Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider money market mutual funds and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are not restricted or segregated to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include deposits with banks, federal funds sold, money market mutual funds, and certificates of deposit. Cash and cash equivalents also include balances that our bank subsidiaries maintain at the Federal Reserve Bank.
Cash Segregated For Regulatory Purposes	Cash Segregated for Regulatory Purposes Our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which requires our company to maintain cash or qualified securities in a segregated reserve account for the exclusive benefit of its clients. In accordance with Rule 15c3-3, our company has portions of its cash segregated for the exclusive benefit of clients at December 31, 2019.
Brokerage Client Receivables, Net	Brokerage Client Receivables, Net Brokerage client receivables include receivables of our company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries, which represent amounts due on cash and margin transactions and are generally collateralized by securities owned by clients. Brokerage client receivables, primarily consisting of floating-rate loans collateralized by customer-owned securities, are charged interest at rates similar to other such loans made throughout the industry. The receivables are reported at their outstanding principal balance net of allowance for doubtful accounts. When a brokerage client receivable is considered to be impaired, the amount of the impairment is generally measured based on the fair value of the securities acting as collateral, which is measured based on current prices from independent sources, such as listed market prices or broker-dealer price quotations. Securities owned by customers, including those that collateralize margin or other similar transactions, are not reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Securities Borrowed and Securities Loaned	Securities Borrowed and Securities Loaned Securities borrowed require our company to deliver cash to the lender in exchange for securities and are included in receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations in the consolidated statements of financial condition. For securities loaned, we generally receive collateral in the form of cash in an amount in excess of the market value of securities loaned. Securities loaned are included in payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations in the consolidated statements of financial condition. We monitor the market value of securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained or refunded as necessary. Fees received or paid are recorded in interest revenue or interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Substantially all of these transactions are executed under master netting agreements, which gives us right of offset in the event of counterparty default; however, such receivables and payables with the same counterparty are not set off in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Repurchase Agreements	Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Repurchase Agreements Securities purchased under agreements to resell (“resale agreements”) are collateralized financing transactions that are recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest. We obtain control of collateral with a market value equal to or in excess of the principal amount loaned and accrued interest under resale agreements. These agreements are short-term in nature and are generally collateralized by U.S. government securities, U.S. government agency securities, and corporate bonds. We value collateral on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained when necessary to minimize the risk associated with this activity. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”) are collateralized financing transactions that are recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest. We make delivery of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and monitor the value of collateral on a daily basis. When necessary, we will deliver additional collateral.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including cash equivalents, financial instruments owned, available-for-sale securities, investments, financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, and derivatives. Other than those separately discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, the remaining financial instruments are generally short-term in nature, and their carrying values approximate fair value. The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., “the exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We have categorized our financial instruments measured at fair value into a three-level classification in accordance with Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” which established a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect our assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the transparency of inputs as follows: Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. A quoted price for an identical asset or liability in an active market provides the most reliable fair value measurement, because it is directly observable to the market. Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date. The nature of these financial instruments includes instruments for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently, derivative instruments whose fair value have been derived using a model where inputs to the model are directly observable in the market, or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, and instruments that are fair valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed. Level 3 – Instruments that have little to no pricing observability as of the measurement date. These financial instruments do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Valuation of Financial Instruments When available, we use observable market prices, observable market parameters, or broker or dealer prices (bid and ask prices) to derive the fair value of financial instruments. In the case of financial instruments transacted on recognized exchanges, the observable market prices represent quotations for completed transactions from the exchange on which the financial instrument is principally traded. A substantial percentage of the fair value of our financial instruments owned, available-for-sale securities, investments, and financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, are based on observable market prices, observable market parameters, or derived from broker or dealer prices. The availability of observable market prices and pricing parameters can vary from product to product. Where available, observable market prices and pricing or market parameters in a product may be used to derive a price without requiring significant judgment. In certain markets, observable market prices or market parameters are not available for all products, and fair value is determined using techniques appropriate for each particular product. These techniques involve some degree of judgment. For investments in illiquid or privately held securities that do not have readily determinable fair values, the determination of fair value requires us to estimate the value of the securities using the best information available. Among the factors we consider in determining the fair value of investments are the cost of the investment, terms and liquidity, developments since the acquisition of the investment, the sales price of recently issued securities, the financial condition and operating results of the issuer, earnings trends and consistency of operating cash flows, the long-term business potential of the issuer, the quoted market price of securities with similar quality and yield that are publicly traded, and other factors generally pertinent to the valuation of investments. In instances where a security is subject to transfer restrictions, the value of the security is based primarily on the quoted price of a similar security without restriction but may be reduced by an amount estimated to reflect such restrictions. The fair value of these investments is subject to a high degree of volatility and may be susceptible to significant fluctuation in the near term, and the differences could be material. The degree of judgment used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Pricing observability is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, and the characteristics specific to the transaction. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of pricing observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted will generally have less, or no, pricing observability and a higher degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. See Note 5 for additional information on how we value our financial instruments.
Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity Securities	Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity Securities Securities available for sale, which are carried at fair value, include U.S. government agency securities; state and municipal securities; agency, non-agency, and commercial mortgage-backed securities; corporate fixed income securities; and asset-backed securities, which primarily includes collateralized loan obligations. Securities held to maturity are recorded at amortized cost based on our company’s positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Securities held to maturity include agency and commercial mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities, consisting of collateralized loan obligation securities and student loan ARS. We evaluate all securities in an unrealized loss position quarterly to assess whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. Our other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) assessment is a subjective process requiring the use of judgments and assumptions. Accordingly, we consider a number of qualitative and quantitative criteria in our assessment, including the extent and duration of the impairment, recent events specific to the issuer and/or industry to which the issuer belongs, the payment structure of the security, external credit ratings and the failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments, the value of underlying collateral, current market conditions, and our company’s ability and intent to hold the investment until its value recovers or the securities mature. We may determine that the decline in fair value of an investment is other-than-temporary if our analysis of these factors indicates that we will not recover our investment in the securities. If we determine that impairment on our debt securities is other-than-temporary and we have made the decision to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, we recognize the entire portion of the impairment in earnings. If we have not made a decision to sell the security and we do not expect that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis, we recognize only the credit component of OTTI in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The remaining unrealized loss due to factors other than credit, or the non-credit component, is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. We determine the credit component based on the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows, discounted based on the purchase yield. The non-credit component represents the difference between the security’s fair value and the present value of expected future cash flows. We estimate the portion of loss attributable to credit using a discounted cash flow model. Key assumptions used in estimating the expected cash flows include default rates, loss severity, and prepayment rates. Assumptions used can vary widely based on the collateral underlying the securities and are influenced by factors such as collateral type, loan interest rate, geographical location of the borrower, and borrower characteristics. Unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities are reported, net of taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive loss included in shareholders’ equity. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recorded as interest income in the consolidated statements of operations using the interest method. Realized gains and losses from sales of securities available for sale are determined on a specific identification basis and are included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations in the period they are sold. For securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, carrying value also includes unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the date of transfer. Such unrealized gains or losses are accreted over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income.
