ITEM
1. BUSINESS
Company
Overview
The
Company is a mobile data specialist company incorporated in Delaware, USA, with its head office located at 111 Somerset Road, Level 3,
Singapore 238164. The Company operates the following lines of business: (i) Telecommunications Products and Services; (ii) Value Added
Products and Services (iii) Short Message Services (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS);
(iv) a Rich Communication Services (RCS) platform; (v) Big Data Insights; and (vi) a Video Games Division (inactive).
Telecommunications
Products and Services
The
Companys current product mix consisting of payment and recharge services, data plans, subscription plans, mobile phones, loyalty
points redemption and other products bundles (i.e. mobile protection plans). Chinese mobile phone consumers often utilize third-party
e-marketing websites to pay their phone bills. If the consumer connected directly to the telecommunications provider to pay his or her
bill, the consumer would miss out on any benefits or marketing discounts that e-marketers provide. Thus, consumers log on to these e-marketers
websites, click into their respective phone providers store, and top up, or pay, their telecommunications provider
for additional mobile data and talk time.
To
connect to the respective mobile telecommunications providers, these e-marketers must utilize a portal licensed by the applicable telecommunication
company that processes the payment. We have been granted one of these licenses by China United Network Communications Group Co., Ltd.
(China Unicom) and China Mobile Communications Corporation (China Mobile), each of which is
a major telecommunications provider in China. We principally earn revenue by providing mobile payment and recharge services to customers
of China Unicom and China Mobile.
We
conduct our mobile payment business through Shanghai JiuGe Technology Co., Ltd. (JiuGe Techology), our contractually
controlled affiliate through the entry into the VIE Agreements in October 2018. In the first half of 2018, JiuGe Technology secured contracts
with China Unicom and China Mobile to distribute mobile data for businesses and corporations in nine provinces/municipalities, namely
Chengdu, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Zhuhai, Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Henan and Fujian. In September 2018, JiuGe
Technology launched and commercialized mobile payment and recharge services to businesses for China Unicom. In May 2021, JiuGe Technology
signed a volume-based agreement with China Mobile Fujian to offer recharge services to the Fujian province which we have launched and
commercialized in November 2021.
The
JiuGe Technology mobile payment and recharge platform enables the seamless delivery of real-time payment and recharge services to third-party
channels and businesses. We earn a rebate from each telecommunications company on the funds paid by consumers to the telecommunications
companies we process. To encourage consumers to utilize our portal instead of using our competitors platforms or paying China
Unicom or China Mobile directly, we offer mobile data and talk time at a rate discounted from these companies stated rates, which
are also the rates we must pay to them to purchase the mobile data and talk time provided to consumers through the use of our platform.
Accordingly, we earn income on the rebates we receive from China Unicom and China Mobile, reduced by the amounts by which we discount
the mobile data and talk time sold through our platform.
FingerMotion
started and commercialized its Business to Business (B2B) model by integrating with various e-commerce
platforms to provide its mobile payment and recharge services to subscribers or end consumers. In the first quarter of 2019 FingerMotion
expanded its business by commercializing its first Business to Consumer (B2C) model, offering the
telecommunication providers products and services, including data plans, subscription plans, mobile phones, and loyalty points
redemption, directly to subscribers or customers of the e-commerce companies, such as PinDuoDuo (PDD), TMall (TMALL)
and JD.Com. The Company is planning to further expand its universal exchange platform by setting up B2C stores on several other major
e-commerce platforms in China. In addition to that, we have been assigned as one of Chinas Mobiles loyalty redemption partner
where we will be providing the services for their customers via our platform.
Additionally,
as previously disclosed, on July 7, 2019, JiuGe Technology, our contractually controlled affiliate, entered into that certain Yunnan
Unicom Electronic Sales Platform Construction and Operation Cooperation Agreement (the Cooperation Agreement) with
China Unicoms Yunnan subsidiary. Under the Cooperation Agreement, JiuGe Technology is responsible for constructing and operating
China Unicoms electronic sales platform through which consumers can purchase various goods and services from China Unicom, including
mobile telephones, mobile telephone service, broadband data services, terminals, smart devices and related financial insurance.
The Cooperation Agreement provides that JiuGe Technology is required to construct and operate the platforms webpage in accordance
with China Unicoms specifications and policies, and applicable law, and bear all expenses in connection therewith. As consideration
for the service it provides under the Cooperation Agreement, JiuGe Technology receives a percentage of the revenue received from all
sales it processes for China Unicom on the platform. The Cooperation Agreement expires three years from the date of its signature with
a yearly auto-renewal clause, but it may be terminated by (i) JiuGe Technology upon three months written notice or (ii) by China
Unicom unilaterally.
During
the recent fiscal year, the Company expanded its offering under their telecommunication product and services by increasing their product
line revenue streams. In March 2020, FingerMotion secured a contract with both China Mobile and China Unicom to acquire new users to
take up the respective subscription plans.
In
February 2021, we increased the mobile phones sales to end users using all of our platforms. This business will continue to contribute
to the overall revenue for the group as part of our offering to our customers.
Value
Added Product and Services
These
are new product and services that the Company expects to secure and work with the telecommunication provider and all our e-commerce platform
partners to market. The current and upcoming value-added product is the Mobile Protection programs which we plan to launch soon. In February
2022, our contractually controlled subsidiary, JiuGe Technology, through its 99% own subsidiary TengLian signed an agreement with both
China Unicom and China Mobile to co-operate to roll out the Mobile Device Protection product which is incorporated into the Telecommunication
subscription plans in line with their roll out of new mobile phones and new 5G phones. In mid-July 2022, we launched the roll out of
the Mobile Device protection product with the roll out of the new mobile phones and 5G phones.
SMS
and MMS Services
On
March 7, 2019, the Company through JiuGe Technology acquired Beijing XunLian TianXia Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Technology),
a company in the business of providing mass SMS text services to businesses looking to communicate with large numbers of their customers
and prospective customers. With this acquisition, the Company expanded into a second partnership with the telecom companies by acquiring
bulk SMS and MMS bundles at reduced prices and offering bulk SMS services to end consumers with competitive pricing. FingerMotions
subsidiary, Beijing Technology, retains a license from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)
to operate the SMS and MMS business in the PRC. Similar to the mobile payment and recharge business, Beijing Technology is required to
make a deposit or bulk purchase in advance and has secured business customers, including premium car manufacturers, hotel chains, airlines
and e-commerce companies, that utilize Beijing Technologys SMS integrated platform to send bulk SMS text messages monthly. Beijing
Technology has the capability to manage and track the entire process, including guiding the Companys customer to meet MIITs
guidelines on messages composed, until the SMS messages have been delivered successfully.
Rich
Communication Services
In
March 2020, the Company began the development of an RCS platform, also known as Messaging as a Platform (MaaP).
This RCS platform will be a proprietary business messaging platform that enables businesses and brands to communicate and service their
customers on the 5G infrastructure, delivering a better and more efficient user experience at a lower cost. For example, with the new
5G RCS message service, consumers will have the ability to list available flights by sending a message regarding a holiday and will also
be able to book and buy flights by sending messages. This will allow telecommunication providers like China Unicom and China Mobile to
retain users on their systems, without having to utilize third party apps or log onto the Internet, which will increase their user retention.
We expect this to open up a new marketing channel for the Companys current and prospective business partners.
Big
Data Insights
In
July 2020, the Company launched its proprietary technology platform Sapientus as its big data insights arm to deliver data-driven
solutions and insights for businesses within the insurance, healthcare, and financial services industries. The Company applies its vast
experience in the insurance and financial services industry and capabilities in technology and data analytics to develop revolutionary
solutions targeted towards insurance and financial consumers. Integrating diverse publicly available information, insurance and financial
based data with technology and finally registering them into the FingerMotion telecommunications and insurance ecosystem, the Company
would be able to provide functional insights and facilitate the transformation of key components of the insurance value chain, including
driving more effective and efficient underwriting, enabling fraud evaluation and management, empowering channel expansion and market
penetration through novel product innovation, and more. The ultimate objective is to promote, enhance and deliver better value to our
partners and customers.
The
Companys proprietary risk assessment engine offers standard and customized scoring and appraisal services based on multi-dimensional
factors. The Company has the ability to provide potential customers and partners with insights-driven and technology-enabled solutions
and applications including preferred risk selection, precision marketing, product customization, and claims management (e.g., fraud detection).
The Companys mission is to deliver the next generation of data-driven solutions in the financial services, healthcare, and insurance
industries that result in more accurate risk assessments, more efficient processes, and a more delightful user experience.
On
or around January 25, 2021, the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Finger Motion Financial Company Limiteds, big data analytic
arm branded Sapientus, entered into a services agreement with Pacific Life Re, a global life reinsurer serving the insurance
industry with a comprehensive suite of products and services.
In
December 2021, the Company through JiuGe Technology formed a collaborative research alliance with Munich Re in extending behavioral analytics
to enhance understanding of morbidity and behavioral patterns in China market, with the goal of creating value for both insurers and
the end insurance consumers through better technology, product offerings and customer experience.
Our
Video Game Division
The
video game industry covers multiple sectors and is currently experiencing a move away from physical games towards digital software. Advances
in technology and streaming now allow users to download games rather than visiting retailers. Video game publishers are expanding their
direct-to-consumer channels with mobile gaming, the current growth leader, and eSports and virtual reality gaining momentum as the next
big sectors. In June 2018, we temporarily paused its publishing and operating plans for existing games, and the Companys Board
of Directors decided to re-focus the companys resources into new business opportunities in China, particularly the mobile phone
payment and data business.
Corporate
Information
The
Company was initially incorporated as Property Management Corporation of America on January 23, 2014 in the State of Delaware.
On
June 21, 2017, the Company amended its certificate of incorporation to effect a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of the Companys outstanding
common stock, to increase the authorized shares of common stock to 200,000,000 shares and to change the name of the Company from Property
Management Corporation of America to FingerMotion, Inc. (the Corporate Actions). The Corporate
Actions and the amended certificate of incorporation became effective on June 21, 2017.
Our
principal executive offices are located at 111 Somerset Road, Level 3, Singapore 238164, and our telephone number at that address is
(347) 349-5339.
We
are a holding company incorporated in Delaware and not an operating company incorporated in the Peoples Republic of China (the
PRC or China). As a holding company, we conduct a significant part of our operations through our subsidiaries
and through the VIE Agreements with the VIE based in China. The following diagram depicts our corporate structure:
Our
holding company structure presents unique risks as our investors may never directly hold equity interests in our subsidiaries or the
VIE, and will be dependent upon contributions from our subsidiaries and the VIE to finance our cash flow needs. Our subsidiaries and
the VIE are currently not required to obtain permission from the Chinese authorities including the China Securities Regulatory Commission
(the CSRC”), or Cybersecurity Administration Committee (the CAC”), to operate or to issue securities
to foreign investors. However, as of March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures promulgated by the CSRC, we may
have to file with the CSRC with respect to a new offering of our securities. The business of our subsidiaries and the VIE until now are
not subject to cybersecurity review with the CAC, given that: (i) data processed in our business does not have a bearing on national
security and thus may not be classified as core or important data by the authorities; (ii) we do not possess a large amount of personal
information in our business operations. In addition, we are not subject to merger control review by China’s anti-monopoly enforcement
agency due to the level of our revenues which provided from us and audited by our auditor and the fact that we currently do not expect
to propose or implement any acquisition of control of, or decisive influence over, any company with revenues within China of more than
RMB400 million. Currently, these statements and regulatory actions have had no impact on our daily business operations, the ability to
accept foreign investments and list our securities on an U.S. or other foreign exchange. However, since these statements and regulatory
actions, including the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, are new, it is uncertain what potential impact such modified or new laws and
regulations will have on our daily business operation, the ability to accept foreign investments and list our securities on an U.S. or
other foreign exchange.
To
operate, the VIE and Beijing XunLian TianXia Technology Co., Ltd. are required to obtain, and have obtained, a value-added telecommunications
business licence from PRC authorities. In connection with our previous issuance of securities to foreign investors, under current PRC
laws, regulations and regulatory rules, as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we, our PRC subsidiaries and the VIE, (i)
are not required to obtain permissions from the CSRC except that as of March 31, 2023 we may have to file with the CSRC with respect
to a new offering of our securities, (ii) are not required to go through cybersecurity review by the CAC, and (iii) have received or
were not denied such requisite permissions by any PRC authority. If we, our subsidiaries or the VIE (i) do not receive or maintain such
permissions or approvals, (ii) inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required or (iii) applicable laws, regulations,
or interpretations change and we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, we may be subject to government
enforcement actions, investigations, penalties, sanctions and fines imposed by the CSRC, the CAC and relevant departments of the State
Council. In severe circumstances, the business of our PRC subsidiary may be ordered to suspend and its business qualifications and licences
may be revoked.
To
address challenges resulting from laws, policies and practices that may disfavor foreign-owned entities that operate within industries
deemed sensitive by the Chinese government, we use the VIE structure to provide contractual exposure to foreign investment in the PRC-based
companies. We own 100% of the equity of a WFOE, Shanghai JiuGe Business Management Co., Ltd. (“JiuGe Management”),
which has entered into the VIE Agreements with the VIE, which is owned by Ms. Li Li the legal representative and general manager, and
also the shareholder of the VIE. The VIE Agreements have not been tested in court. As a result of our use of the VIE structure, you may
never directly hold equity interests the VIE. Any securities that we offer will be securities of the Company, the Delaware holding company,
not of the VIE.
We
fund the registered capital and operating expenses of the VIE by extending loans to the shareholders of the VIE. The VIE Agreements governing
the relationship between the VIE and our WFOE enable us to (i) direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s
economic performance, (ii) receive substantially all of the economic benefits of the VIE, and (iii) have an exclusive call option to
purchase, at any time, all or part of the equity interests in and/or assets of the VIE to the extent permitted by Chinese laws. As a
result of the VIE Agreements, the Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE for accounting purposes and is able to consolidate
the financial results of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As
a result, investors in our Common Shares are not purchasing an equity interest in the VIE but instead are purchasing equity interest
in FingerMotion, Inc., a Delaware holding company.
Share
Exchange Agreement
Effective
July 13, 2017, the Company entered into that certain Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) by
and among the Company, Finger Motion Company Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (“FMCL”) and certain shareholders of
FMCL (the “FMCL Shareholders”). FMCL, a Hong Kong corporation, was formed on April 6, 2016 and is an information technology
company that specializes in operating and publishing mobile games. Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, the Company agreed to exchange
the outstanding equity stock of FMCL held by the FMCL Shareholders for shares of common stock of the Company. On the closing date of
the Share Exchange Agreement, the Company issued 12,000,000 shares of common stock to the FMCL shareholders. In addition, the Company
issued 600,000 shares to consultants in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement, and 2,562,500
additional shares to accredited investors, which was a concurrent financing but not a condition of closing the Share Exchange Agreement.
