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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which require management to make estimates and assumptions regarding measurements including the fair value of trading assets and liabilities, allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill and intangibles, compensation accruals, capitalized software, income tax, tax receivable agreements, leases, litigation accruals, and other matters that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated on both a basic and diluted basis. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing the net income available for common stockholders by the diluted weighted average shares outstanding for that period. Diluted EPS includes the determinants of the basic EPS and, in addition, reflects the dilutive effect of shares of common stock estimated to be distributed in the future.

The Company grants restricted stock awards ("RSAs") and restricted stock units (“RSUs”), certain of which entitle recipients to receive non-forfeitable dividends during the vesting period on a basis equivalent to the dividends paid to holders of common stock. As a result, the unvested RSAs and participating unvested RSUs meet the definition of a participating security requiring the application of the two-class method. Under the two-class method, earnings available to common shareholders, including both distributed and undistributed earnings, are allocated to each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participating rights in undistributed earnings, which may cause diluted EPS to be more dilutive than the calculation using the treasury stock method.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include money market accounts, which are payable on demand, and short-term investments with an original maturity of less than 90 days. The Company maintains cash in bank deposit accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company manages this risk by selecting financial institutions deemed highly creditworthy to minimize the risk.

Cash restricted or segregated under regulations and other represents (i) special reserve bank accounts for the exclusive benefit of customers (“Special Reserve Bank Account”) maintained by VAL in accordance with Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Customer Protection Rule”), and special reserve accounts for the exclusive benefit of proprietary accounts of broker-dealers, (ii) funds on deposit for Canadian and European trade clearing and settlement activity, (iii) segregated balances under a collateral account control agreement for the benefit of certain customers in Hong Kong, and (iv) funds relating to the securitization of bank guarantees supporting certain of the Company’s foreign leases.
Securities Borrowed and Securities Loaned
Securities Borrowed and Securities Loaned

The Company conducts securities borrowing and lending activities with external counterparties. In connection with these transactions, the Company receives or posts collateral, which comprises cash and/or securities. In accordance with substantially all of its securities borrow agreements, the Company is permitted to sell or repledge the securities received. Securities borrowed or loaned are recorded based on the amount of cash collateral advanced or received. The initial cash collateral advanced or received generally approximates or is greater than 102% of the fair value of the underlying securities borrowed or loaned. The Company monitors the fair value of securities borrowed and loaned, and delivers or obtains additional collateral as appropriate. Receivables and payables with the same counterparty are not offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Interest received or paid by the Company for these transactions is recorded gross on an accrual basis under Interest and dividends income or Interest and dividends expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

In a repurchase agreement, securities sold under agreements to repurchase are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at contract value, plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. It is the Company's policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities with a fair value approximately equal to the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest. For reverse repurchase agreements, the Company typically requires delivery of collateral with a fair value approximately equal to the carrying value of the relevant assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. To ensure that the fair value of the underlying collateral remains sufficient, the collateral is valued daily with additional collateral obtained or excess collateral returned, as permitted under contractual provisions. The Company does not net securities purchased under agreements to resell transactions with securities sold under agreements to repurchase transactions entered into with the same counterparty. 

The Company has entered into bilateral and tri-party term and overnight repurchase and other collateralized financing agreements which bear interest at negotiated rates. The Company receives cash and makes delivery of financial instruments to a custodian who monitors the market value of these instruments on a daily basis. The market value of the instruments delivered must be equal to or in excess of the principal amount loaned under the repurchase agreements plus the agreed upon margin requirement. The custodian may request additional collateral, if appropriate. Interest received or paid by the Company for these transactions is recorded gross on an accrual basis under Interest and dividends income or Interest and dividends expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Receivables from/Payables to Broker-dealers and Clearing Organizations
Receivables from/Payables to Broker-dealers and Clearing Organizations

Receivables from and payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations primarily represent amounts due for unsettled trades, open equity in futures transactions, securities failed to deliver or failed to receive, deposits with clearing organizations or exchanges, and balances due from or due to prime brokers in relation to the Company’s trading. Amounts receivable from broker-dealers and clearing organizations may be restricted to the extent that they serve as deposits for securities sold, not yet purchased. The Company presents its balances, including outstanding principal balances on all broker credit facilities, on a net-by-counterparty basis within receivables from and payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations when the criteria for offsetting are met.