Loan Classification	Loan Classification We classify loans based on our investment strategy and management’s assessment of our intent and ability to hold loans for the foreseeable future or until maturity. Management’s intent and ability with respect to certain loans may change from time to time depending on a number of factors, including economic, liquidity, and capital conditions. The accounting and measurement framework for loans differs depending on the loan classification. The classification criteria and accounting and measurement framework for bank loans and loans held for sale are described below. Bank Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses Bank loans consist of commercial and residential mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans, stock-secured loans, home equity loans, construction loans, and consumer loans originated or acquired by Stifel Bancorp. Bank loans include those loans that management has the intent and ability to hold and are recorded at outstanding principal adjusted for any charge-offs, allowance for loan losses, deferred origination fees and costs, and purchased discounts. Loan origination costs, net of fees, and premiums and discounts on purchased loans are deferred and recognized over the contractual life of the loan as an adjustment of yield using the interest method. Bank loans are generally collateralized by real estate, real property, marketable securities, or other assets of the borrower. Interest income is recognized using the effective interest rate method, which is based upon the respective interest rates and the average daily asset balance. Discount accretion/premium amortization is recognized using the effective interest rate method, which is based upon the respective interest rate and expected lives of loans. We regularly review the loan portfolio and have established an allowance for loan losses for inherent losses estimated to have occurred in the loan portfolio through a provision for loan losses charged to other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. In providing for the allowance for loan losses, we consider historical loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, the selection of proxy data used in developing loss rates, and prevailing economic and business conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Loans Held for Sale Loans that we intend to sell or for which we do not have the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held for sale. Loans held for sale consist of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential and multi-family real estate mortgage loans intended for sale. Loans held for sale are stated at lower of cost or market value on an individual loan basis. Declines in market value below cost and any gains or losses on the sale of these assets are recognized in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Market value is determined based on prevailing market prices for loans with similar characteristics or on sale contract prices. Deferred fees and costs related to these loans are not amortized but are recognized as part of the cost basis of the loan at the time it is sold. Because loans held for sale are reported at lower of cost or market value, an allowance for loan losses is not established for loans held for sale.
Impaired Loans	Impaired Loans A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collectible. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. We consider a loan a trouble debt restructuring when an existing borrower is granted concessionary rates or terms, which would not otherwise be offered. The concessions granted do not reflect current market conditions for a new loan of similar risk to another borrower in similar financial circumstances. Once a loan is determined to be impaired, when principal or interest becomes 90 days past due or when collection becomes uncertain, the accrual of interest and amortization of deferred loan origination fees is discontinued (“non-accrual status”) and any accrued and unpaid interest income is reversed. Loans placed on non-accrual status are returned to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest payments are collected and the collectibility of future principal and interest payments is reasonably assured. Loan losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses when we believe the uncollectibility of a loan balance is certain. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan losses. Large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, we do not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment measurements. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for non-homogeneous loans, and a specific allowance is established for individual loans determined to be impaired. Impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value of the impaired loan to the present value of its expected cash flow discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
Investments	Investments Our broker-dealer subsidiaries report changes in fair value of marketable and non-marketable securities in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of marketable investments is generally based on either quoted market or dealer prices. The fair value of non-marketable securities is based on management’s estimate using the best information available, which generally consists of quoted market prices for similar securities and internally developed discounted cash flow models. Investments in the consolidated statements of financial condition contain investments in securities that are marketable and securities that are not readily marketable. These investments are not included in our broker-dealer trading inventory or available-for-sale or held-to-maturity portfolios and represent the acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments for our benefit.
Fixed Assets, Net	Fixed Assets, Net Office equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset of two to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the lease. Buildings and building improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset of three to thirty-nine years. Depreciation expense is recorded in occupancy and equipment rental in the consolidated statements of operations. Office equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Fixed assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Aircraft Engines Held for Operating Lease Aircraft engines held for operating lease are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and are included in fixed assets, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Certain costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of aircraft engines are capitalized as part of the cost of such assets. Major overhauls paid for by our company, which improve functionality or extend the original useful life, are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of the estimated period to the next overhaul (“deferral method”) or the remaining useful life of the equipment. We do not accrue for planned major maintenance. The cost of overhauls of aircraft engines under long-term leases, for which the lessee is responsible for maintenance during the period of the lease, are paid for by the lessee or from reimbursable maintenance reserves paid to our company in accordance with the lease, and are not capitalized. We depreciate aircraft engines on a straight-line basis over a 30-year period from the acquisition date to a 15% residual value. We review the useful life and residual values of all engines periodically as demand changes to accurately depreciate the cost of equipment over the useful life of the engines.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the cost of acquired businesses in excess of the fair value of the related net assets acquired. We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis and on an interim basis when certain events or circumstances exist. We test for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is generally at the level of or one level below our company’s business segments. For both the annual and interim tests, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is not required. However, if we conclude otherwise, we are then required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. Goodwill impairment is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its respective carrying value. If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill at the reporting unit level is not deemed to be impaired. If the estimated fair value is below carrying value, however, further analysis is required to determine the amount of the impairment. Additionally, if the carrying value of a reporting unit is zero or a negative value and it is determined that it is more likely than not the goodwill is impaired, further analysis is required. The estimated fair values of the reporting units are derived based on valuation techniques we believe market participants would use for each of the reporting units. The Company performed impairment testing on October 1, 2019 with no impairment charges resulting from the annual impairment tests. Identifiable intangible assets, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives, are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be fully recoverable.
Loan and Advances to Financial Advisors and Other Employees, Net	Loans and Advances to Financial Advisors and Other Employees, Net We offer transition pay, principally in the form of upfront loans, to financial advisors and certain key revenue producers as part of our company’s overall growth strategy. These loans are generally forgiven by a charge to compensation and benefits over a five- to ten-year period if the individual satisfies certain conditions, usually based on continued employment and certain performance standards. We monitor and compare individual financial advisor production to each loan issued to ensure future recoverability. If the individual leaves before the term of the loan expires or fails to meet certain performance standards, the individual is required to repay the balance. In determining the allowance for doubtful receivables from former associates, management considers the facts and circumstances surrounding each receivable, including the amount of the unforgiven balance, the reasons for the terminated employment relationship, and the former associates’ overall financial situation.