As
a result of the Share Exchange Agreement and the other transactions contemplated thereunder, FMCL became a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company. The Company operates its video game division through FMCL. However, in June 2018, the Company decided to pause the operation
of the game division as it saw the opportunity in the telecommunication business and have since refocused into this business.
This
description of the Share Exchange Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms
of the Share Exchange Agreement, which was filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 20, 2017
and incorporated by reference herein.
VIE
Agreements
On
October 16, 2018, the Company, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Shanghai JiuGe Business Management Co., Ltd. (“JiuGe
Management”), entered into a series of agreements known as variable interest agreements (the “VIE Agreements”)
pursuant to which Shanghai JiuGe Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“JiuGe Technology”) became our contractually controlled
affiliate. The use of VIE agreements is a common structure used to acquire PRC corporations, particularly in certain industries in which
foreign investment is restricted or forbidden by the PRC government. The VIE Agreements include a Consulting Services Agreement, a Loan
Agreement, a Power of Attorney Agreement, a Call Option Agreement, and a Share Pledge Agreement in order to secure the connection and
commitments of the JiuGe Technology. We operate our mobile payment platform business through JiuGe Technology.
The
VIE Agreements included:
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a
consulting services agreement through which JiuGe Management is mainly engaged in data marketing, technical services, technical consulting
and business consultancy to JiuGe Technology (the “JiuGe Technology Consulting Services Agreement”). This agreement
was duly signed among the WFOE and the VIE. Under this agreement, the WFOE will provide the following services to the VIE on an exclusive
basis: (i) providing a comprehensive solution for all technical issues required for the VIE’s business; (ii) providing training
to the professional technicians of the VIE; (iii) assisting the VIE in collecting technical and commercial information and conducting
market surveys; (iv) assisting the VIE in procuring business opportunities to obtain contracts awarded by the telecom carries in
China and maintaining the commercial relationship with the telecom carries; (v) introducing clients to the VIE and assisting the
VIE in developing commercial and cooperative relationship with the clients; (vi) providing suggestions and opinions on establishment
and improvement of the VIE’s corporate structure, management system and departmental organization; (vii) assisting the VIE
in formulating annual business plans, the draft of which shall be made available to WFOE by the VIE prior to the end of November
each year; (viii) granting license to the VIE to use WFOE’s intellectual property necessary for the services; and (ix) providing
other consulting and technical services at the request of the VIE. The VIE will pay to the WFOE service fees equivalent to the after-tax
net profits distributable by the VIE to its shareholder each year, as set forth in the audited financial statements in accordance
with the PRC accounting standards, ensuring all the distributable profits of the VIE will be dispatched to the WFOE. The VIE may
not assign any of its rights and obligations under the JiuGe Technology Consulting Services Agreement without prior written consent
of the WFOE. This agreement ensures that the WFOE and investors will be able to legally obtain the profits of the VIE, and transfer
them to the WFOE more conveniently in the form of “service fee”; |
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a
loan agreement through which JiuGe Management grants a loan to the Legal Representative of JiuGe Technology for the purpose of capital
contribution (the “JiuGe Technology Loan Agreement”). This agreement was duly signed between the WFOE and Ms.
Li Li. Under this agreement, the WFOE loaned RMB 10,000,000 to Ms. Li Li, as the sole shareholder of the VIE, solely for the purpose
of the capital contribution of the subscribed capital of the VIE. The WFOE has the right to convert the whole or any part of the
outstanding principal amount into the equity interests in the VIE and may demand repayment of any or all of the principal amount/
As security for performance and discharge of Ms. Li Li’s obligations under the JiuGe Technology Loan Agreement, Ms. Li Li pledged
100% equity interests in the VIE, representing the entire registered capital of the VIE, by way of first-ranking security to the
WFOE. This agreement could constrain Ms. Li Li to cooperate with WFOE’s instructions and avoid damaging the rights and interests
of the WFOE and investors; |
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a
power of attorney agreement under which the owner of JiuGe Technology has vested their collective voting control over JiuGe Technology
to JiuGe Management and will only transfer their equity interests in JiuGe Technology to JiuGe Management or its designee(s) (the
“JiuGe Technology Power of Attorney Agreement”). The Power of Attorney Agrement was duly issued by Ms. LI Li to
the WFOE. Under the the JiuGe Technology Power of Attorney Agreement, the WFOE is the exclusive agent who may exercise, at WFOE’s
sole discretion, all the rights and powers in respect of all the 100% equity interests held by Ms. Li Li in the VIE on Ms. LI Li’s
behalf, including without limitation to propose to convene, attend and vote at the shareholder’s meeting of the VIE. Ms. Li
Li cannot assign her rights and obligations under the JiuGe Technology Power of Attorney Agreement without prior written consent
of the WFOE and the WFOE will bear its own costs, expenses and fees in connection with performance of the JiuGe Technology Power
of Attorney Agreement. This agreement ensures that the WFOE can replace Ms. LI Li in the operation and management of the VIE, and
controlling its assets; |
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a
call option agreement under which the owner of JiuGe Technology has granted to JiuGe Management the irrevocable and unconditional
right and option to acquire all of their equity interests in JiuGe Technology or transfer these rights to a third party (the “JiuGe
Technology Call Option Agreement”). This agreement was duly signed by and among Ms. Li Li, the WFOE and the VIE. Under
this agreement, the WFOE has an exclusive, irrevocable and unconditional option to purchase or to designate a third party to purchase
100% equity interests of the VIE at RMB one (1) yuan or the lowest amount of consideration permitted under the laws of PRC at any
time, giving the WFOE a sole discretion to exercise such option at any time and in any manner as permitted by the laws of PRC. Pursuant
to the JiuGe Technology Call Option Agreement, Ms. Li Li may not, without prior written consent of the WFOE: (i) transfer or dispose
of the equity interests in the VIE or the assets of the VIE in any manner; (ii) create any encumbrance of any kind over the equity
interests in the VIE, other than the VIE Agreements; and (iii) resolve to or procure the VIE to: (a) change its registered capital;
(b) amend its articles of association; (c) change any of its shareholders; (d) appoint, remove or replace its senior management;
(e) make or receive investment of any kind or merge or consolidate with any entity; (f) change information filed at the competent
authorities in the PRC; (g) make any lending or borrowing or provide security of any kind; (h) pay, make or declare any dividend,
charge, fee or other distribution of any kind; (i) incure, create or permit to subsist or have any outstanding financial indebtedness;
(j) enter into any agreements that conflict with the JiuGe Technology Call Option Agreement; or (k) do any acts that would adversely
impair the VIE’s ability to perform the obligations under the VIE Agreements. Neither Ms. Li Li nor the VIE may assign any
of its rights and obligations under the agreement without the prior written consent of WFOE or unilaterally terminate the agreement.
This agreement is one of the guarantees for WFOE and investors to ensure that the VIE will not have any potential equity changes
that endanger the rights and interests of WFOE and investors; and |
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a
share pledge agreement under which the owner of JiuGe Technology has pledged all of their rights, titles and interests in JiuGe Technology
to JiuGe Management to guarantee JiuGe Technology’s performance of its obligations under the JiuGe Technology Consulting Services
Agreement (the “JiuGe Technology Share Pledge Agreement”). This agreement was duly signed among Ms. Li Li, the
WFOE and the VIE. Under this agreement, all the equity interests of the VIE held by Ms. Li Li were pledged to the WFOE, giving the
WFOE a right to exercise the share pledge where Ms. Li Li or the VIE violates the VIE Agreements. This measure under this agreement
will result in the equity of the VIE being locked, making it impossible for any third party to legally obtain the equity of the VIE
without the prior consent of the WFOE. |
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Our
PRC counsel has reviewed these agreements and believes that all the VIE Agreements were duly signed and are not in violation of applicable
laws of PRC. We are of the opinion that the VIE Agreements are valid and giving the WFOE a full control over the VIE in respect of the
current and effective PRC laws and regulations. However, the VIE Agreements have never been challenged or recognized in court for the
time being, and the PRC government may determine that the VIE Agreements are not in compliance with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations
compared with direct ownership, there may be less effective in controlling through the VIE structure.
In
the first half of 2018, JiuGe Technology secured contracts with China Unicom and China Mobile to distribute mobile data for businesses
and corporations in 9 provinces/municipalities, namely Chengdu, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Zhuhai, Zhejiang, Shaanxi and
Inner Mongolia.
In
September 2018, JiuGe Technology launched and commercialized mobile payment and recharge services to businesses for China Unicom. The
JiuGe Technology mobile payment and recharge platform enables the seamless delivery of real-time payment and recharge services to third-party
channels and businesses. We earn a negotiated rebate amount from each of China Unicom and China Mobile for all monies paid by consumers
to China Unicom and China Mobile that we process. To encourage consumers to utilize our portal instead of using our competitors’
platforms or paying China Unicom or China Mobile directly, we offer mobile data and talk time at a rate discounted from these companies’
stated rates, which are also the rates we must pay to them to purchase the mobile data and talk time provided to consumers through the
use of our platform. Accordingly, we earn income on the rebates we receive from the telecommunications companies, reduced by the amounts
by which we discount the mobile data and talk time sold through our platform.
In
October 2018, China Unicom and China Mobile awarded JiuGe Technology with contracts that established partnerships for data analysis,
that could unlock potential value-added services.
This
description of the VIE Agreements discussed above do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the
terms of the VIE Agreements, which were filed as exhibits to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 27, 2018 and
are incorporated by reference herein. The English translation version of the JiuGe Technology Share Pledge Agreement was filed as Exhibit
10.6 to our Form S-1/A (Amendment No. 1) filed with the SEC on January 5, 2023, and is incorporated by reference herein.
Acquisition
of Beijing Technology
On
March 7, 2019, the Company through JiuGe Technology acquired Beijing Technology, a company in the business of providing mass SMS text
services to businesses looking to communicate with large numbers of their customers and prospective customers. Through Beijing Technology,
the Company entered into the business of mass SMS text message service as a compliment to its mobile payment and recharge business. The
mass SMS text message service offers bulk SMS services to end consumers with competitive pricing. Currently, the Company’s SMS
integrated platform is processing more than 150 million SMS text messages per month. Beijing Technology retains a license from the Ministry
of Industry and Information Technology to operate SMS and MMS business in the PRC. Similar to the mobile recharge business, Beijing Technology
is required to make a deposit or bulk purchase in advance and has secured business customers that will utilize Beijing Technology’s
SMS integrated platform to send bulk SMS text messages monthly. Beijing Technology has the capability to manage and track the entire
process, including to assist the Company’s clients to fulfill the government guidelines, until the SMS messages have been delivered
successfully.
China
Unicom Cooperation Agreement
On
July 7, 2019, JiuGe Technology entered into that certain Yunnan Unicom Electronic Sales Platform Construction and Operation Cooperation
Agreement (the “Cooperation Agreement”) with China United Network Communications Limited Yunnan Branch (“China
Unicom Yunnan”). Under the Cooperation Agreement, JiuGe Technology is responsible for constructing and operating China Unicom
Yunnan’s electronic sales platform through which consumers can purchase various goods and services from China Unicom Yunnan, including
mobile telephones, mobile telephone service, broadband data services, terminals, “smart” devices and related financial insurance.
The Cooperation Agreement provides that JiuGe Technology is required to construct and operate the platform’s webpage in accordance
with China Unicom Yunnan’s specifications and policies, and applicable law, and bear all expenses in connection therewith. As consideration
for the services it provides under the Cooperation Agreement, JiuGe Technology receives a percentage of the revenue received from all
sales it processes for China Unicom Yunnan on the platform.
The
Cooperation Agreement expires three years from the date of its signature with a yearly auto-renewal clause, but it may be terminated
by (i) JiuGe Technology upon three months’ written notice or (ii) by China Unicom Yunnan unilaterally. The Cooperation Agreement
contains customary representations from each party regarding such party’s authority to enter into and perform under the Cooperation
Agreement, and provides customary events of default, including for various types of failure to perform. Any disputes arising between
the parties under the Cooperation Agreement will be adjudicated in Chinese courts.
This
description of the Cooperation Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms of
the Cooperation Agreement, which was filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 9, 2019 and
is incorporated by reference herein.
In
January 2022, Shanghai TengLian JiuJiu Information Communication Technology Co., Ltd. (“TengLian”) (a 99% owned subsidiary
of Shanghai JiuGe Information Technology Co., Ltd.) signed a co-operation agreement with China Unicom to launch the Device Protection
program for mobile phones and the new 5G phones.
Intercorporate
Relationships
The
following is a list of all of our subsidiaries and the corresponding date of jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and the ownership
interest of each. All of our subsidiaries are directly or indirectly owned or controlled by us:
Name
of Entity |
|
Place
of Incorporation /
Formation |
|
Ownership
Interest |
Finger
Motion Company Limited (1) |
|
Hong
Kong |
|
100% |
Finger
Motion (CN) Global Limited (2) |
|
Samoa |
|
100% |
Finger
Motion (CN) Limited (3) |
|
Hong
Kong |
|
100% |
Shanghai
JiuGe Business Management Co., Ltd.(4) |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co., Ltd.(5) |
|
PRC |
|
Contractually
controlled (5) |
Beijing
XunLian TianXia Technology Co., Ltd.(6) |
|
PRC |
|
Contractually
controlled |
Finger
Motion Financial Group Limited(7) |
|
Samoa |
|
100% |
Finger
Motion Financial Company Limited(8) |
|
Hong
Kong |
|
100% |
Shanghai
TengLian JiuJiu Information Communication Technology Co., Ltd.(9) |
|
PRC |
|
Contractually
controlled |
Notes:
|
(1) |
Finger
Motion Company Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FingerMotion, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
(2) |
Finger
Motion (CN) Global Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FingerMotion, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
(3) |
Finger
Motion (CN) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finger Motion (CN) Global Limited. |
|
|
|
|
(4) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Business Management Co., Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finger Motion (CN) Limited. |
|
|
|
|
(5) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co., Ltd. is a variable interest entity that is contractually controlled by Shanghai JiuGe Business
Management Co., Ltd. |
|
|
|
|
(6) |
Beijing
XunLian TianXia Technology Co., Ltd. is a 99% owned subsidiary of Shanghai JiuGe Information Technology Co., Ltd. |
|
|
|
|
(7) |
Finger
Motion Financial Group Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FingerMotion, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
(8) |
Finger
Motion Financial Company Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finger Motion Financial Group Limited. |
|
|
|
|
(9) |
Shanghai
TengLian JiuJiu Information Communication Technology Co., Ltd. is a 99% owned subsidiary of Shanghai JiuGe Information Technology
Co., Ltd. |
|
|
|
Because
we do not directly hold equity interests in the VIE, we are subject to risks and uncertainties of the interpretations and applications
of Chinese laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the validity and enforcement of the VIE Agreements among the WFOE, the
VIE and the shareholder of the VIE. We are also subject to the risks and uncertainties about any future actions of the Chinese government
in this regard that could disallow the VIE structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and may cause
the value of our Common Shares to depreciate significantly or become worthless.
