Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
ITEM
9A - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An
evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Interim Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule
13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of December 31, 2025. Based on their evaluation, our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of
December 31, 2025, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or
submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the
SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including
the Company’s CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We
do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all instances of fraud. Disclosure controls and
procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the
disclosure controls and procedures are met. Further, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there
were resource constraints, and the benefits must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all disclosure
controls and procedures, no evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures can provide absolute assurance that we have detected all
our control deficiencies and instances of fraud, if any. The design of disclosure controls and procedures also is based partly on certain
assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated
goals under all potential future conditions.
Management’s
Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025. In making this assessment, management used the framework established in “Internal
Control—Integrated Framework” promulgated by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013,
commonly referred to as the “COSO” criteria. Based on our assessment, we concluded that, as of December 31, 2025, our internal
control over financial reporting was not effective based on those criteria.
59
In
connection with management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting described above, the following weaknesses
have been identified in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025:
1.
The Company did not maintain
a sufficient complement of qualified accounting personnel and controls associated with segregation of duties over complex transactions.
2.
There was no systematic
method of documenting that timely and complete monthly reconciliation and closing procedures take place.
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed,
have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect
to financial statement preparation and presentation.
This
Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial
reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
Remediation
of the Material Weaknesses
Management
believes it has taken significant steps to strengthen our overall internal controls and eliminate
the material weakness of those controls. During the 2026 fiscal year, the Company will document and test the remediations put in place.
Such remediation includes the following:
●
The Company has re-assigned
responsibilities of other staff members to assist in the Company’s financial reporting as well as segregating duties to serve
as a check and balance on employees’ integrity and to maintain the best control system possible.
●
The Company has centralized
its accounting functions across all divisions. The goal of this process is to support the segregation of duties and to allow the
Chief Financial Officer to focus on ensuring reporting packages, reconciliations, and other financial reports are accurate and timely
reported.
●
A monthly operations and
financial review is performed with key members of the management team, executive committee, and accounting team which has enhanced
the timeliness, formality and rigor of our financial statement preparation, review and reporting process.
●
Routine account reconciliations
for all key balance sheet accounts have been initiated. These account reconciliations are reviewed timely by an independent person.
●
The Company will engage
an external, independent expert to review significant and/or complex accounting transactions, when appropriate, to ensure the proper
accounting treatment is applied.
The
Company is committed to maintaining a strong internal control environment and believes that these remediation efforts will represent
significant improvements in our controls. The Company has started to implement these steps, however, some of these steps will take time
to be fully integrated and confirmed to be effective and sustainable. Additional controls may also be required over time.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
While
changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the year ended December 31, 2025 as the Company
continued to implement the remediation steps described above, we have not been able to fully document and test these controls to ensure
their effectiveness over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2025, and thus cannot conclude that have materially affected,
or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM
9B - OTHER INFORMATION
Please
see the disclosure related to the winding down of our intellectual property monetization business included in ITEM 1 – BUSINESS,
Overview, Strategic Business Plan, Exiting Unprofitable Business Lines, which information is incorporated in this Item 9B by reference.
DSS
intends to hold its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders at the end of the third quarter of 2026.
60
PART
III
ITEM
10 - DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our
executive officers and directors as of the date of this report are as follows:
NAME
POSITION
Jason
Grady
Todd
D. Macko
Ambrose
Chan Heng Fai
José
Escudero
Wai
Leung William Wu
Tung
Moe Chan
Hiu
Pan Joanne Wong
Shui
Yeung Frankie Wong
Lim
Sheng Hon Danny
Interim
Chief Executive Officer
Chief
Financial Officer
Director,
Chairman
Independent
Director
Lead
Independent Director
Director
Independent
Director
Independent
Director
Director
Biographical
and certain other information concerning the Company’s officers and directors is set forth below. Except for Mr. Ambrose Chan Heng
Fai and his son Mr. Tung Moe Chan, there are no familial relationships among any of our directors. Except as indicated below, none of
our directors is a director of any other reporting companies. None of our directors has been affiliated with any company that has filed
for bankruptcy within the last ten years. We are not aware of any proceedings to which any of our directors, or any associate of any
such director is a party adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries.
Each executive officer serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
61
Name
Age
Director/Officer
Since
Principal
Occupation or
Occupations
and Directorships
Jason Grady
52
2018
Jason Grady, 52, has served
as Interim Chief Executive Officer of DSS, Inc since October 2024. He is a seasoned executive recognized for his expertise in turnaround
management, executive leadership, corporate strategy, and disciplined shareholder communication. In his role as CEO, Mr. Grady is responsible
for setting strategic direction, driving operational and financial performance, and aligning leadership execution with long-term value
creation. He works closely with the Board of Directors, investors, and strategic partners, with a focus on accountability, capital discipline,
and sustainable profitability across the enterprise.
Prior to assuming the CEO role,
Mr. Grady served as Chief Operating Officer since August 2019, where he led enterprise-wide operational restructuring, improved cost discipline,
and enhanced execution across a diversified portfolio of businesses. His tenure as COO was marked by hands-on leadership, performance-based
management systems, and a strong emphasis on transparency and results.
Since July 2018, Mr. Grady has
also served as President and CEO of Premier Packaging Corporation, a world class folding carton and consumer packaging manufacturer. Under
his leadership, Premier has strengthened its operational foundation, expanded into higher-value end markets, and reinforced a quality-first,
customer-centric culture. His impact across the broader DSS platform has been central to improving operational rigor and strategic focus.
From April 2010 to July 2018,
Mr. Grady served as Vice President of Sales and Business Development, where he was instrumental in driving revenue growth, expanding key
customer relationships, and positioning the Company for long-term expansion.
Before joining DSS, Mr. Grady
held senior leadership roles including Vice President of Marketing at Parlec Corporation, Director of Business Development at Berlin Packaging
Corporation, and sales and marketing leadership positions at OutStart, Inc. He brings a rare blend of operational depth, strategic clarity,
and communication discipline, with a leadership style grounded in accountability, adaptability, and execution under pressure.
Mr. Grady holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications and an Masters of Business Administration
(MBA) from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Todd D. Macko
53
2020
Mr. Todd D.