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities We recognize all of our derivative instruments at fair value as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. These instruments are recorded in other assets or accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition and in the operating section of the consolidated statements of cash flows as increases or decreases of other assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses. Our company’s policy is not to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under master netting arrangements. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains and losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we must also designate the hedging instrument or transaction, based upon the exposure being hedged. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows of the hedged item, if any, is recognized in current earnings during the period of change. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and, at December 31, 2019, all of our derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges. See Note 14 for additional details.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Customer securities transactions are recorded on a settlement date basis, with related commission revenues and expenses recorded on a trade date basis. Commission revenues are recorded as the amount charged to the customer, which, in certain cases, may include varying discounts. Principal securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. We typically distribute our proprietary equity research products to our client base of institutional investors at no charge. These proprietary equity research products are accounted for as a cost of doing business. Advisory fees from mergers and acquisitions engagements are recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is completed, as the performance obligation is to successfully broker a specific transaction. Advisory expenses had historically been deferred until reimbursed by the client, the related fee revenue was recognized or the engagement was otherwise concluded. Expenses are deferred only to the extent they are explicitly reimbursable by the client and the related revenue has been recognized. All other investment banking advisory related expenses, including expenses incurred related to restructuring assignments, are expensed as incurred. Underwriting expenses had historically been recorded net of client reimbursements and/or netted against revenues. All investment banking expenses are recognized as non-interest expense in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations, and any expense reimbursements are recognized as investment banking revenues (i.e., expenses are no longer recorded net of client reimbursements and are not netted against revenues). Asset management and service fees. We earn management and performance fees in connection with investment advisory services provided to institutional and individual clients. Investment advisory fees are charged based on the value of assets in fee-based accounts and are affected by changes in the balances of client assets due to market fluctuations and levels of net new client assets. Fees are charged either in advance based on fixed rates applied to the value of the customers’ account at the beginning of the period or periodically based on contracted rates and account performance. Contracts can be terminated at any time with no incremental payments due to our company upon termination. If the contract is terminated by the customer fees are prorated for the period and fees charged for the post termination period are refundable to the customer. We earn fees from the investment partnerships that we manage or of which we are a general partner. Such management fees are generally based on the net assets or committed capital of the underlying partnerships. We have agreed, in certain cases, to waive management fees, in lieu of making a cash contribution, in satisfaction of our general partner investment commitments to the investment partnerships. In these cases, we generally recognize our management fee revenues at the time when we are allocated a special profit interest in realized gains from these partnerships. Lease revenue – Revenue from leasing of aircraft engines is recognized as operating lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the terms of the applicable lease agreements. Under the terms of some of our company’s leases, the lessees pay use fees (also known as maintenance reserves) to our company based on usage of the leased asset, which are designed to cover expected future maintenance costs. Some of these amounts are reimbursable to the lessee if they make specifically defined maintenance expenditures. Use fees received are recognized in revenue as maintenance reserve revenue if they are not reimbursable to the lessee. Use fees that are reimbursable are recorded as a maintenance reserve liability until they are reimbursed to the lessee, the lease terminates, or the obligation to reimburse the lessee for such reserves ceases to exist, at which time they are recognized in revenue as maintenance reserve revenue. Commissions. We earn commission revenue by executing, settling, and clearing transactions for clients primarily in OTC and listed equity securities, insurance products, and options. Trade execution and clearing and custody services, when provided together, represent a single performance obligation as the services are not separately identifiable in the context of the contract. Commission revenues associated with combined trade execution and clearing and custody services, as well as trade execution services on a standalone basis, are recognized at a point in time on trade-date. Commission revenues are generally paid on settlement date, and we record a receivable between trade-date and payment on settlement date. Investment Banking. We provide our clients with a full range of capital markets and financial advisory services. Capital markets services include underwriting and placement agent services in both the equity and debt capital markets, including private equity placements, initial public offerings, follow-on offerings, underwriting and distributing public and private debt. Capital-raising revenues are recognized at a point in time on trade-date, as the client obtains the control and benefit of the capital markets offering at that point. Costs associated with capital-raising transactions are deferred until the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded, and are recorded on a gross basis within other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations as we are acting as a principal in the arrangement. Any expenses reimbursed by our clients are recognized as investment banking revenues. Revenues from financial advisory services primarily consist of fees generated in connection with merger, acquisition, and restructuring transactions. Advisory fees from mergers and acquisitions engagements are recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is completed, as the performance obligation is to successfully broker a specific transaction. Fees received prior to the completion of the transaction are deferred within accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Advisory fees from restructuring engagements are recognized over time using a time elapsed measure of progress as our clients simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of those services as they are provided. A significant portion of the fees we receive for our advisory services are considered variable as they are contingent upon a future event (e.g., completion of a transaction or third party emergence from bankruptcy) and are excluded from the transaction price until the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved, which is expected to occur upon achievement of the specified milestone. Payment for advisory services are generally due promptly upon completion of a specified milestone or, for retainer fees, periodically over the course of the engagement. We recognize a receivable between the date of completion of the milestone and payment by the customer. Expenses associated with investment banking advisory engagements are deferred only to the extent they are explicitly reimbursable by the client, and the related revenue is recognized at the same time as the associated expense. All other investment banking advisory-related expenses, including expenses incurred related to restructuring assignments, are expensed as incurred. All investment banking advisory expenses are recognized within other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations, and any expenses reimbursed by our clients are recognized as investment banking revenues. Asset Management Fees. We earn management and performance fees in connection with investment advisory services provided to institutional and individual clients. Investment advisory fees are charged based on the value of assets in fee-based accounts and are affected by changes in the balances of client assets due to market fluctuations and levels of net new client assets. Fees are charged either in advance based on fixed rates applied to the value of the customers’ account at the beginning of the period or periodically based on contracted rates and account performance. Contracts can be terminated at any time with no incremental payments due to our company upon termination. If the contract is terminated by the customer fees are prorated for the period and fees charged for the post termination period are refundable to the customer.
Operating Leases	Operating Leases Our company enters into operating leases for real estate, office equipment, and other assets, substantially all of which are used in connection with its operations. We adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019, which required our company to recognize, for leases longer than one year, a right-of-use asset representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability representing the liability to make payments. The lease term is generally determined based on the contractual maturity of the lease. For leases where our company has the option to terminate or extend the lease, an assessment of the likelihood of exercising the option is incorporated into the determination of the lease term. Such assessment is initially performed at the inception of the lease and is updated if events occur that impact the original assessment. An operating lease right-of-use asset is initially determined based on the operating lease liability, adjusted for initial direct costs, lease incentives, and amounts paid at or prior to lease commencement. This amount is then amortized over the lease term. At December 31, 2019, the right-of-use assets are included in fixed assets, net with the corresponding lease liabilities included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition. See Note 20 for information about operating leases. For leases where our company ceased using the space and management has concluded that it will not derive any future economic benefits, we record an impairment of right-of-use assets.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We compute income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of our company’s assets and liabilities. We establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will either expire before we are able to realize their benefits, or that future deductibility is uncertain. We recognize 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 taxing authorities, 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 that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 25 for further information regarding income taxes.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation We consolidate our foreign subsidiaries, which have designated their local currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated at year-end rates of exchange. Revenues and expenses are translated at an average rate for the period. Gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a separate component of Stifel Financial Corp. shareholders’ equity. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations.
