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Summary of significant accounting policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Summary of significant accounting policies  
Summary of significant accounting policies

Note 2 – Summary of significant accounting policies

Basis of presentation and principle of consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the financial statements of the Company and all its majority-owned subsidiaries that require consolidation. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidation. The following entities were consolidated as of December 31, 2022:

    

Place incorporated

    

Ownership percentage

 

TROOPS, Inc.

 

Cayman Islands

 

Parent Company

SGOCO International (HK) Limited

 

Hong Kong

 

100

%

Beijing SGOCO Image Technology Co., Ltd.

Beijing, China

100

%

Giant Financial Services Limited (“GFS”)

 

Samoa

 

100

%

Apiguru Pty Ltd. (“Apiguru”)

 

Australia

 

100

%

Giant Connection Limited

 

Republic of Seychelles

 

100

%

Giant Credit Limited (“GCL”)

 

Hong Kong

 

100

%

11 Hau Fook Street Limited

 

Hong Kong

 

100

%

Paris Sky Limited

 

Marshall Islands

 

100

%

Vision Lane Limited

British Virgin Islands

100

%

Suns Tower Limited

(Formerly known as First Asia Tower Limited) (“Suns Tower”)

 

Hong Kong

 

100

%

First Asia Finance Limited (“FAF”)

Hong Kong

100

%

Use of estimates

Preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant areas requiring the use of management’s estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition, the collectability of its receivables, the fair value and accounting treatment of certain financial instruments, the valuation and recognition of share-based compensation arrangements, fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combination, useful life of intangible assets, assessment of impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill , deferred tax liability and deferred tax valuation allowance. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates.

Business combinations

The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805 "Business Combinations." The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred and liabilities incurred by the Company to the sellers and equity instruments issued. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets and liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair values as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interests. The excess of (i) the total costs of acquisition, fair value of the non-controlling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. During the measurement period, which can be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

In a business combination achieved in stages, the Company re-measures the previously held equity interest in the acquiree immediately before obtaining control at its acquisition-date fair value and the re-measurement gain or loss, if any, is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

When there is a change in ownership interests that result in a loss of control of a subsidiary, the Company deconsolidates the subsidiary from the date control is lost. Any retained non-controlling investment in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value and is included in the calculation of the gain or loss upon deconsolidation of the subsidiary.

For the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries, a non-controlling interest is recognized to reflect the portion of their equity which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Group. “Net income (loss)” on the consolidated income statements includes the “net loss attributable to non-controlling interests”. The cumulative results of operations attributable to non-controlling interests are also recorded as non-controlling interests in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Discontinued operations

A component of a reporting entity or a group of components of a reporting entity that are disposed or meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale, such as the management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the disposal group, should be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. Discontinued operations are reported when a component of an entity comprising operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the entity is classified as held for disposal or has been disposed of, if the component either (1) represents a strategic shift or (2) have a major impact on an entity’s financial results and operations. In the consolidated statement of operations, result from discontinued operations is reported separately from the income and expenses from continuing operations and prior periods are presented on a comparative basis.

Assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations are classified as held for sale when the carrying amounts will be recovered principally through a sale transaction.

When dispose a subsidiary, the Company deconsolidates the subsidiary from the date control is lost. Any retained non-controlling investment in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value and is included in the calculation of the gain or loss upon deconsolidation of the subsidiary.

Plant and equipment

Plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings as incurred. Major additions are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts, and any gain or loss is included in operations. Depreciation of plant and equipment is provided using the straight-line method for substantially all assets with estimated lives as follows:

Leasehold land and buildings

    

Leasehold land and buildings are depreciated over the shorter of the unexpired term of lease and their estimated useful lives, being no more than 50 years

Machinery and equipment

 

4-10 years

Leasehold improvements

5 years

Vehicles and office equipment

 

4-5 years

Construction in progress represents capital expenditures for direct costs of construction or acquisition and the interest expenses directly related to the construction. Capitalization of these costs ceases and the construction in progress is transferred to the appropriate category of property, plant and equipment when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the assets for their intended use are completed. Construction in progress is not depreciated.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions are recognized as assets separate from goodwill if they satisfy either the "contractual-legal" or "separability" criterion. Purchased intangible assets and intangible assets arising from the acquisitions of subsidiaries are recognized and measured at fair value upon acquisition. Separately identifiable intangible assets that have determinable lives continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method as follows:

Trademarks of GFS

    

10 years

Service Contracts of GFS

 

1 year

Non-competition agreements of Apiguru

 

3 years

Separately identifiable intangible assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss for identifiable intangible assets is based on the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed of the acquired entity as a result of the Company’s acquisitions of interests in its subsidiaries. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. In the qualitative assessment, the Company considers primary factors such as industry and market considerations, overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and other specific information related to the operations. Based on the qualitative assessment, if it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is performed.