Macko was promoted to Chief Financial Officer on August 16, 2021. Mr. Macko previously served as the Interim Chief Financial Officer
and Vice President of Finance of DSS. As the Interim Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance, Mr. Macko’s responsibilities
included assisting DSS’s Chief Executive Officer in all aspects of financial and regulatory reporting. In addition, his responsibilities
included the day-to-day management of the Company’s Accounting and Finance team and the financial leadership in the directing
and improving of the accounting, reporting, audit, and tax activities. Prior to his role as Vice President of Finance for the Company,
Mr. Macko joined the wholly owned subsidiary of DSS, Premier Packaging Corporation in January 2019, as its Vice President of Finance.
Mr. Macko is a Certified Public Accountant with over 25 years of public and corporate financial management, business leadership and
corporate strategy. Mr. Macko brings a wealth of experience with strengths in financial planning and analysis, business process re-engineering,
budgeting, merger and acquisitions, financial reporting systems, project evaluation and treasury and capital management. Prior to
joining the Company, Mr. Macko served as the Corporate Controller for Baldwin Richardson Foods, a leading custom ingredients manufacturer
for the food and beverage industry from November 2015 until January 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Macko served as the Controller for The
Outdoor Group, LLC., Genesis Vision, Inc., Complemar Partners, Inc., and Level 3 Communications, Inc. Mr. Macko obtained is Bachelor
of Science in Accounting from Rochester Institute of Technology.
62
José
Escudero
49
2019
Mr.
Escudero’s career is focused on business transformations, including turnaround, growth and M&A situations. He has led large
performance transformation programs within companies of various industries and countries, including retail, fashion & luxury,
hotel and the new economy related to digitalization transformation and crypto world. Mr. Escudero has been member of different Boards
of Directors and Direction Committees of many companies in different countries. He has been working as expert for the leading
private equity firms like: Harvard Investment Group (HIG), Advent, Goldman Sachs, etc. He has been working in financial analysis,
transactional support and strategy business development as well as operating management in first level of international companies.
Also, he has worked in more than 10 countries along his career (Singapore, HK, US, UK, Brazil, Spain, etc.).
Mr.
Escudero worked as a Partner at BMI Capital Partners from September 2013 to November 2019. Mr. Ecudero has worked as Certisign’s
Chief Strategy and M&A Officer since November 2019. He is currently working as partner of the Managing Consulting firm Hallman
& Burke, and previously worked for the Spanish M&A boutique Ambers & Co. He started his career in PwC.
Mr.
Escudero has a B.Sc. in Economics from the Francisco de Vitoria University (Madrid, Spain) where he ranked number one of the promotion.
He has a Masters degree in Corporate Finance and Investment Banking from the Options & Futures Institute. Currently he is enrolled
in Harvard University in Business Postgraduate studies. He collaborates with different Organizations and Business Schools as speaker
and professor:
●
TED
●
Ie - Instituto de Empresa
●
Raffles University of Hong Kong
●
IED - Istituto Europeo di Design
●
ISDE - Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía
●
CEF - Centro de Estudios Financieros
Mr. Escudero’s
experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and international trade along with his education in economics and finance
and investment banking qualify him to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors and as a member of the Compensation and Management
Resources Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the Audit Committee.
63
Wai Leung William
Wu
58
2019
Mr. Wai Leung William Wu has
served as a director of the Company since October 20, 2019. Mr. Wu previously served as the executive director and chief executive officer
of Power Financial Group Limited from November 2017 to January 2019. Mr. Wu has served as a director of Asia Allied Infrastructure Holdings
Limited since February 2015. Mr. Wu previously served as a director and chief executive officer of RHB Hong Kong Limited from April 2011
to October 2017. Mr. Wu served initially as MD and subsequently CEO of SW Kingsway Capital Holdings Limited (now known as Sunwah Kingsway
Capital Holdings Limited) from April 2006 to September 2010.
Mr. Wu serves as a director
and is on the audit committees of Alset Inc., traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC; JY GrandMark Holdings Limited listed on the Hong
Kong Stock Exchange; and Asia Allied Infrastructure Holdings Limited listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Mr. Wu holds a Bachelor of Business
Administration degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University in Canada. He was qualified as a chartered
financial analyst of The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts in 1996.
Mr. Wu previously worked for
a number of international investment banks and possesses over 26 years of experience in the investment banking, capital markets, institutional
broking and direct investment businesses. He is a registered license holder to carry out Type 6 (advising on corporate finance) and Type
9 (asset management) regulated activities under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong). Mr. Wu has
served as a member of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in
between 2013 to 2022.
Mr. Wu’s experience in banking, capital markets, investment banking, Asian economic and banking dynamics, and
education in corporate finance and asset management qualify him to serve on the Company’s Board as Lead Independent Director, Chair
of the Audit Committee and member of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee
64
Tung
Moe Chan
47
2020
Mr.
Tung Moe Chan has served as a director of the Company since September 2020. In addition, since August 2020, he has served as Director
of Corporate Development of American Medical REIT Inc., a subsidiary of the Company.
Mr.
Tung Moe Chan has served as the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Alset Inc., a Nasdaq listed company since July 2021 and as the Executive
Director since October 2022. Mr. Tung Moe Chan also serves as the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Alset International
Limited, a diversified holding company listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited. Mr. Moe Chan
is responsible for Alset International Limited’s international real estate business (including serving as Co-Chief Executive
Officer-International and a member of the Board of its subsidiary LiquidValue Development Inc.).
From
April 2014 to June 2015, Mr. Moe Chan was the Chief Operating Officer of Zensun Enterprises Limited (formerly known as ZH International
Holdings Limited and Heng Fai Enterprises Limited), an investment holding company listed on the HKSE and was responsible for that
company’s global business operations consisting of REIT ownership and management, property development, hotels and hospitality,
as well as property and securities investment and trading. Prior to that, Mr. Moe Chan was an executive director (from March 2006
to February 2014) and the Chief of Project Development (from April 2013 to February 2014) of SingHaiyi Group Ltd (now known as SingHaiyi
Group Pte. Ltd.), a property development company in Singapore which was listed on the Singapore Exchange Mainboard, overseeing its
property development projects. Mr. Moe Chan was also a non-executive director of the Toronto Stock Exchange-listed RSI International
Systems Inc., a hotel software company and the developer of RoomKeyPMS, a web-based property management system, from July 2007 to
August 2016.
Mr.
Tung Moe Chan holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with honors from the University of Western Ontario, a Master’s
Degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering with honors and a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science with honors from the University
of British Columbia
Mr.
Tung Moe Chan’s experience with the Company and experience with global business operations makes him an asset to the Board.