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance	Recently Issued Accounting Guidance Goodwill Impairment Testing In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the accounting update, the annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and an impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The accounting update is effective for annual or any interim impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020, for our company) and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the accounting update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments – Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments − Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13).” This accounting update impacts the impairment model for certain financial assets measured at amortized cost by requiring a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology to estimate expected credit losses over the entire life of the financial asset, recorded at inception or purchase. CECL will replace the loss model currently applicable to bank loans, held-to-maturity securities, and other receivables carried at amortized cost. The accounting update also eliminates the concept of other-than-temporary impairment for available-for-sale securities. Impairments on available-for-sale securities will be required to be recognized in earnings through an allowance, when the fair value is less than amortized cost and a credit loss exists or the securities are expected to be sold before recovery of amortized cost. Under the accounting update, there may be an ability to determine there are no expected credit losses in certain circumstances, e.g., based on collateral arrangements for lending and financing transactions or based on the credit quality of the borrower or issuer. Expected credit losses, including losses on off-balance sheet exposures, such as lending commitments, will be measured based on historical experience, current conditions, and forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. Overall, the amendments in this accounting update are expected to accelerate the recognition of credit losses for portfolios where CECL models will be applied. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,” which clarifies and improves areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, recognition, and measurement. The accounting update provides guidance on how companies will estimate expected credit losses by incorporating (1) expected recoveries of financial assets, including recoveries of amounts expected to be written off and those previously written off, and (2) clarifying that contractual extensions or renewal options that are not unconditionally cancellable by the lender are considered when determining the contractual term over which expected credit losses are measured. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief,” which allows entities to irrevocably elect, upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the fair value option on financial instruments that (1) were previously recorded at amortized cost and (2) are within the scope of ASC 326-20 if the instruments are eligible for the fair value option under ASC 825-10. The fair value option election does not apply to held-to-maturity debt securities. Entities are required to make this election on an instrument-by-instrument basis. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” which clarifies the treatment of expected recoveries for amounts previously written off on purchased receivables, provides transition relief for troubled debt restructurings, and allows for certain disclosure simplifications of accrued interest. We will adopt the ASUs using a modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2020. The adoption of the accounting update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the Company expects the reserve for credit losses to be in the range of $107.5 million to $120.5 million. This range incorporates the reserve for credit losses for all material funded and unfunded financial assets and other receivables. This balance is impacted by the economic environment, the size and type of loan portfolios held by our company on the date of adoption, and other management judgments that impact the quantitative and qualitative assumptions that estimate the expected credit losses of financial assets. Income Taxes In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. This accounting update removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The accounting update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 (January 1, 2021, for our company), and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the accounting update will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance	Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance Fair Value Measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The objective of this guidance is to improve the effectiveness of disclosure requirements on fair value measurement by eliminating certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements for all entities, requiring public entities to disclose certain new information and modifying some disclosure requirements. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020, for our company), and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted the guidance in the update on January 1, 2019. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Derivatives and Hedging In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” (“ASU 2017-12”), which amends the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements. The accounting update improves the transparency and understandability of information conveyed to financial statement users by better aligning companies’ hedging relationship to their existing risk management strategies, simplifies the application of hedge accounting, and increases transparency regarding the scope and results of hedging program. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019, for our company), and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,” which clarifies and improves areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, recognition, and measurement. The accounting update clarifies that the reclassification of a debt security from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale under the transition guidance in ASU 2017-12 would not (1) call into question the classification of other held-to-maturity securities, (2) be required to actually designate any reclassified security in a last-of-layer hedge, or (3) be restricted from selling any reclassified security. The accounting update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020, for our company), and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted the provisions of the accounting update related to Topic 815 on August 1, 2019. As a result of the adoption of the accounting update, we made a one-time decision to transfer a portion of our held-to-maturity securities to available-for-sale. The adoption of the accounting guidance had no other impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 7 for further information. Callable debt securities In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities,” which shortens the amortization period for the premium on certain callable debt securities to the earliest call date. The amendments are applicable to any purchased individual debt security with an explicit and non-contingent call feature that is callable at a fixed price on a preset date. The accounting update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019, for our company) under a modified retrospective approach. The change was applied prospectively from January 1, 2019, and there is no impact to our previously presented results. The adoption of the accounting update resulted in a reduction of beginning retained earnings of $4.4 million after-tax as a cumulative effect of adoption of an accounting change. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which requires that for leases longer than one year, a lessee recognize in the statements of financial condition a right-of-use asset, representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability, representing the liability to make lease payments. The accounting update also requires that for finance leases, a lessee recognize interest expense on the lease liability, separately from the amortization of the right-of-use asset in the statements of earnings, while for operating leases, such amounts should be recognized as a combined expense. In addition, this accounting update requires expanded disclosures about the nature and terms of lease agreements. This change was applied prospectively from January 1, 2019, and there is no impact on our previously presented results. Upon adoption, in accordance with the new lease standard, we elected to not reassess the lease classification or initial direct costs of existing leases, and to not reassess whether existing contracts contain a lease. In addition, we have elected to account for each contract’s lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. The adoption of the new lease standard resulted in a reduction of beginning retained earnings of $6.7 million after-tax as a cumulative effect of adoption of an accounting change. Upon adoption, the company recorded a gross up of approximately $670 million on its consolidated statements of financial condition to recognize the right-of-use assets, included in fixed assets, net and lease liabilities, included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. See Note 9 for further information. Comprehensive Income In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” that provides for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019, for our company) and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted the guidance in the update on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the accounting update resulted in a reclassification adjustment of $3.1 million related to cash flow hedges and investment portfolio credit risk in our consolidated financial statements. Statement of Cash Flow In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flow - Restricted Cash,” which adds or clarifies guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted the guidance in the update on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows. Upon adoption of the accounting update, we recorded an increase of $17.6 million in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017, related to reclassifying the changes in our cash segregated for regulatory purposes and restricted cash balance from operating activities to the cash and cash equivalent balances within the consolidated statements of cash flows. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which amends and clarifies the current guidance to reduce diversity in practice of the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2017. We adopted the guidance in the update on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of cash flows. Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” that changes the income statement impact of equity investments held by an entity, and the recognition of changes in fair value of financial liabilities when the fair value option is elected. The accounting update also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The accounting update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted the guidance in the update on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606),” (“ASU 2014-09”) that supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including most industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09, as amended, requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The guidance also requires additional disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, which provides accounting guidance on the recognition of revenues from contracts and requires gross presentation of certain costs that were previously offset against revenue. This change was applied prospectively from January 1, 2018, and there is no impact on our previously presented results. The adoption of the new revenue standard resulted in a reduction of beginning retained earnings of $4.2 million after-tax as a cumulative effect of adoption of an accounting change. The impact of adoption is primarily related to investment banking revenues that were previously recognized in prior periods, which are now being deferred under the new revenue standard. With the adoption of the revenue recognition standard on January 1, 2018, capital-raising and advisory fee revenues are no longer presented net of the related reimbursable deal expenses. As a result, capital-raising and advisory fee revenues and other operating expenses are higher in 2018 by an identical $33.8 million, with no impact to net income. The scope of the accounting update does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, and as a result, does not have an impact on the elements of our consolidated statements of operations most closely associated with financial instruments, including principal transaction revenues, interest income, and interest expense.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

