAAP net income (loss) include elimination of incentive income and management fees earned from the Consolidated Funds and addition of fund expenses excluding management fees paid, fund revenues and investment income (loss).

Other Adjustments:

(a)     Economic Income (Loss) recognizes revenues (i) net of distribution fees paid to agents and (ii) our proportionate share

of management and incentive fees of certain real estate operating entities and the activist business.

(b)    Economic Income (Loss) excludes income taxes and acquisition related adjustments as management does not consider

these items when evaluating the performance of the segment.

(c)     Economic Income (Loss) recognizes Company income from proprietary trading (including interest and dividends) and

underwriting income from the Company's insurance related activities net of expenses.

(d)     Economic Income (Loss) recognizes the Company's proportionate share of expenses for certain real estate and other

operating entities for which the investments are recorded under the equity method of accounting for investments.

(e)    Reimbursement from affiliates is shown as a reduction of Economic Income expenses, but is included as a part of

revenues under US GAAP.

For the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, there was noone fund or other customer which represented more than 10% of the Company's total revenues.

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

17. Regulatory Requirements

As registered broker-dealers, Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading are subject to the SEC's Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 (the “Rule”), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. Under the alternative method permitted by the Rule, Cowen and Company's minimum net capital requirement, as defined, is$1.0 million. Under the alternative method ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading are required to maintain minimum net capital, as defined, equal to$250,000. The broker-dealers are not permitted to withdraw equity if certain minimum net capital requirements are not met. As of March 31, 2016, Cowen and Company had total net capital of approximately$56.6 million, which was approximately $55.6 million in excess of its minimum net capital requirement of$1.0 million. As of March 31, 2016, ATM Execution had total net capital of approximately$3.9 million, which was approximately$3.7 millionin excess of its minimum net capital requirement of$250,000. As of March 31, 2016, Cowen Prime had total net capital of approximately$17.5 million, which was approximately $17.3 million in excess of its minimum net capital requirement of $250,000. Cowen Prime Trading had total net capital of approximately$4.4 million, which was approximately$4.2 millionin excess of its minimum net capital requirement of $250,000.

Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading claim exemption from the provisions of Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as their activities are limited to those set forth in the conditions for exemption appearing in paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of the Rule.

Proprietary accounts of broker-dealers (“PAB”) held at the clearing broker are considered allowable assets for net capital purposes, pursuant to agreements between Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading and the clearing brokers, which require, among other things, that the clearing brokers performs computations for PAB and segregates certain balances on behalf of Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading, if applicable.

Ramius UK Ltd. ("Ramius UK") and Cowen International Limited ("CIL")are subject to the capital requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) of the UK. Financial Resources, as defined, must exceed the requirement of the FCA. As of March 31, 2016, Ramius UK's Financial Resources of$0.28 millionexceeded its minimum requirement of$0.06 million by $0.22 million. As of March 31, 2016, CIL's Financial Resources of$4.3 millionexceeded its minimum requirement of$2.0 million by $2.3 million.

Cowen’s Luxembourg reinsurance companies, Vianden RCG Re SCA (“Vianden”) and Hollenfels, is required to maintain a solvency capital ratio as calculated by relevant European Commission directives and local regulatory rules in Luxembourg. Each company’s solvency capital ratio as ofMarch 31, 2016was in excess of this minimum requirement.

Based on minimum capital and surplus requirements pursuant to the laws of the state of New York that apply to captive insurance companies, RCG Insurance Company, Cowen’s captive insurance company incorporated and licensed in the state of New York, was required to maintain capital and surplus of approximately$0.3 millionas ofMarch 31, 2016. RCG Insurance Company’s capital and surplus as of March 31, 2016 totaled approximately $21 million.

18. Related Party Transactions

The Company and its affiliated entities are the managing member, general partner and/or investment manager to the Company's alternative asset management products and certain managed accounts. Management fees and incentive income are primarily earned from affiliated entities. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $5.7 million and $6.3 million, respectively, included in fees receivable are earned from related parties. The Company may, at its discretion, reimburse certain fees charged to the funds that it manages to avoid duplication of fees when such funds have an underlying investment in another affiliated investment fund. The Company reimbursed the funds it manages and records these net in management fees and incentive income in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operation. These amounts were immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, related amounts still payable were $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and were reflected in fees payable in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Fees receivable and fees payable are recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value.

The Company may also make loans to employees or other affiliates, excluding executive officers of the Company. These loans are interest bearing and settle pursuant to the agreed-upon terms with such employees or affiliates and are included in due from related parties in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, loans to employees of $5.4 million and $5.5 million, respectively, were included in due from related parties on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company does not make loans to its executive officers. Of these amounts $0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively, are related to forgivable loans. These forgivable loans provide for a cash payment up-front to employees, with the amount due back to the Company forgiven over a

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vesting period.  An employee that voluntarily ceases employment, or is terminated with cause, is generally required to pay back to the Company any unvested forgivable loans granted to them.  The forgivable loans are recorded as an asset to the Company on the date of grant and payment, and then amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  The vesting period on forgivable loans is generally one to three years. The Company recorded compensation expense of $0.6 million and $1.3 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. This expense is included in employee compensation and benefits in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations. For the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, and 2015, the interest income was insignificant for all related party loans and advances.

Included in due to related parties is approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, related to a subordination agreement with an investor in certain real estate funds. This total is based on a hypothetical liquidation of the real estate funds as of the balance sheet date.

During March 2015, the Company issued a $15.0 million unsecured loan to its real estate business with maturity of June 29, 2015 and an effective annualized interest rate of 8.8%. This balance was fully repaid to the Company during June 2015. The interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was insignificant.

Included in due from related parties is $14.4 million related to a sale, in December of 2015, of a portion of the Company's ownership interest in the activist business of Starboard Value to the Starboard principals. It is being financed through the profits of the relevant Starboard entities over a five year period and earns interest at 5% per annum.  The interest income for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 was $0.2 million.

The remaining balance included in due from related parties of $14.5 million and $20.0 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, relates to amounts due to the Company from affiliated funds and real estate entities due to expenses paid on their behalf.

Employees and certain other related parties invest on a discretionary basis within consolidated entities. These investments generally are subject to preferential management fee and performance fee arrangements. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, such investments aggregated $24.9 million and $21.3 million, respectively, were included in redeemable non-controlling interests on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Their share of the net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds aggregated $0.3 million and $1.3 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

19. Guarantees and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Guarantees

US GAAP requires the Company to disclose information about its obligations under certain guarantee arrangements. Those standards define guarantees as contracts and indemnification agreements that contingently require a guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying security (such as an interest or foreign exchange rate, security or commodity price, an index or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of a specified event) related to an asset, liability or equity security of a guaranteed party. Those standards also define guarantees as contracts that contingently require the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on another entity's failure to perform under an agreement as well as indirect guarantees of the indebtedness of others.

In the normal course of its operations, the Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Company expects the risk of loss to be remote.

The Company indemnifies and guarantees certain service providers, such as clearing and custody agents, trustees and administrators, against specified potential losses in connection with their acting as an agent of, or providing services to, the Company or its affiliates. The Company also indemnifies some clients against potential losses incurred in the event specified third-party service providers, including sub-custodians and third-party brokers, improperly execute transactions. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnifications cannot be estimated. However, the Company believes that it is unlikely it will have to make significant payments under these arrangements and has not recorded any contingent liability in the condensed consolidated financial statements for these indemnifications.

The Company also provides representations and warranties to counterparties in connection with a variety of commercial transactions and occasionally indemnifies them against potential losses caused by the breach of those representations and warranties. The Company may also provide standard indemnifications to some counterparties to protect them in the event

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Cowen Group, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

additional taxes are owed or payments are withheld, due either to a change in or adverse application of certain tax laws. These indemnifications generally are standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnifications cannot be estimated. However, the Company believes it is unlikely it will have to make material payments under these arrangements and has not recorded any contingent liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for these indemnifications.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has no material off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. However, through indemnification provisions in the clearing agreement, customer activities may expose the Company to off-balance-sheet credit risk. Pursuant to the clearing agreement, the Company is required to reimburse the Company's clearing broker, without limit, for any losses incurred due to a counterparty's failure to satisfy its contractual obligations. However, these transactions are collateralized by the underlying security, thereby reducing the associated risk to changes in the market value of the security through the settlement date.

In addition, during the normal course of business, the Company has exposure to a number of risks including market risk, currency risk, credit risk, operational risk, liquidity risk and legal risk. As part of the Company's risk management process, these risks are monitored on a regular basis throughout the course of the year.

20. Subsequent Events

In April 2016, Cowen Aviation Finance Holdings Inc. ("Cowen Aviation Finance") completed the financing for one aircraft that was acquired during the first quarter of 2016 with such financing completed based on a 75% loan to purchase price of the aircraft.  In addition, in April 2016, Cowen Aviation Finance received a contribution of four additional specialized aircraft currently on lease to government agencies in exchange for making an upfront payment and issuing a minority equity interest in Cowen Aviation Finance to the seller of the aircraft.  In connection with the contribution of the aircraft, Cowen Aviation Finance entered into services agreements with Tempus Applied Solutions, Inc., which has two of the Company's directors on its board of directors.

On April 27, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $3.6 million increase in the Company's share repurchase program (see Note 13) bringing the total value of remaining shares available for repurchase to $25.0 million.

The Company has evaluated events that have occurred after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued and has determined that there were no additional subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This discussion contains forward-looking statements, which involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes of Cowen Group, Inc. included elsewhere in this quarterly report. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Overview

Cowen Group, Inc. (the "Company") is a diversified financial services firm and, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, "Cowen", "Cowen Group" or the "Company"), provides alternative investment management, investment banking, research, sales and trading and prime brokerage services through its two business segments: alternative investment and broker-dealer. The alternative investment segment includes hedge funds, private equity structures, registered investment companies and listed vehicles. The broker-dealer segment offers industry focused investment banking for growth-oriented companies including advisory and global capital markets origination and domain knowledge-driven research and a sales and trading platform for institutional investors, primarily under the Cowen name.

Ramius is an alternative investment platform offering innovative products and solutions across the liquidity spectrum to institutional and private clients. The predecessor to this business was founded in 1994 and, through one of its subsidiaries, has been a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 since 1997. Ramius offers investors access to strategies to meet their specific needs including long/short equity, activist equity, event driven equity, event driven credit, global macro, customized portfolio solutions, managed futures, health care royalties and private real estate. Ramius focuses on attracting and retaining talented in-house and affiliated investment teams and providing them with institutional infrastructure, robust sales and marketing and industry knowledge. A significant portion of the Company’s capital is invested alongside Ramius’s alternative investment clients. Our alternative investment business had approximately $13.7 billion of assets under management as of April 1, 2016. See the section titled "Assets Under Management and Fund Performance" for further analysis.

Our broker-dealer businesses include research, sales and trading, prime brokerage and investment banking services to companies and primarily institutional investor clients. Our primary target sectors ("Target Sectors") are healthcare, technology, media and telecommunications, information and technology services, consumer, aerospace and defense, industrials,real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), and energy and transportation. We provide research and brokerage services to over 1,000 domestic and international clients seeking to trade securities, principally in our Target Sectors. Historically, we have focused our investment banking efforts on small to mid-capitalization public companies as well as private companies.

Certain Factors Impacting Our Business

Our alternative investment business and results of operations are impacted by the following factors:

• Assets under management.  Our revenues from management fees are directly linked to assets under management. As a result, the future performance of our alternative investment business will depend on, among other things, our ability to retain assets under management and to grow assets under management from existing and new products. In addition, positive performance increases assets under management which results in higher management fees.

• Investment performance.  Our revenues from incentive income are linked to the performance of the funds and accounts that we manage. Performance also affects assets under management because it influences investors' decisions to invest assets in, or withdraw assets from, the funds and accounts managed by us.

• Fee and allocation rates.  Our management fee revenues are linked to the management fee rates we charge as a percentage of assets under management. Our incentive income revenues are linked to the incentive allocation rates we charge as a percentage of performance-driven asset growth. Our incentive allocations are generally subject to “high-water marks,” whereby incentive income is generally earned by us only to the extent that the net asset value of a fund at the end of a measurement period exceeds the highest net asset value as of the end of the earlier measurement period for which we earned incentive income. Our incentive allocations, in some cases, are subject to performance hurdles.

• Investment performance of our own capital.  We invest our own capital and the performance of such invested capital affects our revenues.

Our broker-dealer business and results of operations are impacted by the following factors:

• Underwriting, private placement and strategic/financial advisory fees.  Our revenues from investment banking are directly linked to the underwriting fees we earn in equity and debt securities offerings in which the Company acts as an underwriter, private placement fees earned in non-underwritten transactions, sales commissions earned in at-the-

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market offerings and success fees earned in connection with advising both buyers and sellers, principally in mergers and acquisitions. As a result, the future performance of our investment banking business will depend on, among other things, our ability to secure lead manager and co-manager roles in clients capital raising transactions as well as our ability to secure mandates as a client's strategic financial advisor.

• Commissions.  Our commission revenues depend for the most part on our customer trading volumes.

• Principal transactions. Principal transactions revenue includes net trading gains and losses from the Company's market-making activities and net trading gains and losses on inventory and other firm positions. Commissions associated with these transactions are also included herein. In certain cases, the Company provides liquidity to clients buying or selling blocks of shares of listed stocks without previously identifying the other side of the trade at execution, which subjects the Company to market risk.

• Equity research fees.  Equity research fees are paid to the Company for providing equity research. The Company also permits institutional customers to allocate a portion of their commissions to pay for research products and other services provided by third parties. Our ability to generate revenues relating to our equity research depends on the quality of our research and its relevance to our institutional customers and other clients.

• Investment performance of our own capital.  Investment income in the broker-dealer business includes gains and losses generated by the capital the Company invests in private capital raising transactions of its investment banking clients.  Our revenues from investment income are linked to the performance of the underlying investments.

External Factors Impacting Our Business

Our financial performance is highly dependent on the environment in which our businesses operate. We believe a favorable business environment is characterized by many factors, including a stable geopolitical climate, transparent financial markets, low inflation, low interest rates, low unemployment, strong business profitability and high business and investor confidence. Unfavorable or uncertain economic or market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence, limitations on the availability (or increases in the cost of) credit and capital, increases in inflation or interest rates, exchange rate volatility, unfavorable global asset allocation trends, outbreaks of hostilities or other geopolitical instability, corporate, political or other scandals that reduce investor confidence in the capital markets, or a combination of these or other factors. Our businesses and profitability have been and may continue to be adversely affected by market conditions in many ways, including the following:

• Our broker-dealer business has been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by market conditions. Increased competition continues to affect our investment banking and capital markets businesses. The same factors also affect trading volumes in secondary financial markets, which affect our brokerage business. Commission rates, market volatility, increased competition from larger financial firms and other factors also affect our brokerage revenues and may cause these revenues to vary from period to period.

• Our broker-dealer business focuses primarily on small to mid-capitalization and private companies in specific industry sectors. These sectors may experience growth or downturns independent of general economic and market conditions, or may face market conditions that are disproportionately better or worse than those impacting the economy and markets generally. In addition, increased government regulation has had, and may continue to have, a disproportionate effect on capital formation by smaller companies. Therefore, our broker-dealer business could be affected differently than overall market trends.

• Our alternative investment business can be adversely affected by unanticipated levels of requested redemptions. We experienced significant levels of requested redemptions during the 2008 financial crisis and, while the environment for investing in alternative investment products has since improved, it is possible that we could intermittently experience redemptions above historical levels, regardless of fund performance.

Our businesses, by their nature, do not produce predictable earnings. Our results in any period can be materially affected by conditions in global financial markets and economic conditions generally. We are also subject to various legal and regulatory actions that impact our business and financial results.

Recent Developments

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company launched Cowen Aviation Finance Holdings Inc. ("Cowen Aviation Finance"), a business that will own and lease mission critical, specialized aircraft to governments, heads of states and specialty customers.  During the first quarter of 2016, Cowen Aviation Finance acquired two aircraft for approximately $11.8 million and these aircraft were concurrently leased whose end users are government agencies. Cowen Aviation Finance intends to originate opportunities directly and in partnership with its service providers.

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In March 2016, the Company announced the signing of a definitive agreement pursuant to which the Company will acquire CRT Capital Group LLC's (“CRT”) credit products, credit research, special situations and emerging markets units. This transaction positions the acquired business, which will be named Cowen Credit Research and Trading, as a leader in distressed debt, special situations and emerging markets.

In April 2016, the Company announced a partnership with Samantha Greenberg's newly-launched Margate Capital Management LP (“Margate”). Margate, a multi-sector equity long/short alternative asset manager, will leverage the institutional infrastructure and operational expertise of the Company, which is providing seed capital to the new venture.

Basis of presentation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company in this Form 10-Q are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("US GAAP") as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") through Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles in the preparation of financial statements and include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries, and entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest or a substantive, controlling general partner interest. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain fund entities that are consolidated in the condensed consolidated financial statements, are not subject to these consolidation provisions with respect to their own investments pursuant to their specialized accounting.

The Company serves as the managing member/general partner and/or investment manager to affiliated fund entities which it sponsors and manages. Certain of these funds in which the Company has a substantive, controlling general partner interest are consolidated with the Company pursuant to US GAAP as described below (the “Consolidated Funds”). Consequently, the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of these funds on a gross basis. The ownership interests in these funds which are not owned by the Company are reflected as redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries in the condensed consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. The management fees and incentive income earned by the Company from these funds are eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue recognition

Our principal sources of revenue are derived from two segments: an alternative investment segment and a broker-dealer segment, as more fully described below.

Our alternative investment segment generates revenue through three principal sources: management fees, incentive income and investment income from the Company's own capital.

Our broker-dealer segment generates revenue through three principal sources: investment banking, brokerage and investment income.

Management fees

The Company earns management fees from affiliated funds and certain managed accounts that it serves as the investment manager based on assets under management. The actual management fees received vary depending on distribution fees or fee splits paid to third parties either in connection with raising the assets or structuring the investment.

Management fees are generally paid on a quarterly basis at the beginning of each quarter in arrears and are prorated for capital inflows and redemptions. While some investors may have separately negotiated fees, in general the management fees are as follows:

• Hedge Funds. Management fees for the Company's hedge funds are generally charged at an annual rate of up to2%of assets under management or notional trading level. Management fees are generally calculated monthly based on assets under management at the end of each month before incentive income.

• Registered Funds. Management fees for the Company’s registered funds (State Street/Ramius Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Fund) are generally charged at an annual rate of up to 1.50%of assets under management.

• Alternative Solutions. Management fees for the Alternative Solutions business are generally charged at an annual rate of up to2%of assets under management or notional trading level. Management fees are generally calculated monthly based on assets under management at the end of each month before incentive income or based on assets under management at the beginning of the month. Management fees earned from the Alternative Solutions business are based and initially calculated on estimated net asset values and actual fees ultimately earned could be impacted to the extent of any changes in these estimates.

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• Real Estate. Management fees from the Company's real estate business are generally charged by their general partners at an annual rate from0.25% to 1.50%of total capital commitments during the investment period and of invested capital or net asset value of the applicable fund after the investment period has ended. Management fees are typically paid to the general partners on a quarterly basis, at the beginning of the quarter in arrears, and are prorated for changes in capital commitments throughout the investment period and invested capital after the investment period. The general partners of the funds on the RCG Longview platform are owned jointly by the Company and third parties. Accordingly, the management fees (in addition to incentive income and investment income) generated by these real estate funds are split between the Company and the other general partners.Pursuant to US GAAP, these fees and other income received by the general partners that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are reflected under net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

• HealthCare Royalty Partners. During the investment period (as defined in the management agreement of the HealthCare Royalty Partners' funds), management fees for the funds and managed accounts advised by HealthCare Royalty Partners are generally charged at an annual rate of up to2%of committed capital. After the investment period, management fees are generally charged at an annual rate of up to 2%of the net asset value of the funds or managed accounts or the aggregate cost basis of the unrealized investments held by the funds. Management fees for the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds are calculated on a quarterly basis.

• Ramius Trading Strategies. Management fees and platform fees for the Company's private commodity trading advisory business are generally charged at an annual rate of up to0.5%. Management and platform fees are generally calculated monthly based on each account's notional trading level at the end of each month.

Incentive income

The Company earns incentive income based on net profits (as defined in the respective investment management agreements) with respect to certain of the Company's funds and managed accounts, allocable for each fiscal year that exceeds cumulative unrecovered net losses, if any, that have been carried forward from prior years. For the products we offer, incentive income earned is typically up to20% for hedge funds and up to 10%for alternative solutions products (in certain cases on performance in excess of a benchmark), of the net profits earned for the full year that are attributable to each fee-paying investor. Generally, incentive income on real estate funds is earned after the investor has received a full return of their invested capital, plus a preferred return. However, for certain real estate funds, the Company is entitled to receive incentive fees earlier, provided that the investors have received their preferred return on a current basis or on an investor by investor basis. These funds are generally subject to a potential clawback of these incentive fees upon the liquidation of the fund if the investor has not received a full return of its invested capital plus the preferred return thereon. Incentive income in the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds is generally earned only after investors receive a full return of their capital plus a preferred return.Pursuant to US GAAP, incentive income received by the general partners that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are reflected under net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

In periods following a period of a net loss attributable to an investor, the Company generally does not earn incentive income on any future profits attributable to that investor until the accumulated net loss from prior periods is recovered, an arrangement commonly referred to as a “high-water mark.” The Company has elected to record incentive income revenue in accordance with “Method 2” of US GAAP. Under Method 2, the incentive income from the Company's funds and managed accounts for any period is based upon the net profits of those funds and managed accounts at the reporting date. Any incentive income recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations may be subject to future reversal based on subsequent negative performance prior to the conclusion of the fiscal year, when all contingencies have been resolved.

Carried interest in the real estate funds is subject to clawback to the extent that the carried interest actually distributed to date exceeds the amount due to the Company based on cumulative results. As such, the accrual for potential repayment of previously received carried interest, which is a component of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, represents all amounts previously distributed to the Company, less an assumed tax liability, that would need to be repaid to certain real estate funds if these funds were to be liquidated based on the current fair value of the underlying funds' investments as of the reporting date. The actual clawback liability does not become realized until the end of a fund's life.

Investment Banking

The Company earns investment banking revenue primarily from fees associated with public and private capital raising transactions and providing strategic advisory services. Investment banking revenues are derived primarily from small and mid-capitalization companies within the Company's Target Sectors.

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Investment banking revenue consists of underwriting fees, strategic/financial advisory fees and placement and sales agent fees.    

• Underwriting fees. The Company earns underwriting fees in securities offerings in which the Company acts as an underwriter, such as initial public offerings, follow-on equity offerings, debt offerings, and convertible security offerings. Fee revenue relating to underwriting commitments is recorded when all significant items relating to the underwriting process have been completed and the amount of the underwriting revenue has been determined. This generally is the point at which all of the following have occurred: (i) the issuer's registration statement has become effective with the SEC or the other offering documents are finalized; (ii) the Company has made a firm commitment for the purchase of securities from the issuer; and (iii) the Company has been informed of the number of securities that it has been allotted.

When the Company is not the lead manager for an underwriting transaction, management must estimate the Company's share of transaction-related expenses incurred by the lead manager in order to recognize revenue. Transaction-related expenses are deducted from the underwriting fee and therefore reduce the revenue the Company recognizes as co-manager. Such amounts are adjusted to reflect actual expenses in the period in which the Company receives the final settlement, typically within 90 days following the closing of the transaction.

• Strategic/financial advisory fees. The Company's strategic advisory revenues include success fees earned in connection with advising companies, principally in mergers and acquisitions and restructuring transactions. The Company also earns fees for related advisory work such as providing fairness opinions. The Company records strategic advisory revenues when the services for the transactions are completed under the terms of each assignment or engagement and collection is reasonably assured. Expenses associated with such transactions are deferred until the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded.

• Placement and sales agent fees. The Company earns agency placement fees and sales agent commissions in non-underwritten transactions such as private placements of loans and debt and equity securities, including, private investment in public equity transactions (“PIPEs”), and as sales agent in at-the-market offerings of equity securities. The Company records placement revenues (which may be in cash and/or securities) when the services for the transactions are completed under the terms of each assignment or engagement and collection is reasonably assured. The Company records sales agent commissions on a trade date basis. Expenses associated with such transactions are deferred until the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded.

Brokerage

Brokerage revenue consists of commissions, principal transactions and equity research fees.

• Commissions. Commission revenue includes fees from executing client transactions. These fees are recognized on a trade date basis. The Company permits institutional customers to allocate a portion of their commissions to pay for research products and other services provided by third parties. The amounts allocated for those purposes are commonly referred to as soft dollar arrangements. Commissions on soft dollar brokerage are recorded net of the related expenditures on an accrual basis. Commission revenues also includes fees from making algorithms available to clients.

• Principal Transactions. Principal transactions revenue includes net trading gains and losses from the Company's market-making activities in over-the-counter equity securities, trading of convertible securities, and trading gains and losses on inventory and other firm positions, which include warrants previously received as part of investment banking transactions. In certain cases, the Company provides liquidity to clients by buying or selling blocks of shares of listed stocks without previously identifying the other side of the trade at execution, which subjects the Company to market risk. These positions are typically held for a very short duration.

• Equity Research Fees. Equity research fees are paid to the Company for providing equity research. Revenue is recognized once an arrangement exists, access to research has been provided, the fee amount is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.

Investment Income

Investment income earned by the alternative investment and broker-dealer segments are earned from investing the Company's capital in various strategies and from investments in private capital raising transactions of its investment banking clients.

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Interest and Dividends

Interest and dividends are earned by the Company from various sources. The Company receives interest and dividends primarily from investments held by its Consolidated Funds and its brokerage balances from invested capital and securities lending business. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis and interest income is recognized on the debt of those issuers that is deemed collectible. Interest income and expense includes premiums and discounts amortized and accreted on debt investments based on criteria determined by the Company using the effective yield method, which assumes the reinvestment of all interest payments. Dividends are recognized on the ex-dividend date.

Reimbursement from Affiliates

The Company allocates, at its discretion, certain expenses incurred on behalf of its hedge fund, fund of funds and real estate businesses. These expenses relate to the administration of such subsidiaries and assets that the Company manages for its funds. In addition, pursuant to the funds' offering documents, the Company charges certain allowable expenses to the funds, including charges and personnel costs for legal, compliance, accounting, tax compliance, risk and technology expenses that directly relate to administering the assets of the funds. Such expenses that have been reimbursed at their actual costs are included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as employee compensation and benefits, professional, advisory and other fees, communications, occupancy and equipment, client services and business development and other.

Expenses

The Company's expenses consist of compensation and benefits, interest expense and general, administrative and other expenses.

• Compensation and Benefits.  Compensation and benefits is comprised of salaries, benefits, discretionary cash bonuses and equity-based compensation. Annual incentive compensation is variable, and the amount paid is generally based on a combination of employees' performance, their contribution to their business segment, and the Company's performance. Generally, compensation and benefits comprise a significant portion of total expenses, with annual incentive compensation comprising a significant portion of total compensation and benefits expenses.

• Interest and Dividends.  Interest and dividend expense relates primarily to trading activity with respect to the Company's investments and interest expense on debt issued during March and October 2014.

• General, Administrative and Other.  General, administrative and other expenses are primarily related to professional services, occupancy and equipment, business development expenses, communications, insurance and other miscellaneous expenses. These expenses may also include certain one-time charges and non-cash expenses.

• Consolidated Funds Expenses.  Certain funds are consolidated by the Company pursuant to US GAAP. As such, the Company's consolidated financial statements reflect the expenses of these consolidated entities and the portion attributable to other investors is allocated to a redeemable non-controlling interest.

Income Taxes

The taxable results of the Company’s U.S. operations are subject to U.S. federal, state and city taxation as a corporation. The Company is also subject to foreign taxation on income it generates in certain countries.

The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax benefit or expense that will result from differences between the carrying value of its assets for income tax purposes and for financial reporting purposes, as well as for operating or capital loss and tax credit carryovers. A valuation allowance is recorded to bring the net deferred tax assets to a level that, in management’s view, is more likely than not to be realized in the foreseeable future. This level will be estimated based on a number of factors, especially the amount of net deferred tax assets of the Company that are actually expected to be realized, for tax purposes, in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax liabilities that cannot be realized in a similar future time period and thus that cannot offset the Company’s deferred tax assets are not taken into account when calculating the Company’s net deferred tax assets.

Redeemable Non-controlling Interests

Redeemable non-controlling interests represent the pro rata share of the income or loss of the non-wholly owned consolidated entities attributable to the other owners of such entities. Due to the fact that the non-controlling interests are redeemable at the option of the holder they have been classified as temporary equity.

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Assets Under Management and Fund Performance

Assets Under Management

Assets under management refer to all of our alternative investment products, solutions and services including hedge funds, private equity structures, registered investment companies and listed vehicles. The Company's alternative investment segment includes such strategies as long/short equity, activist equity, event driven equity, event driven credit, global macro, customized portfolio solutions, managed futures, health care royalties and private real estate.

Assets under management also include the fair value of assets the Company manages pursuant to separately managed accounts, collateralized debt obligations for which the Company is the collateral manager, and, as indicated in the footnotes to the table below, proprietary assets which the Company has invested in these products. Also, as indicated, assets under management for certain products may represent committed capital or committed funding that may not be under our control but forms part of the alternative investment product’s trading level. 

As of April 1, 2016, the Company had assets under management of $13.7 billion, a 2.8%increase as compared to assets under management of $13.3 billion as of January 1, 2016. The $0.4 billion increase in assets under management during the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 primarily resulted from hedge funds products.

The following table is a breakout of total assets under management by platform as of April 1, 2016 (which excludes cross investments from other Ramius platforms):

	Platform
	Hedge Funds (a) (b) (g) (m)			Alternative Solutions (a) (h)			Ramius Trading Strategies (i)			Real Estate (a) (j)			Healthcare Royalty Partners (c) (d) (k)			Other (l)			Total
	(dollars in millions)
January 1, 2014	$	3,168		$	2,936		$	94		$	1,639		$	1,523		$	67		$	9,427
Subscriptions	1,132			1,326			35			249			1,059			—			3,801
Redemptions	(935		)	(272		)	—			(181		)	—			(19		)	(1,407		)
Performance (e)	853			(206		)	18			—			—			—			665
Net Return (f)	26.93		%	(7.02		)%	19.15		%	—		%	—		%	—		%	7.05		%
January 1, 2015	4,218			3,784			147			1,707			2,582			48			12,486
Subscriptions	2,725			997			—			—			—			—			3,722
Redemptions	(572		)	(810		)	(49		)	(65		)	(178		)	(14		)	(1,688		)
Performance (e)	(781		)	(419		)	(3		)	—			5			—			(1,198		)
Net Return (f)	(18.52		)%	(11.07		)%	(2.04		)%	—		%	0.19		%	—		%	(9.59		)%
January 1, 2016	5,590			3,552			95			1,642			2,409			34			13,322
Subscriptions	443			—			—			—			—			—			443
Redemptions	(174		)	(90		)	(2		)	(44		)	(21		)	(2		)	(333		)
Performance (e)	165			95			3			—			—			—			263
Net Return (f)	2.95		%	2.67		%	3.16		%	—		%	—		%	—		%	1.97		%
April 1, 2016	$	6,024		$	3,557		$	96		$	1,598		$	2,388		$	32		$	13,695

(a) The Company owns between 20% and 55% of the general partners or managing members of the real estate business, the activist business, the global macro strategy business (the single strategy hedge funds) and the alternative solutions business (starting as of September 2013).

(b) These amounts include the Ramius Event Driven Equity Fund (which was liquidated in January 2016) and the Company's invested capital of approximately $163.4 million, $173.6 million and $172.2 million as of April 1, 2016, January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2015, respectively.

(c) These amounts include the Company's invested capital of approximately $21.7 million, $20.2 million and $20.7 million as of April 1, 2016, January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2015, respectively.

(d) This amount reflects committed capital.

(e) Performance and net returns are net of all management and incentive fees and includes the effect of any foreign exchange translation adjustments and leverage in certain funds.

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(f) Net returns are calculated on the platform as a whole. Net return of individual funds will vary based on the timing and strategy the respective funds.

(g) The Company’s actively marketed hedge fund products have varying liquidity terms typically ranging from daily to quarterly liquidity with less liquidity applying to certain co-investment vehicles. In 2010, the Company suspended redemption rights with respect to certain hedge funds that are being wound down. The hedge funds that have suspended redemption rights represent approximately 4.94% of the total hedge fund assets under management.

(h) The Company’s actively marketed alternative solutions products have varying liquidity terms typically ranging from daily to quarterly liquidity. Since 2008, the Company has suspended redemption rights for a number of alternative solutions funds that are being wound down. The alternative solutions funds that have suspended redemption rights represent approximately 0.11% of the total alternative solutions assets under management.

(i) The Ramius Trading Strategies products offer investors daily liquidity.

(j) The real estate business does not provide investors with redemption rights. Investors receive distributions upon dispositions of the underlying real estate investments of which a portion reflects committed capital.

(k) The Healthcare Royalty funds do not provide investors with redemption rights. Investors receive distributions upon realizations of the funds’ investments.

(l) The collateralized debt obligations managed by the Company is an amortizing pool of assets with cash returned to investors in periodic distributions as it becomes available.

(m) Due to the sale of its interest in Orchard Square Partners, effective December 31, 2014, redemptions during the 2014 year include $420.8 million of assets under management related to this business.

Fund Performance

For the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the Company's strategies had mixed results relative to their respective benchmarks.

The first three months of the year presented a number of contrasts in terms of investor sentiment and market results. From January 1 through the first two weeks of February, it appeared to be a global risk-off environment, yet one without the threat of any specific identifiable financial crisis or pending economic collapse. That said, there were concerns with China’s effect on world trade, the potential “Brexit” by the United Kingdom, ongoing terror attacks, declining oil prices with  a dramatic effect on high-yield energy related debt,  and weakening emerging market equity and bond prices. From that point on in February, however, without any corresponding signal, investors began to embrace risk once again, leading to rallies in US equities and Treasuries, gold and crude oil.

Overcoming the recent difficulties for event-driven managers in general, our activist strategy had positive results, outperforming the Russell 2000 Index, which was negative for the quarter despite a sharp recovery in the last two months. As previously noted, the performance of the activist strategy will continue to have a meaningful effect on the Company’s financial results due to the level of assets under management.  The merger arbitrage strategy also had positive performance for the quarter, exceeding that of the HFRX Merger Arbitrage Index. The strategy enjoyed its most significant quarter of growth in assets during the period.  Our options-based global macro strategy had muted performance since inception as slightly negative results were realized as the major asset classes staged sharp reversals as described above. Our most recent affiliate, which joined in the fourth quarter, engages in equity long/short investing in consumer-related stocks. Since joining Ramius, the strategy has generated positive results, and that was the case again in the first quarter. Strong performance on the short side of the book created staying power in January and early February, leading to an attractive results in March.

The State Street Ramius Managed Futures Strategy Fund, which offers exposure to multi-manager managed futures had positive results for the first quarter. In this instance, the first two months of the year were the most productive, with the risk-on sentiment in March dampening, but not eliminating, positive performance. The Company’s alternative solutions business is based on institutional customized accounts and, as a result, performance varies depending on the underlying objectives of each account. The solutions business performed adequately in its specialized assignments.  

The internally managed multi-strategy funds maintained their focus on capital preservation, while continuing to execute opportunistic transactions linked to certain assets.

With regard to the longer-dated investment vehicles in real estate, the largest legacy real estate debt fund was basically flat for the quarter.  The legacy equity fund was up slightly for the period, based on the change in IRR utilizing the net assets of the fund at the end of the quarter (residual value). Certain of the legacy real estate funds are in the process of returning capital to investors.  The most recent real estate debt vehicle continues to make investments, and interim results are meeting performance

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expectations.  Our healthcare royalty strategy, having raised a substantial amount of capital in 2014, still remains in its investment period.

Invested Capital

The Company invests a significant portion of its capital base to help drive results and facilitate the growth of its alternative investment and broker/dealer businesses. Management allocates capital to three primary investment categories: (i) trading strategies; (ii) merchant banking investments; and (iii) real estate investments. The Company seeks to make strategic and opportunistic investments in varying capital structures across a diverse array of businesses, hedge funds and mutual funds. Much of the Company's trading strategy portfolio is invested along side the Company's alternative investment clients and includes liquid investment strategies such as corporate credit trading, event driven, macro trading, and enhanced cash management. Within its merchant banking investments, management generally takes a long-term view that typically involves investing directly in public and private companies globally, private equity funds and along side its alternative investment clients. In addition, from time to time the Company makes investments in private capital raising transactions of its investment banking clients. The Company's real estate investment strategy focuses on making investments along side the alternative investment clients invested in the RCG Longview funds, as well as in direct investments in commercial real estate projects.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company's invested capital amounted to a net value of $666.2 million (supporting a long market value of $1,061.4 million), representing approximately 85% of Cowen Group's stockholders' equity presented in accordance with US GAAP. The table below presents the Company's invested equity capital by strategy and as a percentage of Cowen Group's stockholders' equity as of March 31, 2016. The net values presented in the table below do not tie to Cowen Group's condensed consolidated statement of financial condition as of March 31, 2016 because they are included in various line items of the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition, including “securities owned, at fair value”, “other investments”, “cash and cash equivalents”, and “consolidated funds-securities owned, at fair value”.

Strategy	Net Value		% of Stockholders' Equity
	(dollars in millions)
Trading	$	434.0	55%
Merchant Banking	172.5		22%
Real Estate	59.7		8%
Total	666.2		85%
Stockholders' Equity	$	782.9	100%

The allocations shown in the table above will change over time.

Results of Operations

To provide comparative information of the Company's operating results for the periods presented, a discussion of Economic Income (Loss) of our alternative investment and broker-dealer segments follows the discussion of our total consolidated US GAAP results. Economic Income (Loss) reflects, on a consistent basis for all periods presented in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements, income earned from the Company's funds and managed accounts and from its own invested capital. Economic Income (Loss) excludes certain adjustments required under US GAAP. See the section titled “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Company-Segment Analysis and Economic Income (Loss),” and Note 16 to the accompanying condensed Company's consolidated financial statements, appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, for a reconciliation of Economic Income (Loss) to total Company US GAAP net income (loss).

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Three Months Ended March 31,					Period to Period
	2016			2015		$ Change			% Change
	(dollars in thousands)
Revenues
Investment banking	$	26,147		$	65,233	$	(39,086	)	(60	)%
Brokerage	50,935			35,454		15,481			44	%
Management fees	11,030			10,384		646			6	%
Incentive income	1,111			2,372		(1,261		)	(53	)%
Interest and dividends	3,653			3,083		570			18	%
Reimbursement from affiliates	3,887			3,642		245			7	%
Other revenues	2,725			668		2,057			308	%
Consolidated Funds revenues	1,551			258		1,293			501	%
Total revenues	101,039			121,094		(20,055		)	(17	)%
Expenses
Employee compensation and benefits	63,181			95,864		(32,683		)	(34	)%
Interest and dividends	7,310			5,779		1,531			26	%
General, administrative and other expenses	43,632			36,805		6,827			19	%
Consolidated Funds expenses	1,816			358		1,458			407	%
Total expenses	115,939			138,806		(22,867		)	(16	)%
Other income (loss)
Net gain (loss) on securities, derivatives and other investments	3,188			38,991		(35,803		)	(92	)%
Consolidated Funds net gains (losses)	397			5,086		(4,689		)	(92	)%
Total other income (loss)	3,585			44,077		(40,492		)	(92	)%
Income (loss) before income taxes	(11,315		)	26,365		(37,680		)	(143	)%
Income taxes expense (benefit)	(3,320		)	6,947		(10,267		)	(148	)%
Net income (loss)	(7,995		)	19,418		(27,413		)	(141	)%
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(4,297		)	2,720		(7,017		)	(258	)%
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	(3,698		)	16,698		(20,396		)	(122	)%
Preferred stock dividends	1,698			—		1,698			NM
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	$	(5,396	)	$	16,698	$	(22,094	)	(132	)%

Revenues

Investment Banking

Investment banking revenues decreased$39.1 million to $26.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $65.2 millionin the prior year period. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, the Company completed 12 underwriting transactions and two debt capital market transactions. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2015, the Company completed 47 underwriting transactions, two strategic advisory transactions and one debt capital market transaction. The average underwriting fee per transaction was 44.6% greater for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year period.

Brokerage

Brokerage revenues increased$15.4 million to $50.9 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $35.5 millionin the prior year period. This was attributable to higher commissions due to an increase in customer trading volumes and the initiation of our prime brokerage businesses in the third and fourth quarters of 2015.Customer trading volumes across the industry (according to Bloomberg) increased 24% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the prior year.