Shui Yeung Frankie Wong
54
2022
Wong Shui Yeung joined the Board
of Directors of the Company in July 2022. Mr. Wong is a practicing member and fellow member of Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Mr. Wong is a Certified Public Accountant admitted to practice
in Hong Kong and he serves as the sole proprietor of S.Y.WONG. He has over 25 years’ experience in accounting, auditing, corporate
finance, corporate investment and development, and company secretarial practice.
Mr. Wong has served as a member
of the Board of Directors of HWH International Inc. (formerly Alset Capital Acquisition Corp.) and Alset Inc. since January 2022 and November
2021 respectively, the shares of which are listed on NASDAQ. Mr. Wong has served as an independent non-executive director of Alset International
Limited since June 2017, the shares of which are listed on the Catalist Board of Singapore Stock Exchange. Mr. Wong has served as a member
of the Board of Directors of Value Exchange International, Inc. since April 2022, the shares of which are listed on the OTCQB. Mr. Wong
was an independent non-executive member of the Board of Directors of First Credit Finance Group Limited from February 2024 to January 2026, the shares of which were
listed on the GEM Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
Mr. Wong’s knowledge of complex, cross-boarder financial, accounting
and tax matters is highly relevant to our business, as well as working experience in internal corporate controls, qualify him to server
as a independent member of the Board. He serves on our Audit, Nominations and Corporateas Governance Committees.
65
Hiu Pan Joanne Wong
56
2022
Ms.
Joanne Wong has been Director and Responsible Officer (SFC), BMI Funds Management Limited since August 6, 2014. She has participated
as the management role in fund administrator activities in A-Link Services Limited and Global Intelligence Trust Limited since 2020
and 2018. Ms. Joanne Wong graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) with an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry
1999. She has expertise in an array of strategic, business, turnaround and regulatory matters spanning across several industries.
Ms. Joanne Wong’s experience in turnaround and regulatory matters across several industries makes her an asset to the Board.
Lim Sheng Hon Danny
33
2023
Mr.
Lim Sheng Hon Danny has served as director of the Company since 2023.
Mr.
Danny Lim has served as Senior Vice President, Business Development and as Executive Director of Alset International Limited, a diversified
holding company listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, since 2020. Mr. Danny Lim has served
as an Executive Director of Alset Inc., a Nasdaq listed company, since October 2022. Mr. Danny Lim has served as Chief Operating
Officer of HWH International Inc., a Nasdaq listed company, since February 2024 and also serves as its Chief Strategy Officer. Mr.
Lim Sheng Hon Danny has served as director of Value Exchange International Inc., an OTCQB listed company, since December 2023.
Mr.
Danny Lim has over 8 years of experience in business development, merger & acquisitions, corporate restructuring and strategic
planning and execution. Mr. Danny Lim manages the Group’s business development efforts, focusing on corporate strategic planning,
merger and acquisition and capital markets activities. He oversees and ensures the executional efficiency of the Group and facilitates
internal and external stakeholders on the implementation of the Group’s strategies. Mr. Danny Lim liaises with corporate partners
or investment prospects for potential working/ investment collaborations, operational subsidiaries locally and overseas to augment
close parent-subsidiary working relationship.
Mr.
Danny Lim graduated from Singapore Nanyang Technological University with a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Business, specializing
in Banking and Finance.
Ambrose Chan Heng Fai
80
2017
Mr.
Ambrose Chan Heng Fai has served as director of the Company since January 2017 and as Executive Chairman of the Board since March
2019. He has also served as director of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, DSS International Inc. since July 2017, as
the Chief Executive Officer of DSS Digital Transformation Limited and DSS Cyber Security Pte. Ltd. since July 2019.
Mr.
Chan is an expert in banking and finance, with 45 years of experience in these industries. He has also restructured numerous companies
in various industries and countries during the past 40 years.
Mr.
Chan has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Alset Inc., a Nasdaq listed company, since March 2018. Mr.
Chan has served as Chief Executive Officer of Alset International Limited, a diversified holding company listed on the Catalist of
the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, since April 2014, and has served as director of that company since May of 2013.
Mr. Chan has served as Chairman of the Board of HWH International Inc., a Nasdaq listed company, since October 2021. Mr. Chan has
served as director of Hapi Metaverse Inc., a public company reporting to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission since October 2014,
as Chairman of the Board since December 2017 and served as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Hapi Metaverse Inc. from August
2018 until September 2020, having previously served as Chief Executive Officer from December 2014 until June 2017. Mr. Chan has served
as director of LiquidValue Development Inc., a public company reporting to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, since January
2017 and has served as its Chairman of the Board since December 2017. Mr. Chan has served as director of Sharing Services Global
Corporation, an OTC Pink listed company, since April 2020 and has served as its Chairman of the Board since July 2021. Mr. Chan has
served as director of Value Exchange International, Inc., an OTCQB listed company, since December 2021.
Mr.
Chan served as a non-executive director of Holista CollTech Ltd., an ASX listed company, from July 2013 to June 2021. Mr. Chan served
as a director of OptimumBank Holdings, Inc. from June 2018 to April 2022. Mr. Chan’s previous experiences include serving as
Managing Chairman of Heng Fai Enterprises Limited (now known as Zensun Enterprises Limited), an investment holding company listed
on the HKSE, from 1992 to 2015. Mr. Chan was formerly the Managing Director of SingHaiyi Group Ltd. (now known as SingHaiyi Group
Pte. Ltd.), a property development company in Singapore which was listed on the Singapore Exchange Mainboard, from March 2003 to
September 2013, and the Executive Chairman of China Gas Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong listed investor and operator of city gas pipeline
infrastructure in China from 1997 to 2002. Mr. Chan served on the Board of RSI International Systems, Inc. (now known as ARCpoint,
Inc.), a Toronto Stock Exchange-listed company, the developer of RoomKeyPMS, a web-based property management system, from June 2014
to February 2019. Mr. Chan has also served as a director of Global Medical REIT Inc., a healthcare facility real estate company,
from December 2013 to July 2015. He was a director of American Housing REIT Inc. from October of 2013 to July of 2015. He served
as a director of Skywest Ltd., a public Australian airline company from 2005 to 2006. Mr. Chan was a director of Global Med Technologies,
Inc., a medical company engaged in the design, development, marketing and support information for management software products for
healthcare-related facilities, from May 1998 until December 2005.
Mr.
Chan’s international business contacts and experience qualify him to serve on our Board of Directors.
66
Board
of Directors and Committees
The
Company has determined that each of Mr. Wai Leung William Wu, Mr. Shui Yeung Frankie Wong, Ms. Hiu Pan Joanne Wong and Mr. José
Escudero qualify as independent directors (as defined under Section 803 of the NYSE American LLC Company Guide).