We consider money market mutual funds and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are not restricted or segregated to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include deposits with banks, federal funds sold, money market mutual funds, and certificates of deposit. Cash and cash equivalents also include balances that our bank subsidiaries maintain at the Federal Reserve Bank.

Cash Segregated For Regulatory Purposes

Cash Segregated for Regulatory Purposes

Our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which requires our company to maintain cash or qualified securities in a segregated reserve account for the exclusive benefit of its clients. In accordance with Rule 15c3-3, our company has portions of its cash segregated for the exclusive benefit of clients at December 31, 2019.

Brokerage Client Receivables, Net

Brokerage client receivables include receivables of our company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries, which represent amounts due on cash and margin transactions and are generally collateralized by securities owned by clients. Brokerage client receivables, primarily consisting of floating-rate loans collateralized by customer-owned securities, are charged interest at rates similar to other such loans made throughout the industry. The receivables are reported at their outstanding principal balance net of allowance for doubtful accounts. When a brokerage client receivable is considered to be impaired, the amount of the impairment is generally measured based on the fair value of the securities acting as collateral, which is measured based on current prices from independent sources, such as listed market prices or broker-dealer price quotations. Securities owned by customers, including those that collateralize margin or other similar transactions, are not reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Securities Borrowed and Securities Loaned

Securities borrowed require our company to deliver cash to the lender in exchange for securities and are included in receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations in the consolidated statements of financial condition. For securities loaned, we generally receive collateral in the form of cash in an amount in excess of the market value of securities loaned. Securities loaned are included in payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations in the consolidated statements of financial condition. We monitor the market value of securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained or refunded as necessary. Fees received or paid are recorded in interest revenue or interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Substantially all of these transactions are executed under master netting agreements, which gives us right of offset in the event of counterparty default; however, such receivables and payables with the same counterparty are not set off in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Repurchase Agreements

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (“resale agreements”) are collateralized financing transactions that are recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest. We obtain control of collateral with a market value equal to or in excess of the principal amount loaned and accrued interest under resale agreements. These agreements are short-term in nature and are generally collateralized by U.S. government securities, U.S. government agency securities, and corporate bonds. We value collateral on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained when necessary to minimize the risk associated with this activity.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”) are collateralized financing transactions that are recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest. We make delivery of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and monitor the value of collateral on a daily basis. When necessary, we will deliver additional collateral.

Financial Instruments

We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including cash equivalents, financial instruments owned, available-for-sale securities, investments, financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, and derivatives. Other than those separately discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, the remaining financial instruments are generally short-term in nature, and their carrying values approximate fair value.

The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., “the exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We have categorized our financial instruments measured at fair value into a three-level classification in accordance with Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” which established a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect our assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the transparency of inputs as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. A quoted price for an identical asset or liability in an active market provides the most reliable fair value measurement, because it is directly observable to the market.

Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date. The nature of these financial instruments includes instruments for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently, derivative instruments whose fair value have been derived using a model where inputs to the model are directly observable in the market, or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, and instruments that are fair valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed.

Level 3 – Instruments that have little to no pricing observability as of the measurement date. These financial instruments do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.

Valuation of Financial Instruments

When available, we use observable market prices, observable market parameters, or broker or dealer prices (bid and ask prices) to derive the fair value of financial instruments. In the case of financial instruments transacted on recognized exchanges, the observable market prices represent quotations for completed transactions from the exchange on which the financial instrument is principally traded.

A substantial percentage of the fair value of our financial instruments owned, available-for-sale securities, investments, and financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, are based on observable market prices, observable market parameters, or derived from broker or dealer prices. The availability of observable market prices and pricing parameters can vary from product to product. Where available, observable market prices and pricing or market parameters in a product may be used to derive a price without requiring significant judgment. In certain markets, observable market prices or market parameters are not available for all products, and fair value is determined using techniques appropriate for each particular product. These techniques involve some degree of judgment.

For investments in illiquid or privately held securities that do not have readily determinable fair values, the determination of fair value requires us to estimate the value of the securities using the best information available. Among the factors we consider in determining the fair value of investments are the cost of the investment, terms and liquidity, developments since the acquisition of the investment, the sales price of recently issued securities, the financial condition and operating results of the issuer, earnings trends and consistency of operating cash flows, the long-term business potential of the issuer, the quoted market price of securities with similar quality and yield that are publicly traded, and other factors generally pertinent to the valuation of investments. In instances where a security is subject to transfer restrictions, the value of the security is based primarily on the quoted price of a similar security without restriction but may be reduced by an amount estimated to reflect such restrictions. The fair value of these investments is subject to a high degree of volatility and may be susceptible to significant fluctuation in the near term, and the differences could be material.

The degree of judgment used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Pricing observability is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, and the characteristics specific to the transaction. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of pricing observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted will generally have less, or no, pricing observability and a higher degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. See Note 5 for additional information on how we value our financial instruments.

Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity Securities

Securities available for sale, which are carried at fair value, include U.S. government agency securities; state and municipal securities; agency, non-agency, and commercial mortgage-backed securities; corporate fixed income securities; and asset-backed securities, which primarily includes collateralized loan obligations.

Securities held to maturity are recorded at amortized cost based on our company’s positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Securities held to maturity include agency and commercial mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities, consisting of collateralized loan obligation securities and student loan ARS.

We evaluate all securities in an unrealized loss position quarterly to assess whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. Our other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) assessment is a subjective process requiring the use of judgments and assumptions. Accordingly, we consider a number of qualitative and quantitative criteria in our assessment, including the extent and duration of the impairment, recent events specific to the issuer and/or industry to which the issuer belongs, the payment structure of the security, external credit ratings and the failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments, the value of underlying collateral, current market conditions, and our company’s ability and intent to hold the investment until its value recovers or the securities mature. We may determine that the decline in fair value of an investment is other-than-temporary if our analysis of these factors indicates that we will not recover our investment in the securities.

If we determine that impairment on our debt securities is other-than-temporary and we have made the decision to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, we recognize the entire portion of the impairment in earnings. If we have not made a decision to sell the security and we do not expect that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis, we recognize only the credit component of OTTI in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The remaining unrealized loss due to factors other than credit, or the non-credit component, is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. We determine the credit component based on the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows, discounted based on the purchase yield. The non-credit component represents the difference between the security’s fair value and the present value of expected future cash flows.

We estimate the portion of loss attributable to credit using a discounted cash flow model. Key assumptions used in estimating the expected cash flows include default rates, loss severity, and prepayment rates. Assumptions used can vary widely based on the collateral underlying the securities and are influenced by factors such as collateral type, loan interest rate, geographical location of the borrower, and borrower characteristics.

Unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities are reported, net of taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive loss included in shareholders’ equity. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recorded as interest income in the consolidated statements of operations using the interest method. Realized gains and losses from sales of securities available for sale are determined on a specific identification basis and are included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations in the period they are sold. For securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, carrying value also includes unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the date of transfer. Such unrealized gains or losses are accreted over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income.