Management Fees

Management fees increased$0.6 million to $11.0 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $10.4 millionin the prior year period. This increase was primarily related to an increase in management fees from our prime services business (acquired during the fourth quarter of 2015).

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Incentive Income

Incentive income decreased$1.3 million to $1.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, compared with $2.4 million in the prior year period. This decrease was primarily related to a decrease in performance fees from our alternative solutions business.

Interest and Dividends

Interest and dividends increased$0.6 million to $3.7 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $3.1 millionin the prior year period. This was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of investments in interest bearing securities during 2016 as compared to 2015.

Reimbursements from Affiliates

Reimbursements from affiliates increased$0.3 million to $3.9 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $3.6 million in the prior year period.

Other Revenues

Other revenues increased$2.0 million to $2.7 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $0.7 million in the prior year period. The increase primarily relates to premiums from our insurance-related business which was entered into at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015 and sublease income from additional office space.

Consolidated Funds Revenues

Consolidated Funds revenues increased$1.3 million to $1.6 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $0.3 million in the prior year period. The increase is due to the consolidation of a new fund during the first quarter of 2016.

Expenses

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expenses decreased$32.7 million to $63.2 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $95.9 millionin the prior year period. The decrease is primarily due to $20.1 million lower total revenues and $40.5 million lower other income (loss) during 2016 as compared to 2015, resulting in a lower compensation and benefits accrual to remain consistent with the Company's compensation to revenue ratio. The compensation to revenue ratio, based on total revenues only, was 63% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, compared with 79%in the prior year period. The compensation to revenue ratio, including other income (loss), was 60% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, compared with 58% in the prior year period.

Interest and Dividends

Interest and dividend expenses increased$1.5 million to $7.3 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $5.8 millionin the prior year period. This was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of debt securities held during 2016 as compared to 2015.

General, Administrative and Other Expenses

General, administrative and other expenses increased$6.8 million to $43.6 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $36.8 millionin the prior year period. The increase is primarily related to higher floor brokerage and trade execution costs, due to higher brokerage revenue, and increased marketing and business development expenses, legal and other professional fees and increased occupancy costs, some of which is related to two acquisitions during late 2015.

Consolidated Funds Expenses

Consolidated Funds expenses increased$1.4 million to $1.8 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $0.4 million in the prior year period.

Other Income (Loss)

Other income (loss) decreased$40.5 million to $3.6 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $44.1 millionin the prior year period. The decrease primarily relates to a decrease in performance of the Company's own invested capital. The gains and losses shown under Consolidated Funds reflect the consolidated total performance for such funds, and the portion of those gains or losses that are attributable to other investors is allocated to redeemable non-controlling interests.

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Income Taxes

Income tax benefit increased $10.2 million to $3.3 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared to an income tax expense of $6.9 million in the prior year period. This change is primarily attributable to the Company’s operating results.

Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-controlling Interests

Income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests decreased$7.0 million to a loss of $4.3 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $2.7 millionin the prior year period. The decrease was primarily the result of losses incurred by one of our funds. Non-controlling interests represent the pro rata share of the income or loss of the non-wholly owned consolidated entities attributable to the other owners of such entities.

Preferred Stock Dividends

On May 19, 2015, the Company completed its offering of 120,750 shares of the Company's 5.625% Series A cumulative perpetual convertible preferred stock. Each share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to dividends at a rate of 5.625% per annum. The Company may, at its option, pay dividends in cash, common stock or a combination thereof.

Segment Analysis and Economic Income (Loss)

Segments

The Company conducts its operations through two segments: an alternative investment segment and a broker-dealer segment.

For the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company's alternative investment segment includes hedge funds, private equity structures, registered investment companies and listed vehicles operating results and other investment platforms operating results.

For the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company's broker-dealer segment includes investment banking, research, sales and trading and prime brokerage businesses' operating results.

Economic Income (Loss)

The performance measure used by the Company for each segment is Economic Income (Loss), which management uses to evaluate the financial performance of and to make operating decisions for the firm as a whole and each segment. Accordingly, management assesses its business by analyzing the performance of each segment and believes that investors should review the same performance measure that it uses to analyze its segment and business performance. In addition, management believes that Economic Income (Loss) is helpful to gain an understanding of its segment results of operations because it reflects such results on a consistent basis for all periods presented.

Our Economic Income (Loss) may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. We use Economic Income (Loss) as a measure of each segment's operating performance, not as a measure of liquidity. Economic Income (Loss) should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, net income, operating cash flows, investing and financing activities, or other income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with US GAAP. As a result of the adjustments made to arrive at Economic Income (Loss), Economic Income (Loss) has limitations in that it does not take into account certain items included or excluded under US GAAP, including our Consolidated Funds. Economic Income (Loss) is considered by management as a supplemental measure to the US GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of each segment's performance as measured by management. For a reconciliation of Economic Income (Loss) to US GAAP net income (loss) for the periods presented and additional information regarding the reconciling adjustments discussed above, see Note 16 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

In general, Economic Income (Loss) is a pre-tax measure that (i) eliminates the impact of consolidation for consolidated funds (ii) excludes goodwill and intangible impairment (iii) excludes certain other acquisition-related adjustments and/or reorganization expenses and (iv) excludes preferred stock dividends. In addition, Economic Income (Loss) revenues include investment income that represents the income the Company has earned in investing its own capital, including realized and unrealized gains and losses, interest and dividends, net of associated investment related expenses. For US GAAP purposes, these items are included in each of their respective line items. Economic Income (Loss) revenues also include management fees, incentive income and investment income earned through the Company's investment as a general partner in certain real estate entities and the Company's investment in the activist business. For US GAAP purposes, all of these items are recorded in other income (loss). In addition, Economic Income (Loss) expenses are reduced by reimbursement from affiliates, which for US GAAP purposes is presented gross as part of revenue.

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Economic Income (Loss) Revenues

The Company's principal sources of Economic Income (Loss) revenues are derived from activities in the following business segments:

Our alternative investment segment generates Economic Income (Loss) revenues through three principal sources: management fees, incentive income and investment income from our own capital. Management fees are directly impacted by any increase or decrease in assets under management, while incentive income is impacted by our funds' performance and resulting increase or decrease in assets under management. Investment income from the Company's own capital is impacted by the performance of the funds and other securities in which our capital is invested.

Our broker-dealer segment generates Economic Income (Loss) revenues through two principal sources: investment banking and brokerage. The Company earns investment banking revenue primarily from fees associated with public and private capital raising transactions and providing strategic advisory services. Investment banking revenues are derived primarily from small and mid-capitalization companies within the Company's Target Sectors: healthcare, technology, media and telecommunications, information and technology services, consumer, aerospace and defense, industrials, REITs, and energy and transportation. The Company's brokerage revenues consist of commissions, principal transactions and fees paid for equity research. Cowen's broker-dealer segment also offers a full-service suite of prime brokerage services. Management reviews brokerage revenue on a combined basis as the vast majority of the revenue is derived from the same group of clients. The Company derives its brokerage revenue primarily from trading equity and equity-linked securities on behalf of institutional investors. The majority of the Company's trading gains and losses are a result of activities that support the facilitation of client orders in both listed and over-the-counter securities, although all trading gains and losses are recorded in brokerage in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Economic Income (Loss) Expenses

The Company's Economic Income expenses consist of non-interest expenses and interest expense. Non interest expenses consist of compensation and benefits and non-compensation expenses (fixed and variable), less reimbursement from affiliates. Interest expense is primarily interest from indebtedness, not trading activity (which is included within investment income (loss)).

Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling interests represent the pro rata share of the income or loss of the non-wholly owned consolidated entities attributable to the partners of such entities.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

	Economic Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016									2015								Total Period-to-Period
	Alternative Investment						Total			Alternative Investment					Total
				Broker-Dealer									Broker-Dealer					$ Change			% Change
	(dollars in thousands)
Economic Income Revenues
Investment banking	$	—		$	26,147		$	26,147		$	—		$	65,233	$	65,233		$	(39,086	)	(60	)%
Brokerage	—			52,867			52,867			18			35,505		35,523			17,344			49	%
Management fees	16,128			775			16,903			16,607			—		16,607			296			2	%
Incentive income (loss)	6,920			—			6,920			15,363			—		15,363			(8,443		)	(55	)%
Investment income (loss)	1,395			455			1,850			21,830			7,050		28,880			(27,030		)	(94	)%
Other income (loss)	682			271			953			21			48		69			884			1,281	%
Total economic income revenues	25,125			80,515			105,640			53,839			107,836		161,675			(56,035		)	(35	)%
Non-interest expenses	20,261			83,761			104,022			34,834			96,329		131,163			(27,141		)	(21	)%
Interest expense	3,183			1,090			4,273			3,044			978		4,022			251			6	%
Non-controlling interest	(2,227		)	—			(2,227		)	(2,845		)	—		(2,845		)	618			(22	)%
Economic income (loss)	$	(546	)	$	(4,336	)	$	(4,882	)	$	13,116		$	10,529	$	23,645		$	(28,527	)	(121	)%

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Economic Income (Loss) Revenues

Total Economic Income (Loss) revenues were $105.6 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, a decrease of $56.1 million compared to Economic Income (Loss) revenues of $161.7 millionin the prior year period. The decrease was related to investment banking activity and a decrease in performance in investment and incentive income. For purposes of the following section, all references to revenue refer to Economic Income (Loss) revenues.

Alternative Investment Segment

Alternative investment segment Economic Income (Loss) revenues were $25.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, a decrease of $28.7 million compared to Economic Income (Loss) revenues of $53.8 million in the prior year period.

Management Fees.    Management fees for the segment decreased$0.5 million to $16.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $16.6 million in the prior year period. This decrease was primarily related to a decrease in management fees for our activist businesses offset partially by an increase in management fees from our macro options business.

Incentive Income (Loss).    Incentive income for the segment decreased$8.5 million to $6.9 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $15.4 million in the prior year period. This decrease was primarily related to a decrease in performance fees from our activist and alternative solutions businesses.

Investment Income (Loss).    Investment income for the segment decreased$20.4 million to $1.4 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $21.8 million in the prior year period. The decrease primarily relates to a decrease in performance of the Company's own invested capital.

Other Income (Loss).    Other income (loss) for the segment increased$0.7 million to $0.7 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016. The increase relates to premiums from our insurance business which was entered into at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015. This increase is related to net underwriting income from our insurance-related business which was entered into at the end of the fourth quarter of 2015 and sublease income from additional office space.

Broker-Dealer Segment

Broker-dealer segment Economic Income (Loss) revenues were $80.5 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, a decrease of $27.3 million compared with Economic Income (Loss) revenues of $107.8 million in the prior year.

Investment Banking.    Investment banking revenues decreased$39.1 million to $26.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $65.2 millionin the prior year period. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, the Company completed 12 underwriting transactions and two debt capital market transactions. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2015, the Company completed 47 underwriting transactions, two strategic advisory transactions and one debt capital market transaction. The average underwriting fee per transaction was 44.6% greater for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year period.

Brokerage.    Brokerage revenues increased$17.4 million to $52.9 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, compared with $35.5 millionin the prior year period. This was attributable to higher commissions due to an increase in customer trading volumes and the initiation of our prime brokerage businesses in the third and fourth quarters of 2015.Customer trading volumes across the industry (according to Bloomberg) increased 24% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the prior year.

Investment Income (Loss).    Investment income for the segment decreased$6.6 million to $0.5 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, compared with $7.1 million in the prior year period. The decrease is a result of a decrease in overall investment income which is allocated amongst the segments.

Other Income (Loss).    Other income (loss) for the segment increased$0.2 million to $0.3 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016.

Non-Interest Expenses

Non-interest expenses.    Total non-interest expenses decreased$27.2 million to $104.0 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, compared with $131.2 millionin the prior year period.

Compensation and benefits expenses. Compensation and benefits expenses, included within non-interest expenses, decreased$33.0 million to $62.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $95.1 millionin the prior year period. The decrease is due to $56.1 million lower revenues during 2016 as compared to 2015 and resulted in a lower

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compensation and benefits accrual to remain consistent with the Company's compensation to revenue ratio. The compensation to revenue ratio remained constant at 59% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with the prior year period.

Non-compensation Expenses—Fixed.    Fixed non-compensation expenses, included within non-interest expenses, increased $2.2 million to $27.2 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $25.0 millionin the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to higher legal and other professional fees, increased occupancy costs and increased depreciation and amortization all of which are primarily related to two acquisitions during late 2015.

The following table shows the components of the non-compensation expenses—fixed, for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015:

	Three Months Ended March 31,				Period-to-Period
	2016		2015		$ Change			% Change
	(dollars in thousands)
Non-compensation expenses—fixed:
Communications	$	4,137	$	3,641	$	496		14	%
Professional, advisory and other fees	4,324		3,986		338			8	%
Occupancy and equipment	7,220		6,359		861			14	%
Depreciation and amortization	2,838		2,135		703			33	%
Service fees	2,160		1,878		282			15	%
Expenses from equity investments	3,719		4,130		(411		)	(10	)%
Other	2,850		2,900		(50		)	(2	)%
Total	$	27,248	$	25,029	$	2,219		9	%

Non-compensation Expenses—Variable.    Variable non-compensation expenses, included within non-interest expenses, which primarily are comprised of expenses which are incurred as a direct result of the processing and soliciting of revenue generating activities, increased $2.0 million to $15.2 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $13.2 millionin the prior year period. The increase is primarily related to higher floor brokerage and trade execution costs, due to higher brokerage revenue, and increased marketing and business development expenses, some of which is related to two acquisitions during late 2015.

The following table shows the components of the non-compensation expenses—variable, for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015:

	Three Months Ended March 31,				Period-to-Period
	2016		2015		$ Change			% Change
	(dollars in thousands)
Non-compensation expenses—Variable:
Floor brokerage and trade execution	$	7,062	$	4,956	$	2,106		42	%
HealthCare Royalty Partners syndication costs	132		132		—			—	%
Expenses related to Luxembourg companies	978		840		138			16	%
Marketing and business development	6,611		5,723		888			16	%
Other	448		1,555		(1,107		)	(71	)%
Total	$	15,231	$	13,206	$	2,025		15	%

Reimbursement from Affiliates.    Reimbursements from affiliates, included within non-interest expenses, which relate to the alternative investment segment, decreased$1.6 million to $0.6 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $2.2 million in the prior year period. The decrease is primarily related to a decrease in reimbursements from the activist business.

Interest expense

Interest expense, which primarily relates to debt issued during the first and fourth quarters of 2014, increased$0.3 million to $4.3 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $4.0 million in the prior year period.

Non-Controlling Interest

Income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests decreased by $0.6 million to $2.2 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 compared with $2.8 million in the prior year period. The decrease is primarily related to a decrease in income allocable to partners. Non-Controlling interest represents the portion of the net income or loss attributable to certain non-wholly owned subsidiaries that is allocated to our partners in those subsidiaries.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

We continually monitor our liquidity position. The working capital needs of the Company's business have been met through current levels of equity capital, current cash and cash equivalents, and anticipated cash generated from our operating activities, including management fees, incentive income, returns on the Company's own capital, investment banking fees and brokerage commissions. The Company expects that its primary working capital liquidity needs over the next twelve months will be:

• pay our operating expenses, primarily consisting of compensation and benefits, interest on debt and other general and administrative expenses; and

• provide capital to facilitate the growth of our existing business.

Based on our historical results, management's experience, our current business strategy and current assets under management, the Company believes that its existing cash resources will be sufficient to meet its anticipated working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next twelve months. Our cash reserves include cash, cash equivalents and assets readily convertible into cash such as our securities held in inventory. Securities inventories are stated at fair value and are generally readily marketable. As of March 31, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of $67.0 million and net liquid investment assets of $381.6 million. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments held by foreign subsidiaries as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were $15.3 million and $53.8 million, respectively. The Company intends to permanently reinvest the capital and accumulated earnings of its foreign subsidiaries in the respective subsidiary, but remits the current earnings of its foreign subsidiaries to the United States to the extent permissible under local regulatory rules. The undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries totaled$1.1 million and $1.0 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and the tax liability that would arise if these earnings were remitted is approximately$0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

The timing of cash bonus payments to our employees may significantly affect our cash position and liquidity from period to period. While our employees are generally paid salaries semi-monthly during the year, cash bonus payments, which can make up a significant portion of total compensation, are generally paid once a year by March 15th.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company had unfunded commitments of$5.3 millionpertaining to capital commitments inthreereal estate investments held by the Company, all of which pertain to related party investments. Such commitments can be called at any time, subject to advance notice. The Company, as a limited partner of the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds and also as a member of HealthCare Royalty Partners General Partners, has committed to invest $45.8 millionin the Healthcare Royalty Partners funds which are managed by Healthcare Royalty Management. This commitment is expected to be called over atwo tofive year period. The Company will make its pro-rata investment in the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds along with the other limited partners. ThroughMarch 31, 2016, the Company has funded$37.7 milliontowards these commitments.In April 2013, the Company committed$1.0 million to Starboard Leaders Fund LP, which may increase or decrease over time, and, as ofMarch 31, 2016, has funded$1.0 milliontowards this commitment. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company has an unfunded commitment to Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. of$0.5 million. The remaining capital commitment is expected to be called over aoneyear period. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has an unfunded commitment to Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. (formerly Formation8 Partners Hardware Fund I, L.P.) of$0.9 million. The remaining capital commitment is expected to be called over aoneyear period. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company has an unfunded commitment to Lagunita Biosciences, LLC of$3.5 million. The remaining capital commitment is expected to be called over a three-year period.

Due to the nature of the securities business and our role as a market-maker and execution agent, the amount of our cash and short-term investments, as well as operating cash flow, may vary considerably due to a number of factors, including the dollar value of our positions as principal, whether we are net buyers or sellers of securities, the dollar volume of executions by our customers and clearing house requirements, among others. Certain regulatory requirements constrain the use of a portion of our liquid assets for financing, investing or operating activities. Similarly, due to the nature of our business lines, the capital necessary to maintain current operations and our current funding needs subject our cash and cash equivalents to different requirements and uses.

Revolver

On July 31, 2015, the Company entered into a$25.0 million 364 day revolving unsecured credit facility with multiple financial institutions primarily for working capital management. The Company has drawn $25 millionunder this facility as ofMarch 31, 2016. Interest accrues on borrowed funds at LIBOR plus3%and interest accrues on the undrawn facility amount at LIBOR plus0.38%. The revolver matures in August 2016. The Company is required to comply with certain financial covenants for which the Company was in compliance with throughMarch 31, 2016.

Preferred Stock and Purchase of Capped Call Option

On May 19, 2015, the Company completed its offering of120,750shares of the Company's5.625%Series A cumulative perpetual convertible preferred stock ("Series A Convertible Preferred Stock") that provided$117.2 millionof proceeds, net of

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underwriting fees and issuance costs of$3.4 million. Each share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to dividends at a rate of5.625%per annumwhich will be payable, when and if declared by the board of directors of the Company, quarterly, in arrears, on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Company may, at its option, pay dividends in cash, common stock or a combination thereof.

Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is non-voting and has a liquidity preference over the Company's Class A common stock and ranks senior to all classes or series of the Company's Class A common stock, but junior to all of the Company's existing and future indebtedness with respect to divided rights and rights upon the Company's involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding down.

Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into a number of shares of our Class A common stock equal to the liquidation preference of$1,000divided by the conversion rate. The initial conversion rate is152.2476shares(which equates to$6.57 per share)of the Company's Class A common stock for each share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. At any time on or after May 20, 2020, the Company may elect to convert all outstanding shares of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, cash or a combination thereof, at the Company’s election, in each case, based on the then-applicable conversion rate, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s Class A common stock equals or exceeds 150%of the then-current conversion price on at least20trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the period of30consecutive trading days (including on the last trading day of such period) immediately prior to such election. At the time of conversion, the conversion rate may be adjusted based on certain events including but not limited to the issuance of cash dividends or Class A common stock as a dividends to the Company's Class A common shareholders or a share split or combination.

In connection with the issuance and sale of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company entered into a privately negotiated capped call option transaction (the “Capped Call Option Transaction”) with Nomura Global Financial Products Inc. (the “option counterparty”) for$15.9 million. The Capped Call Option Transaction is expected generally to reduce the potential dilution to the Company’s Class A common stock (if the Company elects to convert to common shares) and/or offset any cash payments that the Company is required to make upon conversion of any Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The Capped Call Option Transaction has an initial effective strike price of$6.57 per share, which matches the initial conversion price of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, and a cap price of$8.39per share. However, to the extent that the market price of Class A common stock, as measured under the terms of the Capped Call Option Transaction, exceeds the cap price thereof, there would nevertheless be dilution and/or such cash payments would not be offset. As the Capped Call Option Transaction is a free standing derivative that is indexed to the Company's own stock price and the Company controls if it is settled in cash or stock it qualifies for equity classification as a reduction to additional paid in capital.

The Company may also incur additional indebtedness or raise additional capital under certain circumstances to respond to market opportunities and challenges. Current market conditions may make it more difficult or costly to borrow additional funds or raise additional capital.

Regulation

As registered broker-dealers, Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading are subject to the SEC's Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 (the “Rule”), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. Under the alternative method permitted by the Rule, Cowen and Company's minimum net capital requirement, as defined, is$1.0 million. Under the alternative method ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading are required to maintain minimum net capital, as defined, equal to$250,000. The broker-dealers are not permitted to withdraw equity if certain minimum net capital requirements are not met. As of March 31, 2016, Cowen and Company had total net capital of approximately$56.6 million, which was approximately $55.6 million in excess of its minimum net capital requirement of$1.0 million. As of March 31, 2016, ATM Execution had total net capital of approximately$3.9 million, which was approximately$3.7 millionin excess of its minimum net capital requirement of$250,000. As of March 31, 2016, Cowen Prime had total net capital of approximately$17.5 million, which was approximately $17.3 million in excess of its minimum net capital requirement of $250,000. Cowen Prime Trading had total net capital of approximately$4.4 million, which was approximately$4.2 millionin excess of its minimum net capital requirement of $250,000.

Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading claim exemption from the provisions of Rule 15c3-3 under theExchange Actas their activities are limited to those set forth in the conditions for exemption appearing in paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of the Rule.

Proprietary accounts of broker-dealers (“PAB”) held at the clearing broker are considered allowable assets for net capital purposes, pursuant to agreements between Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading and the clearing brokers, which require, among other things, that the clearing brokers performs computations for PAB and segregates certain balances on behalf of Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading, if applicable.

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Ramius UK Ltd. ("Ramius UK") and Cowen International Limited ("CIL")are subject to the capital requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) of the UK. Financial Resources, as defined, must exceed the requirement of the FCA. As of March 31, 2016, Ramius UK's Financial Resources of$0.28 millionexceeded its minimum requirement of$0.06 million by $0.22 million. As of March 31, 2016, CIL's Financial Resources of$4.3 millionexceeded its minimum requirement of$2.0 million by $2.3 million.

Cowen’s Luxembourg reinsurance companies, Vianden RCG Re SCA (“Vianden”) and Hollenfels, is required to maintain a solvency capital ratio as calculated by relevant European Commission directives and local regulatory rules in Luxembourg. Each company’s solvency capital ratio as ofMarch 31, 2016was in excess of this minimum requirement.

Based on minimum capital and surplus requirements pursuant to the laws of the state of New York that apply to captive insurance companies, RCG Insurance Company, Cowen’s captive insurance company incorporated and licensed in the state of New York, was required to maintain capital and surplus of approximately$0.3 millionas ofMarch 31, 2016. RCG Insurance Company’s capital and surplus as of March 31, 2016 totaled approximately $21 million.

Cash Flows Analysis

The Company's primary sources of cash are derived from its operating activities, fees and realized returns on its own invested capital. The Company's primary uses of cash include compensation and general and administrative expenses.

Operating Activities.    Net cash used in operating activities of $340.6 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 was primarily related to purchases of other investments, cash used to pay for year end bonuses and an increase in cash held at other brokers. Net cash used in operating activities of $40.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily related to purchases of securities partially offset by sales of securities and an increase in cash held at other brokers.

Investing Activities.    Net cash provided by investing activities of $16.6 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 was primarily related to repayment of certain loans made for investing purposes offsett partially by the purchases of other investments and fixed assets. Net cash provided by investing activities of $14.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily related to the sale of other investments.

Financing Activities.    Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 of $232.6 million was primarily related to contributions from non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds and borrowings on short term debt.  Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 of $8.1 million was primarily related to the repurchase of shares of our common stock.

Debt

Convertible Debt

On March 10, 2014, the Company issued$149.5 million of 3.0%cash convertible senior notes ("Convertible Notes"). The Convertible Notes are due on March 15, 2019 unless earlier repurchased by the Company or converted by the holder into cash in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank senior in right of payments to other obligations. The Convertible Notes may be converted into cash, upon the occurrence of certain events, whereby a holder will receive, per$1,000principal amount of notes being converted, an amount equal to the sum of principal amount outstanding and the conversion amount based on the current conversion price (the "Conversion Option"). The Convertible Notes were issued with an initial conversion price of $5.33per share.

The Company recorded interest expense of$1.1 million and $1.1 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2016and2015, respectively.The initial unamortized discount on the Convertible Notes was$35.7 millionand is shown net in convertible debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.Amortization on the discount, included within interest expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is$1.7 millionand$1.5 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, based on an effective interest rate of 8.89%. The Company capitalized the debt issuance costs in the amount of$3.7 million, which is included in additional paid in capital in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and changes in equity, and will be amortized over the life of the Convertible Notes. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company is in compliance with all covenants included in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes.

Of the net proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes, approximately$20.5 millionwas applied to pay the net cost of a cash convertible note economic hedge and warrant transaction which increases the effective conversion price to$7.18 (See Note 5 of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements), and approximately$0.3 millionwas applied to repurchase shares of Cowen Class A common stock. The remainder of the net proceeds is being used for general corporate purposes.

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Note Payable

On October 10, 2014 the Company completed its public offering of$63.3 millionaggregate principal amount of8.25%senior notes due on October 15, 2021 ("2021 Notes").Interest on the 2021 Notes is payable quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15, commencing on January 15, 2015.The Company recorded interest expense of$1.3 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2016. The Company capitalized debt issuance costs of approximately$2.9 millionwhich is included in additional paid in capital in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and changes in equity and will be amortized over the life of the 2021 Notes.As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all covenants included in the indenture governing the 2021 Notes.

The 2021 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of October 10, 2014 (the “Senior Indenture”), by and among the Company and The Bank of New York Melon, as trustee. The Senior Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit (subject to certain exceptions) the Company’s ability and the ability of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Senior Indenture) to: (1) incur debt (including certain preferred stock), if the incurrence of such indebtedness would cause the Company’s consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the Senior Indenture, to fall below 2.0 to 1.0, (2) pay dividends or make distributions on its capital stock, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire its capital stock, and (3) grant liens securing indebtedness of the Company without securing the 2021 Notes equally and ratably. If certain conditions are met, certain of these covenants may be suspended. As of March 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Other Note Payable

During January 2016, the Company borrowed$2.0 millionto fund insurance premium payments. This note has an effective interest rate of 1.38%and is due on December 31, 2016, with monthly payment requirements of$0.2 million. As of March 31, 2016, the outstanding balance on this note payable was$1.7 million. Interest expense for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016was insignificant.

Revolver

On July 31, 2015, the Company entered into a$25.0 million 364 day revolving unsecured credit facility with multiple financial institutions primarily for working capital management. The Company has drawn $25 millionunder this facility as ofMarch 31, 2016. Interest accrues on borrowed funds at LIBOR plus3%and interest accrues on the undrawn facility amount at LIBOR plus0.38%. The revolver matures in August 2016. The Company is required to comply with certain financial covenants for which the Company was in compliance with throughMarch 31, 2016.

Capital Lease Obligations

The Company entered into several capital leases for computer equipment during the fourth quarter of 2010 and one in January 2014. These leases amounted to$7.6 millionand are recorded in fixed assets and as capital lease obligations, which are included in short-term borrowings and other debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, and have lease terms that range from48 to 60months and interest rates that range from 0.60% to 6.03%. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the remaining balance on these capital leases was$2.5 million. Interest expense was$0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Letters of Credit

As of March 31, 2016, the Company has the following nine irrevocable letters of credit related to leased office space, for which there is cash collateral pledged, with respect to which the Company pays a fee on the stated amount of the letter of credit.

Location	Amount		Maturity
	(dollars in thousands)
New York	$	355	May 2016
New York	$	1,861	May 2016
New York	$	794	October 2016
New York	$	3,373	October 2016
New York	$	1,600	November 2016
San Francisco	$	710	January 2017
New York	$	65	January 2017
New York	$	1,000	February 2017
Boston	$	382	March 2017

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To the extent any letter of credit is drawn upon, interest will be assessed at the prime commercial lending rate. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no amounts due related to these letters of credit.

Contractual Obligations

The following tables summarize the Company's contractual cash obligations as of March 31, 2016:

	Total		< 1 Year		1-3 Years		4-5 Years		More Than 5 Years
	(dollars in thousands)
Equipment Leases, Service Payments and Facility Leases
Real Estate	$	107,159	$	13,971	$	46,124	$	29,913	$	17,151
Service Payments	28,503		13,198		15,305		—		—
Equipment leases	2,945		865		2,080		—
Aircraft	4,200		945		3,255		—		—
Total	142,807		28,979		66,764		29,913		17,151
Debt
Convertible Debt	162,956		2,243		160,713		—		—
Note Payable	93,254		3,914		15,654		10,436		63,250
Other Notes Payable	1,718		1,718		—		—		—
Revolver	25,000		25,000		—		—		—
Total	$	282,928	$	32,875	$	176,367	$	10,436	$	63,250

Clawback obligations

For financial reporting purposes, the general partners of a real estate fund have recorded a liability for potential clawback obligations to the limited partners, due to changes in the unrealized value of the fund's remaining investments and where the fund's general partner has previously received carried interest distributions.

The clawback liability, however, is not realized until the end of the fund's life.The life of the real estate fund's with a potential clawback obligation is currently in a winding-up phase whereby the remaining assets of the fund are being liquidated as promptly as possible so as to maximize value, however a final date for liquidation has not been set.

The fund is currently winding-down as of March 31, 2016 and the clawback obligations were $6.2 million (see Note 5 to the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements).

Minimum payments for all debt outstanding

Annual scheduled maturities of debt and minimum payments for all debt outstanding as of March 31, 2016, is as follows:

	Convertible Debt			Note Payable			Revolver		Other Note Payable			Capital Lease Obligation
	(dollars in thousands)
2016	$	2,243		$	3,914		$	25,000	$	1,718		$	704
2017	4,485			5,218			—		—			938
2018	4,485			5,218			—		—			938
2019	151,743			5,218			—		—			78
2020	—			5,218			—		—			—
Thereafter	—			68,468			—		—			—
Subtotal	162,956			93,254			25,000		1,718			2,658
Less: Amount representing interest (a)	(38,705		)	(32,318		)	—		(23		)	(208		)
Total	$	124,251		$	60,936		$	25,000	$	1,695		$	2,450

(a) Amount necessary to reduce net minimum payments to present value calculated at the Company's implicit rate at inception. This amount also includes the unamortized discount on the convertible debt.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no material off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2016. However, through indemnification provisions in our clearing agreement, customer activities may expose us to off-balance-sheet credit risk. Pursuant to the clearing agreement, we are required to reimburse our clearing broker, without limit, for any losses incurred due to a counterparty's

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failure to satisfy its contractual obligations. However, these transactions are collateralized by the underlying security, thereby reducing the associated risk to changes in the market value of the security through the settlement date.

Cowen and Company, Cowen Prime, Cowen Prime Trading and ATM Execution are members of various securities exchanges. Under the standard membership agreement, members are required to guarantee the performance of other members and, accordingly, if another member becomes unable to satisfy its obligations to the exchange, all other members would be required to meet the shortfall. The Company's liability under these arrangements is not quantifiable. Accordingly, no contingent liability is carried in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition for these arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Critical accounting policies are those that require the Company to make significant judgments, estimates or assumptions that affect amounts reported in its condensed consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto. The Company bases its judgments, estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable and prudent. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

The following is a summary of what the Company believes to be its most critical accounting policies and estimates.

Consolidation

These condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries, and entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest, including the Consolidated Funds, in which the Company has a controlling general partner interest. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s funds are not subject to these consolidation provisions with respect to their investments pursuant to their specialized accounting.

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of the Consolidated Funds on a gross basis. The management fees and incentive income earned by the Company from the Consolidated Funds were eliminated in consolidation; however, the Company’s allocated share of net income from these funds was increased by the amount of this eliminated income. Hence, the consolidation of these funds had no net effect on the Company’s net earnings.

The Company consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those funds in which the Company either directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest. In addition, the Company consolidates all variable interest entities for which it is the primary beneficiary.

The Company adopted the new accounting pronouncement regarding consolidation accounting using the modified retrospective method with an effective adoption date of January 1, 2016. The modified retrospective method did not require the restatement of prior year periods. The adoption of the new accounting pronouncement also resulted in a reclassification of certain entities which were previously considered voting interest entities and will now be considered variable interest entities.

In accordance with these standards, the Company presently consolidatesfivefunds for which it acts as the general partner and investment manager. As of March 31, 2016 the Company consolidated the following funds: Ramius Enterprise LP (“Enterprise LP”), Ramius Merger Fund LLC (the "Merger Fund"), Cowen Private Investments LP ("Cowen Private"), Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Fund ("Archview Feeder Fund") and Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Master Fund ("Archview Master Fund") (collectively the "Consolidated Funds").

The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting operating entity ("VOE") or a variable interest entity ("VIE") under US GAAP.

Voting Operating Entities—VOEs are entities in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance its activities independently and (ii) the equity holders at risk have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance.

Under US GAAP, the usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a VOE is ownership of a majority voting interest. Accordingly, the Company consolidates all VOEs in which it owns a majority of the entity's voting shares or units.

In connection with the adoption, the Company reevaluated all of its investment products for consolidation. As of January 1, 2016, the Company deconsolidated Quadratic Fund LLC ("Quadratic LLC") as the Company did not hold a significant voting interest in the fund. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the net income of Quadratic LLC were not material to the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition or statements of operations. The adoption of the new accounting pronouncement also resulted in a reclassification of certain entities for which the Company was presumed to have control and will now be VIEs.

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Variable Interest Entities—VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a VOE. In accordance with US GAAP, an enterprise must consolidate all VIEs of which it is the primary beneficiary. Under the US GAAP consolidation model for VIEs, an enterprise that (1) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impacts the VIE's economic performance, and (2) has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, is considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and thus is required to consolidate it.

The Company reconsiders whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by performing a periodic qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of the VIE that includes a review of, among other things, its capital structure, contractual agreements between the Company and the VIE, the economic interests that create or absorb variability, related party relationships and the design of the VIE.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company also sponsors various other entities that it has determined to be VIEs. These VIEs are primarily funds and real estate entities for which the Company serves as the general partner, managing member and/or investment manager with decision-making rights.

The Company does not consolidate certain entities that are VIEs as it has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary in each instance. Fund investors are entitled to all of the economics of these VIEs with the exception of the management fee and incentive income, if any, earned by the Company. The Company's involvement with funds and real estate entities that are unconsolidated VIEs is limited to providing investment management services in exchange for management fees and incentive income. Although the Company may advance amounts and pay certain expenses on behalf of the funds and real estate entities that it considers to be VIEs, it does not provide, nor is it required to provide, any type of substantive financial support to these entities outside of regular investment management services.

Equity Method Investments—For operating entities over which the Company exercises significant influence but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation as outlined above, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's investments in equity method investees are recorded in other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company's share of earnings or losses from equity method investees is included in net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. The difference between the carrying value of the equity method investment and its estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment charge when the loss in value is deemed other than temporary.

Other—If the Company does not consolidate an entity, apply the equity method of accounting or account for an investment under the cost method, the Company accounts for such entities (primarily, all securities of such entity which are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term as trading securities) in accordance with US GAAP, at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Retention of Specialized Accounting—The Consolidated Funds and certain other consolidated companies are investment companies and apply specialized industry accounting for investment companies. The Company has retained this specialized accounting for these funds pursuant to US GAAP. The Company reports its investments on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at their estimated fair value, with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other transactions. Accordingly, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect different accounting policies for investments depending on whether or not they are held through a consolidated investment company. In addition, the Company's broker-dealer subsidiariesapply the specialized industry accounting for brokers and dealers in securities also prescribed under US GAAP. The Company also retains specialized accounting in consolidation.

Valuation of investments and derivative contracts

US GAAP 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). Thethreelevels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has

the ability to access at the measurement date;

Level 2     Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including

inputs in markets that are not considered to be active; and

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Level 3 Fair value is determined based on pricing inputs that are unobservable and includes situations where there is little,

if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The determination of fair value for assets and liabilities in this

category requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Inputs are used in applying the various valuation techniques and broadly refer to the assumptions that market participants use to make valuation decisions, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may include price information, volatility statistics, specific and broad credit data, liquidity statistics, and other factors. 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. However, the determination of what constitutes “observable” requires significant judgment by the Company. The Company considers observable data to be that market data which is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market. The categorization of a financial instrument within the hierarchy is based upon the pricing transparency of the instrument and does not necessarily correspond to the Company's perceived risk of that instrument. For additional information regarding the use of unobservable inputs to fair value assets and liabilities see Note 6 in the accompanying condensed Consolidated Financial Statement in Part 1 Item 1.

The Company and its operating subsidiaries act as the manager for the Consolidated Funds. Both the Company and the Consolidated Funds hold certain investments which are valued by the Company, acting as the investment manager. The fair value of these investments is generally estimated based on proprietary models developed by the Company, which include discounted cash flow analysis, public market comparables, and other techniques and may be based, at least in part, on independently sourced market information. The material estimates and assumptions used in these models include the timing and expected amount of cash flows, the appropriateness of discount rates used, and, in some cases, the ability to execute, timing of, and estimated proceeds from expected financings. Significant judgment and estimation goes into the selection of an appropriate valuation methodology as well as the assumptions used in these models, and the timing and actual values realized with respect to investments could be materially different from values derived based on the use of those estimates. The valuation methodologies applied impact the reported value of the Company's investments and the investments held by the Consolidated Funds in the consolidated financial statements. Certain of the Company's investments are relatively illiquid or thinly traded and may not be immediately liquidated on demand if needed. Fair values assigned to these investments may differ significantly from the fair values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed and such differences could be material.

The Company primarily uses the “market approach” to value its financial instruments measured at fair value. In determining an instrument's level within the hierarchy, the Company categorizes the Company's financial instruments intothreecategories: securities, derivative contracts and other investments. To the extent applicable, each of these categories can further be divided between those held long or sold short.

The Company has the option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. The election is made on an instrument by instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument.  The Company has elected the fair value option for its investments through Cowen Investments, LLC and certain investments it holds though its operating companies.  This option has been elected because the Company believes that it is consistent with the manner in which the business is managed as well as the way that financial instruments in other parts of the business are recorded.

Securities— Securities with values based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets are classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. These securities include active listed equities, certain U.S. government and sovereign obligations, ETF's, mutual funds and certain money market securities. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for such instruments, even in situations where the Company holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

Certain positions for which trading activity may not be readily visible, consisting primarily of convertible debt, corporate debt and loans and restricted equities, are stated at fair value and classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair values assigned by management are determined in good faith and are based on available information considering, trading activity, broker quotes, quotations provided by published pricing services, counterparties and other market participants, and pricing models using quoted inputs, and do not necessarily represent the amounts which might ultimately be realized. As level 2 investments include positions that are not always traded in active markets and/or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability.

Derivative contracts—Derivative contracts can be exchange-traded or privately negotiated over-the-counter (“OTC”). Exchange-traded derivatives, such as futures contracts and exchange-traded option contracts, are typically classified within level 1 or level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on whether or not they are deemed to be actively traded. OTC derivatives, such as generic forwards, swaps and options, have inputs which can generally be corroborated by market data and are therefore classified within level 2. OTC derivatives, such as swaps and options where market data is not readily available or observable are classified as level 3.

