DRS 1 filename1.htm

This is a confidential draft submission to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 106(a) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 on February 26, 2021 and is not being filed publicly under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Registration No. ___________

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM F-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

Cayman Islands   6199   N/A

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

118 Connaught Road West

Room 1101

Hong Kong

+852-3107-0731

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

[    ]

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

Copies to:

 

William S. Rosenstadt, Esq.

Mengyi “Jason” Ye, Esq.

Yarona L. Yieh, Esq.

Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP
366 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10017
T: 212-588-0022

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after effectiveness of this registration statement.

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Emerging growth company  

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.

 

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of each Class of Security being Registered  Number of
Securities
being
Registered
   Proposed
Maximum
Offering
Price Per
Security
   Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering
Price(1)
   Amount of
Registration
Fee(2)(3)
 
Ordinary shares, par value $0.001 per share(4)                                                    
Underwriter Warrants(5)                
Ordinary shares, par value $0.001 per share, underlying the underwriter warrants                
Total                

 

(1)Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the amount of registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act. Includes the offering price attributable to additional shares that the underwriter has the option to purchase to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

(2)Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act, based on an estimate of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price

 

(3)Previously paid.

 

(4)In accordance with Rule 416(a), we are also registering an indeterminate number of additional ordinary shares that shall be issuable pursuant to Rule 416 to prevent dilution resulting from share splits, share dividends or similar transactions.

 

(5)The Registrant will issue to [ ], the representative of the underwriters (the “Representative”) warrants to purchase a number of ordinary shares equal to an aggregate of [ ]% of the ordinary shares sold in the offering (the “Underwriter Warrants”). The exercise price of the Underwriter Warrants is equal to [ ]% of the offering price of the ordinary shares offered hereby. The Underwriter Warrants are exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, within five years from the commencement of sale of the offering.

 

The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

 

 

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell the securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting any offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

 

[●] Ordinary Shares

 

This is an initial public offering of ___________ of our Ordinary Shares, par value $0.001 per share, which we refer to as the “Ordinary Shares.” We anticipate the initial public offering price will be between US$       and US$        per share.

 

This offering is being made on a [firm commitment] basis. [We have agreed to grant the [] (the “Underwriter”) an option exercisable for a period of 45 days after the closing of this offering to purchase up to 15% of the total number of the shares offered in this offering for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, at the Offering Price less the underwriting discounts (the “Over-Allotment Option”)]. The Underwriter expects to deliver the Ordinary Shares against payment as set forth under “Underwriting” on page 90

 

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Ordinary Shares. We have applied to list our Ordinary Shares on Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “OK”. This offering is contingent upon us listing our  Ordinary Shares on Nasdaq Capital Market or another national exchange. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in listing our Ordinary Shares on Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

Investing in our Ordinary Shares involves a high degree of risk, including the risk of losing your entire investment. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 14 to read about factors you should consider before buying our Ordinary Shares.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” under applicable U.S. federal securities laws and are eligible for reduced public company reporting requirements. Please read “Implications of Our Being an ‘Emerging Growth Company’” beginning on page 8 of this prospectus for more information.

 

    Per Share     Total  
Offering price   (US)$               (US)$            
Underwriter’s discounts (1)   (US)$       (US)$  
Proceeds to our company before expenses   (US)$     (US)$  

 

(1) See “Underwriting” in this prospectus for more information regarding our arrangements with the underwriters.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

This offering is being made on a [firm commitment] basis. We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 45 days to purchase up to an additional __________ shares from us at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts to cover over-allotments, if any. The underwriters expect to deliver the Ordinary Shares against payment as set forth under “Underwriting” on page 90.

 

Upon the completion of this offering, our outstanding shares will consist of _______________Ordinary Shares, and we will be a “controlled company” as defined under the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules because ______________, will beneficially own ____% of our then issued Ordinary Shares and will be able to exercise ______% of the total voting power of our issued and outstanding shares immediately after the consummation of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional Ordinary Shares.

 

The date of this prospectus is [●], 2021

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION iii
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS iii
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY 1
THE OFFERING 11
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA 12
RISK FACTORS 14
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 34
BUSINESS 49
MANAGEMENT 71
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS 75
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 75
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL 76
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE 86
TAXATION 87
UNDERWRITING 90
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES 91
USE OF PROCEEDS 92
DIVIDEND POLICY 93
CAPITALIZATION 93
DILUTION 94
EXPENSES RELATING TO THIS OFFERING 94
LEGAL MATTERS 95
EXPERTS 95
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 95
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-1

 

i

 

 

Neither we nor any of the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than as contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses we have prepared. Neither we nor the underwriters take responsibility for, and provide no assurance about the reliability of, any information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of the securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

No action is being taken in any jurisdiction outside the U.S. to permit a public offering of our securities or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any such jurisdiction. Persons who come into possession of this prospectus in jurisdictions outside the U.S. are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions about this offering and the distribution of this prospectus applicable to those jurisdictions.

 

Through and including ________, 2021 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

 

We obtained statistical data, market data and other industry data and forecasts used in this prospectus from market research, publicly available information and industry publications. While we believe that the statistical data, industry data and forecasts and market research are reliable, we have not independently verified the data.

 

ii

 

 

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The financial information contained in this prospectus is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2019 and 2020 and for the years then ended. These financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus are collectively referred to as our consolidated financial statements herein and throughout this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). Our fiscal year ends on March 31 of each year, so all references to a particular fiscal year are to the applicable year ended March 31. Following the completion of this offering, we will be required to file annual reports on Form 20-F with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, under United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

 

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and views of future events, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. You can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions in this prospectus. These statements are likely to address our growth strategy, financial results and product and development programs. You must carefully consider any such statements and should understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements. These factors may include inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of other risks and uncertainties, including some that are known and some that are not. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

our goals and strategies;
our future business development, financial condition and results of operations;
introduction of new product and service offerings;
expected changes in our revenues, costs or expenditures;
our expectations regarding the demand for and market acceptance of our products and services;
expected growth of our customers, including consolidated account customers;
competition in our industry; and
government policies and regulations relating to our industry.

 

We describe certain material risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could affect our business, including our financial condition and results of operations, under “Risk Factors.” We base our forward-looking statements on our management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available to our management at the time the statements are made. We caution you that actual outcomes and results may, and are likely to, differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecast by our forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should be careful about relying on any forward-looking statements. Except as required under the federal securities laws, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the distribution of this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise.

 

iii

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to this summary, we urge you to read the entire prospectus carefully, especially the risks of investing in our Ordinary Shares, discussed under “Risk Factors,” before deciding whether to buy our Ordinary Shares.

 

Our Mission

 

Our goal is to become the preferred online trading platform for Chinese investors on a global basis.

 

Overview

 

We are an online brokerage firm located in Hong Kong specializing in the provision of local and foreign equities, futures, and options products. We create value for our customers by providing a reliable trading platform, user-friendly web and app interface, and seamless customer support. We generate revenue primarily by charging commission fees on futures transactions at a flat rate for each futures transaction contract. Currently our customers are mainly high volume and frequency trading institutional and individual investors. Our clients primarily reside in Asia and we are currently focusing on our customer base expansion to Southeast Asian investors. Our trading platforms enable investors to trade more than 100 futures products on multiple exchanges around the world including the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), Hong Kong Futures Exchange Limited (HKFE), The New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), The Commodity Exchange (COMEX), Eurex Exchange (EUREX), ICE Clear Europe Limited (ICEU), Singapore Exchange (SGX), Australia Securities Exchange (ASX), Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad (BMD), and Osaka Exchange (OSE). Our continuous efforts focused on offering value-added services and access to exchanges around the globe, together with an excellent user experience, have enabled us to become a fast-growing online trading platform. We have achieved substantial growth in transaction volume and client numbers on our platform since our inception. Our trading volume increased from 5.68 million trades in fiscal 2019 to 9.20 million trades in fiscal 2020 and our total registered customer number increased from 178 as of March 31, 2019 to 226 as of March 31, 2020.

 

We are currently adopting third-party trading platforms for investors globally, including Esunny and 2Go, which can easily be accessed through our APP, software, and websites. The two systems are designed to enable our clients to access our seamless, efficient, and secure trading platform. We offer our customers comprehensive brokerage and value-added services, including trade order placement and execution, account management, and customer support. Given the importance of trading systems in our services, it is part of our future strategy to continuously enhance our IT infrastructure.

 

Our revenues for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020 were US$ 10.8 million and US$ 16.5 million, respectively. The commissions on futures brokerage for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020 accounted for 97 % and 98 % of total revenues, respectively.

 

We have achieved substantial growth since the launch of our operation of online brokerage services, as illustrated by the chart below which sets forth the major future contracts we have executed.

 

 

1

 

 

We intend to leverage our competitive strengths to sustain and grow our business, namely, to provide our clients with fast and reliable access to financial markets through our personalized client services and efficient organizational structure.

 

Our Industry

 

Overview of Futures and Options Markets

 

The trading activities of exchange-traded futures and options around the globe have hit a record-high in 2019 with a total of 34,472.8 million contracts. The diagram below illustrates the annual volume of futures and options contracts traded around the globe from 2017 to 2019.

 

 

Sources: Futures Industry Association, ShineWing Business Advisory Services

 

Specifically, the Asia-Pacific region is the largest region with respect to the trading volume of futures and options contracts, followed by the North America region. The Asia-Pacific regions witnessed strong growth in the volume of futures and options contracts in 2019. In 2019, the number of traded futures and options contracts increased from 11,688.2 million in 2018 to 14,484.3 million in 2019, at a year-on-year growth of 23.9%. It is one of the fastest-growing regions around the globe, generating substantial trading activities.

 

2

 

 

The graphs below set forth the percentage share of traded futures and options contracts breakdown by geographical regions in 2019 and 2018.

 

Number of futures and options contracts by region, 2018

Number of futures and options contracts by region, 2019

 

Sources: Futures Industry Association, ShineWing Business Advisory Services

 

In the futures and options contracts trading, CME, SGX, HKFE, and Eurex are the dominant exchanges around the globe for trading futures and options. According to the Futures Industry Association, these top four exchanges account for 22% of the total futures and options trading volumes in 2019 among all trading exchanges in the globe. Below highlights the trading volume of futures and options contracts in some of the aforementioned exchanges.

 

According to the HKEX, the total futures and options of the derivatives market in Hong Kong increased from 214.8 million contracts in 2017 to 296.2 million contracts in 2018, and then the number decreased to 262.9 million contracts in 2019.

 

 

Sources: HKEX, ShineWing Business Advisory Services

 

3

 

 

According to the CME Group, the annual trading volume of total futures and options contracts traded in CME increased from 4,089.2 million in 2017 to 4,830.0 million contracts in 2019, at a CAGR of 8.7%. Particularly, the interest-rate-related futures and options account for the majority of the total traded futures and options contracts in CME. The graph below illustrates the annual trading volume of futures and options contracts.

 

 

Sources: CME, ShineWing Business Advisory Services

 

Number of futures and options contracts by asset class, 2018
Number of futures and options contracts by asset class, 2019

 

Sources: CME, ShineWing Business Advisory Services

 

4

 

 

Eurex is the largest European futures and options market which primarily offers to trade in European based derivatives. According to the Eurex, the annual trading volume of total futures and options contracts traded in Eurex increased from 1,018.7 million in 2017 to 1,149.1 million contracts in 2019, at a CAGR of 6.21%. Below sets forth the graph of the annual trading volume of futures and options in Eurex.

 

 

Sources: Eurex, ShineWing Business Advisory Services

 

To conclude, the trading activities of futures and options around the globe have reached the record high level in 2019, rising by 13.7% from a year earlier to 34.47 billion traded contracts. Particularly, the exchanges in the Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions are the powerhouses of such growth. The number of contracts traded on Asia-Pacific exchanges rose 29.1% to 14.49 billion contracts, while Latin American exchange volume grew 47.6% to 4.10 billion contracts.

 

The Asia Pacific is deemed to be one of the highest potential growth markets for derivatives products in the future. This is supported by the rising economic activities and the large population size in the region. For instance, according to the Futures Industry Association, the National Stock Exchange of India grew 58% to 6 billion contracts traded in 2019, surpassing CME Group to become the world’s largest exchange. CME’s 2019 volume in 2019 was 4.83 billion contracts, roughly the same as the prior year. Given the robust economy in the Asia Pacific, it is expected that the region will continue to be the major market of traded derivative products.

 

Overview of Securities Markets in Hong Kong

 

Being one of the Company’s major markets in securities brokerage services, the security market in Hong Kong is an active financial market around the world whose market capitalization grew from HK$ 33,998 billion in 2017 to HK$ 38,362 billion in 2019 at a CAGR of 6.2%. The total turnover of the securities market in Hong Kong increased from HK$21,709.2 billion in 2017 to HK$26,422.8 billion in 2018, followed by a drop to HK$21,440.0 billion in 2019. Below illustrates the total turnover of the securities market, including the Main Board and GEM, in Hong Kong.

 

 

 

Sources: HKEX, ShineWing Business Advisory Services

 

 

5

 

 

The total turnover of the security market was partly supported by the Stock Connect which allows international and Mainland Chinese investors to trade securities in each other’s markets through the trading and clearing facilities of their home exchange. The Stock Connect allows mutual market access between Mainland China and Hong Kong through a security trading link scheme. This is particularly important as it provides investors in China to access offshore investment opportunities while Hong Kong and international investors to access investment opportunities that are originally open to Chinese investors before.

 

The Stock Connect has witnessed rapid growth since 2015, especially the northbound trading turnover experienced a six-fold increase in 2019 compared to 2015. The tremendous growth presented growth opportunities to online brokerage services and encouraged the development of the online brokerage service industry. Below illustrates the trading turnover of Stock Connect.

 

 

Increasing demand for global investment among Southeast Asian investors

 

Southeast Asia is widely acknowledged as the world’s emerging growth engine. The ten markets that make up the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) form the 6th largest economy in the world and is projected to become the 4th largest by 2025. In light of the growing opportunities and our existing customer base primarily residing in Asia, we are currently focusing on our customer expansion to Southeast Asian investors. There are emerging trends in the region such as increasing wealth and rapidly growing middle class due to the booming economy.

 

Rising Middle Class in Southeast Asia

 

Southeast Asia’s large population and rapid economic growth drive the emergence of a middle-class market of several hundred million consumers, representing the growth engine of the online financial brokerage industry. According to the World Bank, the region is home to more than 650 million people or 9% of the world’s population, which is also one of the distinctive attributes of the region’s growth outlook. By 2022, the middle-class population in Southeast Asia, whose household annual income exceeds USD 10,000, is projected to reach 350 million. As this large and emerging middle class becomes wealthier and accustomed to a higher quality of life, they will likely seek more investment opportunities and wish to bolster their wealth by engaging online financial brokers for global investment.

 

Growth of tech-savvy millennial population

 

The growth of the millennial population in the Southeast Asia markets present a growth opportunity for online financial brokerage service providers. Millennials, who are the most educated generation and raised in the technology-saturated environment, are more likely to embrace digital technologies when it comes to investment. With more financial knowledge, this generation is also more willing to diversify their asset allocation and use sophisticated financial tools such as options, swaps, futures, and commodity trading, which can provide them with higher and quicker returns. According to the ShineWing Business Advisory Services, this demographic segment of the millennial population currently makes up approximately 30% of the total population in Southeast Asia countries. They are more dependent on technology tools, demanding easy-to-manage tools, and swift access to services through mobile apps. Given the growing size of this population along with their increasing wealth, they represent a growth opportunity to the online financial brokerage industry.

 

6

 

 

Emerging opportunities amid Sino-U.S. tension in Southeast Asia

 

In light of the rising affluence across Southeast Asia countries, there are increasing international financial services firms, such as private equity and wealth management firms, tapping into the rising prosperity in the region. The region is being recognized not only as an alternative to China as a manufacturing base and distribution hub but as a growing region for wealth management expansion. Reinforced by the Sino-U.S. tension which drives more capital flowing to Southeast Asia from China, there are increasing demands for exposure to global investment among individual and institutional Southeast Asian investors, representing an emerging driver to the online financial brokerage industry.

 

Our Competitive Strengths

 

We believe that the following competitive strengths contribute to our success and differentiate us from our competitors:

 

Experienced management and talented team;
Streamlined and efficient organizational structure; and
Access to Important Global Exchanges.

 

Our Strategies

 

Our business model and competitive strengths provide us with multiple avenues for growth. We intend to execute the following key strategies:

 

Expand demographic coverage to serve investors in Southeast Asia;
Enhance our services and expand our product offering; and
Increase customer loyalty.

 

Our Challenges

 

The successful execution of our growth strategies is subject to risks and uncertainties related to our businesses, including those relating to:

 

The relatively short operating history of our businesses;
Unfavorable financial market and economic conditions;
Our ability to compete effectively in the financial services industry;
Our ability to recruit and retain key management and professional staff;
Our ability to identify and control risks;
Our ability to comply with extensive and evolving regulatory requirements; and
Our ability to identify and address conflicts of interest, especially in relation to our Controlling Shareholder and its controlling shareholders.

 

Corporate History

 

We incorporated Zhong Yang Securities Limited (“ZYSL”) with limited liability under the laws of Hong Kong and commenced our securities and futures brokerage business after obtaining licenses from HKSFC on March 4, 2016 and October 18, 2016, respectively. To expand our services to the asset management sector, we obtained the relevant HKSFC licenses on in February 2018 through our subsidiary, Zhong Yang Capital Limited (“ZYCL”).

 

On March 26, 2020, we carried out a series of transactions to reorganize the legal structure of the Company. As part of the reorganization, Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited (“ZYFGL”) was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and two wholly-owned British Virgin Islands subsidiaries of ZYFGL, ZYSL (BVI) Limited (“ZYSL (BVI)”) and ZYCL (BVI) Limited (“ZYCL (BVI)”), were then incorporated on August 29, 2019. With the approval obtained from HKSFC, the ownership interests in ZYSL and ZYCL were transferred from Zhong Yang Holdings Limited to ZYSL (BVI) and ZYCL (BVI), respectively on March 26, 2020.

 

In support of our plan to expand the brokerage business coverage to more foreign exchanges, two new investment holding companies, namely ZYAL (BVI) Limited (“ZYAL (BVI)”) and ZYNL (BVI) Limited (“ZYNL (BVI)”), were established under the laws of British Virgin Islands on January 7, 2021 and January 20, 2021, respectively. ZYAL (BVI) aims at obtaining the Australian Financial Services License authorised by Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”) to provide financial service to the clients through further incorporation of local subsidiary for license application or by equity transaction. ZYNL (BVI) aims at providing financial service in New Zealand and accordingly, intends to register as a Financial Service Provider (“FSP”) on the Financial Service Providers Register (“FSPR”) governed by the New Zealand Companies Office through further incorporation of local subsidiary for FSP application or by equity transaction.

 

7

 

 

Furthermore, on January 12 2021, we incorporated an IT company, namely ZYTL (BVI) Limited (“ZYTL (BVI)”), with limited liability under the laws of British Virgin Islands for the purpose of strengthening our online trading platform by either acquisition of potential software development company or by independent development.

 

Corporate Structure

 

The following diagram illustrates the corporate structure of Zhang Yang Financial Group Limited and its subsidiaries as of the date of this prospectus:

 

 

Our Subsidiaries and Business Functions

 

ZYSL (BVI) was incorporated as the investment holding company of ZYSL on August 29, 2019 as part of the reorganization.

 

ZYCL (BVI) was incorporated as the investment holding company of ZYCL on August 29, 2019 as part of the reorganization.

 

ZYSL was established in accordance with laws and regulations of Hong Kong on April 22, 2015 with a registered capital of HKD 18,000,000 (approximately $2.3 million). ZYSL is a limited liability corporation licensed with HKSFC to carry out regulated activities including Type 1 Dealing in Securities and Type 2 Dealing in Futures Contracts.

 

ZYCL was established in accordance with laws and regulations of Hong Kong on September 29, 2016 with a registered capital of HKD 5,000,000 (approximately $0.6 million). ZYCL is a limited liability corporation licensed with the HKSFC to carry out regulated activities Type 4 Advising on Securities, Type 5 Advising on Futures Contracts and Type 9 Asset Management.

 

ZYAL (BVI), ZYTL (BVI) and ZYNL (BVI) were incorporated under the laws of British Virgin Islands on January 7, 2021, January 12, 2021 and January 20, 2021. These subsidiaries have minimum operation as of the date of this prospectus.

 

Implications of Our Being an “Emerging Growth Company”

 

As a company with less than $1.07 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. An “emerging growth company” may take advantage of reduced reporting requirements that are otherwise applicable to larger public companies. In particular, as an emerging growth company, we:

 

may present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or “MD&A”;
are not required to provide a detailed narrative disclosure discussing our compensation principles, objectives and elements and analyzing how those elements fit with our principles and objectives, which is commonly referred to as “compensation discussion and analysis”;
are not required to obtain an attestation and report from our auditors on our management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
are not required to obtain a non-binding advisory vote from our shareholders on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements (commonly referred to as the “say-on-pay,” “say-on frequency” and “say-on-golden-parachute” votes);

 

8

 

 

are exempt from certain executive compensation disclosure provisions requiring a pay-for-performance graph and chief executive officer pay ratio disclosure;
are eligible to claim longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under §107 of the JOBS Act; and
will not be required to conduct an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting.

 

We intend to take advantage of all of these reduced reporting requirements and exemptions, including the longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under §107 of the JOBS Act. Our election to use the phase-in periods may make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the phase-in periods under §107 of the JOBS Act.

 

We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of at least US$1.07 billion; (ii) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering; (iii) the date on which we have, during the preceding three-year period, issued more than US$1.0 billion in non-convertible debt; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our Ordinary Shares that are held by non-affiliates exceeds US$700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter. Once we cease to be an emerging growth company, we will not be entitled to the exemptions provided in the JOBS Act discussed above.

 

Implications of Being a Foreign Private Issuer

 

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). As such, we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States domestic public companies. For example:

 

we are not required to provide as many Exchange Act reports, or as frequently, as a domestic public company;
for interim reporting, we are permitted to comply solely with our home country requirements, which are less rigorous than the rules that apply to domestic public companies;
we are not required to provide the same level of disclosure on certain issues, such as executive compensation;
we are exempt from provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information;
we are not required to comply with the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; and
we are not required to comply with Section 16 of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their share ownership and trading activities and establishing insider liability for profits realized from any “short-swing” trading transaction.

 

Implications of Being a Controlled Company

 

Controlled companies are exempt from the majority of independent director requirements. Controlled companies are subject to an exemption from Nasdaq standards requiring that the board of a listed company consist of a majority of independent directors within one year of the listing date.

 

Public Companies that qualify as a “Controlled Company” with securities listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq), must comply with the exchange’s continued listing standards to maintain their listings. Nasdaq has adopted qualitative listing standards.  Companies that do not comply with these corporate governance requirements may lose their listing status. Under the Nasdaq rules, a “controlled company” is a company with more than 50% of its voting power held by a single person, entity or group. Under Nasdaq rules, a controlled company is exempt from certain corporate governance requirements including:

 

the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors;
the requirement that a listed company have a nominating and governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities;
the requirement that a listed company have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and
the requirement for an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and governance committee and compensation committee.

 

Controlled companies must still comply with the exchange’s other corporate governance standards. These include having an audit committee and the special meetings of independent or non-management directors.

 

9

 

 

Upon the completion of this offering, our Controlling Shareholder will beneficially own ________% of our total issued and outstanding ordinary shares, representing ______% of the total voting power, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their over- allotment option, or ________% of our total issued and outstanding ordinary shares, representing _______________% of the total voting power, assuming that the over-allotment option is exercised in full. As a result, we will be a “controlled company” as defined under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5615(c) because our Controlling Shareholder will hold more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors. As a “controlled company,” we are permitted to elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements. We do not plan to rely on these exemptions, but we may elect to do so after we complete this offering.

 

Corporate Information

 

Our principal executive offices are located at Flat 1101, 118 Connaught Road West, Hong Kong. Our telephone number at this address is +852 3107 0731. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the offices of Vistra (Cayman) Limited, P. O. Box 31119 Grand Pavilion, Hibiscus Way, 802 West Bay Road, Grand Cayman, KY1 - 1205 Cayman Islands. Our agent for service of process in the United States is _________________________________ located at____________________..

 

Investors should contact us for any inquiries through the address and telephone number of our principal executive offices. Our website is www.zyfgl.com. The information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus.

 

Conventions Which Apply to this Prospectus

 

Unless we indicate otherwise, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option to purchase up to _______________additional Ordinary Shares from us.

 

Except where the context otherwise requires and for purposes of this prospectus only:

 

“Chinese investors” refer to the Chinese speaking population around the globe.
“China” or “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for the purpose of this prospectus only, Taiwan region, Hong Kong, and Macau;
“Controlling Shareholder” refers to Zhong Yang Holdings (BVI) Limited;
“HK$” or “Hong Kong dollars” refers to the legal currency of Hong Kong;
“HKSFC” refers to the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong;
“HKSFO” refers to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Honk Kong;
“Hong Kong” refers to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China;
“Ordinary Shares” refers to the Company’s ordinary shares, par value $0.001 per share;
“SEC” refers to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission;
“SEHK” refers to the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited;
“US$” or “U.S. dollars” refers to the legal currency of the United States;
“Zhong Yang Financial “, the “Company”, “we,” “us,” “or “our” refers to Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company, and its subsidiaries.

 

Our reporting currency is Hong Kong dollars because our business is mainly conducted in Hong Kong and most of our revenue is denominated in Hong Kong dollars. This prospectus contains translations of Hong Kong dollars into U.S. dollars solely for the convenience of the reader. The conversion of Hong Kong dollars into U.S. dollars are based on the exchange rates set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Hong Kong dollars to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Hong Kong dollars in this prospectus were made at either a year-end spot rate of HK$7.8498 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of March 31, 2019 or an average rate of HK$7.8421 to US$1.00. On March 31, 2020 the year-end spot rate and average rate for Hong Kong dollars were, respectively, HK$7.7513 to US$1.00 and HK$7.8167 to US$1.00.

 

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THE OFFERING

 

Below is a summary of the terms of the offering

 

Issuer   Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited
     
Securities offered by us   Ordinary Shares, par value $0.001 per share.
     
Offering price   We currently estimate that the initial public offering price will be between US$___ and US$____ per Ordinary Share.
     
Ordinary Shares outstanding prior to the offering   ___________________ Ordinary Shares.
     
Over-allotment option   We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 45 days to purchase up to   ____      additional Ordinary Shares, if any.
     
Ordinary Shares to be outstanding after this offering   _______   shares (or   _____________     shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Ordinary Shares in full).
     
Use of proceeds  

We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $ ______, or approximately $      ___________if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option to purchase additional shares in full, assuming an offering price of $      per share (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering primarily for _________. _________ and general corporate purposes, including working capital.. See “Use of Proceeds” for additional information.

     
Proposed Nasdaq__________ Trading Symbol and Listing   We have applied to list our Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq ________ under the symbol “OK.” This offering is contingent upon us listing our  Ordinary Shares on Nasdaq Capital Market or another national exchange. No assurance can be given that such listing will be approved or that a liquid trading market will develop for our Ordinary Shares.
     
Lock-up   Our directors, executive officers, and shareholder who own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of our Ordinary Shares have agreed with the underwriters not to offer for sale, issue, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any of our Ordinary Shares or securities convertible into Ordinary Shares for a period of [ ] days commencing on the date of this prospectus. See “Underwriting” for additional information.
     

Transfer Agent 

  [●]
     
Risk factors   See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of risks you should carefully consider before investing in our Ordinary Shares.

 

The number of Ordinary Shares to be outstanding after this offering is based on _______ Ordinary Shares outstanding as of ________, 2021 and excludes:

 

 [●]

 

Unless we specifically state otherwise, the information in this prospectus assumes no exercise by the underwriter of the over-allotment option

 

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SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following summary consolidated statement of comprehensive income data for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, summary consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2019 and 2020 and summary consolidated cash flow data for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results expected for future periods. You should read this Summary Financial Data section together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

   For the Years Ended
March 31,
 
   2019   2020 
   US$   US$ 
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:        
Revenues:        
Futures brokerage commissions   10,466,542    16,179,198 
Other service revenues   292,663    226,599 
Trading gains   -    22,124 
Interest income and other   25,618    72,304 
    10,784,823    16,500,225 
Expenses:          
Commission expenses   (7,849,683)   (12,473,805)
Compensation and benefits   (698,740)   (657,473)
Communications and technology   (381,493)   (417,496)
Occupancy   (130,184)   (133,344)
Travel and business development   (32,211)   (52,167)
Professional fees   (29,721)   (55,946)
Other administrative expenses   (136,646)   (112,475)
    (9,258,678)   (13,902,706)
Income before income taxes   1,526,145    2,597,519 
Income tax expense   (241,249)   (58,443)
Net income   1,284,896    2,539,076 

 

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The following table sets forth selected information from our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2019 and 2020. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

   As of March 31, 
   2019   2020 
   US$   US$ 
Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet:        
Assets        
Cash and cash equivalents   2,085,694    3,640,353 
Restricted cash   4,224,242    1,224,144 
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations   3,894,769    5,062,922 
Commissions receivable   60,100    75,900 
Amount due from a related party   2,486,187    2,876,244 
Securities owned, at fair value   -    134,785 
Fixed assets, net   34,827    17,254 
Intangible asset, net   63,696    64,505 
Other assets   195,121    190,821 
    13,044,636    13,286,928 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity          
Payable to customers   8,065,543    6,135,191 
Dividend payable   -    503,141 
Income tax payable   302,924    58,936 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   167,921    160,281 
Total liabilities   8,536,388    6,857,549 

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our Ordinary Shares involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our Ordinary Shares, you should consider carefully the risks described below, together with all of the other information set forth in this prospectus, including the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow could be materially and adversely affected, which could cause the trading price of our Ordinary Shares to decline, resulting in a loss of all or part of your investment.

 

Risks Relating to our Business and Industry

 

We have a relatively short operating history compared to some of our established competitors and face significant risks and challenges in a rapidly evolving market, which makes it difficult to effectively assess our future prospects.