The
VIE Agreements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control. For instance, the VIE and its shareholders
could breach their contractual arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to conduct their operations in an acceptable manner
or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests. The shareholder of the VIE may not act in the best interests of our Company
or may not perform their obligations under the VIE Agreements. Such risks exist throughout the period in which we intend to operate certain
portions of our business through the VIE Agreements with the VIE. In the event that the VIE or its shareholder fail to perform their
respective obligations under the VIE Agreements, we may have to incur substantial costs and expend additional resources to enforce such
arrangements. In addition, even if legal actions are taken to enforce the VIE Agreements, there is uncertainty as to whether Chinese
courts would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions
of the securities laws of the United States or any state. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the VIE Agreements”. We
rely on the VIE Agreements with the VIE and its shareholder for a significant portion of our business operations. The VIE Agreements
may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control. Any failure by the VIE or its shareholder to perform their
obligations under such contractual arrangements would have a material and adverse effect on our business.
As
of the date of this periodic report on Form 10-K, we and the VIE are not required to seek permissions from the CSRC, the CAC, or any other entity that is required to approve of the operations of the VIE, other than a value-added
telecommunications business licence, which has already been obtained. Nevertheless, Chinese regulatory authorities may in the future
promulgate laws, regulations or implement rules that require us, our subsidiaries or the VIEs to obtain permissions from such regulatory
authorities to approve the operations of the VIE or any securities listing.
Products
and Services
Telecommunications
Products and Services
Historically,
telecommunication operators focused their efforts on expanding their retail presence; however, consumer behaviors and demands have shifted
from offline to online. In 2018, the Company developed a proprietary universal exchange platform called “PigeonHoles Integration
System”, which provides seamless integration between telecommunication operators and online stores servicing Chinese consumers
all around China.
The
Company’s products and services offerings include the following:
Product
/ Service |
|
Details |
Recharge
Services |
|
The
Company offers recharge services to consumers throughout China. |
|
|
|
Data
Plan |
|
The
Company offers mobile data plans to consumers, including 5G plans. |
|
|
|
Mobile
Phone |
|
The
Company offers mobile phones to consumers online. Upon order completion, the Company’s up-stream partners or phone distributors
(VSens and ZhengZhouXinSiWei) will arrange direct delivery to the customer. |
|
|
|
Subscription
Plan |
|
The
Company acquires new customers by offering telecommunication subscription plans. The Company shares revenue with telecommunication
operators on a new subscribers’ spending over the following 12 months. |
|
|
|
Value
Added Products and Services
|
|
New
product lines and services will be brought in by the Company to offer to the existing user base through the delivery channels of
the Telecommunication partners and the platform partners. |
Up-Stream
Partners
The
Company partners with all three major telecommunication operators in China, namely China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, to offer
its products and services:
Telecommunication
Operator |
|
Products
and Services |
China
Mobile |
|
Recharge
Service
Data Plan
Subscription Plans
Mobile Protection Plans |
China
Unicom |
|
Recharge
Service
Data Plan
Subscription Plan
Mobile Protection Plans |
China
Telecom |
|
Recharge
Service
Data Plan |
|
|
|
Notes:
In
2020, the Company entered into arrangements with two third party smartphone distributors (VSens and ZhengZhouXinSiWei) to extend their
product offerings across online stores on various platforms. The Company plans to commercialize the offering in the first quarter of
2021.
Down-Stream
Partners
The
Company currently operates online stores and pages on various e-commerce and social media platforms, gaining access to millions of users
without having to incur the associated marketing expenditures or user acquisition investments.
Name
of Online Stores |
|
Partners
/ Platform |
|
Details |
JiuGe
TongXin Store |
|
TMall.com |
|
Telco
Products & Services |
HeNan
China Mobile Store |
|
TMall.com |
|
China
Mobile Flagship Store |
JiuGe
Mobile Data Store |
|
PingDuoDuo.com |
|
Telco
Products & Services |
JiuGe
Mobile Data Store |
|
Tbao |
|
Telco
Products & Services |
SMS
and MMS Services
Short
Message Service (SMS) remains the only secure and reliable communication medium that connects all telecommunication operators globally.
In 2019, the telecommunications industry in China sent a total of around 1,506 billion SMS,1 equivalent to a market size of
RMB 39.2 billion (~$5.85 billion), a year-on-year increase of 37.5% compared to 2018.2 The Company was responsible for 1.2
billion, or 0.08% of market share.
There
are strict policies imposed by the Chinese government regulating message broadcasting via the SMS protocol. One key metric being monitored
is the rate of public complaints on messages received via SMS, with the aim of fighting spam messages and blocking uncensored messages.
In
early 2019, the Company completed beta testing of its proprietary SMS Integrated System and the commercialization phase began in April
2019. The SMS Integrated System provides a robust back-end control panel for corporate partners to access and manage their own messaging
settings. Corporate partners can upload a list of targeted members, compose text or multimedia messages and define broadcasting settings.
All messages must be submitted to the ministry for review before being delivered to telecommunication operators’ back-end for broadcasting.
The
mass SMS text message service offers bulk SMS services to end consumers with competitive pricing. Beijing Technology retains a license
from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to operate SMS and MMS business in the PRC. Similar to the mobile payment and
recharge business, Beijing Technology is required to make a deposit or bulk purchase in advance and has secured business customers that
will utilize Beijing Technology’s SMS integrated platform to send bulk SMS text messages monthly. Beijing Technology has the capability
to manage and track the entire process, including guiding the Company’s customer to meet government’s guidelines on messages
composed, until the SMS messages have been delivered successfully.
|
1 |
Source:
http://data.chinabaogao.com/dianxin/2020/0364R5222020.html |
|
2 |
Source:
https://jxca.miit.gov.cn/cms_files/filemanager/oldfile/jxca/upload/202003/202003111516300286.pdf |
The
Company’s SMS Integrated System performs more than 150 million SMS transactions monthly. The Company focuses its efforts on:
|
■ |
Continuously
enhancing the SMS Integrated System to offer a more flexible, reliable, and scalable platform. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
Working
closely with telecommunication operators in a select few provinces allows the Company’s business development team to negotiate
and secure better bulk purchase pricing from time to time. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
The
Company’s corporate partners span various industries such as airlines, insurance and financial services, e-commerce and consumer
markets; diversifying sources of revenue improves the stability of the Company’s revenue stream and minimizes seasonal fluctuations
with SMS volume. |
|
|
|
Rich
Communication Services (RCS) Platform
Telecommunication
operators around the world have reached consensus on the need to upgrade the operator messaging service from SMS to Rich Communication
Services (RCS) messaging in the 5G era. Worldwide, the GSM Association (GSMA) indicates 90 operators have launched RCS in 60 countries,
attracting approximately 421 million users and projecting an estimated value of $15.78 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 18.5%.3
On
April 8, 2020, China’s three major telecommunication operators, namely China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom, released a
5G messaging white paper outlining their commitment to mandate all compatible handsets sold in the country support RCS.4
5G
messaging service or RCS can support not only Person-to-Person (P2P) messaging, but also Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging. Through
P2P messaging, RCS offers a richer text-messaging system, provides phonebook polling and is capable of transmitting in-call multimedia
features. A2P messaging enables businesses and brands to communicate with users via chatbot, facilitates the sharing of high-quality
videos but also more direct interfacing with the internet; consumers will no longer have to download multiple mobile apps and can, for
instance, directly buy train tickets and book flights by just sending messages.
In
March 2020, the Company’s management allocated resources dedicated for the research and development of a RCS platform – MaaP
(Messaging as a Platform). This RCS platform is expected to be a proprietary business messaging platform that enables businesses and
brands to communicate and service their customers on 5G infrastructure, delivering better user experience, more efficiently and cost
effectively. This is expected to open up a new marketing channel for the Company’s current and prospective business partners.
The
Company has completed the development of the RCS platform and it is ready to be commercialized:
RCS
Platform for Telecommunication Products and Services
The
Company intends to launch its own brand on the platform for the telecommunication products and services it currently carries. The platform
is expected to provide the Company with direct access to 5G mobile users. Furthermore, the Company can continue building and enhancing
its brand on the platform serving as the most comprehensive one-stop shop for telecommunication products and services.
RCS
Platform for Partners and Brands
The
Company is targeting to engage larger partners and brands on this new RCS platform. It is currently working and negotiating with one
of the largest phone distributors in China to be among the first partners launching services on the platform.
|
3 |
Source:
https://www.gsma.com/futurenetworks/rcs/ & https://www.marketresearch.com/Infogence-Marketing-Advisory-Services-v4010/Global-Rich-Communication-Services-RCS-30323369/ |
|
4 |
Source:
https://www.gsma.com/futurenetworks/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/5G-Messaging-White-Paper-EN.pdf |
Big
Data Insights
The
Company launched its proprietary platform “Sapientus” in July 2020 as its big data insights arm to deliver data-driven solutions
and insights for businesses within the insurance and financial services industries. Leveraging the Company’s strong tech and data
backbone, Sapientus specializes in data mining and insights extraction. The Company’s flexible data structure is built from the
ground up, by transforming raw telco data into basic building blocks, statistical measures and behavioral inferences, while layering
in auxiliary contextual information, to extract behavioral insights and power revolutionary applications for insurance and financial
services.
Sapientus
equips insurance industry partners with a range of capabilities such as:
|
■ |
Behavior
insights and scoring derived from a time series of live telco data, along with an expansive set of auxiliary data, enabling deeper
contextual understanding of a customer’s behavior propensity and risk inclination for more granular segmentation; |
|
|
|
|
■ |
Transactional
integration giving real-time feedback enriched with risk and behavior insights on current and prospective customers, thereby further
promoting digital transformations in the industry – e.g. online underwriting, claims processing and fraud detection, etc.;
and |
|
|
|
|
■ |
Insight-driven
data analytic services, sufficiently adaptive to incorporate new information such as emerging claim and marketing data, and synchronize
with the Company’s partners’ operating and risk assessment philosophy via continual learning and honing. |
|
|
|
Sapientus’
deep bench of insurance and data science expertise is expected to attract an expanding client base, supporting risk calibrations and
insights extraction using advanced statistical methods and analytic techniques. The Company’s proprietary risk assessment engine
offers standard and customized scoring and appraisal services based on multi-dimensional factors, enabled by extensive data coverage
through exclusive telco partnerships. The Company augments and shares value with its partners through various big data enabled applications
including preferred risk selection, precision marketing, product customization, and claims management (e.g. fraud detection).
The
Company’s mission is to deliver the next generation of data-driven insurance solutions that result in more accurate risk assessments,
more efficient processes and a more delightful customer journey.
The
Company anticipates development of Sapientus in three key stages:
Stage
1: Initialization
During
the initialization stage, the Company’s focus on building its brand and honing its rating framework and analytics. To accomplish
this, the Company will be partnering with reinsurers to increase its visibility as well as assimilate its data analytics into the reinsurers’
value chain. Potential engagements include underwriting enhancement, market segmentation, product design as well as facilitation of claims
review and adjudication. Revenue during this time will be sourced mainly from offering proprietary rating system and related services
that are customized to fit the Company’s reinsurer partners’ specific needs. Furthermore, establishing collaborative facilities
with reinsurers allows the Company to integrate posterior information (claims, underwriting experience, and campaign feedback) for improving
its scoring / measurement system.
Stage
2: Expansion
The
expansion stage shifts the Company’s revenue focus from offering rating system alone to earning commissions and profit shares through
channel expansion and innovative product designs enabled by more granular customer segmentation. Channel expansion could be achieved
by cross-selling through the Company’s affiliated company and brokerage arm, supported by leads generation for niche marketing
and further upselling. In addition, developing customized product solutions with reinsurers will augment value proposition, offering
more personalized and efficient coverage based on the latent risks of individuals. Precision marketing enhances product take-up rates,
while preferred risk selection is expected to attract profitable business and improve portfolio results. As such, added value can be
generated and shared among Sapientus and its (re)insurer and distribution partners.
Stage
3: Integration
As
Sapientus matures, the Company enters the integration stage. Behavioral dynamics can prove to be very versatile in supporting many possibilities
beyond insurance. Having accumulated more diverse data and insights enriches the Company’s rating perspective, enabling it to offer
a universal rating platform that can be commonly adopted across the industry. The Company’s platform can be readily integrated
with other systems, helping the Company extend reach beyond insurance applications. For example, the Company’s generalized rating
system can help conduct smart underwriting for financial loans or craft out consumer behaviors and risk propensities to inform ecommerce
business decisions. The Company’s platform can be used standalone as an independent rating tool, as well as offered as part of
an integrated system, joining forces with various ecosystem partners on data access, customer relationships, advanced analytics, product
and service capabilities. Types of value that can be realized through ecosystems include:
|
■ |
Friction
reduction: Creating a one-stop shop or interface for consumers by removing the hassle of switching among multiple providers; |
|
|
|
|
■ |
Network
effects: Generating synergy value for stakeholders by pooling and sharing information and resources to serve common needs; and |
|
|
|
|
■ |
Data
integration: Mining and analyzing available data, applying learnings to deliver convenience and tangible benefits to customers. |
|
|
|
Growth
Strategy
The
Company’s growth strategy is a multi-pronged approach, continually asking “What’s next?” and consisting of the
following:
|
■ |
Enhancing
PigeonHoles Integration System and the SMS Integrated System. Maintaining a stable and robust platform is expected to give the
Company the flexibility to manage new product offering and packages in order to increase revenue. This will be the key critical success
factor for the Company’s expansion plans. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
Expanding
customer base. Along with the stability of the Company’s platform and its ability to access working capital, the Company’s
growth will be based on increasing its market share through expanding its base in its current geographic regions of operations and
through expanding its presence into other regions. The Company’s offerings can be targeted to a wider group of customers, which
should improve overall revenue. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
New
Product line expansion. The Company plans to constantly increase its product offerings from its telco partners by designing new
packages and offerings in order to differentiate the Company from its competition. New product line and services are expected to
be introduced progressively to be offered to the end users via the telco delivery channels. This is expected to expand our revenue
base. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
Enhancing
values. The Company intends to continue to build brand loyalty and enhance its customer service to ensure customer retention
and repeat sales. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
Diversification.
Breaking away from the Company’s core and traditional business, the Company is moving into the insurance technology (“insurtech”)
space with Sapientus and the Company’s big data analytics arm. The Company intends to continue to explore opportunities in
the financial technology services (“fintech”), healthcare and advertising industries. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
Focusing
on strength and investing in talent. The Company intends to continue to build the strongest team in all of its various businesses.