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Other investments—Other investments consist primarily of portfolio funds, real estate investments and equity method investments, which are valued as follows:

i. Portfolio funds—Portfolio funds (“Portfolio Funds”) include interests in funds and investment companies which may be managed by the Company or its affiliates. The Company follows US GAAP regarding fair value measurements and disclosures relating to investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent). The guidance permits, as a practical expedient, an entity holding investments in certain entities that either are investment companies as defined by the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide, Investment Companies, or have attributes similar to an investment company, and calculate net asset value per share or its equivalent for which the fair value is not readily determinable, to measure the fair value of such investments on the basis of that NAV per share, or its equivalent, without adjustment.In accordance with US GAAP, investments which are valued using NAV per share as a practical expedient are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

ii. Real estate investments—Real estate debt and equity investments are valued at fair value. The fair value of real estate investments are estimated based on the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between marketplace participants at the measurement date. Real estate investments without a public market are valued based on assumptions and valuation techniques used by the Company. Such valuation techniques may include discounted cash flow analysis, prevailing market capitalization rates or earnings multiples applied to earnings from the investment, analysis of recent comparable sales transactions, actual sale negotiations and bona fide purchase offers received from third parties, consideration of the amount that currently would be required to replace the asset, as adjusted for obsolescence, as well as independent external appraisals. In general, the Company considers several valuation techniques when measuring the fair value of a real estate investment. However, in certain circumstances, a single valuation technique may be appropriate. Real estate investments are reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Company for significant changes at the property level or a significant change in the overall market which would impact the value of the real estate investment resulting in unrealized appreciation or depreciation.

Real estate and capital markets are cyclical in nature. Property and investment values are affected by, among other things, the availability of capital, occupancy rates, rental rates and interest and inflation rates. In addition, the Company invests in real estate and real estate related investments for which no liquid market exists. The market prices for such investments may be volatile and may not be readily ascertainable. Amounts ultimately realized by the Company from investments sold may differ from the fair values presented, and the differences could be material.

The Company's real estate investments are typically categorized as a level 3 investment within the fair value hierarchy as management uses significant unobservable inputs in determining their estimated fair value.

Revenue recognition

The Company's principal sources of revenue are derived from two segments: an alternative investment segment and a broker-dealer segment, as more fully described below.

Our alternative investment segment generates revenue through three principal sources: management fees, incentive income and investment income from the Company's own capital.

Our broker-dealer segment generates revenue through three principal sources: investment banking, brokerage and investment income.

Management fees

The Company earns management fees from affiliated funds and certain managed accounts that it serves as the investment manager based on assets under management. The actual management fees received vary depending on distribution fees or fee splits paid to third parties either in connection with raising the assets or structuring the investment. Management fees are generally paid on a quarterly basis at the beginning of each quarter in arrears and are prorated for capital inflows and redemptions. While some investors may have separately negotiated fees, in general the management fees are as follows:

• Hedge Funds. Management fees for the Company's hedge funds are generally charged at an annual rate of up to2%of assets under management or notional trading level. Management fees are generally calculated monthly based on assets under management at the end of each month before incentive income.

• Registered Funds.Management fees for the Company’s registered funds (State Street/Ramius Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Fund) are generally charged at an annual rate of up to 1.50%of assets under management.

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• Alternative Solutions. Management fees for the Alternative Solutions business are generally charged at an annual rate of up to2%of assets under management or notional trading level. Management fees are generally calculated monthly based on assets under management at the end of each month before incentive income or based on assets under management at the beginning of the month. Management fees earned from the Alternative Solutions business are based and initially calculated on estimated net asset values and actual fees ultimately earned could be impacted to the extent of any changes in these estimates.

• Real Estate. Management fees from the Company's real estate business are generally charged by their general partners at an annual rate from0.25% to 1.50%of total capital commitments during the investment period and of invested capital or net asset value of the applicable fund after the investment period has ended. Management fees are typically paid to the general partners on a quarterly basis, at the beginning of the quarter in arrears, and are prorated for changes in capital commitments throughout the investment period and invested capital after the investment period. The general partners of the funds on the RCG Longview platform are owned jointly by the Company and third parties. Accordingly, the management fees (in addition to incentive income and investment income) generated by these real estate funds are split between the Company and the other general partners.Pursuant to US GAAP, these fees and other income received by the general partners that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are reflected under net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

• HealthCare Royalty Partners. During the investment period (as defined in the management agreement of the HealthCare Royalty Partners' funds), management fees for the funds and managed accounts advised by HealthCare Royalty Partners are generally charged at an annual rate of up to2%of committed capital. After the investment period, management fees are generally charged at an annual rate of up to 2%of the net asset value of the funds or managed accounts or the aggregate cost basis of the unrealized investments held by the funds. Management fees for the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds are calculated on a quarterly basis.

• Ramius Trading Strategies. Management fees and platform fees for the Company's private commodity trading advisory business are generally charged at an annual rate of up to0.5%. Management and platform fees are generally calculated monthly based on each account's notional trading level at the end of each month.

Incentive income

The Company earns incentive income based on net profits (as defined in the respective investment management agreements) with respect to certain of the Company's funds and managed accounts, allocable for each fiscal year that exceeds cumulative unrecovered net losses, if any, that have been carried forward from prior years. For the products we offer, incentive income earned is typically up to20% for hedge funds and up to 10%for alternative solutions products (in certain cases on performance in excess of a benchmark), of the net profits earned for the full year that are attributable to each fee-paying investor. Generally, incentive income on real estate funds is earned after the investor has received a full return of their invested capital, plus a preferred return. However, for certain real estate funds, the Company is entitled to receive incentive fees earlier, provided that the investors have received their preferred return on a current basis or on an investor by investor basis. These funds are generally subject to a potential clawback of these incentive fees upon the liquidation of the fund if the investor has not received a full return of its invested capital plus the preferred return thereon. Incentive income in the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds is generally earned only after investors receive a full return of their capital plus a preferred return.Pursuant to US GAAP, incentive income received by the general partners that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are reflected under net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

In periods following a period of a net loss attributable to an investor, the Company generally does not earn incentive income on any future profits attributable to that investor until the accumulated net loss from prior periods is recovered, an arrangement commonly referred to as a “high-water mark.” The Company has elected to record incentive income revenue in accordance with “Method 2” of US GAAP. Under Method 2, the incentive income from the Company's funds and managed accounts for any period is based upon the net profits of those funds and managed accounts at the reporting date. Any incentive income recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations may be subject to future reversal based on subsequent negative performance prior to the conclusion of the fiscal year, when all contingencies have been resolved.

Carried interest in the real estate funds is subject to clawback to the extent that the carried interest actually distributed to date exceeds the amount due to the Company based on cumulative results. As such, the accrual for potential repayment of previously received carried interest, which is a component of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, represents all amounts previously distributed to the Company, less an assumed tax liability, that would need to be repaid to certain real estate funds if these funds were to be liquidated based on the current fair value of the underlying funds' investments as of the reporting date. The actual clawback liability does not become realized until the end of a fund's life.

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Investment Banking

The Company earns investment banking revenue primarily from fees associated with public and private capital raising transactions and providing strategic advisory services. Investment banking revenues are derived primarily from small and mid-capitalization companies within the Company's Target Sectors.

Investment banking revenue consists of underwriting fees, strategic/financial advisory fees and placement and sales agent fees.

• Underwriting fees. The Company earns underwriting fees in securities offerings in which the Company acts as an underwriter, such as initial public offerings, follow-on equity offerings, debt offerings, and convertible security offerings. Fee revenue relating to underwriting commitments is recorded when all significant items relating to the underwriting process have been completed and the amount of the underwriting revenue has been determined. This generally is the point at which all of the following have occurred: (i) the issuer's registration statement has become effective with the SEC or the other offering documents are finalized; (ii) the Company has made a firm commitment for the purchase of securities from the issuer; and (iii) the Company has been informed of the number of securities that it has been allotted.

When the Company is not the lead manager for an underwriting transaction, management must estimate the Company's share of transaction-related expenses incurred by the lead manager in order to recognize revenue. Transaction-related expenses are deducted from the underwriting fee and therefore reduce the revenue the Company recognizes as co-manager. Such amounts are adjusted to reflect actual expenses in the period in which the Company receives the final settlement, typically within 90 days following the closing of the transaction.

• Strategic/financial advisory fees. The Company's strategic advisory revenues include success fees earned in connection with advising companies, principally in mergers and acquisitions and restructuring transactions. The Company also earns fees for related advisory work such as providing fairness opinions. The Company records strategic advisory revenues when the services for the transactions are completed under the terms of each assignment or engagement and collection is reasonably assured. Expenses associated with such transactions are deferred until the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded.

• Placement and sales agent fees. The Company earns agency placement fees and sales agent commissions in non-underwritten transactions such as private placements of loans and debt and equity securities, including, private investment in public equity transactions (“PIPEs”), and as sales agent in at-the-market offerings of equity securities. The Company records placement revenues (which may be in cash and/or securities) when the services for the transactions are completed under the terms of each assignment or engagement and collection is reasonably assured. The Company records sales agent commissions on a trade date basis. Expenses associated with such transactions are deferred until the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded.

Brokerage

Brokerage revenue consists of commissions, principal transactions and equity research fees.

• Commissions. Commission revenue includes fees from executing client transactions. These fees are recognized on a trade date basis. The Company permits institutional customers to allocate a portion of their commissions to pay for research products and other services provided by third parties. The amounts allocated for those purposes are commonly referred to as soft dollar arrangements. Commissions on soft dollar brokerage are recorded net of the related expenditures on an accrual basis.

• Principal Transactions. Principal transactions revenue includes net trading gains and losses from the Company's market-making activities in over-the-counter equity securities, trading of convertible securities, and trading gains and losses on inventory and other firm positions, which include warrants previously received as part of investment banking transactions. In certain cases, the Company provides liquidity to clients by buying or selling blocks of shares of listed stocks without previously identifying the other side of the trade at execution, which subjects the Company to market risk. These positions are typically held for a very short duration.

• Equity Research Fees. Equity research fees are paid to the Company for providing equity research. Revenue is recognized once an arrangement exists, access to research has been provided, the fee amount is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.

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Investment Income

Investment income earned by the alternative investment and broker-dealer segments are earned from investing the Company's capital in various strategies and from investments in private capital raising transactions of its investment banking clients.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price consideration of acquired companies over the estimated fair value assigned to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is allocated to the Company's reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially recorded. Once goodwill has been allocated to the reporting units, it generally no longer retains its identification with a particular acquisition, but instead becomes identifiable with the reporting unit. As a result, all of the fair value of each reporting unit is available to support the value of goodwill allocated to the unit.

In accordance with US GAAP, the Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or at an interim period if events or changed circumstances would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Under US GAAP, the Company first assesses the qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amounts as a basis for determining if it is necessary to perform the two-step approach. The first step requires a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the related goodwill is not considered impaired and no further analysis is required. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, there is an indication that the related goodwill might be impaired and the step two is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any.

The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with its carrying amount to measure the amount of impairment, if any. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. In other words, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of its assets and liabilities (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Goodwill impairment tests involve significant judgment in determining the estimates of future cash flows, discount rates, economic forecast and other assumptions which are then used in acceptable valuation techniques, such as the market approach (earning and or transactions multiples) and / or income approach (discounted cash flow method). Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the fair value and any resulting impairment of goodwill.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated average useful lives. The Company does not have any intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives. Intangible assets are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that an asset or asset group's carrying value may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss, calculated as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of an asset or asset group, is recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations if the sum of the estimated discounted cash flows relating to the asset or asset group is less than the corresponding carrying value.

Legal Reserves

The Company estimates potential losses that may arise out of legal and regulatory proceedings and records a reserve and takes a charge to income when losses with respect to such matters are deemed probable and can be reasonably estimated, in accordance with US GAAP. These amounts are reported in other expenses, net of recoveries, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. See Note 11 "Commitments and Contingencies" in our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 for further discussion. As the successor of the named party in these litigation matters, the Company recognizes the related legal reserve in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Recently adopted and future adoption of accounting pronouncements

        For a detailed discussion, see Note 3 "Recently issued accounting pronouncements" in our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, there were no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. For a more detailed discussion concerning our market risk, see Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer (the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively), evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2016.

Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 31, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide a reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting during the three months endedMarch 31, 2016.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we are named as defendants in, or as parties to, various legal actions and proceedings. Certain of these actions and proceedings assert claims or seek relief in connection with alleged violations of securities, banking, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering, employment and other statutory and common laws. Certain of these actual or threatened legal actions and proceedings include claims for substantial or indeterminate compensatory or punitive damages, or for injunctive relief.

In the ordinary course of business, we are also subject to governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests (both formal and informal), certain of which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief. Certain of our affiliates and subsidiaries are investment banks, registered broker-dealers, futures commission merchants, investment advisers or other regulated entities and, in those capacities, are subject to regulation by various U.S., state and foreign securities, commodity futures and other regulators. In connection with formal and informal inquiries by these regulators, we receive requests, and orders seeking documents and other information in connection with various aspects of our regulated activities.

Due to the global scope of our operations, and presence in countries around the world, we may be subject to litigation, and governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal), in multiple jurisdictions with legal and regulatory regimes that may differ substantially, and present substantially different risks, from those we are subject to in the United States.

The Company seeks to resolve all litigation and regulatory matters in the manner management believes is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, and contests liability, allegations of wrongdoing and, where applicable, the amount of damages or scope of any penalties or other relief sought as appropriate in each pending matter.

In accordance with US GAAP, the Company establishes reserves for contingencies when the Company believes that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company discloses a contingency if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred and there is no reserve for the loss because the conditions above are not met. The Company's disclosure includes an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for those matters, for which an estimate can be made. Neither a reserve nor disclosure is required for losses that are deemed remote.

The Company appropriately reserves for certain matters where, in the opinion of management, the likelihood of liability is probable and the extent of such liability is reasonably estimable. Such amounts are included within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in theaccompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and currently available information and involve a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the type and nature of the litigation, claim or proceeding, the progress of the matter, the advice of legal counsel, the Company's defenses and its experience in similar cases or proceedings as well as its assessment of matters, including settlements, involving other defendants in similar or related cases or proceedings. The Company may increase or decrease its legal reserves in the future, on a matter-by-matter basis, to account for developments in such matters. The Company accrues legal fees as incurred.

The following information reflects developments with respect to the Company's legal proceedings that occurred in the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

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On May 28, 2014, Energy Intelligence Group, Inc. and Energy Intelligence Group UK (collectively, "EIG") filed a lawsuit against Cowen and Company, LLC in the United States Court for the Southern District of New York (Energy Intelligence Group, Inc. and Energy Intelligence Group UK v. Cowen and Company, LLC, No. 14-CV-3789). The complaint alleges copyright infringement based on alleged impermissible distribution of EIG's publication, Oil Daily, by Cowen and Company, LLC, and Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC, as Cowen's alleged predecessor-in-interest. EIG is seeking statutory damages based on alleged willful infringement of their copyrights. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. On November 12, 2014, the Company filed an answer and affirmative defenses to the EIG complaint. On September 25, 2015, the Company filed its motion for partial summary judgment to dismiss certain of EIG’s claims relating to Dahlman Rose’s alleged copyright infringement. We expect the Company’s motion to be heard in the second quarter of 2016, but we cannot predict when the Court will issue a decision.Because the case is in its preliminary stages, the Company cannot predict the outcome at this time, but it does not currently expect this case to have a material effect on its financial position. The case could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations in a future period.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

The discussion of our business and operations should be read together with the risk factors contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. These risk factors describe various risks and uncertainties to which we are or may become subject. These risks and uncertainties have the potential to affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies or prospects in a material and adverse manner. There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2015 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 29, 2016.

Item 2.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities: Sales of Unregistered Securities

As of April 27, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program that authorizes the Company to purchase up to $138.3 million of Cowen Class A common stock from time to time through a variety of methods, including in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable securities laws. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, through the share repurchase program, the Company repurchased 998,119 shares of Cowen Class A common stock at an average price of $3.58 per share.

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on the behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act, as amended), of our common stock during the three months endedMarch 31, 2016.

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Month 1 (January 1, 2016 – January 31, 2016)
Common stock repurchases(1)	—	$	—	—	18,019,322
Employee transactions(2)	3,551	$	4.57	—	—
Total	3,551
Month 2 (February 1, 2016 – February 29, 2016)
Common stock repurchases(1)	—	$	—	—	25,000,000
Employee transactions(2)	23,664	$	3.23	—	—
Total	23,664	$	3.23
Month 3 (March 1, 2016 – March 31, 2016)
Common stock repurchases(1)	998,119	$	3.58	—	21,429,975
Employee transactions(2)	1,097,461	$	3.57	—	—
Total	2,095,580	$	3.57
Total (January 1, 2016 – March 31, 2016)
Common stock repurchases(1)	998,119	$	3.58	—	21,429,975
Employee transactions(2)	1,124,676	$	3.57	—	—
Total	2,122,795	$	3.57	—

(1) The Company's Board of Directors have authorized the repurchase, subject to market conditions, of up to $138.3 million of the Company's outstanding common stock.

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(2) Represents shares of common stock withheld in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of equity awards or other similar transactions.

(3) Board approval of repurchases is based on dollar amount. The Company cannot estimate the number of shares that may yet be purchased.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6.    Exhibits

See Exhibit Index.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

		COWEN GROUP, INC.
		By:	/s/ PETER A. COHEN
		Name:	Peter A. Cohen
		Title:	Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)
		By:	/s/ STEPHEN A. LASOTA
		Name:	Stephen A. Lasota
Date:	May 2, 2016	Title:	Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)

Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.	Description
10.1	Form of Performance Shares Award Agreement (filed herewith).*
31.1	Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
31.2	Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
32	Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
101.INS	XBRL INSTANCE DOCUMENT
101.SCH	XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA DOCUMENT
101.CAL	XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
101.DEF	XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
101.LAB	XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE DOCUMENT
101.PRE	XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

* Signifies management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.    

E - 1

EX-10.1

PERFORMANCE SHARES AWARD AGREEMENT

This PERFORMANCE SHARES AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made by and between Cowen Group, Inc. (the “Company”), and [insert] (the “Grantee”), effective February 24, 2016 (the “Grant Date”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Company desires to grant to the Grantee an award of restricted stock units tied to certain performance measures described herein (the “Award”), subject to the terms of the Cowen Group, Inc. 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”);

WHEREAS, the Award shall consist of a grant of restricted stock units (the “RSUs”) in accordance with the terms and subject to the vesting conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan; and

WHEREAS, the capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings given to them in the Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

ARTICLE I

GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

Section 1.1 - Grant of Restricted Stock Units.

Pursuant to the terms and conditions and restrictions of this Agreement and the Plan, the Award granted to the Grantee by the Company as of the Grant Date consists of three tranches, each having a specified target number of RSUs (the “Target RSUs”):

(a)“Tranche One” shall consist of a target award of [insert] ([insert]) Target RSUs;

(b)“Tranche Two” shall consist of a target award of [insert] ([insert]) Target RSUs; and

(c)“Tranche Three” shall consist of a target award of [insert] ([insert]) Target RSUs;

The actual number of RSUs that become vested and settled (each, an “Attained RSU”) shall be based on the attainment of the performance metrics (the “Performance Metrics”) provided in, and calculated under, Section 1.2.

Each RSU constitutes an unfunded and unsecured promise of the Company to deliver (or cause to be delivered) to the Grantee upon settlement, subject to the terms of this Agreement, one share of Stock. Until such settlement and delivery, the Grantee has only the rights of a general unsecured creditor, and no rights as a shareholder of the Company, provided that, whenever a normal cash dividend is paid on shares of Stock, the Company shall credit to the Grantee an amount of cash equal to the product of the per-share amount of the dividend paid multiplied by the number of Attained RSUs as of the applicable Vesting Date (the “Dividend Equivalent Amount”). Such credited amounts shall be paid to the Grantee when and only to the extent the Stock underlying an Attained RSU is transferred to the Grantee in accordance with Section 1.2 below.

Section 1.2 - Vesting and Settlement of Awards.

(a)     Normal Vesting and Settlement Schedule. The Grantee shall become vested in each of Tranche One, Tranche Two and Tranche Three upon the specified dates indicated in the table below (each

a “Vesting Date”), subject to the calculation of the Performance Metrics with respect to the applicable three-year performance period indicated in the table below (each, a “Performance Period”):

Award	Performance Period (calendar years)	Vesting Date
Tranche One	2016, 2017 and 2018	March 8, 2019
Tranche Two	2017, 2018 and 2019	March 10, 2020
Tranche Three	2018, 2019 and 2020	December 31, 2020

Vesting on each Vesting Date shall be conditioned on the following: (1) the Grantee remains actively employed by the Company as of the Vesting Date; or (2) as otherwise provided in Section 1.2(c), 1.2(d) and 1.2(e). The Attained RSUs in Tranche One and Tranche Two will be settled on the Vesting Date and the Attained RSUs in Tranche Three will be settled on March 10, 2021 (the “Tranche Three Settlement Date”). For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of the Attained RSUs for Tranche Three will be performed after the Vesting Date, but no later than the Tranche Three Settlement Date, once data necessary to analyze the Performance Metrics becomes available for the full Performance Period.

(b)     Performance Metrics Calculation. With respect to each of Tranche One, Tranche Two and Tranche Three, the number of Attained RSUs shall be determined in accordance with this Section 1.2(b):

(i) With respect to each Performance Period, as of the applicable Vesting Date, the Target RSUs shall be multiplied by an applicable percentage (the “Payout Rate”) based on the Company’s AROE (as defined in Section 2.1) with respect to such Performance Period (such number, the “Preliminary RSUs”).

ROE Performance/Payout Scale (“ROE Payout Scale”)

Performance Level*	AROE	Payout Rate
Below Threshold	Below 5%	0% payout
Threshold	5%	50% payout
Above Threshold	7.5%	75% payout
Target	10%	100% payout
Maximum (capped)	12%	150% payout

* Performance between the Threshold and the Maximum will be interpolated

(ii) The number of Attained RSUs shall be equal to the product of (A) the Preliminary RSUs and (B) the applicable Modifier indicated in the table below determined based on the Company’s TSR (as defined in Section 2.1) during such Performance Period versus the TSR of the companies comprising the S&P SmallCap 600 Financial Sector Index (the “Index”) as of the first day of each Performance Period for the same period:

TSR Modifier

Relative TSR Position	Modifier*
25th percentile and below	0.8
50th percentile	1.0
75th percentile and above	1.2

* The relative TSR will be interpolated between the 25^th percentile and below and the 75^th percentile. The relative TSR position will be calculated using the following formula where N is the total number of companies in the Index including Cowen and R is Cowen’s ranking compared to the Index: N-R / N-1

(iii) The companies comprising the Index may be changed with respect to any Performance Period as follows:

(1) In the event of a merger, acquisition or business combination transaction of a company included in the Index (an “Index Company”) with or by another Index Company, the surviving entity shall remain a company included in the Index and the company that did not survive will be excluded from the Index.

(2) In the event of a merger of an Index Company with an entity that is not a company included in the Index (a “Non-Index Company”), or the acquisition or business combination transaction by or with an Index Company, or with a Non-Index Company, in each case where the Index Company is the surviving entity and remains publicly traded, the surviving entity shall remain a company included in the Index.

(3) In the event of a merger or acquisition or business combination transaction of an Index Company, by or with a Non-Index Company, a “going private” transaction involving an Index Company or the liquidation of an Index Company, where the Index Company is not the surviving entity or is otherwise no longer publicly traded, the company will be excluded from the Index.

(4) In the event of a bankruptcy of an Index Company, such company shall remain included in the Index and will have an assigned TSR of -100%.

(5) In the event of a stock distribution from an Index Company consisting of the shares of a new publicly-traded company (a “spin-off”), if, following such stock distribution, the company making the distribution remains in the Index, then such company shall remain included in the Index and the stock distribution shall be treated as a dividend from the Index Company based on the closing price of the shares of the spun-off company on its first day of trading. The performance of the shares of the spun-off company shall not thereafter be tracked for purposes of calculating TSR. If, following such stock distribution, the company making the distribution is no longer included in the Index, then such company and the related stock distribution shall not thereafter be tracked for purposes of calculating TSR.

(6) Companies that are added to the Index after the beginning of the applicable Performance Period will not be tracked for purposes of calculating TSR for the Index. Companies that are removed from the Index after the beginning of the applicable Performance Period will nonetheless continue to be considered companies included in the Index for purposes of calculating TSR.

(c)     Vesting and Settlement in the Event of a Qualifying Termination. If, prior to the Vesting Date applicable to a Performance Period, the Grantee experiences a Qualifying Termination, then provided that the Grantee executes, delivers and does not revoke a Release of Claims, the Attained RSUs for such Performance Period shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.2(b) as if the Grantee had continued to be actively employed by the Company through such Vesting Date. Such Attained RSUs in Tranche One and Tranche Two will be settled on the Vesting Date and the Attained RSUs in Tranche Three will be settled on March 10, 2021 (the “Tranche Three Settlement Date”).

(d)Vesting and Settlement in the Event of a Termination of Employment Due to Death or Disability. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if, prior to the Vesting Date applicable to a Performance Period, the Grantee’s employment terminates due to his death or Disability, the Target RSUs for such Performance Period shall vest and be settled in full within sixty (60) days after the Grantee’s employment terminates, provided, that the Grantee or his executor or estate, as applicable, executes, delivers and does not revoke a Release of Claims. For purposes of vesting under this Section, the Vesting Date shall be the date Grantee’s employment terminates.

(e)Vesting and Settlement in the Event of a Change in Control. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if, prior to the Vesting Date applicable to a Performance Period, the Company experiences a Change in Control, the Performance Metrics set forth in subsection (b) will no longer apply to any unvested Target RSUs. Instead, after a Change in Control, the Target RSUs in each remaining Tranche shall vest on each Vesting Date, without regard to the Performance Metrics, as long as the Grantee remains actively employed by the Company on the applicable Vesting Date, or in the event of a Qualifying Termination, Death or Disability, any unvested Target RSUs shall vest as of the date Grantee’s employment terminates and shall be settled in full within sixty (60) days after the Grantee’s employment terminates; provided, that the Grantee or his executor or estate, as applicable, executes, delivers and does not revoke a Release of Claims.

Section 1.3 - Forfeiture.

Except as provided in Section 1.2, upon the Grantee’s Termination of Employment, any unvested RSUs shall immediately be forfeited to the Company, and neither the Grantee nor any of the Grantee’s successors, heirs, assigns, or personal representatives shall thereafter have any further rights or interests in such then forfeited RSUs.

Section 1.4 - Taxes.

The Company agrees to withhold from the settlement of any portion of the Award, the minimum amount required by the federal, state, and local taxes and withholdings the Company determines are required to be withheld under applicable tax laws with respect to the Award (the “Tax Withholding Amount”), and subject to the conditions and restrictions of this Agreement and the Plan. Payment of the Tax Withholding Amount shall be effect by the Company (x) withholding the number of shares of Stock with an aggregate fair market value on the applicable Vesting Date equal to the Tax Withholding Amount, (y) selling shares to cover the Tax Withholding Amount on the open market or (z) any combination of these methods.

ARTICLE II

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 2.1 - Definitions. Notwithstanding the definitions set forth in this Section, if Grantee is subject to an employment agreement, effective as of the Grant Date, that defines “Cause,” “Disability,” “Good Reason,” and “Release of Claims”, such term shall have the meaning set forth in that employment agreement.

(a)     “Accumulated Shares” means, for a given trading day, the sum of (i) one (1) share and (ii) the cumulative number of shares of the company’s common stock purchasable with dividends declared on the company’s common stock to that point during the Performance Period, assuming same day reinvestment of such dividends at the closing price on the ex-dividend date.

(b)    “Adjusted Economic Income” means, with respect to each fiscal year during a Performance Period, the Company’s Economic Income, as adjusted for the following: (i) expenses associated with the outstanding copyright infringement litigation matter pending as of the Grant Date shall be excluded, (ii) expenses greater than one million dollars ($1,000,000) associated with strategic initiatives undertaken by the Company shall be amortized over a five (5) year period as opposed to being expensed in the period in which they are incurred and (iii) adjustments resulting from changes in an existing, or application of a new, accounting principle that is not applied on a fully retrospective basis shall be excluded.

(c)    “Affiliate” means, with respect to any entity, any other entity that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such entity.

(d)    “AROE” means the Company’s average return on equity for each three year Performance Period which will be determined by (i) taking the sum of the Company’s Adjusted Economic Income during each of the fiscal years during the Performance Period divided by the average Equity of the Company during each such fiscal year (with the average Equity for each fiscal year calculated by adding the Equity at the beginning of such fiscal year and the Equity at the end of such fiscal year and dividing by two) and (ii) dividing such sum by three.

(e)    “Closing Average Period” means the 20 trading days immediately preceding the end of the applicable Performance Period.

(f)“Closing Average Share Value” means the average Share Value over the trading days in the Closing Average Period.

(g) “Economic Income” means, with respect to a fiscal year, the total of the Company’s “Economic Income” as reported in the Company’s Annual Report, filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(h) “Equity” is common equity of the Company excluding the value of the Company’s deferred tax assets.

(i) “Opening Average Period” means the 20 trading days preceding the applicable Performance Period.

(j)“Opening Average Share Value” means the average Share Value over the trading days in the Opening Average Period.

(k)“Qualifying Termination”means the Grantee’s Termination of Employment due to (i) termination by the Company without “Cause”; or (ii) termination of the Grantee’s employment due to a resignation for “Good Reason”.

(l)“Release of Claims” meansa general release of claims in favor of the Company and its Affiliates, in a form requested by the Company, returnable within twenty-one (21) days (or such longer period as required by law for the release to become effective, but in no event longer than fifty (50) days).

(m)“Share Value” means, with respect to a given trading day, the closing price of the company’s common stock multiplied by the Accumulated Shares for such trading day. Each Index Company’s “common stock” shall mean that series of common stock that is publicly traded on a registered U.S. exchange or, in the case of a non-U.S. company, an equivalent non-U.S. exchange. For purposes of calculating TSR, the value on any given trading day of any Index Company shares traded on a foreign exchange will be converted to U.S. dollars.

(n)“TSR” means, for the Company and each Index Company, the company’s total shareholder return, expressed as a percentage, which will be calculated by dividing (i) the Closing Average Share Value by (ii) the Opening Average Share Value and subtracting one from the quotient.

(o)“Termination of Employment” means a “separation from service,” as defined under Section 409A of the Code.

Section 2.2 - Award Subject to Plan Provisions

This Award is made pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and in all respects shall be interpreted in accordance with the Plan. The Award is subject to interpretations, regulations and determinations concerning the Plan established from time to time by the Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Plan including, but not limited to, provisions pertaining to (a) rights and obligations with respect to withholding taxes, (b) the registration, qualification or listing of the shares issued under the Plan, (c) changes in capitalization of the Company and (d) other requirements of applicable law.

Section 2.3 - Governing Law.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York other than its laws regarding conflicts of law (to the extent that the application of the laws of another jurisdiction would be required thereby).

Section 2.4 - Interpretation of Agreement.

Subject to the Plan, the Board shall have the final authority to interpret and construe in good faith this Agreement pursuant to the terms of the Plan and to make any and all determinations under them, and its decision shall be binding and conclusive upon the Grantee and the Grantee’s legal representative in respect of any questions arising under this Agreement.

Section 2.5 - Notices.

Any notice, other than notice by the Company relating to the Tax Withholding Amount pursuant to Section 1.4 above, to be given under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Company at 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Head of Human Resources, and to the Grantee at the Grantee’s last known home address provided by the Grantee to the Company as of the date of notice or at such other address as either party may hereafter designate in writing to the other by like notice. Notice by the Company relating to the Tax Withholding Amount pursuant to Section 1.4 may be sent to the Grantee via e-mail.

Section 2.6 - Effect of Agreement.

Except as otherwise provided hereunder, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of any successor or successors of the Company. This Agreement shall become effective and binding on the Company when signed by a duly authorized signatory of the Company. The Grantee agrees to acknowledge receipt of the Agreement by signing and delivering this Agreement to the Company’s Human Resources Department within fifteen (15) days of the Grant Date; provided that, the Grantee’s acknowledgment is not required for the Agreement to become effective.

Section 2.7 - Complete Agreement/Severability.

This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner (including by waiver) except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties hereto. The waiver by either party of compliance with any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement or of any subsequent breach of such party of a provision of this Agreement. Any provision of

this Agreement held legally invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions.

Section 2.8 - No Right to Continued Employment.

Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to confer on the Grantee any right to continued employment with the Company or any Affiliate.

Section 2.9 - Section 409A.

This Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and shall be interpreted accordingly. Any settlement or payment otherwise required to be made hereunder to the Grantee at any date as a result of the Grantee’s Termination of Employment shall be delayed for such period of time to the extent necessary to meet the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code (the “Delay Period”).In the event that any provision of this Agreement would cause this Agreement to fail to comply with Section 409A of the Code, such provision may be deemed null and void, and the Company and the Grantee agree to amend or restructure this Agreement to the extent necessary and appropriate to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A.

Section 2.10 - Entire Agreement.

Except as otherwise specified herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes in its entirety all prior undertakings, agreements, correspondence, and term sheets of or between the Company and the Grantee with respect to the subject matter hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by a duly authorized officer.

COWEN GROUP, INC.

Signed: ___________________________________

Acknowledged:

Signed: ___________________________________

[insert]Date

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Certification

I, Peter A. Cohen, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Cowen Group, Inc:

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	May 2, 2016	/s/ PETER A. COHEN
		Name:  Peter A. Cohen Title:    Chief Executive Officer              (principal executive officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certification

I, Stephen A. Lasota, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Cowen Group, Inc:

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	May 2, 2016	/s/ STEPHEN A. LASOTA
		Name:  Stephen A. Lasota Title:    Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)

EX-32

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Cowen Group, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), each of the undersigned officers of the Company certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer's knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:	May 2, 2016	/s/ PETER A. COHEN
		Name:  Peter A. Cohen Title:    Chief Executive Officer         (principal executive officer)
		/s/ STEPHEN A. LASOTA
		Name:  Stephen A. Lasota Title:    Chief Financial Officer (principal financial              officer and principal accounting officer)

*  The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 29, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Cowen Group, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001466538
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		106,206,765

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 67,046	$ 158,485
Cash collateral pledged		10,157	10,085
Securities owned, at fair value		627,767	610,234
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value		45,725	39,618
Other investments		166,785	140,647
Receivable from brokers		122,542	117,757
Fees receivable, net of allowance		41,172	34,413
Due from related parties		34,395	39,659
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $29,457 and $29,953, respectively		37,684	27,231
Goodwill		58,361	58,361
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $29,438 and $28,301, respectively		24,526	25,663
Deferred tax assets, net		146,459	143,560
Other assets		43,442	71,531
Consolidated Funds
Cash and cash equivalents		12,348	13,934
Securities owned, at fair value		40,523	32,000
Receivable on derivatives		125	0
Other investments		394,478	263,818
Other assets		1,401	663
Total Assets		1,874,936	1,787,659
Liabilities
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value		412,810	257,159
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value		25,134	21,183
Payable to brokers		23,837	131,789
Compensation payable		26,262	150,403
Notes payable and other debt		90,081	68,565
Convertible debt	[1]	124,251	122,401
Fees payable		1,746	5,638
Due to related parties		234	329
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities		55,607	52,233
Consolidated Funds
Due to related parties		1	3
Contributions received in advance		2,600	850
Securities sold, not yet purchased, Consolidated Funds		1,367	0
Payable for derivatives		2	0
Payable to brokers		2,315	0
Capital withdrawals payable		0	78
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		831	124
Total Liabilities		$ 767,078	$ 810,755
Commitments and Contingencies
Redeemable non-controlling interests		$ 324,938	$ 186,911
Stockholders' equity
Additional paid-in capital		908,462	902,554
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings		18,231	23,627
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(3)	0
Less: Class A common stock held in treasury, at cost, 36,638,529 and 34,515,734 shares as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.		(144,938)	(137,356)
Total Stockholders' Equity		782,920	789,993
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity		1,874,936	1,787,659
Convertible Preferred Stock
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock		1	1
Common Stock Class A
Stockholders' equity
Common stock		1,167	1,167
Less: Class A common stock held in treasury, at cost, 36,638,529 and 34,515,734 shares as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.		(144,938)	(137,356)
Common Stock Class B
Stockholders' equity
Common stock		$ 0	$ 0

[1] The carrying amount of the convertible debt includes an unamortized discount of $23.1 million and $24.7 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

XML

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Fixed assets, accumulated depreciation and amortization (in dollars)	$ 29,457,000	$ 29,953,000
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$ 29,438,000	$ 28,301,000
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	120,750	120,750
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	120,750	120,750
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	$ 120,750,000	$ 120,750,000
Treasury Stock, Shares	36,638,529	34,515,734
Common Stock Class A
Stockholders' equity
Treasury Stock, Shares	36,638,529	34,515,734
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	142,716,734	140,120,392
Common stock, shares outstanding	106,078,205	105,604,658
Common stock, restricted shares	497,570	497,570
Common Stock Class B
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Revenues
Investment banking	$ 26,147	$ 65,233
Brokerage	50,935	35,454
Management fees	11,030	10,384
Incentive income	1,111	2,372
Interest and dividends	3,653	3,083
Reimbursement from affiliates	3,887	3,642
Other revenue	2,725	668
Consolidated Funds
Interest and dividends	1,076	244
Other revenues	475	14
Total revenues	101,039	121,094
Expenses
Employee compensation and benefits	63,181	95,864
Floor brokerage and trade execution	7,791	5,903
Interest and dividends	7,310	5,779
Professional, advisory and other fees	5,594	5,128
Service fees	2,184	1,886
Communications	4,139	3,642
Occupancy and equipment	8,005	6,828
Depreciation and amortization	3,067	2,138
Client services and business development	7,040	6,470
Other expenses	5,812	4,810
Consolidated Funds
Interest and dividends	1,120	209
Professional, advisory and other fees	302	90
Floor brokerage and trade execution	22	10
Other expenses	372	49
Total expenses	115,939	138,806
Other income (loss)
Net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments	3,188	38,991
Consolidated Funds
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other transactions	(2,692)	4,720
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	3,102	397
Net gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions	(13)	(31)
Total other income (loss)	3,585	44,077
Income (loss) before income taxes	(11,315)	26,365
Income tax expense (benefit)	(3,320)	6,947
Net income (loss)	(7,995)	19,418
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(4,297)	2,720
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	(3,698)	16,698
Preferred Stock Dividends	1,698	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	$ (5,396)	$ 16,698
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	106,364	112,053
Diluted (in shares)	106,364	118,590
Earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.15
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.14

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ (7,995)	$ 19,418
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	[1]	(3)	(2)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax		(3)	(2)
Comprehensive income (loss)		$ (7,998)	$ 19,416

[1] During the periods presented, the Company did not have material reclassifications out of other comprehensive income.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total		Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings/(Accumulated deficit)	Cumulative Preferred Stock	Common Stock Class A
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 677,675		$ (79,771)	$ 772,296	$ 17	$ (16,027)	$ 0	$ 1,160
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2014								111,691,199.000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2014							0
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 31, 2014	86,076
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	16,698					16,698
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests	2,720
Foreign currency translation	(2)	[1]			(2)
Capital contributions	3,379
Capital withdrawals	(6,210)
Restricted stock awards issued, shares								1,367,618
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost, shares								(1,889,920)
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost	(9,982)
Preferred stock dividends	0
Income tax effect from share based compensation	1,536
Amortization of share based compensation	4,162
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	690,087		(89,753)	777,994	15	671	$ 0	$ 1,160
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding at Mar. 31, 2015								111,168,897
Preferred stock, shares outstanding at Mar. 31, 2015							0
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest at Mar. 31, 2015	85,965
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 789,993		(137,356)	902,554	0	23,627	$ 1	$ 1,167
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2015								105,604,658
Preferred stock, shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2015	120,750						120,750,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 186,911
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	(3,698)					(3,698)
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests	(4,297)
Foreign currency translation	(3)	[1]			(3)
Capital contributions	217,633
Capital withdrawals	(2,267)
Deconsolidation of entity	(73,042)
Restricted stock awards issued, shares								2,596,342
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost, shares								(2,122,795)
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost	(7,582)
Preferred stock dividends	(1,698)
Income tax effect from share based compensation	(515)
Amortization of share based compensation	6,423
Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 782,920		$ (144,938)	$ 908,462	$ (3)	$ 18,231	$ 1	$ 1,167
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding at Mar. 31, 2016								106,078,205
Preferred stock, shares outstanding at Mar. 31, 2016	120,750						120,750,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 324,938

[1] During the periods presented, the Company did not have material reclassifications out of other comprehensive income.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (7,995)	$ 19,418
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,067	2,138
Amortization of Debt Issue Costs	291	291
Amortization of debt discount	1,665	1,524
Tax benefits from share based payment arrangements	(515)	1,536
Share-based compensation	6,423	4,162
Deferred tax benefit	(2,384)	3,663
Deferred rent obligations	107	351
Net loss on disposal of fixed assets	0	31
Contingent liability adjustment	(2,135)	0
Purchases of securities owned, at fair value	(1,293,147)	(1,026,453)
Proceeds from sales of securities owned, at fair value	1,263,611	1,252,567
Proceeds from sales of securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	1,068,580	525,223
Payments to cover securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	(910,751)	(592,564)
Net (gains) losses on securities, derivatives and other investments	(2,836)	(38,661)
Consolidated Funds
Purchases of securities owned, at fair value	(7,355)	0
Proceeds from sales of securities owned, at fair value	878	0
Proceeds From Securities Sold Not Yet Purchased At Fair Value	2,049	0
Payments to Cover Securities Sold Not Yet Purchased at Fair Value	855	0
Purchases of other investments	(212,028)	(985)
Proceeds from sales of other investments	855	4,845
Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments and other transactions	245	(4,769)
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Cash collateral pledged	(72)	(617)
Securities owned, at fair value, held at broker dealer	8,004	13,164
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	(6,106)	(7,076)
Securities borrowed	0	676,100
Receivable from brokers	(4,785)	(24,843)
Fees receivable, net of allowance	(6,759)	(19,588)
Due from related parties	5,264	2,377
Other assets	(11,257)	(3,565)
Consolidated Funds
Cash and cash equivalents	1,586	(142)
Receivable on derivative contracts	(125)	0
Other assets	(738)	750
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value, held at broker dealer	(6,141)	16,039
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	3,951	2,896
Securities loaned	0	(682,493)
Payable to brokers	(107,952)	(107,903)
Compensation payable	(128,152)	(70,004)
Fees payable	(3,892)	15,352
Due to related parties	(95)	(76)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	3,841	(3,438)
Consolidated Funds
Contributions received in advance	1,750	0
Payable to brokers	2,314	0
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	2	0
Due to related parties	265	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	707	67
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities	(340,620)	(40,683)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of other investments	(16,187)	(5,760)
Payments to acquire loan held for investment	0	(15,000)
Proceeds from sales of other investments	5,937	35,050
Proceeds from loans held for investments	39,200	0
Purchase of fixed assets	(12,383)	(301)
Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities	16,567	13,989
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on notes and other debt	22,072	2,140
Repayments on notes and other debt	(660)	(1,030)
Income tax effect from share-based payment arrangements	(515)	1,536
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,571)	(7,205)
Cash paid to acquire net assets (contingent liability payable)	0	(108)
Capital withdrawals to redeemable non-controlling interests in operating entities	(2,267)	(4,457)
Consolidated Funds
Capital contributions by redeemable non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds	217,633	3,379
Capital withdrawals to redeemable non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds	(78)	(2,404)
Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities	232,614	(8,149)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(91,439)	(34,843)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	158,485	129,509
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	67,046	94,666
Supplemental information
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost, through net settlement	4,012	2,777
Preferred stock dividends declared	1,698	0
Net Assets of Deconsolidated Entity	$ 73,309	$ 0

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Organization and Business

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Organization and Business

Organization and Business

Cowen Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation formed in 2009, is a diversified financial services firm and, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, “Cowen,” “Cowen Group” or the “Company”), provides alternative investment management, investment banking, research, sales and trading and prime brokerage services through its two business segments: alternative investment and broker-dealer. The Company's alternative investment segment, includes hedge funds, private equity structures, registered investment companies and listed vehicles. The Company's broker-dealer segment offers research, sales and trading, prime brokerage and investment banking services to companies and primarily institutional investor clients. Our primary target sectors are healthcare, technology, media and telecommunications, information and technology services, consumer, aerospace and defense, industrials, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), and energy and transportation sectors.