Loan Classification

We classify loans based on our investment strategy and management’s assessment of our intent and ability to hold loans for the foreseeable future or until maturity. Management’s intent and ability with respect to certain loans may change from time to time depending on a number of factors, including economic, liquidity, and capital conditions. The accounting and measurement framework for loans differs depending on the loan classification. The classification criteria and accounting and measurement framework for bank loans and loans held for sale are described below.

Bank Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Bank loans consist of commercial and residential mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans, stock-secured loans, home equity loans, construction loans, and consumer loans originated or acquired by Stifel Bancorp. Bank loans include those loans that management has the intent and ability to hold and are recorded at outstanding principal adjusted for any charge-offs, allowance for loan losses, deferred origination fees and costs, and purchased discounts. Loan origination costs, net of fees, and premiums and discounts on purchased loans are deferred and recognized over the contractual life of the loan as an adjustment of yield using the interest method. Bank loans are generally collateralized by real estate, real property, marketable securities, or other assets of the borrower. Interest income is recognized using the effective interest rate method, which is based upon the respective interest rates and the average daily asset balance. Discount accretion/premium amortization is recognized using the effective interest rate method, which is based upon the respective interest rate and expected lives of loans.

We regularly review the loan portfolio and have established an allowance for loan losses for inherent losses estimated to have occurred in the loan portfolio through a provision for loan losses charged to other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. In providing for the allowance for loan losses, we consider historical loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan

portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, the selection of proxy data used in developing loss rates, and prevailing economic and business conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans that we intend to sell or for which we do not have the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held for sale. Loans held for sale consist of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential and multi-family real estate mortgage loans intended for sale. Loans held for sale are stated at lower of cost or market value on an individual loan basis. Declines in market value below cost and any gains or losses on the sale of these assets are recognized in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Market value is determined based on prevailing market prices for loans with similar characteristics or on sale contract prices. Deferred fees and costs related to these loans are not amortized but are recognized as part of the cost basis of the loan at the time it is sold. Because loans held for sale are reported at lower of cost or market value, an allowance for loan losses is not established for loans held for sale.

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collectible. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

We consider a loan a trouble debt restructuring when an existing borrower is granted concessionary rates or terms, which would not otherwise be offered. The concessions granted do not reflect current market conditions for a new loan of similar risk to another borrower in similar financial circumstances.

Once a loan is determined to be impaired, when principal or interest becomes 90 days past due or when collection becomes uncertain, the accrual of interest and amortization of deferred loan origination fees is discontinued (“non-accrual status”) and any accrued and unpaid interest income is reversed. Loans placed on non-accrual status are returned to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest payments are collected and the collectibility of future principal and interest payments is reasonably assured. Loan losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses when we believe the uncollectibility of a loan balance is certain. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan losses.

Large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, we do not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment measurements. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for non-homogeneous loans, and a specific allowance is established for individual loans determined to be impaired. Impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value of the impaired loan to the present value of its expected cash flow discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Investments

Our broker-dealer subsidiaries report changes in fair value of marketable and non-marketable securities in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of marketable investments is generally based on either quoted market or dealer prices. The fair value of non-marketable securities is based on management’s estimate using the best information available, which generally consists of quoted market prices for similar securities and internally developed discounted cash flow models.

Investments in the consolidated statements of financial condition contain investments in securities that are marketable and securities that are not readily marketable. These investments are not included in our broker-dealer trading inventory or available-for-sale or held-to-maturity portfolios and represent the acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments for our benefit.

Fixed Assets, Net

Office equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset of two to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the lease. Buildings and building improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset of three to thirty-nine years. Depreciation expense is recorded in occupancy and equipment rental in the consolidated statements of operations. Office equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Fixed assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.

Aircraft Engines Held for Operating Lease

Aircraft engines held for operating lease are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and are included in fixed assets, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Certain costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of aircraft engines are

capitalized as part of the cost of such assets. Major overhauls paid for by our company, which improve functionality or extend the original useful life, are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of the estimated period to the next overhaul (“deferral method”) or the remaining useful life of the equipment. We do not accrue for planned major maintenance. The cost of overhauls of aircraft engines under long-term leases, for which the lessee is responsible for maintenance during the period of the lease, are paid for by the lessee or from reimbursable maintenance reserves paid to our company in accordance with the lease, and are not capitalized.

We depreciate aircraft engines on a straight-line basis over a 30-year period from the acquisition date to a 15% residual value. We review the useful life and residual values of all engines periodically as demand changes to accurately depreciate the cost of equipment over the useful life of the engines.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the cost of acquired businesses in excess of the fair value of the related net assets acquired. We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis and on an interim basis when certain events or circumstances exist. We test for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is generally at the level of or one level below our company’s business segments. For both the annual and interim tests, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is not required. However, if we conclude otherwise, we are then required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. Goodwill impairment is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its respective carrying value. If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill at the reporting unit level is not deemed to be impaired. If the estimated fair value is below carrying value, however, further analysis is required to determine the amount of the impairment. Additionally, if the carrying value of a reporting unit is zero or a negative value and it is determined that it is more likely than not the goodwill is impaired, further analysis is required. The estimated fair values of the reporting units are derived based on valuation techniques we believe market participants would use for each of the reporting units. The Company performed impairment testing on October 1, 2019 with no impairment charges resulting from the annual impairment tests.

Identifiable intangible assets, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives, are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be fully recoverable.

Loan and Advances to Financial Advisors and Other Employees, Net

Loans and Advances to Financial Advisors and Other Employees, Net

We offer transition pay, principally in the form of upfront loans, to financial advisors and certain key revenue producers as part of our company’s overall growth strategy. These loans are generally forgiven by a charge to compensation and benefits over a five- to ten-year period if the individual satisfies certain conditions, usually based on continued employment and certain performance standards. We monitor and compare individual financial advisor production to each loan issued to ensure future recoverability. If the individual leaves before the term of the loan expires or fails to meet certain performance standards, the individual is required to repay the balance. In determining the allowance for doubtful receivables from former associates, management considers the facts and circumstances surrounding each receivable, including the amount of the unforgiven balance, the reasons for the terminated employment relationship, and the former associates’ overall financial situation.

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We recognize all of our derivative instruments at fair value as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. These instruments are recorded in other assets or accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition and in the operating section of the consolidated statements of cash flows as increases or decreases of other assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses. Our company’s policy is not to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under master netting arrangements. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains and losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we must also designate the hedging instrument or transaction, based upon the exposure being hedged.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows of the hedged item, if any, is recognized in current earnings during the period of change. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and, at December 31, 2019, all of our derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges. See Note 14 for additional details.

Revenue Recognition

Customer securities transactions are recorded on a settlement date basis, with related commission revenues and expenses recorded on a trade date basis. Commission revenues are recorded as the amount charged to the customer, which, in certain cases, may include varying discounts. Principal securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. We typically distribute our proprietary equity research products to our client base of institutional investors at no charge. These proprietary equity research products are accounted for as a cost of doing business.