The Company intends to also continue to build its core values to enhance and differentiate its support and services to ensure it
is able to stand out from its competitors. |
Sales
and Marketing
|
■ |
The
Company’s sales and marketing efforts are focused on promoting brand awareness of its JiuGe telecommunication stores currently
operating on most major e-commerce and social media platforms in China. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
The
Company is continuously planning, in cooperation with its telco partners, seasonal and targeted marketing events in different provinces
and cities. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
Since
the inception of JiuGe Technology in 2018, the Company has secured contracts and agreements to work with nine (9) online stores and
twenty (20) business partners. The Company’s strategy is to expand into the entire China region and to reach out to a wider
base of customers and users that can benefit from the Company’s product offerings. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
The
Company’s new agreement with China Mobile on the loyalty redemption business is a step towards the Company’s customer
retention strategy that is expected to also enable it to cross-sell additional products and offerings from the Company. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
The
Company intends to continue to focus on, and expand, its roster of corporate clients to improve sales in its SMS business, and intends
to focus on expanding into different industries. |
|
|
|
Research
& Development
|
■ |
RCS
Platform - As a leader in the 5G ecosystem in China, the Company is developing the RCS platform to strengthen its first-mover
advantage in MaaP (Messaging as a Platform). This messaging platform enables businesses and brands to communicate and service their
customers on 5G infrastructure, delivering a more efficient, more cost efficient, and more robust user experience. This should open
up a new marketing channel for the Company’s current and prospective business partners. |
|
|
|
|
■ |
Big
Data Insights - Beginning in January 2019, the Company has continuously researched industry reports and compiled data published
by researchers and have incorporated its findings into its Sapientus data blocks. By integrating with external data sources, the
Company’s R&D departments can develop innovative insurtech and fintech products to the Company’s re-insurance and
financial services companies and partners. |
|
|
|
Competition
Our
industry is highly competitive, rapidly changing, highly innovative and increasingly subject to regulatory scrutiny and oversight. We
compete against a wide range of businesses, including those that are larger than we are, have a dominant and secure position or offer
other products and services to consumers and merchants that we do not offer. We believe we are in an advantageous position compared to
many of our competitors or potential competitors because we have been granted an exclusive license to act as an authorized processor
of payments in China for China Unicom and China Mobile.
Our
mobile payments business competes principally against two alternatives. First, we compete directly with other holders of licenses from
the major mobile telecommunications providers in China. We understand there are a limited number of these licenses, but believe that
certain other license holders are large, diversified companies with deep financial resources. We also compete with payment processors
that are not authorized licensees of the mobile telecommunications companies but nevertheless provide similar services. Separately, and
more generally, we compete with all forms and methods of paying for additional data and minutes, including credit and debit cards, other
electronic payment platforms and bank transfers.
Because
we have been awarded a contract to process payments for China Unicom and China Mobile and, are therefore, able to offer services directly
to market with value added services, we believe the Company is in an advantageous position as compared to its competition. We look to
take advantage of the position that we have been afforded.
Intellectual
Property
The
Company has sufficient intellectual property rights to operate its mobile payment and recharge platform system. Specifically, the Company
has registered patents for its mobile payment and recharge platform system. The Company will continue to enhance the system to meet market
and consumer demands and requirements. The Company has also implemented strict controls to ensure the safe and secure keeping of any
source codes.5
The
Company has registered the following patents:
Patent
Registration
Number |
Region |
Title |
Inventors |
Applicant |
Status
as of
the date of
this Annual
Report |
2019SR0439119 |
Shanghai,
China |
PigeonHoles
Integration System (1) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Business Management Co. Ltd |
Shanghai
JiuGe Business Management Co. Ltd |
Obtained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020SR0741902 |
Shanghai,
China |
SMS
Integrated System(2) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Obtained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020SR0792227 |
China |
JiuGe
Customer Profiling Software V1.0.0 (3) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Obtained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020SR0772385 |
China |
JiuGe
TELCO Big Data Software V1.0.0 (4) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Obtained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020SR0809253 |
China |
JiuGe
Risk Assessment System Software V1.0.0 (5) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Obtained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020SR0860695 |
China |
JiuGe
Internet Big Data Software V1.0.0 (6) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Obtained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020SR0867792 |
China |
JiuGe
Mobile Digital Precision Marketing Software V1.0.0 (7) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Obtained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021SR2129368 |
China |
JiuGe
Risk Query API and UI Design V1.0.0 (8) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Obtained
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021SR1773860 |
China |
JiuGe
Insurance Anti-Fraud System Design V1.0.0 (9) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Obtained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2022SR1343393 |
China |
JiuGe
Insurance Client Medical Behavior Assessment System V1.0.0 (10) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Obtained |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023SR0092476 |
China |
JiuGe
Insurance Client Financial Rating System V1.0.0 (11) |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Shanghai
JiuGe Information Technology Co. Ltd |
Obtained |
Notes:
|
(1) |
PigeonHoles
Integration System is the Company’s proprietary universal exchange platform which provides seamless integration between telecommunication
operators and online stores servicing PRC’s customers. |
|
|
|
|
(2) |
The
Company’s SMS Integrated System provides a robust back-end control panel for corporate partners to access and manage their
own messaging settings. Corporate partners can upload a list of targeted members, compose text or multimedia messages and define
broadcasting settings. |
|
|
|
|
(3) |
Patent
based on JiuGe’s big data analysis and commercialization of consumer’s profile |
|
|
|
|
(4) |
Patent
based on JiuGe’s big data analysis for telecommunication products and services |
|
|
|
|
(5) |
Patent
based on JiuGe’s big data analysis on risk assessment system |
|
|
|
|
(6) |
Patent
based on JiuGe’s big data analysis for online product. |
|
|
|
|
(7) |
Patent
based on JiuGe’s big data analysis for online digital contents on mobile |
|
|
|
|
(8) |
Patent
based on JiuGe’s big data analysis for Risk Query API and UI designs |
|
|
|
|
(9) |
Patent
based on JiuGe’s big data analysis for Insurance Anti-Fraud System Design |
|
|
|
|
(10) |
Patent
based on JiuGe’s big data analysis for Insurance Client Medical Behavior Assessment System |
|
|
|
|
(11) |
Patent
based on JiuGe’s big data analysis for Insurance Client Financial Rating System |
|
|
|
Regulation
We
operate in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment characterized by a heightened regulatory focus on all aspects of the payments industry.
That focus continues to become even more heightened as regulators on a global basis focus on such important issues as countering terrorist
financing, anti-money laundering, privacy, cybersecurity and consumer protection. Some of the laws and regulations to which we are subject
were enacted recently, and the laws and regulations applicable to us, including those enacted prior to the advent of digital and mobile
payments, are continuing to evolve through legislative and regulatory action and judicial interpretation. New or changing laws and regulations,
including how such laws and regulations are interpreted and implemented, as well as increased penalties and enforcement actions related
to non-compliance, could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Therefore, as
we grow, we will need to develop the capacity to monitor these areas closely to design compliant solutions for our customers who depend
on us.
Government
regulation impacts key aspects of our business. We are subject to regulations that affect the payments industry in the markets in which
we operate.
Payments
Regulation. Various laws and regulations govern the payments industry in China, where our mobile payment and recharge platform principally
operates. Our activities in this regard are, or may be, supervised by one or more financial regulatory authorities, including the People’s
Bank of China. Other national or provincial regulatory agencies may have or assert jurisdiction over our activities, including agencies
and authorities outside of China, if our platform is utilized by consumers in such jurisdictions. The laws and regulations applicable
to the payments industry in any given jurisdiction are subject to interpretation and change.
Anti-Money
Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing. FingerMotion is subject to anti-money laundering (“AML”) laws and
regulations in China, the U.S. and other jurisdictions, as well as laws designed to prevent the use of the financial systems to facilitate
terrorist activities. As we grow our business, we will need to develop an AML program designed to prevent our payment network from being
used to facilitate money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities, or to do business in countries or with persons
and entities included on designated country or person lists promulgated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign
Assets Controls (“OFAC”) and equivalent authorities in China and other countries whose jurisdiction we may become
subject as a result of our operations. Any AML and sanctions compliance program we put in place will need to involve policies, procedures
and internal controls designed to address these legal and regulatory requirements and assist in managing money laundering and terrorist
financing risks.
Data
Protection and Information Security. Aspects of our operations or business may be subject to privacy and data protection regulation
in China, the U.S. and elsewhere. In the U.S., we are subject to privacy information safeguarding requirements under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley
Act that require the maintenance of a written, comprehensive information security program, among other laws, which we do not currently
have in place. Regulatory authorities around the world are considering numerous legislative and regulatory proposals concerning privacy
and data protection that may contain additional privacy and data protection obligations than exist today. In addition, the interpretation
and application of these privacy and data protection laws in China, the U.S. and elsewhere are often uncertain and in a state of flux.
Anti-Corruption.
FingerMotion is subject to applicable anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act,
and similar anti-corruption laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Anti-corruption laws generally prohibit offering, promising,
giving, accepting or authorizing others to provide anything of value, either directly or indirectly, to or from a government official
or private party in order to influence official action or otherwise gain an unfair business advantage, such as to obtain or retain business.
Additional
Regulatory Developments. Various regulatory agencies continue to examine a wide variety of issues, including virtual currencies,
identity theft, account management guidelines, privacy, disclosure rules, cybersecurity and marketing that may impact the Company’s
business.
Compliance
with Environmental Laws
Compliance
with foreign, federal, state and local laws that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment,
or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, have not had a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive
position.
Employees
As
of February 28, 2023, we had 59 total employees, of whom all were full time. We have approximately 49 employees in China, 4 employees
in Malaysia, 2 employees in Hong Kong, 1 employee in Taiwan, 2 employees in USA and 1 employee in Canada. We believe that we enjoy good
relations with our employees.
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS
In
addition to the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have identified the following material risks and uncertainties
which reflect our outlook and conditions known to us as of the date of this Annual Report. These material risks and uncertainties should
be carefully reviewed by our stockholders and any potential investors in evaluating the Company, our business and the market value of
our common stock. Furthermore, any one of these material risks and uncertainties has the potential to cause actual results, performance,
achievements or events to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or events implied, suggested or
expressed by any forward-looking statements made by us or by persons acting on our behalf. Refer to “Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-looking Statements”.
There
is no assurance that we will be successful in preventing the material adverse effects that any one or more of the following material
risks and uncertainties may cause on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results, which may result in a significant
decrease in the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, there is no assurance that these material risks and uncertainties represent
a complete list of the material risks and uncertainties facing us. There may be additional risks and uncertainties of a material nature
that, as of the date of this Annual Report, we are unaware of or that we consider immaterial that may become material in the future,
any one or more of which may result in a material adverse effect on us. You could lose all or a significant portion of your investment
due to any one of these material risks and uncertainties.
Risks
Related to the Business
We
have a limited operating history and, as a result, our past results may not be indicative of future operating performance.
We
have a limited operating history, which makes it difficult to forecast our future results. You should not rely on our past results of
operations as indicators of future performance. You should consider and evaluate our prospects in light of the risks and uncertainty
frequently encountered by companies like ours.
If
we fail to address the risks and difficulties that we face, including those described elsewhere in this “Risk Factors”
section, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Further, because we have limited historical
financial data and operate in an evolving market, any predictions about our future revenue and expenses may not be as accurate as they
would be if we had a longer operating history or operated in a more predictable market. We have encountered in the past, and will encounter
in the future, risks and uncertainties frequently experienced by growing companies with limited operating histories in rapidly changing
industries. If our assumptions regarding these risks and uncertainties are incorrect or change, or if we do not address these risks successfully,
our results of operations could differ materially from our expectations and our business, financial condition and results of operations
could be adversely affected.
We
have a history of net losses and we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability in the future.
For
all annual periods of our operating history we have experienced net losses. We generated net losses of approximately $7.5 million, $4.9
million and $4.3 million for the years ended February 28, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of February 28, 2023, we had an accumulated
deficit of $24.7 million. We have not achieved profitability, and we may not realize sufficient revenue to achieve profitability in future
periods. Our expenses will likely increase in the future as we develop and launch new offerings and platform features, expand in existing
and new markets, increase our sales and marketing efforts and continue to invest in our platform. These efforts may be more costly than
we expect and may not result in increased revenue or growth in our business. If we are unable to generate adequate revenue growth and
manage our expenses, we may continue to incur significant losses in the future and may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability.
If
we fail to effectively manage our growth, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely effected.
We
are currently experiencing growth in our business. This expansion increases the complexity of our business and has placed, and will continue
to place, strain on our management, personnel, operations, systems, technical performance, financial resources and internal financial
control and reporting functions. Our ability to manage our growth effectively and to integrate new employees, technologies and acquisitions
into our existing business will require us to continue to expand our operational and financial infrastructure and to continue to retain,
attract, train, motivate and manage employees. Continued growth could strain our ability to develop and improve our operational, financial
and management controls, enhance our reporting systems and procedures, recruit, train and retain highly skilled personnel and maintain
user satisfaction. Additionally, if we do not effectively manage the growth of our business and operations, the quality of our offerings
could suffer, which could negatively affect our reputation and brand, business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, our operations and consumer demand for consumer goods and services remains uncertain,
which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition and on the market price of
our common shares.
In
December 2019, a strain of novel coronavirus (now commonly known as COVID-19) was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. COVID-19
has since spread rapidly throughout many countries, and, on March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic.
In an effort to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many countries, including the United States, Canada and China, have imposed
unprecedented restrictions on travel, and there have been business closures and a substantial reduction in economic activity in countries
that have had significant outbreaks of COVID-19. Although our operating subsidiaries and contractually controlled entity report that
is operation have not been materially affected at this point, significant uncertainty remains as to the potential impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on our operations and on the global economy as a whole. It is currently not possible to predict how long the pandemic will last
or the time that it will take for economic activity to return to prior levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial
market volatility and uncertainty in recent weeks. A continuation or worsening of the levels of market disruption and volatility seen
in the recent past could have an adverse effect on our ability to access capital, on our business, results of operations and financial
condition, on the market price of our common shares, and on consumer demand for consumer services, including those offered by our Company.
We
depend on our key personnel and other highly skilled personnel, and if we fail to attract, retain, motivate or integrate our personnel,
our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely effected.
Our
success depends in part on the continued service of our founders, senior management team, key technical employees and other highly skilled
personnel and on our ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate, retain and integrate highly qualified personnel for all areas of our
organization. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to fulfill our current or future needs. Our competitors
may be successful in recruiting and hiring members of our management team or other key employees, and it may be difficult for us to find
suitable replacements on a timely basis, on competitive terms or at all. If we are unable to attract and retain the necessary personnel,
particularly in critical areas of our business, we may not achieve our strategic goals.
Our
concentration of earnings from two telecommunications companies may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results
of operations.