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Acquisition

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Acquisition [Abstract]

Acquisition

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company completed two acquisitions. On September 1, 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of all of the outstanding interests in Concept Capital Markets, LLC ("Concept") offering prime brokerage services and outsourced trading. On October 1, 2015 the Company completed its acquisition of all of the outstanding interests in Conifer Securities, LLC ("Conifer") representing the prime brokerage services division of Conifer Financial Services LLC. Following the acquisitions Concept was renamed Cowen Prime Services LLC ("Cowen Prime") and Conifer was renamed Cowen Prime Services Trading LLC ("Cowen Prime Trading"). Both are registered broker-dealers (members Financial Industry Regulatory Authority "FINRA" and Securities Industry Protection Corporation "SIPC").

The acquisitions were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP"). As such, the results of operations for Concept and Conifer are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations since the dates of the respective acquisitions and the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and the resulting goodwill were recorded at their fair values within their respective line items on the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

The Company is currently in the process of finalizing the valuation for certain acquired assets of Concept and Conifer; therefore, the fair value measurements and goodwill are preliminary and subject to measurement period adjustments. The allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired will be finalized as necessary, up to one year after the acquisitions' respective closing dates, as the information becomes available. Both of the acquisitions were not deemed material individually but were material in the aggregate.

Included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are revenues of $11.4 million and net income of $1.8 million (excluding corporate allocated expenses) related to the Concept and Conifer combined results of operations.

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma information presents consolidated financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as if the acquisitions were completed as of the beginning of that period. This supplemental pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and is not intended to be indicative of what the Company's results would have been had the acquisitions been completed on January 1, 2015, nor does it purport to be indicative of any future results.

	For the three months ended March 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands,  except per share data)
	(unaudited)
Revenues	$	132,363
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	16,547
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.15
Diluted	$	0.14

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Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies

a. Basis of Presentation

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") through Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles in the preparation of financial statements, and include the accounts of the Company, its operating and other subsidiaries, and entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest or a substantive, controlling general partner interest. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation. Certain fund entities that are consolidated in these accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, as further discussed below, are not subject to the consolidation provisions with respect to their own controlled investments pursuant to their specialized accounting.

The Company serves as the managing member/general partner and/or investment manager to affiliated fund entities which it sponsors and manages. Funds in which the Company has a controlling financial interest are consolidated with the Company pursuant to US GAAP as described below. Consequently, the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of these funds on a gross basis. The ownership interests in these funds that are not owned by the Company are reflected as redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The management fees and incentive income earned by the Company from these funds are eliminated in consolidation.

b. Principles of consolidation

The Company consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those funds in which the Company either directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest. In addition, the Company consolidates all variable interest entities for which it is the primary beneficiary.

The Company adopted the new accounting pronouncement regarding consolidation accounting using the modified retrospective method with an effective adoption date of January 1, 2016. The modified retrospective method did not require the restatement of prior year periods. The adoption of the new accounting pronouncement also resulted in a reclassification of certain entities which were previously considered voting interest entities and will now be considered variable interest entities.

In accordance with these standards, the Company presently consolidatesfivefunds for which it acts as the general partner and investment manager. As of March 31, 2016 the Company consolidated the following funds: Ramius Enterprise LP (“Enterprise LP”), Ramius Merger Fund LLC (the "Merger Fund"), Cowen Private Investments LP ("Cowen Private"), Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Fund ("Archview Feeder Fund") and Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Master Fund ("Archview Master Fund") (collectively the "Consolidated Funds").

The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting operating entity ("VOE") or a variable interest entity ("VIE") under US GAAP.

Voting Operating Entities—VOEs are entities in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance its activities independently and (ii) the equity holders at risk have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance.

Under US GAAP, the usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a VOE is ownership of a majority voting interest. Accordingly, the Company consolidates all VOEs in which it owns a majority of the entity's voting shares or units.

In connection with the adoption, the Company reevaluated all of its investment products for consolidation. As of January 1, 2016, the Company deconsolidated Quadratic Fund LLC ("Quadratic LLC") as the Company did not hold a significant voting interest in the fund. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the net income of Quadratic LLC were not material to the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition or statements of operations. The adoption of the new accounting pronouncement also resulted in a reclassification of certain entities for which the Company was presumed to have control and will now be VIEs.

Variable Interest Entities—VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a VOE. In accordance with US GAAP, an enterprise must consolidate all VIEs of which it is the primary beneficiary. Under the US GAAP consolidation model for VIEs, an enterprise that (1) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impacts the VIE's economic performance, and (2) has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, is considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and thus is required to consolidate it.

The Company reconsiders whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by performing a periodic qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of the VIE that includes a review of, among other things, its capital structure, contractual agreements between the Company and the VIE, the economic interests that create or absorb variability, related party relationships and the design of the VIE.As ofMarch 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the total net assets of the consolidated VIEs were$452.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The VIEs act as investment managers or are investment companies that are managed by the Company. The VIEs are financed through their operations and/or loan agreements with the Company.

As of March 31, 2016the Company holds variable interests in Ramius Enterprise Master Fund Ltd (“Enterprise Master”) and Ramius Merger Master Fund Ltd ("Merger Master") (collectively the “Unconsolidated Master Funds”) through the Consolidated Funds. Investment companies, which account for their investments under the specialized industry accounting guidance for investment companies prescribed under US GAAP, are not subject to the consolidation provisions for their investments. Therefore, the Company has not consolidated the Unconsolidated Master Funds.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company also sponsors various other entities that it has determined to be VIEs. These VIEs are primarily funds and real estate entities for which the Company serves as the general partner, managing member and/or investment manager with decision-making rights.

The Company does not consolidate the Unconsolidated Master Funds or real estate entities that are VIEs as it has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary in each instance. Fund investors are entitled to all of the economics of these VIEs with the exception of the management fee and incentive income, if any, earned by the Company. The Company's involvement with funds and real estate entities that are unconsolidated VIEs is limited to providing investment management services in exchange for management fees and incentive income. Although the Company may advance amounts and pay certain expenses on behalf of the funds and real estate entities that it considers to be VIEs, it does not provide, nor is it required to provide, any type of substantive financial support to these entities outside of regular investment management services (see Note 5for additional disclosures on VIEs).

Equity Method Investments—For operating entities over which the Company exercises significant influence but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation as outlined above, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's investments in equity method investees are recorded in other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company's share of earnings or losses from equity method investees is included in net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. The difference between the carrying value of the equity method investment and its estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment charge when the loss in value is deemed other than temporary.

Other—If the Company does not consolidate an entity, apply the equity method of accounting or account for an investment under the cost method, the Company accounts for such entities (primarily, all securities of such entity which are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term as trading securities) in accordance with US GAAP, at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Retention of Specialized Accounting—The Consolidated Funds and certain other consolidated companies are investment companies and apply specialized industry accounting for investment companies. The Company has retained this specialized accounting for these funds pursuant to US GAAP. The Company reports its investments on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at their estimated fair value, with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other transactions. Accordingly, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect different accounting policies for investments depending on whether or not they are held through a consolidated investment company. In addition, the Company's broker-dealer subsidiaries, Cowen and Company, LLC ("Cowen and Company"), ATM Execution LLC ("ATM Execution"), Cowen International Limited ("CIL"), Ramius UK Ltd. ("Ramius UK"), Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading apply the specialized industry accounting for brokers and dealers in securities also prescribed under US GAAP. The Company also retains specialized accounting in consolidation.

c. Use of estimates

The preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires the management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the fair value of securities and other investments, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, the accounting for goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

d. Valuation of investments and derivative contracts

US GAAP 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). Thethreelevels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has

the ability to access at the measurement date;

Level 2     Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including

inputs in markets that are not considered to be active; and

Level 3 Fair value is determined based on pricing inputs that are unobservable and includes situations where there is little,

if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The determination of fair value for assets and liabilities in this

category requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Inputs are used in applying the various valuation techniques and broadly refer to the assumptions that market participants use to make valuation decisions, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may include price information, volatility statistics, specific and broad credit data, liquidity statistics, and other factors. 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. However, the determination of what constitutes “observable” requires significant judgment by the Company. The Company considers observable data to be that market data which is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market. The categorization of a financial instrument within the hierarchy is based upon the pricing transparency of the instrument and does not necessarily correspond to the Company's perceived risk of that instrument.

The Company and its operating subsidiaries act as the manager for the Consolidated Funds. Both the Company and the Consolidated Funds hold certain investments which are valued by the Company, acting as the investment manager. The fair value of these investments is generally estimated based on proprietary models developed by the Company, which include discounted cash flow analysis, public market comparables, and other techniques and may be based, at least in part, on independently sourced market information. The material estimates and assumptions used in these models include the timing and expected amount of cash flows, the appropriateness of discount rates used, and, in some cases, the ability to execute, timing of, and estimated proceeds from expected financings. Significant judgment and estimation goes into the selection of an appropriate valuation methodology as well as the assumptions used in these models, and the timing and actual values realized with respect to investments could be materially different from values derived based on the use of those estimates. The valuation methodologies applied impact the reported value of the Company's investments and the investments held by the Consolidated Funds in the consolidated financial statements. Certain of the Company's investments are relatively illiquid or thinly traded and may not be immediately liquidated on demand if needed. Fair values assigned to these investments may differ significantly from the fair values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed and such differences could be material.

The Company primarily uses the “market approach” to value its financial instruments measured at fair value. In determining an instrument's level within the hierarchy, the Company categorizes the Company's financial instruments intothreecategories: securities, derivative contracts and other investments. To the extent applicable, each of these categories can further be divided between those held long or sold short.

The Company has the option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. The election is made on an instrument by instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument.  The Company has elected the fair value option for its investments through Cowen Investments, LLC and certain investments it holds though its operating companies.  This option has been elected because the Company believes that it is consistent with the manner in which the business is managed as well as the way that financial instruments in other parts of the business are recorded.

Securities—Securities with values based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets are classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. These securities include active listed equities, certain U.S. government and sovereign obligations, ETF's, mutual funds and certain money market securities. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for such instruments, even in situations where the Company holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

Certain positions for which trading activity may not be readily visible, consisting primarily of convertible debt, corporate debt and loans and restricted equities, are stated at fair value and classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair values assigned by management are determined in good faith and are based on available information considering, trading activity, broker quotes, quotations provided by published pricing services, counterparties and other market participants, and pricing models using quoted inputs, and do not necessarily represent the amounts which might ultimately be realized. As level 2 investments include positions that are not always traded in active markets and/or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability.

Derivative contracts—Derivative contracts can be exchange-traded or privately negotiated over-the-counter (“OTC”). Exchange-traded derivatives, such as futures contracts and exchange-traded option contracts, are typically classified within level 1 or level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on whether or not they are deemed to be actively traded. OTC derivatives, such as generic forwards, swaps and options, have inputs which can generally be corroborated by market data and are therefore classified within level 2. OTC derivatives, such as swaps and options where market data is not readily available or observable are classified as level 3.

Other investments—Other investments consist primarily of portfolio funds, real estate investments and equity method investments, which are valued as follows:

i. Portfolio funds—Portfolio funds (“Portfolio Funds”) include interests in funds and investment companies which may be managed by the Company or its affiliates. The Company follows US GAAP regarding fair value measurements and disclosures relating to investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent). The guidance permits, as a practical expedient, an entity holding investments in certain entities that either are investment companies as defined by the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide, Investment Companies, or have attributes similar to an investment company, and calculate net asset value per share or its equivalent for which the fair value is not readily determinable, to measure the fair value of such investments on the basis of that NAV per share, or its equivalent, without adjustment.In accordance with US GAAP, investments which are valued using NAV per share as a practical expedient are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

ii. Real estate investments—Real estate debt and equity investments are valued at fair value. The fair value of real estate investments are estimated based on the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between marketplace participants at the measurement date. Real estate investments without a public market are valued based on assumptions and valuation techniques used by the Company. Such valuation techniques may include discounted cash flow analysis, prevailing market capitalization rates or earnings multiples applied to earnings from the investment, analysis of recent comparable sales transactions, actual sale negotiations and bona fide purchase offers received from third parties, consideration of the amount that currently would be required to replace the asset, as adjusted for obsolescence, as well as independent external appraisals. In general, the Company considers several valuation techniques when measuring the fair value of a real estate investment. However, in certain circumstances, a single valuation technique may be appropriate. Real estate investments are reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Company for significant changes at the property level or a significant change in the overall market which would impact the value of the real estate investment resulting in unrealized appreciation or depreciation.

Real estate and capital markets are cyclical in nature. Property and investment values are affected by, among other things, the availability of capital, occupancy rates, rental rates and interest and inflation rates. In addition, the Company invests in real estate and real estate related investments for which no liquid market exists. The market prices for such investments may be volatile and may not be readily ascertainable. Amounts ultimately realized by the Company from investments sold may differ from the fair values presented, and the differences could be material.

The Company's real estate investments are typically categorized as a level 3 investment within the fair value hierarchy as management uses significant unobservable inputs in determining their estimated fair value.

See Notes5 and 6for further information regarding the Company's investments, including equity method investments, and fair value measurements.

e. Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their useful life or lease term. When the Company commits to a plan to abandon fixed assets or leasehold improvements before the end of its original useful life, the estimated depreciation or amortization period is revised to reflect the shortened useful life of the asset. Other fixed assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

Operating lease assets, related to our aviation business, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and are depreciated to estimated residual value using the straight-line method over the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Assets received at the end of the lease are marked to the lower of cost or fair value with the adjustment recorded in other income.

Asset	Depreciable Lives	Principal Method
Telephone and computer equipment	3-8 years	Straight-line
Computer software	3-7 years	Straight-line
Furniture and fixtures	5-8 years	Straight-line
Leasehold improvements	5-15 years	Straight-line
Capitalized lease asset	5 years	Straight-line
Airplanes	15-20 years	Straight-line
Modifications to airplanes	4-10 years	Straight-line

f. Debt

Long-term debt is carried at the principal amount borrowed net of any discount/premium. The discount is accreted to interest expense using the effective interest method over the remaining life of the underlying debt obligations. Accrued but unpaid coupon interest is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company adopted a new accounting pronouncement, during the first quarter of 2016, which reclassified the unamortized debt issuance costs in our previously reported condensed consolidated statements of financial condition from other assets to a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the debt. Notes payable and other debt and convertible debt as of December 31, 2015 was previously presented as $195.7 million. Due to the retrospective application notes payable and other debt and convertible debt is now presented as $191.0 million as of December 31, 2015.

g.    Deferred rent

Deferred rent primarily consists of step rent, allowances from landlords and valuing the Company's lease properties in accordance with US GAAP. Step rent represents the difference between actual operating lease payments due and straight-line rent expense, which is recorded by the Company over the term of the lease, including the build-out period. This amount is recorded as deferred rent in the early years of the lease, when cash payments are generally lower than straight-line rent expense, and reduced in the later years of the lease when payments begin to exceed the straight-line expense. Landlord allowances are generally comprised of amounts received and/or promised to the Company by landlords and may be received in the form of cash or free rent. These allowances are part of the negotiated terms of the lease. The Company records a receivable from the landlord and a deferred rent liability when the allowances are earned. This deferred rent is amortized into income (through lower rent expense) over the term (including the pre-opening build-out period) of the applicable lease, and the receivable is reduced as amounts are received from the landlord. Liabilities resulting from valuing the Company's leased properties acquired through business combinations are quantified by comparing the current fair value of the leased space to the current rental payments on the date of acquisition. Deferred rent, included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is $11.9 million and $12.0 million, respectively. Deferred rent asset, included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

h.     Insurance-related contracts

Premiums for insurance-related contracts are earned over the coverage period. In most cases, premiums are recognized as revenues ratably over the term of the contract with unearned premiums computed on a monthly basis. For each of its contracts, the Company determines if the contract provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, in accordance with US GAAP. If the Company determines that a contract does not expose it to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the contract under the deposit method of accounting with any net amount receivable reflected as an asset in other assets, and any net amount payable reflected as a liability within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

The liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are recorded at the estimated ultimate payment amounts, including reported losses.  Estimated ultimate payment amounts are based upon (1) reports of losses from policyholders, (2) individual case estimates and (3) estimates of incurred but not reported losses.

Provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses are charged to earnings after deducting amounts recovered and estimates of recoverable amounts and are included in other expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Costs of acquiring new policies, which vary with and are directly related to the production of new policies, have been deferred to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable from future premiums or gross profits. Such costs include commissions and allowances as well as certain costs of policy issuance and underwriting and are included within other assets on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

i.    Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In March 2016, as part of its simplification initiative, the FASB issued a new accounting pronouncement which simplified the requirements for share based payments. The guidance among other things covers the income tax consequences and classification of excess tax benefit and tax withholding on the statement of cash flows. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which amends and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements and most industry-specific guidance and creates a single source of revenue guidance.  The new guidance outlines the principles an entity must apply to measure and recognize revenue and related cash flows.  The guidance also provides a model for the measurement and recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain non-financial assets. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  In July 2015, the FASB confirmed a deferral of the effective date by one year, with early adoption on the original effective date permitted.  In March and April 2016, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations and identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2016, as part of its simplification initiative, the FASB issued a new accounting pronouncement which eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2016, the FASB issued two amendments relating to Derivatives and Hedging. The amendments clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require de-designation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. The Second amendment relates to Contingent Put and call option in a debt instrument and clarify the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts when assessed under the current guidance. For public business entities the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition and its disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance which amends and supersedes its previous guidance regarding leases. The new guidance requires the lessee to recognize the right to use assets and lease liabilities that arise from leases and present them in its statement of financial condition. The recognition of these lease assets and lease liabilities represents an improvement over previous GAAP, which did not require lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognized for most leases. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous GAAP. There continues to be a differentiation between finance leases and operating leases. However, the principal difference from previous guidance is that the lease assets and lease liabilities arising from operating leases should be recognized in the statement of financial condition. For public business entities the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition and its disclosures.

In January 2016, as a joint project with International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the FASB issued a new accounting pronouncement to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in the update made improvements to US GAAP for equity investments and investments carried at amortized cost. The guidance also simplify the impairment assessment for equity investments and clarify the need for valuation allowance on deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities. For public business entities the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition and its disclosures.

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Cash Collateral Pledged

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Cash Collateral Pledged

Cash Collateral Pledged

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company pledged cash collateral in the amount of $10.2 million and $10.1 million, respectively, which relates to letters of credit issued to the landlords of the Company's premises in New York City, Boston and San Francisco (See Note 12).

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Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds

Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds

a. Operating Entities

Securities owned, at fair value

Securities owned, at fair value are held by the Company and are considered held for trading. Substantially all equity securities are pledged to the clearing brokers under terms which permit the clearing broker to sell or re-pledge the securities to others subject to certain limitations.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, securities owned, at fair value consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government securities (a)	$	3,774	$	3,016
Preferred stock (b)	23,696		25,563
Common stocks (b)	589,359		516,108
Convertible bonds (c)	250		819
Corporate bonds (d)	6,853		47,192
Warrants and rights	2,731		3,059
Mutual funds (e)	1,104		14,477
	$	627,767	$	610,234

(a) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from June 2016 to February 2017 with interest rates ranged between 0% to 5.95%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from January 2016 to August 2016 with interest rates ranged between 0% to 5.95%.

(b) Included in preferred stocks and common stocks are investments in securities for which the Company has elected the fair value option with the fair value of $4.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively, at March 31, 2016 and $7.7 million and $7.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2015. These investments were acquired in connection with merchant banking transactions.

(c) As of March 31, 2016, the maturity was March 2018 with an interest rate of 8%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from July 2016 to March 2018 with interest rates ranged between 8% to 10.00%.

(d) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from August 2017 to February 2046 and interest rates ranged between 3.48% to 7.25%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from March 2016 to February 2046 and interest rates ranged between 3.25% to 9.00%.

(e) Included in this amount as of December 31, 2015, are investments in affiliated funds of $13.4 million all of which was liquidated during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Receivable on and Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value

The Company's direct involvement with derivative financial instruments includes futures, currency forwards, equity swaps, and options. The Company's derivatives trading activities exposes the Company to certain risks, such as price and interest rate fluctuations, volatility risk, credit risk, counterparty risk, foreign currency movements and changes in the liquidity of markets.

Upon issuance of the Company's cash convertible unsecured senior notes ("Convertible Notes") (See Note 12), the Company recognized the embedded cash conversion option at fair value of $35.7 million which is valued as of March 31, 2016 at $20.9 million and is included in payable for derivative contracts in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. Also, on the date of issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company entered into a separate cash convertible note economic hedge transaction (the "Hedge Transaction") with a counterparty (the “Option Counterparty”) whereby, the Company purchased a cash settled option contract with terms identical to the conversion option embedded in the Convertible Notes and simultaneously sold an equity settled warrant with a higher strike price. The Hedge Transaction is expected to reduce the Company’s exposure to potential cash payments in excess of the principal amount of converted notes that the Company may be required to make upon conversion of the Convertible Notes. The Company paid a premium of $35.7 million for the option under the Hedge Transaction and received a premium of $15.2 million for the equity settled warrant transaction, for a net cost of $20.5 million. The Hedge Transaction is valued at $20.9 million as of March 31, 2016 and is included in receivable on derivative contracts in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. Aside from the initial premium paid, the Company will not be required to make any cash payments under the Hedge Transaction and could be entitled to receive an amount of cash from the Option Counterparty generally equal to the amount by which the market price per share of common stock exceeds the strike price of the Hedge Transaction during the relevant valuation period. The warrants cover 28,048,786 shares of the Company's Class A common stock and have an initial exercise price of $7.18 per share. The warrants expire over a period of 80 trading days beginning on November 14, 2018. The warrant transaction could have a dilutive effect to the extent that the market value per share of the Company’s Class A common stock exceeds the applicable strike price of the warrants.

The Company's long and short exposure to derivatives is as follows:

Receivable on derivative contracts	As of March 31, 2016				As of December 31, 2015
	Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value		Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value
	(dollars in thousands)
Futures	$	17,143	$	1,289	$	9,416	$	189
Currency forwards	$	56,569	154		$	67,862	659
Equity swaps	$	21,012	811		$	118,488	2,327
Options other (a)	334,903		38,978		289,433		31,456
Foreign currency options	$	280,507	4,493		$	283,797	4,987
			$	45,725			$	39,618

(a) Includes index, equity, commodity future and cash conversion options.

Payable for derivative contracts	As of March 31, 2016				As of December 31, 2015
	Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value		Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value
	(dollars in thousands)
Futures	$	15,401	$	1,834	$	11,995	$	101
Currency forwards	$	43,658	426		$	44,156	463
Equity and credit default swaps	$	7,236	156		$	7,605	71
Options other (a)	15,775		22,718		16,632		20,548
			$	25,134			$	21,183

(a) Includes index, equity, commodity future and cash conversion options.

The following tables present the gross and net derivative positions and the related offsetting amount, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

							Gross amounts not offset in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
	Gross amounts recognized		Gross amounts offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (a)		Net amounts included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition		Financial instruments		Cash Collateral pledged (b)		Net amounts
	(dollars in thousands)
As of March 31, 2016
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	$	45,725	$	—	$	45,725	$	—	$	7,305	$	38,420
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	25,134		—		25,134		—		582		24,552
As of December 31, 2015
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	39,618		—		39,618		—		9,339		30,279
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	21,183		—		21,183		—		534		20,649

(a) Includes financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting provisions that are permitted to be offset to the extent an event of default has occurred.

(b) Includes the amount of collateral held or posted.

The realized and unrealized gains/(losses) related to derivatives trading activities were $2.4 million and $2.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are included in other income in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Pursuant to the various derivatives transactions discussed above, except for the cash convertible note hedge (see Note 12) and exchange traded derivatives, the Company is required to post/receive collateral. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, collateral consisting of $13.2 million and $27.1 million of cash, respectively, is included in receivable from brokers and payable to brokers on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 all derivative contracts were with multiple major financial institutions.

Other investments

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, other investments included the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
(1) Portfolio Funds, at fair value	$	118,599	$	113,281
(2) Equity method investments	47,893		27,067
(3) Lehman claims, at fair value	293		299
	$	166,785	$	140,647

(1) Portfolio Funds, at fair value

The Portfolio Funds, at fair value as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, included the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
HealthCare Royalty Partners (a)(*)	$	12,251	$	12,127
HealthCare Royalty Partners II (a)(*)	7,176		6,006
Orchard Square Partners Credit Fund LP (b)	4,000		4,170
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP (c)(*)	21,287		20,369
Starboard Partners Fund LP (d)(*)	9,396		14,036
Starboard Leaders Fund LP (e)(*)	1,209		1,080
Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. (f)	20,950		19,454
Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. (formerly Formation8 Partners Hardware Fund I, L.P.) (g)	1,733		1,101
RCG LV Park Lane LLC (h) (*)	575		809
RCGL 12E13th LLC (i) (*)	458		609
RCG Longview Debt Fund V, L.P. (i) (*)	18,170		18,147
RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. (j) (*)	2,468		2,468
Quadratic Fund LLC (k) (*)	4,865		—
Other private investment (l) (*)	7,534		6,909
Other affiliated funds (m)(*)	6,527		5,996
	$	118,599	$	113,281

* These portfolio funds are affiliates of the Company.

The Company has no unfunded commitments regarding the portfolio funds held by the Company except as noted in Note 11.

(a) HealthCare Royalty Partners, L.P. and HealthCare Royalty Partners II, L.P. are private equity funds and therefore distributions will be made when cash flows are received from the underlying investments, typically on a quarterly basis.

(b) Orchard Square Partners Credit Fund LP has a quarterly redemption policy with a 60 day notice period and a 4% penalty on redemptions of investments of less than a year in duration.

(c) Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP permits quarterly withdrawals upon 90 days notice.

(d) Starboard Partners Fund LP permits redemptions on a semi-annual basis on 180 days prior written notice subsequent to an initial two year lock up.

(e) Starboard Leaders Fund LP does not permit withdrawals, but instead allows terminations with respect to capital commitments upon 30 days prior written notice at any time following the first anniversary of an investors initial capital contribution.

(f) Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. is a private equity fund which invests in early stage and growth transformational information and energy technology companies. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(g) Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. (Formerly Formation8 Partners Hardware Fund I, L.P.) is a private equity fund which invests in early stage and growth hardware companies. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(h) RCG LV Park Lane LLC is a single purpose entity formed to participate in a joint venture which acquired, at a discount, the mortgage notes on a portfolio of multifamily real estate properties located in Birmingham, Alabama.  RCG LV Park Lane LLC is a private equity structure and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(i) RCGL 12E13th LLC and RCG Longview Debt Fund V, L.P. are real estate private equity structures and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(j) RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. is a single purpose entity formed to participate in a joint venture which acquired two fully entitled residential development sites in the New York City metro area. RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. is a private equity structure and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(k) Quadratic Fund LLC permits redemptions on a 30 days prior written notice.

(l) Other private investment represents the Company's closed end investment in a portfolio fund that invests in a wireless broadband communication provider in Italy.

(m) The majority of these funds are affiliates of the Company or are managed by the Company and the investors can redeem from these funds as investments are liquidated.

(2) Equity method investments

Equity method investments include investments held by the Company in several operating companies whose operations primarily include the day to day management of a number of real estate funds, including the portfolio management and administrative services related to the acquisition, disposition, and active monitoring of the real estate funds' underlying debt and equity investments. The Company's ownership interests in these equity method investments range from 20% to 55%. The Company holds a majority of the outstanding ownership interest (i.e., more than 50%) in RCG Longview Partners II, LLC. The operating agreement that governs the management of day-to-day operations and affairs of this entity stipulates that certain decisions require support and approval from other members in addition to the support and approval of the Company. As a result, all operating decisions made in this entity requires the support of both the Company and an affirmative vote of a majority of the other managing members who are not affiliates of the Company. As the Company does not possess control over any of these entities, the presumption of consolidation has been overcome pursuant to current accounting standards and the Company accounts for these investments under the equity method of accounting. Also included in equity method investments are the investments in (a) HealthCare Royalty Partners General Partners and (b) Starboard Value (and certain related parties) which serves as an operating company whose operations primarily include the day to day management (including portfolio management) of several activist hedge funds and related managed accounts and c) Surf House Ocean Views Holdings, LLC which is a joint venture in a real estate development project. The Company recorded no impairment charges in relation to its equity method investments for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015.

The following table summarizes equity method investments held by the Company:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
RCG Longview Debt Fund IV Management, LLC	$	331	$	331
RCG Longview Debt Fund V Partners, LLC	5,278		4,655
HealthCare Royalty GP, LLC	999		989
HealthCare Royalty GP II, LLC	1,215		1,017
HealthCare Royalty GP III, LLC	86		88
HealthCare Overflow Fund GP, LLC	50		—
Surf House Ocean Views Holdings, LLC	13,000		—
Starboard Value LP	22,805		15,769
RCG Longview Management, LLC	710		656
RCG Urban American, LLC	120		120
RCG Urban American Management, LLC	379		379
RCG Longview Equity Management, LLC	114		114
Urban American Real Estate Fund II, LLC	1,211		1,211
RCG Kennedy House, LLC	359		304
Other	1,236		1,434
	$	47,893	$	27,067

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company's share of losses in its equity method investment in RCG Longview Partners II, LLC has exceeded the carrying amount recorded in this investee. These amounts are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. RCG Longview Partners II, LLC, as general partner to a real estate fund, has reversed previously recorded incentive income allocations and has recorded a current clawback obligation to the limited partners in the fund. This obligation is due to a change in unrealized value of the fund on which there have previously been distributed carried interest realizations; however, the settlement of a potential obligation is not due until the end of the life of the respective fund. As the Company is obligated to return previous distributions it received from RCG Longview Partners II, LLC, it has continued to record its share of gains/losses in the investee including reflecting its share of the clawback obligation in the amount of $6.2 million.

The Company's income (loss) from equity method investments was $4.6 million and $14.2 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is included in net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

(3) Lehman Claims, at fair value

Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (“LBIE”), through certain affiliates, was a prime broker to the Company, and the Company held cash and cash equivalent balances with LBIE. On September 15, 2008, LBIE was placed into administration (the “Administration”) in the United Kingdom and, as a result, the assets held by the Company in its LBIE accounts were frozen at LBIE. The assets which the Company believed were held at LBIE at the time of Administration (the “Total Net Equity Claim”) consisted of $1.0 million, which represented an unsecured claim against LBIE. The total amounts received to date in respect of the Company’s unsecured claim against LBIE are approximately $1.0 million, representing 100.0% of its agreed claim. The Company may receive further distributions in respect of its claim, but the amount and timing of these distributions remains uncertain. The Company does not expect future distributions to be material.

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value represent obligations of the Company to deliver a specified security at a contracted price and, thereby, create a liability to purchase that security at prevailing prices. The Company's liability for securities to be delivered is measured at their fair value as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. However, these transactions result in off-balance sheet risk, as the Company's ultimate cost to satisfy the delivery of securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value may exceed the amount reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Substantially all equity securities and options are pledged to the clearing broker under terms which permit the clearing broker to sell or re-pledge the securities to others subject to certain limitations. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stocks	$	412,750	$	257,101
Corporate bonds (a)	60		58
	$	412,810	$	257,159

(a) As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the maturity was January 2026 with an interest rate of 5.55%.

Variable Interest Entities

The total assets and liabilities of the variable interest entities for which the Company has concluded that it holds a variable interest, but for which it is not the primary beneficiary, are $5.4 billion and $1.0 billion as of March 31, 2016 and $3.1 billion and $473.3 million as of December 31, 2015, respectively. In addition, the maximum exposure relating to these variable interest entities as of March 31, 2016 was $483.8 million, and as of December 31, 2015 was $327.8 million, all of which is included in other investments, at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The exposure to loss primarily relates to the Consolidated Feeder Funds' investment in their Unconsolidated Master Funds and the Company's investment in unconsolidated investment companies.

b. Consolidated Funds

Securities owned, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, securities owned, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Preferred stock	$	28,000	$	32,000
Common stocks	7,100		—
Corporate bonds (a)	4,218		—
Term Loan	1,205		—
	$	40,523	$	32,000

(a) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from March 2017 to May 2049 and interest rates ranged between 3.25% and 14.37%.

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016, securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stocks	$	352
Corporate bonds (a)	1,015
	$	1,367

(a) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from September 2019 to March 2025 and interest rates ranged between 4.38% and 9.25%.

Receivable on derivative contracts

As of March 31, 2016, receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds are comprised of:

	As of March 31, 2016
	(dollars in thousands)
Currency forwards	$	2
Equity swaps	61
Options	62
	$	125

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016, payable for derivative contracts, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds are comprised of currency forwards of $2.0 thousand.

Other investments, at fair value

Investments in Portfolio Funds, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, investments in Portfolio Funds, at fair value, included the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Investments of Enterprise LP	$	113,696	$	111,075
Investments of Merger Fund	280,782		74,348
Investments of Quadratic LLC	—		78,395
	$	394,478	$	263,818

Consolidated portfolio fund investments of Enterprise LP    

Enterprise LP operates under a “master-feeder” structure, whereby Enterprise Master's shareholders are Enterprise LP and RCG II Intermediate Fund, L.P. The consolidated investments in Portfolio Funds include Enterprise LP's investment of $113.7 million and $111.1 million in Enterprise Master as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. On May 12, 2010, the Company announced its intention to close Enterprise Master. Prior to this announcement, strategies utilized by Enterprise Master included merger arbitrage and activist investing, investments in distressed securities, convertible hedging, capital structure arbitrage, equity market neutral, investments in private placements of convertible securities, proprietary mortgages, structured credit investments, investments in mortgage backed securities and other structured finance products, investments in real estate and real property interests, structured private placements and other relative value strategies. Enterprise Master had broad investment powers and maximum flexibility in seeking to achieve its investment objective. Enterprise Master was permitted to invest in equity securities, debt instruments, options, futures, swaps, credit default swaps and other derivatives. As Enterprise Master winds down its positions, it will return capital to its investors. There are no unfunded commitments at Enterprise LP.

Consolidated portfolio fund investments of Merger Fund    

The Merger Fund operates under a “master-feeder” structure, whereby Ramius Merger Master Ltd's ("Merger Master") shareholders are Merger Fund and Ramius Merger Fund Ltd. The consolidated investments in Portfolio Funds include Merger Fund's investment of $280.8 million and $74.3 million in Merger Master as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Merger Master’s investment objective is to achieve consistent absolute returns while emphasizing the preservation of investor capital. The Merger Master seeks to achieve these objectives by taking a fundamental, research-driven approach to investing, primarily in the securities of issuers engaged in, or subject to, announced (or unannounced but otherwise anticipated) extraordinary corporate transactions, which may include, but are not limited to, mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, tender offers, hostile takeover bids, sale processes, exchange offers, and recapitalizations. Merger Master invests in the securities of one or more issuers engaged in or subject to such extraordinary corporate transactions. Merger Master typically seeks to derive a profit by realizing the price differential, or “spread,” between the market price of securities purchased or sold short and the market price or value of securities realized in connection with the completion or termination of the extraordinary corporate transaction, or in connection with the adjustment of market prices in anticipation thereof, while seeking to minimize the market risk associated with the aforementioned investment activities. Merger Master will, depending on markets conditions, generally focus the majority of its investment program on announced transactions. If the investment manager of Merger Master considers it necessary, it may either alone or as part of a group, also initiate shareholder actions seeking to maximize value. Such shareholder actions may include, but are not limited to, re-orienting management’s focus or initiating the sale of the company (or one or more of its divisions) to a third party. There are no unfunded commitments at Merger Fund.

Consolidated portfolio fund investments of Quadratic Fund LLC     

Quadratic LLC operates under a “master-feeder” structure, whereby Quadratic Master Fund Ltd's ("Quadratic Master") shareholders are Quadratic Fund LLC and Quadratic Fund Ltd. The consolidated investments in Portfolio Funds include Quadratic Fund LLC's investment of $78.4 million in Quadratic Master as of December 31, 2015. Quadratic LLC was deconsolidated on January 1, 2016 (See Note 3). The Quadratic Master’s investment objective is to achieve attractive, risk-adjusted rates of return through the use of proprietary fundamental global macro and options/swaptions based strategies. Quadratic Master’s strategy is primarily executed via options and swaptions.

Indirect Concentration of the Underlying Investments Held by Consolidated Funds

From time to time, either directly or indirectly through its investments in the Consolidated Funds, the Company may maintain exposure to a particular issue or issuer (both long and/or short) which may account for 5% or more of the Company's equity. Based on information that is available to the Company as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company assessed whether or not its interests in an issuer for which the Company's pro-rata share exceeds 5% of the Company's equity. There were no indirect concentrations that exceed 5% of the Company's equity as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Underlying Investments of Unconsolidated Funds Held by Consolidated Funds

Enterprise Master and Merger Master

Enterprise LP's investment in Enterprise Master represents Enterprise LP's proportionate share of Enterprise Master's net assets; as a result, the investment balances of Enterprise Master reflected below may exceed the net investment which Enterprise LP has recorded. Merger Fund's investment in Merger Master represents Merger Fund's proportionate share of Merger Master's net assets; as a result, the investment balances of Merger Master reflected below may exceed the net investment which Merger Fund has recorded. The following tables present summarized investment information for the underlying investments and derivatives held by Enterprise Master and Merger Master as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

Securities owned by Enterprise Master, at fair value

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stock	736		724
Preferred stock	1,478		1,484
Restricted stock	124		124
Rights	—		321
Trade claims	128		128
	$	2,466	$	2,781

Receivable/(Payable) on derivative contracts, at fair value, owned by Enterprise Master

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
Description	(dollars in thousands)
Currency forwards	$	—	$	(4	)
	$	—	$	(4	)

Portfolio Funds, owned by Enterprise Master, at fair value

		As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	Strategy	(dollars in thousands)
RCG Longview Equity Fund, LP*	Real Estate	$	7,407	$	7,635
RCG Longview II, LP*	Real Estate	702		698
RCG Longview Debt Fund IV, LP*	Real Estate	3,042		3,577
RCG Soundview, LLC*	Real Estate	452		452
RCG Urban American Real Estate Fund, L.P.*	Real Estate	307		312
RCG Special Opportunities Fund, Ltd*	Multi-Strategy	85,435		81,544
RCG Energy, LLC *	Energy	—		1,189
RCG Renergys, LLC*	Energy	1		1
Other Private Investments	Various	10,472		10,515
Other Real Estate Investments (*)	Real Estate	5,045		5,753
		$	112,863	$	111,676

* Affiliates of the Company.