 

We have a relatively short operating history compared to some of our established competitors. You should consider our business and prospects in light of the risks and challenges we encounter or may encounter given the rapidly evolving market in which we operate and our relatively short operating history. These risks and challenges include our ability to, among other things:

 

build a well-recognized and respected brand;
establish and expand our client base;
maintain and enhance our relationships with our business partners;
attract, retain, and motivate talented employees;
anticipate and adapt to changing market conditions and a competitive landscape;
manage our future growth;
ensure that the performance of our products and services meets client expectations;
maintain or improve our operational efficiency;
navigate a complex and evolving regulatory environment;
defend ourselves in any legal or regulatory actions against us;
enhance our technology infrastructure and maintain the security of our system and the confidentiality of the information provided and utilized across our system;
avoid and remedy operating errors as a result of human or system errors;
identify and address conflicts of interest; and
identify and appropriately manage our related party transactions.

 

If we fail to address any or all of these risks and challenges, our business may be materially and adversely affected.

 

We have a relatively short history in serving our current client base. As our business develops and as we respond to competition, we may continue to introduce new service offerings, make adjustments to our existing services, or make adjustments to our business operations in general. Any significant change to our business model that does not achieve expected results could have a material and adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. It is therefore difficult to effectively assess our future prospects.

 

Unfavorable financial market and economic conditions in Hong Kong, China, and elsewhere in the world could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

As a financial services firm based in Hong Kong, our business is materially affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions in Hong Kong, China, and elsewhere in the world. Financial markets and economic conditions could be negatively impacted by many factors beyond our control, such as inability to access capital markets, control of foreign exchange, changes in exchange rates, rising interest rates or inflation, slowing or negative growth rate, government involvement in allocation of resources, inability to meet financial commitments in a timely manner, terrorism, pandemics such as Covid-19, political uncertainty, civil unrest, fiscal or other economic policy of Hong Kong or other governments, and the timing and nature of any regulatory reform. The current trade frictions between the United States and China may also give rise to uncertainties in global economic conditions and adversely affect general investor confidence. Unfavorable financial market and economic conditions in Hong Kong, China, and elsewhere in the world could negatively affect our clients’ business and materially reduce demand for our services and increase price competition among financial services firms seeking such engagements, and thus could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, our profitability could be adversely affected due to our fixed costs and the possibility that we would be unable to reduce our variable costs without reducing revenue or within a timeframe sufficient to offset any decreases in revenue relating to changes in market and economic conditions.

 

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The financial services industry is intensely competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively, we may lose our market share and our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

 

The online brokerage service industry and the financial services industry, in general, is intensely competitive, highly fragmented, and subject to rapid change, and we expect it to remain so. We compete both in Hong Kong and globally, and on the basis of a number of factors, including the ability to adapt to evolving financial needs of a broad spectrum of clients, our ability to identify market demands and business opportunities to win client mandates, the quality of our advice, our employees and deal execution, the range and price of our products and services, our innovation, our reputation, and the strength of our relationships. We expect to continue to invest capital and resources in our businesses in order to grow and develop them to a size where they are able to compete effectively in their markets, have economies of scale, and are themselves able to produce or consolidate significant revenue and profit. We cannot assure you that the planned and anticipated growth of our businesses will be achieved or in what timescale. There may be difficulties securing financing for investment for growth and in recruiting and retaining the skilled human resources required to compete effectively. If we fail to compete effectively against our competitors, our business, financial conditions, results of operations, and prospects will be materially and adversely affected.

 

As an online provider of securities and futures trading services for Chinese investors on a global basis, our business generally requires us to react promptly to the evolving demand of our clients and be able to provide innovative financial solutions tailored to their needs. We may not be able to compete effectively with our competitors at all times and always be able to provide appropriate financial solutions that promptly and accurately address our clients’ needs. If this were to happen, our ability to attract new or retain existing clients will suffer, which would materially and adversely affect our revenue and earnings.

 

We primarily compete with other providers of financial services to Chinese investors. We may face pricing pressure as some of our competitors may seek to obtain higher market share by reducing fees and commissions. Some of our competitors include large global financial institutions or state-owned PRC financial institutions operating or headquartered in Hong Kong, many of which have longer operating histories, far broader financial and other resources, and significantly greater name recognition than us and have the ability to offer a wider range of products, which may enhance their competitive position. They also regularly support services we do not provide, such as commercial lending, margin lending and other financial services and products, which puts us at a competitive disadvantage and could result in pricing pressures or lost opportunities, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, we may be at a competitive disadvantage with regard to some of our competitors that have larger customer bases and greater human resources.

 

Because our top five customers presently account for a significant portion of our total revenues, the loss of any such customers or a material decline in their trading activities through us would have an adverse effect on our operating results.

 

Our top five customers presently account for more than 50% of our total revenues during the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020. Although we strive to provide excellent service and experience to our customers, we cannot guarantee that these top customers will continue to trade on our platform at levels commensurate with previous periods, or that they will not terminate the use of our services in the future. The volume of trading and the type of futures products which these clients may decide to trade during any particular period depends on their investment preferences at the time, which may be affected by their outlook of the market as well as factors beyond our control. Any decline in our top customers’ transaction volume could lower our revenues, which would adversely affect our profitability.

 

Our current level of commission and fee rates may decline in the future. Any material reduction in our commission or fee rates could reduce our profitability.

 

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from commissions and fees paid by our clients for trading futures through our online platform. During the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, our brokerage commission income and handling charge income amounted to US$10.76 million and US$16.41 million, respectively, representing 99.76% and 99.43% of our total revenues during the same years, respectively. We may experience pressure on our commission or fee rates as a result of competition we face in the online brokerage service industry. Some of our competitors offer a broader range of services to a larger client base, and enjoy higher trading volumes, than we do. Consequently, our competitors may be able and willing to offer trading services at lower commission or fee rates than we currently offer or may be able to offer. For example, some banks in Hong Kong and the United States offer zero commission fees or similar policies to attract securities investors. As a result of this pricing competition, we could lose both market share and revenues. We believe that any downward pressure on commission or fee rates would likely continue and intensify as we continue to develop our business and gain recognition in our markets. A decline in our commission or fee rates could lower our revenues, which would adversely affect our profitability. In addition, our competitors may offer other financial incentives such as rebates or discounts in order to induce trading in their systems rather than in ours. If our commission or fee rate decreases significantly, our operating and financial results may be materially and adversely affected.

 

The level of commission and fee rate we need to pay our execution brokers may increase in the future. Any material increment in our commission or free rates could reduce our profitability.

 

Commission expense was our largest type of expenses, which amounted to 73% and 76% of our revenues for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Commission expenses represent the fees we paid to our broker partners, when we place a client order to an exchange market through these partners. We rely on these partners to execute trades except for orders to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Hong Kong Futures Exchange. Although there is a wide selection of broker partners we could choose from, if the commission and fee rate we need to pay to our execution brokers increase significantly and we could not find cost-effective alternatives or pass on the extra cost to our customers, our operating and financial results may be materially and adversely affected.

 

15

 

 

We may not be able to develop our proposed margin financing business as expected and may be exposed to credit risks related to such business. In addition, we need adequate funding at reasonable costs to successfully operate our margin financing business and access to adequate funding at reasonable costs cannot be assured.

 

Our proposed margin financing business may not develop as expected if clients fail to perform contractual obligations or the value of collateral held to secure the obligations is inadequate. We intend to adopt comprehensive internal policies and procedures designed to manage such risks. For example, once the margin value falls below the outstanding amount of the relevant loan extended as a result of a market downturn or adverse movement in the prices of the pledged securities, we will make a margin call requesting the client to deposit additional funds, sell securities or pledge additional securities to top up their margin value. If the client’s margin value still falls below the required standard, we will initiate our liquidation protection mechanism on a real-time basis to bring the client’s account into margin compliance. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that we will not be exposed to any credit risks associated with our proposed margin financing business

 

Moreover, the development, growth and success of our proposed margin financing business will depend on the availability of adequate funding to meet our client demand for loans on our platform. We expect to derive the funding for our proposed margin financing business from a variety of sources, including funding secured from commercial banks, other licensed financial institutions and other parties as well as financing generated from our business operations. To the extent there is insufficient funding from institutional funding partners who are willing to accept the credit risk related to the collateral from our clients, the funds available for our proposed margin financing business might be limited and our ability to provide margin financing services to our clients to address their demand for loans would be adversely impacted. In addition, as we strive to offer our clients competitively priced services and the online brokerage market is intensely competitive, we may attempt to further reduce our interest expenses from our funding partners. If we cannot continue to maintain our relationship with these funding partners and obtain adequate funding at reasonable costs, we may not be able to continue to offer or grow our proposed margin financing business. To the extent that our funding partners find the risk-adjusted returns with us less attractive, we may not be able to obtain the requisite level of funding at reasonable costs, or at all. If our platform is unable to provide our clients with margin loans or fund the loans on a timely basis due to insufficient funding or less favorable pricing compared to those of our competitors, it would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may not succeed in promoting and sustaining our brand, which could have an adverse effect on our future growth and business.

 

A critical component of our future growth is our ability to promote and sustain our brand. Promoting and positioning our brand and platform will depend largely on the success of our marketing efforts, our ability to attract users and clients cost-efficiently and our ability to consistently provide high- quality services and a superior experience. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant expenses related to advertising and other marketing efforts, which may not be effective and may adversely affect our net margins.

 

In addition, to provide a high-quality user and client experience, we have invested and will continue to invest substantial amounts of resources in the development and functionality of our platform, website, technology infrastructure and client service operations. Our ability to provide a high-quality user and client experience is also highly dependent on external factors over which we may have little or no control, including, without limitation, the reliability and performance of software vendors and business partners. Failure to provide our users and clients with high quality services and experience for any reason could substantially harm our reputation and adversely impact our efforts to develop a trusted brand, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

 

Our corporate actions will be substantially controlled by our Controlling Shareholder, Zhong Yang Holdings (BVI) Limited, which will have the ability to control or exert significant influence over important corporate matters that require approval of shareholders, which may deprive you of an opportunity to receive a premium for your Ordinary Shares and materially reduce the value of your investment.

 

Immediately following this offering, Zhong Yang Holdings (BVI) Limited, our Controlling Shareholder, will beneficially own approximately ______% of our outstanding Ordinary Shares or _________% of the total voting power of our outstanding Ordinary Shares, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional Ordinary Shares. Accordingly, Zhong Yang Holdings (BVI) Limited will have significant influence in determining the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to the shareholders for approval, including mergers, consolidations, election of directors and other significant corporate actions. This concentration of ownership may also discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and might reduce the price of our Ordinary Shares. These actions may be taken even if they are opposed by our other shareholders, including those who purchase Ordinary Shares in this offering.

 

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Our business may be affected by the Competition Ordinance of Hong Kong.

 

The Competition Ordinance (Chapter 619 of the Laws of Hong Kong) came into full effect in Hong Kong on December 14, 2015. The Competition Ordinance prohibits and deters undertakings in all sectors from adopting anti-competitive conduct which has the object or effect of preventing, restricting or distorting competition in Hong Kong. The key prohibitions include (i) prohibition of agreements between businesses which have the object or effect of preventing, restricting or distorting competition in Hong Kong; and (ii) prohibiting companies with a substantial degree of market power, including monopolists, from abusing their power by engaging in conduct that has the object or effect of harming competition in Hong Kong. There are very severe penalties for breaches of the Competition Ordinance, including financial penalties of up to 10.0% of the total gross revenues obtained in Hong Kong for each year of infringement, up to a maximum of three years in which the contravention occurs.

 

Since the Competition Ordinance has only been operational since December 2015, there are uncertainties on the full effect of the rules in respect of compliance, infringement and its effect on our sales. We may face difficulties and may need to incur legal costs in ensuring our compliance with the Competition Ordinance. We may also inadvertently infringe the Competition Ordinance and under such circumstance, we may be subject to fines and/or other penalties, incur substantial legal costs and experience business disruption and/or negative media coverage, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and reputation.

 

Our businesses depend on key management executives and professional staff, and our business may suffer if we are unable to recruit and retain them.

 

Our businesses depend on the skills, reputation, and professional experience of our key management executives, the network of resources and relationships they generate during the normal course of their activities, and the synergies among the diverse fields of expertise and knowledge held by our senior professionals. Therefore, the success of our business depends on the continued services of these individuals. If we lose their services, we may not be able to execute our existing business strategy effectively, and we may have to change our current business direction. These disruptions to our business may take up significant energy and resources of our company, and materially and adversely affect our future prospects.

 

Moreover, our business operations depend on our professional staff, our most valuable asset. Their skills, reputation, professional experience, and client relationships are critical elements in obtaining and executing client engagements. We devote considerable resources and incentives to recruiting and retaining these personnel. However, the market for quality professional staff is increasingly competitive. We expect to face significant competition in hiring such personnel. Additionally, as we mature, current compensations scheme to attract employees may not be as effective as in the past. The intense competition may require us to offer more competitive compensation and other incentives to our talent, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. As a result, we may find it difficult to retain and motivate these employees, and this could affect their decisions about whether or not they continue to work for us. If we do not succeed in attracting, hiring and integrating quality professional staff, or retaining and motivating existing personnel, we may be unable to grow effectively.

 

We are subject to extensive and evolving regulatory requirements, non-compliance with which may result in penalties, limitations, and prohibitions on our future business activities or suspension or revocation of our licenses, and consequently may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, we may, from time to time, be subject to regulatory inquiries and investigations by relevant regulatory authorities or government agencies in Hong Kong or other applicable jurisdictions.

 

The Hong Kong and other financial markets in which we primarily operate are highly regulated. Our business operations are subject to applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, circulars, and other regulatory guidance, and many aspects of our businesses depend on obtaining and maintaining approvals, licenses, permits, or qualifications from the relevant regulators. Serious non-compliance with regulatory requirements could result in investigations and regulatory actions, which may lead to penalties, including reprimands, fines, limitations, or prohibitions on our future business activities or, if significant, suspension or revocation of our licenses. Failure to comply with these regulatory requirements could limit the scope of businesses in which we are permitted to engage. Furthermore, additional regulatory approvals, licenses, permits, or qualifications may be required by relevant regulators in the future, and some of our current approvals, licenses, permits, or qualifications are subject to periodic renewal. Although we have not been found by any relevant regulators to be in material non-compliance with any regulatory requirements since we commenced our current businesses in 2015, any such finding or other negative outcome may affect our ability to conduct business, harm our reputation and, consequently, materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.

 

Two of our subsidiaries, Zhong Yang Securities Limited and Zhong Yang Capital Limited, are HKSFC-licensed companies subject to various requirements, such as remaining fit and proper at all times, minimum liquid and paid-up capital requirements, notification requirements, submission of audited accounts, submission of financial resources returns and annual returns, continuous professional training, under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and its subsidiary legislation and the codes and the guidelines issued by the HKSFC. If any of these HKSFC licensed companies fails to meet the regulatory capital requirements in Hong Kong, the local regulatory authorities may impose penalties on us or limit the scope of our business, which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, the relevant capital requirements may be changed over time or subject to different interpretations by relevant governmental authorities, all of which are out of our control. Any increase of the relevant capital requirements or stricter enforcement or interpretation of the same may adversely affect our business activities. Any non-compliance with applicable regulatory requirements by our company or any of our subsidiaries may result in penalties, limitations, and prohibitions on our future business activities and thus may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

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From time to time, Zhong Yang Securities Limited and Zhong Yang Capital Limited may be subject to or required to assist in inquiries or investigations by relevant regulatory authorities or government agencies in Hong Kong or other jurisdictions, including the HKSFC and the SEC, relating to its own activities or activities of third parties such as its clients. The HKSFC conducts on- site reviews and off-site monitoring to ascertain and supervise our business conduct and compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and to assess and monitor, among other things, our financial soundness. We, our directors, or our employees, may be subject to such regulatory inquiries and investigations from time to time, regardless of whether we are the target of such regulatory inquiries and investigations. If any misconduct is identified as a result of inquiries, reviews or investigations, the HKSFC may take disciplinary actions that would lead to revocation or suspension of licenses, public or private reprimand or imposition of pecuniary penalties against us, our responsible officers, licensed representatives, directors, or other officers. Any such disciplinary actions taken against us, our responsible officers, licensed representatives, directors, or other officers may have a material and adverse impact on our business operations and financial results. In addition, we are subject to statutory secrecy obligations under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong whereby we may not be permitted to disclose details on any HKSFC inquiries, reviews or investigations without the consent of the HKSFC. For further details, see “Regulation—Disciplinary Power of the HKSFC.”

 

Our revenue and profits are highly volatile, and fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, which may result in volatility of the price of our Ordinary Shares.

 

Our revenue and profits are highly volatile and could fluctuate significantly. For example, the revenue generated from our businesses are highly dependent on market conditions, regulatory environment and policies, and the decisions and actions of our clients and interested third parties. Almost all of our revenue were derived from brokerage fees generated from customers who traded futures on our platform, therefore our revenue is highly influenced by the futures trading volume of our customers and the commission rates we charge. Futures brokerage commission is likely to remain our main source of revenue in the near future, until we start to offer margin financing and CFD products. The willingness of our customers to trade futures on our platform can be affected by a number of factors which are difficult to predict, for example, general economic and political conditions in Hong Kong, the PRC and fluctuations in interest rates, and changes in investor confidence in the market. Where our customers decide to reduce their trading volume in future contracts or to not trade at all, our revenue will be reduced. As a result, our results of operations will likely fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on the timing of when those fees are earned. It may be difficult for us to achieve steady earnings growth on a quarterly basis, which could, in turn, lead to large adverse movements in the price of our Ordinary Shares or increasing volatility in our Ordinary Share price generally.

 

We face additional risks as we offer new products and services, transact with a broader array of clients and counterparties and expose ourselves to new geographical markets.

 

We are committed to providing new products and services in order to strengthen our market position in the financial services industry and client relationships. We expect to expand our product and service offerings as permitted by relevant regulatory authorities, transact with new clients not in our traditional client base and enter into new markets. For further details, see “Business—Our Growth Strategies.” These activities expose us to new and increasingly challenging risks, including, but not limited to:

 

we may have insufficient experience or expertise in offering new products and services and dealing with inexperienced counterparties and clients may harm our reputation;
we may be subject to stricter regulatory scrutiny, or increasing tolerance of credit risks, market risks, compliance risks, and operational risks;
we may be unable to provide clients with adequate levels of service for our new products and services;
our new products and services may not be accepted by our clients or meet our profitability expectations;
our new products and services may be quickly copied by our competitors so that its attractiveness to our clients may be diluted; and
our internal information technology infrastructure may not be sufficient to support our product and service offerings.

 

If we are unable to achieve the expected results with respect to our offering of new products and services, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

In addition, engaging in business internationally may expose us to additional risks and uncertainties. As we have limited experience in operating our business in United States and other overseas markets, we may be unable to attract a sufficient number of clients, fail to anticipate competitive conditions, or face difficulties in operating effectively in these markets. We may also fail to adapt our business models to the local market due to various legal requirements and market conditions. Compliance with applicable foreign laws and regulations, especially financial regulations, increases the costs and risk exposure of doing business in foreign jurisdictions. In addition, in some cases, compliance with the laws and regulations of one country could nevertheless cause violation of the laws and regulations of another country. Violations of these laws and regulations could materially and adversely affect our brand, international growth efforts, and business.

 

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We may undertake acquisitions, investments, joint ventures, or other strategic alliances, which could present unforeseen integration difficulties or costs and may not enhance our business as we expect.

 

Our strategy includes plans to grow both organically and through possible acquisitions, joint ventures, or other strategic alliances. Joint ventures and strategic alliances may expose us to new operational, regulatory, and market risks, as well as risks associated with additional capital requirements. We may not be able, however, to identify suitable future acquisition targets or alliance partners. Even if we identify suitable targets or partners, the evaluation, negotiation, and monitoring of the transactions could require significant management attention and internal resources and we may be unable to complete an acquisition or alliance on terms commercially acceptable to us. The costs of completing an acquisition or alliance may be costly and we may not be able to access funding sources on terms commercially acceptable to us. Even when acquisitions are completed, we may encounter difficulties in integrating the acquired entities and businesses, such as difficulties in retention of clients and personnel, challenge of integration and effective deployment of operations or technologies, and assumption of unforeseen or hidden material liabilities or regulatory non-compliance issues. Any of these events could disrupt our business plans and strategies, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Such risks could also result in our failure to derive the intended benefits of the acquisitions, strategic investments, joint ventures, or strategic alliances, and we may be unable to recover our investment in such initiatives. We cannot assure you that we could successfully mitigate or overcome these risks.

 

Any negative publicity with respect to us, our directors, officers, employees, shareholders, or other beneficial owners, our peers, business partners, or our industry in general, may materially and adversely affect our reputation, business, and results of operations.

 

Our reputation and brand recognition play an important role in earning and maintaining the trust and confidence of our existing and prospective clients. Our reputation and brand are vulnerable to many threats that can be difficult or impossible to control, and costly or impossible to remediate. Negative publicity about us, such as alleged misconduct, other improper activities, or negative rumors relating to our business, shareholders, or other beneficial owners, affiliates, directors, officers, or other employees, can harm our reputation, business, and results of operations, even if they are baseless or satisfactorily addressed. These allegations, even if unproven or meritless, may lead to inquiries, investigations, or other legal actions against us by any regulatory or government authorities. Any regulatory inquiries or investigations and lawsuits against us, and perceptions of conflicts of interest, inappropriate business conduct by us or perceived wrong doing by any key member of our management team, among other things, could substantially damage our reputation regardless of their merits, and cause us to incur significant costs to defend ourselves. As we reinforce our ecosystem and stay close to our clients and other stakeholders, any negative market perception or publicity on our business partners that we closely cooperate with, or any regulatory inquiries or investigations and lawsuits initiated against them, may also have an impact on our brand and reputation, or subject us to regulatory inquiries or investigations or lawsuits. Moreover, any negative media publicity about the financial services industry in general or product or service quality problems of other firms in the industry in which we operate, including our competitors, may also negatively impact our reputation and brand. If we are unable to maintain a good reputation or further enhance our brand recognition, our ability to attract and retain clients, third-party partners, and key employees could be harmed and, as a result, our business, financial position, and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our operations may be subject to transfer pricing adjustments by competent authorities.

 

We may use transfer pricing arrangements to account for business activities between us and our Controlling Shareholder, the different entities within our consolidated group, or other related parties. We cannot assure you that the tax authorities in the jurisdictions where we operate would not subsequently challenge the appropriateness of our transfer pricing arrangements or that the relevant regulations or standards governing such arrangements will not be subject to future changes. If a competent tax authority later finds that the transfer prices and the terms that we have applied are not appropriate, such authority may require us or our subsidiaries to re-assess the transfer prices and re-allocate the income or adjust the taxable income. Any such reallocation or adjustment could result in a higher overall tax liability for us and may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Our risk management and internal control systems, as well as the risk management tools available to us, may not fully protect us against various risks inherent in our business.

 

We follow our comprehensive internal risk management framework and procedures to manage our risks, including, but not limited to, reputational, legal, regulatory, compliance, operational, market, liquidity, and credit risks. However, our risk management policies, procedures, and internal controls may not be adequate or effective in mitigating our risks or protecting us against unidentified or unanticipated risks. In particular, some methods of managing risks are based upon observed historical market behavior and our experience in the financial industry. These methods may fail to predict future risk exposures, which could be significantly greater than those indicated by our historical measures. Other risk management methods depend upon an evaluation of available information regarding operating and market conditions and other matters, which may not be accurate, complete, up-to-date, or properly evaluated. In addition, the capital markets are constantly developing, the information and experience that we rely on for our risk management methods may become quickly outdated as capital markets and regulatory environment continue to evolve. Any deficiencies or failures in our risk management and internal control systems and procedures may adversely affect our ability to identify or report our deficiencies or non-compliance. For a discussion of risks relating to the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, see “Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—We have identified certain material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2020, and if we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of internal control to remediate our material weakness over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations, meet our reporting obligations, or prevent fraud.” In addition, failure of our employees to effectively enforce such risk management and internal controls procedures, or any of the foregoing risks, may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

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Our business is subject to various cyber-security and other operational risks.

 

We face various cyber-security and other operational risks relating to our businesses on a daily basis. We rely heavily on financial, accounting, communication and other data processing systems as well as the people who operate them to securely process, transmit, and store sensitive and confidential client information, and communicate globally with our staff, clients, partners, and third-party vendors. We also depend on various third-party software and cloud-based storage platforms as well as other information technology systems in our business operations. These systems, including third-party systems, may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of tampering or a breach of our network security systems or otherwise, including for reasons beyond our control.

 

Our clients typically provide us with sensitive and confidential information as part of our business arrangements. We are susceptible of attempts to obtain unauthorized access of such sensitive and confidential client information. We also may be subject to cyber-attacks involving leak and destruction of sensitive and confidential client information and our proprietary information, which could result from an employee’s or agent’s failure to follow data security procedures or as a result of actions by third parties, including actions by government authorities. Although cyber-attacks have not had a material impact on our operations to date, breaches of our or third-party network security systems on which we rely could involve attacks that are intended to obtain unauthorized access to and disclose sensitive and confidential client information and our proprietary information, destroy data or disable, degrade, or sabotage our systems, often through the introduction of computer viruses and other means, and could originate from a wide variety of sources, including state actors or other unknown third parties. The increase in using mobile technologies can heighten these and other operational risks.

 

We cannot assure you that we or the third parties on which we rely will be able to anticipate, detect, or implement effective preventative measures against frequently changing cyber-attacks. We may incur significant costs in maintaining and enhancing appropriate protections to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated methods of attack. In addition to the implementation of data security measures, we require our employees to maintain the confidentiality of the proprietary information that we hold. If an employee’s failure to follow proper data security procedures results in the improper release of confidential information, or our systems are otherwise compromised, malfunctioning or disabled, we could suffer a disruption of our business, financial losses, liability to clients, regulatory sanctions, and damage to our reputation.

 

We operate in businesses that are highly dependent on proper processing of financial transactions. We have to reliably obtain securities and other pricing information, properly execute and process client transactions, and provide reports and other customer service to our clients. The occurrence of trade or other operational errors or the failure to keep accurate books and records can render us liable to disciplinary action by regulatory authorities, as well as to claims by our clients. We also rely on third-party service providers for certain aspects of our business. Any interruption or deterioration in the performance of these third parties or failures of their information systems and technology could impair our operations, affect our reputation, and adversely affect our businesses.

 

Fraud or misconduct by our directors, officers, employees, agents, clients, or other third parties could harm our reputation and business and may be difficult to detect and deter.

 

It is not always possible to detect and deter fraud or misconduct by our directors, officers, employees, agents, clients, business partners, or other third parties. The precautions that we take to detect and prevent such activity may not be effective in all cases. Fraud or misconduct by any of these persons or entities may cause us to suffer significant reputational harm and financial loss or result in regulatory disciplinary actions. The potential harm to our reputation and to our business caused by such fraud or misconduct is impossible to quantify.

 

We are subject to a number of obligations and standards arising from our businesses. The violation of these obligations and standards by any of our directors, officers, employees, agents, clients, or other third parties could materially and adversely affect us and our investors. For example, our businesses require that we properly handle confidential information. If our directors, officers, employees, agents, clients, or other third parties were to improperly use or disclose confidential information, we could suffer serious harm to our reputation, financial position, and existing and future business relationships. Although we have not identified any material fraud or misconduct by our directors, officers, employees, agents, clients, or other third parties since we commenced our current businesses in 2015, if any of these persons or entities were to engage in fraud or misconduct or were to be accused of such fraud or misconduct, our business and reputation could be materially and adversely affected.

 

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We may be subject to litigation and regulatory investigations and proceedings and may not always be successful in defending ourselves against such claims or proceedings.

 

Although we have not been subject to any lawsuits and arbitration claims in relation to our current business since the commencement in 2015, operating in the financial services industry may subject us to significant risks, including the risk of lawsuits and other legal actions relating to compliance with regulatory requirements in areas such as information disclosure, sales or underwriting practices, product design, fraud and misconduct, and protection of sensitive and confidential client information. From time to time we may be subject to lawsuits and arbitration claims in the ordinary course of our business brought by external parties or disgruntled current or former employees, inquiries, investigations, and proceedings by regulatory and other governmental agencies. Any such claims brought against us, with or without merits, may result in administrative measures, settlements, injunctions, fines, penalties, negative publicities, or other results adverse to us that could have material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. Even if we are successful in defending ourselves against

 

In market downturns, the number of legal claims and amount of damages sought in litigation and regulatory proceedings may increase. In addition, our affiliates may also encounter litigation, regulatory investigations, and proceedings for the practices in their business operations. Our clients may also be involved in litigation, investigation, or other legal proceedings, some of which may relate to transactions that we have advised, whether or not there has been any fault on our part.

 

We may not be able to fully detect money laundering and other illegal or improper activities in our business operations on a timely basis or at all, which could subject us to liabilities and penalties.

 

We are required to comply with applicable anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws and other regulations in the jurisdictions where we operate. Although we have adopted policies and procedures aimed at detecting, and preventing being used for, money-laundering activities by criminals or terrorist-related organizations and individuals or improper activities (including but not limited to market manipulation and aiding and abetting tax evasion), such policies and procedures may not completely eliminate instances where our networks may be used by other parties to engage in money laundering and other illegal or improper activities. Furthermore, we primarily comply with applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations in Hong Kong and we may not fully detect violations of anti-money laundering regulations in other jurisdictions or be fully compliant with the anti-money laundering laws and regulations in other jurisdictions to which we are required. After we become a publicly listed company in the United States, we will also be subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and other laws and regulations in the United States, including regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. Although we have not identified any failure to detect material money laundering activities since we commenced our current businesses in 2015, if we fail to fully comply with applicable laws and regulations, the relevant government agencies may impose fines and other penalties on us, which may adversely affect our business.

 

We regularly encounter potential conflicts of interest, and failure to identify and address such conflicts of interest could adversely affect our business.