We
currently derive a substantial amount of our total revenue through contracts secured with China Unicom and China Mobile. If we were to
lose the business of one or both of these mobile telecommunications companies, if either were to fail to fulfill its obligations to us,
if either were to experience difficulty in paying rebates to us on a timely basis, if either negotiated lower pricing terms, or if either
increased the number of licensed payment portals it permits to process its payments, it could have a material adverse effect on our competitive
position, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, we cannot guarantee that the volume of revenue
we earn from China Unicom and China Mobile will remain consistent going forward. Any substantial change in our relationships with either
China Unicom or China Mobile, or both, whether due to actions by our competitors, regulatory authorities, industry factors or otherwise,
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Any
actual or perceived security or privacy breach could interrupt our operations, harm our brand and adversely effect our reputation, brand,
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our
business involves the processing and transmission of our users’ personal and other sensitive data. Because techniques used to obtain
unauthorized access to or to sabotage information systems change frequently and may not be known until launched against us, we may be
unable to anticipate or prevent these attacks. Unauthorized parties may in the future gain access to our systems or facilities through
various means, including gaining unauthorized access into our systems or facilities or those of our service providers, partners or users
on our platform, or attempting to fraudulently induce our employees, service providers, partners, users or others into disclosing names,
passwords, payment information or other sensitive information, which may in turn be used to access our information technology systems,
or attempting to fraudulently induce our employees, partners or others into manipulating payment information, resulting in the fraudulent
transfer of funds to criminal actors. In addition, users on our platform could have vulnerabilities on their own mobile devices that
are entirely unrelated to our systems and platform but could mistakenly attribute their own vulnerabilities to us. Further, breaches
experienced by other companies may also be leveraged against us. For example, credential stuffing attacks are becoming increasingly common
and sophisticated actors can mask their attacks, making them increasingly difficult to identify and prevent. Certain efforts may be state-sponsored
or supported by significant financial and technological resources, making them even more difficult to detect.
Although
we have developed systems and processes that are designed to protect our users’ data, prevent data loss and prevent other security
breaches, these security measures cannot guarantee security. Our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to cyberattacks
or security breaches; also, employee error, malfeasance or other errors in the storage, use or transmission of personal information could
result in an actual or perceived privacy or security breach or other security incident.
Any
actual or perceived breach of privacy or security could interrupt our operations, result in our platform being unavailable, result in
loss or improper disclosure of data, result in fraudulent transfer of funds, harm our reputation and brand, damage our relationships
with third-party partners, result in significant legal, regulatory and financial exposure and lead to loss of confidence in, or decreased
use of, our platform, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any breach of
privacy or security impacting any entities with which we share or disclose data (including, for example, our third-party providers) could
have similar effects.
Additionally,
defending against claims or litigation based on any security breach or incident, regardless of their merit, could be costly and divert
management’s attention. We cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be adequate for data handling or data security liabilities
actually incurred, that insurance will continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or that any insurer
will not deny coverage as to any future claim. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceed available
insurance coverage, or the occurrence of changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible
or co-insurance requirements, could have an adverse effect on our reputation, brand, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Systems
failures and resulting interruptions in the availability of our platform or offerings could adversely effect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Our
systems, or those of third parties upon which we rely, may experience service interruptions or degradation because of hardware and software
defects or malfunctions, distributed denial-of-service and other cyberattacks, human error, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, natural
disasters, power losses, disruptions in telecommunications services, fraud, military or political conflicts, terrorist attacks, computer
viruses, ransomware, malware or other events. Our systems also may be subject to break-ins, sabotage, theft and intentional acts of vandalism,
including by our own employees. Some of our systems are not fully redundant and our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient
for all eventualities. Our business interruption insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of our losses that may result from interruptions
in our service as a result of systems failures and similar events.
We
have not experienced any system failures or other events or conditions that have interrupted the availability or reduced or effected
the speed or functionality of our offerings. These events, were they to occur in the future, could adversely affect our business, reputation,
results of operations and financial condition.
The
successful operation of our business depends upon the performance and reliability of Internet, mobile, and other infrastructures that
are not under our control.
Our
business depends on the performance and reliability of Internet, mobile and other infrastructures that are not under our control. Disruptions
in Internet infrastructure or the failure of telecommunications network operators to provide us with the bandwidth we need to provide
our services and offerings could interfere with the speed and availability of our platform. If our platform is unavailable when platform
users attempt to access it, or if our platform does not load as quickly as platform users expect, platform users may not return to our
platform as often in the future, or at all, and may use our competitors’ products or offerings more often. In addition, we have
no control over the costs of the services provided by national telecommunications operators. If mobile Internet access fees or other
charges to Internet users increase, consumer traffic may decrease, which may in turn cause our revenue to significantly decrease.
Our
business depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of mobile communications systems. The occurrence of an unanticipated problem,
such as a power outage, telecommunications delay or failure, security breach or computer virus could result in delays or interruptions
to our services, offerings and platform, as well as business interruptions for us and platform users. Furthermore, foreign governments
may leverage their ability to shut down directed services, and local governments may shut down our platform at the routing level. Any
of these events could damage our reputation, significantly disrupt our operations, and subject us to liability, which could adversely
affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We have invested significant resources to develop new products to mitigate
the impact of potential interruptions to mobile communications systems, which can be used by consumers in territories where mobile communications
systems are less efficient. However, these products may ultimately be unsuccessful.
We
may be subject to claims, lawsuits, government investigations and other proceedings that may adversely effect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
We
may be subject to claims, lawsuits, arbitration proceedings, government investigations and other legal and regulatory proceedings as
our business grows and as we deploy new offerings, including proceedings related to our products or our acquisitions, securities issuances
or business practices. The results of any such claims, lawsuits, arbitration proceedings, government investigations or other legal or
regulatory proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming,
result in costly litigation, be harmful to our reputation, require significant management attention and divert significant resources.
Determining reserves for litigation is a complex and fact-intensive process that requires significant subjective judgment and speculation.
It is possible that such proceedings could result in substantial damages, settlement costs, fines and penalties that could adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These proceedings could also result in harm to our reputation and
brand, sanctions, consent decrees, injunctions or other orders requiring a change in our business practices. Any of these consequences
could adversely effect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, we have
contractual and other legal obligations to indemnify and to incur legal expenses on behalf of our business and commercial partners and
current and former directors and officers.
We
may require additional funding to support our business.
To
grow our business, FingerMotion currently looks to take advantage of the immense growth in the total variety of mobile services provided
in China. The combined business revenue in the telecom sector rose 8% year on year to about USD232.43 billion in 2021, with the growth
rate up 4.1 percentage point from 2020. (source: https://english.news.cn/20220201/da5fa2c2aa614d948e960e7776f84c76/c.html). For
the Company to continue to grow, the deposit with the Telecoms needs to increase, as most of the revenue we process is dependent on the
size of the deposit we have with each Telecom. We will likely need to raise additional capital to materially increase the amounts of
these deposits. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, those securities may have
rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our common stock, and our existing stockholders may experience dilution. Any debt
financing secured by us in the future could involve restrictive covenants relating to our capital-raising activities and other financial
and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities. We
cannot be certain that additional funding will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all. If we are unable to obtain adequate
funding or funding on terms satisfactory to us, when we require it, our ability to continue to support our business growth and to respond
to business challenges could be significantly limited, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely
effected.
Claims
by others that we infringed their proprietary technology or other intellectual property rights could harm our business.
Companies
in the Internet and technology industries are frequently subject to litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations
of intellectual property rights. In addition, certain companies and rights holders seek to enforce and monetize patents or other intellectual
property rights they own, have purchased or otherwise obtained. As we gain a public profile and the number of competitors in our market
increases, the possibility of intellectual property rights claims against us grows. From time to time, third parties may assert claims
of infringement of intellectual property rights against us. Many potential litigants, including some of our competitors and patent-holding
companies, have the ability to dedicate substantial resources to assert their intellectual property rights. Any claim of infringement
by a third party, even those without merit, could cause us to incur substantial costs defending against the claim, could distract our
management from our business and could require us to cease use of such intellectual property. Furthermore, because of the substantial
amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, we risk compromising our confidential information during
this type of litigation. We may be required to pay substantial damages, royalties or other fees in connection with a claimant securing
a judgment against us, we may be subject to an injunction or other restrictions that prevent us from using or distributing our intellectual
property, or we may agree to a settlement that prevents us from distributing our offerings or a portion thereof, which could adversely
effect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
With
respect to any intellectual property rights claim, we may have to seek out a license to continue operations found to be in violation
of such rights, which may not be available on favorable or commercially reasonable terms and may significantly increase our operating
expenses. Some licenses may be non-exclusive, and therefore our competitors may have access to the same technology licensed to us. If
a third party does not offer us a license to its intellectual property on reasonable terms, or at all, we may be required to develop
alternative, non-infringing technology, which could require significant time (during which we would be unable to continue to offer our
affected offerings), effort and expense and may ultimately not be successful. Any of these events could adversely effect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Risks
Related to Our Securities
Our
stock has limited liquidity.
Our
common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 28, 2021, and before that it traded on the OTCQX operated by OTC
Markets Group Inc. Trading volume in our shares may be sporadic and the price could experience volatility. If adverse market conditions
exist, you may have difficulty selling your shares.
The
market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control, including
the following:
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in financial estimates by securities analysts or our failure to perform in line with such estimates; |
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changes
in market valuations of other companies, particularly those that market services such as ours; |
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announcements
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introduction
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departure
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We
do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We
have never declared nor paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the operation
and expansion of our business, and we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, stockholders
must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment.
If
securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market
price and trading volume of our common stock could decline.
The
trading market for our common stock may depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about
us, our business, our market or our competition. The analysts’ estimates are based upon their own opinions and are often different
from our estimates or expectations. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our common stock, provide a more favorable
recommendation about our competitors or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of our securities would
likely decline. If few securities analysts commence coverage of us, or if one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail
to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our securities could decrease, which might cause the price and trading volume of our common
stock to decline.
The
continued sale of our equity securities will dilute the ownership percentage of our existing shareholders and may decrease the market
price for our common shares.
Our
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, authorize the issuance of up to 200,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 1,000,000 shares
of preferred stock. Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue additional shares of our capital stock to provide additional financing
in the future and designate the rights of the preferred shares, which may include voting, dividend, distribution or other rights that
are preferential to those held by the common stockholders. The issuance of any such common or preferred shares may result in a reduction
of the book value or market price of our outstanding common shares. To grow our business substantially, we will likely have to issue
additional equity securities to obtain working capital to deposit with the telecommunications companies for which we process mobile recharge
payments. Our efforts to fund our intended business plans will therefore result in dilution to our existing stockholders. If we do issue
any such additional common shares, such issuance also will cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all other
stockholders. As a result of such dilution, if you acquire common shares your proportionate ownership interest and voting power could
be decreased. Furthermore, any such issuances could result in a change of control or a reduction in the market price for our common shares.
If
we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce
timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.
As
a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOA”).
The SOA requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial
reporting. We are continuing to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we will file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the
time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act is accumulated
and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers. We are also continuing to improve our internal control over financial
reporting. We have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, significant resources in order to maintain and improve the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
Our
current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in the conditions in our business. Further,
weaknesses in our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. Any failure to
develop or maintain effective controls, or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement, could harm our results
of operations or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our financial statements for prior
periods. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could also adversely affect the results
of periodic management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports regarding the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting that we will eventually be required to include in our periodic reports that will be
filed with the SEC. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors
to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely adversely effect the market price of our common
stock
Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and
sell our shares of common stock, which could depress the price of our shares of common stock.
FINRA
rules require broker-dealers to have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for a customer before recommending
that investment to the customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers
must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives, and
other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced
securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. Thus, if our shares of common stock become speculative low-priced securities,
the FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our shares of common stock, which
may limit your ability to buy and sell our shares of common stock, have an adverse effect on the market for our shares of common stock,
and thereby depress our price per share of common stock.
Our
shares of common stock have been thinly traded, and you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all if you need to sell your
shares of common stock to raise money or otherwise desire to liquidate your shares.
Until
December 28, 2021, our shares of common stock were quoted on the OTCQB/QX where they were “thinly-traded”, meaning that the
number of persons interested in purchasing our shares of common stock at or near bid prices at any given time was relatively small or
non-existent. Since we listed on Nasdaq on December 28, 2021, the volume of our shares of common stock traded has increased, but that
volume could decrease until we are thinly-traded again. That could occur due to a number of factors, including that we are relatively
unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales
volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse and might be reluctant to follow an unproven
company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares of common stock until such time as we became more seasoned.
As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares of common stock is minimal or non-existent,
as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales
without an adverse effect on share price. Broad or active public trading market for our shares of common stock may not develop or be
sustained.
Risks
Related to the VIE Agreements
The
PRC government may determine that the VIE Agreements are not in compliance with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations
JiuGe
Management manages and operates the mobile data business through JiuGe Technology pursuant to the rights its holds under the VIE Agreements.
Almost all economic benefits and risks arising from JiuGe Technology’s operations are transferred to JiuGe Management under these
agreements.
There
are risks involved with the operation of our business in reliance on the VIE Agreements, including the risk that the VIE Agreements may
be determined by PRC regulators or courts to be unenforceable. Our PRC counsel has advised us that the VIE Agreements are binding and
enforceable under PRC law, but has further advised that if the VIE Agreements were for any reason determined to be in breach of any existing
or future PRC laws or regulations, the relevant regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such breach, including:
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discontinuing
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imposing
conditions or requirements in respect of the VIE Agreements with which JiuGe Technology or JiuGe Management may not be able to comply; |
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requiring
our company to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations; |
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other regulatory or enforcement actions that could adversely affect our company’s business; and |
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revoking
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Any
of these actions could adversely affect our ability to manage, operate and gain the financial benefits of JiuGe Technology, which would
have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, if the PRC government determines
that the contractual arrangements constituting part of our VIE structure do not comply with PRC regulations, or if regulations change
or are interpreted differently in the future, we may be unable to assert our contractual rights over the assets of our VIE, and our Common
Shares may decline in value or become worthless.
Our
ability to manage and operate JiuGe Technology under the VIE Agreements may not be as effective as direct ownership.
We
conduct our mobile data business in the PRC and generate virtually all of our revenues through the VIE Agreements. Our plans for future
growth are based substantially on growing the operations of JiuGe Technology. However, the VIE Agreements may not be as effective in
providing us with control over JiuGe Technology as direct ownership. Under the current VIE arrangements, as a legal matter, if JiuGe
Technology fails to perform its obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to (i) incur substantial costs and resources
to enforce such arrangements, and (ii) rely on legal remedies under PRC law, which we cannot be sure would be effective. Therefore, if
we are unable to effectively control JiuGe Technology, it may have an adverse effect on our ability to achieve our business objectives
and grow our revenues.
The
VIE Agreements have never been challenged or recognized in court for the time being, the PRC government may determine that the VIE Agreements
are not in compliance with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations.
The
VIE Agreements are governed by the PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitral proceedings pursuant to PRC law.
If JiuGe Technology or its shareholders fail to perform the obligations under the VIE Agreements, we would be required to resort to legal
remedies available under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, or claiming damages. We cannot be sure
that such remedies would provide us with effective means of causing JiuGe Technology to meet its obligations or recovering any losses
or damages as a result of non-performance. Further, the legal environment in China is not as developed as in other jurisdictions. Uncertainties
in the application of various laws, rules, regulations or policies in PRC legal system could limit our liability to enforce the VIE Agreements
and protect our interests.
The
payment arrangement under the VIE Agreements may be challenged by the PRC tax authorities.
