# LIQUIDNET, INC. X-17A-5 (2021-02-26) — Broker-dealer annual report - Company: LIQUIDNET, INC. - Form: X-17A-5 - Filed: 2021-02-26 - Period: 2020-12-31 - Accession: 0001110644-21-000006 - CIK: 1110644 - File #: 8-52461 - Material weakness: No - Auditor: Deloitte & Touche LLP - Auditor location: New York, NY - Contact: Angela Min - Phone: 646-660-8496 - Signed by: Angela Min (FINOP) Original filing: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1110644/000111064421000006/publicv2.pdf --- {0}------------------------------------------------ Liquidnet, Inc. (S.E.C. I.D. No. 8-52461) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Filed pursuant to Rule 17a-5(e)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a Public Document. {1}------------------------------------------------ # LIQUIDNET, INC. # TABLE OF CONTENTS | | Page | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------| | Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | | | Statement of Financial Condition.
Notes to Statement of Financial Condition. | 3
4-9 | {2}------------------------------------------------ Deloitte & Touche LLP 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10012-0015 USA Tel: 1 212 492 4000 Fax: 1 212 489 1687 www.deloitte.com # REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Stockholder and the Board of Directors of Liquidnet, Inc. # Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying statement of financial condition of Liquidnet, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. #### Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. February 26, 2021 We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015. {3}------------------------------------------------ (amounts in thousands, except share amounts) | Assets | | |--------------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Cash and cash equivalents | \$
37,112 | | Cash segregated for commission management programs | 84,572 | | Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations | 53,846 | | Deferred tax assets, net | 3,995 | | Due from customers | 8,063 | | Due from affiliates | 2,390 | | Other assets | 1,083 | | Total assets | \$
191,061 | | Liabilities and stockholder's equity | | | Liabilities | | | Commission management liabilities | \$
88,708 | | Due to affiliates | 4,783 | | Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations | 8,063 | | Payable to customers | 23,886 | | Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | 8,425 | | Total liabilities | 133,865 | | Commitments and contingencies | | | Stockholder's equity | | | Common stock, \$0.01 par value, 3,000 shares | | | authorized; 100 shares issued and outstanding | - | | Additional paid-in capital | 47,563 | | Retained earnings | 9,633 | | Total stockholder's equity | 57,196 | | Total liabilities and stockholder's equity | \$
191,061 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement. {4}------------------------------------------------ # 1. Organization and Nature of Operations Liquidnet, Inc. (the Company) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on January 10, 2000. The Company is registered as a broker-dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liquidnet Holdings, Inc. (the Parent). The Parent, together with its global network of consolidated subsidiaries (Affiliates), is primarily engaged in the design, development, testing and implementation of an electronic institutional brokerage trading system that facilitates the trading of equity and fixed income securities. The Company: (i) facilitates trading of equity securities by its customers using the brokerage trading system developed by its Parent and generates commission income for facilitating such trades; (ii) provides trading desk and algorithmic trading services; (iii) facilitates trading of fixed income securities using a brokerage trading system developed by its Cyprus affiliate; and (iv) engages in other financial services business activity, including commission management, transaction cost analysis and capital markets. As an introducing broker, the Company does not carry securities accounts for customers or perform custodial functions relating to customer securities, and claims exemption from the provisions of Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, pursuant to sections (k)(2)(i) and (k)(2)(ii) of Rule 15c3-3. All executed trades in US securities are cleared through Goldman, Sachs & Co. The Company introduces customer orders for securities in other regions to non-US affiliated broker-dealers responsible for execution in those regions outside of the United States. The Company and its non-US affiliated broker-dealers have established a relationship that complies with the applicable requirements of Rule 15a-6 under the Exchange Act of 1934. These executed trades are cleared and/or settled by a local clearing firm. On October 9, 2020, the Parent entered into an agreement to be acquired by TP ICAP plc, a global inter-dealer financial services firm located in the United Kingdom. The purchase price is between \$575 million and \$700 million U.S. dollars, depending on certain earn-out criteria over the next three years. The sale is subject to various regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021. #### 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies #### Basis of Presentation The accompanying financial statement has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). #### Use of Estimates The preparation of statement of financial condition requires management to make estimates and assumptions that could affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Critical accounting estimates include, but are not limited to, deferred tax assets and liabilities and the fair value of the Parent's equity based awards issued to the Company's employees. Actual results could differ from those estimates. #### Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers overnight deposits, money market accounts and all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with two financial institutions. The carrying amounts {5}------------------------------------------------ reported in the statement of financial condition approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The Company regularly maintains funds in its operating accounts and segregated accounts that exceed deposit