In
fiscal 2025, each of the Company’s independent directors attended or participated in 100% of the aggregate
of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors held during the period in which each such director served as a director
and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors during the period in which each such director
served on such committee. All directors attended last year’s annual general meeting. During the fiscal year ended December 31,
2025, the Board held four meetings and acted by written consent on three occasions.
Mr.
Sassuan Samson Lee resigned from the Board on February 8, 2024. Mr. Lee did not resign from the Board as a result of any disagreement
related to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
Mr.
Frank D. Heuszel resigned from the Board on August 23, 2024. Mr. Heuszel did not resign from the Board as a result of any disagreement
related to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
Audit
Committee
The
Company has separately designated an Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Audit Committee held six meetings in 2025 and did not acted by written consent.
The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things, the appointment, compensation, removal and oversight of the work of the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm, overseeing the accounting and financial reporting process of the Company, and reviewing
related person transactions. As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Audit Committee is comprised of Mr. Wu, who serves as
Chairman of the Audit Committee, Mr. Wong, and Mr. Escudero. Each of Messrs. Wu and Escudero is qualified as a “financial expert”
as defined in Item 407 under Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Mr. Wong is
financially sophisticated. Each of Mr. Wu, Mr. Escudero and Mr. Wong is an independent director (as defined under Section 803 of the
NYSE American LLC Company Guide). The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which can be
found in the Investors/Corporate Governance section of our web site, www.dssworld.com.
67
Compensation
and Management Resources Committee
The
purpose of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee is to assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities relating
to executive compensation, succession planning for the Company’s executive team, and to reviewing and making recommendations
to the Board regarding employee benefit policies and programs, incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans. The Compensation
and Management Resources Committee did not meet in 2025 and did not act by written consent in 2025. The Compensation and Management Resources Committee is responsible
for, among other things, (a) reviewing all compensation arrangements for the executive officers of the Company and (b) administering
the Company’s stock option plans. The Compensation and Management Resources Committee consists of Mr. Escudero, Mr. Wu and Mr.
Wong, with Mr. Escudero as the Chairman. Each of the members of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee is an
independent director (as defined under Section 803 of the NYSE American Company Guide). The Compensation and Management Resource
Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which can be found in the Investors/Corporate
Governance section of our web site, www.dsssecure.com. The duties and responsibilities of the Compensation and Management Resources
Committee in accordance with its charter, are to review and discuss with management and the Board the objectives, philosophy,
structure, cost and administration of the Company’s executive compensation and employee benefit policies and programs; no less
than annually, review and approve, with respect to the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers (a) all elements of
compensation, (b) incentive targets, (c) any employment agreements, severance agreements and change in control agreements or
provisions, in each case as, when and if appropriate, and (d) any special or supplemental benefits; make recommendations to the
Board with respect to the Company’s major long-term incentive plans applicable to directors, executives and/or non-executive
employees of the Company and approve (a) individual annual or periodic equity-based awards for the Chief Executive Officer and other
executive officers and (b) an annual pool of awards for other employees with guidelines for the administration and allocation of
such awards; recommend to the Board for its approval a succession plan for the Chief Executive Officer, addressing the policies and
principles for selecting a successor to the Chief Executive Officer, both in an emergency situation and in the ordinary course of
business; review programs created and maintained by management for the development and succession of other executive officers and
any other individuals identified by management or the Compensation and Management Resources Committee; review the establishment,
amendment and termination of employee benefits plans, review employee benefit plan operations and administration; and any other
duties or responsibilities expressly delegated to the Compensation and Management Resources Committee by the Board from time to time
relating to the Committee’s purpose. The Compensation and Management Resources Committee may request any officer or employee
of the Company or the Company’s outside counsel to attend a meeting of the Compensation and Management Resources Committee or
to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the Compensation and Management Resources Committee. The Company’s Chief
Executive Officer does not attend any portion of a meeting where the Chief Executive Officer’s performance or compensation is
discussed, unless specifically invited by the Compensation and Management Resources Committee.
The
Compensation and Management Resources Committee has the sole authority to retain and terminate any compensation consultant to be used
to assist in the evaluation of director, Chief Executive Officer or other executive officer compensation or employee benefit plans and
has sole authority to approve the consultant’s fees and other retention terms. The Compensation and Management Resources Committee
also has the authority to obtain advice and assistance from internal or external legal, accounting or other experts, advisors and consultants
to assist in carrying out its duties and responsibilities and has the authority to retain and approve the fees and other retention terms
for any external experts, advisors or consultants.
Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee
The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing the appropriate and effective governance of the Company,
including, among other things, (a) nominations to the Board of Directors and making recommendations regarding the size and composition
of the Board of Directors and (b) the development and recommendation of appropriate corporate governance principles. At December 31,
2025, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisted of Mr. Wu, Mr. Wong and Mr. Escudero, each of whom is an independent
director (as defined under Section 803 of the NYSE American LLC Company Guide Mr. Wong was appointed to the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee as Chair of the Committee.
The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee did not met during 2025 and did not act by written consent in 2025. The Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which can be found in the Investors/Corporate
Governance section of our web site, www.dsssecure.com. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee adheres to the Company’s
By-Laws provisions and Securities and Exchange Commission rules relating to proposals by stockholders when considering director candidates
that might be recommended by stockholders, along with the requirements set forth in the committee’s Policy with Regard to Consideration
of Candidates Recommended for Election to the Board of Directors, also available on our website. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for identifying and selecting qualified candidates for election to the Board of Directors
prior to each annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders. In identifying and evaluating nominees for director, the Committee
considers each candidate’s qualities, experience, background and skills, as well as other factors, such as the individual’s
ethics, integrity and values which the candidate may bring to the Board of Directors. Currently, the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee does not have an explicit policy regarding diversity, however, when considering candidates nominees shall not be discriminated
against based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability or any other basis proscribed by applicable law.
68
Code
of Ethics
The
Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that establishes the standards of ethical conduct applicable to all directors, officers and employees
of the Company. A copy of the Code of Ethics covering all of our employees, directors and officers, and all other corporate governance
documents, are available on the Corporate Governance section of our web site at www.dsssecure.com.