Merger Master

Securities owned by Merger Master, at fair value

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stocks	$	814,309	$	157,429
Corporate bonds (a)	—		492
	$	814,309	$	157,921

(a) As of December 31, 2015, the maturity was June 2024 with an interest rate of 5.25%.

Securities sold, not yet purchased, by Merger Master, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, Merger Master held common stock, sold not yet purchased, of $581.3 million and $73.8 million, respectively.

Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value, owned by Merger Master

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
Description	(dollars in thousands)
Options	$	16,582	$	1,275
Currency forwards	24		235
Equity swaps	1,289		1,001
	$	17,895	$	2,511

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value, owned by Merger Master

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
Description	(dollars in thousands)
Options	$	1,293	$	563
Currency forwards	21		—
Equity swaps	283		30
	$	1,597	$	593

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Fair Value Measurements for Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements for Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds

Fair Value Measurements for Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds

The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

	Assets at Fair Value as of March 31, 2016
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
				(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Securities owned
US Government securities	$	3,774		$	—		$	—		$	3,774
Preferred stock	6,669			3,381			13,646			23,696
Common stocks	580,184			2,910			6,265			589,359
Convertible bonds	—			—			250			250
Corporate bonds	—			6,853			—			6,853
Warrants and rights	226			—			2,505			2,731
Mutual funds	1,104			—			—			1,104
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	1,289			—			—			1,289
Currency forwards	—			154			—			154
Equity swaps	—			811			—			811
Options	16,238			6,341			20,892			43,471
Other investments
Lehman claim	—			—			293			293
Consolidated funds
Securities owned
Preferred stock	—			—			28,000			28,000
Common stocks	806			6,294			—			7,100
Corporate Bonds	—			4,218			—			4,218
Term Loan	—			1,205			—			1,205
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
Currency forwards	—			2			—			2
Equity swaps	—			61			—			61
Options	46			16			—			62
	$	610,336		$	32,246		$	71,851		$	714,433
Percentage of total assets measured at fair value	85.4		%	4.5		%	10.1		%
Portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										118,599
Consolidated funds' portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										394,478
Equity method investments										47,893
Total investments										$	1,275,403

	Liabilities at Fair Value as of March 31, 2016
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Securities sold, not yet purchased
Common stocks	$	412,750		$	—		$	—		$	412,750
Corporate bonds	—			60			—			60
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	1,834			—			—			1,834
Currency forwards	—			426			—			426
Equity and credit default swaps	—			156			—			156
Options	1,826			—			20,892			22,718
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
Contingent consideration liability (b)	—			—			8,293			8,293
Consolidated funds
Securities sold, not yet purchased
Common stocks	352			—			—			352
Corporate bonds	—			1,015			—			1,015
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
Currency forwards	—			2			—			2
	$	416,762		$	1,659		$	29,185		$	447,606
Percentage of total liabilities measured at fair value	93.1		%	0.4		%	6.5		%

(a) In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

(b) In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during 2012 and the third and fourth quarter of 2015, the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income of the acquired businesses, if certain revenue targets are achieved through the periods ended August 2016, December 2020, and December 2018, respectively. The Company estimated the contingent consideration liability using the income approach (discounted cash flow method) which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts as of March 31, 2016 can range from $0.1 million to $8.6 million.

	Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
				(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Securities owned
US Government securities	$	3,016		$	—		$	—		$	3,016
Preferred stock	7,891			4,800			12,872			25,563
Common stocks	505,303			7,527			3,278			516,108
Convertible bonds	—			—			819			819
Corporate bonds	—			47,192			—			47,192
Warrants and rights	487			—			2,572			3,059
Mutual funds	14,477			—			—			14,477
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	189			—			—			189
Currency forwards	—			659			—			659
Equity swaps	—			2,327			—			2,327
Options	11,895			6,354			18,194			36,443
Other investments
Lehman claim	—			—			299			299
Consolidated funds
Preferred stock	—			—			32,000			32,000
	$	543,258		$	68,859		$	70,034		$	682,151
Percentage of total assets measured at fair value	79.6		%	10.1		%	10.3		%
Portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										113,281
Consolidated funds' portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										263,818
Equity method investments										27,067
Total investments										$	1,086,317

	Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Securities sold, not yet purchased
Common stocks	$	257,101		$	—		$	—		$	257,101
Corporate bonds	—			58			—			58
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	101			—			—			101
Currency forwards	—			463			—			463
Equity and credit default swaps	—			71			—			71
Options	2,354			—			18,194			20,548
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
Contingent consideration liability (b)	—			—			6,158			6,158
	$	259,556		$	592		$	24,352		$	284,500
Percentage of total liabilities measured at fair value	91.2		%	0.2		%	8.6		%

(a) In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

(b) In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during 2012 and the third and fourth quarter of 2015, the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income of the acquired businesses, if certain revenue targets are achieved through the periods ended August 2016, December 2020, and December 2018, respectively. The Company estimated the contingent consideration liability using the income approach (discounted cash flow method) which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts as of December 31, 2015 can range from $0.1 million to $10.0 million.

The following table includes a rollforward of the amounts for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, for financial instruments classified within level 3. The classification of a financial instrument within level 3 is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
	Balance at December 31, 2015		Transfers in		Transfers out				Purchases/(covers)		(Sales)/shorts			Realized and Unrealized gains/losses			Balance at March 31, 2016		Change in unrealized gains/losses relating to instruments still held (1)
	(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Preferred stock	$	12,872	$	—	$	—			$	—	$	(218	)	$	992		$	13,646	$	566
Common stocks	3,278		—		—				1,069		—			1,918			6,265		2,054
Convertible bonds	819		—		—				—		(569		)	—			250		—
Options, asset	18,194		—		—				—		—			2,698			20,892		2,698
Options, liability	18,194		—		—				—		—			2,698			20,892		2,698
Warrants and Rights	2,572		—		—				—		—			(67		)	2,505		150
Lehman claim	299		—		—				—		—			(6		)	293		(6		)
Contingent consideration liability	6,158		—		—									2,135			8,293		2,135
Consolidated Funds
Preferred stock	32,000				(4,000		)	(a)	—		—			—			28,000		—

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Balance at December 31, 2014		Transfers in		Transfers out				Purchases/(covers)		(Sales)/shorts			Realized and Unrealized gains/losses			Balance at March 31, 2015		Change in unrealized gains/losses relating to instruments still held (1)
	(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Preferred stock	$	12,517	$	—	$	—			$	7,375	$	—		$	(412	)	$	19,480	$	(412	)
Common stocks	412		—		—				—		(3		)	2			411		5
Convertible bonds	900		—		—				—		—			(21		)	879		(21		)
Options, asset	36,807		—		—				—		—			4,835			41,642		4,835
Options, liability	36,807		—		—				—		—			4,835			41,642		4,835
Warrants and Rights, asset	1,322		—		(14		)	(a)	26		—			1,225			2,559		1,224
Lehman claim	380		—		—				—		—			(19		)	361		(19		)
Contingent consideration liability	4,083		—		—				—		(109		)	—			3,974		—
Consolidated Funds
Lehman claim	493		—		—				—		—			1			494		1

(1) Unrealized gains/losses are reported in other income (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of

operations.

(a) The investment was converted to equity.

All realized and unrealized gains (losses) in the table above are reflected in other income (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and therefore are not included in the tables above.

The Company recognizes all transfers and the related unrealized gain (loss) at the beginning of the reporting period.

Transfers between level 1 and 2 generally relate to whether the principal market for the security becomes active or inactive. Transfers between level 2 and 3 generally relate to whether significant relevant observable inputs are available for the fair value measurements or due to change in liquidity restrictions for the investments.

During the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no transfers between level 1 and level 2 assets and liabilities.

The following table includes quantitative information as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 for financial instruments classified within level 3. The table below quantifies information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's level 3 financial instruments.

	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value at March 31, 2016		Valuation techniques	Unobservable Inputs	Range
Level 3 Assets	(dollars in thousands)
Common and preferred stocks	$	2,551	Market/transaction multiples and option pricing method Illiquidity discount	Volatility Market multiples Discount	35% 1x to 5x 90%
Warrants and rights, net	2,505		Model based	Volatility	18% to 61% (weighted average 46%)
Options	20,892		Option pricing models	Volatility	45%
Other level 3 assets (a)	45,903
Total level 3 assets	71,851
Level 3 Liabilities
Options	20,892		Option pricing models	Volatility	45%
Contingent consideration	8,293		Discounted cash flows	Projected cash flow and discount rate	0% - 24.5% (weighted average 9.58%)
Total level 3 liabilities	$	29,185

	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value at December 31, 2015		Valuation techniques	Unobservable Inputs	Range
Level 3 Assets	(dollars in thousands)
Common and preferred stocks	$	2,569	Market multiples and option pricing method	Volatility Market multiples	34% 1x to 4.75x
Convertible bonds	819		Recovery analysis	Recovery rate	50%
Warrants and rights, net	2,572		Model based	Volatility	18% to 61% (weighted average 43%)
Options	18,194		Option pricing models	Volatility Credit spreads	38%
Other level 3 assets (a)	45,880
Total level 3 assets	70,034
Level 3 Liabilities
Options	18,194		Option pricing models	Volatility Credit spreads	38%
Contingent consideration	6,158		Discounted cash flows	Projected cash flow and discount rate	6.6% - 24.5% (weighted average 16.4%)
Total level 3 liabilities	$	24,352

(a) The quantitative disclosures exclude financial instruments for which the determination of fair value is based on prices from prior transactions.

The Company has established valuation policies and procedures and an internal control infrastructure over its fair value measurement of financial instruments which includes ongoing oversight by the valuation committee as well as periodic audits performed by the Company's internal audit group. The valuation committee is comprised of senior management, including non-investment professionals, who are responsible for overseeing and monitoring the pricing of the Company's investments, including the review of the results of the independent price verification process, approval of new trading asset classes and use of applicable pricing models and approaches.

The US GAAP fair value leveling hierarchy is designated and monitored on an ongoing basis. In determining the designation, the Company takes into consideration a number of factors including the observability of inputs, liquidity of the investment and the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement. Designations, models, pricing vendors, third party valuation providers and inputs used to derive fair market value are subject to review by the valuation committee and the internal audit group. The Company reviews its valuation policy guidelines on an ongoing basis and may adjust them in light of, improved valuation metrics and models, the availability of reliable inputs and information, and prevailing market conditions. The Company reviews a daily profit and loss report, as well as other periodic reports, and analyzes material changes from period-to-period in the valuation of its investments as part of its control procedures. The Company also performs back testing on a regular basis by comparing prices observed in executed transactions to previous valuations.

The fair market value for level 3 securities may be highly sensitive to the use of industry standard models, unobservable inputs and subjective assumptions. The degree of fair market value sensitivity is also contingent upon the subjective weight given to specific inputs and valuation metrics. The Company holds various equity and debt instruments where different weight may be applied to industry standard models representing standard valuation metrics such as: discounted cash flows, market multiples, comparative transactions, capital rates, recovery rates and timing, and bid levels. Generally, changes in the weights ascribed to the various valuation metrics and the significant unobservable inputs in isolation may result in significantly lower or higher fair value measurements. Volatility levels for warrants and options are not readily observable and subject to interpretation. Changes in capital rates, discount rates and replacement costs could significantly increase or decrease the valuation of the real estate investments. The interrelationship between unobservable inputs may vary significantly amongst level 3 securities as they are generally highly idiosyncratic. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation can result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.

Other financial assets and liabilities

The following table presents the carrying values and fair values, at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, of financial assets and liabilities and information on their classification within the fair value hierarchy which are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. For additional information regarding the financial instruments within the scope of this disclosure, and the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate their fair value see Note 3.

	March 31, 2016						December 31, 2015						Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
				(dollars in thousands)
Financial Assets
Operating companies
Cash and cash equivalents	$	67,046		$	67,046		$	158,485		$	158,485		Level 1
Cash collateral pledged	10,157			10,157			10,085			10,085			Level 2
Consolidated funds
Cash and cash equivalents	12,348			12,348			13,934			13,934			Level 1
Financial Liabilities
Convertible debt	124,251		(a)	139,546		(b)	122,401		(a)	144,946		(b)	Level 2
Notes payable and other debt	90,081			72,375			68,565			71,945			Level 2

(a) The carrying amount of the convertible debt includes an unamortized discount of $23.1 million and $24.7 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

(b) The convertible debt include the conversion option and is based on the last broker quote available.

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Receivables from and Payable to Brokers

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Brokers and Dealers [Abstract]

Receivables from and Payable to Brokers

Receivables from and Payable to Brokers

Receivables from and payable to brokers includes cash held at the clearing brokers, amounts receivable or payable for unsettled transactions, monies borrowed and proceeds from short sales (including commissions and fees related to securities transactions) equal to the fair value of securities sold, not yet purchased, which are restricted until the Company purchases the securities sold short. Pursuant to the master netting agreements the Company entered into with its brokers, these balances are presented net (assets less liabilities) across balances with the same broker. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, receivable from brokers was $122.5 million and $117.8 million, respectively. Payable to brokers was $23.8 million and $131.8 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company's receivables from and payable to brokers balances are held at multiple financial institutions.

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Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries and Funds

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries and Funds

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries and Funds

Redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds and the related net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds are comprised as follows:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds
Operating companies	$	8,561	$	10,906
Consolidated funds	316,377		176,005
	$	324,938	$	186,911

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds
Operating companies	$	(78	)	$	918
Consolidated funds	(4,219		)	1,802
	$	(4,297	)	$	2,720

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Share-Based Compensation and Employee Ownership Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation and Employee Ownership Plans

Share-Based and Deferred Compensation and Employee Ownership Plans

The Company issues share based compensation under the 2006 Equity and Incentive Plan, the 2007 Equity and Incentive Plan (both established prior to the November 2009 transaction between Ramius and Cowen) and the Cowen Group, Inc. 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Equity Plans”). The Equity Plans permit the grant of options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights ("SAR's") and other equity based awards to the Company's employees and directors. Stock options granted generally vest over two-to-five-year periods and expire seven years from the date of grant. Restricted shares and restricted share units issued may be immediately vested or may generally vest over a two-to-five-year period. SAR's vest and expire after five years from grant date. Awards are subject to the risk of forfeiture. As of March 31, 2016, there were approximately 1.3 million shares available for future issuance under the Equity Plans.

Under the 2010 Equity Plan, the Company awarded $25.6 million of deferred cash awards to its employees during the three months endedMarch 31, 2016. These awards vest over a four year period and accrue interest between 0.70% to 0.75% per year. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had unrecognized compensation expense related to deferred cash awards of $49.2 million.

The Company measures compensation cost for share based awards according to the equity method. In accordance with the expense recognition provisions of those standards, the Company amortizes unearned compensation associated with share based awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the option or award. In relation to awards under the Equity Plans, the Company recognized compensation expense of $6.4 million and $4.2 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The income tax effect recognized for the Equity Plans was a benefit of $3.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

The Company values options and SAR's on grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model which requires the Company to make assumptions regarding the expected term, volatility, risk-free rate and dividend yield:

Expected term.    Expected term represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company elected to use the "simplified" calculation method, as applicable to companies that lack extensive historical data. The mid-point between the vesting date and the contractual expiration date is used as the expected term under this method.

Expected volatility.    The Company bases its expected volatility on its own stock price history.

Risk free rate.    The risk-free rate for periods within the expected term of the award is based on the interest rate of a traded zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond with a term equal to the awards' expected term on the date of grant.

Dividend yield.    The Company has not paid and does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the assumed dividend yield is zero.

The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Shares Subject to Option	Weighted Average Exercise Price/Share		Weighted Average Remaining Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1)
				(in years)	(dollars in thousands)
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	16,667	$	4.89	1.10	$	—
Options granted	—	—		—	—
Options exercised	—	—		—	—
Options expired	—	—		—	—
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016	16,667	$	4.89	0.85	$	—
Options exercisable at March 31, 2016	16,667	$	4.89	0.85	$	—

(1) Based on the Company's closing stock price of $3.81 on March 31, 2016 and $3.83 on December 31, 2015.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company's stock options were fully expensed.

The following table summarizes the Company's SAR's for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Shares Subject to Option	Weighted Average Exercise Price/Share		Weighted Average Remaining Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1)
				(in years)	(dollars in thousands)
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	400,000	2.90		2.21	$	558
SAR's granted	—	—		—	—
SAR's acquired	—	—		—	—
SAR's expired	—	—		—	—
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016	400,000	$	2.90	1.96	$	522
SAR's exercisable at March 31, 2016	—	$	—	—	$	—

(1) Based on the Company's closing stock price of $3.81 on March 31, 2016 and $3.83 on December 31, 2015.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the unrecognized compensation expense related to the Company's grant of SAR's was $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units Granted to Employees

Restricted shares and restricted stock units are referred to collectively as restricted stock. The following table summarizes the Company's restricted share and restricted stock unit activity for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Nonvested Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	21,480,364		$	4.17
Granted	7,410,814		3.47
Vested	(2,851,670	)	4.00
Canceled	—		—
Forfeited	(79,182	)	3.85
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016 (1)	25,960,326		$	3.99

(1) Performance linked restricted stock units of 1,925,750 were awarded to employees of the Company in December 2013 and January 2014. An additional 2,800,000 performance linked restricted stock units were awarded in March 2016. Of the awards granted, 326,250 have been forfeited through March 31, 2016. The remaining awards, included in the outstanding balance as of March 31, 2016, will vest between March 2019 and December 2020 and will be earned only to the extent that the Company attains specified market goals relating to its volume-weighted average share price and total shareholder return in relation to certain benchmark indices and performance goals relating to aggregate net income and average return on shareholder equity. The actual number of RSUs ultimately earned could vary from zero, if performance goals are not met, to as much as 150% of the targeted award. Each RSU is equal to the one share of the Company’s Class A common stock. Compensation expense is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will attain the performance goals.

The fair value of restricted stock (excluding performance linked units which are valued using the Monte Carlo valuation model) is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.

As of March 31, 2016, there was $79.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the Company's grant of nonvested restricted shares and restricted stock units to employees. Unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted shares and restricted stock units granted to employees is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.95 years.

Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units Granted to Non-employee Board Members

There were no restricted stock units awarded during the three months endedMarch 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016 there were 497,570 restricted stock units outstanding.

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The taxable results of the Company’s U.S. operations are included in the consolidated income tax returns of Cowen Group, Inc. as well as stand-alone state and local tax returns. The Company has subsidiaries that are resident in foreign countries where tax filings have to be submitted on a stand‑alone basis. These subsidiaries are subject to tax in their respective countries and the Company is responsible for and, thus, reports all taxes incurred by these subsidiaries. The countries where the Company owns subsidiaries that file tax returns are United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Gibraltar, and Hong Kong.

The Company calculates its U.S. tax provision using the estimated annual effective tax rate methodology. The tax expense or benefit caused by an unusual or infrequent item is recorded in the quarter in which it occurs. The Company uses the discrete methodology to calculate its income tax provision for its foreign subsidiaries. Based on these methodologies, the Company’s effective income tax rate was 29.35% and 26.35% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, the unusual or infrequent items whose tax impact were recorded discretely related primarily to state taxes and the tax provisions of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.

For the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, the effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state and foreign taxes, as well as other nondeductible expenses.

The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax benefit or expense that will result from differences between the carrying value of its assets for income tax purposes and for financial reporting purposes, as well as for operating or capital loss and tax credit carryovers. A valuation allowance is recorded to bring the net deferred tax assets to a level that, in management's view, is more likely than not to be realized in the foreseeable future. This level will be estimated based on a number of factors, especially the amount of net deferred tax assets of the Company that are actually expected to be realized, for tax purposes, in the foreseeable future. As of March 31, 2016, the Company recorded no valuation allowance against its net deferred tax.

The Company is subject to examination by the United States Internal Revenue Service, the United Kingdom Inland Revenue Service, the Luxembourg Tax Office as well as state, local and foreign tax authorities in jurisdictions where the Company has significant business operations, such as New York. Currently, the Company is under audit by New York State for the 2010 to 2012 tax years. Management is not expecting a material tax liability from this audit.

The Company intends to permanently reinvest the capital and accumulated earnings of its foreign subsidiaries in the respective subsidiary, but remits the current earnings of its foreign subsidiaries to the United States to the extent permissible under local regulatory rules. The undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries totaled$1.1 million and $1.0 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and the tax liability that would arise if these earnings were remitted is approximately$0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

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Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Obligations

The Company has entered into leases for office space and equipment. These leases contain rent escalation clauses. The Company records rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including any rent holiday periods. Rent expense was $5.3 million and $4.4 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

As of March 31, 2016, future minimum annual lease and service payments for the Company were as follows:

	Equipment Leases (a)		Service Payments		Facility Leases (b)
	(dollars in thousands)
2016	$	1,810	$	13,198	$	13,971
2017	2,301		9,238		15,648
2018	2,221		4,653		15,656
2019	813		1,414		14,820
2020	—		—		14,814
Thereafter	—		—		32,250
	$	7,145	$	28,503	$	107,159

(a) Equipment Leases include the Company's commitments relating to operating and capital leases. See Note 12 for further information on the capital lease minimum payments which are included in the table.

(b) The Company has entered into various agreements to sublease certain of its premises. The Company recorded sublease income related to these leases of $0.8 million and $0.5 million and for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Clawback Obligations

For financial reporting purposes, the general partners of a real estate fund have recorded a liability for potential clawback obligations to the limited partners, due to changes in the unrealized value of the fund's remaining investments and where the fund's general partner has previously received carried interest distributions.The clawback liability, however, is not realized until the end of the fund's life.The life of the real estate fund's with a potential clawback obligation is currently in a winding-up phase whereby the remaining assets of the fund are being liquidated as promptly as possible so as to maximize value, however a final date for liquidation has not been set.The fund is currently winding-down and as of both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the clawback obligation was $6.2 million.

The Company serves as the general partner/managing member and/or investment manager to various affiliated and sponsored funds. As such, the Company is contingently liable for obligations for those entities. These amounts are not included above as the Company believes that the assets in these funds are sufficient to discharge any liabilities.

Unfunded Commitments

As of March 31, 2016, the Company had unfunded commitments of$5.3 millionpertaining to capital commitments inthreereal estate investments held by the Company, all of which pertain to related party investments. Such commitments can be called at any time, subject to advance notice. The Company, as a limited partner of the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds and also as a member of HealthCare Royalty Partners General Partners, has committed to invest $45.8 millionin the Healthcare Royalty Partners funds which are managed by Healthcare Royalty Management. This commitment is expected to be called over atwo tofive year period. The Company will make its pro-rata investment in the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds along with the other limited partners. ThroughMarch 31, 2016, the Company has funded$37.7 milliontowards these commitments.In April 2013, the Company committed$1.0 million to Starboard Leaders Fund LP, which may increase or decrease over time, and, as ofMarch 31, 2016, has funded$1.0 milliontowards this commitment. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company has an unfunded commitment to Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. of$0.5 million. The remaining capital commitment is expected to be called over aoneyear period. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has an unfunded commitment to Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. (formerly Formation8 Partners Hardware Fund I, L.P.) of$0.9 million. The remaining capital commitment is expected to be called over aoneyear period. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company has an unfunded commitment to Lagunita Biosciences, LLC of$3.5 million. The remaining capital commitment is expected to be called over a three-year period.

Litigation

In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries and current and former officers, directors and employees (the "Company and Related Parties") are named as defendants in, or as parties to, various legal actions and proceedings. Certain of these actions and proceedings assert claims or seek relief in connection with alleged violations of securities, banking, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering, employment and other statutory and common laws. Certain of these actual or threatened legal actions and proceedings include claims for substantial or indeterminate compensatory or punitive damages, or for injunctive relief.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company and Related Parties are also subject to governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests (both formal and informal), certain of which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief. Certain affiliates and subsidiaries of the Company are investment banks, registered broker-dealers, futures commission merchants, investment advisers or other regulated entities and, in those capacities, are subject to regulation by various U.S., state and foreign securities, commodity futures and other regulators. In connection with formal and informal inquiries by these regulators, the Company and such affiliates and subsidiaries receive requests, and orders seeking documents and other information in connection with various aspects of their regulated activities.

Due to the global scope of the Company's operations, and its presence in countries around the world, the Company and Related Parties may be subject to litigation, and governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal), in multiple jurisdictions with legal and regulatory regimes that may differ substantially, and present substantially different risks, from those the Company and Related Parties are subject to in the United States.

The Company seeks to resolve all litigation and regulatory matters in the manner management believes is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, and contests liability, allegations of wrongdoing and, where applicable, the amount of damages or scope of any penalties or other relief sought as appropriate in each pending matter.

In accordance with US GAAP, the Company establishes reserves for contingencies when the Company believes that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company discloses a contingency if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred and there is no reserve for the loss because the conditions above are not met. The Company's disclosure includes an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for those matters, for which an estimate can be made. Neither a reserve nor disclosure is required for losses that are deemed remote.     

The Company appropriately reserves for certain matters where, in the opinion of management, the likelihood of liability is probable and the extent of such liability is reasonably estimable. Such amounts are included within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in theaccompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and currently available information and involve a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the type and nature of the litigation, claim or proceeding, the progress of the matter, the advice of legal counsel, the Company's defenses and its experience in similar cases or proceedings as well as its assessment of matters, including settlements, involving other defendants in similar or related cases or proceedings. The Company may increase or decrease its legal reserves in the future, on a matter-by-matter basis, to account for developments in such matters. The Company accrues legal fees as incurred.

On May 28, 2014, Energy Intelligence Group, Inc. and Energy Intelligence Group UK (collectively, "EIG") filed a lawsuit against Cowen and Company, LLC in the United States Court for the Southern District of New York (Energy Intelligence Group, Inc. and Energy Intelligence Group UK v. Cowen and Company, LLC, No. 14-CV-3789). The complaint alleges copyright infringement based on alleged impermissible distribution of EIG's publication, Oil Daily, by Cowen and Company, LLC, and Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC, as Cowen's alleged predecessor-in-interest. EIG is seeking statutory damages based on alleged willful infringement of their copyrights. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. On November 12, 2014, the Company filed an answer and affirmative defenses to the EIG complaint. On September 25, 2015, the Company filed its motion for partial summary judgment to dismiss certain of EIG’s claims relating to Dahlman Rose’s alleged copyright infringement. We expect the Company’s motion to be heard in the second quarter of 2016, but we cannot predict when the Court will issue a decision.Because the case is in its preliminary stages, the Company cannot predict the outcome at this time, but it does not currently expect this case to have a material effect on its financial position. The case could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations in a future period.

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Convertible Debt and Notes Payable

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Convertible Debt and Notes Payable

Convertible Debt and Notes Payable

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company's outstanding debt was as follows:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Convertible debt	$	124,251	$	122,401
Note payable	60,936		60,831
Other note payable	1,695		—
Revolver	25,000		5,000
Capital lease obligations	2,450		2,734
	$	214,332	$	190,966

Convertible Debt

On March 10, 2014, the Company issued$149.5 million of 3.0%cash convertible senior notes ("Convertible Notes"). The Convertible Notes are due on March 15, 2019 unless earlier repurchased by the Company or converted by the holder into cash in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank senior in right of payments to other obligations. The Convertible Notes may be converted into cash, upon the occurrence of certain events, whereby a holder will receive, per$1,000principal amount of notes being converted, an amount equal to the sum of principal amount outstanding and the conversion amount based on the current conversion price (the "Conversion Option"). The Convertible Notes were issued with an initial conversion price of $5.33per share.

The Company recorded interest expense of$1.1 million and $1.1 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2016and2015, respectively.The initial unamortized discount on the Convertible Notes was$35.7 millionand is shown net in convertible debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.Amortization on the discount, included within interest expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is$1.7 millionand$1.5 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, based on an effective interest rate of 8.89%. The Company capitalized the debt issuance costs in the amount of$3.7 million, which is included in additional paid in capital in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and changes in equity, and will be amortized over the life of the Convertible Notes. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company is in compliance with all covenants included in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes.

Of the net proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes, approximately$20.5 millionwas applied to pay the net cost of a cash convertible note economic hedge and warrant transaction which increases the effective conversion price to$7.18 (see Note 5), and approximately$0.3 millionwas applied to repurchase shares of Cowen Class A common stock. The remainder of the net proceeds is being used for general corporate purposes.

Note Payable

On October 10, 2014 the Company completed its public offering of$63.3 millionaggregate principal amount of8.25%senior notes due on October 15, 2021 ("2021 Notes").Interest on the 2021 Notes is payable quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15, commencing on January 15, 2015.The Company recorded interest expense of$1.3 million and $1.3 millionfor thethree months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company capitalized debt issuance costs of approximately$2.9 millionwhich is included in additional paid in capital in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and changes in equity and will be amortized over the life of the 2021 Notes.As ofMarch 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all covenants included in the indenture governing the 2021 Notes.

Other Note Payable

During January 2016, the Company borrowed$2.0 millionto fund insurance premium payments. This note has an effective interest rate of 1.38%and is due on December 31, 2016, with monthly payment requirements of$0.2 million. As of March 31, 2016, the outstanding balance on this note payable was$1.7 million. Interest expense for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016was insignificant.

Revolver

On July 31, 2015, the Company entered into a$25.0 million 364 day revolving unsecured credit facility with multiple financial institutions primarily for working capital management. The Company has drawn $25 millionunder this facility as ofMarch 31, 2016. Interest accrues on borrowed funds at LIBOR plus3.0%and interest accrues on the undrawn facility amount at LIBOR plus0.38%. The revolver matures in August 2016. The Company is required to comply with certain financial covenants for which the Company was in compliance with throughMarch 31, 2016. Interest expense for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 was $0.1 million.

Capital Lease Obligations

The Company entered into several capital leases for computer equipment during the fourth quarter of 2010 and one in January 2014. These leases amounted to$7.6 millionand are recorded in fixed assets and as capital lease obligations, which are included in short-term borrowings and other debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, and have lease terms that range from48 to 60months and interest rates that range from 0.60% to 6.03%. As ofMarch 31, 2016, the remaining balance on these capital leases was$2.5 million. Interest expense was$0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Annual scheduled maturities of debt and minimum payments for all debt outstanding as of March 31, 2016, is as follows:

	Convertible Debt			Note Payable			Revolver		Other Note Payable			Capital Lease Obligation
	(dollars in thousands)
2016	$	2,243		$	3,914		$	25,000	$	1,718		$	704
2017	4,485			5,218			—		—			938
2018	4,485			5,218			—		—			938
2019	151,743			5,218			—		—			78
2020	—			5,218			—		—			—
Thereafter	—			68,468			—		—			—
Subtotal	162,956			93,254			25,000		1,718			2,658
Less: Amount representing interest (a)	(38,705		)	(32,318		)	—		(23		)	(208		)
Total	$	124,251		$	60,936		$	25,000	$	1,695		$	2,450

(a) Amount necessary to reduce net minimum payments to present value calculated at the Company's implicit rate at inception. This amount also includes the unamortized discount on the convertible debt.

Letters of Credit

As of March 31, 2016, the Company has the following nine irrevocable letters of credit related to leased office space, for which there is cash collateral pledged, which the Company pays a fee on the stated amount of the letter of credit.

Location	Amount		Maturity
	(dollars in thousands)
New York	$	355	May 2016
New York	$	1,861	May 2016
New York	$	794	October 2016
New York	$	3,373	October 2016
New York	$	1,600	November 2016
San Francisco	$	710	January 2017
New York	$	65	January 2017
New York	$	1,000	February 2017
Boston	$	382	March 2017

To the extent any letter of credit is drawn upon, interest will be assessed at the prime commercial lending rate. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no amounts due related to these letters of credit.

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Stockholder's Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholder's Equity

Stockholder's Equity

Preferred Stock and Purchase of Capped Call Option

On May 19, 2015, the Company completed its offering of120,750shares of the Company's5.625%Series A cumulative perpetual convertible preferred stock ("Series A Convertible Preferred Stock") that provided$117.2 millionof proceeds, net of underwriting fees and issuance costs of$3.4 million. Each share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to dividends at a rate of5.625%per annumwhich will be payable, when and if declared by the board of directors of the Company, quarterly, in arrears, on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Company may, at its option, pay dividends in cash, common stock or a combination thereof. During the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 the Company declared and accrued a cash dividend of $1.7 million.

Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is non-voting and has a liquidity preference over the Company's Class A common stock and ranks senior to all classes or series of the Company's Class A common stock, but junior to all of the Company's existing and future indebtedness with respect to divided rights and rights upon the Company's involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding down.

Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into a number of shares of our Class A common stock equal to the liquidation preference of$1,000divided by the conversion rate. The initial conversion rate is152.2476shares(which equates to$6.57 per share)of the Company's Class A common stock for each share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. At any time on or after May 20, 2020, the Company may elect to convert all outstanding shares of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, cash or a combination thereof, at the Company’s election, in each case, based on the then-applicable conversion rate, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s Class A common stock equals or exceeds 150%of the then-current conversion price on at least20trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the period of30consecutive trading days (including on the last trading day of such period) immediately prior to such election. At the time of conversion, the conversion rate may be adjusted based on certain events including but not limited to the issuance of cash dividends or Class A common stock as a dividends to the Company's Class A common shareholders or a share split or combination.

In connection with the issuance and sale of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company entered into a privately negotiated capped call option transaction (the “Capped Call Option Transaction”) with Nomura Global Financial Products Inc. (the “option counterparty”) for$15.9 million. The Capped Call Option Transaction is expected generally to reduce the potential dilution to the Company’s Class A common stock (if the Company elects to convert to common shares) and/or offset any cash payments that the Company is required to make upon conversion of any Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The Capped Call Option Transaction has an initial effective strike price of$6.57 per share, which matches the initial conversion price of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, and a cap price of$8.39per share. However, to the extent that the market price of Class A common stock, as measured under the terms of the Capped Call Option Transaction, exceeds the cap price thereof, there would nevertheless be dilution and/or such cash payments would not be offset. As the Capped Call Option Transaction is a free standing derivative that is indexed to the Company's own stock price and the Company controls if it is settled in cash or stock it qualifies for equity classification as a reduction to additional paid in capital.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock of $144.9 million as of March 31, 2016, compared to $137.4 million as of December 31, 2015, resulted from $4.0 million acquired through repurchases of shares to cover employee minimum tax withholding obligations related to stock compensation vesting events under the Company's Equity Plan or other similar transactions and $3.6 million purchased in connection with a share repurchase program.

The following represents the activity relating to the treasury stock held by the Company during the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Treasury stock shares	Cost (dollars in thousands)		Average cost per share
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	34,515,734	$	137,356	$	3.98
Shares purchased for minimum tax withholding under the Equity Plan or other similar transactions	1,124,676	4,012		3.57
Purchase of treasury stock	998,119	3,570		3.58
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016	36,638,529	$	144,938	$	3.96

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Notes)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) [Abstract]

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income includes the after tax change in unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translation adjustments and net gain (loss) and amortization of prior service costs related to the Company's defined benefit plans.

	Foreign currency translation (a)			Defined benefit plans (a)		Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net change	(3		)	—		(3		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	(3	)	$	—	$	(3	)
	Foreign currency translation (a)			Defined benefit plans (a)		Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	17		$	—	$	17
Net change	(2		)	—		(2		)
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	15		$	—	$	15

(a) During the periods presented, the Company did not have material reclassifications out of other comprehensive income.

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Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

The Company calculates its basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with US GAAP. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. As of March 31, 2016, there were 106,078,205 shares outstanding. The Company has included 497,570 fully vested, unissued restricted stock units in its calculation of basic earnings per share.

Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by adjusting the weighted average outstanding shares to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive items. The Company uses the treasury stock method to reflect the potential dilutive effect of the warrants (see Note 5(a)), unexercised stock options, unvested restricted shares, restricted stock units, and SAR's. In calculating the number of dilutive shares outstanding, the shares of common stock underlying unvested restricted shares and restricted stock units are assumed to have been delivered, and options and warrants are assumed to have been exercised, on the grant date. The assumed proceeds from the assumed vesting, delivery and exercising were calculated as the sum of (a) the amount of compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized and (b) the amount of tax benefit that would be credited to additional paid-in capital assuming vesting and delivery of the shares. The tax benefit is the amount resulting from a tax deduction for compensation in excess of compensation expense recognized for financial statement reporting purposes. All outstanding stock options, SAR's, unvested restricted shares and warrants were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. All outstanding stock options were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share for the three months endedMarch 31, 2015 as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The Company can elect to settle the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock in shares, cash, or a combination of both. The Company's intent is to settle in cash and, based on current and projected liquidity needs, the Company has the ability to do so.

The computation of earnings per share is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Net income (loss)	$	(7,995	)	$	19,418
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(4,297		)	2,720
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	(3,698		)	16,698
Preferred stock dividends	1,698			—
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	$	(5,396	)	$	16,698
Shares for basic and diluted calculations:
Weighted average shares used in basic computation	106,364			112,053
Stock options	—			—
Performance based restricted stock	—			411
Stock appreciation rights	—			119
Restricted stock	—			6,007
Weighted average shares used in diluted computation	106,364			118,590
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(0.05	)	$	0.15
Diluted	$	(0.05	)	$	0.14

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Segment Reporting

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

The Company conducts its operations through two segments: the alternative investment segment and the broker‑dealer segment. These activities are conducted primarily in the United States and substantially all of its revenues are generated domestically. The performance measure for these segments is Economic Income (Loss), which management uses to evaluate the financial performance of and make operating decisions for the segments including determining appropriate compensation levels. Expenses not directly associated with specific segments are allocated based on the most relevant measures applicable, including headcount, square footage and other factors.

In general, Economic Income (Loss) is a pre-tax measure that (i) eliminates the impact of consolidation for consolidated funds (ii) excludes goodwill and intangible impairment (iii) excludes certain other acquisition-related adjustments and/or reorganization expenses and (iv) excludes preferred stock dividends. In addition, Economic Income (Loss) revenues include investment income that represents the income the Company has earned in investing its own capital, including realized and unrealized gains and losses, interest and dividends, net of associated investment related expenses. For US GAAP purposes, these items are included in each of their respective line items. Economic Income (Loss) revenues also include management fees, incentive income and investment income earned through the Company's investment as a general partner in certain real estate entities and the Company's investment in the activist business. For US GAAP purposes, all of these items are recorded in other income (loss). In addition, Economic Income (Loss) expenses are reduced by reimbursement from affiliates, which for US GAAP purposes is presented gross as part of revenue.

As further stated below, one major difference between Economic Income (Loss) and US GAAP net income (loss) is that Economic Income (Loss) presents the segments' results of operations without the impact resulting from the full consolidation of any of the Consolidated Funds. Consolidation of these funds results in including in income the pro rata share of the income or loss attributable to other owners of such entities which is reflected in net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiaries in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. This pro rata share has no effect on the overall financial performance for the alternative investment segment, as ultimately, this income or loss is not income or loss for the alternative investment segment itself. Included in Economic Income (Loss) is the actual pro rata share of the income or loss attributable to the Company as an investor in such entities, which is relevant in management making operating decisions and evaluating financial performance.