insurance limits. # Cash Segregated for Commission Management Programs The Company held approximately \$84.6 million in segregated accounts at several financial institutions for the exclusive benefit of customers of the commission management programs (see note 4). This is considered restricted cash as presented in the statement of cash flows. ### Marketable Securities Marketable securities held by the Company are reported at fair value. Marketable securities are subject to fluctuations based on changes in interest rates and market prices. While it is not the intention of the Company to hold securities, on occasion, the Company may hold securities for a temporary period. The Company typically unwinds the position the next business day. When these circumstances occur, the Company may execute a hedge in order to minimize the financial risk and exposure in unwinding the position. There were no securities held at December 31, 2020. #### Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established to reduce the deferred tax assets when, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company files consolidated federal and combined state and local income tax returns with its Parent. An informal tax sharing agreement exists between the Company and the Parent. #### Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments", which amends the FASB's guidance on the measurement techniques associated with the impairment of financial instruments and financial assets. This new guidance introduces a new impairment model called the current expected credit loss model and it requires that companies identify an allowance for its estimate of expected credit losses. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company has performed an analysis of its expected credit losses to determine which areas are in scope and out of scope. The Company's analysis indicated that there was not a material impact to the statement of financial condition upon adoption of this ASU. #### 3. Commission Management Programs The Company allows customers to enter into Commission Sharing Arrangements (CSA) which provide for a portion of commissions paid to be used to pay for investment related research. Under such arrangements, customers may increase their commission payments to the Company. The Company accepts commission sharing credits from third-party brokers. Under the commission management programs, customers direct third-party brokers to transfer a portion of customer {6}------------------------------------------------ trading commissions and/or commission credits to the Company for future payment of research related expenses. A receivable from broker and corresponding commission management liability are recorded for these commission sharing credits on the statement of financial condition. Cash received from third-party brokers is segregated by the Company until payments are made by the Company to investment research providers. At December 31, 2020, \$11.0 million of commission management liabilities are receivable from third-party brokers. # 4. Receivables from and Payables to Brokers, Dealers and Clearing Organizations Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations consist of the following (in thousands): | Commissions receivable | 7,239
\$ | |---------------------------------|--------------| | Deposits | 10,396 | | Due from clearing organizations | 17,635 | | Receivable from brokers | 36,211 | | Total | 53,846
\$ | | | | Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations include amounts receivable for fails to deliver, cash deposits, the net amounts receivable on open transactions from clearing organizations, and billed amounts for commissions and fees, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, if any. Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations include amounts payable for fails to receive. In accordance with the clearing agreements, the clearing organizations have the right to charge the Company for losses that result from a counterparty's failure to fulfill its settlement obligations. All amounts receivable from the clearing organizations, including amounts on deposit, are available to satisfy the Company's obligations to its clearing organizations. At December 31, 2020, the Company has recorded no liabilities with regard to this right. Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations are unsecured and are due in accordance with payment terms included in the contracts with the parties. Historically, all amounts due have been collected, such that an allowance for doubtful accounts is not required. In addition, the Company has the right to pursue collection of performance from the counterparties who do not perform under their contractual obligations. #### 5. Related Party Transactions The Company has entered into agreements with its Parent to receive trading system services and administrative services. The Parent provides the Company the right to use its electronic institutional brokerage trading system for equity securities, which is developed, maintained and serviced by the Parent, and charges a fee based upon the Company's sales. The Parent also provides administrative services to the Company and charges a fee based upon the cost of employee time dedicated to the Company and for direct and indirect out of pocket costs incurred on behalf of the Company. The Company has entered into an agreement with its Cyprus affiliate, Vega-Chi Financial Technologies Limited (VC-FT), to receive trading system services for execution of fixed income securities. VC-FT provides the Company the right to use its electronic institutional brokerage fixed {7}------------------------------------------------ income trading system, which is developed, maintained and serviced by VC-FT, and charges a fee based upon the Company's revenues earned through trading of fixed income securities, subject to a monthly minimum. Amounts due to/from affiliates generally occur due to trading related services between the Company and its affiliates, as well as fees for services performed by the Company. During the year, the Company paid to the Parent \$7.0 million of dividends. # 6. Net Capital Requirements The Company is a member of FINRA and is subject to the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1 (Net Capital Rule). The Company uses the alternative