We
generate our revenues through the payments we receive pursuant to the VIE Agreements. We could face adverse tax consequences if the PRC
tax authorities determine that the VIE Agreements were not entered into based on arm’s length negotiations. For example, PRC tax
authorities may adjust our income and expenses for PRC tax purposes which could result in our being subject to higher tax liability or
cause other adverse financial consequences.
Shareholders
of JiuGe Technology have potential conflicts of interest with our Company which may adversely effect our business.
Li
Li is the legal representative and general manager, and also a shareholder of JiuGe Technology. There could be conflicts that arise from
time to time between our interests and the interests of Ms. Li. There could also be conflicts that arise between us and JiuGe Technology
that would require our shareholders and JiuGe Technology’s shareholders to vote on corporate actions necessary to resolve the conflict.
There can be no assurance in any such circumstances that Ms. Li will vote her shares in our best interest or otherwise act in the best
interests of our company. If Ms. Li fails to act in our best interests, our operating performance and future growth could be adversely
effected.
We
rely on the approval certificates and business license held by JiuGe Management and any deterioration of the relationship between JiuGe
Management and JiuGe Technology could materially and adversely effect our business operations.
We
operate our mobile data business in China on the basis of the approval certificates, business license and other requisite licenses held
by JiuGe Management and JiuGe Technology. There is no assurance that JiuGe Management and JiuGe Technology will be able to renew their
licenses or certificates when their terms expire with substantially similar terms as the ones they currently hold.
Further,
our relationship with JiuGe Technology is governed by the VIE Agreements that are intended to provide us with effective control over
the business operations of JiuGe Technology. However, the VIE Agreements may not be effective in providing control over the application
for and maintenance of the licenses required for our business operations. JiuGe Technology could violate the VIE Agreements, go bankrupt,
suffer from difficulties in its business or otherwise become unable to perform its obligations under the VIE Agreements and, as a result,
our operations, reputations and business could be severely harmed.
If
JiuGe Management exercises the purchase option it holds over JiuGe Technology’s share capital pursuant to the VIE Agreements, the
payment of the purchase price could materially and adversely effect our financial position.
Under
the VIE Agreements, JiuGe Technology’s shareholders have granted JiuGe Management an option for the maximum period of time permitted
by law to purchase all of the equity interest in JiuGe Technology at a price equal to one dollar or the lowest applicable price allowable
by PRC laws and regulations. As JiuGe Technology is already our contractually controlled affiliate, JiuGe Management’s exercising
of the option would not bring immediate benefits to our company, and payment of the purchase prices could adversely effect our financial
position.
Risks
Related to Doing Business in China
Changes
in China’s political or economic situation could harm us and our operating results.
Economic
reforms adopted by the Chinese government have had a positive effect on the economic development of the country, but the government could
change these economic reforms or any of the legal systems at any time. This could either benefit or damage our operations and profitability.
Some of the things that could have this effect are:
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The
Chinese economy differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (the
“OECD”), in many ways. For example, state-owned enterprises still constitute a large portion of the Chinese economy and weak
corporate governance and a lack of flexible currency exchange policy still prevail in China. As a result of these differences, we may
not develop in the same way or at the same rate as might be expected if the Chinese economy was similar to those of the OECD member countries.
Uncertainties
with respect to the PRC legal system could limit the legal protections available to you and us.
We
conduct substantially all of our business through our operating subsidiary and affiliate in the PRC. Our principal operating subsidiary
and affiliate, JiuGe Management and JiuGe Technology, are subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China
and, in particular, laws applicable to foreign-invested enterprises. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes, and prior court
decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since 1979, a series of new PRC laws and regulations have significantly
enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, since the PRC legal system continues to
evolve rapidly, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations
and rules involves uncertainties, which may limit legal protections available to you and us. In addition, any litigation in China may
be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. In addition, most of our executive
officers and all of our directors are not residents of the United States, and substantially all the assets of these persons are located
outside the United States. As a result, it could be difficult for investors to effect service of process in the United States or to enforce
a judgment obtained in the United States against our Chinese operations, subsidiary and affiliate.
The
current tensions in international trade and rising political tensions, particularly between the United States and China, may adversely
impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Recently
there have been heightened tensions in international economic relations, such as the one between the United States and China. Political
tensions between the United States and China have escalated due to, among other things, trade disputes, the COVID-19 outbreak, sanctions
imposed by the U.S. Department of Treasury on certain officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the PRC central government
and the executive orders issued by the U.S. government in November 2020 that prohibit certain transactions with certain China-based companies
and their respective subsidiaries. Rising political tensions could reduce levels of trade, investments, technological exchanges, and
other economic activities between the two major economies. Such tensions between the United States and China, and any escalation thereof,
may have a negative impact on the general, economic, political, and social conditions in China and, in turn, adversely impacting our
business, financial condition, and results of operations. Regulations were introduced which includes but not limited to Article 177 of
the PRC Securities Law which states that overseas securities regulatory authorities shall not carry out an investigation and evidence
collection activities directly in China without the consent of the securities regulatory authority of the State Council and the relevant
State Council department(s). It further defines that no organization or individual shall provide the documents and materials relating
to securities business activities to overseas parties arbitrarily. With this regulation in force, it may result in delays by the Company
to fulfill any request to provide relevant documents or materials by the regulatory authorities or in the worst-case scenario that the
Company would not be able to fulfill the request if the approval from the regulatory authority of the State Council and the relevant
State Council department(s) were rejected.
You
may have difficulty enforcing judgments against us.
We
are a Delaware holding company, but Finger Motion (CN) Limited is a Hong Kong company, and our principal operating affiliate and subsidiary,
JiuGe Technology and JiuGe Management, are located in the PRC. Most of our assets are located outside the United States and most of our
current operations are conducted in the PRC. In addition, most of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries
other than the United States. A substantial portion of the assets of these persons is located outside the United States. As a result,
it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. It may also be difficult for you
to enforce in U.S. courts judgments predicated on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our
officers and directors, most of whom are not residents in the United States and the substantial majority of whose assets are located
outside the United States. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments
of U.S. courts. The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. Courts in China
may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based on treaties between
China and the country where the judgment is made or on reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other arrangements
that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments with the United States. In addition, according to the
PRC Civil Procedures Law, courts in the PRC will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide
that the judgment violates basic principles of PRC law or national sovereignty, security or the public interest. Therefore, it is uncertain
whether a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States.
The
PRC government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities.
The
PRC government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through
regulation and state ownership. Our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those
relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. We believe that
our operations in China are in material compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. However, the central or local
governments of the jurisdictions in which we operate may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations
that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations.
Accordingly,
government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally
planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic
conditions in China or particular regions thereof and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties
or joint ventures.
The
PRC government may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based
issuers.
Recent
statements by the PRC government indicate an intent to take actions to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted
overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers. On February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated Trial Administrative Measures of
Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Overseas Listing Trial Measures”) and five relevant
guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures regulate both direct and indirect overseas
offering and listing of PRC domestic companies’ securities by adopting a filing-based regulatory regime. According to the Overseas
Listing Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both the following conditions, the overseas securities offering and listing conducted by
such issuer will be determined as indirect overseas offering, which shall subject to the filing procedure set forth under the Overseas
Listing Trial Measures: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented
in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (ii)
the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are located
in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operations and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled
in mainland China. Where an abovementioned issuer submits an application for an initial public offering to competent overseas regulators,
such issuer shall file with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted. Where a domestic company fails to
fulfill filing procedure or in violation of the provisions as stipulated above, in respect of its overseas offering and listing, the
CSRC shall order rectification, issue warnings to such domestic company, and impose a fine ranging from RMB1,000,000 to RMB10,000,000.
Also the directly liable persons and actual controllers of the domestic company that organize or instruct the aforementioned violations
shall be warned and/or imposed fines.
Also
on February 17, 2023, the CSRC also held a press conference for the release of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and issued the Notice
on Administration for the Filing of Overseas Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, which, among others, clarifies that the domestic
companies that have already been listed overseas on or before the effective date of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures (March 31, 2023)
shall be deemed as “stock enterprises”. Stock enterprises are not required to complete the filling procedures immediately,
and they shall be required to file with the CSRC when subsequent matters such as refinancing are involved.
If
we offer new securities in the future, we may have to file with the CSRC, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability
to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Future
inflation in China may inhibit our ability to conduct business in China.
In
recent years, the Chinese economy has experienced periods of rapid expansion and highly fluctuating rates of inflation. During the past
ten years, the rate of inflation in China has been as high as 20.7% and as low as -2.2%. These factors have led to the adoption by the
Chinese government, from time to time, of various corrective measures designed to restrict the availability of credit or regulate growth
and contain inflation. High inflation may in the future cause the Chinese government to impose controls on credit and/or prices, or to
take other action, which could inhibit economic activity in China, and thereby harm the market for our products and our company.
Capital
outflow policies in the PRC may hamper our ability to remit income to the United States.
The
PRC has adopted currency and capital transfer regulations. These regulations may require that we comply with complex regulations for
the movement of capital and as a result we may not be able to remit all income earned and proceeds received in connection with our operations
or from the sale of one of our operating subsidiaries to the U.S. or to our shareholders.
Adverse
regulatory developments in China may subject us to additional regulatory review, and additional disclosure requirements and regulatory
scrutiny to be adopted by the SEC in response to risks related to recent regulatory developments in China may impose additional compliance
requirements for companies like us with significant China-based operations, all of which could increase our compliance costs, subject
us to additional disclosure requirements.
The
recent regulatory developments in China, in particular with respect to restrictions on China-based companies raising capital offshore,
may lead to additional regulatory review in China over our financing and capital raising activities in the United States. In addition,
we may be subject to industry-wide regulations that may be adopted by the relevant PRC authorities, which may have the effect of limiting
our service offerings, restricting the scope of our operations in China, or causing the suspension or termination of our business operations
in China entirely, all of which will materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We
may have to adjust, modify, or completely change our business operations in response to adverse regulatory changes or policy developments,
and we cannot assure you that any remedial action adopted by us can be completed in a timely, cost-efficient, or liability-free manner
or at all.
On
July 30, 2021, in response to the recent regulatory developments in China and actions adopted by the PRC government, the Chairman of
the SEC issued a statement asking the SEC staff to seek additional disclosures from offshore issuers associated with China-based operating
companies before their registration statements will be declared effective. On August 1, 2021, the CSRC stated in a statement that it
had taken note of the new disclosure requirements announced by the SEC regarding the listings of Chinese companies and the recent regulatory
development in China, and that both countries should strengthen communications on regulating China-related issuers. We cannot guarantee
that we will not be subject to tightened regulatory review and we could be exposed to government interference in China.
Compliance
with China’s new Data Security Law, Measures on Cybersecurity Review (revised draft for public consultation), Personal Information
Protection Law (second draft for consultation), regulations and guidelines relating to the multi-level protection scheme and any other
future laws and regulations may entail significant expenses and could materially effect our business.
China
has implemented or will implement rules and is considering a number of additional proposals relating to data protection. China’s
new Data Security Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China in June 2021, or the Data
Security Law, took effect in September 2021. The Data Security Law provides that the data processing activities must be conducted based
on “data classification and hierarchical protection system” for the purpose of data protection and prohibits entities in
China from transferring data stored in China to foreign law enforcement agencies or judicial authorities without prior approval by the
Chinese government. As a result of the new Data Security Law, we may need to make adjustments to our data processing practices to comply
with this law.
Additionally,
China’s Cyber Security Law, requires companies to take certain organizational, technical and administrative measures and other
necessary measures to ensure the security of their networks and data stored on their networks. Specifically, the Cyber Security Law provides
that China adopt a multi-level protection scheme (MLPS), under which network operators are required to perform obligations of security
protection to ensure that the network is free from interference, disruption or unauthorized access, and prevent network data from being
disclosed, stolen or tampered. Under the MLPS, entities operating information systems must have a thorough assessment of the risks and
the conditions of their information and network systems to determine the level to which the entity’s information and network systems
belong-from the lowest Level 1 to the highest Level 5 pursuant to the Measures for the Graded Protection and the Guidelines for Grading
of Classified Protection of Cyber Security. The grading result will determine the set of security protection obligations that entities
must comply with. Entities classified as Level 2 or above should report the grade to the relevant government authority for examination
and approval.
Recently,
the Cyberspace Administration of China (the “CAC”) has taken action against several Chinese internet companies in
connection with their initial public offerings on U.S. securities exchanges, for alleged national security risks and improper collection
and use of the personal information of Chinese data subjects. According to the official announcement, the action was initiated based
on the National Security Law, the Cyber Security Law and the Measures on Cybersecurity Review, which are aimed at “preventing national
data security risks, maintaining national security and safeguarding public interests.” On July 10, 2021, the CAC published a revised
draft of the Measures on Cybersecurity Review, expanding the cybersecurity review to data processing operators in possession of personal
information of over 1 million users if the operators intend to list their securities in a foreign country.
It
is unclear at the present time how widespread the cybersecurity review requirement and the enforcement action will be and what effect
they will have on the telecommunications sector generally and the Company in particular. China’s regulators may impose penalties
for non-compliance ranging from fines or suspension of operations, and this could lead to us delisting from the U.S. stock market.
Also,
on November 20, 2021, the National People’s Congress passed the Personal Information Protection Law, which was implemented on November
1, 2021. The law creates a comprehensive set of data privacy and protection requirements that apply to the processing of personal information
and expands data protection compliance obligations to cover the processing of personal information of persons by organizations and individuals
in China, and the processing of personal information of persons in China outside of China if such processing is for purposes of providing
products and services to, or analyzing and evaluating the behavior of, persons in China. The law also proposes that critical information
infrastructure operators and personal information processing entities who process personal information meeting a volume threshold to-be-set
by Chinese cyberspace regulators are also required to store in China personal information generated or collected in China, and to pass
a security assessment administered by Chinese cyberspace regulators for any export of such personal information. Lastly, the draft contains
proposals for significant fines for serious violations of up to RMB 50 million or 5% of annual revenues from the prior year.
Interpretation,
application and enforcement of these laws, rules and regulations evolve from time to time and their scope may continually change, through
new legislation, amendments to existing legislation and changes in enforcement. Compliance with the Cyber Security Law and the Data Security
Law could significantly increase the cost to us of providing our service offerings, require significant changes to our operations or
even prevent us from providing certain service offerings in jurisdictions in which we currently operate or in which we may operate in
the future. Despite our efforts to comply with applicable laws, regulations and other obligations relating to privacy, data protection
and information security, it is possible that our practices, offerings or platform could fail to meet all of the requirements imposed
on us by the Cyber Security Law, the Data Security Law and/or related implementing regulations. Any failure on our part to comply with
such law or regulations or any other obligations relating to privacy, data protection or information security, or any compromise of security
that results in unauthorized access, use or release of personally identifiable information or other data, or the perception or allegation
that any of the foregoing types of failure or compromise has occurred, could damage our reputation, discourage new and existing counterparties
from contracting with us or result in investigations, fines, suspension or other penalties by Chinese government authorities and private
claims or litigation, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even
if our practices are not subject to legal challenge, the perception of privacy concerns, whether or not valid, may harm our reputation
and brand and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, the legal uncertainty created by
the Data Security Law and the recent Chinese government actions could materially adversely effect our ability, on favorable terms, to
raise capital, including engaging in follow-on offerings of our securities in the U.S. market
Restrictions
on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our revenues effectively.