The following tables set forth operating results for the Company's alternative investment and broker-dealer segments and related adjustments necessary to reconcile the Company's Economic Income (Loss) measure to arrive at the Company's consolidated US GAAP net income (loss):

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
										Adjustments
	Alternative Investment			Broker-Dealer			Total Economic Income/(Loss)			Funds Consolidation			Other Adjustments				US GAAP
	(dollars in thousands)
Revenues
Investment banking	$	—		$	26,147		$	26,147		$	—		$	—			$	26,147
Brokerage	—			52,867			52,867			—			(1,932		)		50,935
Management fees	16,128			775			16,903			(370		)	(5,503		)	(a)	11,030
Incentive income	6,920			—			6,920			(157		)	(5,652		)	(a)	1,111
Investment Income	1,395			455			1,850			—			(1,850		)	(c)	—
Interest and dividends	—			—			—			—			3,653			(c)	3,653
Reimbursement from affiliates	—			—			—			(14		)	3,901			(e)	3,887
Other revenue	682			271			953			—			1,772			(c)	2,725
Consolidated Funds revenues	—			—			—			1,551			—				1,551
Total revenues	25,125			80,515			105,640			1,010			(5,611		)		101,039
Expenses
Non interest expense	20,261			83,761			104,022			—			2,791			(c)(d)(b)	106,813
Interest and dividends	3,183			1,090			4,273			—			3,037			(c)	7,310
Consolidated Funds expenses	—			—			—			1,816			—				1,816
Total expenses	23,444			84,851			108,295			1,816			5,828				115,939
Total other income (loss)	—			—			—			(3,413		)	6,998			(c)	3,585
Income taxes expense / (benefit)	—			—			—			—			(3,320		)	(b)	(3,320		)
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(2,227		)	—			(2,227		)	4,219			2,305				4,297
Economic Income (Loss) / Net Income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	$	(546	)	$	(4,336	)	$	(4,882	)	$	—		$	1,184			$	(3,698	)

	Three Months March 31, 2015
									Adjustments
	Alternative Investment			Broker-Dealer		Total Economic Income/(Loss)			Funds Consolidation			Other Adjustments				US GAAP
	(dollars in thousands)
Revenues
Investment banking	$	—		$	65,233	$	65,233		$	—		$	—			$	65,233
Brokerage	18			35,505		35,523			—			(69		)		35,454
Management fees	16,607			—		16,607			(238		)	(5,985		)	(a)	10,384
Incentive income	15,363			—		15,363			(183		)	(12,808		)	(a)	2,372
Investment Income	21,830			7,050		28,880			—			(28,880		)	(c)	—
Interest and dividends	—			—		—			—			3,083			(c)	3,083
Reimbursement from affiliates	—			—		—			(85		)	3,727			(e)	3,642
Other revenue	21			48		69			—			599			(c)	668
Consolidated Funds revenues	—			—		—			258			—				258
Total revenues	53,839			107,836		161,675			(248		)	(40,333		)		121,094
Expenses
Non interest expense	34,834			96,329		131,163			—			1,506			(c)(d)	132,669
Interest and dividends	3,044			978		4,022			—			1,757			(c)	5,779
Consolidated Funds expenses	—			—		—			358			—				358
Total expenses	37,878			97,307		135,185			358			3,263				138,806
Total other income (loss)	—			—		—			2,407			41,670			(c)	44,077
Income taxes expense / (benefit)	—			—		—			—			6,947			(b)	6,947
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(2,845		)	—		(2,845		)	(1,801		)	1,926				(2,720		)
Economic Income (Loss) / Net Income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	$	13,116		$	10,529	$	23,645		$	—		$	(6,947	)		$	16,698

The following is a summary of the adjustments made to US GAAP net income (loss) for the segment to arrive at

Economic Income (Loss):

Funds Consolidation: The impacts of consolidation and the related elimination entries of the Consolidated Funds are not included in Economic Income (Loss). Adjustments to reconcile to US GAAP net income (loss) include elimination of incentive income and management fees earned from the Consolidated Funds and addition of fund expenses excluding management fees paid, fund revenues and investment income (loss).

Other Adjustments:

(a)     Economic Income (Loss) recognizes revenues (i) net of distribution fees paid to agents and (ii) our proportionate share

of management and incentive fees of certain real estate operating entities and the activist business.

(b)    Economic Income (Loss) excludes income taxes and acquisition related adjustments as management does not consider

these items when evaluating the performance of the segment.

(c)     Economic Income (Loss) recognizes Company income from proprietary trading (including interest and dividends) and

underwriting income from the Company's insurance related activities net of expenses.

(d)     Economic Income (Loss) recognizes the Company's proportionate share of expenses for certain real estate and other

operating entities for which the investments are recorded under the equity method of accounting for investments.

(e)    Reimbursement from affiliates is shown as a reduction of Economic Income expenses, but is included as a part of

revenues under US GAAP.

For the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, there was noone fund or other customer which represented more than 10% of the Company's total revenues.

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Regulatory Requirements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Brokers and Dealers [Abstract]

Regulatory Requirements

Regulatory Requirements

As registered broker-dealers, Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading are subject to the SEC's Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 (the “Rule”), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. Under the alternative method permitted by the Rule, Cowen and Company's minimum net capital requirement, as defined, is$1.0 million. Under the alternative method ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading are required to maintain minimum net capital, as defined, equal to$250,000. The broker-dealers are not permitted to withdraw equity if certain minimum net capital requirements are not met. As of March 31, 2016, Cowen and Company had total net capital of approximately$56.6 million, which was approximately $55.6 million in excess of its minimum net capital requirement of$1.0 million. As of March 31, 2016, ATM Execution had total net capital of approximately$3.9 million, which was approximately$3.7 millionin excess of its minimum net capital requirement of$250,000. As of March 31, 2016, Cowen Prime had total net capital of approximately$17.5 million, which was approximately $17.3 million in excess of its minimum net capital requirement of $250,000. Cowen Prime Trading had total net capital of approximately$4.4 million, which was approximately$4.2 millionin excess of its minimum net capital requirement of $250,000.

Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading claim exemption from the provisions of Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as their activities are limited to those set forth in the conditions for exemption appearing in paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of the Rule.

Proprietary accounts of broker-dealers (“PAB”) held at the clearing broker are considered allowable assets for net capital purposes, pursuant to agreements between Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading and the clearing brokers, which require, among other things, that the clearing brokers performs computations for PAB and segregates certain balances on behalf of Cowen and Company, ATM Execution, Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading, if applicable.

Ramius UK Ltd. ("Ramius UK") and Cowen International Limited ("CIL")are subject to the capital requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) of the UK. Financial Resources, as defined, must exceed the requirement of the FCA. As of March 31, 2016, Ramius UK's Financial Resources of$0.28 millionexceeded its minimum requirement of$0.06 million by $0.22 million. As of March 31, 2016, CIL's Financial Resources of$4.3 millionexceeded its minimum requirement of$2.0 million by $2.3 million.

Cowen’s Luxembourg reinsurance companies, Vianden RCG Re SCA (“Vianden”) and Hollenfels, is required to maintain a solvency capital ratio as calculated by relevant European Commission directives and local regulatory rules in Luxembourg. Each company’s solvency capital ratio as ofMarch 31, 2016was in excess of this minimum requirement.

Based on minimum capital and surplus requirements pursuant to the laws of the state of New York that apply to captive insurance companies, RCG Insurance Company, Cowen’s captive insurance company incorporated and licensed in the state of New York, was required to maintain capital and surplus of approximately$0.3 millionas ofMarch 31, 2016. RCG Insurance Company’s capital and surplus as of March 31, 2016 totaled approximately $21 million.

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Related Party Transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions

The Company and its affiliated entities are the managing member, general partner and/or investment manager to the Company's alternative asset management products and certain managed accounts. Management fees and incentive income are primarily earned from affiliated entities. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $5.7 million and $6.3 million, respectively, included in fees receivable are earned from related parties. The Company may, at its discretion, reimburse certain fees charged to the funds that it manages to avoid duplication of fees when such funds have an underlying investment in another affiliated investment fund. The Company reimbursed the funds it manages and records these net in management fees and incentive income in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operation. These amounts were immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, related amounts still payable were $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and were reflected in fees payable in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Fees receivable and fees payable are recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value.

The Company may also make loans to employees or other affiliates, excluding executive officers of the Company. These loans are interest bearing and settle pursuant to the agreed-upon terms with such employees or affiliates and are included in due from related parties in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, loans to employees of $5.4 million and $5.5 million, respectively, were included in due from related parties on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company does not make loans to its executive officers. Of these amounts $0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively, are related to forgivable loans. These forgivable loans provide for a cash payment up-front to employees, with the amount due back to the Company forgiven over a vesting period.  An employee that voluntarily ceases employment, or is terminated with cause, is generally required to pay back to the Company any unvested forgivable loans granted to them.  The forgivable loans are recorded as an asset to the Company on the date of grant and payment, and then amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  The vesting period on forgivable loans is generally one to three years. The Company recorded compensation expense of $0.6 million and $1.3 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. This expense is included in employee compensation and benefits in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations. For the three months endedMarch 31, 2016, and 2015, the interest income was insignificant for all related party loans and advances.

Included in due to related parties is approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, related to a subordination agreement with an investor in certain real estate funds. This total is based on a hypothetical liquidation of the real estate funds as of the balance sheet date.

During March 2015, the Company issued a $15.0 million unsecured loan to its real estate business with maturity of June 29, 2015 and an effective annualized interest rate of 8.8%. This balance was fully repaid to the Company during June 2015. The interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was insignificant.

Included in due from related parties is $14.4 million related to a sale, in December of 2015, of a portion of the Company's ownership interest in the activist business of Starboard Value to the Starboard principals. It is being financed through the profits of the relevant Starboard entities over a five year period and earns interest at 5% per annum.  The interest income for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 was $0.2 million.

The remaining balance included in due from related parties of $14.5 million and $20.0 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, relates to amounts due to the Company from affiliated funds and real estate entities due to expenses paid on their behalf.

Employees and certain other related parties invest on a discretionary basis within consolidated entities. These investments generally are subject to preferential management fee and performance fee arrangements. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, such investments aggregated $24.9 million and $21.3 million, respectively, were included in redeemable non-controlling interests on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Their share of the net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds aggregated $0.3 million and $1.3 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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Guarantees and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Guarantees and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements [Abstract]

Guarantees and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Guarantees and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Guarantees

US GAAP requires the Company to disclose information about its obligations under certain guarantee arrangements. Those standards define guarantees as contracts and indemnification agreements that contingently require a guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying security (such as an interest or foreign exchange rate, security or commodity price, an index or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of a specified event) related to an asset, liability or equity security of a guaranteed party. Those standards also define guarantees as contracts that contingently require the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on another entity's failure to perform under an agreement as well as indirect guarantees of the indebtedness of others.

In the normal course of its operations, the Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Company expects the risk of loss to be remote.

The Company indemnifies and guarantees certain service providers, such as clearing and custody agents, trustees and administrators, against specified potential losses in connection with their acting as an agent of, or providing services to, the Company or its affiliates. The Company also indemnifies some clients against potential losses incurred in the event specified third-party service providers, including sub-custodians and third-party brokers, improperly execute transactions. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnifications cannot be estimated. However, the Company believes that it is unlikely it will have to make significant payments under these arrangements and has not recorded any contingent liability in the condensed consolidated financial statements for these indemnifications.

The Company also provides representations and warranties to counterparties in connection with a variety of commercial transactions and occasionally indemnifies them against potential losses caused by the breach of those representations and warranties. The Company may also provide standard indemnifications to some counterparties to protect them in the event additional taxes are owed or payments are withheld, due either to a change in or adverse application of certain tax laws. These indemnifications generally are standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnifications cannot be estimated. However, the Company believes it is unlikely it will have to make material payments under these arrangements and has not recorded any contingent liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for these indemnifications.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has no material off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. However, through indemnification provisions in the clearing agreement, customer activities may expose the Company to off-balance-sheet credit risk. Pursuant to the clearing agreement, the Company is required to reimburse the Company's clearing broker, without limit, for any losses incurred due to a counterparty's failure to satisfy its contractual obligations. However, these transactions are collateralized by the underlying security, thereby reducing the associated risk to changes in the market value of the security through the settlement date.

In addition, during the normal course of business, the Company has exposure to a number of risks including market risk, currency risk, credit risk, operational risk, liquidity risk and legal risk. As part of the Company's risk management process, these risks are monitored on a regular basis throughout the course of the year.

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Subsequent Events

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

In April 2016, Cowen Aviation Finance Holdings Inc. ("Cowen Aviation Finance") completed the financing for one aircraft that was acquired during the first quarter of 2016 with such financing completed based on a 75% loan to purchase price of the aircraft.  In addition, in April 2016, Cowen Aviation Finance received a contribution of four additional specialized aircraft currently on lease to government agencies in exchange for making an upfront payment and issuing a minority equity interest in Cowen Aviation Finance to the seller of the aircraft.  In connection with the contribution of the aircraft, Cowen Aviation Finance entered into services agreements with Tempus Applied Solutions, Inc., which has two of the Company's directors on its board of directors.

On April 27, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $3.6 million increase in the Company's share repurchase program (see Note 13) bringing the total value of remaining shares available for repurchase to $25.0 million.

The Company has evaluated events that have occurred after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued and has determined that there were no additional subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Significant Accounting Policies - Quarterly (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of presentation

Basis of Presentation

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") through Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles in the preparation of financial statements, and include the accounts of the Company, its operating and other subsidiaries, and entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest or a substantive, controlling general partner interest. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation. Certain fund entities that are consolidated in these accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, as further discussed below, are not subject to the consolidation provisions with respect to their own controlled investments pursuant to their specialized accounting.

The Company serves as the managing member/general partner and/or investment manager to affiliated fund entities which it sponsors and manages. Funds in which the Company has a controlling financial interest are consolidated with the Company pursuant to US GAAP as described below. Consequently, the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of these funds on a gross basis. The ownership interests in these funds that are not owned by the Company are reflected as redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The management fees and incentive income earned by the Company from these funds are eliminated in consolidation.

Principles of consolidation

Principles of consolidation

The Company consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those funds in which the Company either directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest. In addition, the Company consolidates all variable interest entities for which it is the primary beneficiary.

The Company adopted the new accounting pronouncement regarding consolidation accounting using the modified retrospective method with an effective adoption date of January 1, 2016. The modified retrospective method did not require the restatement of prior year periods. The adoption of the new accounting pronouncement also resulted in a reclassification of certain entities which were previously considered voting interest entities and will now be considered variable interest entities.

In accordance with these standards, the Company presently consolidatesfivefunds for which it acts as the general partner and investment manager. As of March 31, 2016 the Company consolidated the following funds: Ramius Enterprise LP (“Enterprise LP”), Ramius Merger Fund LLC (the "Merger Fund"), Cowen Private Investments LP ("Cowen Private"), Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Fund ("Archview Feeder Fund") and Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Master Fund ("Archview Master Fund") (collectively the "Consolidated Funds").

The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting operating entity ("VOE") or a variable interest entity ("VIE") under US GAAP.

Voting Operating Entities—VOEs are entities in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance its activities independently and (ii) the equity holders at risk have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance.

Under US GAAP, the usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a VOE is ownership of a majority voting interest. Accordingly, the Company consolidates all VOEs in which it owns a majority of the entity's voting shares or units.

In connection with the adoption, the Company reevaluated all of its investment products for consolidation. As of January 1, 2016, the Company deconsolidated Quadratic Fund LLC ("Quadratic LLC") as the Company did not hold a significant voting interest in the fund. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the net income of Quadratic LLC were not material to the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition or statements of operations. The adoption of the new accounting pronouncement also resulted in a reclassification of certain entities for which the Company was presumed to have control and will now be VIEs.

Variable Interest Entities—VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a VOE. In accordance with US GAAP, an enterprise must consolidate all VIEs of which it is the primary beneficiary. Under the US GAAP consolidation model for VIEs, an enterprise that (1) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impacts the VIE's economic performance, and (2) has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, is considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and thus is required to consolidate it.

The Company reconsiders whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by performing a periodic qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of the VIE that includes a review of, among other things, its capital structure, contractual agreements between the Company and the VIE, the economic interests that create or absorb variability, related party relationships and the design of the VIE.As ofMarch 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the total net assets of the consolidated VIEs were$452.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The VIEs act as investment managers or are investment companies that are managed by the Company. The VIEs are financed through their operations and/or loan agreements with the Company.

As of March 31, 2016the Company holds variable interests in Ramius Enterprise Master Fund Ltd (“Enterprise Master”) and Ramius Merger Master Fund Ltd ("Merger Master") (collectively the “Unconsolidated Master Funds”) through the Consolidated Funds. Investment companies, which account for their investments under the specialized industry accounting guidance for investment companies prescribed under US GAAP, are not subject to the consolidation provisions for their investments. Therefore, the Company has not consolidated the Unconsolidated Master Funds.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company also sponsors various other entities that it has determined to be VIEs. These VIEs are primarily funds and real estate entities for which the Company serves as the general partner, managing member and/or investment manager with decision-making rights.

The Company does not consolidate the Unconsolidated Master Funds or real estate entities that are VIEs as it has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary in each instance. Fund investors are entitled to all of the economics of these VIEs with the exception of the management fee and incentive income, if any, earned by the Company. The Company's involvement with funds and real estate entities that are unconsolidated VIEs is limited to providing investment management services in exchange for management fees and incentive income. Although the Company may advance amounts and pay certain expenses on behalf of the funds and real estate entities that it considers to be VIEs, it does not provide, nor is it required to provide, any type of substantive financial support to these entities outside of regular investment management services (see Note 5for additional disclosures on VIEs).

Equity Method Investments—For operating entities over which the Company exercises significant influence but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation as outlined above, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's investments in equity method investees are recorded in other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company's share of earnings or losses from equity method investees is included in net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. The difference between the carrying value of the equity method investment and its estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment charge when the loss in value is deemed other than temporary.

Other—If the Company does not consolidate an entity, apply the equity method of accounting or account for an investment under the cost method, the Company accounts for such entities (primarily, all securities of such entity which are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term as trading securities) in accordance with US GAAP, at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Retention of Specialized Accounting—The Consolidated Funds and certain other consolidated companies are investment companies and apply specialized industry accounting for investment companies. The Company has retained this specialized accounting for these funds pursuant to US GAAP. The Company reports its investments on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at their estimated fair value, with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other transactions. Accordingly, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect different accounting policies for investments depending on whether or not they are held through a consolidated investment company. In addition, the Company's broker-dealer subsidiaries, Cowen and Company, LLC ("Cowen and Company"), ATM Execution LLC ("ATM Execution"), Cowen International Limited ("CIL"), Ramius UK Ltd. ("Ramius UK"), Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading apply the specialized industry accounting for brokers and dealers in securities also prescribed under US GAAP. The Company also retains specialized accounting in consolidation.

Use of estimates

Use of estimates

The preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires the management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the fair value of securities and other investments, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, the accounting for goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Valuation of investments and derivative contracts

Valuation of investments and derivative contracts

US GAAP 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). Thethreelevels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has

the ability to access at the measurement date;

Level 2     Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including

inputs in markets that are not considered to be active; and

Level 3 Fair value is determined based on pricing inputs that are unobservable and includes situations where there is little,

if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The determination of fair value for assets and liabilities in this

category requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Inputs are used in applying the various valuation techniques and broadly refer to the assumptions that market participants use to make valuation decisions, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may include price information, volatility statistics, specific and broad credit data, liquidity statistics, and other factors. 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. However, the determination of what constitutes “observable” requires significant judgment by the Company. The Company considers observable data to be that market data which is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market. The categorization of a financial instrument within the hierarchy is based upon the pricing transparency of the instrument and does not necessarily correspond to the Company's perceived risk of that instrument.

The Company and its operating subsidiaries act as the manager for the Consolidated Funds. Both the Company and the Consolidated Funds hold certain investments which are valued by the Company, acting as the investment manager. The fair value of these investments is generally estimated based on proprietary models developed by the Company, which include discounted cash flow analysis, public market comparables, and other techniques and may be based, at least in part, on independently sourced market information. The material estimates and assumptions used in these models include the timing and expected amount of cash flows, the appropriateness of discount rates used, and, in some cases, the ability to execute, timing of, and estimated proceeds from expected financings. Significant judgment and estimation goes into the selection of an appropriate valuation methodology as well as the assumptions used in these models, and the timing and actual values realized with respect to investments could be materially different from values derived based on the use of those estimates. The valuation methodologies applied impact the reported value of the Company's investments and the investments held by the Consolidated Funds in the consolidated financial statements. Certain of the Company's investments are relatively illiquid or thinly traded and may not be immediately liquidated on demand if needed. Fair values assigned to these investments may differ significantly from the fair values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed and such differences could be material.

The Company primarily uses the “market approach” to value its financial instruments measured at fair value. In determining an instrument's level within the hierarchy, the Company categorizes the Company's financial instruments intothreecategories: securities, derivative contracts and other investments. To the extent applicable, each of these categories can further be divided between those held long or sold short.

The Company has the option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. The election is made on an instrument by instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument.  The Company has elected the fair value option for its investments through Cowen Investments, LLC and certain investments it holds though its operating companies.  This option has been elected because the Company believes that it is consistent with the manner in which the business is managed as well as the way that financial instruments in other parts of the business are recorded.

Securities—Securities with values based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets are classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. These securities include active listed equities, certain U.S. government and sovereign obligations, ETF's, mutual funds and certain money market securities. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for such instruments, even in situations where the Company holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

Certain positions for which trading activity may not be readily visible, consisting primarily of convertible debt, corporate debt and loans and restricted equities, are stated at fair value and classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair values assigned by management are determined in good faith and are based on available information considering, trading activity, broker quotes, quotations provided by published pricing services, counterparties and other market participants, and pricing models using quoted inputs, and do not necessarily represent the amounts which might ultimately be realized. As level 2 investments include positions that are not always traded in active markets and/or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability.

Derivative contracts—Derivative contracts can be exchange-traded or privately negotiated over-the-counter (“OTC”). Exchange-traded derivatives, such as futures contracts and exchange-traded option contracts, are typically classified within level 1 or level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on whether or not they are deemed to be actively traded. OTC derivatives, such as generic forwards, swaps and options, have inputs which can generally be corroborated by market data and are therefore classified within level 2. OTC derivatives, such as swaps and options where market data is not readily available or observable are classified as level 3.

Other investments—Other investments consist primarily of portfolio funds, real estate investments and equity method investments, which are valued as follows:

i. Portfolio funds—Portfolio funds (“Portfolio Funds”) include interests in funds and investment companies which may be managed by the Company or its affiliates. The Company follows US GAAP regarding fair value measurements and disclosures relating to investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent). The guidance permits, as a practical expedient, an entity holding investments in certain entities that either are investment companies as defined by the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide, Investment Companies, or have attributes similar to an investment company, and calculate net asset value per share or its equivalent for which the fair value is not readily determinable, to measure the fair value of such investments on the basis of that NAV per share, or its equivalent, without adjustment.In accordance with US GAAP, investments which are valued using NAV per share as a practical expedient are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

ii. Real estate investments—Real estate debt and equity investments are valued at fair value. The fair value of real estate investments are estimated based on the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between marketplace participants at the measurement date. Real estate investments without a public market are valued based on assumptions and valuation techniques used by the Company. Such valuation techniques may include discounted cash flow analysis, prevailing market capitalization rates or earnings multiples applied to earnings from the investment, analysis of recent comparable sales transactions, actual sale negotiations and bona fide purchase offers received from third parties, consideration of the amount that currently would be required to replace the asset, as adjusted for obsolescence, as well as independent external appraisals. In general, the Company considers several valuation techniques when measuring the fair value of a real estate investment. However, in certain circumstances, a single valuation technique may be appropriate. Real estate investments are reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Company for significant changes at the property level or a significant change in the overall market which would impact the value of the real estate investment resulting in unrealized appreciation or depreciation.

Real estate and capital markets are cyclical in nature. Property and investment values are affected by, among other things, the availability of capital, occupancy rates, rental rates and interest and inflation rates. In addition, the Company invests in real estate and real estate related investments for which no liquid market exists. The market prices for such investments may be volatile and may not be readily ascertainable. Amounts ultimately realized by the Company from investments sold may differ from the fair values presented, and the differences could be material.

The Company's real estate investments are typically categorized as a level 3 investment within the fair value hierarchy as management uses significant unobservable inputs in determining their estimated fair value.

See Notes5 and 6for further information regarding the Company's investments, including equity method investments, and fair value measurements.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of their useful life or lease term. When the Company commits to a plan to abandon fixed assets or leasehold improvements before the end of its original useful life, the estimated depreciation or amortization period is revised to reflect the shortened useful life of the asset. Other fixed assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

Operating lease assets, related to our aviation business, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and are depreciated to estimated residual value using the straight-line method over the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Assets received at the end of the lease are marked to the lower of cost or fair value with the adjustment recorded in other income.

Asset	Depreciable Lives	Principal Method
Telephone and computer equipment	3-8 years	Straight-line
Computer software	3-7 years	Straight-line
Furniture and fixtures	5-8 years	Straight-line
Leasehold improvements	5-15 years	Straight-line
Capitalized lease asset	5 years	Straight-line
Airplanes	15-20 years	Straight-line
Modifications to airplanes	4-10 years	Straight-line

Fixed Assets Depreciable Lives

Asset	Depreciable Lives	Principal Method
Telephone and computer equipment	3-8 years	Straight-line
Computer software	3-7 years	Straight-line
Furniture and fixtures	5-8 years	Straight-line
Leasehold improvements	5-15 years	Straight-line
Capitalized lease asset	5 years	Straight-line
Airplanes	15-20 years	Straight-line
Modifications to airplanes	4-10 years	Straight-line

Debt

Debt

Long-term debt is carried at the principal amount borrowed net of any discount/premium. The discount is accreted to interest expense using the effective interest method over the remaining life of the underlying debt obligations. Accrued but unpaid coupon interest is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company adopted a new accounting pronouncement, during the first quarter of 2016, which reclassified the unamortized debt issuance costs in our previously reported condensed consolidated statements of financial condition from other assets to a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the debt. Notes payable and other debt and convertible debt as of December 31, 2015 was previously presented as $195.7 million. Due to the retrospective application notes payable and other debt and convertible debt is now presented as $191.0 million as of December 31, 2015.

Deferred rent

Deferred rent

Deferred rent primarily consists of step rent, allowances from landlords and valuing the Company's lease properties in accordance with US GAAP. Step rent represents the difference between actual operating lease payments due and straight-line rent expense, which is recorded by the Company over the term of the lease, including the build-out period. This amount is recorded as deferred rent in the early years of the lease, when cash payments are generally lower than straight-line rent expense, and reduced in the later years of the lease when payments begin to exceed the straight-line expense. Landlord allowances are generally comprised of amounts received and/or promised to the Company by landlords and may be received in the form of cash or free rent. These allowances are part of the negotiated terms of the lease. The Company records a receivable from the landlord and a deferred rent liability when the allowances are earned. This deferred rent is amortized into income (through lower rent expense) over the term (including the pre-opening build-out period) of the applicable lease, and the receivable is reduced as amounts are received from the landlord. Liabilities resulting from valuing the Company's leased properties acquired through business combinations are quantified by comparing the current fair value of the leased space to the current rental payments on the date of acquisition. Deferred rent, included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is $11.9 million and $12.0 million, respectively. Deferred rent asset, included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Insurance Accounting Policy

Insurance-related contracts

Premiums for insurance-related contracts are earned over the coverage period. In most cases, premiums are recognized as revenues ratably over the term of the contract with unearned premiums computed on a monthly basis. For each of its contracts, the Company determines if the contract provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, in accordance with US GAAP. If the Company determines that a contract does not expose it to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the contract under the deposit method of accounting with any net amount receivable reflected as an asset in other assets, and any net amount payable reflected as a liability within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

The liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are recorded at the estimated ultimate payment amounts, including reported losses.  Estimated ultimate payment amounts are based upon (1) reports of losses from policyholders, (2) individual case estimates and (3) estimates of incurred but not reported losses.

Provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses are charged to earnings after deducting amounts recovered and estimates of recoverable amounts and are included in other expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Costs of acquiring new policies, which vary with and are directly related to the production of new policies, have been deferred to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable from future premiums or gross profits. Such costs include commissions and allowances as well as certain costs of policy issuance and underwriting and are included within other assets on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

New accounting pronouncements

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In March 2016, as part of its simplification initiative, the FASB issued a new accounting pronouncement which simplified the requirements for share based payments. The guidance among other things covers the income tax consequences and classification of excess tax benefit and tax withholding on the statement of cash flows. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which amends and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements and most industry-specific guidance and creates a single source of revenue guidance.  The new guidance outlines the principles an entity must apply to measure and recognize revenue and related cash flows.  The guidance also provides a model for the measurement and recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain non-financial assets. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  In July 2015, the FASB confirmed a deferral of the effective date by one year, with early adoption on the original effective date permitted.  In March and April 2016, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations and identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2016, as part of its simplification initiative, the FASB issued a new accounting pronouncement which eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2016, the FASB issued two amendments relating to Derivatives and Hedging. The amendments clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require de-designation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. The Second amendment relates to Contingent Put and call option in a debt instrument and clarify the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts when assessed under the current guidance. For public business entities the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition and its disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance which amends and supersedes its previous guidance regarding leases. The new guidance requires the lessee to recognize the right to use assets and lease liabilities that arise from leases and present them in its statement of financial condition. The recognition of these lease assets and lease liabilities represents an improvement over previous GAAP, which did not require lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognized for most leases. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous GAAP. There continues to be a differentiation between finance leases and operating leases. However, the principal difference from previous guidance is that the lease assets and lease liabilities arising from operating leases should be recognized in the statement of financial condition. For public business entities the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition and its disclosures.

In January 2016, as a joint project with International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the FASB issued a new accounting pronouncement to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in the update made improvements to US GAAP for equity investments and investments carried at amortized cost. The guidance also simplify the impairment assessment for equity investments and clarify the need for valuation allowance on deferred tax asset related to available for sale securities. For public business entities the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s financial condition and its disclosures.

Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by adjusting the weighted average outstanding shares to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive items. The Company uses the treasury stock method to reflect the potential dilutive effect of the warrants (see Note 5(a)), unexercised stock options, unvested restricted shares, restricted stock units, and SAR's. In calculating the number of dilutive shares outstanding, the shares of common stock underlying unvested restricted shares and restricted stock units are assumed to have been delivered, and options and warrants are assumed to have been exercised, on the grant date. The assumed proceeds from the assumed vesting, delivery and exercising were calculated as the sum of (a) the amount of compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized and (b) the amount of tax benefit that would be credited to additional paid-in capital assuming vesting and delivery of the shares. The tax benefit is the amount resulting from a tax deduction for compensation in excess of compensation expense recognized for financial statement reporting purposes. All outstanding stock options, SAR's, unvested restricted shares and warrants were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Segment Reporting

The performance measure for these segments is Economic Income (Loss), which management uses to evaluate the financial performance of and make operating decisions for the segments including determining appropriate compensation levels. Expenses not directly associated with specific segments are allocated based on the most relevant measures applicable, including headcount, square footage and other factors.

In general, Economic Income (Loss) is a pre-tax measure that (i) eliminates the impact of consolidation for consolidated funds (ii) excludes goodwill and intangible impairment (iii) excludes certain other acquisition-related adjustments and/or reorganization expenses and (iv) excludes preferred stock dividends. In addition, Economic Income (Loss) revenues include investment income that represents the income the Company has earned in investing its own capital, including realized and unrealized gains and losses, interest and dividends, net of associated investment related expenses. For US GAAP purposes, these items are included in each of their respective line items. Economic Income (Loss) revenues also include management fees, incentive income and investment income earned through the Company's investment as a general partner in certain real estate entities and the Company's investment in the activist business. For US GAAP purposes, all of these items are recorded in other income (loss). In addition, Economic Income (Loss) expenses are reduced by reimbursement from affiliates, which for US GAAP purposes is presented gross as part of revenue.

As further stated below, one major difference between Economic Income (Loss) and US GAAP net income (loss) is that Economic Income (Loss) presents the segments' results of operations without the impact resulting from the full consolidation of any of the Consolidated Funds. Consolidation of these funds results in including in income the pro rata share of the income or loss attributable to other owners of such entities which is reflected in net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiaries in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. This pro rata share has no effect on the overall financial performance for the alternative investment segment, as ultimately, this income or loss is not income or loss for the alternative investment segment itself. Included in Economic Income (Loss) is the actual pro rata share of the income or loss attributable to the Company as an investor in such entities, which is relevant in management making operating decisions and evaluating financial performance.

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Acquisition (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Acquisition [Abstract]

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma information presents consolidated financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as if the acquisitions were completed as of the beginning of that period. This supplemental pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and is not intended to be indicative of what the Company's results would have been had the acquisitions been completed on January 1, 2015, nor does it purport to be indicative of any future results.

	For the three months ended March 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands,  except per share data)
	(unaudited)
Revenues	$	132,363
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	16,547
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.15
Diluted	$	0.14

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Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds - (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Investment Holdings [Line Items]

Marketable Securities

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, securities owned, at fair value consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government securities (a)	$	3,774	$	3,016
Preferred stock (b)	23,696		25,563
Common stocks (b)	589,359		516,108
Convertible bonds (c)	250		819
Corporate bonds (d)	6,853		47,192
Warrants and rights	2,731		3,059
Mutual funds (e)	1,104		14,477
	$	627,767	$	610,234

(a) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from June 2016 to February 2017 with interest rates ranged between 0% to 5.95%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from January 2016 to August 2016 with interest rates ranged between 0% to 5.95%.

(b) Included in preferred stocks and common stocks are investments in securities for which the Company has elected the fair value option with the fair value of $4.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively, at March 31, 2016 and $7.7 million and $7.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2015. These investments were acquired in connection with merchant banking transactions.

(c) As of March 31, 2016, the maturity was March 2018 with an interest rate of 8%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from July 2016 to March 2018 with interest rates ranged between 8% to 10.00%.

(d) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from August 2017 to February 2046 and interest rates ranged between 3.48% to 7.25%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from March 2016 to February 2046 and interest rates ranged between 3.25% to 9.00%.

(e) Included in this amount as of December 31, 2015, are investments in affiliated funds of $13.4 million all of which was liquidated during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

The Company's long and short exposure to derivatives is as follows:

Receivable on derivative contracts	As of March 31, 2016				As of December 31, 2015
	Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value		Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value
	(dollars in thousands)
Futures	$	17,143	$	1,289	$	9,416	$	189
Currency forwards	$	56,569	154		$	67,862	659
Equity swaps	$	21,012	811		$	118,488	2,327
Options other (a)	334,903		38,978		289,433		31,456
Foreign currency options	$	280,507	4,493		$	283,797	4,987
			$	45,725			$	39,618

(a) Includes index, equity, commodity future and cash conversion options.

Payable for derivative contracts	As of March 31, 2016				As of December 31, 2015
	Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value		Number of contracts / Notional Value		Fair value
	(dollars in thousands)
Futures	$	15,401	$	1,834	$	11,995	$	101
Currency forwards	$	43,658	426		$	44,156	463
Equity and credit default swaps	$	7,236	156		$	7,605	71
Options other (a)	15,775		22,718		16,632		20,548
			$	25,134			$	21,183

(a) Includes index, equity, commodity future and cash conversion options.

The following tables present the gross and net derivative positions and the related offsetting amount, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

							Gross amounts not offset in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition
	Gross amounts recognized		Gross amounts offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (a)		Net amounts included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition		Financial instruments		Cash Collateral pledged (b)		Net amounts
	(dollars in thousands)
As of March 31, 2016
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	$	45,725	$	—	$	45,725	$	—	$	7,305	$	38,420
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	25,134		—		25,134		—		582		24,552
As of December 31, 2015
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	39,618		—		39,618		—		9,339		30,279
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	21,183		—		21,183		—		534		20,649

(a) Includes financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting provisions that are permitted to be offset to the extent an event of default has occurred.

(b) Includes the amount of collateral held or posted.

Schedule of Other Investments

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, other investments included the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
(1) Portfolio Funds, at fair value	$	118,599	$	113,281
(2) Equity method investments	47,893		27,067
(3) Lehman claims, at fair value	293		299
	$	166,785	$	140,647

Schedule of Other Investments, Portfolio Funds

The Portfolio Funds, at fair value as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, included the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
HealthCare Royalty Partners (a)(*)	$	12,251	$	12,127
HealthCare Royalty Partners II (a)(*)	7,176		6,006
Orchard Square Partners Credit Fund LP (b)	4,000		4,170
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP (c)(*)	21,287		20,369
Starboard Partners Fund LP (d)(*)	9,396		14,036
Starboard Leaders Fund LP (e)(*)	1,209		1,080
Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. (f)	20,950		19,454
Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. (formerly Formation8 Partners Hardware Fund I, L.P.) (g)	1,733		1,101
RCG LV Park Lane LLC (h) (*)	575		809
RCGL 12E13th LLC (i) (*)	458		609
RCG Longview Debt Fund V, L.P. (i) (*)	18,170		18,147
RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. (j) (*)	2,468		2,468
Quadratic Fund LLC (k) (*)	4,865		—
Other private investment (l) (*)	7,534		6,909
Other affiliated funds (m)(*)	6,527		5,996
	$	118,599	$	113,281

* These portfolio funds are affiliates of the Company.

The Company has no unfunded commitments regarding the portfolio funds held by the Company except as noted in Note 11.

(a) HealthCare Royalty Partners, L.P. and HealthCare Royalty Partners II, L.P. are private equity funds and therefore distributions will be made when cash flows are received from the underlying investments, typically on a quarterly basis.

(b) Orchard Square Partners Credit Fund LP has a quarterly redemption policy with a 60 day notice period and a 4% penalty on redemptions of investments of less than a year in duration.

(c) Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP permits quarterly withdrawals upon 90 days notice.

(d) Starboard Partners Fund LP permits redemptions on a semi-annual basis on 180 days prior written notice subsequent to an initial two year lock up.

(e) Starboard Leaders Fund LP does not permit withdrawals, but instead allows terminations with respect to capital commitments upon 30 days prior written notice at any time following the first anniversary of an investors initial capital contribution.

(f) Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. is a private equity fund which invests in early stage and growth transformational information and energy technology companies. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(g) Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. (Formerly Formation8 Partners Hardware Fund I, L.P.) is a private equity fund which invests in early stage and growth hardware companies. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(h) RCG LV Park Lane LLC is a single purpose entity formed to participate in a joint venture which acquired, at a discount, the mortgage notes on a portfolio of multifamily real estate properties located in Birmingham, Alabama.  RCG LV Park Lane LLC is a private equity structure and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(i) RCGL 12E13th LLC and RCG Longview Debt Fund V, L.P. are real estate private equity structures and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(j) RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. is a single purpose entity formed to participate in a joint venture which acquired two fully entitled residential development sites in the New York City metro area. RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. is a private equity structure and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

(k) Quadratic Fund LLC permits redemptions on a 30 days prior written notice.

(l) Other private investment represents the Company's closed end investment in a portfolio fund that invests in a wireless broadband communication provider in Italy.

(m) The majority of these funds are affiliates of the Company or are managed by the Company and the investors can redeem from these funds as investments are liquidated.

Schedule of Other Investments, Equity Method

The following table summarizes equity method investments held by the Company:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
RCG Longview Debt Fund IV Management, LLC	$	331	$	331
RCG Longview Debt Fund V Partners, LLC	5,278		4,655
HealthCare Royalty GP, LLC	999		989
HealthCare Royalty GP II, LLC	1,215		1,017
HealthCare Royalty GP III, LLC	86		88
HealthCare Overflow Fund GP, LLC	50		—
Surf House Ocean Views Holdings, LLC	13,000		—
Starboard Value LP	22,805		15,769
RCG Longview Management, LLC	710		656
RCG Urban American, LLC	120		120
RCG Urban American Management, LLC	379		379
RCG Longview Equity Management, LLC	114		114
Urban American Real Estate Fund II, LLC	1,211		1,211
RCG Kennedy House, LLC	359		304
Other	1,236		1,434
	$	47,893	$	27,067

Schedule of Securities Sold, Not yet Purchased

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stocks	$	412,750	$	257,101
Corporate bonds (a)	60		58
	$	412,810	$	257,159

(a) As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the maturity was January 2026 with an interest rate of 5.55%.

Consolidated Funds

Investment Holdings [Line Items]

Marketable Securities

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, securities owned, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Preferred stock	$	28,000	$	32,000
Common stocks	7,100		—
Corporate bonds (a)	4,218		—
Term Loan	1,205		—
	$	40,523	$	32,000

(a) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from March 2017 to May 2049 and interest rates ranged between 3.25% and 14.37%.

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

As of March 31, 2016, receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds are comprised of:

	As of March 31, 2016
	(dollars in thousands)
Currency forwards	$	2
Equity swaps	61
Options	62
	$	125

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016, payable for derivative contracts, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds are comprised of currency forwards of $2.0 thousand.