method of calculating the minimum net capital requirement which does not permit its net capital to be less than the greater of \$250,000 or 2% of aggregate debit items. At December 31, 2020, the Company's net capital was \$43.9 million, which was \$43.6 million in excess of its minimum requirement of \$250,000. Advances to the Parent, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals are subject to certain limitations, notification requirements and other provisions of the Net Capital Rule. # 7. Equity Based Compensation In May 2012 the Parent created a new omnibus equity awards plan (2012 Plan), with the ability to grant multiple types of equity based awards to employees, officers and directors of the Company. Currently, the Parent has outstanding granted Options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). All equity awards are valued at grant date and the expense is recognized over the vesting period, generally for one to six years. # Restricted Stock Units RSUs generally vest three years after the date of grant, subject to continued employment or association with the Parent through the vesting date. Once vested, each RSU can be exchanged into one share of common stock. Shares become unrestricted six months after they become fully vested. RSUs are not entitled to dividends until vested. Activity related to RSUs is set forth below: | | | Weighted
Average Grant | |-----------------------------------|---------------------|---------------------------| | | RSUs
Outstanding | Date Fair
Value | | Nonvested as of January 1, 2020 | 1,029,900 | \$
3.70 | | Granted | 2,088,341 | \$
2.77 | | Vested | (266,852) | \$
3.68 | | Forfeited | (390,015) | \$
3.13 | | Nonvested as of December 31, 2020 | 2,461,374 | \$
3.00 | {8}------------------------------------------------ # Stock Options Options granted become exercisable upon vesting, generally one to six years after the date of grant and are subject to continued employment or association with the Parent through the applicable vesting dates. Activity related to options is set forth below: | | | | Weighted Average | | |-------------------------------------|------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------|---------------------------------| | | Options
Outstanding | Exercise
Price | Remaining
Term
(years) | Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value | | | | | | (in millions) | | Outstanding as of January 1, 2020 | 10,419,175 | \$
2.42 | 5.3 | | | Granted | - | - \$ | | | | Exercised | - | - \$ | | | | Forfeited | (974,577) | \$
2.65 | | | | Outstanding as of December 31, 2020 | 9,444,598 | \$
2.40 | 4.2 | \$
5.40 | | Exercisable as of December 31, 2020 | 6,654,270 | \$
2.34 | 3.6 | \$
4.09 | | | | | | | # 8. Income Taxes As of December 31, 2020, the Company has deferred tax assets of \$4.0 million, primarily related to tax benefits from equity based compensation. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the results of its future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to utilize its deferred tax assets. #### 9. Fair Value Measurements The Company records its financial assets and liabilities at fair value, utilizing a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions. The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company's financial assets at December 31, 2020. Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Money Market Fund 9,260 Total \$ - 36,118 \$ - \$ | \$ | 26,858 | \$ | - | \$ | - | |----|--------|----|---|----|---| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | All other financial instruments are short term in nature and the carrying amount reported on the statement of financial condition approximates fair value. {9}------------------------------------------------ # 10. Employee Benefit Plan The Company's eligible employees participate in a defined contribution 401(k) plan sponsored by the Parent, which is a tax-qualified retirement plan subject to ERISA. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan as soon as administratively possible following employment. After six months of employment, employees are eligible for a Company match of 100% of employee pre-tax contributions, up to a maximum of 6% of eligible compensation, subject to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code. # 11. Commitments and Contingencies On July 13, 2017, the Parent entered into a \$200 million senior secured first-lien term loan. The credit facility is collateralized by first priority pledges of substantially all of the Parent's personal property assets, including the Parent's equity interest in the Company; the enforcement of the pledge is subject to regulatory approval. In the ordinary course of business, the Company establishes reserves for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and can be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherent unpredictability of these legal and regulatory matters, the Company cannot state with certainty the timing or ultimate resolution of these matters and the actual cost could be significantly higher or lower than the amounts reserved. The Company accrues for contingencies when the amount is estimable and probable. # 12. Guarantees In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and provide general indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company which have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Company expects the risk of loss to be remote. In the normal course of business, the Company indemnifies and guarantees certain service providers, such as clearing and custody agents, against potential losses in connection with their acting as an agent of, or providing services to, the Company or its affiliates. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnifications cannot be estimated. However, based on experience, the Company expects the risk of material loss to be remote and therefore no liability has been recorded. #### 13. Subsequent Events The Company has evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to December 31, 2020 for items that should potentially be recognized or disclosed in this financial statement. The evaluation was conducted through the date this financial statement was issued. Source: SEC EDGAR via Adviser Search (https://search.stillhousedata.com). Agents: see https://search.stillhousedata.com/llms.txt.