Information
about our Executive Officers
On
April 17, 2019, Frank D. Heuszel became the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Heuszel resigned his position as CEO on August
23, 2024. Mr. Heuszel’s resignation as the Chief Executive Officer does not reflect any disagreement with the Company on any matter
relating to the Company’s operations, policies, or practices On August 16, 2021, Todd D. Macko was appointed Chief Financial Officer
of the Company. On July 15, 2019, Jason Grady was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Effective August 23, 2024, the Board
of Directors of DSS, Inc. elected Mr. Grady as the Company’s new Interim Chief Executive Officer. The biographies for Messrs. Macko
and Grady are contained herein in the information disclosures relating to the Company’s directors above.
Involvement
in Certain Legal Proceedings
None
of our directors or executive officers has been involved in any legal proceedings in the past 10 years that would require disclosure
under Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K.
Delinquent
Section 16(a) Reports
Section
16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of
a registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes
in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Officers, directors and holders of more than ten percent of
the Company’s Common Stock are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To
the Company’s knowledge, based solely upon review of the copies of such reports filed with the SEC and written representations
that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable
to the Company’s officers, directors and holders of more than ten percent of the Company’s common stock were satisfied.
ITEM
11 - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary
Compensation Table
The
following table sets forth the compensation earned by each of the persons serving as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, referred to herein collectively as the “Named Executive Officers”, or NEOs, for
services rendered to us for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
Name
and principal position
Year
Salary
Bonus
Stock
Awards (1)
Option
Awards
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation
Nonqualified
Deferred Compensation Earnings
All
Other
Compensation (2)
Total
Jason Grady, Interim
Chief Executive Officer
2025
$ 280,198
10,000
-
-
-
-
21,563
$ 311,761
2024
$ 259,149
93,182
-
-
-
-
18,854
$ 371,185
Todd D. Macko, Chief Financial
Officer
2025
$ 263,447
10,000
-
-
-
-
21,626
$ 295,073
2024
$ 246,165
69,440
-
-
-
-
19,602
$ 335,207
(2)
Includes health insurance
premiums, retirement matching funds and automobile expenses paid by the Company.
69
Employment
and Severance Agreements- DSS, Inc.
On
December 12, 2023, Frank D. Heuszel, the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of DSS, Inc. (the “Company”) and the
Company executed a letter agreement (“Heuszel Interim Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Heuszel agreed to act as CEO of the
Company on a month-to-month basis beginning January 1, 2024 until a new employment agreement is executed (the “Heuszel Interim
Period”). Mr.
Heuszel resigned as the CEO of DSS in August 2024.
On
December 15, 2023, Jason Grady, the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) of the Company and the Company executed a letter
agreement (the “Grady Interim Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Grady agreed to act as COO of the Company on a
month-to-month basis beginning January 1, 2024 until a new employment agreement is executed (the “Grady Interim
Period”). In accordance with the Grady Interim Agreement, Mr. Grady will continue to act as COO until either a new employment
agreement is successfully negotiated and executed or if the Grady Interim Agreement is terminated by either party by giving one
month’s written notice to the other party. In October of 2024, Mr. Grady was named Interim CEO of DSS and serves in that roll
on a month-to-month until a new employment agreement is executed. Mr. Grady’s base salary is approximately $277,000 per annum,
which will be payable to him in accordance with the payroll policies of
the Company.
Also
on December 15, 2023, Todd Macko, the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of the Company and the Company executed a letter
agreement (the “Macko Interim Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Macko agreed to act as CFO of the Company on a
month-to-month basis beginning January 1, 2024 until a new employment agreement is executed (the “Macko Interim
Period”). In accordance with the Macko Interim Agreement, Mr. Macko will continue to act as CFO until either a new employment
agreement is successfully negotiated and executed or if the Macko Interim Agreement is terminated by either party by giving one
month’s written notice to the other party. Pursuant to the Macko Interim Agreement, Mr. Macko’s base salary is
approximately $264,000 per annum, which will be payable to him in accordance with the payroll policies of the Company.
70
Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
As
of December 31, 2025, there were no outstanding equity awards to our Named Executive Officers.
Director
Compensation
The
following table sets forth cash compensation and the value of stock options awards granted to the Company’s non-employee independent
directors for their service in 2025:
Name
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash
Stock Awards
All Other Compensation (2)
Total
Current Directors
Heng Fai Ambrose Chan
$ -
-
-
$ -
Jose Escudero
$ 26,800
-
-
$ 26,800
William Wu
$ 26,800
-
-
$ 26,800
Tung Moe Chan
$ -
-
120,000
$ 120,000
Joanne Wong
$ 22,300
-
-
$ 22,300
Wong Shui Yueng
$ 26,800
-
-
$ 26,800
Lim Sheng Hon, Danny
$ -
-
60,000
$ 60,000
(2)
Mr. Tung Moe Chan has consulting agreements with DSS which pays him $120,000 annual And Mr. Lim has a consulting agreement with DSS
which pays him $50,000 annually.
Each
independent director (as defined under Section 803 of the NYSE MKT LLC Company Guide) is entitled to receive base cash compensation of
$18,000 annually, provided such director attends at least 75% of all Board of Director meetings, and all scheduled committee meetings.
Each independent director is entitled to receive an additional $1,000 for each Board of Director meeting he attends, and an additional
$500 for each nominating and compensation committee meeting he attends and $750 for each audit and executive committee meeting he attends,
provided such committee meeting falls on a date other than the date of a full Board of Directors meeting. Each of the independent directors
is also eligible to receive discretionary grants of options or restricted stock under the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan.
Non-independent members of the Board of Directors do not receive compensation in their capacity as directors, except for reimbursement
of travel expenses.
71
ITEM
12 - SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The
following table sets forth beneficial ownership of Common Stock as of February 16, 2026 by each person known by the Company to beneficially
own more than 5% of the Common Stock, each director and each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table (see “Executive
Compensation” above), and by all of the Company’s directors and executive officers as a group. Each person has sole voting
and dispositive power over the shares listed opposite his name except as indicated in the footnotes to the table and each person’s
address is c/o DSS, Inc., 275 Wiregrass Parkway, West Henrietta, New York 14586.
For
purposes of this table, beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission rules, and includes
investment power with respect to shares owned and shares issuable pursuant to warrants for February 16, 2026.
The
percentages of shares beneficially owned are based on 9,992,518 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding as of February 16, 2026,
and is calculated by dividing the number of shares that person beneficially owns by the sum of (a) the total number of shares outstanding
on March 12, 2026, plus (b) the number of shares such person has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 12, 2026.