The
majority of our revenues will be settled in Chinese Renminbi (RMB), and any future restrictions on currency exchanges may limit our ability
to use revenue generated in RMB to fund any future business activities outside China or to make dividend or other payments in U.S. dollars.
Although the Chinese government introduced regulations in 1996 to allow greater convertibility of the RMB for current account transactions,
significant restrictions still remain, including primarily the restriction that foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell or remit
foreign currencies after providing valid commercial documents, at those banks in China authorized to conduct foreign exchange business.
In addition, conversion of RMB for capital account items, including direct investment and loans, is subject to governmental approval
in China, and companies are required to open and maintain separate foreign exchange accounts for capital account items. We cannot be
certain that the Chinese regulatory authorities will not impose more stringent restrictions on the convertibility of the RMB.
Fluctuations
in exchange rates could adversely effect our business and the value of our securities.
The
value of our common stock will be indirectly affected by the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollars and RMB and between those currencies
and other currencies in which our sales may be denominated. Appreciation or depreciation in the value of the RMB relative to the U.S.
dollar would affect our financial results reported in U.S. dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying change in our business
or results of operations. Fluctuations in the exchange rate will also affect the relative value of any dividend we issue that will be
exchanged into U.S. dollars as well as earnings from, and the value of, any U.S. dollar-denominated investments we make in the future.
Since
July 2005, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign
exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly
in value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future PRC authorities may lift restrictions
on fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Very
limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered
into any hedging transactions. While we may enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these
transactions may be limited, and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all. In addition, our foreign currency exchange
losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into foreign currencies.
Restrictions
under PRC law on our PRC subsidiary’s ability to make dividends and other distributions could materially and adversely affect our
ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could benefit our business, pay dividends to our shareholders, and otherwise fund
and conduct our businesses.
Substantially
all of our revenue is earned by JiuGe Management, our PRC subsidiary. PRC regulations restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiary to make
dividends and other payments to its offshore parent company. PRC legal restrictions permit payments of dividends by our PRC subsidiary
only out of its accumulated after-tax profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Our PRC
subsidiary is also required under PRC laws and regulations to allocate at least 10% of our annual after-tax profits determined in accordance
with PRC GAAP to a statutory general reserve fund until the amounts in said fund reaches 50% of our registered capital. Allocations to
these statutory reserve funds can only be used for specific purposes and are not transferable to us in the form of loans, advances or
cash dividends. Any limitations on the ability of our PRC subsidiary to transfer funds to us could materially and adversely limit our
ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends and otherwise fund and conduct
our business.
PRC
regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from making loans or
additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary and affiliated entities, which could harm our liquidity and our ability to fund
and expand our business.
As
an offshore holding company of our PRC subsidiary, we may (i) make loans to our PRC subsidiary and affiliated entities, (ii) make additional
capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary, (iii) establish new PRC subsidiaries and make capital contributions to these new PRC subsidiaries,
and (iv) acquire offshore entities with business operations in China in an offshore transaction. However, most of these uses are subject
to PRC regulations and approvals. For example:
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loans
by us to our wholly-owned subsidiary in China, which is a foreign-invested enterprise, cannot exceed statutory limits and must be
registered with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC (the “SAFE”) or its local counterparts; |
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loans
by us to our affiliated entities, which are domestic PRC entities, over a certain threshold must be approved by the relevant government
authorities and must also be registered with the SAFE or its local counterparts; and |
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capital
contributions to our wholly-owned subsidiary must file a record with the PRC Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) or
its local counterparts and shall also be limited to the difference between the registered capital and the total investment amount. |
We
cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain these government registrations or filings on a timely basis, or at all. If we fail to
finish such registrations or filings, our ability to capitalize our PRC subsidiary’s operations may be adversely effected, which
could adversely effect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
On
March 30, 2015, the SAFE promulgated a notice relating to the administration of foreign invested company of its capital contribution
in foreign currency into RMB (Hui Fa [2015]19) (“Circular 19”). Although Circular 19 has fastened the administration
relating to the settlement of exchange of foreign-investment, allows the foreign-invested company to settle the exchange on a voluntary
basis, it still requires that the bank review the authenticity and compliance of a foreign-invested company’s settlement of exchange
in previous time, and the settled in RMB converted from foreign currencies shall deposit on the foreign exchange settlement account,
and shall not be used for several purposes as listed in the “negative list”. As a result, the notice may limit our ability
to transfer funds to our operations in China through our PRC subsidiary, which may affect our ability to expand our business. Meanwhile,
the foreign exchange policy is unpredictable in China, it shall be various with the nationwide economic pattern, the strict foreign exchange
policy may have an adverse impact in our capital cash and may limit our business expansion.
Failure
to comply with PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC
resident shareholders to personal liability, limit our ability to acquire PRC companies or to inject capital into our PRC subsidiary
or affiliate, limit our PRC subsidiary’s and affiliate’s ability to distribute profits to us or otherwise materially adversely
effect us.
In
October 2005, the SAFE, issued the Notice on Relevant Issues in the Foreign Exchange Control over Financing and Return Investment Through
Special Purpose Companies by Residents Inside China, generally referred to as Circular 75, which required PRC residents to register with
the competent local SAFE branch before establishing or acquiring control over an offshore special purpose company (“SPV”),
for the purpose of engaging in an equity financing outside of China on the strength of domestic PRC assets originally held by those residents.
Internal implementing guidelines issued by the SAFE, which became public in June 2007 (“Notice 106”), expanded the
reach of Circular 75 by (1) purporting to cover the establishment or acquisition of control by PRC residents of offshore entities which
merely acquire “control” over domestic companies or assets, even in the absence of legal ownership; (2) adding requirements
relating to the source of the PRC resident’s funds used to establish or acquire the offshore entity; covering the use of existing
offshore entities for offshore financings; (3) purporting to cover situations in which an offshore SPV establishes a new subsidiary in
China or acquires an unrelated company or unrelated assets in China; and (4) making the domestic affiliate of the SPV responsible for
the accuracy of certain documents which must be filed in connection with any such registration, notably, the business plan which describes
the overseas financing and the use of proceeds. Amendments to registrations made under Circular 75 are required in connection with any
increase or decrease of capital, transfer of shares, mergers and acquisitions, equity investment or creation of any security interest
in any assets located in China to guarantee offshore obligations and Notice 106 makes the offshore SPV jointly responsible for these
filings. In the case of an SPV which was established, and which acquired a related domestic company or assets, before the implementation
date of Circular 75, a retroactive SAFE registration was required to have been completed before March 30, 2006; this date was subsequently
extended indefinitely by Notice 106, which also required that the registrant establish that all foreign exchange transactions undertaken
by the SPV and its affiliates were in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Failure to comply with the requirements of Circular
75, as applied by the SAFE in accordance with Notice 106, may result in fines and other penalties under PRC laws for evasion of applicable
foreign exchange restrictions. Any such failure could also result in the SPV’s affiliates being impeded or prevented from distributing
their profits and the proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, or from engaging in other transfers
of funds into or out of China.
We
have advised our shareholders who are PRC residents, as defined in Circular 75, to register with the relevant branch of SAFE, as currently
required, in connection with their equity interests in us and our acquisitions of equity interests in our PRC subsidiary and affiliate.
However, we cannot provide any assurances that their existing registrations have fully complied with, and they have made all necessary
amendments to their registration to fully comply with, all applicable registrations or approvals required by Circular 75. Moreover, because
of uncertainty over how Circular 75 will be interpreted and implemented, and how or whether the SAFE will apply it to us, we cannot predict
how it will affect our business operations or future strategies. For example, our present and prospective PRC subsidiary’s and
affiliate’s ability to conduct foreign exchange activities, such as the remittance of dividends and foreign currency-denominated
borrowings, may be subject to compliance with Circular 75 by our PRC resident beneficial holders. In addition, such PRC residents may
not always be able to complete the necessary registration procedures required by Circular 75. We also have little control over either
our present or prospective direct or indirect shareholders or the outcome of such registration procedures. A failure by our PRC resident
beneficial holders or future PRC resident shareholders to comply with Circular 75, if the SAFE requires it, could subject these PRC resident
beneficial holders to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our subsidiary’s
and affiliate’s ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely effect
our business and prospects.
We
may be subject to fines and legal sanctions by the SAFE or other PRC government authorities if we or our employees who are PRC citizens
fail to comply with PRC regulations relating to employee stock options granted by offshore listed companies to PRC citizens.
On
March 28, 2007, the SAFE promulgated the Operating Procedures for Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic Individuals Participating
in Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Stock Option Plans of Offshore Listed Companies (“Circular 78”). Under Circular
78, Chinese citizens who are granted share options by an offshore listed company are required, through a Chinese agent or Chinese subsidiary
of the offshore listed company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other procedures, including applications for foreign exchange
purchase quotas and opening special bank accounts. We and our Chinese employees who have been granted share options are subject to Circular
78. Failure to comply with these regulations may subject us or our Chinese employees to fines and legal sanctions imposed by the SAFE
or other PRC government authorities and may prevent us from further granting options under our share incentive plans to our employees.
Such events could adversely effect our business operations.
Under
the New EIT Law, we may be classified as a “resident enterprise” of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable
tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.
Under
the New EIT Law effective on January 1, 2008, an enterprise established outside China with “de facto management bodies” within
China is considered a “resident enterprise,” meaning that it can be treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for
enterprise income tax purposes. The implementing rules of the New EIT Law define de facto management as “substantial and overall
management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties” of the enterprise.
On
April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation issued the Notice Concerning Relevant Issues Regarding Cognizance of Chinese Investment
Controlled Enterprises Incorporated Offshore as Resident Enterprises pursuant to Criteria of de facto Management Bodies (the “Notice”),
further interpreting the application of the New EIT Law and its implementation non-Chinese enterprise or group controlled offshore entities.
Pursuant to the Notice, an enterprise incorporated in an offshore jurisdiction and controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group will be
classified as a “non-domestically incorporated resident enterprise” if (i) its senior management in charge of daily operations
reside or perform their duties mainly in China; (ii) its financial or personnel decisions are made or approved by bodies or persons in
China; (iii) its substantial assets and properties, accounting books, corporate chops, board and shareholder minutes are kept in China;
and (iv) at least half of its directors with voting rights or senior management often resident in China. A resident enterprise would
be subject to an enterprise income tax rate of 25% on its worldwide income and must pay a withholding tax at a rate of 10% when paying
dividends to its non-PRC shareholders. However, it remains unclear as to whether the Notice is applicable to an offshore enterprise incorporated
by a Chinese natural person. Nor are detailed measures on imposition of tax from non-domestically incorporated resident enterprises are
available. Therefore, it is unclear how tax authorities will determine tax residency based on the facts of each case.
Given
the above conditions, although unlikely, we may be deemed to be a resident enterprise by Chinese tax authorities. If the PRC tax authorities
determine that we are a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences
could follow. First, we may be subject to the enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on our worldwide taxable income as well as PRC enterprise
income tax reporting obligations. In our case, this would mean that income such as interest on financing proceeds and non-China source
income would be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%. Second, although under the New EIT Law and its implementing rules
dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiary would qualify as “tax-exempt income,” we cannot guarantee that such dividends
will not be subject to a 10% withholding tax, as the PRC foreign exchange control authorities, which enforce the withholding tax, have
not yet issued guidance with respect to the processing of outbound remittances to entities that are treated as resident enterprises for
PRC enterprise income tax purposes. Finally, it is possible that future guidance issued with respect to the new “resident enterprise”
classification could result in a situation in which a 10% withholding tax is imposed on dividends we pay to our non-PRC shareholders
and with respect to gains derived by our non-PRC shareholders from transferring our shares. We are actively monitoring the possibility
of “resident enterprise” treatment.
If
we were treated as a “resident enterprise” by PRC tax authorities, we would be subject to taxation in both the U.S. and China,
and our PRC tax may not be creditable against our U.S. tax.
We
may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and Chinese anti-corruption laws, and
any determination that we violated these laws could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We
are subject to the FCPA and other laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials
and political parties by U.S. persons and issuers as defined by the statute, for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We have
operations, agreements with third parties and we earn the majority of our revenue in China. PRC also strictly prohibits bribery of government
officials. Our activities in China create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by our executive officers, employees,
consultants, sales agents or other representatives of our Company, even though they may not always be subject to our control. It is our
policy to implement safeguards to discourage these practices by our employees. However, our existing safeguards and any future improvements
may prove to be less than effective, and the executive officers, employees, consultants, sales agents or other representatives of our
Company may engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA or Chinese anti-corruption laws may result
in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively effect our business, operating
results and financial condition. In addition, the U.S. government may seek to hold our Company liable for successor liability FCPA violations
committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire.
Because
our business is located in the PRC, we may have difficulty establishing adequate management, legal and financial controls, which we are
required to do in order to comply with U.S. securities laws.
PRC
companies have historically not adopted a Western style of management and financial reporting concepts and practices, which includes
strong corporate governance, internal controls and, computer, financial and other control systems. Some of our staff is not educated
and trained in the Western system, and we may have difficulty hiring new employees in the PRC with such training. As a result of these
factors, we may experience difficulty in establishing management, legal and financial controls, collecting financial data and preparing
financial statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices that meet Western standards. Therefore,
we may, in turn, experience difficulties in implementing and maintaining adequate internal controls as required under Section 404 of
the SOA. This may result in significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls, which could impact the reliability
of our financial statements and prevent us from complying with Commission rules and regulations and the requirements of the SOA. Any
such deficiencies, weaknesses or lack of compliance could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
The
disclosures in our reports and other filings with the SEC and our other public announcements are not subject to the scrutiny of any regulatory
bodies in the PRC. Accordingly, our public disclosure should be reviewed in light of the fact that no governmental agency that is located
in the PRC, where part of our operations and business are located, has conducted any due diligence on our operations or reviewed or cleared
any of our disclosure.
We
are regulated by the SEC and our reports and other filings with the SEC are subject to SEC review in accordance with the rules and regulations
promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Unlike public reporting companies whose operations are located
primarily in the United States, however, substantially all of our operations are located in the PRC and Hong Kong. Since substantially
all of our operations and business takes place outside of United States, it may be more difficult for the staff of the SEC to overcome
the geographic and cultural obstacles that are present when reviewing our disclosure. These same obstacles are not present for similar
companies whose operations or business take place entirely or primarily in the United States. Furthermore, our SEC reports and other
disclosure and public announcements are not subject to the review or scrutiny of any PRC regulatory authority. For example, the disclosure
in our SEC reports and other filings are not subject to the review of the CSRC. Accordingly, you should review our SEC reports, filings
and our other public announcements with the understanding that no local regulator has done any due diligence on our Company and with
the understanding that none of our SEC reports, other filings or any of our other public announcements has been reviewed or otherwise
been scrutinized by any local regulator.