Schedule of Other Investments, Portfolio Funds

Investments in Portfolio Funds, at fair value

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, investments in Portfolio Funds, at fair value, included the following:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Investments of Enterprise LP	$	113,696	$	111,075
Investments of Merger Fund	280,782		74,348
Investments of Quadratic LLC	—		78,395
	$	394,478	$	263,818

Schedule of Securities Sold, Not yet Purchased

As of March 31, 2016, securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds consisted of the following:

	As of March 31, 2016
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stocks	$	352
Corporate bonds (a)	1,015
	$	1,367

(a) As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from September 2019 to March 2025 and interest rates ranged between 4.38% and 9.25%.

Enterprise Master

Investment Holdings [Line Items]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

Receivable/(Payable) on derivative contracts, at fair value, owned by Enterprise Master

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
Description	(dollars in thousands)
Currency forwards	$	—	$	(4	)
	$	—	$	(4	)

Schedule of Securities Owned

Securities owned by Enterprise Master, at fair value

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stock	736		724
Preferred stock	1,478		1,484
Restricted stock	124		124
Rights	—		321
Trade claims	128		128
	$	2,466	$	2,781

Schedule of Other Investments, Portfolio Funds

Portfolio Funds, owned by Enterprise Master, at fair value

		As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	Strategy	(dollars in thousands)
RCG Longview Equity Fund, LP*	Real Estate	$	7,407	$	7,635
RCG Longview II, LP*	Real Estate	702		698
RCG Longview Debt Fund IV, LP*	Real Estate	3,042		3,577
RCG Soundview, LLC*	Real Estate	452		452
RCG Urban American Real Estate Fund, L.P.*	Real Estate	307		312
RCG Special Opportunities Fund, Ltd*	Multi-Strategy	85,435		81,544
RCG Energy, LLC *	Energy	—		1,189
RCG Renergys, LLC*	Energy	1		1
Other Private Investments	Various	10,472		10,515
Other Real Estate Investments (*)	Real Estate	5,045		5,753
		$	112,863	$	111,676

* Affiliates of the Company.

Merger Master

Investment Holdings [Line Items]

Marketable Securities

Securities owned by Merger Master, at fair value

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Common stocks	$	814,309	$	157,429
Corporate bonds (a)	—		492
	$	814,309	$	157,921

(a) As of December 31, 2015, the maturity was June 2024 with an interest rate of 5.25%

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value, owned by Merger Master

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
Description	(dollars in thousands)
Options	$	16,582	$	1,275
Currency forwards	24		235
Equity swaps	1,289		1,001
	$	17,895	$	2,511

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value, owned by Merger Master

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
Description	(dollars in thousands)
Options	$	1,293	$	563
Currency forwards	21		—
Equity swaps	283		30
	$	1,597	$	593

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Fair Value Measurements for Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

	Assets at Fair Value as of March 31, 2016
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
				(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Securities owned
US Government securities	$	3,774		$	—		$	—		$	3,774
Preferred stock	6,669			3,381			13,646			23,696
Common stocks	580,184			2,910			6,265			589,359
Convertible bonds	—			—			250			250
Corporate bonds	—			6,853			—			6,853
Warrants and rights	226			—			2,505			2,731
Mutual funds	1,104			—			—			1,104
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	1,289			—			—			1,289
Currency forwards	—			154			—			154
Equity swaps	—			811			—			811
Options	16,238			6,341			20,892			43,471
Other investments
Lehman claim	—			—			293			293
Consolidated funds
Securities owned
Preferred stock	—			—			28,000			28,000
Common stocks	806			6,294			—			7,100
Corporate Bonds	—			4,218			—			4,218
Term Loan	—			1,205			—			1,205
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
Currency forwards	—			2			—			2
Equity swaps	—			61			—			61
Options	46			16			—			62
	$	610,336		$	32,246		$	71,851		$	714,433
Percentage of total assets measured at fair value	85.4		%	4.5		%	10.1		%
Portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										118,599
Consolidated funds' portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										394,478
Equity method investments										47,893
Total investments										$	1,275,403

	Liabilities at Fair Value as of March 31, 2016
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Securities sold, not yet purchased
Common stocks	$	412,750		$	—		$	—		$	412,750
Corporate bonds	—			60			—			60
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	1,834			—			—			1,834
Currency forwards	—			426			—			426
Equity and credit default swaps	—			156			—			156
Options	1,826			—			20,892			22,718
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
Contingent consideration liability (b)	—			—			8,293			8,293
Consolidated funds
Securities sold, not yet purchased
Common stocks	352			—			—			352
Corporate bonds	—			1,015			—			1,015
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
Currency forwards	—			2			—			2
	$	416,762		$	1,659		$	29,185		$	447,606
Percentage of total liabilities measured at fair value	93.1		%	0.4		%	6.5		%

(a) In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

(b) In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during 2012 and the third and fourth quarter of 2015, the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income of the acquired businesses, if certain revenue targets are achieved through the periods ended August 2016, December 2020, and December 2018, respectively. The Company estimated the contingent consideration liability using the income approach (discounted cash flow method) which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts as of March 31, 2016 can range from $0.1 million to $8.6 million.

	Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
				(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Securities owned
US Government securities	$	3,016		$	—		$	—		$	3,016
Preferred stock	7,891			4,800			12,872			25,563
Common stocks	505,303			7,527			3,278			516,108
Convertible bonds	—			—			819			819
Corporate bonds	—			47,192			—			47,192
Warrants and rights	487			—			2,572			3,059
Mutual funds	14,477			—			—			14,477
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	189			—			—			189
Currency forwards	—			659			—			659
Equity swaps	—			2,327			—			2,327
Options	11,895			6,354			18,194			36,443
Other investments
Lehman claim	—			—			299			299
Consolidated funds
Preferred stock	—			—			32,000			32,000
	$	543,258		$	68,859		$	70,034		$	682,151
Percentage of total assets measured at fair value	79.6		%	10.1		%	10.3		%
Portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										113,281
Consolidated funds' portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a)										263,818
Equity method investments										27,067
Total investments										$	1,086,317

	Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Securities sold, not yet purchased
Common stocks	$	257,101		$	—		$	—		$	257,101
Corporate bonds	—			58			—			58
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
Futures	101			—			—			101
Currency forwards	—			463			—			463
Equity and credit default swaps	—			71			—			71
Options	2,354			—			18,194			20,548
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
Contingent consideration liability (b)	—			—			6,158			6,158
	$	259,556		$	592		$	24,352		$	284,500
Percentage of total liabilities measured at fair value	91.2		%	0.2		%	8.6		%

(a) In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

(b) In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during 2012 and the third and fourth quarter of 2015, the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income of the acquired businesses, if certain revenue targets are achieved through the periods ended August 2016, December 2020, and December 2018, respectively. The Company estimated the contingent consideration liability using the income approach (discounted cash flow method) which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts as of December 31, 2015 can range from $0.1 million to $10.0 million.

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation

The following table includes a rollforward of the amounts for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, for financial instruments classified within level 3. The classification of a financial instrument within level 3 is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
	Balance at December 31, 2015		Transfers in		Transfers out				Purchases/(covers)		(Sales)/shorts			Realized and Unrealized gains/losses			Balance at March 31, 2016		Change in unrealized gains/losses relating to instruments still held (1)
	(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Preferred stock	$	12,872	$	—	$	—			$	—	$	(218	)	$	992		$	13,646	$	566
Common stocks	3,278		—		—				1,069		—			1,918			6,265		2,054
Convertible bonds	819		—		—				—		(569		)	—			250		—
Options, asset	18,194		—		—				—		—			2,698			20,892		2,698
Options, liability	18,194		—		—				—		—			2,698			20,892		2,698
Warrants and Rights	2,572		—		—				—		—			(67		)	2,505		150
Lehman claim	299		—		—				—		—			(6		)	293		(6		)
Contingent consideration liability	6,158		—		—									2,135			8,293		2,135
Consolidated Funds
Preferred stock	32,000				(4,000		)	(a)	—		—			—			28,000		—

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Balance at December 31, 2014		Transfers in		Transfers out				Purchases/(covers)		(Sales)/shorts			Realized and Unrealized gains/losses			Balance at March 31, 2015		Change in unrealized gains/losses relating to instruments still held (1)
	(dollars in thousands)
Operating Entities
Preferred stock	$	12,517	$	—	$	—			$	7,375	$	—		$	(412	)	$	19,480	$	(412	)
Common stocks	412		—		—				—		(3		)	2			411		5
Convertible bonds	900		—		—				—		—			(21		)	879		(21		)
Options, asset	36,807		—		—				—		—			4,835			41,642		4,835
Options, liability	36,807		—		—				—		—			4,835			41,642		4,835
Warrants and Rights, asset	1,322		—		(14		)	(a)	26		—			1,225			2,559		1,224
Lehman claim	380		—		—				—		—			(19		)	361		(19		)
Contingent consideration liability	4,083		—		—				—		(109		)	—			3,974		—
Consolidated Funds
Lehman claim	493		—		—				—		—			1			494		1

(1) Unrealized gains/losses are reported in other income (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of

operations.

(a) The investment was converted to equity.

Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information

The following table includes quantitative information as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 for financial instruments classified within level 3. The table below quantifies information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's level 3 financial instruments.

	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value at March 31, 2016		Valuation techniques	Unobservable Inputs	Range
Level 3 Assets	(dollars in thousands)
Common and preferred stocks	$	2,551	Market/transaction multiples and option pricing method Illiquidity discount	Volatility Market multiples Discount	35% 1x to 5x 90%
Warrants and rights, net	2,505		Model based	Volatility	18% to 61% (weighted average 46%)
Options	20,892		Option pricing models	Volatility	45%
Other level 3 assets (a)	45,903
Total level 3 assets	71,851
Level 3 Liabilities
Options	20,892		Option pricing models	Volatility	45%
Contingent consideration	8,293		Discounted cash flows	Projected cash flow and discount rate	0% - 24.5% (weighted average 9.58%)
Total level 3 liabilities	$	29,185

	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value at December 31, 2015		Valuation techniques	Unobservable Inputs	Range
Level 3 Assets	(dollars in thousands)
Common and preferred stocks	$	2,569	Market multiples and option pricing method	Volatility Market multiples	34% 1x to 4.75x
Convertible bonds	819		Recovery analysis	Recovery rate	50%
Warrants and rights, net	2,572		Model based	Volatility	18% to 61% (weighted average 43%)
Options	18,194		Option pricing models	Volatility Credit spreads	38%
Other level 3 assets (a)	45,880
Total level 3 assets	70,034
Level 3 Liabilities
Options	18,194		Option pricing models	Volatility Credit spreads	38%
Contingent consideration	6,158		Discounted cash flows	Projected cash flow and discount rate	6.6% - 24.5% (weighted average 16.4%)
Total level 3 liabilities	$	24,352

(a) The quantitative disclosures exclude financial instruments for which the determination of fair value is based on prices from prior transactions.

Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring

The following table presents the carrying values and fair values, at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, of financial assets and liabilities and information on their classification within the fair value hierarchy which are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. For additional information regarding the financial instruments within the scope of this disclosure, and the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate their fair value see Note 3.

	March 31, 2016						December 31, 2015						Fair Value Hierarchy
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
				(dollars in thousands)
Financial Assets
Operating companies
Cash and cash equivalents	$	67,046		$	67,046		$	158,485		$	158,485		Level 1
Cash collateral pledged	10,157			10,157			10,085			10,085			Level 2
Consolidated funds
Cash and cash equivalents	12,348			12,348			13,934			13,934			Level 1
Financial Liabilities
Convertible debt	124,251		(a)	139,546		(b)	122,401		(a)	144,946		(b)	Level 2
Notes payable and other debt	90,081			72,375			68,565			71,945			Level 2

(a) The carrying amount of the convertible debt includes an unamortized discount of $23.1 million and $24.7 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

(b) The convertible debt include the conversion option and is based on the last broker quote available.

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Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries and Funds (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds

Redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds and the related net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds are comprised as follows:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds
Operating companies	$	8,561	$	10,906
Consolidated funds	316,377		176,005
	$	324,938	$	186,911

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds
Operating companies	$	(78	)	$	918
Consolidated funds	(4,219		)	1,802
	$	(4,297	)	$	2,720

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Share-Based Compensation and Employee Ownership Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity

The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Shares Subject to Option	Weighted Average Exercise Price/Share		Weighted Average Remaining Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1)
				(in years)	(dollars in thousands)
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	16,667	$	4.89	1.10	$	—
Options granted	—	—		—	—
Options exercised	—	—		—	—
Options expired	—	—		—	—
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016	16,667	$	4.89	0.85	$	—
Options exercisable at March 31, 2016	16,667	$	4.89	0.85	$	—

(1) Based on the Company's closing stock price of $3.81 on March 31, 2016 and $3.83 on December 31, 2015.

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Appreciation Rights, Activity

As of March 31, 2016, the Company's stock options were fully expensed.

The following table summarizes the Company's SAR's for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Shares Subject to Option	Weighted Average Exercise Price/Share		Weighted Average Remaining Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1)
				(in years)	(dollars in thousands)
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	400,000	2.90		2.21	$	558
SAR's granted	—	—		—	—
SAR's acquired	—	—		—	—
SAR's expired	—	—		—	—
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016	400,000	$	2.90	1.96	$	522
SAR's exercisable at March 31, 2016	—	$	—	—	$	—

(1) Based on the Company's closing stock price of $3.81 on March 31, 2016 and $3.83 on December 31, 2015.

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity

Restricted shares and restricted stock units are referred to collectively as restricted stock. The following table summarizes the Company's restricted share and restricted stock unit activity for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Nonvested Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	21,480,364		$	4.17
Granted	7,410,814		3.47
Vested	(2,851,670	)	4.00
Canceled	—		—
Forfeited	(79,182	)	3.85
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016 (1)	25,960,326		$	3.99

(1) Performance linked restricted stock units of 1,925,750 were awarded to employees of the Company in December 2013 and January 2014. An additional 2,800,000 performance linked restricted stock units were awarded in March 2016. Of the awards granted, 326,250 have been forfeited through March 31, 2016. The remaining awards, included in the outstanding balance as of March 31, 2016, will vest between March 2019 and December 2020 and will be earned only to the extent that the Company attains specified market goals relating to its volume-weighted average share price and total shareholder return in relation to certain benchmark indices and performance goals relating to aggregate net income and average return on shareholder equity. The actual number of RSUs ultimately earned could vary from zero, if performance goals are not met, to as much as 150% of the targeted award. Each RSU is equal to the one share of the Company’s Class A common stock. Compensation expense is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will attain the performance goals.

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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Future Minimum Annual Lease and Service Payments

As of March 31, 2016, future minimum annual lease and service payments for the Company were as follows:

	Equipment Leases (a)		Service Payments		Facility Leases (b)
	(dollars in thousands)
2016	$	1,810	$	13,198	$	13,971
2017	2,301		9,238		15,648
2018	2,221		4,653		15,656
2019	813		1,414		14,820
2020	—		—		14,814
Thereafter	—		—		32,250
	$	7,145	$	28,503	$	107,159

(a) Equipment Leases include the Company's commitments relating to operating and capital leases. See Note 12 for further information on the capital lease minimum payments which are included in the table.

(b) The Company has entered into various agreements to sublease certain of its premises. The Company recorded sublease income related to these leases of $0.8 million and $0.5 million and for the three months endedMarch 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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Convertible Debt and Notes Payable (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company's outstanding debt was as follows:

	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(dollars in thousands)
Convertible debt	$	124,251	$	122,401
Note payable	60,936		60,831
Other note payable	1,695		—
Revolver	25,000		5,000
Capital lease obligations	2,450		2,734
	$	214,332	$	190,966

Schedule of Maturities of Debt and Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases

Annual scheduled maturities of debt and minimum payments for all debt outstanding as of March 31, 2016, is as follows:

	Convertible Debt			Note Payable			Revolver		Other Note Payable			Capital Lease Obligation
	(dollars in thousands)
2016	$	2,243		$	3,914		$	25,000	$	1,718		$	704
2017	4,485			5,218			—		—			938
2018	4,485			5,218			—		—			938
2019	151,743			5,218			—		—			78
2020	—			5,218			—		—			—
Thereafter	—			68,468			—		—			—
Subtotal	162,956			93,254			25,000		1,718			2,658
Less: Amount representing interest (a)	(38,705		)	(32,318		)	—		(23		)	(208		)
Total	$	124,251		$	60,936		$	25,000	$	1,695		$	2,450

(a) Amount necessary to reduce net minimum payments to present value calculated at the Company's implicit rate at inception. This amount also includes the unamortized discount on the convertible debt.

Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities

As of March 31, 2016, the Company has the following nine irrevocable letters of credit related to leased office space, for which there is cash collateral pledged, which the Company pays a fee on the stated amount of the letter of credit.

Location	Amount		Maturity
	(dollars in thousands)
New York	$	355	May 2016
New York	$	1,861	May 2016
New York	$	794	October 2016
New York	$	3,373	October 2016
New York	$	1,600	November 2016
San Francisco	$	710	January 2017
New York	$	65	January 2017
New York	$	1,000	February 2017
Boston	$	382	March 2017

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Stockholder's Equity (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Equity [Abstract]

Treasury Stock Activity

The following represents the activity relating to the treasury stock held by the Company during the three months endedMarch 31, 2016:

	Treasury stock shares	Cost (dollars in thousands)		Average cost per share
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2015	34,515,734	$	137,356	$	3.98
Shares purchased for minimum tax withholding under the Equity Plan or other similar transactions	1,124,676	4,012		3.57
Purchase of treasury stock	998,119	3,570		3.58
Balance outstanding at March 31, 2016	36,638,529	$	144,938	$	3.96

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

	Foreign currency translation (a)			Defined benefit plans (a)		Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	—		$	—	$	—
Net change	(3		)	—		(3		)
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	(3	)	$	—	$	(3	)
	Foreign currency translation (a)			Defined benefit plans (a)		Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	17		$	—	$	17
Net change	(2		)	—		(2		)
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	15		$	—	$	15

(a) During the periods presented, the Company did not have material reclassifications out of other comprehensive income.

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

The computation of earnings per share is as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016			2015
Net income (loss)	$	(7,995	)	$	19,418
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(4,297		)	2,720
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	(3,698		)	16,698
Preferred stock dividends	1,698			—
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	$	(5,396	)	$	16,698
Shares for basic and diluted calculations:
Weighted average shares used in basic computation	106,364			112,053
Stock options	—			—
Performance based restricted stock	—			411
Stock appreciation rights	—			119
Restricted stock	—			6,007
Weighted average shares used in diluted computation	106,364			118,590
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(0.05	)	$	0.15
Diluted	$	(0.05	)	$	0.14

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Segment Reporting (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Information, by Segment

The following tables set forth operating results for the Company's alternative investment and broker-dealer segments and related adjustments necessary to reconcile the Company's Economic Income (Loss) measure to arrive at the Company's consolidated US GAAP net income (loss):

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
										Adjustments
	Alternative Investment			Broker-Dealer			Total Economic Income/(Loss)			Funds Consolidation			Other Adjustments				US GAAP
	(dollars in thousands)
Revenues
Investment banking	$	—		$	26,147		$	26,147		$	—		$	—			$	26,147
Brokerage	—			52,867			52,867			—			(1,932		)		50,935
Management fees	16,128			775			16,903			(370		)	(5,503		)	(a)	11,030
Incentive income	6,920			—			6,920			(157		)	(5,652		)	(a)	1,111
Investment Income	1,395			455			1,850			—			(1,850		)	(c)	—
Interest and dividends	—			—			—			—			3,653			(c)	3,653
Reimbursement from affiliates	—			—			—			(14		)	3,901			(e)	3,887
Other revenue	682			271			953			—			1,772			(c)	2,725
Consolidated Funds revenues	—			—			—			1,551			—				1,551
Total revenues	25,125			80,515			105,640			1,010			(5,611		)		101,039
Expenses
Non interest expense	20,261			83,761			104,022			—			2,791			(c)(d)(b)	106,813
Interest and dividends	3,183			1,090			4,273			—			3,037			(c)	7,310
Consolidated Funds expenses	—			—			—			1,816			—				1,816
Total expenses	23,444			84,851			108,295			1,816			5,828				115,939
Total other income (loss)	—			—			—			(3,413		)	6,998			(c)	3,585
Income taxes expense / (benefit)	—			—			—			—			(3,320		)	(b)	(3,320		)
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(2,227		)	—			(2,227		)	4,219			2,305				4,297
Economic Income (Loss) / Net Income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	$	(546	)	$	(4,336	)	$	(4,882	)	$	—		$	1,184			$	(3,698	)

	Three Months March 31, 2015
									Adjustments
	Alternative Investment			Broker-Dealer		Total Economic Income/(Loss)			Funds Consolidation			Other Adjustments				US GAAP
	(dollars in thousands)
Revenues
Investment banking	$	—		$	65,233	$	65,233		$	—		$	—			$	65,233
Brokerage	18			35,505		35,523			—			(69		)		35,454
Management fees	16,607			—		16,607			(238		)	(5,985		)	(a)	10,384
Incentive income	15,363			—		15,363			(183		)	(12,808		)	(a)	2,372
Investment Income	21,830			7,050		28,880			—			(28,880		)	(c)	—
Interest and dividends	—			—		—			—			3,083			(c)	3,083
Reimbursement from affiliates	—			—		—			(85		)	3,727			(e)	3,642
Other revenue	21			48		69			—			599			(c)	668
Consolidated Funds revenues	—			—		—			258			—				258
Total revenues	53,839			107,836		161,675			(248		)	(40,333		)		121,094
Expenses
Non interest expense	34,834			96,329		131,163			—			1,506			(c)(d)	132,669
Interest and dividends	3,044			978		4,022			—			1,757			(c)	5,779
Consolidated Funds expenses	—			—		—			358			—				358
Total expenses	37,878			97,307		135,185			358			3,263				138,806
Total other income (loss)	—			—		—			2,407			41,670			(c)	44,077
Income taxes expense / (benefit)	—			—		—			—			6,947			(b)	6,947
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(2,845		)	—		(2,845		)	(1,801		)	1,926				(2,720		)
Economic Income (Loss) / Net Income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	$	13,116		$	10,529	$	23,645		$	—		$	(6,947	)		$	16,698

The following is a summary of the adjustments made to US GAAP net income (loss) for the segment to arrive at

Economic Income (Loss):

Funds Consolidation: The impacts of consolidation and the related elimination entries of the Consolidated Funds are not included in Economic Income (Loss). Adjustments to reconcile to US GAAP net income (loss) include elimination of incentive income and management fees earned from the Consolidated Funds and addition of fund expenses excluding management fees paid, fund revenues and investment income (loss).

Other Adjustments:

(a)     Economic Income (Loss) recognizes revenues (i) net of distribution fees paid to agents and (ii) our proportionate share

of management and incentive fees of certain real estate operating entities and the activist business.

(b)    Economic Income (Loss) excludes income taxes and acquisition related adjustments as management does not consider

these items when evaluating the performance of the segment.

(c)     Economic Income (Loss) recognizes Company income from proprietary trading (including interest and dividends) and

underwriting income from the Company's insurance related activities net of expenses.

(d)     Economic Income (Loss) recognizes the Company's proportionate share of expenses for certain real estate and other

operating entities for which the investments are recorded under the equity method of accounting for investments.

(e)    Reimbursement from affiliates is shown as a reduction of Economic Income expenses, but is included as a part of

revenues under US GAAP

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Organization and Business (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of business segments	2

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Acquisition (Details) - Cowen Prime and Cowen Prime Trading $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	$ 11,400
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	1,800
Revenues	132,363
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	$ 16,547
Net income per common share - Basic (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.15
Net income per common share - Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.14

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Significant Accounting Policies All Other - Quarterly (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) cowenfund	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) cowenfund
Total net assets of consolidated VIEs | $	$ 452.1	$ 1.5
Deferred rent | $	11.9	12.0
Deferred Rent Asset, Net, Current | $	$ 0.3	$ 0.3
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Number of funds, Consolidated | cowenfund	3	3
Other investment companies
Number of funds, Consolidated | cowenfund	5
Investment Company
Number of funds, Consolidated | cowenfund	2
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum | Telephone and computer equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum | Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum | Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum | Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum | Aircraft [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years
Minimum | Flight Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	4 years
Maximum | Telephone and computer equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	8 years
Maximum | Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Maximum | Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	8 years
Maximum | Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years
Maximum | Aircraft [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Maximum | Flight Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

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Significant Accounting Policies Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 214,332	$ 190,966
Previous Accounting Guidance [Member]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount		195,700
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
Other Long-term Debt		$ 191,000

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Cash Collateral Pledged (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash collateral pledged	$ 10,157	$ 10,085

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Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds - Securities Owned at Fair Value - (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Investments		$ 0	$ 0
Marketable Securities, Consolidated Funds		40,523,000	32,000,000
Securities owned, at fair value		627,767,000	610,234,000
US Treasury and Government [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Debt	[1]	$ 3,774,000	$ 3,016,000
US Government Securities | Minimum
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Debt securities, interest rate		0.00%	0.00%
US Government Securities | Maximum
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Debt securities, interest rate		5.95%	5.95%
Preferred Stock
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Marketable Securities, Consolidated Funds		$ 28,000,000	$ 32,000,000
Trading Securities, Equity	[2]	23,696,000	25,563,000
Common Stock
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Marketable Securities, Consolidated Funds		7,100,000	0
Trading Securities, Equity	[2]	589,359,000	516,108,000
Convertible Bonds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Debt	[3]	$ 250,000	$ 819,000
Debt securities, interest rate		8.00%
Convertible Bonds | Minimum
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Debt securities, interest rate			8.00%
Convertible Bonds | Maximum
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Debt securities, interest rate			10.00%
Corporate Bonds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Marketable Securities, Consolidated Funds	[4]	$ 4,218,000	$ 0
Trading Securities, Debt	[5]	$ 6,853,000	$ 47,192,000
Corporate Bonds | Minimum
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Debt securities, interest rate		3.48%	3.25%
Corporate Bonds | Maximum
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Debt securities, interest rate		7.25%	9.00%
Warrants and Rights
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Equity		$ 2,731,000	$ 3,059,000
Mutual Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Equity	[6]	1,104,000	14,477,000
Loans [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Marketable Securities, Consolidated Funds		$ 1,205,000	0
Consolidated Funds | Corporate Bonds | Minimum
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Debt securities, interest rate		3.25%
Consolidated Funds | Corporate Bonds | Maximum
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Debt securities, interest rate		14.37%
Enterprise Master
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		$ 2,466,000	2,781,000
Enterprise Master | Trade Claims
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		128,000	128,000
Enterprise Master | Preferred Stock
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		1,478,000	1,484,000
Enterprise Master | Common Stock
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		736,000	724,000
Enterprise Master | Restricted Stock
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		124,000	124,000
Enterprise Master | Rights
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		0	321,000
Merger Master
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		814,309,000	157,921,000
Merger Master | Common Stock
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		814,309,000	157,429,000
Merger Master | Corporate Bonds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		0	$ 492,000	[7]
Merger Master | Corporate Bonds | Minimum
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Debt securities, interest rate			5.25%
Common Stock
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Equity	[2]	2,700,000	$ 7,400,000
Preferred Stock
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Equity	[2]	$ 4,800,000	7,700,000
Affiliated Entity | Mutual Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Equity	[6]		$ 13,400,000

[1] As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from June 2016 to February 2017 with interest rates ranged between 0% to 5.95%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from January 2016 to August 2016 with interest rates ranged between 0% to 5.95%.

[2] Included in preferred stocks and common stocks are investments in securities for which the Company has elected the fair value option with the fair value of $4.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively, at March 31, 2016 and $7.7 million and $7.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2015. These investments were acquired in connection with merchant banking transactions.

[3] As of March 31, 2016, the maturity was March 2018 with an interest rate of 8%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from July 2016 to March 2018 with interest rates ranged between 8% to 10.00%.

[4] As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from March 2017 to May 2049 and interest rates ranged between 3.25% and 14.37%.

[5] As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from August 2017 to February 2046 and interest rates ranged between 3.48% to 7.25%. As of December 31, 2015, maturities ranged from March 2016 to February 2046 and interest rates ranged between 3.25% to 9.00%.

[6] Included in this amount as of December 31, 2015, are investments in affiliated funds of $13.4 million all of which was liquidated during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

[7] As of December 31, 2015, the maturity was June 2024 with an interest rate of 5.25%.

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Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds - Derivatives (Details)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) contract shares	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) contract	Mar. 10, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares
Derivative [Line Items]
Payable for derivatives		$ 2,000		$ 0
Receivable on derivatives		125,000		0
Warrants issued			$ 15,200,000
Cost of hedge transaction and warrant, net					$ 20,500,000
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value		45,725,000		39,618,000
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value		$ 25,134,000		21,183,000
Trading days for expiration		80 days
Equity Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable on derivatives		$ 61,000
Options
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable on derivatives		62,000
Futures
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value		1,289,000		189,000
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value		1,834,000		101,000
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount		17,143,000		9,416,000
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount		15,401,000		11,995,000
Currency Forwards
Derivative [Line Items]
Payable for derivatives		2,000
Receivable on derivatives		2,000
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value		154,000		659,000
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value		426,000		463,000
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount		56,569,000		67,862,000
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount		43,658,000		44,156,000
Equity Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value		811,000		2,327,000
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value		156,000		71,000
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount		21,012,000		118,488,000
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount		$ 7,236,000		$ 7,605,000
Options
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Number of Instruments Held | contract	[1]	334,903		289,433
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value	[1]	$ 38,978,000		$ 31,456,000
Put Option
Derivative [Line Items]
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value	[2]	$ 22,718,000		$ 20,548,000
Derivative Liability, Number of Instruments Held | contract	[2]	15,775		16,632
Foreign Exchange Option
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value		$ 4,493,000		$ 4,987,000
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount		280,507,000		283,797,000
Receivables from Brokers-Dealers and Clearing Organizations
Derivative [Line Items]
Collateral posted		13,200,000		27,100,000
Enterprise Master
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable (payable) on derivative contracts, at fair value		0		(4,000)
Merger Master
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value		17,895,000		2,511,000
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value		1,597,000		593,000
Merger Master | Equity Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value		1,289,000		1,001,000
Merger Master | Currency forward
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value		24,000		235,000
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value		21,000		0
Merger Master | Options
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value		16,582,000		1,275,000
Merger Master | Equity Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value		283,000		30,000
Merger Master | Put Option
Derivative [Line Items]
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value		$ 1,293,000		563,000
Common Stock Class A
Derivative [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights | shares		28,048,786
Class of Warrant, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights | $ / shares					$ 7.18
Convertible Debt
Derivative [Line Items]
Call Option, Fair Value		$ 20,900,000			$ 35,700,000
Receivable on derivatives contracts, at fair value [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset		45,725,000		39,618,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	[3]	0		0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	[4]	7,305,000		9,339,000
Derivative asset, net of offset		38,420,000		30,279,000
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value		45,725,000		39,618,000
Financial Instruments, Owned and Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value		0		0
Payable for derivatives contracts, at fair value [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability		25,134,000		21,183,000
Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value		25,134,000		21,183,000
Financial Instruments, Owned and Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value		0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	[3]	0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	[4]	582,000		534,000
Derivative Liability, net of offset		24,552,000		20,649,000
Currency Forwards | Enterprise Master
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable (payable) on derivative contracts, at fair value		0		$ (4,000)
Other Income [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) related to derivatives trading activities		$ 2,400,000	$ 2,100,000

[1] Includes index, equity, commodity future and cash conversion options.

[2] Includes index, equity, commodity future and cash conversion options.

[3] Includes financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting provisions that are permitted to be offset to the extent an event of default has occurred.

[4] Includes the amount of collateral held or posted.

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Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds - Other Investments - Quarterly (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	$ 166,785		$ 140,647
Portfolio Funds, at fair value
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	118,599	[1]	113,281	[2]
Equity Method Investments
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	47,893		27,067
Lehman claims, at fair value
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	$ 293		$ 299

[1] In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

[2] In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

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Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds - Portfolio Funds - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Portfolio Funds, Consolidated Funds		$ 394,478		$ 263,818
Other investments		166,785		140,647
Enterprise LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Portfolio Funds, Consolidated Funds		113,696		111,075
Merger Fund
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Portfolio Funds, Consolidated Funds		280,782		74,348
Quadratic Master
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Portfolio Funds, Consolidated Funds		0		78,395
Portfolio Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments		118,599	[1]	113,281	[2]
Portfolio Funds | Healthcare Royalty Partners | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[3],[4]	12,251		12,127
Portfolio Funds | Healthcare Royalty Partners II | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[3],[4]	7,176		6,006
Portfolio Funds | Orchard Square Partners Credit Fund LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[5]	$ 4,000		4,170
Portfolio Funds | Orchard Square Partners Credit Fund LP | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Required notice period, redemption		60 days
Penalty on redemptions of less than one year		4.00%
Portfolio Funds | Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[4],[6]	$ 21,287		20,369
Required notice period, withdrawal		90 days
Portfolio Funds | Starboard Partners Fund LP | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[4],[7]	$ 9,396		14,036
Required notice period, withdrawal		180 days
Portfolio Funds | Starboard Leaders Fund LP | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[4],[8]	$ 1,209		1,080
Unfunded Commitment cancellation		30 days
Portfolio Funds | Formation 8 Partners Fund I LP
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[9]	$ 20,950		19,454
Portfolio Funds | Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P.
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[10]	1,733		1,101
Portfolio Funds | RCG LV Park Lane LLC | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[4],[11]	575		809
Portfolio Funds | RCGL 12E13th LLC | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[4],[12]	458		609
Portfolio Funds | RCGLongview Debt Fund V, L.P. | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[4],[12]	18,170		18,147
Portfolio Funds | RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[4],[13]	2,468		2,468
Portfolio Funds | Quadratic Fund LLC [Member] | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[4],[14]	$ 4,865		0
Required notice period, withdrawal		30 days
Portfolio Funds | Other Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[4],[15]	$ 7,534		6,909
Portfolio Funds | Other Funds | Affiliated Entity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[4],[16]	6,527		5,996
Portfolio Funds | Enterprise Master
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments		112,863		111,676
Portfolio Funds | Enterprise Master | RCG Longview Equity Fund, LP | Affiliated Entity | Real Estate Strategy
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[17]	7,407		7,635
Portfolio Funds | Enterprise Master | RCG Longview II, LP | Affiliated Entity | Real Estate Strategy
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[17]	702		698
Portfolio Funds | Enterprise Master | RCG Longview Debt Fund IV, LP | Affiliated Entity | Real Estate Strategy
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[17]	3,042		3,577
Portfolio Funds | Enterprise Master | RCG Soundview, LLC | Affiliated Entity | Real Estate Strategy
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[17]	452		452
Portfolio Funds | Enterprise Master | RCG Urban American Real Estate Fund, L.P. | Affiliated Entity | Real Estate Strategy
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[17]	307		312
Portfolio Funds | Enterprise Master | RCG Special Opportunities Fund, Ltd | Affiliated Entity | Multi-strategy
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[17]	85,435		81,544
Portfolio Funds | Enterprise Master | RCG Energy, LLC | Affiliated Entity | Energy Strategy
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[17]	0		1,189
Portfolio Funds | Enterprise Master | RCG Renergys, LLC | Affiliated Entity | Energy Strategy
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[17]	1		1
Portfolio Funds | Enterprise Master | Other Private Investment | Various Strategies
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments		10,472		10,515
Portfolio Funds | Enterprise Master | Real Estate Funds | Real Estate Strategy
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other investments	[17]	$ 5,045		$ 5,753

[1] In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

[2] In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

[3] HealthCare Royalty Partners, L.P. and HealthCare Royalty Partners II, L.P. are private equity funds and therefore distributions will be made when cash flows are received from the underlying investments, typically on a quarterly basis.

[4] These portfolio funds are affiliates of the Company.

[5] Orchard Square Partners Credit Fund LP has a quarterly redemption policy with a 60 day notice period and a 4% penalty on redemptions of investments of less than a year in duration.

[6] Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP permits quarterly withdrawals upon 90 days notice.

[7] Starboard Partners Fund LP permits redemptions on a semi-annual basis on 180 days prior written notice subsequent to an initial two year lock up.

[8] Starboard Leaders Fund LP does not permit withdrawals, but instead allows terminations with respect to capital commitments upon 30 days prior written notice at any time following the first anniversary of an investors initial capital contribution.

[9] Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. is a private equity fund which invests in early stage and growth transformational information and energy technology companies. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

[10] Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. (Formerly Formation8 Partners Hardware Fund I, L.P.) is a private equity fund which invests in early stage and growth hardware companies. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

[11] RCG LV Park Lane LLC is a single purpose entity formed to participate in a joint venture which acquired, at a discount, the mortgage notes on a portfolio of multifamily real estate properties located in Birmingham, Alabama. RCG LV Park Lane LLC is a private equity structure and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

[12] RCGL 12E13th LLC and RCG Longview Debt Fund V, L.P. are real estate private equity structures and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

[13] RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. is a single purpose entity formed to participate in a joint venture which acquired two fully entitled residential development sites in the New York City metro area. RCG LPP SME Co-Invest, L.P. is a private equity structure and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.

[14] Quadratic Fund LLC permits redemptions on a 30 days prior written notice.

[15] Other private investment represents the Company's closed end investment in a portfolio fund that invests in a wireless broadband communication provider in Italy.

[16] The majority of these funds are affiliates of the Company or are managed by the Company and the investors can redeem from these funds as investments are liquidated.

[17] Affiliates of the Company.

XML

Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds - Real Estate (Details) - Clawback Obligation - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Commitment	$ 6.2	$ 6.2
RCG Longview Partners II, LLC
Other Commitment	$ 6.2	$ 6.2

XML

Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds - Equity Method Investments - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	$ 166,785		$ 140,647
Net Gains (Losses) on Securities, Derivatives and Other Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	4,600	$ 14,200
Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	47,893		27,067
RCG Longview Debt Fund IV Management, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	331		331
RCG Longview Debt Fund V Partners, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	5,278		4,655
Healthcare Royalty GP, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	999		989
Healthcare Royalty GP II, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	1,215		1,017
Healthcare Royalty GP III, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	86		88
Healthcare Overflow Fund GP, LLC [Member] | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	50		0
Surf House Ocean Views Holdings, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	13,000		0
Starboard Value LP | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	22,805		15,769
RCG Longview Management, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	710		656
RCG Urban American, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	120		120
RCG Urban American Management, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	379		379
RCG Longview Equity Management, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	114		114
Urban American Real Estate Fund II, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	1,211		1,211
RCG Kennedy House, LLC | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	359		304
Equity Method Investee, Other | Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	$ 1,236		$ 1,434
Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	20.00%
Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	55.00%

XML

Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds - Lehman Claims (Details) - Lehman claims, at fair value - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 15, 2008
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other Investments, Initial Claim		$ 1.0
Total Dividend Amount Received	$ 1.0
Total Dividend percent received	100.00%

XML

Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds - Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Securities sold, not yet purchased, Consolidated Funds		$ 1,367	$ 0
Securities owned, at fair value		627,767	610,234
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value		412,810	257,159
Merger Master
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		814,309	157,921
Corporate Bonds
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	[1]	$ 60	$ 58
Securities sold, not yet purchased, interest rate		5.55%	5.55%
Corporate Bonds | Consolidated Funds | Minimum
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Securities sold, not yet purchased, interest rate		4.38%
Corporate Bonds | Consolidated Funds | Maximum
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Securities sold, not yet purchased, interest rate		9.25%
Common Stock
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value		$ 412,750	$ 257,101
Common Stock | Merger Master
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value		581,300	73,800
Corporate Bonds
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Securities sold, not yet purchased, Consolidated Funds	[2]	1,015
Corporate Bonds | Merger Master
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		0	492	[3]
Common Stock
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Securities sold, not yet purchased, Consolidated Funds		352
Common Stock | Merger Master
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Securities owned, at fair value		$ 814,309	$ 157,429

[1] As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the maturity was January 2026 with an interest rate of 5.55%

[2] As of March 31, 2016, maturities ranged from September 2019 to March 2025 and interest rates ranged between 4.38% and 9.25%.

[3] As of December 31, 2015, the maturity was June 2024 with an interest rate of 5.25%.