Percentage
of
Number
of Shares
Outstanding
Share
Name
Beneficially
Owned
Beneficially
Owned
Heng
Fai Ambrose Chan (1)
6,148,000
61.5 %
José
Escudero
51
*
Wai
Leung William Wu
-
*
Jason
Grady
125
*
Todd
D. Macko
83
*
Tung
Moe Chan
-
*
Frankie
Wong
-
*
Joanne
Wong
-
*
All
officers and directors as a group (8 persons)
6,148,259
61.5 %
5%
Shareholders
Alset
International limited
1,068,309
10.7 %
Alset,
Inc.
2,581,268
25.8 %
* Less than 1%
(1)
The beneficial ownership of Heng Fai Chan includes 6,148,664 shares of
common stock, consisting of (a) 1,002,978 shares of common stock held by Heng Fai Holdings Limited, an entity controlled by Heng Fai Chan;
(b) 1,184,475 shares of common stock held by Heng Fai Chan directly; (C) 311,634 shares of common stock held by Global Biomedical Pte.
Ltd.; and (d) 1,068,309 shares of common stock held by Alset International Limited (e) 2,581,268 shares of common stock held by Alset
Inc
Equity
Compensation Plans Information
The
following table sets forth information about our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2025.
Restricted stock to be issued upon vesting
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance (under equity compensation Plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a & b))
Plan Category
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
2013 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan - options
-
-
$ -
-
2013 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan - warrants
-
-
$ -
-
2020 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan
-
-
$ -
673,436
Total
-
-
$ -
673,436
72
ITEM
13 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Transactions
with Related Persons
Except
as disclosed herein, no director, executive officer, shareholder holding at least 5% of shares of our common stock, or any family member
thereof, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction, or proposed transaction since January 1, 2020, in which the
amount involved in the transaction exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at the year-end for
the last two completed fiscal years.
The Company owns 127,179,291 shares
or approximately 4% of the outstanding shares of Alset International Limited (“Alset Intl”), a company incorporated in Singapore
and publicly listed on the Singapore Exchange Limited. This investment is classified as a marketable security and is classified as long-term
assets on the consolidated balance sheets as the Company has the intent and ability to hold the investments for a period of at least one
year. The Chairman of the Company, Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alset Intl. Mr.
Chan is also the majority shareholder of Alset Intl as well as the largest shareholder of the Company. The fair value of the marketable
security as of December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, was approximately $2,277,000 and $2,518,000 respectively. During the year ended
December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company recorded unrealized loss on this investment of approximately $242,000 and unrealized
loss of $750,000, respectively.
On October 13, 2021, LVAM entered
into loan agreement with BMIC International (“BMIC International Loan”), a related party, whereas LVAM borrowed the principal
amount of $3,000,000, with interest to be charged at a variable rate to be adjusted at the maturity date. The BMIC International Loan
contains an auto renewal period of three months, with a maturity date of January 2026 as of December 31, 2025. As of December 31 2025,
and December 31, 2024, the outstanding principal and interest of approximately $33,000 and $463,000, respectively, are included in Current
portion of long-term debt – related party, net on the consolidated balance sheet.
On October 13, 2021, LVAM entered
into a loan agreement with Lee Wilson Tsz Kin (“Wilson Loan”), a related party, whereas LVAM borrowed the principal amount
of $3,000,000, with interest to be charged at a variable rate to be calculated at the maturity date. The Wilson Loan contains an auto
renewal period of three months, with a maturity date of January 2026 as of December 31, 2025. As of December 31, 2025, and December 31,
2024, the outstanding principal and interest of approximately $145,000 and $145,000, respectively, are included in Current portion of
long-term debt – related party, net on the consolidated balance sheet.
The Company owns 81,836,908 shares
of True Partners Capital Holding Limited (“True Partners”), a publicly listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. On
February 28, 2022, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Alset EHome International Inc. (“AEI”), pursuant
to which AEI has agreed to sell a subsidiary holding 62,336,908 shares of stock of True Partner Capital Holding Limited exchange for 17,570,948
shares of common stock of the Company (the “DSS Shares”). The Company’s Executive Chairman and a significant stockholder,
Heng Fai Ambrose Chan is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and largest shareholder of AEI. Further, on February 20, 2025, the Company
acquired an additional 19,500,000 shares of True Partners. The fair value of the marketable security as of December 31, 2025 and December
31, 2024, was approximately $4,206,000 and $3,815,000, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the
Company recorded unrealized loss on this investment of approximately $609,000 and unrealized loss of $590,000, respectively.
On July 26, 2022, APF and VEII
entered into a promissory note (“Note 8”) in the principal sum of $1,000,000 with interest of 8% with all unpaid principal
and interest due on July 26, 2024. This note was amended so that all unpaid principal and interest is due July 26, 2025. The outstanding
principal and interest as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 approximates $917,000. This note was fully reserved for as of December
31, 2025 and December 31, 2024. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, the Chairman of DSS, Inc is also the on the board of directors of VEII.
On August 29, 2022, DSS Financial
Management Inc and BMIC LLC, a related party, entered into a promissory note (“Note 6”) in the principal sum of $100,000 with
interest of 8%, is due in three quarterly installments beginning on September 14, 2022. All unpaid principal and interest was due on August
29, 2025. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024 approximated $86,000, and was fully reserved
for as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024. DSS owns 24.9% of the outstanding common shares of BMIC LLC.
On May 8, 2023, DSS Financial
Management Inc and BMIC LLC entered into a promissory note (“Note 7”) in the principal sum of $102,000 with interest at the
prime rate plus 2% with a maturity date of May 7, 2026. The outstanding principal and interest at December 31, 2025, and December 31,
2024 approximated $110,000, and was fully reserved for as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024. DSS owns 24.9% of the outstanding
common shares of BMIC LLC.
On December 10, 2024, DSS entered
into a securities purchase agreement with Alset Inc., a related party, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and issue in a private
placement an aggregate of 820,597 shares of the Company’s common stock for approximately $803,000.
73
On December 10, 2024, DSS entered
into a securities purchase agreement with Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, the Chaiman of the Board of Directors and a related party, pursuant to
which the Company agreed to sell and issue in a private placement an aggregate of 205,149 shares of the Company’s common stock for
approximately $197,000.