 

We face the possibility of actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest in the ordinary course of our business operations. Conflicts of interest may exist between (i) our different businesses; (ii) us and our clients; (iii) our clients; (iv) us and our employees; (v) our clients and our employees, or (vi) us and our Controlling Shareholder and other beneficial owners. As we expand the scope of our business and our client base, it is critical for us to be able to timely address potential conflicts of interest, including situations where two or more interests within our businesses naturally exist but are in competition or conflict. We have put in place extensive internal control and risk management procedures that are designed to identify and address conflicts of interest. However, appropriately identifying and managing actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest is complex and difficult, and our reputation and our clients’ confidence in us could be damaged if we fail, or appear to fail, to deal appropriately with one or more actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. It is possible that actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest could also give rise to client dissatisfaction, litigation, or regulatory enforcement actions. Regulatory scrutiny of, or litigation in connection with, conflicts of interest could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, which could materially and adversely affect our business in a number of ways, including a reluctance of some potential clients and counterparties to do business with us. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

The current tensions in international economic relations may negatively affect the demand for our services, and our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Recently there have been heightened tensions in international economic relations, such as the one between the United States and China. The U.S. government has imposed, and has continued to propose to impose additional, new, or higher tariffs on certain products imported from China to penalize China for what it characterizes as unfair trade practices. China has responded by imposing, and proposing to impose additional, new, or higher tariffs on certain products imported from the United States.

 

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Amid these tensions, the U.S. government has imposed and may impose additional measures on entities in China, including sanctions. As a financial services firm based in Hong Kong, our businesses are materially affected by the financial markets and economic conditions in Hong Kong, China, and elsewhere in the world. Escalations of the tensions that affect trade relations may lead to slower growth in the global economy in general, which in turn could negatively affect our clients’ businesses and materially reduce demand for our services, thus potentially negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

We may need additional funding but may not be able to obtain it on favorable terms or at all.

 

We may require additional funding for further growth and development of our business, including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If our existing resources are insufficient to satisfy our requirements, we may seek to issue additional equity or debt securities or obtain new or expanded credit facilities. Our ability to obtain external financing in the future is subject to a variety of uncertainties, including our future financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, share price performance, liquidity of international capital and lending markets, and the Hong Kong financial industry. Pursuant to the terms of the medium term notes issued by our Controlling Shareholder, so long as the notes remain outstanding, our Controlling Shareholder will not and will ensure that none of its subsidiaries, including us, create or have outstanding any mortgage, charge, lien, pledge, or other security interest, upon the whole or any part of its present or future undertaking, assets, or revenues to secure any indebtedness in the form of bonds, notes, debentures, loan stock, or other securities that are, or are intended to be, listed or traded on any stock exchange or over-the-counter or other securities market. This provision may affect our ability to obtain external financing through the issuance of debt securities in the public market. In addition, incurring indebtedness would subject us to increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to secure financing in a timely manner or in amounts or on terms favorable to us, or at all. Any failure to raise needed funds on terms favorable to us, or at all, could severely restrict our liquidity as well as have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Moreover, any issuance of equity or equity-linked securities could result in significant dilution to our existing shareholders.

 

We may be exposed to legal or regulatory liabilities if we are unable to protect the personal and sensitive data and confidential information of our clients.

 

We collect, store, and process certain personal and sensitive data from our clients. We are required to protect the personal and sensitive data and confidential information of our clients under applicable laws, rules, and regulations. While we have taken steps to protect the personal and sensitive data and confidential information of clients that we have access to, our security measures could be breached. The relevant authorities may impose sanctions or issue orders against us if we fail to protect the personal and sensitive data and confidential information of our clients, and we may have to compensate our clients if we fail to do so. We routinely transmit and receive personal and sensitive data and confidential information of our clients through the internet and other electronic means. Any misuse or mishandling of such personal and sensitive data and confidential information could result in legal liabilities, regulatory actions, reputational damage to us, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our business prospects and results of operation.

 

If our insurance coverage is insufficient, we may be subject to significant costs and business disruption.

 

Although we carry insurance which covers risks of Office Content, Business Interruption, Money Protection, Personal Accident, Public Liability, and Employee’s Compensation, and License Holders Insurance Scheme in connection with our securities dealing business covered by the Type 1 license granted to Zhong Yang Securities Limited by the HKSFC against fidelity and crime risks, we cannot assure you that we have sufficient insurance to cover all aspects of our business operations. We consider our insurance coverage to be reasonable in light of the nature of our business, but we cannot assure you that our insurance coverage is sufficient to prevent us from any loss or that we will be able to successfully claim our losses under our current insurance policies on a timely basis, or at all. If we incur any loss that is not covered by our insurance policies, or the compensated amount is significantly less than our actual loss, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We have identified certain material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2020. If we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of internal control to remediate our material weakness over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations, meet our reporting obligations, or prevent fraud.

 

Prior to this offering, we have been a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal control and procedures. Our management has not completed an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and our independent registered public accounting firm has not conducted an audit of our internal control over financial reporting. In the course of auditing our consolidated financial statements as of and for each of the two years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified certain material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2019 and 2020. As defined in the standards established by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a “material weakness” is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

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The material weakness identified relates to the lack of sufficient competent financial reporting and accounting personnel with appropriate understanding of US GAAP and SEC rules and regulations to address complex technical accounting issues and SEC reporting requirements. For a discussion of these measures, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.” We cannot assure you, however, that these measures may fully address the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting or that we may not identify additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the future.

 

Upon completion of this offering, we will become a public company in the United States subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq Capital Market. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or Section 404, will require us to include a report from management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 20-F beginning with our annual report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021. In addition, once we cease to be an “emerging growth company” as such term is defined in the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our management may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective. Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, our independent registered public accounting firm, after conducting its own independent testing, may issue an adverse report if it is not satisfied with our internal control or the level at which our control is documented, designed, operated, or reviewed, or if it interprets relevant requirements differently from us.

 

In addition, our internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected.

 

During the course of documenting and testing our internal control procedures, in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404, we may identify other weaknesses and deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, if we fail to maintain proper and effective of our internal control over financial reporting, as these standards are modified, supplemented, or amended from time to time, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. If we fail to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment, we could suffer material misstatements in our financial statements and fail to meet our reporting obligations, which would likely cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. This could in turn limit our access to capital markets, harm our results of operations, and lead to a decline in the trading price of our Ordinary Shares. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose us to increased risk of fraud or misuse of corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list, regulatory investigations, and civil or criminal sanctions. We may also be required to restate our financial statements from prior periods.

 

We may face intellectual property infringement claims, which could be time-consuming and costly to defend and may result in the loss of significant rights by us.

 

Although we have not been subject to any litigation, pending or threatened, alleging infringement of third parties’ intellectual property rights, we cannot assure you that such infringement claims will not be asserted against us in the future. Third parties may own copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, ticker symbols, internet content, and other intellectual properties that are similar to ours in jurisdictions where we currently have no active operations. If we expand our business to or engage in other commercial activities in those jurisdictions using our own copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and internet content, we may not be able to use these intellectual properties or face potential lawsuits from those third parties and incur substantial losses if we fail to defend ourselves in those lawsuits. We have policies and procedures in place to reduce the likelihood that we or our employees may use, develop, or make available any content or applications without the proper licenses or necessary third-party consents. However, these policies and procedures may not be effective in completely preventing the unauthorized posting or use of copyrighted material or the infringement of other rights of third parties.

 

Intellectual property litigation is expensive and time-consuming and could divert resources and management attention from the operation of our business. If there is a successful claim of infringement, we may be required to alter our services, cease certain activities, pay substantial royalties and damages to, and obtain one or more licenses from third parties. We may not be able to obtain those licenses on commercially acceptable terms, or at all. Any of those consequences could cause us to lose revenues, impair our client relationships and harm our reputation.

 

Any failure to protect our intellectual property could harm our business and competitive position.

 

We maintain a number of registered domain names and, although we do not currently own any registered trademarks other than our company logo, being registered in Hong Kong, we may in the future acquire new intellectual property such as trademarks, copyrights, domain names, and know-how. We will rely on a combination of intellectual property laws and contractual arrangements to protect our intellectual property rights. It is possible that third parties may copy or otherwise obtain and use our trademarks without authorization or otherwise infringe on our rights. We may not be able to successfully pursue claims for infringement that interfere with our ability to use our trademarks, website, or other relevant intellectual property or have adverse impact on our brand. We cannot assure you that any of our intellectual property rights would not be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented, or such intellectual property will be sufficient to provide us with competitive advantages. In addition, other parties may misappropriate our intellectual property rights, which would cause us to suffer economic or reputational damages.

 

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Fluctuations in the value of Renminbi and regulatory controls on the convertibility and offshore remittance of Renminbi may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Many of our clients are Chinese nationals, institutions, or corporates, and they are subject to the relevant controls of the PRC government as well as risks relating to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The change in value of Renminbi against Hong Kong dollars and other currencies is affected by various factors, such as changes in political and economic conditions in China. Any significant revaluation of Renminbi may materially and adversely affect the cash flows, revenues, earnings, and financial position of our Chinese clients. In addition, the PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, currency remittance out of China. Since 2016, the PRC government has tightened its foreign exchange policies and stepped up its scrutiny of outbound capital movement. In addition, under the existing regulations on offshore investment, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required when Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency for the purpose of offshore investment. Revaluation of the Renminbi and PRC laws and regulations in connection with the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies or offshore remittance of the Renminbi may limit the ability of our Chinese clients to engage our services, especially in our asset management business, which may in turn have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We may be affected by the currency peg system in Hong Kong.

 

Since 1983, Hong Kong dollars have been pegged to the U.S. dollars at the rate of approximately HK$7.80 to US$1.00. We cannot assure you that this policy will not be changed in the future. If the pegging system collapses and Hong Kong dollars suffer devaluation, the Hong Kong dollar cost of our expenditures denominated in foreign currency may increase. This would in turn adversely affect the operations and profitability of our business.

 

Increases in labor costs may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

The economy in Hong Kong and globally has experienced general increases in inflation and labor costs in recent years. As a result, average wages in Hong Kong and certain other regions are expected to continue to increase. In addition, we are required by Hong Kong laws and regulations to pay various statutory employee benefits, including mandatory provident fund to designated government agencies for the benefit of our employees. The relevant government agencies may examine whether an employer has made adequate payments to the statutory employee benefits, and those employers who fail to make adequate payments may be subject to fines and other penalties. We expect that our labor costs, including wages and employee benefits, will continue to increase. Unless we are able to control our labor costs or pass on these increasing labor costs, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

We may incur losses or experience disruption of our operations as a result of unforeseen or catastrophic events, including the emergence of a pandemic, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters.

 

Our business could be materially and adversely affected by catastrophic events or other business continuity problems, such as natural or man-made disasters, pandemics such as Covid-19, war, riots, terrorist attacks, or other public safety concerns. If we were to experience a natural or man- made disaster, disruption due to political unrest, or disruption involving electronic communications or other services used by us or third parties with which we conduct business, our operations will partially depend on the availability of our people and office facilities and the proper functioning of our computer, software, telecommunications, transaction processing, and other related systems. A disaster or a disruption in the infrastructure that supports our businesses, a disruption involving electronic communications or other services used by us or third parties with whom we conduct business, or a disruption that directly affects our headquarters, could have a material adverse impact on our ability to continue to operate our business without interruption. Our business could also be adversely affected if our employees are affected by pandemics. In addition, our results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent that any pandemic harms the Chinese or Hong Kong economy in general. The incidence and severity of disasters or other business continuity problems are unpredictable, and our inability to timely and successfully recover could materially disrupt our businesses and cause material financial loss, regulatory actions, reputational harm, or legal liability.

 

Aggressive competition could reduce our market share, revenues and profits.

 

The market for online securities brokerage services directed towards Chinese investors is continually evolving and is intensely competitive. The securities brokerage industry, in general, has experienced significant consolidation, which may continue in the future, likely increasing competitive pressures in the industry. Consolidation could enable other firms to offer a broader range of products and services than we do, or offer them on better terms, such as higher interest rates paid on cash held in client accounts. We expect this intensely competitive environment to continue in the future. We face direct competition from numerous securities brokerage firms geared towards Chinese investors, including UP Fintech Holding Limited and Futu Holdings Limited. We also encounter competition from the broker-dealer affiliates of established full-commission brokerage firms as well as from banks, mutual fund sponsors, online wealth management services (including so-called “robo-advisors”) and other financial institutions and organizations, some of which provide online brokerage services. Some of our competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources, offer a wider range of services and financial products, and have greater name recognition and a more extensive client base than we do. Others offer a narrower range of products and services but benefit from a lower cost structure than we have. We believe that the general financial success of companies within the securities brokerage industry will continue to attract new competitors to the industry, such as software development companies, insurance companies, providers of online financial information and others. These companies may provide a more comprehensive suite of services than we do or offer services at lower prices. Increased competition could have adverse effects on our business such as reducing our market share, revenues and profits.

 

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Our ability to compete successfully in the securities brokerage industry depends on a number of factors, such as:

 

maintaining and expanding our market position;
retaining existing customers and attracting and retaining new customers;
providing easy to use and innovative financial products and services;
our reputation and the market perception of our brand and overall value;
maintaining competitive pricing;
competing in a concentrated competitive landscape;
optimizing our costs of doing business;
the effectiveness of our technology (including cybersecurity defenses), products and services;
deploying a secure and scalable technology and back office platform;
complying with the differences in regulatory oversight regimes;
attracting new employees and retaining our existing employees; and
general economic and industry trends, including customer demand for financial products and services.

 

Our competitive position within the industry could be adversely affected if we were unable to address these factors adequately.

 

Failure to protect client data or prevent breaches of our information systems could expose us to liability or reputational damage.

 

We are dependent on information technology networks and systems to securely process, transmit and store electronic information and to communicate among our locations and with our clients and vendors. As the breadth and complexity of this infrastructure continue to grow, the potential risk of security breaches and cyber-attacks increases. Developing and enhancing new products and services, which is necessary for us to remain competitive, may involve the use or creation of new technologies, exposes us to cybersecurity and privacy risks that cannot be completely anticipated and increases the risk of security breaches and cyber-attacks. As a financial services company, we are continuously subject to cyber-attacks, distributed denial of service attacks and ransomware attacks, malicious code and computer viruses by activists, hackers, organized crime, foreign state actors and other third parties. Such breaches could lead to shutdowns or disruptions of our systems, account takeovers and unauthorized gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss, total destruction and disclosure of data and confidential information of ours, our clients, our employees or other third parties, or otherwise materially disrupt our or our clients’ or other third parties’ network access or business operations. In addition, vulnerabilities of our external service providers and other third parties could pose security risks to client information. The secure transmission of confidential information over public networks is also a critical element of our operations. Despite our efforts to assure the integrity of our systems, we may not be able to anticipate or to implement effective preventive measures against all security breaches, especially because the techniques that are used change frequently or are not recognized until launched and because security attacks can originate from a wide variety of sources. Data security breaches may also result from non-technical means (such as employee misconduct).

 

Although we have taken steps to reduce the risk of such threats, our risk and exposure to a cyber-attack or related breach remains heightened due to the evolving nature of these threats, our plans to continue to implement mobile access solutions to serve our clients, our routine transmission of sensitive information to third parties, the current global economic and political environment, external extremist parties and other developing factors. If a cyber-attack or similar breach were to occur, we could suffer damage to our reputation and incur significant remediation costs and losses.

 

In providing services to clients, we manage, utilize and store sensitive and confidential client data, including personal data. As a result, we are subject to numerous laws and regulations designed to protect this information. These laws and regulations are increasing in complexity and number, change frequently and sometimes conflict. If any person, including any of our employees, negligently disregards or intentionally breaches our established controls with respect to client data, or otherwise mismanages or misappropriates that data, we could be subject to significant monetary damages, regulatory enforcement actions, fines and/or criminal prosecution.

 

Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client data, whether through systems failure, employee negligence, fraud or misappropriation, could damage our reputation and cause us to lose clients. Similarly, unauthorized access to or through our information systems, whether by our employees or third parties, including a cyber-attack by third parties who may deploy viruses, worms or other malicious software programs, could result in negative publicity, significant remediation costs, legal liability, regulatory fines, financial responsibility under our asset protection guarantee to reimburse clients for losses in their accounts resulting from unauthorized activity in their accounts (through no fault of the client) and damage to our reputation and could have adverse effects on our results of operations.

 

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Any actual or perceived breach of the security of our technology, or media reports of perceived security vulnerabilities of our systems or the systems of our third-party service providers, could damage our reputation, expose us to the risk of litigation and liability, disrupt our operations, increase our costs with respect to investigations and remediation, reduce our revenues as a result of the theft of intellectual property, and otherwise adversely affect our business. Further, any actual or perceived security breach or cyber-attack directed at other financial institutions or financial services companies, whether or not we are impacted, could lead to a general loss of customer confidence in the use of technology to conduct financial transactions, which could negatively impact us. The occurrence of any of these events could have adverse effects on our business and results of operations.

 

If any person, including any of our employees, negligently disregards or intentionally breaches our established controls with respect to client or employee data, or otherwise mismanages or misappropriates that data, we could be subject to significant monetary damages, regulatory enforcement actions, fines and criminal prosecutions.

 

Although we maintain insurance coverage that we believe is reasonable, prudent and adequate for the purpose of our business, it might be insufficient in type or amount to protect us against all losses and costs stemming from security breaches, cyber-attacks and other types of unlawful activity or any resulting disruptions from such events.

 

We also face risk related to external fraud involving the misappropriation and use of clients’ user-names, passwords or other personal information to gain access to their accounts. This could occur from the compromise of clients’ personal electronic devices or as a result of a data security breach at an unrelated company where clients’ personal information is taken and then made available to fraudsters. This risk has grown in recent years due to the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime and other external parties. Losses in client accounts reimbursed under our asset protection guarantee against unauthorized account activity (through no fault of the client) could have adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Attrition of customer accounts and failure to attract new accounts could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our customer base is mainly comprised of individual customers. Although we offer services designed to educate, support and retain our customers, our efforts to attract new customers or reduce the attrition rate of our existing customers may not be successful. If we were unable to maintain or increase our customer retention rates or generate new customers in a cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations would likely be adversely affected. Although we have spent significant financial resources on marketing expenses and plan to continue doing so, these efforts may not be cost-effective to attract new customers. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain or grow our customer base in a cost-effective way. If we are unable to maintain high quality services, or maintain or reduce our service fee rate, or introduce new products and services, we may fail to attract new customers or lose our existing customers, which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

 

A failure in our information technology, or IT, systems could cause interruptions in our services, undermine the responsiveness of our services, disrupt our business, damage our reputation and cause losses.

 

Our IT systems support all phases of our operations, including marketing, customer development and the provision of customer support services, and are an essential part of our technology infrastructure. If our systems fail to perform, we could experience disruptions in operations, slower response time or decreased customer satisfaction. We must process, record and monitor a large number of transactions and our operations are highly dependent on the integrity of our technology systems and our ability to make timely enhancements and additions to our systems. System interruptions, errors or downtime can result from a variety of causes, including changes in customer usage patterns, technological failures, changes to our systems, linkages with third-party systems and power failures. Our systems are vulnerable to disruptions from human error, execution errors, errors in models such as those used for risk management and compliance, employee misconduct, unauthorized trading, external fraud, computer viruses, distributed denial of service attacks, computer viruses or cyberattacks, terrorist attacks, natural disaster, power outage, capacity constraints, software flaws, events impacting key business partners and vendors, and similar events.

 

It could take an extended period of time to restore full functionality to our technology or other operating systems in the event of an unforeseen occurrence, which could affect our ability to process and settle customer transactions. Moreover, instances of fraud or other misconduct might also negatively impact our reputation and customer confidence in us, in addition to any direct losses that might result from such instances. Despite our efforts to identify areas of risk, oversee operational areas involving risks, and implement policies and procedures designed to manage these risks, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer unexpected losses, reputational damage or regulatory actions due to technology or other operational failures or errors, including those of our vendors or other third parties.

 

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While we devote substantial attention and resources to the reliability, capacity and scalability of our systems, extraordinary trading volume could cause our computer systems to operate at unacceptably slow speeds or even fail, affecting our ability to process customer transactions and potentially resulting in some customers’ orders being executed at prices they did not anticipate. Disruptions in service and slower system response time could result in substantial losses and decreased customer satisfaction. We are also dependent on the integrity and performance of securities exchanges, clearinghouses and other intermediaries to which customer orders are routed for execution and clearing. System failures and constraints and transaction errors at such intermediaries could result in delays and erroneous or unanticipated execution prices, cause substantial losses for our customers and for us, and subject us to claims from our customers for damages.

 

If we fail to keep our technology updated as the industry evolves, our growth, revenues and business prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our proprietary trading platform and customer relationship management system are critical to our business operations. In order to remain competitive, our proprietary technology is under continuous development and upgrade. If we fail to keep our technology updated as needed or as fast as our competitors or in a cost- effective manner, we may lose our competitiveness against our competitors. Failure to compete may limit our service quality, lower customer confidence in us or otherwise adversely affect our business and prospects.

 

Our brokerage operations have exposure to liquidity risk.

 

Our brokerage operations have exposure to liquidity risk. Maintaining adequate liquidity is crucial to our brokerage operations, including key functions such as transaction settlement. We are subject to liquidity and capital adequacy requirements in various jurisdictions. Our liquidity needs are primarily met by equity contribution and revenue generation. A reduction of funds available from these sources may require us to seek other potentially more expensive forms of financing, such as potential borrowings on revolving credit facilities. Our liquidity could be constrained if we are unable to obtain financing on acceptable terms, or at all, due to a variety of unforeseen market disruptions. Inability to meet our funding needs in a timely manner would have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our management team lacks experience in managing a U.S. public company and complying with laws applicable to such company, the failure of which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our current management team lacks experience in managing a U.S. publicly traded company, interacting with public company investors and complying with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to U.S. public companies. Prior to the completion of this offering, we were a private company mainly operating our businesses in Hong Kong. As a result of this offering, our company will become subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under the federal securities laws and the scrutiny of securities analysts and investors, and our management currently has no experience in complying with such laws, regulations and obligations. Our management team may not successfully or efficiently manage our transition to becoming a U.S. public company. These new obligations and constituents will require significant attention from our senior management and could divert their attention away from the day-to-day management of our business, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may fail to update our risk management policies and procedures as needed and such policies and procedures may otherwise be ineffective, which may expose us to unidentified or unexpected risks.

 

Although we adopt an integrated risk management system, we may fail to update our risk management system as needed and the system may fail to effectively function, thus exposing us to unidentified or unexpected risks. We are dependent on our risk management policies and procedures and the adherence to such policies and procedures by our risk management and other staff to manage the risks inherent in our business. Our policies, procedures and practices used to identify, monitor and control a variety of risks are carried out by the corresponding departments. However, some of our methods for managing risks are discretionary by nature and are based on internally developed controls and observed historical market behavior, and also involve reliance on standard industry practices. These methods may not adequately prevent losses, particularly as they relate to extreme market movements, which may be significantly greater than historical fluctuations in the market. In addition, we may fail to update our risk management system as needed or as fast as the industry evolves, weakening our ability to identify, monitor and control new risks.

 

New lines of business or new services may subject us to additional risks.

 

From time to time, we may implement new lines of business or offer new services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new services, we may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new services may not be achieved and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competition and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new service. Our personnel and technology systems may fail to adapt to the changes in such new areas or we may fail to effectively integrate new services into our existing operations and we may lack experience in managing new lines of business or new services. In addition, we may be unable to proceed with our operations as planned or compete effectively due to different competitive landscapes in these new areas. Even if we expand our businesses into new jurisdictions or areas, the expansion may not yield intended profitable results. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our internal control system. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or new services could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Our financial performance for the fiscal years ending March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2022 may be materially and adversely affected by capital and other expenditures which are expected to be made during the respective years

 

We expect to incur expenditures in an aggregate amount of approximately US$25 million during the fiscal years ending March 31, 2022 in connection with the implementation of our future plans as set out in the section “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus. We expect the benefits and expected returns on the relevant investments to materialize from fiscal 2022 onwards. If these expenditures could not be sufficiently offset by increased revenue from our continuous business growth, our financial performance might be materially and adversely affected for the fiscal years ending March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2022.

 

We may not be able to obtain additional capital when desired, on favorable terms or at all. If we fail to meet the capital requirement pursuant to the Securities and Futures (Financial Resources) Rules, our business operations and performance will be adversely affected.

 

We anticipate that our current cash, and cash provided by operating activities, will be sufficient to meet our current and anticipated needs for general corporate purposes for at least the next 12 months. However, we need to make continued investments in facilities, hardware, software, technological systems and to retain talented personnel to remain competitive. Due to the unpredictable nature of the capital markets and our industry, we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital on terms favorable to us, or at all, if and when required, especially if we experience disappointing operating results. If adequate capital is not available to us as required, our ability to fund our operations, take advantage of unanticipated opportunities, develop or enhance our infrastructure or respond to competitive pressures could be significantly limited, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we do raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of our shareholders could be significantly diluted. These newly issued securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing shareholders. In addition, our HKSFC licensed subsidiaries, Zhong Yang Securities Limited and Zhong Yang Capital Limited are required under the Securities and Futures (Financial Resources) Rules to maintain certain levels of liquid capital. If they fail to maintain the required levels of liquid capital, the HKSFC may take actions against us and our business will be adversely affected.

 

Internet-related issues may reduce or slow the growth in the use of our services in the future. In particular, our future growth depends on the further acceptance of the internet and particularly the mobile internet as an effective platform for assessing trading and other financial services and content.

 

Critical issues concerning the commercial use of the internet, such as ease of access, security, privacy, reliability, cost, and quality of service, remain unresolved and may adversely impact the growth of internet use. If internet usage continues to increase rapidly, the internet infrastructure may not be able to support the demands placed on it by this growth, and its performance and reliability may decline. Continuous rapid growth in internet traffic may cause decreased performance, outages and delays. Our ability to increase the speed with which we provide services to users and clients and to increase the scope and quality of such services is limited by and dependent upon the speed and reliability of our users’ and clients’ access to the internet, which is beyond our control. If periods of decreased performance, outages or delays on the internet occur frequently or other critical issues concerning the internet are not resolved, overall internet usage or usage of our web-based services could increase more slowly or decline, which would cause our business, results of operations and financial condition to be materially and adversely affected.

 

Furthermore, while the internet and the mobile internet have gained increased popularity in Hong Kong and China as platforms for financial products and content in recent years, many investors have limited experience in trading and using other financial services online. For example, investors may not find online content to be reliable sources of financial product information. If we fail to educate investors about the value of our platform and our services, our growth will be limited and our business, financial performance and prospects may be materially and adversely affected. The further acceptance of the internet and particularly the mobile internet as an effective and efficient platform for trading and other financial services and content is also affected by factors beyond our control, including negative publicity around online and mobile brokerage services. If online and mobile networks do not achieve adequate acceptance in the market, our growth prospects, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.

 

Risks Relating to our Ordinary Shares and this Offering

 

There has been no public market for our Ordinary Shares prior to this offering, and you may not be able to resell our Ordinary Shares at or above the price you paid, or at all.

 

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Ordinary Shares. Although we have applied to have our Ordinary Shares listed on Nasdaq Capital Market, we cannot assure you that a liquid public market for our Ordinary Shares will develop. If an active public market for our Ordinary Shares does not develop following the completion of this offering, the market price of our Ordinary Shares may decline and the liquidity of our Ordinary Shares may decrease significantly.

 

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The initial public offering price for our Ordinary Shares will be determined by negotiation between us and the underwriters based on several factors, and we cannot assure you that the price at which the Ordinary Shares are traded after this offering will not decline below the initial public offering price. As a result, investors in our Ordinary Shares may experience a significant decrease in the value of their Ordinary Shares due to insufficient or a lack of market liquidity of our Ordinary Shares.

 

The trading price of our Ordinary Shares may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to you.

 

The trading prices of our Ordinary Shares are likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen due to broad market and industry factors, such as performance and fluctuation in the market prices or underperformance or deteriorating financial results of other listed companies based in Hong Kong and China. The securities of some of these companies have experienced significant volatility since their initial public offerings, including, in some cases, substantial price declines in the trading prices of their securities. The trading performances of other Hong Kong and Chinese companies’ securities after their offerings may affect the attitudes of investors towards Hong Kong-based, U.S.-listed companies, which consequently may affect the trading performance of our Ordinary Shares, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, any negative news or perceptions about inadequate corporate governance practices or fraudulent accounting, corporate structure or matters of other Hong Kong and Chinese companies may also negatively affect the attitudes of investors towards Hong Kong and Chinese companies in general, including us, regardless of whether we have conducted any inappropriate activities. Furthermore, securities markets may from time to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to our operating performance, which may have a material and adverse effect on the trading price of our Ordinary Shares.

 

In addition to the above factors, the price and trading volume of our Ordinary Shares may be highly volatile due to multiple factors, including the following:

 

regulatory developments affecting us or our industry;
variations in our revenue, profit, and cash flow;
changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other financial services firms;
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations and changes or revisions of our expected results;
changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts;
detrimental negative publicity about us, our services, our officers, directors, Controlling Shareholder, other beneficial owners, our business partners, or our industry;
announcements by us or our competitors of new service offerings, acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures, capital raisings or capital commitments;
additions to or departures of our senior management;
litigation or regulatory proceedings involving us, our officers, directors, or Controlling Shareholders;
release or expiry of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding Ordinary Shares; and
sales or perceived potential sales of additional Ordinary shares.

 

Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at which our Ordinary Shares will trade.

 

In the past, shareholders of public companies have often brought securities class action suits against those companies following periods of instability in the market price of their securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and other resources from our business and operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit, which could harm our results of operations. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

If securities or industry analysts do not publish or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Ordinary Shares, the market price for our Ordinary Shares and trading volume could decline.

 

The trading market for our Ordinary Shares will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If research analysts do not establish and maintain adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our Ordinary Shares or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our Ordinary Shares would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the market price or trading volume for our Ordinary Shares to decline.

 

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The sale or availability for sale of substantial amounts of our Ordinary Shares in the public market could adversely affect their market price.