XML

Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds - Variable Interest Entities (Details) - Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total assets of nonconsolidated variable interest entities	$ 5,400.0	$ 3,100.0
Total liabilities of nonconsolidated variable interest entities	1,000.0	473.3
Maximum exposure regarding nonconsolidated variable interest entities	$ 483.8	$ 327.8

XML

Fair Value Measurements for Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$ 714,433		$ 682,151
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	447,606		284,500
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low	100		100
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	8,600		10,000
Other investments	166,785		140,647
Other Investments, Consolidated Funds	394,478		263,818
Investments	1,275,403		1,086,317
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$ 610,336		$ 543,258
Percentage of Total Assets at Fair Value	85.40%		79.60%
Percentage of Total Liabilities at Fair Value	93.10%		91.20%
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 416,762		$ 259,556
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$ 32,246		$ 68,859
Percentage of Total Assets at Fair Value	4.50%		10.10%
Percentage of Total Liabilities at Fair Value	0.40%		0.20%
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,659		$ 592
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$ 71,851		$ 70,034
Percentage of Total Assets at Fair Value	10.10%		10.30%
Percentage of Total Liabilities at Fair Value	6.50%		8.60%
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	$ 29,185		$ 24,352
Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	412,750		257,101
Common Stock | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	412,750		257,101
Common Stock | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Common Stock | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Corporate Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	60		58
Corporate Bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Corporate Bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	60		58
Corporate Bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Contingent liability payable
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	8,293	[1]	6,158	[2]
Contingent liability payable | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1]	0	[2]
Contingent liability payable | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1]	0	[2]
Contingent liability payable | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	8,293	[1]	6,158	[2]
Futures | Derivative Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	1,834		101
Futures | Derivative Liabilities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	1,834		101
Futures | Derivative Liabilities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Futures | Derivative Liabilities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Currency forward | Derivative Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	426		463
Currency forward | Derivative Liabilities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Currency forward | Derivative Liabilities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	426		463
Currency forward | Derivative Liabilities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Equity Swaps | Derivative Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	156		71
Equity Swaps | Derivative Liabilities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Equity Swaps | Derivative Liabilities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	156		71
Equity Swaps | Derivative Liabilities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Put Option | Derivative Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	22,718		20,548
Put Option | Derivative Liabilities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	1,826		2,354
Put Option | Derivative Liabilities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Put Option | Derivative Liabilities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	20,892		18,194
US Government Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	3,774		3,016
US Government Securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	3,774		3,016
US Government Securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
US Government Securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	23,696		25,563
Preferred Stock | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	6,669		7,891
Preferred Stock | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	3,381		4,800
Preferred Stock | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	13,646		12,872
Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	589,359		516,108
Common Stock | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	580,184		505,303
Common Stock | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2,910		7,527
Common Stock | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	6,265		3,278
Convertible Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	250		819
Convertible Bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Convertible Bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Convertible Bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	250		819
Corporate Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	6,853		47,192
Corporate Bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Corporate Bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	6,853		47,192
Corporate Bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Warrants and Rights
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2,731		3,059
Warrants and Rights | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	226		487
Warrants and Rights | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Warrants and Rights | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2,505		2,572
Mutual Funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,104		14,477
Mutual Funds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,104		14,477
Mutual Funds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Mutual Funds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Derivative Assets | Futures
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,289		189
Derivative Assets | Futures | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,289		189
Derivative Assets | Futures | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Derivative Assets | Futures | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Derivative Assets | Currency forward
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	154		659
Derivative Assets | Currency forward | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Derivative Assets | Currency forward | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	154		659
Derivative Assets | Currency forward | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Derivative Assets | Equity Swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	811		2,327
Derivative Assets | Equity Swaps | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Derivative Assets | Equity Swaps | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	811		2,327
Derivative Assets | Equity Swaps | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Derivative Assets | Options
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	43,471		36,443
Derivative Assets | Options | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	16,238		11,895
Derivative Assets | Options | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	6,341		6,354
Derivative Assets | Options | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	20,892		18,194
Portfolio Funds, at fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	118,599	[3]	113,281	[4]
Other Investments, Consolidated Funds	394,478	[3]	263,818	[4]
Lehman claims, at fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	293		299
Other investments	293		299
Lehman claims, at fair value | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Lehman claims, at fair value | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Lehman claims, at fair value | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	293		299
Equity Method Investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	47,893		27,067
Consolidated Funds | Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	352
Consolidated Funds | Common Stock | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	352
Consolidated Funds | Common Stock | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0
Consolidated Funds | Common Stock | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0
Consolidated Funds | Corporate Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	1,015
Consolidated Funds | Corporate Bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0
Consolidated Funds | Corporate Bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	1,015
Consolidated Funds | Corporate Bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0
Consolidated Funds | Currency forward | Derivative Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	2
Consolidated Funds | Currency forward | Derivative Liabilities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0
Consolidated Funds | Currency forward | Derivative Liabilities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	2
Consolidated Funds | Currency forward | Derivative Liabilities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0
Consolidated Funds | Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,205
Consolidated Funds | Loans [Member] | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0
Consolidated Funds | Loans [Member] | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,205
Consolidated Funds | Loans [Member] | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0
Consolidated Funds | Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	28,000		32,000
Consolidated Funds | Preferred Stock | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Consolidated Funds | Preferred Stock | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0		0
Consolidated Funds | Preferred Stock | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	28,000		$ 32,000
Consolidated Funds | Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	7,100
Consolidated Funds | Common Stock | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	806
Consolidated Funds | Common Stock | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	6,294
Consolidated Funds | Common Stock | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0
Consolidated Funds | Corporate Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	4,218
Consolidated Funds | Corporate Bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0
Consolidated Funds | Corporate Bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	4,218
Consolidated Funds | Corporate Bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Currency forward
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Currency forward | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Currency forward | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Currency forward | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Equity Swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	61
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Equity Swaps | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Equity Swaps | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	61
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Equity Swaps | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Options
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	62
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Options | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	46
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Options | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	16
Consolidated Funds | Derivative Assets | Options | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$ 0

[1] In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during 2012 and the third and fourth quarter of 2015, the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income of the acquired businesses, if certain revenue targets are achieved through the periods ended August 2016, December 2020, and December 2018, respectively. The Company estimated the contingent consideration liability using the income approach (discounted cash flow method) which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts as of March 31, 2016 can range from $0.1 million to $8.6 million.

[2] In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during 2012 and the third and fourth quarter of 2015, the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income of the acquired businesses, if certain revenue targets are achieved through the periods ended August 2016, December 2020, and December 2018, respectively. The Company estimated the contingent consideration liability using the income approach (discounted cash flow method) which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts as of December 31, 2015 can range from $0.1 million to $10.0 million.

[3] In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

[4] In accordance with US GAAP, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

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Fair Value Measurements for Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds Unobservable Input Roll Forward (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance Asset Value		$ 70,034,000
Balance Liability Value		24,352,000
Balance Asset Value		71,851,000
Balance Liability Value		29,185,000
Fair value, Between Level 1 and 2 transfers, amount		0
Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance Asset Value		12,872,000	$ 12,517,000
Asset, Transfers In		0	0
Asset, Transfers Out		0	0
Purchases/(covers)		0	7,375,000
(Sales)/short buys		(218,000)	0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), asset		992,000	(412,000)
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss), instruments still held, asset	[1]	566,000	(412,000)
Balance Asset Value		13,646,000	19,480,000
Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance Asset Value		3,278,000	412,000
Asset, Transfers In		0	0
Asset, Transfers Out		0	0
Purchases/(covers)		1,069,000	0
(Sales)/short buys		0	(3,000)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), asset		1,918,000	2,000
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss), instruments still held, asset	[1]	2,054,000	5,000
Balance Asset Value		6,265,000	411,000
Convertible Bonds
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance Asset Value		819,000	900,000
Asset, Transfers In		0	0
Asset, Transfers Out		0	0
Purchases/(covers)		0	0
(Sales)/short buys		(569,000)	0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), asset		0	(21,000)
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss), instruments still held, asset	[1]	0	(21,000)
Balance Asset Value		250,000	879,000
Options
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance Asset Value		18,194,000	36,807,000
Asset, Transfers In		0	0
Asset, Transfers Out		0	0
Purchases/(covers)		0	0
(Sales)/short buys		0	0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), asset		2,698,000	4,835,000
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss), instruments still held, asset	[1]	2,698,000	4,835,000
Balance Asset Value		20,892,000	41,642,000
Warrants and Rights
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance Asset Value		2,572,000	1,322,000
Asset, Transfers In		0	0
Asset, Transfers Out		0	(14,000)	[2]
Purchases/(covers)		0	26,000
(Sales)/short buys		0	0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), asset		(67,000)	1,225,000
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss), instruments still held, asset	[1]	150,000	1,224,000
Balance Asset Value		2,505,000	2,559,000
Lehman claims, at fair value
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance Asset Value		299,000	380,000
Asset, Transfers In		0	0
Asset, Transfers Out		0	0
Purchases/(covers)		0	0
(Sales)/short buys		0	0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), asset		(6,000)	(19,000)
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss), instruments still held, asset	[1]	(6,000)	(19,000)
Balance Asset Value		293,000	361,000
Consolidated Funds | Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance Asset Value		$ 32,000,000
Asset, Transfers In
Asset, Transfers Out	[2]	$ (4,000,000)
Purchases/(covers)		0
(Sales)/short buys		0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), asset		0
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss), instruments still held, asset	[1]	0
Balance Asset Value		28,000,000
Consolidated Funds | Lehman claims, at fair value
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance Asset Value			493,000
Asset, Transfers In			0
Asset, Transfers Out			0
Purchases/(covers)			0
(Sales)/short buys			0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), asset			1,000
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss), instruments still held, asset	[1]		1,000
Balance Asset Value			494,000
Options, liability
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance Liability Value		18,194,000	36,807,000
Liability, Transfers In		0	0
Liability, Transfers Out		0	0
Liability, Purchases		0	0
Liability, Sales		0	0
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), liability		2,698,000	4,835,000
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss), instruments still held, liabilities	[1]	2,698,000	4,835,000
Balance Liability Value		20,892,000	41,642,000
Contingent liability payable
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance Liability Value		6,158,000	4,083,000
Liability, Transfers In		0	0
Liability, Transfers Out		$ 0	0
Liability, Purchases			0
Liability, Sales			(109,000)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), liability		$ 2,135,000	0
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss), instruments still held, liabilities	[1]	2,135,000	0
Balance Liability Value		$ 8,293,000	$ 3,974,000

[1] Unrealized gains/losses are reported in other income (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

[2] The investment was converted to equity.

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Fair Value Measurements for Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds Fair Value Inputs, Unobservable Inputs, Quantitative Information (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Balance Asset Value		$ 71,851		$ 70,034
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		447,606		284,500
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		714,433		682,151
Balance Liability Value		29,185		24,352
Contingent liability payable
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		8,293	[1]	6,158	[2]
Balance Liability Value		8,293		6,158		$ 3,974	$ 4,083
Common and Preferred Stock
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Balance Asset Value		2,551		2,569
Convertible Bonds
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Balance Asset Value		250		819		879	900
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		250		819
Warrants and Rights
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Balance Asset Value		2,505		2,572		$ 2,559	$ 1,322
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		2,731		3,059
Other Investments
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Balance Asset Value	[3]	45,903		45,880
Level 3
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		29,185		24,352
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		$ 71,851		$ 70,034
Level 3 | Options | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Volatility		45.00%		38.00%
Level 3 | Options | Market Approach Valuation Technique | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Volatility
Level 3 | Contingent liability payable
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure		$ 8,293	[1]	$ 6,158	[2]
Level 3 | Contingent liability payable | Income Approach and Market Approach Valuation Techniques | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
DCF discount rate		0.00%		6.60%
Level 3 | Contingent liability payable | Income Approach and Market Approach Valuation Techniques | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
DCF discount rate		24.50%		24.50%
Level 3 | Contingent liability payable | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate		9.58%		16.40%
Level 3 | Common and Preferred Stock | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Illiquidity Discount		90.00%
Volatility		35.00%		34.00%
Level 3 | Common and Preferred Stock | Market Approach, Income Approach and Replacement Cost Valuation Techniques [Member] | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Market multiple		1		1
Level 3 | Common and Preferred Stock | Market Approach, Income Approach and Replacement Cost Valuation Techniques [Member] | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Market multiple		5		4.75
Level 3 | Convertible Bonds
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		$ 250		$ 819
Level 3 | Convertible Bonds | Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Rate		50.00%		50.00%
Level 3 | Warrants and Rights
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		$ 2,505		$ 2,572
Level 3 | Warrants and Rights | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate		46.00%		43.00%
Level 3 | Warrants and Rights | Market Approach Valuation Technique | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Volatility		18.00%		18.00%
Level 3 | Warrants and Rights | Market Approach Valuation Technique | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Volatility		61.00%		61.00%
Level 3 | Options | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Volatility		45.00%		38.00%
Level 3 | Options | Market Approach Valuation Technique | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Volatility
Options | Derivative Assets
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		$ 43,471		$ 36,443
Options | Level 3 | Derivative Assets
Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring		$ 20,892		$ 18,194

[1] In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during 2012 and the third and fourth quarter of 2015, the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income of the acquired businesses, if certain revenue targets are achieved through the periods ended August 2016, December 2020, and December 2018, respectively. The Company estimated the contingent consideration liability using the income approach (discounted cash flow method) which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts as of March 31, 2016 can range from $0.1 million to $8.6 million.

[2] In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during 2012 and the third and fourth quarter of 2015, the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income of the acquired businesses, if certain revenue targets are achieved through the periods ended August 2016, December 2020, and December 2018, respectively. The Company estimated the contingent consideration liability using the income approach (discounted cash flow method) which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts as of December 31, 2015 can range from $0.1 million to $10.0 million.

[3] The quantitative disclosures exclude financial instruments for which the determination of fair value is based on prices from prior transactions.

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Fair Value Measurements for Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds Carrying Value Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 10, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 67,046	$ 158,485	$ 94,666	$ 129,509
Cash collateral pledged		10,157	10,085
Cash and cash equivalents, Consolidated Funds		12,348	13,934
Convertible debt	[1]	124,251	122,401
Notes payable and other debt		90,081	68,565
Convertible Debt
Convertible debt, unamortized discount		23,100	24,700			$ 35,700
Level 1
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value		67,046	158,485
Cash and cash equivalents, Consolidated Funds, Fair Value		12,348	13,934
Level 2
Cash collateral pledged, Fair Value		10,157	10,085
Convertible debt, Fair Value	[2]	139,546	144,946
Notes payable and other debt, Fair Value		$ 72,375	$ 71,945

[1] The carrying amount of the convertible debt includes an unamortized discount of $23.1 million and $24.7 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

[2] The convertible debt include the conversion option and is based on the last broker quote available.

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Receivables from and Payable to Brokers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Brokers and Dealers [Abstract]
Receivable from brokers	$ 122,542	$ 117,757
Payable to brokers	$ 23,837	$ 131,789

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Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries and Funds (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	$ 324,938		$ 186,911
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(4,297)	$ 2,720
Operating Entities
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	8,561		10,906
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(78)	918
Consolidated Funds
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	316,377		$ 176,005
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	$ (4,219)	$ 1,802

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Share-Based Compensation and Employee Ownership Plans Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016		Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for issuance under compensation plan, in shares	1,300,000
Stock-compensation expense recognized in connection with compensation plan	$ 6.4		$ 4.2
Tax benefit of stock-compensation expense recognized in connection with compensation plan	$ 3.1		$ 0.1
Equity Plans | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options, initial term	7 years
Equity Plans | Employee Stock Option | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation award, vesting period	2 years
Equity Plans | Employee Stock Option | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation award, vesting period	5 years
Equity Plans | Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 79.4
Vested, shares	2,851,670
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	25,960,326	[1]		21,480,364
Equity Plans | Restricted Stock | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation award, vesting period	2 years
Equity Plans | Restricted Stock | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation award, vesting period	5 years
Equity Plans | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Non-employee Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, shares	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	497,570
Equity Plans | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 0.1			$ 0.1
SAR's, initial term	5 years
Vested, shares	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	400,000			400,000
Deferred Cash Award | Cowen Group, Inc. 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation award, vesting period	4 years
Deferred cash awards, unrecognized compensation expense	$ 49.2
Deferred Cash Award | Cowen Group, Inc. 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred cash award, interest rate	0.70%
Deferred Cash Award | Cowen Group, Inc. 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred cash award, interest rate	0.75%

[1] Performance linked restricted stock units of 1,925,750 were awarded to employees of the Company in December 2013 and January 2014. An additional 2,800,000 performance linked restricted stock units were awarded in March 2016. Of the awards granted, 326,250 have been forfeited through March 31, 2016. The remaining awards, included in the outstanding balance as of March 31, 2016, will vest between March 2019 and December 2020 and will be earned only to the extent that the Company attains specified market goals relating to its volume-weighted average share price and total shareholder return in relation to certain benchmark indices and performance goals relating to aggregate net income and average return on shareholder equity. The actual number of RSUs ultimately earned could vary from zero, if performance goals are not met, to as much as 150% of the targeted award. Each RSU is equal to the one share of the Company’s Class A common stock. Compensation expense is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will attain the performance goals.

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Share-Based Compensation and Employee Ownership Plans Deferred Cash (Details) - Cowen Group, Inc. 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan - Deferred Cash Award $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred cash awards granted	$ 25.6
Deferred cash awards, vesting period	4 years
Deferred cash awards, unrecognized compensation expense	$ 49.2
Minimum
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred cash award, interest rate	0.70%
Maximum
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred cash award, interest rate	0.75%

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Share-Based Compensation and Employee Ownership Plans Stock Options (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate		0.00%
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Closing stock price, in dollars per share		$ 3.81	$ 3.83
Equity Plans
Shares Subject to Option
Balance outstanding, beginning of period, shares		16,667
Options granted, shares		0
Options exercised, shares		0
Options expired, shares		0
Balance outstanding, end of period, shares		16,667	16,667
Options exercisable, shares		16,667
Weighted Average Exercise Price/Share
Balance outstanding, beginning of period, in dollars per share		$ 4.89
Options granted, in dollars per share		0.00
Options exercised, in dollars per share		0.00
Options expired, in dollars per share		0.00
Balance outstanding, end of period, in dollars per share		4.89	$ 4.89
Options exercisable, in dollars per share		$ 4.89
Weighted average remaining term, options outstanding		10 months 6 days	1 year 1 month 6 days
Weighted average remaining term, options exercisable		10 months 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Balance outstanding, end of period	[1]	$ 0
Options exercisable	[1]	$ 0

[1] Based on the Company's closing stock price of $3.81 on March 31, 2016 and $3.83 on December 31, 2015.

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Share-Based Compensation and Employee Ownership Plans SARs (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Closing stock price, in dollars per share		$ 3.81		$ 3.83
Stock Appreciation Rights
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercisable, Weighted remaining contractual term		0
Equity Plans
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	[1]	$ 0
Equity Plans | Stock Appreciation Rights
Shares Subject to Option
Balance outstanding, beginning of period, shares		400,000
Granted, shares		0
Acquired, shares		0
Expired, shares		0
Balance outstanding, end of period, shares		400,000
Balance exercisable, shares		0
Weighted Average Exercise Price/Share
Balance outstanding, beginning of period, in dollars per share		$ 2.90
Granted, in dollars per share		0.00
Acquired, in dollars per share		0.00
Expired, in dollars per share		0.00
Balance outstanding, end of period, in dollars per share		$ 2.90
Weighted Average Remaining Term Outstanding		1 year 11 months 16 days	2 years 2 months 16 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	[2]	$ 522		$ 558
Unrecognized compensation expense		$ 100		$ 100
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 0.00

[1] Based on the Company's closing stock price of $3.81 on March 31, 2016 and $3.83 on December 31, 2015.

[2] Based on the Company's closing stock price of $3.81 on March 31, 2016 and $3.83 on December 31, 2015.

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Share-Based Compensation and Employee Ownership Plans Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units (Details) - Equity Plans - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		1 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense				$ 6.4	$ 4.2
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Nonvested Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units
Balance outstanding, beginning of period, shares				21,480,364
Granted, shares				7,410,814
Vested, shares				(2,851,670)
Cancelled, shares				0
Forfeited, shares				(79,182)
Balance outstanding, end of period, shares	[1]	25,960,326		25,960,326
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance outstanding, beginning of period, in dollars per share				$ 4.17
Granted, in dollars per share				3.47
Vested, in dollars per share				4.00
Cancelled, in dollars per share				0.00
Forfeited, in dollars per share				3.85
Balance outstanding, end of period, in dollars per share	[1]	$ 3.99		$ 3.99
Unrecognized compensation expense		$ 79.4		$ 79.4
Weighted-average recognition period for unrecognized compensation expense				2 years 11 months 12 days
Performance based restricted stock
Nonvested Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units
Granted, shares		2,800,000	1,925,750
Forfeited, shares				(326,250)

[1] Performance linked restricted stock units of 1,925,750 were awarded to employees of the Company in December 2013 and January 2014. An additional 2,800,000 performance linked restricted stock units were awarded in March 2016. Of the awards granted, 326,250 have been forfeited through March 31, 2016. The remaining awards, included in the outstanding balance as of March 31, 2016, will vest between March 2019 and December 2020 and will be earned only to the extent that the Company attains specified market goals relating to its volume-weighted average share price and total shareholder return in relation to certain benchmark indices and performance goals relating to aggregate net income and average return on shareholder equity. The actual number of RSUs ultimately earned could vary from zero, if performance goals are not met, to as much as 150% of the targeted award. Each RSU is equal to the one share of the Company’s Class A common stock. Compensation expense is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will attain the performance goals.

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Income Taxes - Quarterly (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Percent	29.35%	26.35%
Statutory rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	$ 1.1		$ 1.0
Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings	$ 0.2		$ 0.1

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Commitments and Contingencies (Details)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) cowenfund	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Lease Obligations
Net rent expense		$ 5,300,000	$ 4,400,000
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Sublease income related to operating leases		800,000	$ 500,000
Lagunita Biosciences LLC [Member]
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Other commitments, unfunded amount		3,500,000
Affiliated Entity
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Other commitments, unfunded amount		5,300,000
Affiliated Entity | Healthcare Royalty Partners
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Contractual obligation		45,800,000
Funding toward commitments		$ 37,700,000
Affiliated Entity | Healthcare Royalty Partners | Minimum
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Expected call period		2 years
Affiliated Entity | Healthcare Royalty Partners | Maximum
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Expected call period		5 years
Affiliated Entity | Starboard Leaders Fund LP
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Funding toward commitments		$ 1,000,000
Affiliated Entity | Formation 8 Partners Fund I LP
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Other commitments, unfunded amount		500,000
Affiliated Entity | Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P.
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Other commitments, unfunded amount		900,000
Clawback Obligation
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Contractual obligation		$ 6,200,000		$ 6,200,000
Commitment to Invest | Lagunita Biosciences LLC [Member]
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Term of capital commitment		3 years
Commitment to Invest | Affiliated Entity | Starboard Leaders Fund LP
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Contractual obligation					$ 1,000,000
Commitment to Invest | Affiliated Entity | Formation 8 Partners Fund I LP
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Term of capital commitment		1 year
Commitment to Invest | Affiliated Entity | Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P.
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Term of capital commitment		1 year
Unfunded Commitments
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Number of real estate investments, in investments | cowenfund		3
RCG Longview Partners II, LLC | Clawback Obligation
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Contractual obligation		$ 6,200,000		$ 6,200,000
Equipment Leases
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Contractual Obligation, Due in remainder of current year	[1]	1,810,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year	[1]	2,301,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year	[1]	2,221,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year	[1]	813,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year	[1]	0
Thereafter	[1]	0
Future minimum annual lease and service payments	[1]	7,145,000
Service Payments
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Contractual Obligation, Due in remainder of current year		13,198,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year		9,238,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year		4,653,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year		1,414,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year		0
Thereafter		0
Future minimum annual lease and service payments		28,503,000
Facility Leases
Future minimum annual lease and service payments
Contractual Obligation, Due in remainder of current year	[2]	13,971,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year	[2]	15,648,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year	[2]	15,656,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year	[2]	14,820,000
Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year	[2]	14,814,000
Thereafter	[2]	32,250,000
Future minimum annual lease and service payments	[2]	$ 107,159,000

[1] Equipment Leases include the Company's commitments relating to operating and capital leases. See Note 12 for further information on the capital lease minimum payments which are included in the table.

[2] The Company has entered into various agreements to sublease certain of its premises. The Company recorded sublease income related to these leases of $0.8 million and $0.5 million and for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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Convertible Debt and Notes Payable (Details)			3 Months Ended		40 Months Ended
		Oct. 10, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) letters_of_credit	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 10, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Lessee, Assets under Capital Lease			$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Convertible debt	[1]		124,251,000				$ 122,401,000
Revolver			25,000,000				5,000,000
Capital lease obligations			2,450,000				2,734,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount			214,332,000				190,966,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			60,936,000				60,831,000
Amortization of debt discount			1,665,000	1,524,000
Other Notes Payable			1,695,000				0
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred					$ 7,600,000
Capital Leases, Income Statement, Interest Expense			100,000	100,000
Future minimum lease payments for capital lease obligations
2016			704,000
2017			938,000
2018			938,000
2019			78,000
2020			0
Thereafter			0
Subtotal			2,658,000
Less: Amount representing interest	[2]		(208,000)
Capital lease obligations			$ 2,450,000				2,734,000
Number of Letters of Credit | letters_of_credit			9
Revolving Credit Facility
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Revolver			$ 25,000,000
Letter of credit, borrowing capacity			$ 25,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage			3.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.38%
Interest Expense, Debt			$ 100,000
Minimum
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Capital Lease Obligation, Initial Term			48 months
Capital leases, interest rate			0.60%
Maximum
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Capital Lease Obligation, Initial Term			60 months
Capital leases, interest rate			6.03%
Cash Convertible Note Economic Hedge And Warrant Transaction
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Cash convertible note hedge transaction				20,500,000
Treasury Stock
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Cash convertible note hedge transaction				300,000
Letter of Credit, San Francisco Office, Expires January 2017 | Letter of Credit
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Letter of credit, borrowing capacity			$ 710,000
Letter of Credit, NY Office, Expires January 2017 [Member] | Letter of Credit
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Letter of credit, borrowing capacity			65,000
Letter of Credit, NY Office, Expires February 2017 | Letter of Credit
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Letter of credit, borrowing capacity			1,000,000
Letter of Credit, Boston Office, Expires March 2017 | Letter of Credit
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Letter of credit, borrowing capacity			382,000
Letter of Credit, NY Office 1, Expires May 2016 | Letter of Credit
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Letter of credit, borrowing capacity			355,000
Letter of Credit, NY Office 2, Expires May 2016 | Letter of Credit
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Letter of credit, borrowing capacity			1,861,000
Letter of Credit, NY Office 3, Expires October 2016 | Letter of Credit
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Letter of credit, borrowing capacity			794,000
Letter of Credit, NY Office 4, Expires October 2016 | Letter of Credit
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Letter of credit, borrowing capacity			3,373,000
Letter of Credit, NY Office 5, Expires November 2016 | Letter of Credit
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Letter of credit, borrowing capacity			1,600,000
Convertible Debt
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$ 149,500,000
Interest rate								3.00%
Principal amount of notes being converted								$ 1,000
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax			1,100,000	1,100,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price | $ / shares								$ 5.33
Convertible debt, unamortized discount			23,100,000				$ 24,700,000	$ 35,700,000
Amortization of debt discount			1,700,000	1,500,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage								8.89%
Debt Issuance Cost			3,700,000
Repayments on long-term and short-term borrowings
2016			2,243,000
2017			4,485,000
2018			4,485,000
2019			151,743,000
2020			0
Thereafter			0
Subtotal			162,956,000
Less: Amount representing interest	[2]		(38,705,000)
Senior Notes
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Notes Payable			60,936,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 63,300,000
Interest rate		8.25%
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax			1,300,000	$ 1,300,000
Debt Issuance Cost		$ 2,900,000
Repayments on long-term and short-term borrowings
2016			3,914,000
2017			5,218,000
2018			5,218,000
2019			5,218,000
2020			5,218,000
Thereafter			68,468,000
Subtotal			93,254,000
Less: Amount representing interest	[2]		(32,318,000)
Insurance Note [Member]
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year			1,718,000
Interest rate						1.38%
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal			200,000
Short-term Debt, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period			2,000,000
Other Notes Payable			1,695,000			$ 1,700,000
Repayments on long-term and short-term borrowings
2017			0
2018			0
2019			0
2020			0
Thereafter			0
Subtotal			1,718,000
Less: Amount representing interest	[2]		$ (23,000)
Common Stock Class A
Components of short-term borrowings and other debt
Class of Warrant, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights | $ / shares								$ 7.18

[1] The carrying amount of the convertible debt includes an unamortized discount of $23.1 million and $24.7 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

[2] Amount necessary to reduce net minimum payments to present value calculated at the Company's implicit rate at inception. This amount also includes the unamortized discount on the convertible debt.

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Stockholder's Equity Stockholder's Equity - Quarterly (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	May. 19, 2015
Equity, Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs	$ 117,194
Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion			152.2476
Convertible Preferred Stock, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger	150.00%
Treasury Stock, Shares [Roll Forward]
Treasury stock, shares, beginning of period	34,515,734
Purchase of treasury stock, shares	998,119
Treasury stock, shares, end of period	36,638,529
Treasury stock, cost, beginning of period	$ 137,356
Shares purchased for minimum tax withholding under the Equity Plan or other similar transactions	4,012	$ 2,777
Purchase of treasury stock, cost	3,570
Treasury stock, cost, end of period	$ 144,938
Treasury stock, average cost per share, beginning of period, in dollars per share	$ 3.98
Purchase of treasury stock, average cost per share, in dollars per share	3.58
Treasury stock, average cost per share, end of period, in dollars per share	$ 3.96
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock, Shares [Roll Forward]
Shares purchased for minimum tax withholding under the Equity Plan or other similar transactions	1,124,676
Shares purchased for minimum tax withholding under the Equity Plan or other similar transactions	$ 4,012
Shares purchased for minimum tax withholding under the Equity Plan or other similar transactions, Average Cost Per Share	$ 3.57
Call Option
Equity, Class of Stock [Line Items]
Option indexed to Issuer's Equity, Value			$ 15,900
Minimum
Equity, Class of Stock [Line Items]
Convertible Preferred Stock, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days	20 days
Minimum | Call Option
Equity, Class of Stock [Line Items]
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Strike Price	$ 6.57
Maximum
Equity, Class of Stock [Line Items]
Convertible Preferred Stock, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days	30 days
Maximum | Call Option
Equity, Class of Stock [Line Items]
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Strike Price	$ 8.39
Convertible Preferred Stock
Equity, Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock issuance, net of issuance costs	120,750
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs	$ 3,400
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	5.625%
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share			$ 1,000
Convertible Preferred Stock | Retained Earnings [Member]
Equity, Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends	$ 1,698

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translations	[1]	$ (3)	$ 15	$ 0	$ 17
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	[1]	(3)	(2)
Defined Benefit Plans	[1]	0	0	0	0
Total defined benefit pension plan	[1]	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(3)	15	$ 0	$ 17
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		$ (3)	$ (2)

[1] During the periods presented, the Company did not have material reclassifications out of other comprehensive income.

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Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Computation of earnings per share:
Net income (loss)	$ (7,995)	$ 19,418
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	(4,297)	2,720
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	(3,698)	16,698
Preferred Stock Dividends	1,698	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	$ (5,396)	$ 16,698
Shares for basic and diluted calculations:
Weighted average shares used in basic computation, shares	106,364,000	112,053,000
Weighted average shares used in diluted computation, shares	106,364,000	118,590,000
Earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.15
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.14
Stock Options
Shares for basic and diluted calculations:
Shares attributable to share-based payment awards, shares	0	0
Performance based restricted stock
Shares for basic and diluted calculations:
Shares attributable to share-based payment awards, shares	0	411,000
Stock Appreciation Rights
Shares for basic and diluted calculations:
Shares attributable to share-based payment awards, shares	0	119,000
Restricted Stock
Shares for basic and diluted calculations:
Shares attributable to share-based payment awards, shares	0	6,007,000
Common Stock Class A
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Common stock, shares outstanding, shares	106,078,205	111,168,897	105,604,658	111,691,199.000
Common stock, restricted shares, shares	497,570		497,570

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Segment Reporting (Details)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) segment customer		Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Number | customer		0
Number of Operating Segments | segment		2
Revenues
Investment banking		$ 26,147,000		$ 65,233,000
Brokerage		50,935,000		35,454,000
Management fees		11,030,000		10,384,000
Incentive income		1,111,000		2,372,000
Investment Income		0		0
Interest and dividends		3,653,000		3,083,000
Reimbursement from affiliates		3,887,000		3,642,000
Other revenue		2,725,000		668,000
Total revenues		101,039,000		121,094,000
Expenses
Non-interest expense		106,813,000		132,669,000
Interest and dividends		7,310,000		5,779,000
Total expenses		115,939,000		138,806,000
Other income (loss)
Total other income (loss)		3,585,000		44,077,000
Income tax expense (benefit)		(3,320,000)		6,947,000
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds		4,297,000		(2,720,000)
Economic Income (Loss) / Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.		(3,698,000)		16,698,000
Reported Under Economic Income / (Loss)
Revenues
Investment banking		26,147,000		65,233,000
Brokerage		52,867,000		35,523,000
Management fees		16,903,000		16,607,000
Incentive income		6,920,000		15,363,000
Investment Income		1,850,000		28,880,000
Interest and dividends		0		0
Reimbursement from affiliates		0		0
Other revenue		953,000		69,000
Total revenues		105,640,000		161,675,000
Expenses
Non-interest expense		104,022,000		131,163,000
Interest and dividends		4,273,000		4,022,000
Total expenses		108,295,000		135,185,000
Other income (loss)
Total other income (loss)		0		0
Income tax expense (benefit)		0		0
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds		(2,227,000)		(2,845,000)
Economic Income (Loss) / Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.		(4,882,000)		23,645,000
Alternative Investment | Reported Under Economic Income / (Loss)
Revenues
Investment banking		0		0
Brokerage		0		18,000
Management fees		16,128,000		16,607,000
Incentive income		6,920,000		15,363,000
Investment Income		1,395,000		21,830,000
Interest and dividends		0		0
Reimbursement from affiliates		0		0
Other revenue		682,000		21,000
Total revenues		25,125,000		53,839,000
Expenses
Non-interest expense		20,261,000		34,834,000
Interest and dividends		3,183,000		3,044,000
Total expenses		23,444,000		37,878,000
Other income (loss)
Total other income (loss)		0		0
Income tax expense (benefit)		0		0
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds		(2,227,000)		(2,845,000)
Economic Income (Loss) / Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.		(546,000)		13,116,000
Broker-Dealer | Reported Under Economic Income / (Loss)
Revenues
Investment banking		26,147,000		65,233,000
Brokerage		52,867,000		35,505,000
Management fees		775,000		0
Incentive income		0		0
Investment Income		455,000		7,050,000
Interest and dividends		0		0
Reimbursement from affiliates		0		0
Other revenue		271,000		48,000
Total revenues		80,515,000		107,836,000
Expenses
Non-interest expense		83,761,000		96,329,000
Interest and dividends		1,090,000		978,000
Total expenses		84,851,000		97,307,000
Other income (loss)
Total other income (loss)		0		0
Income tax expense (benefit)		0		0
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds		0		0
Economic Income (Loss) / Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.		(4,336,000)		10,529,000
Funds Consolidation | Reconciliation from Economic Income / (Loss) to U.S. GAAP
Revenues
Investment banking		0		0
Brokerage		0		0
Management fees		(370,000)		(238,000)
Incentive income		(157,000)		(183,000)
Investment Income		0		0
Interest and dividends		0		0
Reimbursement from affiliates		(14,000)		(85,000)
Other revenue		0		0
Total revenues		1,010,000		(248,000)
Expenses
Non-interest expense		0		0
Interest and dividends		0		0
Total expenses		1,816,000		358,000
Other income (loss)
Total other income (loss)		(3,413,000)		2,407,000
Income tax expense (benefit)		0		0
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds		4,219,000		(1,801,000)
Economic Income (Loss) / Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.		0		0
Significant Reconciling Items | Reconciliation from Economic Income / (Loss) to U.S. GAAP
Revenues
Investment banking		0		0
Brokerage		(1,932,000)		(69,000)
Management fees	[1]	(5,503,000)		(5,985,000)
Incentive income	[1]	(5,652,000)		(12,808,000)
Investment Income	[2]	(1,850,000)		(28,880,000)
Interest and dividends	[2]	3,653,000		3,083,000
Reimbursement from affiliates	[3]	3,901,000		3,727,000
Other revenue	[2]	1,772,000		599,000
Total revenues		(5,611,000)		(40,333,000)
Expenses
Non-interest expense	[2],[5]	2,791,000	[4]	1,506,000
Interest and dividends	[2]	3,037,000		1,757,000
Total expenses		5,828,000		3,263,000
Other income (loss)
Total other income (loss)	[2]	6,998,000		41,670,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	[4]	(3,320,000)		6,947,000
(Income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds		2,305,000		1,926,000
Economic Income (Loss) / Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.		1,184,000		(6,947,000)
Consolidated Funds
Revenues
Total revenues		1,551,000		258,000
Expenses
Total expenses		1,816,000		358,000
Consolidated Funds | Reported Under Economic Income / (Loss)
Revenues
Total revenues		0		0
Expenses
Total expenses		0		0
Consolidated Funds | Alternative Investment | Reported Under Economic Income / (Loss)
Revenues
Total revenues		0		0
Expenses
Total expenses		0		0
Consolidated Funds | Broker-Dealer | Reported Under Economic Income / (Loss)
Revenues
Total revenues		0		0
Expenses
Total expenses		0		0
Consolidated Funds | Funds Consolidation | Reconciliation from Economic Income / (Loss) to U.S. GAAP
Revenues
Total revenues		1,551,000		258,000
Expenses
Total expenses		1,816,000		358,000
Consolidated Funds | Significant Reconciling Items | Reconciliation from Economic Income / (Loss) to U.S. GAAP
Revenues
Total revenues		0		0
Expenses
Total expenses		$ 0		$ 0

[1] Economic Income (Loss) recognizes revenues (i) net of distribution fees paid to agents and (ii) our proportionate share of management and incentive fees of certain real estate operating entities and the activist business.

[2] Economic Income (Loss) recognizes Company income from proprietary trading (including interest and dividends) and underwriting income from the Company's insurance related activities net of expenses.

[3] Reimbursement from affiliates is shown as a reduction of Economic Income expenses, but is included as a part of revenues under US GAAP

[4] Economic Income (Loss) excludes income taxes and acquisition related adjustments as management does not consider these items when evaluating the performance of the segment.

[5] Economic Income (Loss) recognizes the Company's proportionate share of expenses for certain real estate and other operating entities for which the investments are recorded under the equity method of accounting for investments.

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Regulatory Requirements (Details)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Cowen and Company
Regulatory Requirements for Broker-Dealers [Line Items]
Net capital requirement under alternative method	$ 1,000,000
Net capital	56,600,000
Excess capital	55,600,000
Concept (Cowen Prime)
Regulatory Requirements for Broker-Dealers [Line Items]
Minimum net capital required	250,000
Net capital	17,500,000
Excess capital	17,300,000
Conifer (Cowen Prime Trading)
Regulatory Requirements for Broker-Dealers [Line Items]
Minimum net capital required	250,000
Net capital	4,400,000
Excess capital	4,200,000
RCG Insurance Company
Regulatory Requirements for Broker-Dealers [Line Items]
Minimum net capital required	300,000.0
Net capital	21,000,000
ATM Execution LLC [Member]
Regulatory Requirements for Broker-Dealers [Line Items]
Minimum net capital required	250,000
Net capital	3,900,000
Excess capital	3,700,000
U.K. Financial Services Authority | Raimus U.K., Ltd.
Regulatory Requirements for Broker-Dealers [Line Items]
Financial resources	280,000
Financial resources requirement	60,000
Excess financial resources	220,000
U.K. Financial Services Authority | Cowen International Limited
Regulatory Requirements for Broker-Dealers [Line Items]
Financial resources	4,300,000
Financial resources requirement	2,000,000
Excess financial resources	$ 2,300,000

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Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related parties	$ 34,395	$ 39,659		$ 39,659
Fees receivable, net of allowance	41,172	34,413		34,413
Redeemable non-controlling interests, Related Party	324,938	186,911		186,911
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests, Related Party	$ 4,297		$ (2,720)
June 29, 2015 | Real Estate Equity Investment
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Real estate loan			15,000
Effective interest rate	8.82%
Employees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Redeemable non-controlling interests, Related Party	$ 24,900	21,300		21,300
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests, Related Party	$ (300)		(1,300)
Employee Loans | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Forgivable Loans, Vesting Period	1 year
Employee Loans | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Forgivable Loans, Vesting Period	3 years
Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fees receivable, net of allowance	$ 5,700	6,300		6,300
Affiliated Entity | Fees Payable
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fees payable to related parties	100	100		100
Employees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from employees	5,400	5,500		5,500
Forgivable Loan Balances	600	1,200		1,200
Amortization on Forgivable Loans	600		$ 1,300
Investor
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to Affiliate	200	300		300
Other Funds
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from related parties	14,500	20,000		$ 20,000
Starboard Value LP | Equity Method Investments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Income, Related Party	$ 200
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal		$ 14,400
Effective interest rate				5.00%

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Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 27, 2016 USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 3.6
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 25.0