The Company annually, or more frequently if the Company believes indicators of impairment exist, reviews the carrying value of goodwill to determine whether impairment may exist.

In performing the two-step quantitative impairment test, the first step compares the fair values of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired and the second step will not be required. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to accounting for a business combination with the allocation of the assessed fair value determined in the first step to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. This allocation process is only performed for the purposes of evaluating goodwill impairment and does not result in an entry to adjust the value of any assets or liabilities. An impairment loss is recognized for any excess in the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill. Application of a goodwill impairment test requires significant management judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assigning assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units, and determining the fair value of each reporting unit.

Goodwill arises from our two reporting units: the financial technology solutions and services and the money lending services. The Company performs its annual impairment tests on December 31 of each year.

Warrant liability

For warrants that are not indexed to the Company’s stock, the Company records the fair value of the issued warrants as a liability at each balance sheet date and records changes in the estimated fair value as a non-cash gain or loss in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. The warrant liability is recognized in the balance sheet at the fair value (level 3). The fair value of these warrants has been determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation model. The Monte-Carlo simulation model provides for assumptions regarding volatility, call and put features and risk-free interest rates within the total period to maturity.

Impairment of long-lived assets other than goodwill

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Restricted cash

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, (“ASU 2016-18”), effective January 1, 2018 using the retrospective transition method and included all restricted cash with cash and cash equivalent when reconciling beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company has none of restricted cash as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Accounts receivable

Receivables include trade accounts due from customers and other receivables such as cash advances to employees, related parties and third parties and advances to suppliers. Management reviews the composition of accounts receivable and analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentration, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to determine if the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate. An estimate for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Delinquent account balances are written-off after management has determined that the likelihood of collection is not probable and known bad debts are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when identified. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company determined that no allowance was necessary.

Other receivables , prepayments and deposits

Other receivables and prepayments primarily include rental deposit, utilities deposit, prepaid employees’ compensation. Management reviews the composition of other receivables and prepayment and determines if an allowance for doubtful accounts is needed. A provision for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021 there was $135 and $132 allowance for uncollectible other receivables, prepayments and deposits, respectively. Management believes that the remaining other receivables and prepayments are collectible.

Loans receivables, net

Loans receivable primarily represent loan amounts due from customers. Loans receivable are recorded at unpaid principal balances net of provision that reflects the Company’s best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. Management anticipates no significant early settlement of loans receivable as of reporting date. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, there was $2,072 and $3,558 allowance for uncollectible loan receivables, respectively. Management believes that the remaining accounts receivable are collectible.

Provision for loan losses

The provision for loan losses is increased by charges to income and decreased by charge offs (net of recoveries). Recoveries represent subsequent collection of amounts previously charged-off. The increase in provision for loan losses is the netting effect of “reversal” and “provision” for both business and personal loans. If the ending balance of the provision for loan losses after any charge offs (net of recoveries) is less than the beginning balance, it will be recorded as a “reversal”; if it is larger, it will be recorded as a “provision” in the provision for loan loss. The netting amount of the “reversal” and the “provision” is presented in the statements of comprehensive loss.

The provision consists of specific and general components. The specific component consists of the amount of impairment related to loans that have been evaluated on an individual basis, and the general component consists of the amount of impairment related to loans that have been evaluated on a collective basis. Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”).

The Company recognizes a charge-off when management determines that full repayment of a loan is not probable. The primary factor in making that determination is the potential outcome of a lawsuit against the delinquent debtor. The Company will recognize a charge-off when the Company loses contact with the delinquent borrower for more than one year or when the court rules against the Company to seize the collateral asset of the delinquent debt from either the guarantor or borrower. In addition, when the recoverability of the delinquent debt is highly unlikely, the senior management team will go through a stringent procedure to approve a charge-off. Management estimates the provision balance required using past loan loss experience, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the provision may be made for specific loans, but the entire provision is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off.

The provision for loan losses is maintained at a level believed to be reasonable by management to absorb probable losses as of each balance sheet date. The provision is based on factors such as an assessment of individual loans and actual loss. The Company evaluates its provision for loan losses on a quarterly basis or more often as necessary.