 

Sales of substantial amounts of our Ordinary Shares in the public market after the completion of this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Ordinary Shares and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future. The Ordinary Shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and shares held by our existing shareholders may also be sold in the public market in the future subject to the restrictions in Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act and the applicable lock-up agreements. There will be ______________ Ordinary Shares outstanding immediately after this offering, or _________________ Ordinary Shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional Ordinary Shares in full. In connection with this offering, we, our officers, directors, and existing shareholders have agreed not to sell any of our Ordinary Shares or are otherwise subject to similar lockup restrictions for _____ days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of the representatives of the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions. However, the underwriters may release these securities from these restrictions at any time, subject to applicable regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. We cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of securities held by our significant shareholders or any other shareholder or the availability of these securities for future sale will have on the market price of our Ordinary Shares. See “Underwriting” and “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” for a more detailed description of the restrictions on selling our securities after this offering.

 

Because the amount, timing, and whether or not we distribute dividends at all is entirely at the discretion of our board of directors, you must rely on price appreciation of our Ordinary Shares for return on your investment.

 

Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. In either case, all dividends are subject to certain restrictions under the Cayman Islands law, namely that our company may only pay dividends out of profits or share premium, and provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in our company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our Ordinary Shares will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our Ordinary Shares. We cannot assure you that our Ordinary Shares will appreciate in value after this offering or even maintain the price at which you purchased the Ordinary Shares. You may not realize a return on your investment in our Ordinary Shares and you may even lose your entire investment in our Ordinary Shares.

 

Because our initial public offering price is substantially higher than our pro forma net tangible book value per share, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution.

 

If you purchase Ordinary Shares in this offering, you will pay more for your Ordinary Shares than the amount paid by existing shareholders for their Ordinary Shares on a per Ordinary Shares basis. As a result, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution of US$_______ per Ordinary Shares (assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option), representing the difference between (i) our as adjusted net tangible book value per Ordinary Shares of US$______ as of ________, 2020, after giving effect to this offering, and (ii) the assumed initial public offering price per share of US$________ per Ordinary Share (the midpoint of the estimated initial public offering price range set forth on the front cover page of this prospectus. See “Dilution” for a more complete description of how the value of your investment in our Ordinary Shares will be diluted upon the completion of this offering.

 

Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.

 

We are a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We conduct our operations outside the United States and substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. In addition, substantially all of our directors and executive officers and the experts named in this prospectus reside outside the United States, and most of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against them in the United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, or other relevant jurisdiction may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. For more information regarding the relevant laws of the Cayman Islands and Hong Kong, see “Enforceability of Civil Liabilities.”

 

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You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law.

 

We are a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against our directors, actions by our minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under the Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under the Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, the Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.

 

Shareholders of Cayman Islands companies like us have no general rights under the Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records, other than the memorandum and articles of association and any special resolutions passed by such companies, and the registers of mortgages and charges of such companies. Our directors have discretion under our currently effective memorandum and articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.

 

Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, differ significantly from requirements for companies incorporated in other jurisdictions such as the United States. Currently, we do not plan to rely on home country practice with respect to our corporate governance after we complete this offering. However, if we choose to follow home country practice in the future, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.

 

As a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by our management, members of our board of directors, or our Controlling Shareholder than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States. For a discussion of significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders, see “Description of Share Capital—Differences in Corporate Law.”

 

Our currently effective memorandum and articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could discourage a third party from acquiring us, which could limit our shareholders’ opportunity to sell their Ordinary Shares at a premium.

 

Our currently effective memorandum and articles of association contain provisions to limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company or cause us to engage in change-of-control transactions. These provisions could have the effect of depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to sell their Ordinary Shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transaction. For example, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by our shareholders, to create and issue new classes or series of shares (including preferred shares) and to fix their designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights associated with our Ordinary Shares. Preferred shares could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue preferred shares, the price of our Ordinary Shares may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Ordinary Shares may be materially and adversely affected.

 

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.

 

Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:

 

the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K;
the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act;
the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and
the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD.

 

We will be required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we intend to publish our results on a quarterly basis as press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of Nasdaq Capital Market. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the same protections or information that would be made available to you were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.

 

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As a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ significantly from the Nasdaq Capital Market listing standards; these practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the Nasdaq Capital Market listing standards.

 

As a Cayman Islands company to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, we are subject to the Nasdaq Capital Market listing standards. However, the Nasdaq Capital Market rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from the Nasdaq Capital Market listing standards. Currently, we do not plan to rely on home country practices with respect to our corporate governance after we complete this offering. However, if we choose to follow home country practices in the future, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they would otherwise enjoy under the Nasdaq Capital Market listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.

 

There can be no assurance that we will not be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, which could subject United States investors in our Ordinary Shares to significant adverse United States income tax consequences.

 

We will be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for any taxable year if either (i) 75% or more of our gross income for such year consists of certain types of “passive” income, or (ii) 50% or more of the value of our assets (determined on the basis of a quarterly average) during such year produce or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). Based upon our current and expected income and assets, including goodwill and (taking into account the expected proceeds from this offering) the value of the assets held by our strategic investment business, the expected proceeds from this offering as well as projections as to the market price of our Ordinary Shares immediately following the completion of this offering, we do not presently expect to be classified as a PFIC for the current taxable year and or the foreseeable future.

 

While we do not expect to be a PFIC, because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test may be determined by reference to the market price of our Ordinary Shares, fluctuations in the market price of our Ordinary Shares may cause us to become a PFIC classification for the current or subsequent taxable years. The determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC will also depend, in part, on the composition and classification of our income, including the relative amounts of income generated by and the value of assets of our strategic investment business as compared to our other businesses. Because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules, it is possible that the IRS may challenge our classification of certain income and assets as non-passive which may result in our being or becoming a PFIC in the current or subsequent years. In addition, the composition of our income and assets will also be affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets and the cash raised in this offering. If we determine not to deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes, our risk of being a PFIC may substantially increase. Because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules and PFIC status is a factual determination made annually after the close of each taxable year, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable year.

 

If we are a PFIC in any taxable year, a U.S. Holder (as defined in “Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations”) may incur significantly increased United States income tax on gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of our Ordinary Shares and on the receipt of distributions on our Ordinary Shares to the extent such gain or distribution is treated as an “excess distribution” under the United States federal income tax rules, and such holder may be subject to burdensome reporting requirements. Further, if we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our Ordinary Shares, we will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such U.S. Holder holds our Ordinary Shares. For more information see “Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”

 

We will incur increased costs as a result of being a public company, particularly after we cease to qualify as an emerging growth company.

 

Upon completion of this offering, we will become a public company and expect to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange detailed requirements concerning corporate governance practices of public companies. As a company with less than US$1.07 billion in net revenues for our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” pursuant to the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2012 relating to internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. After we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” we expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the other time and attention to our public company reporting obligations and other compliance matters. For example, as a result of becoming a public company, we will need to increase the number of independent directors and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. We also expect that operating as a public company will make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. In addition, we will incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. It may also be more difficult for us to find qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these rules and regulations, and we cannot predict or estimate with any degree of certainty the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we are permitted and intend to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These exemptions include:

 

  being permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements, in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements, with correspondingly reduced “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure;
  not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;
  not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements;
  reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation; and
  exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

 

We have taken advantage of reduced reporting burdens in this prospectus. In particular, in this prospectus, we have only provided two years of audited financial statements and have not included all the executive compensation related information that would be required if we were not an emerging growth company. In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This allows an emerging growth company to delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We are choosing to take advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards.

 

We cannot predict whether investors will find our common stock less attractive if we rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

 

We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the end of the fiscal year in which the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of June 30, (ii) the end of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of $1.07 billion or more during such fiscal year, (iii) the date on which we issue more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in a three-year period or (iv) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements reflecting our current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks, and assumptions associated with these statements. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. 

 

Overview

 

We are an online provider of securities and futures trading services founded in Hong Kong by a group of experienced professionals and talents. Our goal is to become the preferred trading platform for Southeast Asian investors. We enable our customers to trade on renowned stock and futures exchanges around the world, including Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”), Hong Kong Futures Exchange (“HKFE”), The New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”), The Chicago Board of Trade (“CBOT”), The Commodity Exchange (“COMEX”), Eurex Exchange (“EUREX”), ICE Clear Europe Limited (“ICEU”), Singapore Exchange (“SGX”), Australia Securities Exchange (“ASX”), Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad (“BMD”), and Osaka Exchange (OSE). We create value for our customers by providing a reliable trading platform, user-friendly web and app interface, and 24-hour seamless customer support. We generate revenue primarily by charging commission fees on futures transactions at a flat rate for each futures transaction contract. Currently our customers are mainly high volume and frequency trading institutional and individual investors.

 

Our revenues were US$16.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2020 as compared to US$10.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2019, representing an increase of US$5.7 million or 53%. We generated net income of US$1.3 million and US$2.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. We plan to keep our business growing by expanding our customer base to include retail investors of a wider range of wealth within the Chinese communities across the globe, by increasing the products we offer to include securities and futures from a larger number of stock exchanges, and by starting to offer services such as margins financing and asset management.

 

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

 

Our business and operating results are influenced by general factors that affect the online securities and futures brokerage industry focusing on Southeast Asian investors, including economic and political conditions, the evolving needs of investors, changes in trading volume, changes in demand for online trading, changes in wealth and availability of funds of our target customers, and regulatory changes governing the online brokerage industry. In addition, the following company specific factors can directly affect our results of operations materially:

 

Our ability to retain existing customers and attract new customers in a cost-effective manner

 

We consider customer churn rate to be an important indicator of our attractiveness to customers. Our total registered customer number increased from 79 as of March 31, 2018 to 178 as of March 31, 2019 and further increased to 226 as of March 31, 2020. In fiscal 2019, we had 78 revenue-generating accounts in total, including 62 accounts for futures trading and 16 accounts for securities trading. In fiscal 2020, we had 77 revenue-generating accounts in total, including 61 accounts for futures trading and 16 accounts for securities trading. Our customers are mainly sourced by referral through our shareholders’ expansive and expanding social and professional networks of high-net-worth individuals. Currently, we have not incurred significant spending on marketing activities. To expand our business, we aim to diversify our customer base by attracting smaller retail customers, whom we can charge higher commission rates. We expect to incur expenses in our promotional efforts through different online and offline media/ channels to increase the number of customer accounts, which can potentially lead to trading volume and revenue.

 

We pursue a niche market strategy and aim to be the preferred trading platform for Southeast Asian investors. As a relatively young firm new to the market, although we face competition from bigger, better capitalized, and well established companies including other trading firms and banking institutions, our ability to understand and meet our target customers’ needs, coupled with our strong client relationships, allow us to rise to the challenge. Our ability to continuously provide our customers with low-latency trading platform and high quality services at competitive prices, and the outcome of our advertising and marketing activities, will affect whether we can retain our existing customers and attract new customers.

 

Our ability to earn commissions from brokerage services

 

We charge commission fees for the brokerage services we offer. Our ability to earn commission fees, interest income largely depends on the number of customers on our trading platform and their trading volume, and the commission rates we charge.

 

It has become increasingly common for online trading platforms to offer free brokerage services. As a provider of a chargeable only trading platform, we are confident that we can differentiate ourselves from our competitors, because of our low-latency trading platform, wide range of products from multiple exchanges, superb customer services and good rapport with our customers. Most of our customers are professional customers seeking for a quality trading platforms to execute their orders timely and accurately rather than cost saving.

 

We anticipate a future possibility of having to lower our commission rates in order to remain competitive, but a larger trading volume will make up for the effects of lowered commission rates on our revenue. We also plan to develop new sources of income from margins financing and asset management, as we have seen the demand for these services by our customers.

 

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Our ability to effectively improve technology infrastructure

 

Our technology infrastructure and compliance capabilities are critical for us to offer high quality products and services as well as to retain and attract users and customers. They also enable us to facilitate secure, fast and cost-efficient financial transactions on our platform. We must continue to upgrade and expand our technology infrastructure and to strengthen our compliance system to keep pace with the growth of our business and to develop new features and services for our users and customers. With the continuous improvement of our technology infrastructure and compliance capabilities, we are able to serve more consolidated accounts. We also expect cash segregated for regulatory purposes and payables due to customers on our balance sheet to increase significantly as a result of such growth. We will invest more resources on customer verification, record keeping, compliance and trading-related functions for consolidated accounts. Our ability to serve more consolidated accounts, depends on, among other things, our ability to support all aspects of customer verification, record keeping and compliance functions using our technology and human resources.

 

Our ability to develop a diverse customer base and offer new and innovative products and services

 

Historically, we have generated a significant portion of our revenues through the provision of online brokerage services including commissions for execution of trades and interest income. Key success factors of the online brokerage industry include expansion of products and services that add value to customers, acquisition of licenses in different jurisdictions and enhancement of user experience. To this end, we intend to continue strengthening the innovation, security, efficiency and effectiveness of our brokerage services, including our user-friendly interface, comprehensive functionalities and customer service capabilities. Particularly, we intend to expand our service offerings to contract for difference (“CFD”) trading and increase the proportion of revenues generated from them.

 

We also plan to continue integrating value-added services, including asset management and margin financing services to increase revenue streams. Our ability to maintain and attract new customers principally depends on the quality of our products and services as well as our brand equity. We expect our operating cost and expenses to continue to increase as we provide more innovative and effective products and services.

 

Our ability to provide a stable and low-latency trading platform to our customers

 

As an online brokerage service provider, we attract new customers and retain our existing customers by providing them with a stable and low-latency trading platform. Especially when the market is volatile and high trade volume is expected, we are able to avoid delays in execution of customers’ trading orders and assist the customers to accomplish their investment plan.

 

Our plan to maintain our quality trading platform involves keeping our system hardware and software up to date, conducting regular stress tests, and providing IT training to our staff. We also plan to have regular meetings with our network provider to ensure the stability of internet services in support of our trading platform. We have implemented emergency backup plan in case of system failure. Our backup system is able to support our customers’ trading activities until the core system is fixed. Our stable and low-latency trading platform is a core part of our strength, and we are committed to continue our efforts in maintaining the reliability and efficiency of our trading platform.

 

Our ability to meet the regulatory requirements in providing brokerage services in Hong Kong

 

Brokerage services, margin financing and asset management are highly regulated in Hong Kong. While our operations are mainly located in Hong Kong, we are inevitably subject to the relevant laws and regulations, in particular, the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) (“SFO”), which are governed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (“HKSFC”). Pursuant to the SFO, we have to comply with all application provisions concerning statutory obligations such as maintenance of minimum capital adequacy, specific regulatory reporting, and availability of responsible officers.

 

We monitor our capital level on daily basis so as to fulfill the statutory requirement. Before making a significant movement of our cash, we will estimate the effect of sub activity on our capital level and make sure to remain compliant with the regulations. Accordingly, we also have statutory obligations to report to the authority on monthly basis about our capital level maintained at the end of the month and if any significant fluctuations occurred that we shall notify the authority.

 

Besides, as required by the SFO, there must be at least two responsible officers per regulated activity, who will supervise our regulated business and assume greater responsibilities over the SFO compliance. To fulfill so, we have always maintained two to three experienced responsible officers for each regulated activity. To retain our responsible officers and stay compliant with the availability of responsible officer, we offer attractive remuneration packages and align their interests with the Company’s interests.

 

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Impact of COVID-19 on our business

 

The outbreak of COVID-19 was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Since early 2020, the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has caused significant disruption to worldwide economic activities, including economic activities in Hong Kong where we operate in, and in China, where our significant customer base locates. The Chinese government and the local Hong Kong government have imposed travel restrictions and quarantine requirements in response to COVID-19. These measures hinder our client development, as clients who do not currently reside in Hong Kong could not easily travel to Hong Kong to open bank accounts, which affect their ability to trade on our platform. We have suspended face-to-face account opening, and instead implemented remote KYC procedures, which have partially compensated for the challenges caused by COVID-19 related restrictions. Through our timely adaptation to remote procedures, our total registered customer number increased from 226 as of March 31, 2020 to 245 as of December 31, 2020. We have taken other measures to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, including, but not limited to, monitoring employees’ health on a daily basis, upgrading our telecommuting system and optimizing technology system to support potential growth in client’s trading activities. During the period from April 2020 to December 2020, the trading volume of future contracts slightly increased by approximately 4.13% year on year. However, we are uncertain as to when the outbreak of COVID-19 will be constrained, so these government measures could continue to hinder us for a prolonged period of time, and we cannot guarantee our current remote procedures will be sufficient to allow us to attain our target growth in the future. In addition, whether the COVID-19 will lead to a prolonged downturn in the economy is still unknown, and we cannot be certain if a prolonged downturn in the economy will affect our clients’ trading activities. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has not severely affected our financial result so far, we cannot assure you that the COVID-19 will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operations in the future.

 

Key Components of Results of Operations

 

Revenues

 

Our revenues consist of commissions, other service revenues, trading gains, interest income and others. The following table sets forth the breakdown of our total revenues, both in absolute amount and as a percentage of our total revenues, for the years indicated:

 

   For the Years Ended March 31, 
   2019   2020 
   US$   %   US$   % 
Revenues:                
Futures brokerage commissions   10,466,542    97.0    16,179,198    98.1 
Other service revenues   292,663    2.7    226,599    1.4 
Trading gains   -    -    22,124    0.1 
Interest income and other   25,618    0.3    72,304    0.4 
Total revenues   10,784,823    100.0    16,500,225    100.0 

 

Futures brokerage commissions

 

Futures brokerage commissions represent commission income on futures broking that are charged at a fixed rate for each transaction our customers executed through our online trading platform, all of which are under the consolidated accounts where the customer information are not disclosed to the third party brokers. We receive commissions from customers and pay the execution and clearing fees to our clearing brokers. The fixed rates applied to the customers vary depending on the type of customer, the type of transaction, the trading method, and the trade volume from the particular customer. Commissions from future broking make up for most of our revenue, 97.0% and 98.1% for the year ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

Other service revenues

 

Other service revenues represents the revenue generated from rendering other financial services including securities brokerage, consulting services and currency exchange services. For the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, other service revenues are less than 3% of total revenue.

 

Trading gains

 

We began our proprietary trading over US common stocks since March 2020. The trading gain mainly consist of realized and unrealized gains and losses from the investment in US common stocks, which are included in Securities owned, at fair value..

 

Interest income and other

 

Interest income and other primarily consist of interests earned on bank deposit.

 

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Expenses

 

The following table sets forth our operating cost and expenses, both in absolute amount and as a percentage of total revenues, for the years indicated:

 

   For the Years Ended March 31, 
   2019   2020 
   US$   %   US$   % 
Expenses:                
Commission expenses   7,849,683    72.8    12,473,805    75.6 
Compensation and benefits   698,740    6.5    657,473    4.0 
Communications and technology   381,493    3.5    417,496    2.5 
Occupancy   130,184    1.2    133,344    0.8 
Travel and business development   32,211    0.3    52,167    0.3 
Professional fees   29,721    0.3    55,946    0.3 
Other administrative expenses   136,646    1.3    112,475    0.7 
Total expenses   9,258,678    85.8    13,902,706    84.3 

 

Commission expenses

 

Commission expenses represent the fees we paid to our broker partners, when we place a client order to an exchange market through these partners. We expect that our commission expenses will increase in absolute amount as we expand our brokerage business and offer more products from securities and futures exchanges around the world. We place orders through broker partners except for orders to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Commission expenses accounted for 73% and 76% of our revenues for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

Compensation and benefits

 

Compensation and benefits represent the salaries, performance based discretionary bonuses and contribution to retirement fund. Compensation and benefits accounted for 7% and 4% of our revenues for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

Communications and technology

 

Communications and technology expenses represent fees we paid for the use of third party electronic trading systems, including an online stock trading system, an online futures trading system, and a mobile stock trading system. Communications and technology expenses accounted for 4% and 3% of our revenues for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

Occupancy

 

Occupancy expenses are the rental expenses we paid for our office premises, which accounted for 1% and 1% of our revenues for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

Travel and business development, Professional fees and Other administrative expenses

 

Travel and business development expenses include overseas and local travelling, and the entertainment expenses. Professional fees are mainly the service fees for auditing, consulting, legal, and other professional services which are needed during the ordinary course of our business operation. Other administrative expenses primarily consist of fees paid to the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and Chicago Mercantile Exchange, business entertainment expenses, exchange difference, depreciation expense, finance costs and other miscellaneous expenses such as utilities. All of these expenses accounted for 2% and 1% of our revenues for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

Taxation

 

Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands

 

Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Neither Cayman Islands nor British Virgin Islands withholding tax will be imposed upon payments of dividends to our shareholders.

 

Hong Kong

 

Our subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are subjected to Hong Kong profits tax at a rate of 16.5% for taxable income earned in Hong Kong before April 1, 2018. Starting from the financial year commencing on April 1, 2018, the two-tiered profits tax regime took effect, under which the tax rate is 8.25% on assessable profits of the first HK$2 million and 16.5% on any assessable profits in excess of HK$2 million. For connected entities, as is the case of our two Hong Kong subsidiaries, Zhong Yang Securities Limited and Zhong Yang Capital Limited, only one of the connected entities can elect to be charged at two-tiered tax rates. For the year ended March 31, 2019 and 2020, Zhong Yang Securities Limited has elected to be charged at two-tiered tax rates, while our other Hong Kong subsidiary, Zhong Yang Capital Limited, is still subjected to Hong Kong profits tax rate at 16.5% of taxable income earned in Hong Kong. Hong Kong does not impose a withholding tax on dividends.

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the years indicated, and provides information regarding the dollar and percentage increase or (decrease) during such years. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The operating results in any year are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future trends.

 

   For the Years Ended
March 31,
     
   2019   2020   Variance 
   US$   US$   US$   % 
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:                
Revenues:                
Futures brokerage commissions   10,466,542    16,179,198    5,712,656    54.6 
Other service revenues   292,663    226,599    (66,064)   (22.6)
Trading gains   -    22,124    22,124    100.0 
Interest income and other   25,618    72,304    46,686    182.2 
    10,784,823    16,500,225    5,715,402    53.0 
Expenses:                    
Commission expenses   (7,849,683)   (12,473,805)   (4,624,122)   58.9 
Compensation and benefits   (698,740)   (657,473)   41,267    (5.9)
Communications and technology   (381,493)   (417,496)   (36,003)   9.4 
Occupancy   (130,184)   (133,344)   (3,160)   2.4 
Travel and business development   (32,211)   (52,167)   (19,956)   62.0 
Professional fees   (29,721)   (55,946)   (26,225)   88.2 
Other administrative expenses   (136,646)   (112,475)   24,171    (17.7)
    (9,258,678)   (13,902,706)   (4,644,028)   50.2 
Income before income taxes   1,526,145    2,597,519    1,071,374    70.2 
Income tax expense   (241,249)   (58,443)   182,806    (75.8)
Net income   1,284,896    2,539,076    1,254,180    97.6 

 

Revenues

 

Total revenues increased by 53.0% from US$10.8 million in fiscal 2019 to US$16.5 million in fiscal 2020. This increase was mainly driven by the significant increases in futures brokerage commissions.

 

Futures brokerage commissions – Futures brokerage commissions increased by 54.6% from US$10.5 million in fiscal 2019 to US$16.2 million in fiscal 2020, primarily due to a significant increase in the total trading volume of futures contracts on our platform which was mainly driven by the increase in the number of customers making trades. Trading volume of futures contracts increased from 5.68 million of futures contracts in fiscal 2019 to 9.20 million of futures contracts in fiscal 2020. The average commission rate over trading volume in fiscal 2019 and 2020 was US$1.84 and US$1.76 per contract, respectively.

 

Other service revenues – Other service revenues decreased from US$292,663 in fiscal 2019 to US$226,599 in fiscal 2020, which was mostly attributable to the significant decrease in income from consultancy services on license application, despite the increase in exchange income due to the increase in number of transactions in foreign currencies by the customers.

 

Trading gains – Trading gains were firstly recognized in fiscal 2020 as we started the proprietary trading business since March 2020.

 

Interest income and other – Interest income and other increased from US$25,618 in fiscal 2019 to US$72,304 in fiscal 2020. The increase was attributable to the increase in bank interest income.

 

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Expenses

 

Commission expenses – Commission expenses increased by 58.9% from US$7.8 million in fiscal 2019 to US$12.5 million in fiscal 2020, which was in line with the increase of commissions charged from customers.

 

Compensation and benefits – Our largest expense other than commission expenses was compensation and benefits. Compensation and benefits slightly decreased by 5.9% from US$698,740 in fiscal 2019 to US$657,473 in fiscal 2020, mainly caused by the slight decrease in salary, wages and staff welfare due to the decrease in average headcount from 11 in fiscal 2019 to 10 in fiscal 2020.

 

Communications and technology – Communications and technology expenses increased by 9.4% from US$381,493 in fiscal 2019 to US$417,496 in fiscal 2020, mainly caused by a significant increase in charges for the mobile stock trading system, partially offset by a decrease in charges for the online stock trading system.

 

Occupancy – Occupancy expenses has increased by 2.4% from US$130,184 in fiscal 2019 to US$133,344 in fiscal 2020, mainly due to the increase in monthly rental for the office spaces we rented.

 

Travel and business development – Travel and business development expenses increased by 62.0% from US$32,211 in fiscal 2019 to US$52,167 in fiscal 2020 due to the increase in entertainment expenses.

 

Professional fees – Professional fees increased by 88.2% from US$29,721 in fiscal 2019 to US$55,946 in fiscal 2020, primarily due to the increase of consulting service fee regarding the Hong Kong tax.

 

Other administrative expenses – Other administrative expenses decreased by 17.7% from US$136,646 in fiscal 2019 to US$112,475 in fiscal 2020, primarily due to the decrease in depreciation of fixed assets and market data fees to CME.

 

Income before income taxes

 

We had an income before income taxes of US$2.6 million in fiscal 2020, compared with an income before income taxes of US$1.5 million in fiscal 2019. Our operating margin was 14.2% and 15.7% in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2020, respectively.

 

Income tax expense

 

We are subject to Hong Kong profits tax and under Hong Kong tax laws, ZYSL and ZYCL are exempted from income tax on its foreign-derived income. Our income tax expense decreased from US$241,249 in fiscal 2019 to US$58,443 in fiscal 2020, which was primarily due to the increase of the offshore profit in fiscal 2020 that was exempted from income taxation.

 

Net income

 

As a result of the foregoing, our net income increased by 97.6% from US$1.3 million in fiscal 2019 to US$2.5 million in fiscal 2020.

 

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Seasonality

 

We have not experienced seasonality in our business. However, as our brokerage business only began operations in fiscal 2016, volatility that may be inherent in the online brokerage industry could be masked by our rapid growth.

 

Discussion of Certain Balance Sheet Items

 

The following table sets forth selected information from our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2019 and 2020. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

   As of March 31, 
   2019   2020 
   US$   US$ 
Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet:        
Assets        
Cash and cash equivalents   2,085,694    3,640,353 
Restricted cash   4,224,242    1,224,144 
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations   3,894,769    5,062,922 
Commissions receivable   60,100    75,900 
Amount due from a related party   2,486,187    2,876,244 
Securities owned, at fair value   -    134,785 
Fixed assets, net   34,827    17,254 
Intangible asset, net   63,696    64,505 
Other assets   195,121    190,821 
    13,044,636    13,286,928 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity          
Payable to customers   8,065,543    6,135,191 
Dividend payable   -    503,141 
Income tax payable   302,924    58,936 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   167,921    160,281 
Total liabilities   8,536,388    6,857,549 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of funds deposited with banks, which are highly liquid and are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use. The total balance of cash and cash equivalents increased from US$2.1 million as of March 31, 2019 to US$3.6 million as of March 31, 2020, primarily as a result of improved financial performance.

 

Restricted cash

 

Restricted cash mainly represents the amount of cash deposited by our customers that have been segregated as obligated by the rules mandated by the primary regulators of our certain subsidiaries. A corresponding payable due to customers is recorded upon receipt of the cash from the customer. Our restricted cash decreased from US$4.2 million as of March 31, 2019 to US$1.2 million as of March 31, 2020, primarily due to increase in trading of future contracts by our customers where cash in their segregated accounts has been transferred to our consolidated accounts with partner brokers.

 

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Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations

 

Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations arise from the business of dealing in futures or investment securities. Broker-dealers will require balances to be placed with them in order to cover the positions taken by its customers, which are repayable on demand subsequent to settlement date. Clearing house receivables typically represent proceeds receivable on trades that have yet to settle and are usually collected within two days. Our receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations increased by 30% from US$3.9 million as of March 31, 2019 to US$5.1 million as of March 31, 2020, primarily due to the increase of our customers’ trading activities of futures and securities.

 

Amount due from a related party

 

Amount due from a related party represents the advances to the Predecessor Parent Company for its operation funding needs prior to the completion of Reorganization, which are non-interest bearing. The amount increased by 15.7%, from US$2.5 million as of March 31, 2019 to US$2.9 million as of March 31, 2020. There was no further advances to the Predecessor Parent Company after the completion of Reorganization. As of the date of this prospectus, the Predecessor Parent Company has fully repaid the outstanding balance of $2,876,244 by cash.

 

Securities owned, at fair value

 

Securities owned, at fair value, mainly represented investment in US common stocks, all of which are on S&P500 index.

 

Payable to customers

 

Payables to customers represent payables related to the Company’s customer trading activities, which include the cash deposits received by the Company as requested by third party broker-dealers to place with them in order to cover the positions taken by its customers, clearing house payables due on pending trades and payable on demand, as well as the bank balances held on behalf of customers. Our payable to customers decreased by 23.9%, from US$8.1 million as of March 31, 2019 to US$6.1 million as of March 31, 2020. Such decrease was due to the reduced cash held on behalf of the customers in segregated accounts.

 

Dividend payable

 

The balance of dividend payable of $0.5 million as of March 31, 2020 represented the interim cash dividend of HK$3.9 million that was declared by ZYSL on March 24, 2020 to its single shareholder at the time of record, i.e. the Predecessor Parent Company, prior to the completion of Reorganization, which has been fully settled in cash subsequently on June 19, 2020.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Prior to this offering, our principal sources of liquidity to finance our operating activities have been net cash generated from operating activities, except in fiscal 2020 whereas we recorded net cash outflow in operating activities. As of March 31, 2020, we had US$4.86 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, out of which US$4.46 million was held in U.S. dollars and the rest was held in Hong Kong dollars and other currencies. Our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash primarily consist of general bank balances and segregated clients’ bank account balances.

 

We believe that our current cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and our anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our cash needs for general corporate purposes for at least the next 12 months. After this offering, we may decide to enhance our liquidity position or increase our cash reserve for future operations and investments through additional financing. The issuance and sale of additional equity would result in further dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increasing fixed obligations and could result in operating covenants that would restrict our operations.

