Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Benefit Plans

Note 13. Benefit Plans

Artisan has a 401(k) plan and similar foreign arrangements for its non-U.S. employees, under which it provides a matching contribution on employees’ pre-tax contributions. Expenses related to Artisan’s benefits plans for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $8.4 million, $7.8 million and $7.2 million, respectively, and are included in compensation and benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Artisan provides an opportunity for eligible employees to participate in Artisan’s financial growth and success through phantom equity awards, pursuant to the Artisan Partners Holdings LP Phantom Equity Plan. The phantom equity awards provide participants the right to receive cash payments upon vesting based on the trading price of APAM’s Class A common stock. Awards made under the Phantom Equity Plan are liability awards and are subject to vesting on a pro-rata basis over five years. Award recipients must be employed by Artisan on the vesting date in order to receive payment.

Expense related to the Phantom Equity Plan for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $1.6 million, $1.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and is included in compensation and benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The liability at December 31, 2021 and 2020 for the plan was $1.5 million.