In the normal course of business, a significant portion of the Company’s securities transactions, money balances, and security positions are transacted with several third-party brokers. The Company is subject to credit risk to the extent any broker with whom it conducts business is unable to fulfill contractual obligations on its behalf. The Company monitors the financial condition of such brokers to minimize the risk of any losses from these counterparties.
Financial Instruments Owned Including Those Pledged as Collateral and Financial Instruments Sold, Not Yet Purchased
Financial Instruments Owned Including Those Pledged as Collateral and Financial Instruments Sold, Not Yet Purchased

Financial instruments owned and Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased relate to market making and trading activities, and include listed and other equity securities, listed equity options and fixed income securities.

The Company records Financial instruments owned, Financial instruments owned and pledged, and Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased at fair value. Gains and losses arising from financial instrument transactions are recorded net on a trade-date basis in Trading income, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or would be paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. The recognition of “block discounts” for large holdings of unrestricted financial instruments where quoted prices are readily and regularly available in an active market is prohibited. The Company categorizes its financial instruments into a three level hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy level assigned to each financial instrument is based on the assessment of the transparency and reliability of the inputs used in the valuation of such financial instruments at the measurement date based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).

Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories based on inputs:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2 — Quoted prices in markets that are not active and financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; or

Level 3 — Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
Fair Value Option
Fair Value Option

The fair value option election allows entities to make an irrevocable election of fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain eligible financial assets and liabilities. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are recorded in other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument by instrument basis, which must be applied to an entire instrument and is irrevocable once elected.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments - Trading

Derivative instruments are used for trading purposes, including economic hedges of trading instruments, are carried at fair value, and include futures, forward contracts, and options. Gains or losses on these derivative instruments are recognized currently within Trading income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Fair values for exchange-traded derivatives, principally futures, are based on quoted market prices. Fair values for over-the-counter derivative instruments, principally forward contracts, are based on the values of the underlying financial instruments within the contract. The underlying instruments are currencies, which are actively traded.

The Company presents its trading derivatives balances on a net-by-counterparty basis when the criteria for offsetting are met. Cash flows associated with such derivative activities are included in cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Derivative Instruments - Hedging

The Company may use derivative instruments for risk management purposes, including cash flow hedges used to manage interest rate risk on long-term borrowings and net investment hedges used to manage foreign exchange risk. The Company has entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements in order to manage interest rate risk associated with its long-term debt obligations. Additionally, the Company may seek to reduce the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on its net investment in certain non-U.S. operations through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. For interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedges, the Company assesses its risk management objectives and strategy, including identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item and the risk exposure and how effectiveness is to be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. The effectiveness of the hedge is assessed based on the overall changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps or forward contracts. For instruments that meet the criteria to be considered hedging instruments under ASC 815, any gains or losses, to the extent effective, are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Other comprehensive income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The ineffective portion, if any, is recorded in Other, net on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The Company presents its hedging derivatives balances on a net-by-counterparty basis when the criteria for offsetting are met. Balances associated with hedging derivatives are recorded within Receivables from/Payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Cash flows associated with such derivative activities are included in cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation, except for the assets acquired in connection with acquisitions using the purchase accounting method, which were recorded at fair value on date of acquisition. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of the underlying assets. Routine maintenance, repairs and replacement costs are expensed as incurred and improvements that appreciably extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized. When property and equipment are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in income. Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated over three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the life of the improvement or the term of the lease.
Capitalized Software
Capitalized Software

The Company capitalizes costs of materials, consultants, and payroll and payroll-related costs for employees incurred in developing internal-use software. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are charged to expense.

Management’s judgment is required in determining the point at which various projects enter the stages at which costs may be capitalized, in assessing the ongoing value of the capitalized costs, and in determining the estimated useful lives over which the costs are amortized.