 

Regulatory Capital Requirements

 

Subject to certain exemptions specified under the Securities and Futures (Financial Resources) Rules of Hong Kong (the “HK Financial Resources Rules”), two of our Hong Kong subsidiaries, Zhong Yang Securities Limited and Zhong Yang Capital Limited, are securities dealers and asset management company registered with the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (the “HKSFC”), an independent statutory body set up in accordance with the Securities and Futures Ordinance of the law of Hong Kong, and thus are required to maintain minimum paid-up share capital and required liquid capital in accordance with the HK Financial Resources Rules. The following table sets forth a summary of the key requirements under the HK Financial Resources Rules that are applicable to Zhong Yang Securities Limited and Zhong Yang Capital Limited:

 

Company   Type of regulated activities governed by the HKSFC   Minimum amount of paid-up capital   Required liquid capital
Zhong Yang Securities Limited   Type 1 and 2   HK$10,000,000   HK$3,000,000 or (i)
Zhong Yang Capital Limited   Type 4, 5 and 9   HK$5,000,000   HK$3,000,000 or (i)

 

(i)for company licensed for any regulated activities other than Type 3 regulated activities, its variable required liquid capital, which means 5% of the aggregate of (a) its adjusted liabilities, (b) the aggregate of the initial margin requirements in respect of outstanding futures contracts and outstanding options contracts held by it on behalf of its clients, and (c) the aggregate of the amounts of margin required to be deposited in respect of outstanding futures contracts and outstanding options contracts held by it on behalf of its clients, to the extent that such contracts are not subject to the requirement of payment of initial margin requirements.

 

As of March 31, 2019 and 2020, all of our operating subsidiaries were in compliance with their respective regulatory capital requirements.

 

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Cash Flows

 

The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the years presented.

 

   For the Years Ended
March 31,
 
   2019   2020 
   US$   US$ 
Summary Consolidated Cash Flow Data        
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   3,693,203    (1,520,303)
Net cash used in investing activities   (11,677)   - 
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   3,681,526    (1,520,303)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year   2,630,259    6,309,936 
Net foreign exchange differences   (1,849)   74,864 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year   6,309,936    4,864,497 

 

Operating activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2020 was US$1.5 million, as compared to the net profit of US$2.5 million. The difference was primarily attributable to (i) a decrease of US$1.9 million in payable to customers, (ii) an increase of US$1.2 million in receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations, and (iii) an increase of US$0.6 million in amount due from a related party.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2019 was US$3.7 million, as compared to the net profit of US$1.3 million. The difference was primarily attributable to (i) an increase of US$4.0 million in payable to customers, (ii) an increase of US$1.2 million in amount due from a related party, and (iii) an increase of US$0.7 million in receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations.

 

Investing activities

 

No cash flows from investing activities in fiscal 2020. Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2019 was US$11,677, which was fully spent on purchase of fixed assets.

 

Dividend

 

We did not pay any dividends to our shareholders in fiscal 2019.

 

On March 24, 2020, we declared an interim cash dividend of HK$3.9 million (approximately US$0.5 million) and HK$1.5 million (approximately US$0.2 million) by our two major subsidiaries, ZYSL and ZYCL, respectively, to our single shareholder at the time of record, i.e. the Predecessor Parent Company. As of March 31, 2020, the dividend declared by ZYCL has been fully settled by directly deducting from the amount due from the Predecessor Parent Company and the dividend declared by ZYSL was recorded as dividend payable. On June 19, 2020, ZYSL settled such dividend payable in cash.

 

On November 25, 2020, the Board of Directors of ZYSL declared an interim cash dividend of $3,200,108 to its shareholder ZYSL (BVI), following which ZYSL (BVI) declared an interim cash dividend to its shareholder ZYFGL and ZYFGL declared an interim cash dividends to its shareholders for the same amount on the same day. Without any withholding tax levied on dividends in Hong Kong, British Virgin Islands, and Cayman Islands, the interim cash dividends have already been settled with the shareholders in cash on November 25, 2020.

 

On January 19, 2021, we declared an interim cash dividend of HK$11.6 million (approximately US$1.5 million) by one of our subsidiaries, ZYSL, to our single shareholder at the time of record, i.e. the Predecessor Parent Company. US$0.5 million and US$0.5 million have been settled with the shareholders in cash on January 19, 2021 and January 20, 2021 respectively, the remaining US$0.5 million will be settled with the shareholders in cash on March 1, 2021.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

We did not have any significant capital and other commitments, long-term obligations, or guarantees as of March 31, 2020.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Commitments and Arrangements

 

We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholders’ equity or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Moreover, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or product development services with us.

 

Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates

 

An accounting policy is considered critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time such estimate is made, and if different accounting estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the consolidated financial statements.

 

We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical experiences and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from our expectations as a result of changes in our estimates. Some of our accounting policies require a higher degree of judgment than others in their application and require us to make significant accounting estimates.

 

The following descriptions of critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and other disclosures included in this prospectus. When reviewing our financial statements, you should consider (i) our selection of critical accounting policies, (ii) the judgments and other uncertainties affecting the application of such policies and (iii) the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions.

 

Revenue recognition

 

a)Revenue from Contracts with Customers

 

We early adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) on April 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of this ASC 606 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. ASC 606 establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entity’s contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The core principle requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services recognized as performance obligations are satisfied. In according with ASC 606, revenues are recognized when we satisfy the performance obligations by delivering the promised services to the customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services.

 

We identified each distinct service as a performance obligation. The recognition and measurement of revenue is based on the assessment of individual contract terms. We applied a practical expedient to expense costs as incurred for costs to obtain a contract with a customer when the amortization period would have been one year or less. We have no material incremental costs of obtaining contracts with customers that we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year, which need to be recognized as assets.

 

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Futures brokerage commissions

 

We earn fees and commissions from futures brokerage services based on a fixed rate for each transaction, all of which are under the consolidated accounts where the customer information are not disclosed to the third party brokers. When a customer executes a futures transaction through our platform, future brokerage commission is recognized upon the completion of this transaction. Only a single performance obligation is identified for each future trading transaction, and the performance obligation is satisfied on the trade date because that is when the underlying financial instrument is identified, the pricing of brokerage service is agreed upon and the promised services are delivered to customers. All of our revenues from contracts with customers are recognized at a point in time. The future brokerage service could not be cancelled once it’s executed and is not refundable, so returns and allowances are not applicable. Commissions are charged for each customer trade order executed and cleared by the third-party brokers. We recognize revenue net of discount (if any) on a gross basis as we are determined to be the primary obligor in fulfilling the trade order initiated by the customer.

 

Other service revenues

 

We provide other financial services including securities brokerage, consulting services and currency exchange services, and earn securities brokerage commissions, consultancy fee income and other revenues, which are recognized when the service is rendered according to the relevant contracts.

 

b)Trading gains, interest income and other

 

Trading gains and losses along with interest income fall within the scope of ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, which is excluded from the scope of ASC Topic 606. Trading gains and losses mainly consist of realized and unrealized gains and losses from the investment in US common stocks, which are included in Securities owned, at fair value. Interest and other income primarily consist of interests earned on bank deposit.

 

Income tax expenses

 

We account for income taxes in accordance with the U.S. GAAP. Under the asset and liability method as required by this accounting standard, the recognition of deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the income tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Provision for income taxes consists of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes.

 

The charge for taxation is based on the results for the year as adjusted for items which are non-assessable or disallowed. It is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

 

Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax basis. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable income to be utilized with prior net operating loss carried 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 income statement, except when it is related to items credited or charged directly to 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 is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. Penalties and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the period incurred.

 

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Fair value of financial instruments

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 1 assets included securities owned, at fair value.

 

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. As of and during the years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no Level 2 assets owned.

 

Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. As of and during the years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no Level 3 assets owned.

 

As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, our financial instruments comprised primarily current assets and current liabilities including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations, commission receivable, securities owned, at fair value, and payables to customers. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations, commission receivable, and payables to customers approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Securities owned, at fair value as of March 31, 2020 mainly consist of common stock investments and are based upon quoted market price.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326)”, which significantly changes the way entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over their remaining life, instead of when incurred. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses”, which amends Subtopic 326-20 (created by ASU No.2016-13) to explicitly state that operating lease receivables are not in the scope of Subtopic 326-20. Additionally, in April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No.2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments”, in May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief”, and in November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates”, and ASU No. 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses”, to provide further clarifications on certain aspects of ASU No. 2016-13 and to extend the nonpublic entity effective date of ASU No. 2016-13. The changes (as amended) are effective for the Company for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and we are in the process of evaluating the potential effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

We do not believe other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the consolidated financial position, statements of operations and cash flows.

 

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Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Prior to the completion of this offering, we were a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal control and procedures over financial reporting. We have identified “material weaknesses” and other control deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. The Auditing Standard No. 5, published by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), defined that a “material weakness” is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Such material weaknesses, if not timely remedied, may lead to significant misstatements in our consolidated financial statements in the future.

 

One material weakness that has been identified related to our lack of sufficient financial reporting and accounting personnel with appropriate knowledge of the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and SEC reporting requirements to properly address complex U.S. GAAP accounting issues and to prepare and review our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures to fulfill U.S. GAAP and SEC financial reporting requirements. The other material weakness that has been identified related to our lack of comprehensive accounting policies and procedures manual in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

To remedy the identified material weaknesses, we will adopt several measures to improve our internal control over financial reporting, including: (i) recruiting additional employees with extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SEC financial reporting requirements within our finance and accounting department; (ii) setting up a comprehensive accounting policy and procedure manual in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC financial reporting requirements; (iii) Conducting regular and continuous U.S. GAAP training programs for our financial reporting and accounting personnel; (iv) improving financial oversight function for handling complex accounting issues under U.S. GAAP; and (v) continuously developing and enhancing our internal audit function for the financial reporting matters. However, the implementation of these measures may not fully address the deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. We are not able to estimate with reasonable certainty the costs that we will need to incur to implement these and other measures designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting. See “Risk Factors—[Risks Related to Our Business—If we fail to develop and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results of operations or prevent fraud.

 

Pursuant to the JOBS Act, we qualify as an “emerging growth company as we recorded revenue less than US$1.07 billion in our most recent fiscal year, which allows us to take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, in the assessment of the emerging growth company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Neither we nor our independent registered public accounting firm undertook a comprehensive assessment of our internal control under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for purposes of identifying and reporting any weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, which, however, will be required once we become a public company and after we cease to be an “emerging growth company” as such term is defined in the JOBS Act. Had we performed a formal assessment of our internal control over financial reporting or had our independent registered public accounting firm performed an audit of our internal control over financial reporting, additional control deficiencies may have been identified.

 

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Holding Company Structure

 

ZYFGL is a holding company with no material operations of its own. We conduct our operations primarily through our subsidiaries in Hong Kong.

 

As a result, ZYFGL’s ability to pay dividends may depend upon dividends paid by our Hong Kong subsidiaries. If our existing Hong Kong subsidiaries or any newly formed ones incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends to us.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation in Hong Kong has not materially affected our results of operations in recent years. According to the Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong, the year-over-year percent changes in the consumer price index was an increase of 2.6%, 2.1% and 2.3% for March 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Although we have not been affected by inflation in the past, we may be affected if Hong Kong and any other jurisdiction where we operate in the future experience higher rates of inflation in the future.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Foreign Exchange Risk

 

Substantially all of our revenues and expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars and Hong Kong dollars and our expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars, Hong Kong dollars and Euro. We have not used any derivative financial instruments to hedge exposure to such risk. Although in general our exposure to foreign exchange risks should be limited, the value of your investment in our Ordinary Shares will be affected by the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Hong Kong dollar as well as between U.S. dollar and EURO because a substantial portion of our operating costs and expenses is effectively denominated in EURO, while our Ordinary Shares will be traded in U.S. dollars. We may seek to reduce the currency risk by entering into foreign currency instruments. We did not have any currency hedging instruments as of March 31, 2019 and 2020, however management monitors movements in exchange rates closely.

 

To the extent we need to convert U.S. dollars into Hong Kong dollars for our operations, appreciation of Hong Kong dollar against the U.S. dollar would reduce the amount in Hong Kong dollars we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert Hong Kong dollars into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our Ordinary Shares, or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Hong Kong dollar would reduce the U.S. dollar amounts available to us.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily from our bank deposits and receivables from brokers and dealers. We have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest risk exposure. Although these interest earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk, we have not been exposed to, nor do we anticipate being exposed to, material risks due to changes in market interest rates. However, our future interest income may fall short of expectations due to changes in market interest rates.

 

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Credit Risk

 

Our exposure to credit risk, which will cause a financial loss to us due to failure to discharge an obligation by the counterparties, relates primarily to our bank deposits (including our own cash at banks as well as the segregated clients account balances), receivables from brokers and dealers, and amount due from a related company. We consider the maximum exposure to credit risk equals to the carrying amount of these financial assets in the consolidated statement of financial position.

 

For bank deposits and receivables from brokers and dealers, the credit risk is limited as the counterparties are reputable financial institutions, brokers, dealers or clearing houses, which are governed by regulators including the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and the HKSFC. The credit risk exposure arising from the amount due to a related company is considered to be minimal as the related company is owned by our major shareholder and under common control.

 

Other than concentration of credit risk on liquid funds which are deposited with several banks with high credit ratings, we do not have any other significant concentrations of credit risk.

 

To mitigate the credit risk from defaults, we have adopted a credit policy of dealing with creditworthy counterparties only, which are also under continuous monitoring. Our credit exposure is controlled by counterparty limits that are reviewed and approved by our senior management periodically.

 

BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

We are an online brokerage firm in Hong Kong specializing in the provision of clients with access to local and overseas equities, futures, and options products. Our clients primarily reside in Asia and we are currently focusing on our customer base expansion to Southeast Asian investors. Our trading platforms enable investors to trade approximately more than 100 futures products on multiple exchanges around the world including the member exchanges of Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), Hong Kong Futures Exchange (HKFE), The New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), The Commodity Exchange (COMEX), Eurex Exchange (EUREX), ICE Clear Europe Limited (ICEU), Singapore Exchange (SGX), Australia Securities Exchange (ASX), Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad (BMD), and Osaka Exchange (OSE). Our continuous efforts focusing on offering value-added services and access to exchanges around the globe, compounded with the excellent user experience, have enabled us to become one of the fast-growing online trading platforms for our clients. We have achieved substantial growth in transaction volume and client numbers on our platform since the operation of our company. Our trading volume increased from 5.68 million in fiscal 2019 to 9.20 million in fiscal 2020. And our total registered customer number increased from 178 as of March 31, 2019 to 226 as of March 31, 2020.

 

Currently, we are adopting third-party trading platforms including Esunny and 2Go for investors globally who can easily be accessed through our APP, software, and websites. The two systems are designed to empower our clients to enjoy a seamless, efficient, and secure trading platform. We offer our customers comprehensive brokerage and value-added services, including trade order placement and execution, account management, and customer support. Given the importance of trading systems in our services, it is part of our future strategy to continuously enhance our IT infrastructure.

 

We generate revenues primarily from brokerage fees we charge clients for executing and/or arranging the trades and transactions for them. Our revenues for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020 were US$ 10.8 million and US$ 16.5 million, respectively. The commissions on futures brokerage for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2020 accounted for 97.0% and 98.1% of the total revenues, respectively.

 

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We have achieved substantial growth since the launch of our operation of online brokerage services, as illustrated by the chart below which sets forth the major future contracts we have executed.

 

 

We intend to leverage our competitive strengths to sustain and grow our business, namely, to provide our clients with fast and reliable access to the financial market through our personalized client services and efficient organizational structure.

 

Corporate History

 

We incorporated Zhong Yang Securities Limited (“ZYSL”) with limited liability under the laws of Hong Kong and commenced our securities and futures brokerage business after obtaining licenses from HKSFC on March 4, 2016 and October 18, 2016, respectively. To expand our services to the asset management sector, we obtained the relevant HKSFC licenses on in February 2018 through our subsidiary, Zhong Yang Capital Limited (“ZYCL”).

 

On March 26, 2020, we carried out a series of transactions to reorganize the legal structure of the Company. As part of the reorganization, Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited (“ZYFGL”) was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and two wholly-owned British Virgin Islands subsidiaries of ZYFGL, ZYSL (BVI) Limited (“ZYSL (BVI)”) and ZYCL (BVI) Limited (“ZYCL (BVI)”), were then incorporated on August 29, 2019. With the approval obtained from HKSFC, the ownership interests in ZYSL and ZYCL were transferred from Zhong Yang Holdings Limited to ZYSL (BVI) and ZYCL (BVI), respectively on March 26, 2020.

 

In support of our plan to expand the brokerage business coverage to more foreign exchanges, two new investment holding companies, namely ZYAL (BVI) Limited (“ZYAL (BVI)”) and ZYNL (BVI) Limited (“ZYNL (BVI)”), were established, under the laws of British Virgin Islands on January 7, 2021 and January 20, 2021, respectively. ZYAL (BVI) aims at obtaining the Australian Financial Services License authorised by Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”) to provide financial service to the clients through further incorporation of local subsidiary for license application or by equity transaction. ZYNL (BVI) aims at providing financial service in New Zealand and accordingly, intends to register as a Financial Service Provider (“FSP”) on the Financial Service Providers Register (“FSPR”) governed by the New Zealand Companies Office through further incorporation of local subsidiary for FSP application or by equity transaction.

 

Furthermore, on January 12 2021, we incorporated an IT company, namely ZYTL (BVI) Limited (“ZYTL (BVI)”), with limited liability under the laws of British Virgin Islands for the purpose of strengthening our online trading platform by either acquisition of potential software development company or by independent development.

 

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Corporate Structure

 

The following diagram illustrates the corporate structure of Zhang Yang Financial Group Limited and its subsidiaries as of the date of this prospectus:

 

 

Our Subsidiaries and Business Functions

 

ZYSL (BVI) was incorporated as the investment holding company of ZYSL on August 29, 2019 as part of the reorganization.

 

ZYCL (BVI) was incorporated as the investment holding company of ZYCL on August 29, 2019 as part of the reorganization.

 

ZYSL was established in accordance with laws and regulations of Hong Kong on April 22, 2015 with a registered capital of HKD 18,000,000 (approximately $2.3 million). ZYSL is a limited liability corporation licensed with HKSFC to carry out regulated activities including Type 1 Dealing in Securities and Type 2 Dealing in Futures Contracts.

 

ZYCL was established in accordance with laws and regulations of Hong Kong on September 29, 2016 with a registered capital of HKD 5,000,000 (approximately $0.6 million). ZYCL is a limited liability corporation licensed with the HKSFC to carry out regulated activities Type 4 Advising on Securities, Type 5 Advising on Futures Contracts and Type 9 Asset Management.

 

ZYAL (BVI), ZYTL (BVI) and ZYNL (BVI) were incorporated under the laws of British Virgin Islands on January 7, 2021, January 12, 2021 and January 20, 2021. These subsidiaries have minimum operation as of the date of this prospectus.

 

Our Industry

 

Hong Kong

 

According to Cash Market Transaction Survey 2019 from Hong Kong Exchange, In 2019, local (Hong Kong) investors’ contribution to total market turnover remained at 30% (same as in 2018), compared to the recent peak of 45% in 2013/14. Overseas investors’ contribution to the total market turnover was 43%, up from 41% in 2018. Their contribution has increased gradually from its recent trough of 39% in 2013/14.

 

Mainland Chinese investors continued to be the largest contributor group from overseas, contributing 26% of overseas investor trading (down from 28% in 2018) and 11% of total market turnover (12% in 2018). The US was the second largest overseas contributor group, contributing 24% of overseas investor trading and 10% of total market turnover in 2019 (compared to 23% and 10% respectively in 2018). The UK came third, contributing 16% of overseas investor trading and 7% total market turnover (17% and 7% respectively in 2018).

 

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The contribution from Asian investors, in aggregate, was 42% of total overseas investor trading, similar to the level in 2018. Following Mainland Chinese investors, Singaporean investors continued to be the second largest contributor group in Asia, contributing 11% of overseas investor trading (up from 7% in 2018) and 5% of total market turnover (up from 3% in 2018).

 

Over the past ten years, the overall investor trading value from Asia had a CAGR of 8% compared to the CAGR of 3% in the total overseas investor trading value. In particular, investor trading from Mainland China and Taiwan recorded a CAGR of 13% and 9% respectively. Investor trading from Australia, Singapore and the US also recorded positive CAGRs of 5%, 4% and 2% respectively. On the contrary, investor trading from Europe recorded a negative CAGR of -2%, in particular -4% for the UK.

 

Retail online trading accounted for 57% of total retail investor trading (down slightly from 61% in 2018), and 11% of the total market turnover (up slightly from 10% in 2018). In 2019, the implied value of online trading dropped by 6% year-on-year (compared to the 19% drop in the total market turnover), recording a 10-year CAGR of 9% (compared to 3% for the total market turnover).

 

The financial services industry plays a pivotal role in Hong Kong’s economy. Since the 1990s, Hong Kongs capital market has experienced rapid development, benefitting from the liberalization of Chinas markets as well as the introduction of advanced trading systems which achieve better execution. Hong Kongs capital market has gradually become one of the most favorable investment markets globally. By 2000, approximately 40% of the total market turnover of the Hong Kong securities market was attributable to trading of overseas investors.

 

The total number of licensed securities and futures intermediaries in Hong Kong increased from 3,545 in 2013 to 5,807 in 2019, representing a CAGR of approximately 8.6%. Increase in the number of licensed securities and futures intermediaries in recent years may be attributed to the launch of the China Connect, stimulating the establishment of intermediaries to deal with expected demand in the securities and futures market in Hong Kong. In addition, the trend for China-funded intermediaries to increasingly set-up securities and brokerage businesses in Hong Kong in recent years may also support the increase in number of intermediaries in Hong Kong.

 

Source: Securities and Futures Commission

 

As of December 31, 2020, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange was ranked fifth among stock exchanges worldwide in terms of market capitalisation, with a market capitalisation of HK$47,523 billion. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange recorded the greatest number of IPOs globally in 2020, with 154 IPOs raising approximately HK$743,654.5 million in funds. The total market capitalisation of securities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, including the Main Board and GEM, increased from approximately HK$24,042.8 billion in 2013 to approximately HK$47,523 billion in 2020, representing a CAGR of approximately 10.22%.The Stock Exchange recorded performance in 2020, with total market capitalization increasing from approximately HK$38,362.0 billion in 2019 to approximately HK$47,523.0 billion in 2020, representing a year-over-year growth rate of 24.52%. The significant growth could be explained by the PRC’s strong economic growth, strong corporate earnings and interest from southbound funds.

 

Source: HKEX

 

Southeast Asia

 

According to Capturing the multi-trillion dollar asset management opportunity in Southeast Asia from Monitor Deloitte, Southeast Asia (SEA) is widely acknowledged as the world’s next growth engine after China. Currently the 6th largest economy globally in terms of GDP, the ten economies that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is projected to continue on its growth trajectory to become the 4th largest economy in the world by 2025, behind the U.S., China and Japan. A large part of the region’s growth story stems from the diversity and dynamism of its ten member countries. From an economic perspective, the differences are distinct – from the GDP per capita in Singapore being more than 50 times greater than some of its neighbouring states, to the vast size of Indonesia’s growing middle class and economic output, and the double digit growth of Philippines and Myanmar (refer to Exhibit 1). Collectively, with a large and growing population, as well as an expected uptick in affluence across all income groups, SEA is quickly getting the attention of asset managers around the world, who are keen on tapping the vast and accumulating wealth in the region.

 

Based on the analysis of the key headwinds and tailwinds within and beyond the region that affect institutional and retail behaviour, three regional trends have been identified as having the most significant impact on the future of the asset management business in the region:

 

1.Emerging demographic trends driving growth potential

 

  (i) Growth of digital natives: Millennials, who are raised in a digital, media-saturated world, are typically perceived as being familiar with and dependent on digital technologies. This demographic segment currently makes up 27% of the population in SEA1, and contributes to a smartphone penetration of 35% in the region.

 

  (ii) Aging populations: Across the 12 key markets in Asia, the number of people aged 50 and above is expected to exceed 1 billion by 2025; of which 15% are from SEA. With East Asia aging at an unprecedented rate, the aging population in the region looks set to grow by about 22% every five years – between 2015 and 2034. 1

 

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2.New pools of AUM opportunities

 

New wealth has translated into sizeable pools of AUM originating from institutional investors such as sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), pension funds (PFs) and onshore wealth in SEA.

 

These AUM opportunities reside within the institutional, high net worth (HNW) and retail investment channels in SEA. Conservative estimates indicate that SEA will have a total AUM pool of around USD 3.5 to 4.0 trillion by 2025, with the institutional segment accounting for more than half of that AUM opportunity.

 

3.Increasing demand for product differentiation

 

In an environment of low or negative interest rates, investors in SEA have shown stronger preferences for a wider range of asset classes to access alpha. Specifically, income-oriented strategies as well as solutions which reduce portfolio volatility feature strongly in the SEA investor’s portfolio. For example, investments in alternatives such as private equity, venture capital and real estate have almost doubled in terms of AUM over the last five years. Similarly, due to the fast-growing demand for Sharia-compliant products, the respective AUM has also almost doubled since 2012, albeit from a lower base.

 

Our Strengths

 

We believe that the following strengths contribute to our success and differentiate us from our competitors:

 

Experienced management and talented team

 

We have a team of experienced and coherent management. Most of them have more than 20 years of experience in the finance industry and technology industry with substantial expertise in formulating corporate strategies, monitoring compliance, decision making, controlling credit risks, and daily operation.

 

The Company’s founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Miss Junli Yang, who assumes the role of executive director and has more than 10 years of management experience in technology companies. She is also a member of Lion Club International in Shenzhen. Mr. Ka Fai Yuen, our Chief Executive Officer, Responsible Officer (see “Business – Regulation - Responsible Officers”) and executive directors of the Board, has over 20 years of financial service industry experience including functions of dealing, marketing, settlement, compliance, risk management, market-making, proprietary trading, research, advising on securities and asset management related experience. Furthermore, Ms. Yung Yung Lo, who is the Chief Financial Officer of our Company, has more than 15 years of audit and finance management experience in Hong Kong and the United States. Ms. Tam Hoi Ling Jennifer, who is the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, has more than 12 years of marketing and operations experience in the financial service industry. Mr. Yun Lung Leung has 20 years of experience in securities and futures brokerage services. He is one of our Responsible Officers of the Company. We believe our experienced management and talented team will be able to work coherently and navigate our Company to our growth targets. We believe our experienced management and talented team will be able to work coherently and navigate our Company to our growth targets.

 

Streamlined and efficient organizational structure

 

We have a streamlined and efficient organizational structure that allows us to make decisions effectively and swiftly. Based on our Company’s internal control and risk management procedures, all decisions concerning the client’s transaction execution are directly supervised by our responsible officers. Given the scale of our Group’s, we believe that the flat and efficient organizational structure is suitable and allows us to promote closer working relationships among our staff and management.

 

Access to Important Global Exchanges

 

By leveraging the trading platforms we adopted, we can offer our clients more than 100 future products in various prominent exchanges around the globe, including the CME, HKEX, CBOT, COMEX, NYMEX, EUREX, ICEU, ASX, BMD, OSE, and SGX. Also, we offer stock trading available in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, and Nasdaq Stock Market for clients. Additionally, we are planning to apply for appropriate licenses in Singapore, England, or other jurisdictions, while extending our footprints in more exchanges around the globe. Through our platforms, our clients can gain access to major financial markets in the world.

 

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Our Strategies

 

Driven by increasing demand for global asset allocation and enhanced functionality of online brokers, it is expected that demand for online brokerage services among investors in Southeast Asia markets will continue to increase in the future. Our prospect is to establish the leading position of our futures brokerage business in Hong Kong and grasp the growth potential of the Hong Kong futures industry. We also intend to consolidate our current market position in Hong Kong and strengthen our competitive advantage, and further expand our branches in Southeast Asia. We target to grow our customer base, increase our trading volume and access to exchanges around the globe, and enhance our technology capabilities. To achieve these goals, we plan to implement the following strategies.

 

Expand demographic coverage to serve investors in Southeast Asia

 

We target to grow our customer base and provide our products and services to investors in a wider range of jurisdictions. To achieve this goal, we specifically intend to expand the customer base to Southeast Asian countries through leveraging online advertisements and holding seminars to promote our brand awareness in the local markets of Southeast Asian countries. We believe Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia have strong market potential with solid growth of economy and population. These emerging markets witness an increasing number of wealthy families and the middle class with developing financial literacy and surging demands to access to financial markets around the world in pursuit of wealth creation. Yet, the financial sector in these countries is relatively less active and investors are underserved. Therefore, we believe our Company can enter these markets and accommodate such demand resulted from the rising middle class in these regions.

 

In connection with our future global footprint, we plan to increase our brand awareness in Southeast Asia markets through online advertisement and partnership with local online brokers. Also, we are planning to apply for relevant licenses that allow us to operate regulated activities in Singapore or Australia. Our goal is to increase our geographical coverage in Southeast Asia markets, attracting more customers to use our services.

 

Enhance our services and expand our product offering

 

We aim to continuously expand our customer base by maintaining client satisfaction in our services and further expand our customer base through our rigorous marketing efforts and client referrals. To enhance our competitiveness amid the keen market competition, we believe it is also important to innovate and improve products which we provide to our clients. With respect to these goals, we aspire to:

 

(i)expand our channels to trade Contract for Difference (“CFD”) which is a popular form of derivative trading. It enables investors to speculate on the rising or falling prices of fast-moving global financial markets or instruments. The main direct channel is to establish our CFD trading website which will support multiple languages, including English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, etc. This website is expected to provide CFD traders of all levels with the best trading experience, as well as a wide range of education and supporting tools.

 

(ii)leverage the relationships with retail financial services companies such as broker-dealers and futures commission merchants to attract more clients. These companies provide CFD trading services to their existing customers in their brands in exchange for revenue sharing arrangements with us. We refer to these companies as our white label partners. We also establish a relationship with introducing brokers, who refer their clients to us for commission fee, to expand our customer base. We believe the CFD trading services will constitute an integral part of our comprehensive service offerings and it will be a driver of future growth in brokerage commission.