Advisory fees from mergers and acquisitions engagements are recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is completed, as the performance obligation is to successfully broker a specific transaction.

Advisory expenses had historically been deferred until reimbursed by the client, the related fee revenue was recognized or the engagement was otherwise concluded. Expenses are deferred only to the extent they are explicitly reimbursable by the client and the related revenue has been recognized. All other investment banking advisory related expenses, including expenses incurred related to restructuring assignments, are expensed as incurred.

Underwriting expenses had historically been recorded net of client reimbursements and/or netted against revenues. All investment banking expenses are recognized as non-interest expense in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations, and any expense reimbursements are recognized as investment banking revenues (i.e., expenses are no longer recorded net of client reimbursements and are not netted against revenues).

Asset management and service fees. We earn management and performance fees in connection with investment advisory services provided to institutional and individual clients. Investment advisory fees are charged based on the value of assets in fee-based accounts and are affected by changes in the balances of client assets due to market fluctuations and levels of net new client assets. Fees are charged either in advance based on fixed rates applied to the value of the customers’ account at the beginning of the period or periodically based on contracted rates and account performance. Contracts can be terminated at any time with no incremental payments due to our company upon termination. If the contract is terminated by the customer fees are prorated for the period and fees charged for the post termination period are refundable to the customer.

We earn fees from the investment partnerships that we manage or of which we are a general partner. Such management fees are generally based on the net assets or committed capital of the underlying partnerships. We have agreed, in certain cases, to waive management fees, in lieu of making a cash contribution, in satisfaction of our general partner investment commitments to the investment partnerships. In these cases, we generally recognize our management fee revenues at the time when we are allocated a special profit interest in realized gains from these partnerships.

Lease revenue – Revenue from leasing of aircraft engines is recognized as operating lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the terms of the applicable lease agreements. Under the terms of some of our company’s leases, the lessees pay use fees (also known as maintenance reserves) to our company based on usage of the leased asset, which are designed to cover expected future maintenance costs. Some of these amounts are reimbursable to the lessee if they make specifically defined maintenance expenditures. Use fees received are recognized in revenue as maintenance reserve revenue if they are not reimbursable to the lessee. Use fees that are reimbursable are recorded as a maintenance reserve liability until they are reimbursed to the lessee, the lease terminates, or the obligation to reimburse the lessee for such reserves ceases to exist, at which time they are recognized in revenue as maintenance reserve revenue.

Commissions. We earn commission revenue by executing, settling, and clearing transactions for clients primarily in OTC and listed equity securities, insurance products, and options. Trade execution and clearing and custody services, when provided together, represent a single performance obligation as the services are not separately identifiable in the context of the contract. Commission revenues associated with combined trade execution and clearing and custody services, as well as trade execution services on a standalone basis, are recognized at a point in time on trade-date. Commission revenues are generally paid on settlement date, and we record a receivable between trade-date and payment on settlement date.

Investment Banking. We provide our clients with a full range of capital markets and financial advisory services. Capital markets services include underwriting and placement agent services in both the equity and debt capital markets, including private equity placements, initial public offerings, follow-on offerings, underwriting and distributing public and private debt.

Capital-raising revenues are recognized at a point in time on trade-date, as the client obtains the control and benefit of the capital markets offering at that point. Costs associated with capital-raising transactions are deferred until the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded, and are recorded on a gross basis within other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations as we are acting as a principal in the arrangement. Any expenses reimbursed by our clients are recognized as investment banking revenues.

Revenues from financial advisory services primarily consist of fees generated in connection with merger, acquisition, and restructuring transactions. Advisory fees from mergers and acquisitions engagements are recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is completed, as the performance obligation is to successfully broker a specific transaction. Fees received prior to the completion of the transaction are deferred within accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Advisory fees from restructuring engagements are recognized over time using a time elapsed measure of progress as our clients simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of those services as they are provided. A significant portion of the fees we receive for our advisory services are considered variable as they are contingent upon a future event (e.g., completion of a transaction or third party emergence from bankruptcy) and are excluded from the transaction price until the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved, which is expected to occur upon achievement of the specified milestone. Payment for advisory services are generally due promptly upon completion of a specified milestone or, for retainer fees, periodically

over the course of the engagement. We recognize a receivable between the date of completion of the milestone and payment by the customer. Expenses associated with investment banking advisory engagements are deferred only to the extent they are explicitly reimbursable by the client, and the related revenue is recognized at the same time as the associated expense. All other investment banking advisory-related expenses, including expenses incurred related to restructuring assignments, are expensed as incurred. All investment banking advisory expenses are recognized within other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations, and any expenses reimbursed by our clients are recognized as investment banking revenues.

Asset Management Fees. We earn management and performance fees in connection with investment advisory services provided to institutional and individual clients. Investment advisory fees are charged based on the value of assets in fee-based accounts and are affected by changes in the balances of client assets due to market fluctuations and levels of net new client assets. Fees are charged either in advance based on fixed rates applied to the value of the customers’ account at the beginning of the period or periodically based on contracted rates and account performance. Contracts can be terminated at any time with no incremental payments due to our company upon termination. If the contract is terminated by the customer fees are prorated for the period and fees charged for the post termination period are refundable to the customer.

Operating Leases

Our company enters into operating leases for real estate, office equipment, and other assets, substantially all of which are used in connection with its operations. We adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019, which required our company to recognize, for leases longer than one year, a right-of-use asset representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability representing the liability to make payments. The lease term is generally determined based on the contractual maturity of the lease. For leases where our company has the option to terminate or extend the lease, an assessment of the likelihood of exercising the option is incorporated into the determination of the lease term. Such assessment is initially performed at the inception of the lease and is updated if events occur that impact the original assessment.

An operating lease right-of-use asset is initially determined based on the operating lease liability, adjusted for initial direct costs, lease incentives, and amounts paid at or prior to lease commencement. This amount is then amortized over the lease term. At December 31, 2019, the right-of-use assets are included in fixed assets, net with the corresponding lease liabilities included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition. See Note 20 for information about operating leases.

For leases where our company ceased using the space and management has concluded that it will not derive any future economic benefits, we record an impairment of right-of-use assets.

Income Taxes

We compute income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of our company’s assets and liabilities. We establish a

valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will either expire before we are able to realize their benefits, or that future deductibility is uncertain.

We recognize 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 taxing authorities, 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 that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 25 for further information regarding income taxes.

Foreign Currency Translation

We consolidate our foreign subsidiaries, which have designated their local currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated at year-end rates of exchange. Revenues and expenses are translated at an average rate for the period. Gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a separate component of Stifel Financial Corp. shareholders’ equity. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

Goodwill Impairment Testing

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the accounting update, the annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and an impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The accounting update is effective for annual or any interim impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020, for our company) and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the accounting update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments − Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13).” This accounting update impacts the impairment model for certain financial assets measured at amortized cost by requiring a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology to estimate expected credit losses over the entire life of the financial asset, recorded at inception or purchase. CECL will replace the loss model currently applicable to bank loans, held-to-maturity securities, and other receivables carried at amortized cost.

