Ameriprise 2014 Annual Report Download - page 43

attacks. The USA Patriot Act broadened existing anti-money laundering legislation and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the
United States substantially. In response, we enhanced our existing anti-money laundering programs and developed new
procedures and programs. For example, we implemented a customer identification program applicable to many of our
businesses and enhanced our ‘‘know your customer’’ and ‘‘due diligence’’ programs. In addition, we will continue to
comply with anti-money laundering legislation in the UK derived from applicable EU directives and international initiatives
adopted in other jurisdictions in which we conduct business.
Securities Exchange Act Reports and Additional Information
We maintain an Investor Relations website at ir.ameriprise.com. Investors can also access the website through our main
website at ameriprise.com by clicking on the ‘‘Investor Relations’’ link located at the bottom of our homepage. We use our
Investor Relations website to announce financial and other information to investors and to make available SEC filings,
press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. Investors and others interested in the company are encouraged to
visit the investor relations website from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted. The website
also allows users to sign up for automatic notifications in the event new materials are posted. The information found on
the website is not incorporated by reference into this report or in any other report or document the Company furnishes or
files with the SEC.
Segment Information and Classes of Similar Services
You can find financial information about our operating segments and classes of similar services in Note 26 to our
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below, that
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations and could cause the
trading price of our common stock to decline. We believe that the following information identifies the material factors
affecting our company based on the information we currently know. However, the risks and uncertainties our company
faces are not limited to those described below. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we
currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business.
Risks Relating to Our Business and Operations
Our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by market fluctuations and by
economic, political and other factors.
Our financial condition and results of operations may be materially affected by market fluctuations and by economic and
other factors. Such factors, which can be global, national or local in nature, include: political, social, economic and market
conditions; the availability and cost of capital; the level and volatility of equity prices, commodity prices and interest rates,
currency values and other market indices; technological changes and events; U.S. and foreign government fiscal and tax
policies; U.S. and foreign government ability, real or perceived, to avoid defaulting on government securities; the availability
and cost of credit; inflation; investor sentiment and confidence in the financial markets; terrorism and armed conflicts; and
natural disasters such as weather catastrophes and widespread health emergencies. Furthermore, changes in consumer
economic variables, such as the number and size of personal bankruptcy filings, the rate of unemployment, decreases in
property values, and the level of consumer confidence and consumer debt, may substantially affect consumer loan levels
and credit quality, which, in turn, could impact client activity in all of our businesses. These factors also may have an
impact on our ability to achieve our strategic objectives.
Declines and volatility in U.S. and global market conditions have impacted our businesses in the past and may do so
again. Our businesses have been, and in the future may be, adversely affected by U.S. and global capital market and
credit crises, the repricing of credit risk, equity market volatility and decline and stress or recession in the U.S. and global
economies generally. Each of our segments operates in these markets with exposure for us and our clients in securities,
loans, derivatives, alternative investments, seed capital and other commitments. It is difficult to predict when, how long
and to what extent the aforementioned adverse conditions may exist, which of our markets, products and businesses will
be directly affected in terms of revenues, management fees and investment valuations and earnings, and to what extent
our clients may seek to bring claims arising out of investment performance that is affected by these conditions. As a
result, these factors could materially adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Our revenues are largely dependent upon the level and mix of assets we have under management and administration,
which are subject to fluctuation based on market conditions and client activity. Downturns and volatility in equity markets
can have, and have had, an adverse effect on the revenues and returns from our asset management services, retail
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