Interest receivable

Interest receivable are accrued and credited to income as earned but not received. The Company determines a loan past due status by the number of days that have elapsed since a borrower has failed to make a contractual interest or principal payment. Accrual of interest is generally discontinued when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal. Additionally, any previously accrued but uncollected interest is reversed. Subsequent recognition of income occurs only to the extent payment is received, subject to management’s assessment of the collectability of the remaining interest and principal. Loans are generally restored to an accrual status when it is no longer delinquent and collectability of interest and principal is no longer in doubt and past due interest is recognized at that time.

Fair value of financial instruments

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement" ("ASU 2018-13"). ASU 2018-13 removes, modifies and adds certain disclosure requirements in Topic 820 "Fair Value Measurement". ASU 2018-13 eliminates certain disclosures related to transfers and the valuations process, modifies disclosures for investments that are valued based on net asset value, clarifies the measurement uncertainty disclosure, and requires additional disclosures for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2020. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s financial instruments primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, loans receivable, interest receivable, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other receivables, other payables and accrued liabilities, loans, customer deposits and convertible notes.

As of the balance sheet dates, the estimated fair value of these financial instruments were not materially different from their carrying values as presented due to the short maturities of these instruments and that the interest rates on the borrowings approximate those that would have been available for loans for similar remaining maturity and risk profile at the respective reporting periods.

The fair value measurement accounting standard defines fair value, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The three levels are defined as follows:

     Level 1    inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

    Level 2     inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.

    Level 3     inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value.

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis:

Carrying Value at

December 31, 

Fair Value Measurement at

    

2022

    

December 31, 2022

    

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

Warrant derivative liability

$

$

$

$

A summary of changes in Warrant derivative liability for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:

    

Amount

Balance at January 1, 2020

$

253

Change in fair value of warrant derivative liability

 

(4)

Balance at December 31, 2020

249

Change in fair value of warrant derivative liability

(249)

Balance at December 31, 2021

$

The fair value of the outstanding warrants was calculated using the Monte-Carlo simulation Model with the following assumptions at inception and on subsequent valuation date:

Warrants

    

December 31, 2020

Market price per share (USD/share)

$

1.45

Exercise price (USD/share)

 

1.00

Risk free rate

 

0.07

%

Dividend yield

 

%

Expected term/Contractual life (years)

 

0.26

Expected volatility

 

64.06

%

Comprehensive income

U.S. GAAP generally requires that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income or loss. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities are reported as separate components of the equity section of the consolidated balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income or loss. The components of other comprehensive income or loss consist of foreign currency translation adjustments net of realization of foreign currency translation gain relating to disposal of subsidiaries.

Revenue recognition

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”) from January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. Revenues for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021 and 2020 were presented under ASC 606, and revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 was not adjusted and continue to be presented under ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. There was no impact on the Company’s opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. Pursuant to ASC606-10-15-2, the interest income generated by the Company is scoped out of ASC606.

In accordance with ASC 606, revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In determining when and how much revenue is recognized from contracts with customers, the Company performs the following five-step analysis: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customers, which may occur at a point in time or over time depending on the terms and conditions of the agreement, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

Financial technology solutions and services

The Company provides SaaS and app development service to its customers to deploy the Company’s online platform, which may occur over time depending on the terms and conditions of the agreement, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Service income from project-based consulting services is recognized based on the output methods, including surveys of performance completed to date or milestones reached of each phase only when the Company has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. Maintenance and support type service income is recognized separately from the main contract since such service was not treated as performance obligation of the contract.

Energy saving services

Boca enters into a ten-year contract with a customer to provide air conditioning to certain office buildings using its proprietary Phase Change Material Thermal Energy Storage System together with Ultra-High Efficiency Boca Hybrid Power Chiller Plant (the “Plant”). Boca is entitled to all actual electricity running cost saving in 0% to 40% in whole on a quarterly basis, net of a rebate of 2% to 20% depending on the actual electricity running cost saving. Boca accounts for the series of distinct services provided over the ten-year contract as a single performance obligation satisfied over time.

Boca recognizes revenues, being entitlement to actual electricity running cost saving achieved, net of rebates, immediately as it relates to distinct services that have already been performed. As of August 31, 2020, operations of Boca to be disposed of were reported as discontinued operations. Accordingly, revenues related to Boca have been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Interest on loans receivable

Interest on loans receivable is accrued monthly in accordance with their contractual terms and recorded in accrued interest receivable. The Company does not charge prepayment penalties. Additionally, any previously accrued but uncollected interest is reversed and accrual is discontinued, when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal. Interest income on impaired loans receivable is recorded when cash payment for interest is received by the Company.

Property lease and management

Minimum contractual rental income related to property leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Straight-line rental revenue commences when the tenant assumes control of the leased premises. In accordance with the Company’s standard lease terms, rental payments are generally due on a monthly basis. Tenant recovery revenue includes payments from tenants as reimbursements for management fees and utilities, etc., which are recognized when the related expenses are incurred. Rental from office lease and tenant recovery revenue together is recorded as “Property lease and management.”