In August of 2025, DSS issued
a $500,000 convertible promissory note to Alset, Inc. (“holder”), the Company’s largest shareholder and a related party,
bearing interest at Prime (6.75% at December 31, 2025). The first 12 months’ interest is to be paid in shares of the Company; thereafter,
interest is prepaid annually in cash or shares at the holder’s election. The note is convertible at the holder’s option at
a fixed $0.86 per share, is payable on demand (or July 31, 2028 if not demanded) and may be redeemed by the Company on or after the first
anniversary. The Company is required to reserve sufficient authorized shares and maintain the listing/quotation of its common stock. Under
ASU 2020-06 and ASC 815-40, the debt host’s embedded conversion feature is indexed to the Company’s own stock and is equity-classified;
accordingly, no embedded derivative is bifurcated and the instrument is accounted for as single-unit debt using the effective interest
method. Interest is recognized in interest expense; when settled in shares, a credit to APIC is recorded at the fair value of shares on
settlement, and any prepaid interest is recorded as a discount/prepaid and amortized to expense over the related period. The outstanding
principal and interest, approximates $512,000 and is included in Convertible note payable, related party on the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet at December 31, 2025.
On February 6, 2025, as a bonus
for compensation awarded to Heng Fai Holdings Limited (“HFHL”), a Hong Kong Company, which is beneficially owned by Mr. Heng
Fai Ambrose Chan, Director of DSS, Inc., HFHL was awarded 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, approximating $870,000.
The issuance was approved by the board of directors on January 31, 2025.
On March 21, 2025, DSS, the parent
company of Impact Biomedical, Inc. completed the sale of 499,800 shares of Impact Biomedical common stock. These shares were acquired
by DSS during Impact’s initial public offering on September 16, 2024. The sale of these shares, which were previously held by DSS
as part of its ownership interest in Impact, was completed for a total value of $1,500,000, which represents the consideration received
from the transaction. With this sale, the shares are now publicly held and are no longer held by DSS.
On April 4, 2025, DSS, the parent
company of Impact Biomedical, Inc. completed the sale of 890,800 shares of Impact Biomedical common stock. The sale of these shares, which
were previously held by DSS as part of its ownership interest in Impact, was completed for a total approximate value of $845,000, which
represents the consideration received from the transaction. With this sale, the shares are now publicly held and are no longer held by
DSS.
On May 22, 2025, DSS, the parent
company of Impact Biomedical, Inc. completed the sale of 115,600 shares of Impact Biomedical common stock. The sale of these shares, which
were previously held by DSS as part of its ownership interest in Impact, was completed for a total approximate value of $63,000, which
represents the consideration received from the transaction. With this sale, the shares are now publicly held and are no longer held by
DSS.
On May 23, 2025, DSS, the parent
company of Impact Biomedical, completed the sale of 45,400 shares of Impact Biomedical common stock. The sale of these shares, which were
previously held by DSS as part of its ownership interest in Impact, was completed for a total approximate value of $24,000, which represents
the consideration received from the transaction. With this sale, the shares are now publicly held and are no longer held by DSS.
Review,
Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
The
Board conducts an appropriate review of and oversees all related party transactions on a continuing basis and reviews potential conflict
of interest situations where appropriate. The Board has adopted formal standards to apply when it reviews, approves or ratifies any related
party transaction. In addition, the Board applies the following standards to such reviews: (i) all related party transactions must be
fair and reasonable and on terms comparable to those reasonably expected to be agreed to with independent third parties for the same
goods and/or services at the time they are authorized by the Board and (ii) all related party transactions should be authorized, approved
or ratified by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors who have no interest, either directly or indirectly, in any such related
party transaction.
74
ITEM
14 - PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Audit
Fees
Audit fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for the audit
of the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, the review of financial
statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and for services that are normally provided by the auditor
in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our
former independent public accounting firm, Grassi & Co. for review services for the March 31, 2025 quarterly review was approximately
$50,000. The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by HTL for June 30, 2025, September 30, 2025 quarterly reviews and
audit services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 was approximately $219,000. The aggregate fees billed for professional services
rendered by Grassi & Co for audit and review services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately $365,000.
Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed for
professional services rendered by our principal accountant, Withum Smith Brown, P.C., for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning
during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were approximately $150,000 and $150,000 respectively. DSS has engaged Greendyke Jencik
& Associates CPAs, PLLC to render quarterly and year end tax provisions. The aggregate fees for 2025 and 2024 were approximately $8,000
and $8,000.
All
Other Fees
There
were fees billed for professional services rendered by our principal accountant, Grassi & Co. CPAs, P.C., associated with the Company’s
S-1, 10-Q and 10-K filings for Impact BioMedical for audit and review services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 were approximately
$210,000. The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Grassi & Co for audit and review services for Impact BioMedical
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 was approximately $140,000.
Administration
of the Engagement; Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services
The
Company’s Audit Committee Charter requires that the Audit Committee establish policies and procedures for pre-approval of all audit
or permissible non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent auditors. Our Audit Committee approved, in advance, all
work performed for year ended December 31, 2025 by our principal accountant, Grassi & Co. CPAs, P.C. The Audit Committee may establish,
either on an ongoing or case-by-case basis, pre-approval policies and procedures providing for delegated authority to approve the engagement
of the independent registered public accounting firm, provided that the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular services
to be provided, the Audit Committee is informed about each service, and the policies and procedures do not result in the delegation of
the Audit Committee’s authority to management. In accordance with these procedures, the Audit Committee pre-approved all services
performed by Grassi & Co. CPAs, P.C.
75
PART
IV
ITEM
15 – EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(b)
Exhibits
Exhibit
Description
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of Document Security Systems, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated August 25, 2016).
3.2
Fourth Amended and Restated By-laws of Document Security Systems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated June 22, 2018).
3.3
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Document Security Systems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated August 27, 2020).
3.4
Certificate of Correction to the Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Document Security Systems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated November 6, 2020).
3.5
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed January 8, 2024).
4.1
Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934*
10.1
Document Security Systems, Inc. 2013 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex H to Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 originally filed with the SEC on November 26, 2012).
10.2
Investment Agreement dated as of February 13, 2014 by and among DSS Technology Management, Inc., Document Security Systems, Inc., Fortress Credit Co LLC and the Investors named therein (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated February 18, 2014).
10.3
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement for September 2015 Financing (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated September 17, 2015).
10.4
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant for September 2015 Financing (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K dated September 17, 2015).
10.5
Form of amended Securities Purchase Agreement for September 2015 Financing (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated October 2, 2015).
10.6
Form of amended Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated November 30, 2015).
10.7
Proceeds Investment Agreement between Document Security Systems, Inc. and Brickell Key Investments LP dated November 14, 2016 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.30 to Form 10-K dated March 28, 2017).
10.8
Common Stock Purchase Warrant between Document Security Systems, Inc. and Brickell Key Investments LP dated November 14, 2016 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.31 to Form 10-K dated March 28, 2017).