The accounting update also eliminates the concept of other-than-temporary impairment for available-for-sale securities. Impairments on available-for-sale securities will be required to be recognized in earnings through an allowance, when the fair value is less than amortized cost and a credit loss exists or the securities are expected to be sold before recovery of amortized cost. Under the accounting update, there may be an ability to determine there are no expected credit losses in certain circumstances, e.g., based on collateral arrangements for lending and financing transactions or based on the credit quality of the borrower or issuer. Expected credit losses, including losses on off-balance sheet exposures, such as lending commitments, will be measured based on historical experience, current conditions, and forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. Overall, the amendments in this accounting update are expected to accelerate the recognition of credit losses for portfolios where CECL models will be applied.

In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,” which clarifies and improves areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, recognition, and measurement.

The accounting update provides guidance on how companies will estimate expected credit losses by incorporating (1) expected recoveries of financial assets, including recoveries of amounts expected to be written off and those previously written off, and (2) clarifying that contractual extensions or renewal options that are not unconditionally cancellable by the lender are considered when determining the contractual term over which expected credit losses are measured.

In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief,” which allows entities to irrevocably elect, upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the fair value option on financial instruments that (1) were previously recorded at amortized cost and (2) are within the scope of ASC 326-20 if the instruments are eligible for the fair value option under ASC 825-10. The fair value option election does not apply to held-to-maturity debt securities. Entities are required to make this election on an instrument-by-instrument basis.

In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” which clarifies the treatment of expected recoveries for amounts previously written off on purchased receivables, provides transition relief for troubled debt restructurings, and allows for certain disclosure simplifications of accrued interest.

We will adopt the ASUs using a modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2020. The adoption of the accounting update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the Company expects the reserve for credit losses to be in the range of $107.5 million to $120.5 million. This range incorporates the reserve for credit losses for all material funded and unfunded financial assets and other receivables. This balance is impacted by the economic environment, the size and type of loan portfolios held by our company on the date of adoption, and other management judgments that impact the quantitative and qualitative assumptions that estimate the expected credit losses of financial assets.

Income Taxes

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. This accounting update removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. The accounting update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 (January 1, 2021, for our company), and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the accounting update will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The objective of this guidance is to improve the effectiveness of disclosure requirements on fair value measurement by eliminating certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements for all entities, requiring public entities to disclose certain new information and modifying some disclosure requirements. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020, for our company), and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted the guidance in the update on January 1, 2019. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” (“ASU 2017-12”), which amends the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements. The accounting update improves the transparency and understandability of information conveyed to financial statement users by better aligning companies’ hedging relationship to their existing risk management strategies, simplifies the application of hedge accounting, and increases transparency regarding the scope and results of hedging program. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019, for our company), and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

The accounting update clarifies that the reclassification of a debt security from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale under the transition guidance in ASU 2017-12 would not (1) call into question the classification of other held-to-maturity securities, (2) be required to actually designate any reclassified security in a last-of-layer hedge, or (3) be restricted from selling any reclassified security. The accounting update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020, for our company), and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted the provisions of the accounting update related to Topic 815 on August 1, 2019. As a result of the adoption of the accounting update, we made a one-time decision to transfer a portion of our held-to-maturity securities to available-for-sale. The adoption of the accounting guidance had no other impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 7 for further information.

Callable debt securities

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities,” which shortens the amortization period for the premium on certain callable debt securities to the earliest call date. The amendments are applicable to any purchased individual debt security with an explicit and non-contingent call feature that is callable at a fixed price on a preset date. The accounting update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019, for our company) under a modified retrospective approach. The change was applied prospectively from January 1, 2019, and there is no impact to our previously presented results. The adoption of the accounting update resulted in a reduction of beginning retained earnings of $4.4 million after-tax as a cumulative effect of adoption of an accounting change.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which requires that for leases longer than one year, a lessee recognize in the statements of financial condition a right-of-use asset, representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability, representing the liability to make lease payments. The accounting update also requires that for finance leases, a lessee

recognize interest expense on the lease liability, separately from the amortization of the right-of-use asset in the statements of earnings, while for operating leases, such amounts should be recognized as a combined expense. In addition, this accounting update requires expanded disclosures about the nature and terms of lease agreements.

This change was applied prospectively from January 1, 2019, and there is no impact on our previously presented results. Upon adoption, in accordance with the new lease standard, we elected to not reassess the lease classification or initial direct costs of existing leases, and to not reassess whether existing contracts contain a lease. In addition, we have elected to account for each contract’s lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. The adoption of the new lease standard resulted in a reduction of beginning retained earnings of $6.7 million after-tax as a cumulative effect of adoption of an accounting change. Upon adoption, the company recorded a gross up of approximately $670 million on its consolidated statements of financial condition to recognize the right-of-use assets, included in fixed assets, net and lease liabilities, included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. See Note 9 for further information.

Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” that provides for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019, for our company) and early adoption is permitted. We early adopted the guidance in the update on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the accounting update resulted in a reclassification adjustment of $3.1 million related to cash flow hedges and investment portfolio credit risk in our consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flow

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flow - Restricted Cash,” which adds or clarifies guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted the guidance in the update on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows. Upon adoption of the accounting update, we recorded an increase of $17.6 million in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017, related to reclassifying the changes in our cash segregated for regulatory purposes and restricted cash balance from operating activities to the cash and cash equivalent balances within the consolidated statements of cash flows.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which amends and clarifies the current guidance to reduce diversity in practice of the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2017. We adopted the guidance in the update on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of cash flows.

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” that changes the income statement impact of equity investments held by an entity, and the recognition of changes in fair value of financial liabilities when the fair value option is elected. The accounting update also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The accounting update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted the guidance in the update on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606),” (“ASU 2014-09”) that supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including most industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09, as amended, requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The guidance also requires additional disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, which provides accounting guidance on the recognition of revenues from contracts and requires gross presentation of certain costs that were previously offset against revenue. This change was applied prospectively from January 1, 2018, and there is no impact on our previously presented results. The adoption of the new revenue standard resulted in a reduction of beginning retained earnings of $4.2 million after-tax as a cumulative effect of adoption of an accounting change.

The impact of adoption is primarily related to investment banking revenues that were previously recognized in prior periods, which are now being deferred under the new revenue standard.

With the adoption of the revenue recognition standard on January 1, 2018, capital-raising and advisory fee revenues are no longer presented net of the related reimbursable deal expenses. As a result, capital-raising and advisory fee revenues and other operating expenses are higher in 2018 by an identical $33.8 million, with no impact to net income.

The scope of the accounting update does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, and as a result, does not have an impact on the elements of our consolidated statements of operations most closely associated with financial instruments, including principal transaction revenues, interest income, and interest expense.