Below is the summary presenting the Company’s revenues from continuing operation disaggregated by products and services and timing of revenue recognition:

Year ended December 31, 

Revenue by recognition over time

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

Revenue by recognition over time

$

3,875

$

3,683

$

4,293

$

3,875

 

3,683

$

4,293

Year ended December 31, 

Revenue by major product line

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

Interest on loans

$

2,451

$

1,673

$

1,667

Property lease and management

 

1,106

 

1,068

 

1,130

Financial technology solutions and services

318

942

1,496

$

3,875

 

3,683

$

4,293

Contract Balances

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not have any significant incremental costs of obtaining contracts with customers incurred and/or costs incurred in fulfilling contracts with customers within the scope of ASC Topic 606, that shall be recognized as an asset and amortized to expenses in a pattern that matches the timing of the revenue recognition of the related contract. Other than the interest receivables of the 180-day loans held by the Company which are accrued by the Company but unbilled until the loans mature, amounted to $nil and $nil as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company does not have any other contract assets (unbilled receivables) since revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is fulfilled and the payment from customers is not contingent on a future event.

Advances received from customers related to unsatisfied performance obligations are recorded as contract liabilities (advance from customers), which will be recognized as revenues upon the satisfaction of performance obligations through the transfer of related promised goods and services to customers.

The Company’s contract liabilities consist of rental receipt in advance related to rent paid in advance for leasing office. Below is the summary presenting the movement of the Company’s contract liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:

    

Rental receipt in advance

Balance as of January 1, 2020

$

8

Revenue recognized from beginning contract liability balance

(8)

Advances received from customers related to unsatisfied performance obligations

3

Balance as of December 31, 2020

$

3

Revenue recognized from beginning contract liability balance

(3)

Advances received from customers related to unsatisfied performance obligations

7

Balance as of December 31, 2021

$

7

Revenue recognized from beginning contract liability balance

(7)

Advances received from customers related to unsatisfied performance obligations

10

Balance as of December 31, 2022

$

10

The contract liabilities were grouped into other payables and accrued liabilities (note 14).

Allocation to Remaining Performance Obligations

The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient in paragraph ASC Topic 606-10-50-14 and did not disclose the information related to transaction price allocated to the performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied as of December 31, 2022, because either the performance obligation of the Company’s contracts with customers has an original expected duration of one year or less or the Company has a right to consideration from a borrower or a customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the borrower or the customer of the Company’s performance completed to date, therefore the Company may recognize revenue in the amount to which the Company has a right to invoice or collect.

Income taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance FASB ASC Section 740. The Company is subject to the tax laws of the PRC and Hong Kong (a special administrative region of PRC). The charge for taxation is based on actual results for the year as adjusted for items that are non-assessable or disallowed; and it is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. The Company is not currently subject to tax in the Cayman Islands or the British Virgin Islands.

Deferred taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax basis used in the computation of assessable tax profit of loss. In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income can be utilized with prior net operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax is calculated using tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized, or the liability is settled. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the statement of operations, except when it is related to items credited or charged directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities.

An uncertain tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. Penalties and interest incurred related to uncertain tax positions are classified in income tax expense in the period incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company has not incurred any interest related to income taxes. Our PRC entities did not have tax liability as of December 31, 2022. U.S. GAAP also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transition.

Tax returns filed for the years ended December 31, 2018 to 2022 in the PRC and Hong Kong are subject to examination by the applicable tax authorities.

Share-based compensation

The Company accounts for equity instruments issued in exchange for the receipt of goods or services from consultants in accordance with the accounting standards regarding accounting for stock-based compensation and accounting for equity instruments that are issued to other than employees for acquiring or in conjunction with selling goods or services. Costs are measured at the estimated fair market value of the consideration received or the estimated fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably determinable. The value of equity instruments issued for consideration other than employee services is determined on the earlier of a performance commitment or completion of performance by the provider of goods or services as defined by these accounting standards. In the case of equity instruments issued to consultants, the fair value of the equity instrument is recognized over the term of the consulting agreement if there is a term.

The Company accounts for equity instruments issued in exchange for the receipt of services from employees in the financial statements based on their fair values at the date of grant. The fair value of awards is amortized over the requisite service period.