Capitalized software development costs and related accumulated amortization are included in Property, equipment and capitalized software in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and are amortized over a period of 1.5 to 3 years, which represents the estimated useful lives of the underlying software.
Leases
Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at the inception of the arrangement. Operating leases are included in Operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and Operating lease liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Operating lease ROU assets are assets that represent the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Finance leases consist primarily of leases for technology and equipment and are included in Property, equipment, and capitalized software and Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, based on the information available at the commencement date of the lease, in determining the present value of future payments. The ROU assets are reduced by lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The Company's lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating leases and amortization of the finance lease ROU asset is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease expense related to the leasing of corporate office space is recorded in Operations and Administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Lease expense related to the leasing of data centers and other technology is recorded in Communication and Data Processing on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Certain of the Company's lease agreements contain fixed lease payments that contain lease and non-lease components; for such leases, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. The Company nets its sublease income against corresponding lease expenses within Operations and Administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Goodwill
Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the underlying net tangible and intangible assets of the Company’s acquisitions. Goodwill is not amortized but is assessed for impairment on an annual basis and between annual assessments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill is assessed at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below the operating segment.

The Company assesses goodwill for impairment on an annual basis on July 1 and on an interim basis when certain events occur or certain circumstances exist. In the impairment assessment as of July 1, 2021, the Company assessed qualitative factors as described in ASC 350-20 for each of its reporting units for any indicators that the fair values of the reporting units were less than their carrying values. No impairment was identified.
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets

The Company amortizes finite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Finite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment when impairment indicators are present, and if impaired, they are written down to fair value.
Exchange Memberships and Stock
Exchange Memberships and Stock

Exchange memberships are recorded at cost or, if any other than temporary impairment in value has occurred, at a value that reflects management’s estimate of fair value. Exchange stock includes shares that entitle the Company to certain trading privileges.
Trading Income, net Trading Income, netTrading income, net is composed of changes in the fair value of trading assets and liabilities (i.e., unrealized gains and losses) and realized gains and losses on trading assets and liabilities. Trading gains and losses on financial instruments owned and financial instruments sold, not yet purchased are recorded on the trade date and reported on a net basis in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Commissions, net and Technology Services
Commissions, net and Technology Services

Commissions, net, which primarily comprise commissions and commission equivalents earned on institutional client orders, are recorded on a trade date basis. Under a commission management program, the Company allows institutional clients to allocate a portion of their gross commissions to pay for research and other services provided by third parties. As the Company acts as an agent in these transactions, it records such expenses on a net basis within Commissions, net and technology services in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
The Company provides order management software (“OMS”) and related software products and connectivity services to customers and recognizes license fee revenues and monthly connectivity fees. License fee revenues, generated for the use of the Company’s OMS and other software products, is fixed and recognized at the point in time at which the customer is able to use and benefit from the license. Connectivity revenue is variable in nature, based on the number of live connections, and is recognized over time on a monthly basis using a time-based measure of progress.

The Company also provides analytics products and services to customers and recognizes subscription fees, which are fixed for the contract term, based on when the products and services are delivered. Analytics products and services may be bundled with trade execution services, in which case commissions are allocated to the analytics performance obligations using an allocation methodology.
Interest and Dividends Income/Interest and Dividends Expense Interest and Dividends Income/Interest and Dividends ExpenseInterest income and interest expense are accrued in accordance with contractual rates. Interest income consists of interest earned on collateralized financing arrangements and on cash held by brokers. Interest expense includes interest expense from collateralized transactions, margin and related lines of credit. Dividends on financial instruments owned including those pledged as collateral and financial instruments sold, not yet purchased are recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest is recognized on an accrual basis.
Brokerage, Exchange, Clearance Fees and Payments for Order Flow, Net Brokerage, Exchange, Clearance Fees and Payments for Order Flow, NetBrokerage, exchange, clearance fees and payments for order flow, net, comprise the costs of executing and clearing trades and are accrued on a trade date basis in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. These costs are net of rebates, which consist of volume discounts, credits or payments received from exchanges or other marketplaces related to the placement and/or removal of liquidity from the order flow in the marketplace. Rebates are recorded on an accrual basis. Payments for order flow represent payments to broker-dealer clients, in the normal course of business, for directing their order flow in U.S. equities to the Company.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

The Company is subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on its taxable income. The Company's subsidiaries are subject to income taxes in the respective jurisdictions (including foreign jurisdictions) in which they operate.