 

(iii)provide customized products and services that can meet individual customers after analyzing their risk and return preferences, and account value in an effort to improve our customer loyalty. We believe that this can ultimately enhance our pricing power and customer stickiness, increasing our overall competitiveness.

 

Increase customer loyalty

 

We plan to continuously provide unique customized products and services by analyzing customers’ risk and return preferences, account amount / value and other customers’ requirements to increase customer loyalty. We believe this will improve our pricing power, expand customer base and increase customer loyalty, thereby increase our overall competitiveness.

 

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Our Revenue Model and Core Services

 

Brokerage Services

 

Overview

 

We deliver a comprehensive and user-friendly online trading experience for investors through our platform that can be accessed through our APP, software, or website. We commenced online trading operations and made our services accessible in May 2016. Our trading platforms enable our customers to execute trades in a secure, reliable, and cost-efficient environment.

 

Our platform allows investors to trade options and futures contracts on our trading platform in 11 member exchanges of CME, HKEX, CBOT, COMEX, NYMEX, EUREX, ICEU, ASX, BMD, OSE, and SGX. Our futures/options brokering services are our main service and we provide the services to our clients in respect of futures and options products traded on the aforementioned exchanges globally. Investors can also trade stocks listed on the major stock exchanges around the world, including Nasdaq Stock Market, New York Stock Exchange, and Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

 

We have obtained various licenses to conduct our operation and have also obtained trading rights to supplement our service offerings. The table below sets forth the licenses obtained by us under the jurisdiction of Hong Kong.

 

License type and trading right   Entity name
     
HKSFC Type 1 License – Dealing in securities   Zhong Yang Securities Limited
     
HKSFC Type 2 License – Dealing in futures contracts   Zhong Yang Securities Limited
     
HKSFC Type 4 License – Advising on securities   Zhong Yang Capital Limited
     
HKSFC Type 5 License – Advising on futures contracts   Zhong Yang Capital Limited
     
HKSFC Type 9 License – Asset management   Zhong Yang Capital Limited
     
SEHK Participants (Participant ID: 02011)   Zhong Yang Securities Limited
     
HKSCC Participants (Participant ID: B02011)   Zhong Yang Securities Limited

 

We conduct our operation through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Zhong Yang Securities Limited and Zhong Yang Capital Limited. Zhong Yang Securities Limited is a corporation licensed with the SFC of Hong Kong to carry out type 1 (dealing in securities) and type 2 (dealing in futures contracts) regulated activities. Zhong Yang Capital Limited is a corporation licensed with the SFC of Hong Kong to carry out type 4 (advising on securities), type 5 (advising on futures contracts), and type 9 (asset management) regulated activities in Hong Kong.

 

As of March 31, 2020, we had 296 registered customer accounts. Below is the table of the registered customer accounts and active clients segmented by account types as of the dates or for the periods from Q1 2017 to Q4 2020. Active clients are clients for whom we are required to prepare and deliver monthly statement of accounts in respect of the relevant reporting month in accordance with Securities and Futures (Contract Notes, Statements of Account and Receipts) Rules.

 

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Types of Accounts

 

We offer three types of customer accounts, individual account, corporate account, and Omnibus account, depending on the nature of the account owner.

 

For the individual and corporate accounts, we are responsible for the “know your client”, or KYC, and anti-money laundering, or AML, procedures including customer identity verification, account approval and disapproval, record keeping, monitoring and supervision of the accounts and other compliance functions. We would activate the accounts only after all necessary procedures have been performed and completed with proper sign-off by the Responsible Officer of the Company. With our well-established IT infrastructure and streamlined organizational structure, the account opening process for individual and corporate accounts is more efficient and smoother.

For the Omnibus accounts, we also perform our KYC procedures to the licensed corporates by obtaining supporting documents including, among others, Identity credentials and address Proof of Significant Controllers and Directors, Addendum to Agreement for Financial Intermediary, Certificate of Incorporation, Licensing Information, Board Minutes, Company Search Result and Annual Return / Certificate of Incumbency.

 

Our Product Offering and Services

 

We provide securities, futures, and options brokerage services to our clients. Specifically, futures brokerage service is our major business. For futures products, we offer our clients a wide variety of futures products traded on the futures exchanges. These products include, (i) index futures, (ii) Forex futures, (iii) agricultural product futures, (iv) energy futures, and (v) precious metal futures.

 

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Description of futures contracts

 

Futures products are standardized contracts traded on futures exchanges. They are a leveraged investment and in general, the futures contracts traded in our platform are settled in cash rather than physically settled.

 

The following table sets forth the non-exhaustive description of futures projects we have made available to our clients.

 

(i)Index futures: cash-settled futures contracts on a stock or financial index whereby buyers and sellers agree to pay or receive payment in the future for the cash value of an underlying stock index; these allow investors to speculate on the entire or substantial part of a stock market’s performance as well as to hedge the downside price risk of the broader market. We provide our clients including but not limited to the Hang Sang Index futures, Nikkei 225 Index futures, the FTSE China index.

 

(ii)Forex futures: futures contracts to exchange a currency for another at a specified date in the future at a price (exchange rate) that is fixed on the purchase date. We provide access to a wide variety of forex futures including USD to CNH futures, Euro to USD futures, and British Pound futures.

 

(iii)Agricultural product futures: futures contracts for the delivery of agricultural products futures such as sugar, cotton, corn, soybean, wheat, cocoa, oat, coffee and rough rice at a specified future date based on a price fixed on the purchase date. We offer our clients agricultural product futures, for instance, the US soybean futures, the US corn futures, and the US wheat futures.

 

(iv)Energy futures: futures contracts for the delivery of crude oil, unleaded gas, heating oil, or natural gas at a specified future date based on a price fixed on the purchase date. The major energy futures to which we provide access encompass the natural gas futures, unleaded gasoline futures, and crude oil futures.

 

(v)Precious metal futures: futures contracts for the delivery of selected precious metals such as gold, silver, nickel, platinum, and palladium at a specified future date based on a price fixed on the purchase date. The precious metal futures we provided include platinum futures, palladium futures, gold futures, etc.

 

When our clients buy or sell futures contracts, they have to deposit with us as an initial margin. At the end of every trading day, the client’s position is marked-to-market. If the contract prices move against the view of the client and as a result, the initial margin deposit falls below the maintenance margin level, we will make a margin call, which means that the client will have to deposit additional money to restore the initial margin level. Failure to maintain the margin level may result in the liquidation of clients’ positions at the market under our discretion to limit our risk exposure. The clients will have to bear the loss arising from such liquidation caused by the failure to restore to the maintenance margin level.

 

The requirements of the aforementioned initial margin level and maintenance margin levels for each type of futures contract are established by the relevant futures exchanges on which the relevant futures contracts are traded.

 

The following table sets forth the range of margin requirement as of March 31, 2020 for major futures products that are traded by our clients (currencies other than USD are converted into US$ for reference purpose):

 

   Initial margin
(US$)
   Maintenance
margin
(US$)
 
Index futures        
Hang Seng Index   19,813.59    15,850.77 
Dow Jones Small Cap Index   13,200.00    12,000.00 
Nasdaq US Small Cap Index   16,500.00    15,000.00 
Forex futures          
Japanese Yen   4,400.00    4,000.00 
British Pound   2,970.00    2,700.00 
Energy futures          
Crude Oil   6,160.00    5,600.00 
Brent Crude Oil (CME)   6,160.00    5,600.00 
Brent Crude Oil (ICE)   5,240.00    5,240.00 
Natural gas   1,595.00    1,450.00 
Precious metal futures          
Gold   9,185.00    8,350.00 

 

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Although the stock trading service is currently not the major growth driver of our business and the revenue generated in fiscal 2019 and 2020 was immaterial, we intend to continuously expand the customer base of our stock trading services. Also, we target to enhance our access to more exchanges around the globe for our clients, allowing them to make stock trading efficiently and conveniently by using our trading platforms.

 

For options trading, we have the capacity to offer options trading services and they are available to our clients. However, there was no revenue generated from options trading services for fiscal 2019 and 2020.

 

Although we are qualified and eligible to provide asset management services and security margin financing services to our clients, we did not carry out these services in fiscal 2019 and 2020.

 

Revenue Models

 

We currently derive substantially most of our revenues from our future brokerage services through commission fees we charge our customers, which accounted for 97% and 98% of the total revenues in fiscal 2019 and 2020, respectively. Commission fees generated from our future brokerage services were US$10.5 million and US$16.2 million in fiscal 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

Our revenues from future brokerage commissions are generated by customer trades and are largely determined by trading volume and commission rates. We charge commission fees based on the lots or contracts of futures in each order.

 

We adopt diversified pricing terms to better serve our customers with individualized needs. The cost we charge generally varies in accordance with the type of products or services discussed above. Moreover, our directors will review customers’ transactions, transaction volume, and trading behaviors each week and offer discounts on service charges to specific customers with large volume transactions. Below is a summary of the currently effective pricing terms for certain of our products and services, which are subject to change from time to time. The actual executed pricing may differ from this official pricing terms, depending on various factors such as customer tiers.

 

Products and services   Pricing terms
Futures contracts in COMEX, CBOT, ASX   Transaction fees: US$ 20.0 per contract
     
Futures contracts in CME, NYMEX, SGX   Transaction fees: US$ 15.0 to 20.0 per contract
     
Futures contracts in HKEX    
US Gold, CNH to USD   Transaction fees: US$ 10.0 per contract
Mini-Hang Seng Index, H-Share Index, Mini H-Share Index, Hang Seng Index   Transaction fees: HK$ 50.0 to 100.0 per contract
USD to CNH   Transaction fees: USD 20.0 per contract
     
Futures contracts in EUREX    
DAX Performance Index, Mini DAX Performance Index   Transaction fees: EUR 20.0 per contract
     
Futures contracts in NYBOT    
Cocoa, Cotton, Coffee, Sugar   Transaction fees: USD 20.0 per contract

 

Our Customers

 

We classify those who have opened accounts to trade on our platform as customers. Our customers can open and activate trading accounts by means of face-to-face, mail approach, or a combination of electronic signature and designated bank account in Hong Kong. The account opening documents can be downloaded for free from our website. After filling in personal information online, our customers are required to complete a series of questions and upload various documents to verify their identity and assess potential risks.

 

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We have experienced significant growth in both the number of customers and trading volume due to our reliable and secure trading platform, comprehensive brokerage and value-added services, and superior user experience. Our total registered customer number increased from 178 as of March 31, 2019 to 226 as of March 31, 2020. In the fiscal year of 2019, we had 78 revenue-generating accounts in total, including 62 accounts for futures trading and 16 accounts for securities trading. In the fiscal year of 2020, we had 77 revenue-generating accounts in total, including 61 accounts for futures trading and 16 accounts for securities trading. Trading volume increased from 5.68 million in the fiscal year of 2019 to 9.20 million in the fiscal year of 2020.

 

Marketing, Branding, Customer Development, and Customer Support

 

We attract and retain customers to use our trading platform through marketing and branding, customer development, and customer support.

 

Marketing and Branding

 

We did not launch any marketing campaign in the past, but we are planning to carry out our marketing campaign through online marketing channels. Our major online marketing initiatives will be centered around our expansion of CFD trading services including optimization of Internet search results, advertisement on financial-related websites, and the Company’s website. We focus on investing in effective marketing initiatives and regularly review the performance of various market initiatives to optimize the allocation of our marketing resources.

 

To facilitate the development of CFD trading services, our marketing strategies aim to attract new and existing customers to use our CFD trading services. Therefore, we will leverage two channels of customer acquisition to promote our services:

 

(i)Direct channel. We leverage our websites and brand awareness to attract new customers in a cost-effective manner and adopt a “one-to-one” direct marketing strategy. In executing our direct marketing strategy, we intend to employ a combination of traditional marketing campaigns, such as online and offline advertisement, optimization of Internet search results, email marketing, and participation in industry trade exhibitions. Specifically, we plan to increase our brand awareness by putting advertisements on TV and the national commercial broadcast network, and we believe that such marketing efforts will significantly improve the brand’s recognition.

 

(ii)Indirect channel. We adopt a “one-to-many” strategy by establishing partnerships with financial services companies, including white-label partnerships and introducing brokers. These companies and brokers can provide their existing customers with CFD trading services through our channel.

 

We intend to employ a combination of traditional marketing campaigns, such as online and offline advertisement, optimization of Internet search results, email marketing, and participation in industry trade exhibitions. Specifically, we plan to increase our brand awareness by putting advertisements on TV and the national commercial broadcast network, and we believe that such marketing efforts will significantly improve the brand’s recognition.

 

We believe the best marketing strategy is inviting our prospective customers to experience the services we can offer. Hence, we plan to provide our prospective customers with access to free-trial demo trading accounts for a 30-day period. During the trial period, our customer service team can offer help and training to prospective customers. We have confidence that this will be a simple but effective approach to attract new customers. First, it can serve as a promotion tool that educates potential customers on how CFD functions and operates in a risk-free environment without incurring actual costs. Secondly, it allows potential clients to experience the functions of our trading platforms, tools, and services. The demo trading account features the same functions as the regular accounts used by our existing customers, including the availability of real-time streaming quotes. We consider this free CFD demo trading account to be a successful strategy in converting trial accounts into active trading accounts.

On top of the online marketing activities, we also engaged with a well-known martial arts movie star in Hong Kong, Mr. Yuen Piu, to be the Company’s brand ambassador. With his positive image as a powerful and diligent martial art actor, we believe we can enhance our brand image and awareness by engaging with Mr. Yuen as our brand ambassador to embody our Company’s identity in the public realm.

 

Customer Development

 

Our service users and potential customers can initiative contact with us by means of phone calls, online messages, and email. To enhance the relationship between us and customers, we generally have a team dedicated to following up with customers to handle their questions about our platforms and services.

 

Additionally, our directors will review customers’ transactions and trading behaviors each week and offer discounts on service charges to customers for large volume transactions. We believe this measure would facilitate customers’ loyalties to our Company and encourage customers to use our Company’s services.

 

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Our Existing Technology and Infrastructure

 

Our technology and infrastructure are critical to our goal of providing the most user-friendly trading experience to our customers. Since the Company’s inception, we have leveraged two trading platforms – Esunny Morning Star Futures and Options as well as 2Go Trade – to create an efficient conduit for the global flow of capital across exchanges around the world, while at the same time maintaining one of the competitive fee schemes in the industry. We strongly believe in enhancing the technology to adapt to the constantly evolving environment and to increase customer satisfaction by ensuring customers’ experience with smooth transactions.

 

Esunny Morning Star Futures and Options

 

The Esunny Morning Star Futures and Options System is developed by Zhengzhou Esunny Information Technology Co., Ltd., which was solely invested by Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange. It specialized in mobile application, software development, and internet technical support in the financial industry.

 

The Esunny Morningstar Futures & Options Trading System is a leading system designed for futures and derivatives trading. It employs the latest architecture and advanced technologies to ensure system stability while maintaining flexibilities for sophisticated investors in their investment management under different situations. Also, the trading system supports trades with major global futures and derivative exchanges including CME, LME, HKEX, SGX, and EUREX while covering more than 1,000 derivatives, namely commodities, currency, stock futures, stock options, etc.

 

The trading system bundles with powerful client software that contains a set of functions to assist investors in trading. These functions include market analysis, fast trading, stop-loss orders, and arbitrage transaction.

 

Main features of the client software

 

Timely market information. The client software can provide timely market information to investors stably and quickly as the system sources data from high-end data providers in the industry.

 

Indicator analysis. The client software offers tools and indicators to help investors to do their trading. These indicators and tools encompass trend analysis, trading volume analysis, volatility analysis, among others.

 

Multiple-accounts. The trading system supports investors to register with multiple accounts logged in simultaneously, providing flexibility to investors to carry out arbitrage transactions and large-volume transactions.

 

Practical trading functions. The client software supports various types of trading instructions and ordering tools, saving investors troubles and time.

 

Open-source platform. The client software supports investors to build their functions via an open-source platform, offering great flexibilities to high-end investors.

 

Also, the mobile application and desktop application of Esunny Morning Star Futures and Options are supported and interacted with a back-end system that is able to support a variety of functions including account management, market real-time information, trading execution, order routing, and toolkit for technical analysis.

 

2Go Trade

 

We leveraged 2GoTrade to provide access to our clients for security trading. 2GoTrade is developed by 2Go trade limited which is founded in Hong Kong. It is specialized in providing solutions for complex trading in the HK/China financial market with a simple, yet all-inclusive proposition. The key advantage of the system lies in the manner of low latency, mission-critical technology, and brokerage applications are developed, managed, and operated using an innovative, cloud-centric, proactive service model. Being a leading innovator in front- and back-office applications since 2001, 2GoTrade delivers mission-critical trading and processing IT service to a growing mix of institutional and retail brokers.

 

Mobile application

 

The 2Go Trade provides a user-friendly customer experience. The user interface of 2Go Trade contains five major tabs, “List”, “Quote”, “Trading”, “Me” and “Others”.

 

List. The list tab contains a list of securities that are marked by the client, and the list allows clients to get quick access to the marked securities.

 

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Quote. The quote tab provides the real-time market information of the stock, including the sticker, current bid and ask price, trading volume, and historical prices.

 

Trading. The trading tab contains the functions which empower the clients to trade stocks conveniently. The client can choose various means to place orders, including market order, limited price order, and conditional order, among others.

 

Me. The “me” tab stores information of profit and loss, order history, account statement, and account balance, allowing the clients to effectively manage their funds.

 

Other. The other tab contains functions allowing clients to customize the system settings and search for legal statements.

 

Desktop application

 

The desktop application has the same functions as that of the mobile version. The desktop application allows clients to get access to market information and engage in trading on a larger screen.

 

Business continuity measures

 

We also maintain formal business continuity policies and practices that are designed for rapid recovery should any business disruption or disaster occurs in the middle of our business operation. We regularly review and test our recovery plans and controls to ensure the effectiveness of such plans and controls in meeting our business needs.

 

Intellectual Property

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we had registered one trademark under the jurisdiction of Hong Kong. The trademark application was filed on October 29, 2016 and we received the trademark approval on December 23, 2016.

 

We count on a combination of intellectual property protection laws in Hong Kong. Our intellectual property rights are important to us as they distinguish our brand and services from other competitors in the market.

 

Employees

 

We had 11, 10 and 10 employees as of March 31, 2019, March 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020 respectively. We enter into individual employment contracts with selected employees to cover matters including non-competition and confidentiality arrangements. We generally formulate our employees’ remuneration package to include salary and benefits. We provide our employees with social security benefits in accordance with all applicable regulations and internal policies.

 

Facilities

 

Our principal executive office is located at Flat 1101, 118 Connaught Road West in Hong Kong, where we lease approximately 189 square meters of office space. Our leased premises are leased from Zhong Yang Holdings Limited which has proper authorization from the titleholder to sublease the property. We believe that we will be able to obtain adequate facilities on reasonable terms principally through leasing, to accommodate our future expansion plans.

 

Insurance

 

As per the Securities and Futures Ordinance, we, as the Participants of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and carry out Type 1 regulated activities (dealing with securities), are required to take out and maintain insurance in relation to fidelity and crime risks in the manner prescribed by the Securities and Futures (Insurance) Rules.

 

Our operating entity, Zhong Yang Securities Limited, has in place the License Holders Insurance Scheme (LHI). The LHI does not cover professional indemnity or pure unauthorized trading where there is no intent or direct fund. The LHI, however, covers fidelity and crime risks, such as loss of client assets due to theft of employees or other fraudulent acts. The LHI has the expiring Policy Limit of HK$15,000,000 with an Excess of HK$ 3,000,000 for every claim/loss.

 

In addition to the LHI, we also maintain property insurance which covers risks of Office Content, Business Interruption, Money Protection, Personal Accident, Public Liability, and Employee’s Compensation. Our Directors consider that our company currently maintains adequate insurance policies.

 

Save as the insurance described above, we do not currently maintain nor plan to purchase directors and officers liability insurance in the future. Our directors consider the existing insurances that we have in place are adequate for our business.

 

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Compliance

 

We believe that our comprehensive compliance framework covering regulatory compliance and AML procedures protects the assets and interests of our customers. Our Compliance Committee along with our three Responsible Officers carry out routine day-to-day compliance tasks and transaction reporting, business monitoring, and customer due diligence to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Besides, they monitor complaints and compile responses to these complaints. The Compliance Committee also oversees general compliance with all applicable KYC rules and AML procedures, carries out the compliance policies, and prepares reports to any regulatory agencies if needed. Lastly, all compliance employees are required to undergo continuous intensive on-the-job training to become familiar with the latest regulatory environment developments.

 

Data Privacy

 

In the course of our operation, we will collect personal data from our customers in connection with the account opening and our business operations and this information may be subject to data privacy laws in the jurisdiction of Hong Kong. According to the relevant law in relation to data privacy, it is necessary for customers, or data owners, to provide consent to the data collector for his/her agreement to its usage. Our data privacy statement states that the personal data being collected can be used for purposes of data analysis and supporting us to develop and to improve our products. We believe that we are in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations in all material respects with respect to data privacy.

 

Risk Management

 

Our business activities expose us to various risks. Identifying and measuring our risks is critical to our ability to manage risk within acceptable tolerance levels in order to minimize the effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our management team is responsible for managing risk. It is overseen by our board of directors. We use risk management processes and have policies and procedures for identifying, measuring and managing risks, including establishing threshold levels for our most significant risks.

 

Our business exposes us to the following broad categories of risk:

 

Operational Risk — Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes or controls, human error or misconduct, systems and technology problems or from external events. It also involves compliance with regulatory and legal requirements. Operational risk is the most prevalent form of risk in our risk profile. We manage operational risk by establishing policies and procedures to accomplish timely and efficient processing, obtaining periodic internal control attestations from management and conducting internal audit reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls.

 

Cybersecurity Risk  Cybersecurity risk is the risk of a malicious technological attack intended to impact the confidentiality, availability, or integrity of our systems and data, including, but not limited to, sensitive client data. Our technology and security teams rely on a layered system of preventive and detective technologies, practices, and policies to detect, mitigate, and neutralize cybersecurity threats. Cyber-attacks can also result in financial and reputational risk.

 

Market Risk — Market risk is the risk of loss resulting from adverse movements in market factors, such as asset prices, foreign exchange rates and interest rates. Our market risk related to asset prices is mitigated by us routing client trades for execution, primarily on an agency rather than on a principal basis, and our maintenance of fixed-income securities to meet client requirements. Interest rate risk is our most prevalent form of market risk.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk is the risk of loss resulting from failure of obligors to honor their payment obligations. Our exposure to credit risk mainly arises from client margin lending and leverage activities, securities lending activities and other counterparty credit risks.

 

Liquidity Risk — Liquidity risk is the risk of loss resulting from the inability to meet current and future cash flow needs.

 

Strategic Risk — Strategic risk is the risk of loss arising from ineffective business strategies, improper implementation of business strategies, or lack of responsiveness to changes in the business and competitive environment. Our executive management is responsible for establishing an appropriate corporate strategy intended to create value for stockholders, clients and employees, with oversight by our board of directors. Our management is responsible for defining the priorities, initiatives and resources necessary to execute the strategic plan, the success of which is regularly evaluated by the board of directors.

 

Reputational Risk — Reputational risk is the risk arising from possible negative perceptions, whether true or not, of the Company among our clients, counterparties, stockholders, suppliers, employees and regulators. The potential for either enhancing or damaging our reputation is inherent in almost all aspects of business activity. We manage this risk through our commitment to a set of core values that emphasize and reward high standards of ethical behavior, maintaining a culture of compliance and by being responsive to client and regulatory requirements.

 

Risk is inherent in our business, and therefore, despite our efforts to manage risk, there can be no assurance that we will not sustain unexpected losses. For a discussion of the factors that could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results of operations, see Risk Factors.

 

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Competition

 

We believe that the principal determinants of success in the retail brokerage market are brand recognition, size of client base and client assets, ability to attract new clients and client assets, client trading activity, efficiency of operations, technology infrastructure and advancements and access to financial resources. We also believe that the principal factors considered by clients in choosing a brokerage firm are reputation, client service quality, price, convenience, product offerings, quality of trade execution, platform capabilities, innovation and overall value. Based on our experience and the success we have enjoyed to date, we believe that we presently compete successfully in each of these categories. The market for brokerage services, particularly electronic brokerage services, continues to evolve and is highly competitive. We experience significant competition and expect this competitive environment to continue. We encounter direct competition from numerous other brokerage firms, many of which provide online brokerage services. These competitors include UP Fintech Holding Limited and Futu Holdings Limited. We also encounter competition from the broker-dealer affiliates of established full-commission brokerage firms as well as from banks, mutual fund sponsors, online wealth management services (including so-called “robo-advisors”) and other financial institutions and organizations, some of which provide online brokerage services.

 

Technology and Information Systems

 

Our technological capabilities and systems are central to our business and are critical to our goal of providing the best execution at the best value for our clients. Our operations require reliable, scalable systems that can handle complex financial transactions for our clients with speed and accuracy. We maintain sophisticated and proprietary technology that automates securities transactions. Our ability to effectively leverage and adopt new technology to improve our services is a key component of our success.

 

We continue to make investments in technology and information systems. We have spent a significant amount of resources to increase capacity and improve speed, reliability and security. To provide for system continuity during potential power outages, we have equipped our data centers with uninterruptible power supply units and back-up generators. We invest annually in our cybersecurity capabilities and utilize leading risk mitigation approaches to benchmark ourselves and to continually enhance client and systems protection.

 

Clearing Operations

 

Futures Clearing

 

In order to gain access to futures and options traded on global futures exchanges in which we are not a clearing member and/or which we are not admitted as a trading participant, we have entered into arrangements with various execution brokerage firms who have requisite trading rights with the relevant global futures exchanges. We maintain an omnibus client account with each of these execution brokerage firms through which our clients may place their trade orders in respect of futures products traded on global futures exchanges through our online trading platform.

 

As with our clearing operations, these execution brokers carry out similar “mark-to-market” valuations and assessments, reviews of account equity positions and evaluate the necessity to make margin calls prior to executing trades through the omnibus account we maintain with them. Although trades are carried out through an omnibus account with each execution broker, the margin requirements are to be met individually by each of our clients placing a trade order and we would take steps to ensure that the failure of a single client, or clients, to meet margin requirements would not affect the trades of other clients.

 

For a trade which is carried out through an execution broker, the execution broker will charge: (i) a brokerage fee; and (ii) disbursements including the trading exchange fee charged by the relevant futures exchange for executing the relevant trade order. The fee which we will charge our client for an executed trade will include the total amount of fees charged by the execution broker, together with a brokerage fee which we will charge for arranging the trade through the execution broker.

 

Securities Clearing

 

As we are a licensed broker in Hong Kong with integration into the trading systems of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the CCASS clearing system, we manage all steps involved in processing securities transactions independently for securities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or qualified under the Hong Kong.

 

For securities traded on the major stock exchanges in the U.S., we aggregate trade instructions from clients and, without disclosing underlying client names or fund details, collaborate with qualified execution broker for execution and settlement. From the client’s perspective, the process is seamless as we handle all client communications and touchpoints, including delivery and receipt of funds.

 

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Licenses

 

Due to the licensing requirements of the HKSFC, Zhong Yang Securities Limited and Zhong Yang Capital Limited are required to obtain necessary licenses to conduct their business in Hong Kong and their business and responsible personnel are subject to the relevant laws and regulations and the respective rules of the HKSFC. Zhong Yang Securities Limited currently holds a Type 1 license for dealing in securities and a Type 2 license for dealing in futures contracts. Zhong Yang Capital Limited currently holds a Type 4 license for advising on securities, a Type 5 license for advising on futures contracts and a Type 9 license for asset management. See “Regulation—Licensing Regime Under the HKSFO.” These licenses have no expiry date and will remain valid unless they are suspended, revoked or cancelled by the HKSFC. We pay standard governmental annual fees to the HKSFC and are subject to continued regulatory obligations and requirements, including the maintenance of minimum paid-up share capital and liquid capital, maintenance of segregated accounts, and submission of audited accounts and other required documents, among others. See “Regulation—Licensing Regime Under the HKSFO.”

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We may from time to time be subject to various legal or administrative claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We are currently not a party to any pending any material legal or administrative proceedings and are not aware of any events that are likely to lead to any such proceedings.

 

At the date of this prospectus, we are not a party to, and we are not aware of any threat of, any legal proceeding that, in the opinion of our management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operations, nor have we experienced any incident of non-compliance which, in the opinion of our directors, is likely to materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or operations.

 

Litigation or any other legal or administrative proceeding, regardless of the outcome, is likely to result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, including our management’s time and attention. For potential impact of legal or administrative proceedings on us, see “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—We may be subject to litigation and regulatory investigations and proceedings and may not always be successful in defending ourselves against such claims or proceedings” and “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—We may face intellectual property infringement claims, which could be time-consuming and costly to defend and may result in the loss of significant rights by us.”

 

Regulation

 

This section summarizes the principal Hong Kong laws and regulations relevant to our business and operations.

 

Our business operations are conducted in Hong Kong and are subject to Hong Kong laws and regulations. This section summarizes the most significant rules and regulations that affect our business activities in Hong Kong.

 

The Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong, or the HKSFO, including its subsidiary legislation, is the principal legislation regulating the securities and futures industry in Hong Kong, including the regulation of securities and futures markets and leveraged foreign exchange trading, the offering of investments to the public in Hong Kong, and intermediaries and their conduct of regulated activities. In particular, Part V of the HKSFO and the relevant guidelines and codes issued by the HKSFC deal with licensing and registration matter.

 

The HKSFO is administered by the HKSFC, which is the statutory regulatory body that governs the securities and futures markets and non-bank retail leveraged foreign exchange market in Hong Kong.

 

In addition, the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong including its subsidiary legislation also provides that the HKSFC is responsible for authorizing the registration of prospectuses for offerings of shares and debentures in Hong Kong and/or granting exemptions from strict compliance with the provisions in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong. The HKSFO provides that the HKSFC is also responsible for authorizing certain securities (including the relevant offering documents) that are not shares or debentures.