Certain
PRC regulations, including those relating to mergers and acquisitions and national security, may require a complicated review and approval
process which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.
The
Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors (the “M&A Rules”), which
became effective in September 2006 and were further amended in June 2009, requires that if an overseas company is established or controlled
by PRC domestic companies or citizens intends to acquire equity interests or assets of any other PRC domestic company affiliated with
the PRC domestic companies or citizens, such acquisition must be submitted to the MOFCOM, rather than local regulators, for approval.
In addition, the M&A Rules requires that an overseas company controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or citizens and holding
equity interests of PRC domestic companies needs to obtain the approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, prior
to listing its securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published a notice on its official website specifying
the documents and materials required to be submitted by overseas special purpose companies seeking the CSRC’s approval of their
overseas listings.
The
M&A Rules established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities in China by foreign
investors more time-consuming and complex. For example, the MOFCOM must be notified in the event a foreign investor takes control of
a PRC domestic enterprise. In addition, certain acquisitions of domestic companies by offshore companies that are related to or affiliated
with the same entities or individuals of the domestic companies, are subject to approval by the MOFCOM. In addition, the Implementing
Rules Concerning Security Review on Mergers and Acquisitions by Foreign Investors of Domestic Enterprises, issued by the MOFCOM in November
2011, require that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors in “any industry with national security concerns” be subject
to national security review by the MOFCOM. In addition, any activities attempting to circumvent such review process, including structuring
the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement, are strictly prohibited.
There
is significant uncertainty regarding the interpretation and implementation of these regulations relating to merger and acquisition activities
in China. In addition, complying with these requirements could be time-consuming, and the required notification, review or approval process
may materially delay or affect our ability to complete merger and acquisition transactions in China. As a result, our ability to seek
growth through acquisitions may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if the MOFCOM determines that we should have obtained
its approval for our entry into contractual arrangements with our affiliated entities, we may be required to file for remedial approvals.
There is no assurance that we would be able to obtain such approval from the MOFCOM.
If
the MOFCOM, the CSRC and/or other PRC regulatory agencies subsequently determine that the approvals from the MOFCOM and/or CSRC and/or
other PRC regulatory agencies were required, our PRC business could be challenged, and we may need to apply for a remedial approval and
may be subject to certain administrative punishments or other sanctions from PRC regulatory agencies. The regulatory agencies may impose
fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, delay or restrict the conversion and remittance
of our funds in foreign currencies into the PRC, or take other actions that could materially and adversely effect our business, financial
condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our common stock.
As
substantially all of our operations are conducted through the VIE in China, our ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on receiving
distributions of funds from the VIE. However, the PRC government might exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted
overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, which would likely result in a material change in our operations, even significantly
limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities or dividends to investors, and the value of our common
stock may depreciate significantly or become worthless.
On
July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council
jointly issued the Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the Law (the “Cracking
Down on Illegal Securities Activities Opinions”). The Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities Opinions emphasized the
need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision over overseas listings by China-based companies,
and proposed to take measures, including promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to control the risks and deal with
the incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies.
In
addition, on December 24, 2021, the CSRC issued the draft Administration Provisions of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas
Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Draft Administration Provisions”) and the draft Administrative
Measures for the Filing of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Draft Administrative Measures”),
for public comments. The Draft Administration Provisions and the Draft Administrative Measures regulate overseas securities offering
and listing by domestic companies in direct or indirect form. The Draft Administration Provisions specify the responsibilities of the
CSRC to regulate the activities of overseas securities offering and listing by domestic companies and establish a filing-based regime.
As a supporting measure to the Draft Administration Provisions, the Draft Administrative Measures, detail the determination criteria
for indirect overseas listing in overseas markets. Specifically, an offering and listing shall be considered as an indirect overseas
offering and listing by a domestic company if the issuer meets the following conditions: (i) the operating income, gross profit, total
assets, or net assets of the domestic enterprise in the most recent fiscal year was more than 50% of the relevant line item in the issuer’s
audited consolidated financial statement for that year; and (ii) senior management personnel responsible for business operations and
management are mostly PRC citizens or are ordinarily resident in the PRC, or the main place of business is in the PRC or carried out
in the PRC. In accordance with the Draft Administrative Measures, the issuer or its designated material domestic company, shall file
with the CSRC and report the relevant information for its initial public offering.
On
February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and five relevant guidelines, which became effective on March
31, 2023. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures regulate both direct and indirect overseas offering and listing of PRC domestic companies’
securities by adopting a filing-based regulatory regime. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both the
following conditions, the overseas securities offering and listing conducted by such issuer will be determined as indirect overseas offering,
which shall subject to the filing procedure set forth under the Overseas Listing Trial Measures: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s
operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most
recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (ii) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are
conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are located in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business
operations and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in mainland China. Where an abovementioned issuer submits an application
for an initial public offering to competent overseas regulators, such issuer shall file with the CSRC within three business days after
such application is submitted. Where a domestic company fails to fulfill filing procedure or in violation of the provisions as stipulated
above, in respect of its overseas offering and listing, the CSRC shall order rectification, issue warnings to such domestic company,
and impose a fine ranging from RMB1,000,000 to RMB10,000,000. Also the directly liable persons and actual controllers of the domestic
company that organize or instruct the aforementioned violations shall be warned and/or imposed fines.
Also
on February 17, 2023, the CSRC also held a press conference for the release of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and issued the Notice
on Administration for the Filing of Overseas Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, which, among others, clarifies that the domestic
companies that have already been listed overseas on or before the effective date of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures (March 31, 2023)
shall be deemed as “stock enterprises”. Stock enterprises are not required to complete the filling procedures immediately,
and they shall be required to file with the CSRC when subsequent matters such as refinancing are involved.
Due
to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, we may have to file with the CSRC with respect to an offering of new securities, which may
subject us to additional compliance requirements in the future and we cannot assure you that we will be able to get the clearance
from the CSRC for any offering of new securities on a timely manner. Any failure of us to comply with the new Overseas Listing Trial
Measures may significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities, cause significant
disruption to our business operations, and severely damage our reputation.
Furthermore,
it is uncertain when and whether we will be able to obtain permission or approval from the CSRC or the PRC government to offer securities
to list on U.S. exchanges or the execution of a VIE Agreement in the future. However, our operations are conducted through the VIE in
PRC, and our ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on receiving distributions of funds from the VIE, if we do not obtain or
maintain any of the permissions or approvals which may be required in the future by the PRC government for the operation of the VIE or
the execution of VIE Agreements, our operations and financial conditions could be adversely effected, even significantly limit or completely
hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities or dividends to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly
decline or become worthless.
The
audit report included in this Annual Report is prepared by an auditor who is currently being inspected by the PCAOB. However, if PCAOB
inspection is not able to be completed or completed in a timely manner, we could be delisted if we are unable to meet the PCAOB inspection
requirements established by the HFCAA.
As
a public company with securities listed on Nasdaq, we are required to have our financial statements audited by an independent registered
public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB. A requirement of being registered with the PCAOB is that if requested by the SEC or
PCAOB, such accounting firm is required to make its audits and related audit work papers be subject to regular inspections to assess
its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Since our auditor is located in Hong Kong and PRC, a jurisdiction where the
PCAOB has been unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the PRC authorities due to various state secrecy laws and the revised
Securities Law, the PCAOB currently does not have free access to inspect the work of our auditor. This lack of access to the PCAOB inspection
in the PRC prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of our auditor based in the PRC. As a result,
the investors may be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors
in the PRC makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of these accounting firms’ audit procedures or quality control
procedures as compared to auditors outside of the PRC that are subject to the PCAOB inspections.
On
December 18, 2020, the HFCAA was enacted. In essence, the act requires the SEC to prohibit securities of any foreign companies from being
listed on U.S. securities exchanges or traded “over-the-counter” if a company retains a foreign accounting firm that cannot
be inspected by the PCAOB for three consecutive years, beginning in 2021. Our independent registered public accounting firm is located
in and organized under the laws of Hong Kong and the PRC, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without
the approval of the PRC authorities, and therefore our auditors are not currently inspected by the PCAOB.
On
March 24, 2021, the SEC adopted interim final amendments, which will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register,
relating to the implementation of certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the HFCAA. The interim final amendments will apply
to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting
firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because
of a position taken by an authority in that jurisdiction. Before any registrant will be required to comply with the interim final amendments,
the SEC must implement a process for identifying such registrants. As of the date of this Annual Report, the SEC is seeking public comment
on this identification process. Consistent with the HFCAA, the amendments will require any identified registrant to submit documentation
to the SEC establishing that the registrant is not owned or controlled by a government entity in that jurisdiction, and will also require,
among other things, disclosure in the registrant’s annual report regarding the audit arrangements of, and government influence
on, such registrant.
On
June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the AHFCAA which, if enacted, would decrease the number of non-inspection years from three years
to two, thus reducing the time period before the Company’s securities may be delisted or prohibited from trading.
On
November 5, 2021, the SEC approved PCAOB Rule 6100, Board Determination Under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountability Act, effective
immediately. The rule establishes “a framework for the PCAOB’s determinations under the HFCAA that the PCAOB is unable to
inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms located in a foreign jurisdiction because of a position taken by
an authority in that jurisdiction.”
On
December 2, 2021, SEC has announced the adoption of amendments to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements
in the HFCAA. The rules apply to registrants the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered
public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate (“Commission-Identified
Issuers”). The final amendments require Commission-Identified Issuers to submit documentation to the SEC establishing that,
if true, it is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity in the public accounting firm’s foreign jurisdiction. The amendments
also require that a Commission-Identified Issuer that is a “foreign issuer,” as defined in Exchange Act Rule 3b-4, provide
certain additional disclosures in its annual report for itself and any of its consolidated foreign operating entities. Further, the adopting
release provides notice regarding the procedures the SEC has established to identify issuers and to impose trading prohibitions on the
securities of certain Commission-Identified Issuers, as required by the HFCAA. The SEC will identify Commission-Identified Issuers for
fiscal years beginning after December 18, 2020. A Commission-Identified Issuer will be required to comply with the submission and disclosure
requirements in the annual report for each year in which it was identified. If a registrant is identified as a Commission-Identified
Issuer based on its annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the registrant will be required to comply with the submission
or disclosure requirements in its annual report filing covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
On
December 16, 2021, PCAOB issued a report on its determinations that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely PCAOB-registered
public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the PRC, because of positions
taken by PRC authorities in those jurisdictions. The PCAOB made these determinations pursuant to PCAOB Rule 6100, which provides a framework
for how the PCAOB fulfills its responsibilities under the HFCAA. The report further listed in its Appendix A and Appendix B, Registered
Public Accounting Firms Subject to the Mainland China Determination and Registered Public Accounting Firms Subject to the Hong Kong Determination,
respectively. The audit report included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended February 28, 2023 and 2022, was issued
by CZD CPA, an audit firm headquartered in Hong Kong, a jurisdiction that the PCAOB previously determined that the PCAOB is unable to
conduct inspections or investigate auditors. However, on December 15, 2022, the PCAOB determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete
access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and voted to vacate
its previous determinations. Should the PRC authorities obstruct or otherwise fail to facilitate the PCAOB’s access in the future,
the PCAOB will consider the need to issue a new determination.
In
June 2022, we were identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer on the SEC’s “Conclusive list of issuers identified under
the HFCAA” (available at https://www.sec.gov/hfcaa) and, as a result, we will be required to comply with the submission
or disclosure requirements in our annual report covering the fiscal year ending February 28, 2023. If we are so identified for another
two consecutive years, the SEC would prohibit our securities from trading on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading
market in the United States the earliest in early 2024
Under
the HFCAA (as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023), our securities may be prohibited from trading on the U.S. stock
exchanges or in the over the counter trading market in the U.S. if our auditor is not inspected by the PCAOB for two consecutive years,
and this ultimately could result in our common stock being delisted. On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the AHFCAA, which was enacted
under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, as further described below.
On
August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance
of the PRC, taking the first step toward opening access for the PCAOB to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered
in mainland China and Hong Kong. The Statement of Protocol gives the PCAOB sole discretion to select the firms, audit engagements and
potential violations it inspects and investigates and put in place procedures for PCAOB inspectors and investigators to view complete
audit work papers with all information included and for the PCAOB to retain information as needed. In addition, the Statement of Protocol
grants the PCAOB direct access to interview and take testimony from all personnel associated with the audits the PCAOB inspects or investigates.
While significant, the Statement of Protocol is only a first step. Uncertainties still exist as to whether and how this new Statement
of Protocol will be implemented. Notwithstanding the signing of the Statement of Protocol, if the PCAOB cannot make a determination that
it is able to inspect and investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong, trading
of our securities will still be prohibited under the HFCAA and Nasdaq will determine to delist our securities. Therefore, there is no
assurance that the Statement of Protocol will relieve us from the delisting risk under the HFCAA.
On
December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, was signed into law, which amended the HFCAA (i) to reduce the number of
consecutive years that would trigger delisting from three years to two years, and (ii) so that any foreign jurisdiction could be the
reason why the PCAOB does not to have complete access to inspect or investigate a company’s auditors. As it was originally enacted,
the HFCAA applied only if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign
jurisdiction where the relevant public accounting firm is located. As a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, the HFCAA
now also applies if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate the relevant accounting firm is due to a position taken by
an authority in any foreign jurisdiction. The denying jurisdiction does not need to be where the accounting firm is located.
The
SEC may propose additional rules or guidance that could impact us if our auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspection. For example, on
November 6, 2020, the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets issued the Report on Protecting United States Investors from
Significant Risks from Chinese Companies to the then President of the United States. This report recommended that the SEC implement five
recommendations to address companies from jurisdictions that do not provide the PCAOB with sufficient access to fulfil its statutory
mandate. Some of the concepts of these recommendations were implemented with the enactment of the HFCAA. However, some of the recommendations
were more stringent than the HFCAA. For example, if a company was not subject to PCAOB inspection, the report recommended that the transition
period before a company would be delisted would end on January 1, 2022.
The
enactment of the HFCAA and the implications of any additional rulemaking efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information
in PRC could cause investor uncertainty for affected SEC registrants, including us, and the market price of our common stock could be
materially adversely affected. Additionally, whether the PCAOB will be able to conduct inspections of our auditor in the next two years,
or at all, is subject to substantial uncertainty and depends on a number of factors out of our control. If we are unable to meet the
PCAOB inspection requirement in time, our stock will not be permitted for trading on Nasdaq Capital Market either. Such a delisting would
substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our stock when you wish to do so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with
delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our stock. Also, such a delisting would significantly affect our ability to raise
capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and prospects.