The provision for income tax comprises current tax and deferred tax. Current tax represents the tax on current year tax returns, using tax rates enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets are recognized in full and then reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be recognized.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of the appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit for each such position that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. Many factors are considered when evaluating and estimating the tax positions and tax benefits. Such estimates involve interpretations of regulations, rulings, case law, etc. and are inherently complex. The Company’s estimates may require periodic adjustments and may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes as resolution of income tax treatments in individual jurisdictions typically would not be known for several years after completion of any fiscal year.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of two components: net income and other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The Company’s OCI comprises foreign currency translation adjustments and mark-to-market gains and losses on the Company's derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815.
Assets and liabilities of operations having non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at period-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated at weighted average exchange rates for the period. Gains and losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements, net of related tax effects, are reflected in Accumulated OCI, a component of stockholders’ equity. While certain of the Company's foreign subsidiaries use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency, the Company also has subsidiaries that utilize a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, primarily comprising its subsidiaries domiciled in Ireland, which utilize the Euro and Pound Sterling as the functional currency, and subsidiaries domiciled in Canada, which utilize the Canadian dollar as the functional currency.

The Company may use derivative instruments for risk management purposes, including cash flow hedges used to manage interest rate risk on long-term borrowings and net investment hedges used to manage foreign exchange risk. For instruments that meet the criteria to be considered hedging instruments under ASC 815, any gains or losses are initially included in Accumulated OCI on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and OCI on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, as the hedged item affects earnings.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation

Share-based awards issued for compensation in connection with or subsequent to the Company's initial public offering in April 2015 (the “IPO”) and certain reorganization transactions consummated in connection with the IPO (the “Reorganization Transactions”) pursuant to the Virtu Financial, Inc. 2015 Management Incentive Plan (as amended, the “Amended and Restated 2015 Management Incentive Plan”) and pursuant to the Amended and Restated Investment Technology Group, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, dated as of June 8, 2017 (the “Amended and Restated ITG 2007 Equity Plan”), are in the form of stock options, Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), RSAs and RSUs, as applicable. The fair values of the Class A Common Stock and RSUs are determined based on the volume weighted average price for the three days preceding the grant. With respect to the RSUs, forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. The fair value of RSAs is determined based on the closing price as of the grant date. The fair value of share-based awards granted to employees is expensed based on the vesting conditions and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, or, in the case of RSAs subject to performance conditions, from the date that achievement of the performance target becomes probable through the remainder of the vesting period. The Company records as treasury stock shares repurchased from its employees for the purpose of settling tax liabilities incurred upon the issuance of Class A Common Stock, the vesting of RSUs or the exercise of stock options.
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities

A variable interest entity (“VIE”) is an entity that lacks one or more of the following characteristics: (i) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance its activities independently and (ii) the equity holders have the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact its economic performance, the obligation to absorb the losses of the entity and the right to receive the residual returns of the entity.

The Company will be considered to have a controlling financial interest and will consolidate a VIE if it has both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Accounting Pronouncements, Recently Adopted and Accounting Pronouncements, Not Yet Adopted
Accounting Pronouncements, Recently Adopted

Income Taxes - In December 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The ASU removes certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The ASU also amends other aspects of the guidance relating to the accounting for franchise taxes, enacted changes in tax laws or rates, the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill, and other tax-related items. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2021 and it did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Pronouncements, Not Yet Adopted as of December 31, 2021

Reference Rate Reform - In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, and in January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01 —Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope, both of which are designed to ease the potential burden in accounting for the transition away from LIBOR. The ASUs apply to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued and replaced with alternative reference rates as a result of reference rate reform. The ASUs provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The transition period for adopting these ASUs is March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is evaluating the impact of the ASUs, but does not expect them to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Convertible Instruments - In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The ASU simplifies accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts in an entity's own equity and updates selected EPS guidance. The ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures, but does not expect it to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.