 

The Hong Kong securities and futures market (with respect to listed instruments) is also governed by the rules and regulations introduced and administered by the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, or SEHK, and the Hong Kong Futures Exchange Limited, or HKFE.

 

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The HKSFC

 

The HKSFC is an independent statutory body which administers the HKSFO and is responsible for regulating the securities and the futures industry in Hong Kong. The HKSFC works to strengthen and protect the integrity and soundness of Hong Kong’s securities and futures markets for the benefit of investors and the industry.

 

As set out in the HKSFO, HKSFC’s regulatory objectives are:

 

to maintain and promote the fairness, efficiency, competitiveness, transparency, and orderliness of the securities and futures industry;
to promote understanding by the public of financial services including the operation and functioning of the securities and futures industry;
to provide protection for members of the public investing in or holding financial products;
to minimize crime and misconduct in the securities and futures industry;
to reduce systemic risks in the securities and futures industry; and
to assist the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong in maintaining the financial stability of Hong Kong by taking appropriate actions in relation to the securities and futures industry.

 

The HKSFC has five operational divisions, which are corporate finance, enforcement, intermediaries (including licensing and intermediaries supervision), investment products, and supervision of markets. The HKSFC is also supported by the corporate affairs and legal services divisions.

 

Below are some of the participants in the securities and futures market that HKSFC regulates in achieving the regulatory objectives under the HKSFO:

 

Brokers, investment advisers, fund managers, and intermediaries carrying out the regulated activities as listed in “— Licensing Regime Under the HKSFO—Types of Regulated Activities” below,
Listed companies,
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, and
Market participants (including investors).

 

Licensing Regime Under the HKSFO

 

The functions of the HKSFC, as a gatekeeper of standards for individuals and corporations seeking approval to enter into the securities and futures markets of Hong Kong, include the following:

 

grant licenses to those who are appropriately qualified and can demonstrate their fitness and properness to be licensed under the HKSFO;
maintain online a public register of licensed persons and registered corporations;
monitor the ongoing compliance of licensing requirements by licensees, substantial shareholders of licensed corporations, and directors of licensed corporations; and
initiate policies on licensing issues.
·The HKSFC operates a system of authorizing corporations and individuals (through licenses) to act as financial intermediaries. Under the HKSFO, a corporation that is not an authorized financial institution (as defined in section 2(1) of the Banking Ordinance (Cap. 155) of Hong Kong) and is:
carrying on a business in a regulated activity (or holding out as carrying on a regulated activity), or
actively marketing, whether in Hong Kong or from a place outside Hong Kong, to the public such services it provides, would constitute a regulatory activity if provided in Hong Kong, must be licensed by the HKSFC to carry out that regulatory activity, unless one of the exemptions under the HKSFO applies.

 

In addition to the licensing requirements on corporations, any individual who: (i) performs any regulated function in relation to a regulated activity carried on as a business, or (ii) holds himself out as performing such regulated activity, must be licensed separately under the HKSFO as a Licensed Representative accredited to his principal.

 

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Types of Regulated Activities

 

The HKSFO provides a licensing regime under which a person needs a license to carry on different types of regulated activities as specified in Schedule 5 of the HKSFO. The different types of regulated activities are set out as follows:

 

Type 1: dealing in securities;

Type 2: dealing in futures contracts;

Type 3: leveraged foreign exchange trading;

Type 4: advising on securities;

Type 5: advising on futures contracts;

Type 6: advising on corporate finance;

Type 7: providing automated trading services;

Type 8: securities margin financing;

Type 9: asset management;

Type 10: providing credit rating services;

Type 11: Dealing in OTC derivative products or advising on OTC derivative products; and

Type 12: Providing client clearing services for OTC derivative transactions.

 

The amendments to the HKSFO in relation to Type 11 regulated activity is, as of the date of this prospectus, not yet in operation. The day on which the Type 11 regulated activity will come into operation will be appointed by the Hong Kong Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury by notice published in the Gazette.

 

The Type 12 regulated activity came into operation on September 1, 2016 pursuant to the Securities and Futures (Amendment) Ordinance 2014 (Commencement) Notice 2016 (L.N. 27 of 2016), in so far as it relates to paragraph (c) of the new definition of “excluded services” in Part 2 of Schedule 5 to the HKSFO. The licensing requirement with respect to Type 12 regulated activity is, as of the date of this prospectus, not yet in operation and the effective date will be appointed by the Hong Kong Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury by notice published in the Gazette.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we and our subsidiaries were licensed under the HKSFO to conduct the following regulated activities:

 

Company   Type of Regulated Activities
Zhong Yang Securities Limited   Type 1 and 2
Zhong Yang Capital Limited   Type 4, 5 and 9
    Minimum Amount of Paid-Up Share Capital
Zhong Yang Securities Limited   HK$10,000,000
Zhong Yang Capital Limited   HK$5,000,000
    Minimum Amount of Required Liquid Capital
Zhong Yang Securities Limited   Higher of HK$3,000,000 or(1)
Zhong Yang Capital Limited   Higher of HK$3,000,000 or(1)

 

Subject to certain exemptions specified under the Securities and Futures (Financial Resources) Rules of Hong Kong (the “FRR”), Zhong Yang Securities Limited and Zhong Yang Capital Limited, as securities dealers and asset management companies registered with the HKSFC, are required to maintain minimum paid-up share capital and to maintain minimum amounts of liquid capital in accordance with the FRR.

 

(1)In the case of a corporation licensed for any regulated activities other than Type 3 regulated activities, its variable required liquid capital which means 5% of the aggregate of (i) its adjusted liabilities, (ii) the aggregate of the initial margin requirements in respect of outstanding futures contracts and outstanding options contracts held by it on behalf of its clients, and (iii) the aggregate of the amounts of margin required to be deposited in respect of outstanding futures contracts and outstanding options contracts held by it on behalf of its clients, to the extent that such contracts are not subject to the requirement of payment of initial margin requirements.

 

Use of proceeds to fulfill requirements under the Financial Resources Rules

 

Currently, neither of Zhong Yang Securities Limited or Zhong Yang Capital Limited need to rely on any of the IPO proceeds to fulfill the requirements under the Financial Resources Rules Nevertheless, Zhong Yang Securities Limited and Zhong Yang Capital Limited may use part of the IPO proceeds for its future business development, and its liquidity position under the Financial Resources rules will be strengthened as a result.

 

There is no condition on the HKSFC license of Zhong Yang Securities Limited. The following conditions are currently imposed on the HKSFC license of Zhong Yang Capital Limited:

 

The licensee shall only provide services to professional investors. The term “professional investor” is as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation.

 

For Type 9 regulated activity, the licensee shall not conduct business involving the discretionary management of any collective investment scheme. The term “collective investment scheme” is as defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance.

 

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Licensed Corporation

 

For application as a licensed corporation, the applicant has to be incorporated in Hong Kong or an overseas company registered with the Companies Registry of Hong Kong. The licensed corporation has to satisfy the HKSFC that it has proper business structure, good internal control systems and qualified personnel to ensure the proper management of risks that it will encounter in carrying on the proposed regulated activities as detailed in its business plan submitted to the HKSFC.

 

Detailed guidelines to meet the requirements and expectations of the HKSFC are contained in the following publications of the HKSFC:

 

“Guidelines on Competence”;
“the Code of Conduct for Persons Licensed by or Registered with the Securities and Futures Commission,” or the Code of Conduct;
“the Management, Supervision and Internal Control Guidelines for Persons Licensed by or Registered with the HKSFC”;
“Corporate Finance Adviser Code of Conduct”; and
“Fund Manager Code of Conduct.”

 

Responsible Officers

 

For each regulated activity conducted by a licensed corporation, it must appoint no less than two responsible officers, at least one of them must be an executive director, to directly supervise the business of such regulated activity. A responsible officer is an individual approved by the HKSFC to supervise the regulated activity or activities of the licensed corporation to which he or she is accredited. For each regulated activity of a licensed corporation, it should have at least one responsible officer available at all times to supervise the business.

 

Qualification and Experience Required for Being a Responsible Officer

 

A person who intends to apply to be a responsible officer must demonstrate that he or she fulfils the requirements on both competence and sufficient authority. An applicant should possess appropriate ability, skills, knowledge, and experience to properly manage and supervise the corporation’s regulated activity or activities. Accordingly, the applicant has to fulfil certain requirements on academic and industry qualifications, relevant industry experience, management experience, and local regulatory framework paper as stipulated by the HKSFC.

 

Managers-in-Charge of Core Functions, or MICs

 

A licensed corporation is required to designate certain individuals as MICs and provide to the HKSFC information about its MICs and their reporting lines. MICs are individuals appointed by a licensed corporation to be principally responsible, either alone or with others, for managing each of the following eight core functions of the licensed corporation:

 

(i)overall management oversight;
(ii)key business lines;
(iii)operational control and review;
(iv)risk management;
(v)finance and accounting;
(vi)information technology;
(vii)compliance; and
(viii)anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.

 

The management structure of a licensed corporation (including its appointment of MICs) should be approved by the board of the licensed corporation. The board should ensure that each of the licensed corporation’s MICs has acknowledged his or her appointment as MIC and the particular core function(s) for which he or she is principally responsible.

 

Fit and Proper Requirement

 

Persons who apply for licenses under the HKSFO must satisfy and continue to satisfy after the grant of such licenses by the HKSFC that they are fit and proper persons to be so licensed. Generally, a fit and proper person means one who is financially sound, competent, honest, reputable, and reliable.

 

Section 129(1) of the HKSFO sets out a number of matters that the HKSFC shall have regard to in assessing the fitness and properness of a person, an individual, corporation, or institution, which includes:

 

financial status or solvency;
educational or other qualifications or experience having regard to the nature of the functions to be performed;
ability to carry on the regulated activity concerned competently, honestly, and fairly; and
reputation, character, reliability, and financial integrity of the applicant and other relevant persons as appropriate.

 

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The above fit and proper criteria serve as the fundamental basis when the HKSFC considers each license or registration application. Detailed guidelines are contained in “the Fit and Proper Guidelines,” “the Licensing Information Booklet,” and “the Guidelines on Competence” published by the HKSFC.

 

The Fit and Proper Guidelines apply to a number of persons including the following:

 

an individual who applies for license or is licensed under Part V of the HKSFO;
a licensed representative who applies for approval or is approved as a responsible officer under Part V of the HKSFO;
a corporation which applies for license or is licensed under Part V of the HKSFO;
an authorized financial institution which applies for registration or is registered under Part V of the HKSFO;
an individual whose name is to be or is entered in the register maintained by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority under section 20 of the Banking Ordinance (Cap. 155) of Hong Kong; and
an individual who applies to be or has been given consent to act as an executive director of a registered institution under section 71C of the Banking Ordinance (Cap. 155 of Hong Kong).
·Section 129(2) of the HKSFO empowers the HKSFC to take into consideration any of the following in considering whether a person is fit and proper:
decisions made by such relevant authorities as stated in section 129(2)(a) of the HKSFO or any other authority or regulatory organization, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, in respect of that person;
in the case of a corporation, any information relating to:
oany other corporation within the group of companies; or
oany substantial shareholder or officer of the corporation or of any of its group companies;
in the case of a corporation licensed under section 116 or 117 of the HKSFO or registered under section of the HKSFO or an application for such license or registration:
oany information relating to any other person who will be acting for or on its behalf in relation to the regulated activity; and
owhether the person has established effective internal control procedures and risk management systems to ensure its compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements under any of the relevant provisions;
in the case of a corporation licensed under section 116 or section 117 of the HKSFO or an application for the license, any information relating to any person who is or to be employed by, or associated with, the person for the purposes of the regulated activity; and
the state of affairs of any other business which the person carries on or proposes to carry on.

 

The HKSFC is obliged to refuse an application to be licensed if the applicant fails to satisfy the HKSFC that the applicant is a fit and proper person to be licensed. The onus is on the applicant to make out a case that the applicant is fit and proper to be licensed for the regulated activity.

 

Continuing Obligations Of Licensed Corporations

 

Licensed corporations, licensed representatives, and responsible officers must remain fit and proper as defined under the HKSFO at all times. They are required to comply with all applicable provisions of the HKSFO and its subsidiary rules and regulations as well as the codes and guidelines issued by the HKSFC.

 

Outlined below are some of the key continuing obligations of our licensed corporations under the HKSFO:

 

maintenance of minimum paid-up share capital and liquid capital, and submission of financial returns to the HKSFC in accordance with the requirements under the Securities and Futures (Financial Resources) Rules (as discussed in more detail below);
maintenance of segregated account(s), and custody and handling of client securities in accordance with the requirements under the Securities and Futures (Client Securities) Rules (Chapter 571H of the Laws of Hong Kong);
maintenance of segregated account(s), and holding and payment of client money in accordance with the requirements under the Securities and Futures (Client Money) Rules (Chapter 571I of the Laws of Hong Kong);
maintenance of proper records in accordance with the requirements prescribed under the Securities and Futures (Keeping of Records) Rules (Chapter 571O of the Laws of Hong Kong);
maintenance of insurance against specific risks for specified amounts in accordance with the requirements under the Securities and Futures (Insurance) Rules (Chapter 571AI of the Laws of Hong Kong);
payment of annual fees and submission of annual returns to the HKSFC within one month after each anniversary date of the license; and
implementation of appropriate policies and procedures relating to client acceptance, client due diligence, record keeping, identification, and reporting of suspicious transactions and staff screening, education, and training in accordance with the requirements under the Guideline on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing issued by the HKSFC;

 

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Obligation for substantial shareholders

 

A person shall, in relation to a corporation, be regarded as a substantial shareholder of the corporation if he, either alone or with any of his associates—

 

(i)has an interest in shares in the corporation—
(a)the aggregate number of which shares is equal to more than 10% of the total number of issued shares of the corporation; or
(b)which entitles the person, either alone or with any of his associates and either directly or indirectly, to exercise or control the exercise of more than 10% of the voting power at general meetings of the corporation; or
(i)holds shares in any other corporation which entitles him, either alone or with any of his associates and either directly or indirectly, to exercise or control the exercise of 35% or more of the voting power at general meetings of the other corporation, or of a further corporation, which is itself entitled, either alone or with any of its associates and either directly or indirectly, to exercise or control the exercise of more than 10% of the voting power at general meetings of the corporation.

 

A person shall be regarded as being entitled to exercise or control the exercise of 35% or more of the voting power at general meetings of a corporation indirectly if he, either alone or with any of his associates, has an interest in shares in a further corporation which entitles him, either alone or with any of his associates, to exercise or control the exercise of 35% or more of the voting power at general meetings of the further corporation which is itself entitled, either alone or with any of its associates, to exercise or control the exercise of 35% or more of the voting power at general meetings of the first-mentioned corporation.

 

Under section 132 of the HKSFO, a person (including a corporation) has to apply for HKSFC’s approval prior to becoming or continuing to be, as the case may be, a substantial shareholder of a corporation licensed under section 116 of the HKSFO. A person who has become aware that he has become a substantial shareholder of a licensed corporation without HKSFC’s prior approval should, as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within three business days after he becomes so aware, apply to the HKSFC for approval to continue to be a substantial shareholder of the licensed corporation.

 

Supervision by the HKSFC

 

HKSFC supervises licensed corporations and intermediaries operating in the market. HKSFC conducts on-site inspections and off-site monitoring to ascertain and supervise intermediaries’ business conduct and compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and to assess and monitor the financial soundness of intermediaries.

 

Disciplinary Power of the HKSFC

 

Under Part IX of the HKSFO and subject to the due process for exercising disciplinary powers laid down in section 198 of the HKSFO, the HKSFC may exercise any of the following disciplinary actions against a regulated person (including a licensed person or a registered institution) if that person is found to be guilty of misconduct or the HKSFC is of the opinion that a regulated person is not fit and proper to be or remain the same type of regulated person (sections 194 and 196 of the HKSFO).

 

revocation or suspension of a license or a registration; revocation or suspension of part of a license or registration in relation to any of the regulated activities for which a regulated person is licensed or registered;
revocation or suspension of the approval granted to a responsible officer;
public or private reprimand on a regulated person;
prohibition of a regulated person from applying to be licensed or registered or to be approved as a responsible officer;
prohibition of a regulated person from applying to be given consent to act or continue to act as an executive officer of a registered institution;
prohibition of a regulated person from re-entry to be licensed or registered; and
pecuniary penalty of not exceeding the amount of HK$10 million or three times the amount of the profit gained or loss avoided as a result of the misconduct.

 

Exchange And Clearing Participantship

 

As of the date of this prospectus, Zhong Yang Securities Limited is a participant of the following:

 

Exchange/Clearing House   Type of Participantship
SEHK   Type 1 Participants (Participant ID: 02011)
HKSCC   Type 1 Participants (Participant ID: B02011)

 

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Trading Rights

 

In addition to the licensing requirements under the HKSFO, the rules promulgated by the SEHK and the HKFE require any person who wishes to trade on or through their respective facilities to hold a trading right, or Trading Right. The Trading Right confers on its holder the eligibility to trade on or through the relevant exchange. However, the holding of a Trading Right does not, of itself, permit the holder to actually trade on or through the relevant exchange. In order to do this, it is also necessary for the person to be registered as a participant of the relevant exchange in accordance with its rules.

 

Stock Exchange Trading Rights and Futures Exchange Trading Rights are issued by the SEHK and HKFE at a fee and in accordance with the procedures set out in their respective rules. Alternatively, Stock Exchange Trading Rights and Futures Exchange Trading Rights can be acquired from existing Trading Right holders subject to the rules of the respective exchanges.

 

Exchange Participantship

 

The table below sets out a summary of the requirements for becoming an exchange participant of the relevant exchange:

 

    Stock Exchange Participant / Stock Options
Exchange Participant
  Futures Exchange Participant
         
Legal Status   Being a company limited by shares incorporated in Hong Kong    
         
SFC Registration   Being a licensed corporation qualified to carry out Type 1 regulated activity under the SFO   Being a licensed corporation qualified to carry out Type 2 regulated activity under the SFO
         
Trading Right   Holding a Stock Exchange Trading Right   Holding a Futures Exchange Trading Right
         
Financial Standing   Having good financial standing and integrity    
         
Financial Resources Requirement   Complying with the minimum capital requirement, liquid capital requirement and other financial resources requirements as specified by the FRR    

 

Clearing Participantship

 

An entity must be an exchange participant of the relevant exchange before it can become a clearing participant of the following clearing houses, namely the HKSCC, HKFE Clearing Corporation Limited, and The SEHK Options Clearing House Limited.

 

HKSCC

 

HKSCC has, among others, two categories of participantship: (i) the Direct Clearing Participant; and (ii) the General Clearing Participant. The requirements of Direct Clearing Participantship are as follows:

 

to be an Exchange Participant of the SEHK;
to undertake to (i) sign a participant agreement with HKSCC; (ii) pay to HKSCC an admission fee of HK$50,000 in respect of each Stock Exchange Trading Right held by it; and (iii) pay to HKSCC its contribution to the Guarantee Fund of HKSCC as determined by HKSCC from time to time subject to a minimum cash contribution of the higher of HK$50,000 or HK$50,000 in respect of each Stock Exchange Trading Right held by it;
to open and maintain a single current account with one of the Central Clearing and Settlement System, or CCASS, designated banks and execute authorizations to enable the designated bank to accept electronic instructions from HKSCC to credit or debit the account for CCASS money settlement, including making payment to HKSCC;
to provide a form of insurance to HKSCC as security for liabilities arising from defective securities deposited by it into CCASS, if so required by HKSCC; and
to have a minimum liquid capital of HK$3,000,000.

 

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Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme

 

The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance (Cap. 485) of Hong Kong, or MPFSO, including its subsidiary legislation, is the principal legislation to provide the framework for the establishment of a system of privately managed, employment-related mandatory provident fund, or MPF, schemes to accrue MPF benefits for members of the workforce of Hong Kong when they retire.

 

Anti-Money Laundering And Counter-Terrorist Financing

 

Licensed corporations are required to comply with the applicable anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws and regulations in Hong Kong (including Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (Financial Institutions) Ordinary Chapter 615 of the Laws of Hong Kong) as well as the Guideline on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (For Licensed Corporations), or Anti-Money Laundering Guideline.

 

The Anti-Money Laundering Guideline provides practical guidance to assist licensed corporations and their senior management in designing and implementing their own anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing policies, procedures and controls in order to meet the relevant legal and regulatory requirements in Hong Kong. Under the Anti-Money Laundering Guideline, licensed corporations should, among other things:

 

take all reasonable measures to ensure that proper safeguards exist to mitigate the risks of money laundering and terrorism financing, or ML/TF, and to prevent a contravention of any requirement;
establish and implement adequate and appropriate anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism systems; consider the characteristics of the products and services that it offers and the extent to which these are vulnerable to ML/TF abuse;
consider its delivery/distribution channels and the extent to which these are vulnerable to ML/TF abuse;
when assessing the customer risk, consider who their customers are, what they do and any other information that may suggest the customer is of higher risk;
be vigilant where the customer is of such a legal form that enables individuals to divest themselves of ownership of property whilst retaining an element of control over it or the business/industrial sector to which a customer has business connections is more vulnerable to corruption;
consider risks inherent in the nature of the activity of the customer and the possibility that the transaction may itself be a criminal transaction; and
pay particular attention to countries or geographical locations of operation with which its customers and intermediaries are connected where they are subject to high levels of organized crime, increased vulnerabilities to corruption and inadequate systems to prevent and detect ML/TF.

 

MANAGEMENT

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this prospectus.

 

Set forth below is information concerning our directors, executive officers, and other key employees.

 

Name   Age   Position(s)
Ka Fai Yuen   47   Chief Executive Officer and Director
Yung Yung Lo   39   Chief Financial Officer
Jennifer Tam Hoi Ling   44   Chief Operating Officer
Junli Yang   43   Director(Chairman)
Edward Ming Tung Ko   59   Director (Nominee)
Chung Mau Ng   62   Director (Nominee)
Kwan Yiu Chan   38   Director (Nominee)

 

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Each of our directors holds office until a successor has been duly elected and qualified unless the director was appointed by the board of directors, in which case such director holds office until the next following annual meeting of shareholders at which time such director is eligible for re-election. All of our executive officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of our board of directors.

 

Ka Fai Yuen has served as our chief executive officer and as a director since February 1, 2021. Mr. Yuen has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. His activities have included the functions of securities dealer, marketing, settlement, compliance, risk management, market making, proprietary trading, asset management and research and advisory services activities. Mr. Yuen has been acting as an officer and director of Zhong Yang Securities Limited and Zhong Yang Capital Limited since April 12017 and August 2017, respectively, and has been responsible for the establishment and development of their respective brokerage and asset management businesses. From April 1997 until April 2017, he served as an officer for Kaiser Futures Limited (“Kaiser”) and also served as a dealer manager for Kaiser from July 2000 until April 2017.At Kaiser, Mr. Yuen acquired experience related to securities advisory services and asset management. Mr. Yuen is licensed as a SFC Responsible Officer for Type 1,2,4,5 and 9 regulated activities, He has established and manages and supervises our daily brokerage operations for local and overseas markets, discretionary managed accounts and advisory client investment portfolios. He is also responsible for SFC license applications in preparing and setting up process, operations and infrastructure of our firm, as well as overseeing our asset management daily operations in compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and applicable laws. His responsibilities also include credit and risk control management, development of new discretionary management accounts and review of portfolio strategies. Supported by our accounting officer, he is also responsible for monitoring FFR. Mr. Yuen received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Studies from the University of Greenwich in 2018 and a Professional Diploma in Investment and Financial Risk Management from the Honk Kong Management Association in 2008. We believe that Mr. Yuen is qualified to serve on our board by reasons of professional experiences and qualifications.

 

Yung Yung Lo has served as our chief financial officer since February 1, 2021 and has served as a vice-president for Zhong Yang Holdings Limited (“ZYHL”) since June 2017. She has more than 15 years of audit and financial management experience and has worked on both Hong Kong and the United States. Her present activities include monitoring and advising on market conditions and our competitors, developing research reports and providing related analysis, serving as project manager for internal projects such as work-flow, system enhancements and new product roll outs, and establishing customer relationships and delivering customer-focused solutions. She worked as a sales manager for CSC Futures (HK) Limited in Hong Kong from July 2016 until May 2017 and worked for Bloomberg L.P. in Honk Kong from February 2007 until March 2016. In 2006 she worked as a tax/accounting intern at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in New Jersey. She holds Type 1 and 2 licenses from the Securities and Futures Commission and is a member of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Professionals Association. Miss Lo received a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree in Accounting from the Rutgers University School of Business with a concentration in management information systems in 2006.

 

Tam Hoi Ling Jennifer has served as our Chief Operating Officer since February 1, 2021. She has more than 12 years of marketing and operations experience in the financial service industry. Ms. Tam has been acting as the operation and settlement manager of Zhong Yang Securities Limited since May 2017. Her activities include monitoring operation and daily settlement, reconciliation, transaction substantiation and records keeping. She responsibilities also include overseeing all transactions and imply proper procedures to comply with investment policies, internal guidelines, and related regulatory requirements. She worked as a manager of Wealth Management Division for Kaiser Financial Group Company Limited from January 2017 until April 2017 and also served as an assistant manager of Wealth Management Division for Kaiser from July 2016 until January 2017. From April 2012 until September 2016, she worked for MassMutual Asia Limited as an assistant unit manager and she also worked for South China Financial Holdings Limited since September 2006. Ms. Tam received a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Higher Diploma in Business Studies from the Open University of Hong Kong in 2003 and 2001 respectively.

 

Junli Yang has served as a director and as our chairman since August 1, 2019. She is the founder of the Company and has extensive experience in various management capacities. She also serves as the director of all the Company’s subsidiaries, and is responsible for all decision making, business development, and all management tasks. In her role as the Head of the Company’s Executive Committee, she sets the operations and compliance policies for the Company. Ms. Yang incorporated Zhong Yang Securities Limited in April 2015, and by May 2017, the company already achieved monthly futures trading volume of over US$10 billion at nominal value. Ms. Yang has also brought in various well-known and reputable brokers partner to cooperate with business development, like ADM Investor Services, Inc., G. H. Financials (Hong Kong) Limited, and Central China International Futures Company Limited. Through these relationships, we are able to offer a higher variety of products to our customers cost-efficiently. Ms. Yang received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Psychology from Beijing Normal University in January 2012.

 

Edward Ming Tung Ko will serve as a director immediately upon Nasdaq’s approval of the Company’s listing. He has been a practicing attorney in Hong Kong for more than 29 years and has been the principal of Edward Ko & Company since 1991. Currently,, Mr. Ko is also serving as an independent non-executive director of Sinofert Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 297), Wai Chun Group Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 1013), EverChina Int’l Holdings Company Limited (Stock Code: 202), Chia Tai Enterprises International Limited (Stock Code: 3839) and Sterling Group Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 1825), all of which are companies whose shares are listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange in Hong Kong. In the last three years, Mr. Ko was an independent non-executive director of Chinese Energy Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 8009) and Zioncom Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 8287), whose shares are listed on the GEM Board of the Stock Exchange in Hong Kong. Mr. Ko obtained an external Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of London in the United Kingdom in August 1986 and is a member of The Law Society of Hong Kong.

 

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Ng Mau Chung will serve as a director immediately upon Nasdaq’s approval of the Company’s listing. Mr. Ng has approximately 15 years of experience in the areas of retails financial investment and stock and futures brokerage as a shareholder and director of various companies. He is also experienced in Asian Currency Unit, off-balance-sheet and USD telegraphic transfer. Mr. Ng was awarded an Executive Master of Business Administration by Sun Yat-Sen University in 2011. He graduated from East China Normal University with a postgraduate qualification in International Finance and Chinese Securities Investment in 2004. Mr. Ng is currently a director and executive manager of Lucky Leader Gold Trader Limited. He was the chairperson of Hong Kong Precious Metals Traders Association from 2017 to 2018.

 

Kwan Yiu Chan will serve as a director immediately upon Nasdaq’s approval of the Company’s listing. Mr. Chan has approximately 16 years of experience in accounting and auditing, and is knowledgeable in lending matters. Mr. Chan has been an independent non-executive director of Hao Wen Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 08019) since 2017. Currently, he is a director of Blackwell Global Capital Limited, Kong Keung Engineering Company Limited, and Unique Taxation Consultants Limited, and a practising partner of Unique & Partners CPA. Mr. Chan graduated from Hong Kong Baptist University with a Master of Science in Corporate Governance and Directorship in November 2013 and has been a practising member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Accountants since 2012.

 

Board of Directors

 

Our board of directors consists of five directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in our company to qualify to serve as a director. Subject to the rules of the relevant stock exchange and disqualification by the chairman of the board of directors, a director may vote with respect to any contract, proposed contract, or arrangement in which he or she is materially interested. A director may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money, mortgage its business, property and uncalled capital and issue debentures or other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security for any obligation of the company or of any third party.

 

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

Prior to the completion of this offering, we intend to establish an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee under the board of directors. We intend to adopt a charter for each of the three committees prior to the completion of this offering. Each committee’s members and functions are described below.

 

Audit Committee. Our audit committee will consist of Mr. Kenny Chan, Mr. Ng Mau Chung and Mr. Ko Ming Tung, Edward and will be chaired by Mr. Kenny Chan. Mr. Ng Mau Chung and Mr. Ko Ming Tung, Edward each satisfies the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605 of the Corporate Governance Rules of Nasdaq Stock Market and meet the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We have determined that Mr. Kenny Chan qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.” The audit committee will oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee will be responsible for, among other things:

 

selecting the independent registered public accounting firm and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm;
reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response;
reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act;
discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm;
reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies;
annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter;
meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent registered public accounting firm; and
reporting regularly to the board.

 

Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee will consist of Mr. Kenny Chan, Mr. Ng Mau Chung and Mr. Ko Ming Tung, Edward and will be chaired by Mr. Kenny Chan. Mr. Ng Mau Chung and Mr. Ko Ming Tung, Edward each satisfies the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605 of the Corporate Governance Rules of Nasdaq Stock Market. The compensation committee will assist the board in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which his compensation is deliberated upon. The compensation committee will be responsible for, among other things:

 

reviewing the total compensation package for our executive officers and making recommendations to the board;
reviewing the compensation of our non-employee directors and making recommendations to the board with respect to it; and
periodically reviewing and approving any long-term incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements, annual bonuses, and employee pension and welfare benefit plans.