Financial guarantee

A provision for possible losses to be absorbed by the Company for financial guarantees it provides is recorded as an accrued liability when the guarantees are made and recorded as “Allowance on guarantee” in the consolidated balance sheets. This accrued liability represents probable losses and is increased or decreased by accruing a “Allowance (reversal of allowance) on financial guarantee” throughout the terms of the guarantees as necessary when additional relevant information becomes available.

The methodology used to estimate the liability for possible guarantee losses considers the guarantee contract amounts and a variety of factors, which include, depending on the counterparty, the latest financial position and performance of the borrowers, actual defaults, estimated future defaults, historical loss experience, estimated value of collateral or guarantees the customers or third parties offered, and other economic conditions, such as economic trends in the area and the country. The estimates are based upon information available at the time the estimates are made. It is possible that prior experience and default history of the borrowers are not indicative of future losses on guarantees made. Any increase or decrease in the provision would affect the Company’s consolidated income statements in future years.

Foreign currency translation

The reporting and functional currency of the Company is the U.S. Dollar. The functional currencies of its Hong Kong subsidiaries are the Hong Kong Dollar. The functional currency of its PRC subsidiaries is the RMB. The functional currencies of its Australia subsidiaries are the Australian Dollar (“AUD”). Results of operations and cash flow are translated at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate at the end of the period. Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transaction occurred. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.

The balance sheet amounts with the exception of equity were translated using RMB6.96 and RMB6.38 to $1.00 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The equity accounts were stated at their historical exchange rates. The average translation rates applied to the income and cash flow statement amounts for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were RMB6.73, RMB6.45, and RMB6.90 to $1.00, respectively.

The balance sheet amounts with the exception of equity were translated using AUD 0.68 and AUD 0.73 to $1.00 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The equity accounts were stated at their historical exchange rates. The average translation rate applied to the income statement amounts for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were AUD0.70, AUD0.75 and AUD0.73 to $1.00, respectively.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-03, Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The amendments related to Issue 1 (“Fair Value Option Disclosures”), Issue 2 (“Applicability of Portfolio Exception in Topic 820 to Nonfinancial Items”), Issue 4(“Cross-Reference to Line of-Credit or Revolving-Debt Arrangements Guidance in Subtopic 470-50”), and Issue 5 (“Cross-Reference to Net Asset Value Practical Expedient in Subtopic 820-10”) are conforming amendments. For public business entities, the amendments are effective upon issuance of this final Update. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application is permitted. The amendment related to Issue 3 (“Disclosures for Depository and Lending Institutions”) is a conforming amendment that affects the guidance in the amendments in Accounting Standards Update 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments. That guidance relates to the amendments in 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The effective date of Update 2019-04 for the amendments to Update 2016-01 is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments of Issues 6 (“Interaction of Topic 842 and Topic 326”) clarify that the contractual term of a net investment in a lease determined in accordance with Topic 842 should be the contractual term used to measure expected credit losses under Topic 326. The amendments of Issues 6 clarify that when an entity regains control of financial assets sold, an allowance for credit losses should be recorded in accordance with Topic 326. For entities that have not yet adopted the amendments related to Update 2016-13, the effective dates and the transition requirements for amendments of Issue 6 and Issue 7 (“Interaction of Topic 326 and Subtopic 860-20”) are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Update 2016-13. For entities that have adopted the guidance in Update 2016-13, the amendments of Issue 6 and Issue 7 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For those entities, the amendments should be applied on a modified-retrospective basis by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the statement of financial position as of the date that an entity adopted the amendments in Update 2016-13. The ASU is currently not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, which is an update to ASU Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which introduced the expected credit losses methodology for the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost basis, replacing the previous incurred loss methodology. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 added Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, and made several consequential amendments to the Codification. ASU 2016-13 also modified the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities, which must be individually assessed for credit losses when fair value is less than the amortized cost basis, in accordance with Subtopic 326-30, Financial Instruments— Credit Losses—Available-for-Sale Debt Securities. The amendments in this Update address those stakeholders’ concerns by providing an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured at amortized cost basis. For those entities, the targeted transition relief will increase comparability of financial statement information by providing an option to align measurement methodologies for similar financial assets. Furthermore, the targeted transition relief also may reduce the costs for some entities to comply with the amendments in ASU 2016-13 while still providing financial statement users with decision-useful information. ASU 2019-05 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2020. The Company evaluated the impact of ASU 2019 on its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 (note 23).

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The ASU simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The FASB reduced the number of accounting models for convertible debt and convertible preferred stock instruments and made certain disclosure amendments to improve the information provided to users. For public business entities that meet the definition of an SEC filer, excluding entities eligible to be smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC, the guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has elected to adopt the amendments in these ASUs on January 1, 2021, and the adoption of these amendments did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial position and results of operations.

The Company does not believe other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.