10.9
First Amendment to Investment Agreement and Certain Other Documents between DSS Technology Management, Inc., Document Security Systems, Inc., Fortress Credit Co LLC and Investors dated December 2, 2016 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.32 to Form 10-K dated March 28, 2017).
10.10
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated September 6, 2017).
10.11
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated September 6, 2017).
76
10.12
Securities Exchange Agreement, dated September 12, 2017, between Document Security Systems, Inc. and Hengfai Business Development Pte. Ltd. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated September 15, 2017).
10.13
2021 Employment Agreement entered by and between the Company and Frank Heuszel on November 13, 2020 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated November 19, 2020).
10.14
2020 Amendment entered by and between the Company and Frank Heuszel on November 13, 2020
10.15
Executive Employment Agreement with Mr. Jason Grady (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q dated November 13, 2019).
10.16
Executive Employment Agreement with Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q dated November 13, 2019).
10.17
2020 Amendment entered by and among the Company, DSS Cyber Security Pte. Ltd. and Heng Fai Chan on November 19, 2020 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated November 25, 2020).
10.18
2020 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan *
10.19
Term Sheet dated March 3, 2020 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated March 6, 2020).
10.20
Promissory Note dated March 3, 2020 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K dated March 6, 2020).
10.21
Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K dated March 6, 2020).
10.22
Stockholder Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K dated March 6, 2020).
10.24
Share Exchange Agreement dated as of April 27, 2020 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated May 1, 2020.
10.25
Underwriting Agreement, dated June 16, 2020, by and between Document Security Systems, Inc. and Aegis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K dated June 19, 2020).
10.26
Underwriting Agreement, dated July 1, 2020, by and between Document Security Systems, Inc. and Aegis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K dated July 1, 2020).
10.27
Underwriting Agreement, dated July 28, 2020, by and between Document Security Systems, Inc. and Aegis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K dated July 31, 2020).
10.28
Securities Purchase Agreement, by and among, Sharing Services Global Corporation, and Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc., dated April 5, 2021 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 9, 2021
10.29
Convertible Promissory Note, dated April 5, 2021 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed with Commission on April 9, 2021)
10.30
Stock Purchase Agreement between Proof Authentication Corporation and Document Security Systems, Inc. dated May 7, 2021 Relating to the Purchase and Sale of 100% of the Shares of DSS Digital Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 11, 2021)
10.31
Underwriting Agreement between Document Security Systems, Inc. and Aegis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 17, 2021)
77
10.32
Subscription Agreement by and among DSS, Inc. and Alset EHome International, Inc., dated September 3, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 10, 2021)
10.33
Stock Purchase And Share
Subscription Agreement between Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc., and DSS, Inc. relating to the purchase of Sharing Services Global
Corporation shares (incorporated by reference to exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 of the Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 29,
2021)
10.34
Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 18, 2022, by and between DSS, Inc. and Alset EHome International, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 19, 2022)
10.35
Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 18, 2022, by and between DSS, Inc. and Alset EHome International, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 19, 2022)
10.36
Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 25, 2022, by and between DSS, Inc. and Alset EHome International, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 19, 2022)
10.37
Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of February 25, 2022, by and between DSS, Inc. and Alset International Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 25, 2022)
10.38
Convertible Promissory Note Agreement, as between the Alset International Limited and American Medical REIT Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 25, 2022)
10.39
Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, between DSS, Inc. and Alset EHome International Inc., dated February 28, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 1, 2022)
10.40
True Partner Stock Purchase Agreement, between DSS, Inc. and Alset EHome International Inc., dated February 28, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 1, 2022)
10.41
True Partner Termination Agreement, between DSS, Inc. and Alset EHome International Inc., dated as of February 28, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 1, 2022)
10.42
DSS Termination Agreement, between DSS, Inc. and Alset EHome International Inc., dated February 28, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 1, 2022)
10.43
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of DSS, Inc., dated June 2, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 3, 2022)
10.44
Amendment No. 1 to Fifth Amended and Restated By-laws of DSS, Inc., dated June 2, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 3, 2022)
10.45
Assignment and Assumption Agreement, by and between Alset International Limited and DSS, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 14, 2022)
10.46
Convertible Promissory Note as between the Alset International Limited and American Medical REIT Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 14, 2022)
10.47
Amendment No.1 to Assignment and Assumption Agreement as between DSS, Inc. and Alset International Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 14, 2022)
10.48
Letter Agreement dated April 17, 2023, by and between Sharing Services Global Corporation and Decentralized Sharing Systems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on April 18, 2023.)
10.49
Letter agreement between Frank D. Heuszel and DSS, Inc. executed December 12, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2023.)
10.50
Letter agreement between Jason Grady and DSS, Inc. executed December 15, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2023.)
10.51
Letter agreement between Todd Mack and DSS, Inc. executed December 15, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2023.)
10.52
Amendment to Promissory Note effective January 18, 2024 between DSS, Inc. and Impact BioMedical, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2024).
10.53
Clawback Policy
21.1
Subsidiaries of Document Security Systems, Inc.*
23.1
Grassi consent
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.*
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.*
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension
Schema Document*
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension
Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension
Definition Linkbase Document*
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension
Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension
Presentation Linkbase Document*
104
Cover Page Interactive
Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)*
*
Filed herewith
ITEM
16 – Form 10K SUMMARY
None.
78
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
DSS,
INC.
March 31, 2026
By:
/s/
Jason Grady
Jason Grady
Interim Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 31, 2026
By:
/s/
Todd D. Macko
Todd D. Macko
Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
March
31, 2026
By:
/s/
Todd D. Macko
Todd D. Macko
Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
March 31, 2026
By:
/s/ Jason
Grady
Jason
Grady
Interim
Chief Executive Officer
March
31, 2026
By:
/s/ Heng
Fai Ambrose Chan
Heng
Fai Ambrose Chan
Chairman
of the Board and CEO of DSS International, Inc.
March 31, 2026
By:
/s/ Hiu Pan
Joanne Wong
Hiu
Pan Joanne Wong
Director
March 31, 2026
By:
/s/ José
Escudero
José
Escudero
Director
March
31, 2026
By:
/s/ Shui
Yeung Frankie Wong
Shui
Yeung Frankie Wong
Director
March 31, 2026
By:
/s/ Tung
Moe Chan
Tung Moe Chan
Director
March 31, 2026
By:
/s/ Lim Sheng
Hon Danny
Lim Sheng Hon Danny
Director
March 31, 2026
By:
/s/ Wai Leung
William Wu
William
Wu
Director
79