Item 1A. Risk Factors
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.
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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 $4.9 million, $4.3
million and $3.0 million for the years ended February 28, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of February 28, 2022, we had an accumulated
deficit of $17.1 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 affected.
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 novel coronavirus (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.
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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 affected.
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 affect 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 affect 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
managements 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.
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Systems
failures and resulting interruptions in the availability of our platform or offerings could adversely affect 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 affected
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 affect 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 affect 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.
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We
may require additional funding to support our business.
To
grow our business, FingerMotion currently looks to take advantage of the immense mobile phone payment market, estimated at a monthly
gross transaction volume (GTV) is estimated at US$153 billion in 2019 and is expected to increase to US$165 billion by 2024 (source:
https://telecomstechnews.com/news/2019/nov/21/total-mobile-service-revenue-china-hit-165bn-end-2024-reveals-globaldata/ ). For
the Company to continue to grow, the deposit with the Telecoms needs to increase, as the GTV 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 affected.
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
affect 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 affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
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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:
●
actual
or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;
●
changes
in financial estimates by securities analysts or our failure to perform in line with such estimates;
●
changes
in market valuations of other companies, particularly those that market services such as ours;
●
announcements
by us or our competitors of significant innovations, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
●
introduction
of product enhancements that reduce the need for our products;
●
departure
of key personnel; and
●
changes
in overall global market sentiments and economy trends
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.
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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 Sarbanes-Oxley
Act 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 affect the market price of our common
stock
Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholders 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 customers 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 the Nasdaq Capital Market 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.
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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 Technologys 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 provided a legal opinion 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:
●
imposing
economic penalties;
●
discontinuing
or restricting the operations of JiuGe Technology or JiuGe Management;
●
imposing
conditions or requirements in respect of the VIE Agreements with which JiuGe Technology or JiuGe Management may not be able to comply;
●
requiring
our company to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations;
●
taking
other regulatory or enforcement actions that could adversely affect our companys business; and
●
revoking
the business licenses and/or the licenses or certificates of JiuGe Management, and/or voiding the VIE Agreements.
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.
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.
As
the VIE Agreements are governed by PRC law, we would be required to rely on PRC law to enforce our rights and remedies under them; PRC
law may not provide us with the same rights and remedies as are available in contractual disputes governed by the law of other jurisdictions.
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 arms 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.
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Shareholders
of JiuGe Technology have potential conflicts of interest with our company which may adversely affect 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 Technologys 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
affected.
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 affect 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 Technologys share capital pursuant to the VIE Agreements, the
payment of the purchase price could materially and adversely affect our financial position.
Under
the VIE Agreements, JiuGe Technologys 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 Managements exercising
of the option would not bring immediate benefits to our company, and payment of the purchase prices could adversely affect our financial
position.
Risks
Related to Doing Business in China
Changes
in Chinas 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:
●
Level
of government involvement in the economy;
●
Control
of foreign exchange;
●
Methods
of allocating resources;
●
Balance
of payments position;
●
International
trade restrictions; and
●
International
conflict.
The
Chinese economy differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development,
or 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.
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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 August 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.
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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.
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 China Securities Regulatory Commission
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 Chinas 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 affect our business.
China
has implemented or will implement rules and is considering a number of additional proposals relating to data protection. Chinas
new Data Security Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National Peoples 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.
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Additionally,
Chinas 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 entitys 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 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 Cyberspace Administration of China 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. Chinas 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 August 20, 2021, the National Peoples 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 affect 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.
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Fluctuations
in exchange rates could adversely affect 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 Peoples 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.
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Restrictions
under PRC law on our PRC subsidiarys 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:
● 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;
● 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
SAFE or its local counterparts; and
● 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 subsidiarys operations may be adversely affected, which
could adversely affect 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 Renminbi (Hui Fa [2015]19) (or 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 companys settlement of exchange
in previous time, and the settled in Renminbi 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 subsidiarys and affiliates ability to distribute profits to us or otherwise materially adversely
affect us.
In
October 2005, the Chinese State Administration of Foreign Exchange ( 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, or 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 SAFE, which became public
in June 2007 (known as 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 residents 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 31, 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 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 SPVs 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 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 subsidiarys and
affiliates 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 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 subsidiarys
and affiliates ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect
our business and prospects.
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We
may be subject to fines and legal sanctions by 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, 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, or 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 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
affect 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, or 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 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 Foreign Corrupt Practice Act, or 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 affect 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.
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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 Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 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 Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 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 CSRCs 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 August
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.
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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 affect our business, financial
condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our common stock.
The
audit report included in this Annual Report is prepared by an auditor who is not inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board and as such, our investors are deprived of the benefits of such inspection. We could be delisted if we are unable to timely meet
the PCAOB inspection requirements established by the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act.
As
a public company with securities listed on Nasdaq Capital Market, 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 Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or 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 registrants annual report regarding the audit arrangements of, and government influence
on, such registrant.
On
June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act which, if enacted, would decrease the
number of non-inspection years from three years to two, thus reducing the time period before the Companys 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 PCAOBs 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 firms 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.
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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 this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended February 28, 2022 and 2021, was issued
by Centurion ZD CPA & Co. ( CZD CPA ), an audit firm headquartered in Hong Kong, a jurisdiction that the PCAOB
has determined that the PCAOB is unable to conduct inspections or investigate auditors. Our auditors CZD CPA is among those listed by
the PCAOB Hong Kong Determination, a determination announced by the PCAOB on December 16, 2021 that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or
investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region and dependency
of the PRC, because of a position taken by one or more authorities in Hong Kong. The lack of access to the PCAOB inspection in PRC prevents
the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of the auditors based in 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 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. In addition, under the HFCAA, 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 three consecutive years, and this ultimately could result in our common stock being delisted. Furthermore, on June 22, 2021,
the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (AHFCAA), which, if enacted, would amend
the HFCAA and require the SEC to prohibit an issuers securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges or in the over the counter
trading market in the U.S. if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three. In the future,
if we do not engage an auditor that is subject to regular inspection by the PCAOB, our common stocks may be delisted.
The
SEC may propose additional rules or guidance that could impact us if our auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspection. For example, on
August 6, 2020, the Presidents Working Group on Financial Markets, or the PWG, 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 three 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.
ITEM
1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not
applicable.
ITEM
2. PROPERTIES
Our
corporate headquarters is located at 1460 Broadway, New York, New York. We do not own any real property.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.