STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Equity [Abstract]

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Siebert is subject to the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. Siebert has elected to use the alternative method, permitted by the rule, which requires that Siebert maintain minimum net capital, as defined, equal to the greater of $250,000 or 2 percent of aggregate debit balances arising from customer transactions, as defined. The Net Capital Rule of the New York Stock Exchange also provides that equity capital may not be withdrawn or cash dividends paid if resulting net capital would be less than 5% of aggregate debits. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, Siebert had net capital of approximately $1,112,000 and $8,131,000, respectively, as compared with net capital requirements of $250,000. Siebert claims exemption from the reserve requirement under Section 15c3-3(k)(2)(ii) as it clears its customer transactions through an unaffiliated clearing firm on a fully disclosed basis.