 

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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our nominating and corporate governance committee will consist of Mr. Kenny Chan, Mr. Ng Mau Chung and Mr. Ko Ming Tung, Edward and will be chaired by Mr. Kenny Chan. Mr. Ng Mau Chung and Mr. Ko Ming Tung, Edward each satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section Rule 5605 of the Corporate Governance Rules of Nasdaq Stock Market. The nominating and corporate governance committee will assist the board in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for, among other things:

 

recommending nominees to the board for election or re-election to the board, or for appointment to fill any vacancy on the board;
reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board with regards to characteristics such as independence, age, skills, experience and availability of service to us;
selecting and recommending to the board the names of directors to serve as members of the audit committee and the compensation committee, as well as of the nominating and corporate governance committee itself; and
monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper compliance.

 

Duties of Directors

 

Under Cayman Islands law, our directors owe fiduciary duties to us, including a duty of loyalty, a duty to act honestly, in good faith and with a view to our best interests. Our directors must also exercise their powers only for a proper purpose. Our directors also owe to our company a duty to act with skill and care. English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association and the class rights vested thereunder in the holders of the shares. A shareholder may in certain limited exceptional circumstances have the right to seek damages in our name if a duty owed by our directors is breached.

 

Our board of directors has all the powers necessary for managing, and for directing and supervising, our business affairs. The functions and powers of our board of directors include, among others:

 

convening shareholders’ annual general meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings;
declaring dividends and distributions;
appointing officers and determining the term of office of the officers;
exercising the borrowing powers of our company and mortgaging the property of our company; and
approving the transfer of shares in our company, including the registration of such shares in our share register.

 

Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements

 

We have entered into employment agreements with our senior executive officers. Pursuant to these agreements, we are entitled to terminate a senior executive officer’s employment for cause at any time without remuneration for certain acts of the officer, such as being convicted of any criminal conduct, any act of gross or willful misconduct or any serious, willful, grossly negligent or persistent breach of any employment agreement provision, or engaging in any conduct which may make the continued employment of such officer detrimental to our company. Each executive officer agrees that we shall own all the intellectual property developed by such officer during his or her employment.

 

[We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. Under these agreements, we agree to indemnify them against certain liabilities and expenses that they incur in connection with claims made by reason of their being a director or officer of our company.]

 

Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, we paid an aggregate of HK$1,430,558 (US$183,013) as compensation to our executive officers as well as an aggregate of HK$36,000 (US$4,605) contributions to the Mandatory Provident Fund (“MPF”), a statutory retirement scheme introduced after the enactment of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance in Hong Kong.

 

As the appointments of our non-executive directs were only effected upon the listing of our shares. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, we have not paid any compensation to our non-executive directors.

 

Except our contribution to the MPF, we have not set aside or accrued any amount to provide pension, retirement, or other similar benefits to our directors and executive officers. We do not have any equity incentive plan in place as of the date of this prospectus.

 

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PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

 

Except as specifically noted, the following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Ordinary Shares as of the date of this prospectus by:

 

each of our directors and executive officers; and
each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our Ordinary Shares on an as-converted basis.

 

The calculations in the table below are based on 50,000,000 Ordinary Shares outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, and _______________ Ordinary Shares |issued and outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option.

 

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including through the exercise of any option, warrant or other right or the conversion of any other security. These shares, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person.

 

   Ordinary Shares Beneficially
Owned Prior to This Offering
   Ordinary Shares Sold in This Offering   Shares Beneficially Owned After This Offering 
   Number   %   Number   %   Number   % 
Directors and Executive Officers:                        
Junli Yang, Director (Chairman)(1)   27,750,000    55.5%                                                        
Ka Fai Yuen, CEO   -    -                     
Yung Yung Lo, CFO(1)   4,150,000    8.3%                    
Jennifer Tam Hoi Ling, COO   -    -                     
Edward Ming Tung Ko, Director (Nominee)   -    -                     
Chung Mau Ng, Director (Nominee)   -    -                     
Kwan Yiu Chan, Director (Nominee)   -    -                     
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (7 people)   31,900,000    63.8%                    
                               
Principal Shareholders holding 5% or more:                              
Zhong Yang Holdings (BVI) Limited(1)   50,000,000    100.0%                    
Ji An(1)   10,100,000    20.2%                    
Chen Tseng Yuan(1)   5,000,000    10.0%                    

 

(1)Junli Yang, Yung Yung Lo, Ji An, Chen Tseng Yuan and two other individuals collectively hold 100% of the Ordinary Shares owned by Zhong Yang Holdings (BVI) Limited and share voting and investment power of our Ordinary Shares.

 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements

 

See “Management—Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements.”

 

Other Transactions with Related Parties

 

      For the Years Ended
March 31,
 
   Nature  2020   2019 
Zhong Yang Holdings Limited(1)  Rental expenses  $118,776   $53,423 
Sunx Global Limited (2)  Gross commission income  $1,808,799   $23,978 

 

(1)Predecessor Parent Company, owned by the same group of shareholders and determined to be a related party upon the completion of the Reorganization on March 26, 2020.
(2)Predecessor Parent Company owns 95% of Sunx Global Limited.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

 

We are an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, which we refer to as the Companies Law below, and the common law of the Cayman Islands.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized share capital is $50,000. All of our shares to be issued in the offering will be issued as fully paid.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, there are 50,000,000 Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding.

 

Ordinary Shares

 

As at the date of this Prospectus, the Company has no outstanding options, warrants and other convertible securities.

 

Listing

 

We plan to apply to list our Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “OK.” We cannot guarantee that we will be successful in listing on Nasdaq; however, we will not complete this offering unless we receive conditional approval letter.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for the Ordinary Shares is [   ].

 

Dividends

 

The holders of our Ordinary Shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors, subject to the Companies Act. Our articles of association provide that the directors may from time to time declare dividends (including interim dividends) and other distributions on shares of the Company in issue and authorize payment of the same out of the funds of the Company lawfully available therefor. No dividend shall be paid otherwise than out of profits or, subject to the restrictions of the Companies Act, the share premium account.

 

Voting Rights

 

At each general meeting, each shareholder who is present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of a shareholder being a corporation, by its duly authorized representative) will have one (1) vote for each Ordinary Share.

 

An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attached to the ordinary shares cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of corporations, by their duly authorized representatives) at a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of a majority of not less than two-thirds of the votes attached to the ordinary shares cast by those shareholders who are present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of corporations, by their duly authorized representatives) at a general meeting. Both ordinary resolutions and special resolutions may also be passed by a unanimous written resolution signed by all the shareholders of our company, as permitted by the Companies Act and our memorandum and articles of association. A special resolution will be required for important matters such as a change of name or making changes to our memorandum and articles of association.

 

Cumulative Voting

 

Delaware law permits cumulative voting for the election of directors only if expressly authorized in the certificate of incorporation. There are no prohibitions in relation to cumulative voting under the laws of the Cayman Islands but our memorandum and articles of association do not provide for cumulative voting.

 

Pre-emptive Rights

 

There are no pre-emptive rights applicable to the issue by us of Ordinary Shares under our memorandum and articles of association.

 

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Our Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

The following are summaries of material provisions of our memorandum and articles of association which are currently effective and will remain effective after this offering, insofar as they relate to the material terms of our Ordinary Shares. They do not purport to be complete. Reference is made to our memorandum and articles of association, which will become effective upon or before the completion of this offering, copies of which are filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part (and which is referred to in this section as, respectively, the “memorandum” and the “articles”).

 

Meetings of Shareholders

 

The directors may convene a meeting of shareholders whenever they think necessary or desirable. We must provide notice counting from the date service is deemed to take place, stating the place, the day and the hour of the general meeting and, in the case of special business, the general nature of that business, to such persons who are entitled to receive such notices from the Company. Our board of directors must convene a general meeting upon the written requisition of one or more shareholders entitled to attend and vote at general meeting of the Company holding not less than 10% of the paid up voting share capital of the Company in respect to the matter for which the meeting is requested.

 

No business may be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present at the time the meeting proceeds to business. One or more shareholders present in person or by proxy holding in aggregate at least a majority of the paid up voting share capital of the Company shall be a quorum. If, within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened upon the requisition of shareholders, shall be dissolved. In any other case, it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week, at the same time and place and if, at the adjourned meeting, a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, the shareholders present and entitled to vote shall be a quorum. At every meeting, the shareholders present shall choose someone of their number to be the chairman.

  

A corporation that is a shareholder shall be deemed for the purpose of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to be present at a general meeting in person if represented by its duly authorized representative. This duly authorized representative shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the corporation which he represents as that corporation could exercise if it were our individual shareholder.

 

Meetings of Directors

 

The business of our company is managed by the directors. Our directors are free to meet at such times and in such manner and places within or outside the Cayman Islands as the directors determine to be necessary or desirable. The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the directors may be fixed by the directors, and unless so fixed, if there be more than two directors shall be two, and if there are two or less Directors shall be one. An action that may be taken by the directors at a meeting may also be taken by a resolution of directors consented to in writing by all of the directors.

 

Winding Up

 

If we are wound up and the assets available for distribution among our shareholders are more than sufficient to repay the whole of the paid up capital at the commencement of the winding up, the excess shall be distributable among those shareholders in proportion to the capital paid up at the commencement of the winding up on the shares held by them respectively. If we are wound up and the assets available for distribution among the shareholders as such are insufficient to repay the whole of the paid up capital, such assets shall be distributed so that, as nearly as may be, the losses shall be borne by the shareholders in proportion to the capital paid up at the commencement of the winding up on the shares held by them, respectively. If we are wound up, the liquidator may with the sanction of a special resolution and any other sanction required by the Cayman Islands Companies Act, divide among our shareholders in specie or kind the whole or any part of our assets (whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not), and may, for such purpose, set such value as the liquidator deems fair upon any property to be divided and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the shareholders or different classes of shareholders.

 

The liquidator may also vest the whole or any part of these assets in trusts for the benefit of the shareholders as the liquidator shall think fit, but so that no shareholder will be compelled to accept any assets, shares or other securities upon which there is a liability.

 

Calls on Ordinary Shares and forfeiture of Ordinary Shares

 

Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their Ordinary Shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least one month prior to the specified time of payment. The Ordinary Shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid are subject to forfeiture.

 

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Redemption, Repurchase and Surrender of Ordinary Shares

 

We may issue shares on terms that such shares are subject to redemption, at our option, on such terms and in such manner as may be determined, before the issue of such shares, by our board of directors or by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. The Companies Act and our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association permits us to purchase our own shares, subject to certain restrictions and requirements. Subject to the Companies Act, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and to any applicable requirements imposed from time to time by the Nasdaq, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or by any other recognized stock exchange on which our securities are listed, we may purchase our own shares (including any redeemable shares) on such terms and in such manner as been approved by the directors or by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. Under the Companies Act, the repurchase of any share may be paid out of our Company’s profits, or out of the share premium account, or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purpose of such repurchase, or out of capital. If the repurchase proceeds are paid out of our Company’s capital, our Company must, immediately following such payment, be able to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, under the Companies Act, no such share may be repurchased (1) unless it is fully paid up, and (2) if such repurchase would result in there being no shares outstanding other than shares held as treasury shares. The repurchase of shares may be effected in such manner and upon such terms as may be authorized by or pursuant to the Company’s articles of association. If the articles do not authorize the manner and terms of the purchase, a company shall not repurchase any of its own shares unless the manner and terms of purchase have first been authorized by a resolution of the company. In addition, under the Companies Act and our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, our Company may accept the surrender of any fully paid share for no consideration unless, as a result of the surrender, the surrender would result in there being no shares outstanding (other than shares held as treasury shares).

 

Variations of Rights of Shares

 

If at any time, our share capital is divided into different classes of shares,  all or any of the rights attached to any class of our shares may (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of two-thirds of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution passed by at least a two-thirds majority of holders of shares of that class as may be present in person or by proxy at a separate general meeting of the holders of shares of that class.

 

Changes in Capital

 

We may from time to time by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders:

 

  increase the share capital of our Company by new shares of such amount as it thinks expedient;
  consolidate and divide all or any of our share capital into shares  of larger amount than its existing shares of shares;
  subdivide its existing shares, or any of them, into shares of a smaller amount provided that in the subdivision the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in case of the share from which the reduced share is derived; and
  cancel any shares that, at the date of the passing of the resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled.

 

Our shareholders may by special resolution, subject to confirmation by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands on an application by our company for an order confirming such reduction,  reduce its share capital and any capital redemption reserve in any manner authorized by the Companies Act.

 

Inspection of Books and Records

 

Holders of our Ordinary Shares will have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records. However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information”,

 

Rights of Non-Resident or Foreign Shareholders

 

There are no limitations imposed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association on the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our shares. In addition, there are no provisions in our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.

 

Issuance of additional Ordinary Shares

 

Our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association authorizes our board of directors to issue additional Ordinary Shares from authorized but unissued shares, to the extent available, from time to time as our board of directors shall determine.

 

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Exempted Company 

 

We are an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Act. The Companies Act distinguishes between ordinary resident companies and exempted companies. Any company that is registered in the Cayman Islands but conducts business mainly outside of the Cayman Islands may apply to be registered as an exempted company. The requirements for an exempted company are essentially the same as for an ordinary company except that an exempted company:

 

  does not have to file an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies;
  is not required to open its register of members for inspection;
  does not have to hold an annual general meeting;
  may issue negotiable or bearer shares or shares with no par value;
  may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20 years in the first instance);
  may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands;
  may register as a limited duration company; and
  may register as a segregated portfolio company.

       

“Limited liability” means that the liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on the shares of the company.

 

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Differences in Corporate Law

 

The Cayman Companies Act is derived, to a large extent, from the older Companies Acts of England and Wales but does not follow recent United Kingdom statutory enactments, and accordingly there are significant differences between the Cayman Companies Act and the current Companies Act of England. In addition, the Cayman Companies Act differs from laws applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of certain significant differences between the provisions of the Cayman Companies Act applicable to us and the comparable laws applicable to companies incorporated in the State of Delaware in the United States.

 

    Delaware   Cayman Islands
Title of Organizational Documents   Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws   Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum and Articles of Association
         
Duties of Directors   Under Delaware law, the business and affairs of a corporation are managed by or under the direction of its board of directors. In exercising their powers, directors are charged with a fiduciary duty of care to protect the interests of the corporation and a fiduciary duty of loyalty to act in the best interests of its shareholders. The duty of care requires that directors act in an informed and deliberative manner and inform themselves, prior to making a business decision, of all material information reasonably available to them. The duty of care also requires that directors exercise care in overseeing and investigating the conduct of the corporation’s employees. The duty of loyalty may be summarized as the duty to act in good faith, not out of self-interest, and in a manner which the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the shareholders.   As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a director owe three types of duties to the company: (i) statutory duties, (ii) fiduciary duties, and (iii) common law duties. The Cayman Companies Act imposes a number of statutory duties on a director. A Cayman Islands director’s fiduciary duties are not codified, however the courts of the Cayman Islands have held that a director owes the following fiduciary duties (a) a duty to act in what the director bona fide considers to be in the best interests of the company, (b) a duty to exercise their powers for the purposes they were conferred, (c) a duty to avoid fettering his or her discretion in the future and (d) a duty to avoid conflicts of interest and of duty. The common law duties owed by a director are those to act with skill, care and diligence that may reasonably be expected of a person carrying out the same functions as are carried out by that director in relation to the company and, also, to act with the skill, care and diligence in keeping with a standard of care commensurate with any particular skill they have which enables them to meet a higher standard than a director without those skills. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our amended articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time. We have the right to seek damages if a duty owed by any of our directors is breached.’
         
Limitations on Personal Liability of Directors   Subject to the limitations described below, a certificate of incorporation may provide for the elimination or limitation of the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Such provision cannot limit liability for breach of loyalty, bad faith, intentional misconduct, unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful share purchase or redemption. In addition, the certificate of incorporation cannot limit liability for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when such provision becomes effective.   The Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s articles of association may provide for indemnification of Officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime.

 

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Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Agents, and Others   A corporation has the power to indemnify any director, officer, employee, or agent of corporation who was, is, or is threatened to be made a party who acted in good faith and in a manner he believed to be in the best interests of the corporation, and if with respect to a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct would be unlawful, against amounts actually and reasonably incurred.  

Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification of directors and officers, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against the consequences of committing a crime, or against the indemnified person’s own fraud or dishonesty.

 

Our amended and restated articles of association provide to the extent permitted by law, we shall indemnify each existing or former secretary, director (including alternate director), and any of our other officers (including an investment adviser or an administrator or liquidator) and their personal representatives against: (a) all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by the existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary or officer in or about the conduct of our business or affairs or in the execution or discharge of the existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary’s or officer’s duties, powers, authorities or discretions; and (b) without limitation to paragraph (a) above, all costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by the existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary or officer in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative proceedings (whether threatened, pending or completed) concerning us or our affairs in any court or tribunal, whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.

 

No such existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary or officer, however, shall be indemnified in respect of any matter arising out of his own dishonesty.

 

To the extent permitted by law, we may make a payment, or agree to make a payment, whether by way of advance, loan or otherwise, for any legal costs incurred by an existing or former director (including alternate director), secretary or any of our officers in respect of any matter identified in above on condition that the director (including alternate director), secretary or officer must repay the amount paid by us to the extent that it is ultimately found not liable to indemnify the director (including alternate director), the secretary or that officer for those legal costs.

 

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Interested Directors   Under Delaware law, a transaction in which a director who has an interest in such transaction would not be voidable if (i) the material facts as to such interested director’s relationship or interests are disclosed or are known to the board of directors and the board in good faith authorizes the transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors are less than a quorum, (ii) such material facts are disclosed or are known to the shareholders entitled to vote on such transaction and the transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the shareholders, or (iii) the transaction is fair as to the corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified. Under Delaware law, a director could be held liable for any transaction in which such director derived an improper personal benefit.   Interested director transactions are governed by the terms of a company’s memorandum and articles of association.
         
Voting Requirements  

The certificate of incorporation may include a provision requiring supermajority approval by the directors or shareholders for any corporate action.

 

In addition, under Delaware law, certain business combinations involving interested shareholders require approval by a supermajority of the non-interested shareholders.

 

For the protection of shareholders, certain matters must be approved by special resolution of the shareholders as a matter of Cayman Islands law, including alteration of the memorandum or articles of association, appointment of inspectors to examine company affairs, reduction of share capital (subject, in relevant circumstances, to court approval), change of name, authorization of a plan of merger or transfer by way of continuation to another jurisdiction or consolidation or voluntary winding up of the company.

 

Cayman Companies Act requires that a special resolution be passed by a majority of at least two-thirds or such higher percentage as set forth in the memorandum and articles of association, of shareholders being entitled to vote and do vote in person or by proxy at a general meeting, or by unanimous written consent of shareholders entitled to vote at a general meeting.

         
Voting for Directors   Under Delaware law, unless otherwise specified in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the corporation, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.   Cayman Companies Act defines “special resolutions” only. A company’s memorandum and articles of association can therefore tailor the definition of “ordinary resolutions” as a whole, or with respect to specific provisions.
         
Cumulative Voting   No cumulative voting for the election of directors unless so provided in the certificate of incorporation.   No cumulative voting for the election of directors unless so provided in the memorandum and articles of association.
         
Directors’ Powers Regarding Bylaws   The certificate of incorporation may grant the directors the power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws.   The memorandum and articles of association may only be amended by a special resolution of the shareholders.
         
Nomination and Removal of Directors and Filling Vacancies on Board   Shareholders may generally nominate directors if they comply with advance notice provisions and other procedural requirements in company bylaws. Holders of a majority of the shares may remove a director with or without cause, except in certain cases involving a classified board or if the company uses cumulative voting. Unless otherwise provided for in the certificate of incorporation, directorship vacancies are filled by a majority of the directors elected or then in office.   Nomination and removal of directors and filling of board vacancies are governed by the terms of the memorandum and articles of association.

 

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Mergers and Similar Arrangements  

Under Delaware law, with certain exceptions, a merger, consolidation, exchange or sale of all or substantially all the assets of a corporation must be approved by the board of directors and a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon. Under Delaware law, a shareholder of a corporation participating in certain major corporate transactions may, under certain circumstances, be entitled to appraisal rights pursuant to which such shareholder may receive cash in the amount of the fair value of the shares held by such shareholder (as determined by a court) in lieu of the consideration such shareholder would otherwise receive in the transaction.

 

Delaware law also provides that a parent corporation, by resolution of its board of directors, may merge with any subsidiary, of which it owns at least 90% of each class of capital stock without a vote by shareholders of such subsidiary. Upon any such merger, dissenting shareholders of the subsidiary would have appraisal rights.

 

Cayman Companies Act permits mergers and consolidations between Cayman Islands companies and between Cayman Islands companies and non-Cayman Islands companies. For these purposes, (a) “merger” means the merging of two or more constituent companies and the vesting of their undertaking, property and liabilities in one of such companies as the surviving company, and (b) a “consolidation” means the combination of two or more constituent companies into a consolidated company and the vesting of the undertaking, property and liabilities of such companies to the consolidated company. In order to effect such a merger or consolidation, the directors of each constituent company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation, which must then be authorized by (a) a special resolution of the shareholders of each constituent company, and (b) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company’s articles of association. The plan must be filed with the Registrar of Companies together with a declaration as to the solvency of the consolidated or surviving company, a list of the assets and liabilities of each constituent company and an undertaking that a copy of the certificate of merger or consolidation will be given to the shareholders and creditors of each constituent company and that notification of the merger or consolidation will be published in the Cayman Islands Gazette. Court approval is not required for a merger or consolidation which is effected in compliance with these statutory procedures.

 

A merger between a Cayman Islands parent company and its Cayman Islands subsidiary or subsidiaries does not require authorization by a resolution of shareholders. For this purpose a subsidiary is a company of which at least 90% of the issued shares entitled to vote are owned by the parent company.

 

The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest of a constituent company is required unless this requirement is waived by a court in the Cayman Islands.

 

Except in certain limited circumstances, a dissenting shareholder of a Cayman Islands constituent company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his or her shares upon dissenting from a merger or consolidation. The exercise of such dissenter rights will preclude the exercise by the dissenting shareholder of any other rights to which he or she might otherwise be entitled by virtue of holding shares, except for the right to seek relief on the grounds that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.

 

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In addition, there are statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation of companies, provided that the arrangement is approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made, and who must, in addition, represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings, convened for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it determines that: (a) the statutory provisions as to the required majority vote have been met; (b) the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question and the statutory majority are acting bona fide without coercion of the minority to promote interests adverse to those of the class; (c) the arrangement is such that may be reasonably approved by an intelligent and honest man of that class acting in respect of his interest; and (d) the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Cayman Companies Act.

 

When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90% of the shares affected within four months the offeror may, within a two-month period commencing on the expiration of such four month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.

 

If an arrangement and reconstruction is thus approved, or if a takeover offer is made and accepted, a dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of Delaware corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares.

         
Shareholder Suits   Class actions and derivative actions generally are available to shareholders under Delaware law for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste and actions not taken in accordance with applicable law. In such actions, the court generally has discretion to permit the winning party to recover attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such action.   In principle, we will normally be the proper plaintiff and as a general rule a derivative action may not be brought by a minority shareholder. However, based on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority in the Cayman Islands, the Cayman Islands courts can be expected to follow and apply the common law principles (namely the rule in Foss v. Harbottle and the exceptions thereto) so that a non-controlling shareholder may be permitted to commence a class action against or derivative actions in the name of the company to challenge: (a) an act which is illegal or ultra vires with respect to the company and is therefore incapable of ratification by the shareholders; (b) an act which, although not ultra vires, requires authorization by a qualified (or special) majority (that is, more than a simple majority) which has not been obtained; and (c) an act which constitutes a “fraud on the minority” where the wrongdoers are themselves in control of the company.
         
Inspection of Corporate Records   Under Delaware law, shareholders of a Delaware corporation have the right during normal business hours to inspect for any proper purpose, and to obtain copies of list(s) of shareholders and other books and records of the corporation and its subsidiaries, if any, to the extent the books and records of such subsidiaries are available to the corporation.   Shareholders of a Cayman Islands exempted company have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of a list of shareholders or other corporate records (other than the memorandum and articles of association and any special resolutions passed by such companies, and the registers of mortgages and charges of such companies) of the company. However, these rights may be provided in the company’s memorandum and articles of association.

 

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Shareholder Proposals   Unless provided in the corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, Delaware law does not include a provision restricting the manner in which shareholders may bring business before a meeting.   The Cayman Companies Act provides shareholders with only limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right to put any proposal before a general meeting. However, these rights may be provided in a company’s articles of association. Our articles provide that general meetings shall be convened on the written requisition of one or more of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at our general meetings who (together) hold not less than 10 percent of the rights to vote at such general meeting in accordance with the notice provisions in the articles, specifying the purpose of the meeting and signed by each of the shareholders making the requisition. If the directors do not convene such meeting for a date not later than twenty-one clear days’ after the date of receipt of the written requisition, those shareholders who requested the meeting may convene the general meeting themselves within three months after the end of such period of twenty-one clear days in which case reasonable expenses incurred by them as a result of the directors failing to convene a meeting shall be reimbursed by us. Our articles provide no other right to put any proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings. As a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are not obligated by law to call shareholders’ annual general meetings. However, our corporate governance guidelines require us to call such meetings every year.
         
Approval of Corporate Matters by Written Consent   Delaware law permits shareholders to take action by written consent signed by the holders of outstanding shares having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting of shareholders.   Cayman Companies Act allows a special resolution to be passed in writing if signed by all the voting shareholders (if authorized by the memorandum and articles of association).
         
Calling of Special Shareholders Meetings   Delaware law permits the board of directors or any person who is authorized under a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws to call a special meeting of shareholders.   Cayman Companies Act does not have provisions governing the proceedings of shareholders meetings which are usually provided in the memorandum and articles of association. Please see above.
         
Dissolution; Winding Up   Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolution must be approved by shareholders holding 100% of the total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directors may it be approved by a simple majority of the corporation’s outstanding shares. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board of directors.   Under the Cayman Companies Act and our articles, the Company may be wound up by a special resolution of our shareholders, or if the winding up is initiated by our board of directors, by either a special resolution of our members or, if our company is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, by an ordinary resolution of our members. In addition, a company may be wound up by an order of the courts of the Cayman Islands. The court has authority to order winding up in a number of specified circumstances including where it is, in the opinion of the court, just and equitable to do so.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

 

Upon completion of this offering, we will have _________________ Ordinary Shares outstanding assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option to purchase additional Ordinary Shares. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Ordinary Shares. While we intend to list the Ordinary Shares on ________________, we cannot assure you that a regular trading market will develop in our Ordinary Shares.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

 

 

 

Rule 144

 

All of our Ordinary Shares outstanding prior to this offering are “restricted shares” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may be sold publicly in the United States only if they are subject to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements. Under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person who has beneficially owned our restricted shares for at least six months is generally entitled to sell the restricted securities without registration under the Securities Act beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain additional restrictions.

 

Our affiliates are subject to additional restrictions under Rule 144. Our affiliates may only sell a number of restricted shares within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of the following:

 

1% of the then outstanding Ordinary Shares, which will equal approximately ___________Ordinary Shares immediately after this offering; or
the average weekly trading volume of our Ordinary Shares, on _____________, during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC.

 

Affiliates who sell restricted securities under Rule 144 may not solicit orders or arrange for the solicitation of orders, and they are also subject to notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.

 

Persons who are not our affiliates are only subject to one of these additional restrictions, the requirement of the availability of current public information about us, and this additional restriction does not apply if they have beneficially owned our restricted shares for more than one year.

 

Rule 701

 

In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act as currently in effect, each of our employees, consultants or advisors who purchases our Ordinary Shares from us in connection with a compensatory stock or option plan or other written agreement relating to compensation is eligible to resell such Ordinary Shares 90 days after we became a reporting company under the Exchange Act in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with some of the restrictions, including the holding period, contained in Rule 144.

 

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TAXATION

 

The following summary of material Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, and United States federal income tax consequences of an investment in our Ordinary Shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our Ordinary Shares, such as the tax consequences under state, local and other tax laws.

 

Cayman Islands Taxation

 

The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or after execution brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.

 

Payments of dividends and capital in respect of the shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of our Ordinary Shares, nor will gains derived from the disposal of our Ordinary Shares be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax.

 

Hong Kong Taxation

 

The following summary of certain relevant taxation provisions under the laws of Hong Kong is based on current law and practice and is subject to changes therein. This summary does not purport to address all possible tax consequences relating to purchasing, holding or selling our Ordinary Shares, and does not take into account the specific circumstances of any particular investors, some of whom may be subject to special rules. Accordingly, holders or prospective purchasers (particularly those subject to special tax rules, such as banks, dealers, insurance companies and tax-exempt entities) should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of purchasing, holding or selling our Ordinary Shares. Under the current laws of Hong Kong:

 

No profit tax is imposed in Hong Kong in respect of capital gains from the sale of the Ordinary Shares.
Revenue gains from the sale of our Ordinary Shares by persons carrying on a trade, profession or business in Hong Kong where the gains are derived from or arise in Hong Kong from the trade, profession or business will be chargeable to Hong Kong profits tax, which is currently imposed at the rate of 16.5% on corporations and at a maximum rate of 15% on individuals and unincorporated businesses.
Gains arising from the sale of Ordinary Shares, where the purchases and sales of the Ordinary Shares are effected outside of Hong Kong such as, for example, on Cayman Islands, should not be subject to Hong Kong profits tax.

 

According to the current tax practice of the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department, dividends paid on the Ordinary Shares would not be subject to any Hong Kong tax.

 

No Hong Kong stamp duty is payable on the purchase and sale of the Ordinary Shares.

 

United States Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

The following discussion is a summary of U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the ownership and disposition of our Ordinary Shares by a U.S. Holder (as defined below) that acquires our Ordinary Shares in this offering and holds our Ordinary Shares as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment) under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. This discussion is based upon existing U.S. federal tax law, which is subject to differing interpretations or change, possibly with retroactive effect. No ruling has been sought from the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, with respect to any U.S. federal income tax considerations described below, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position. This discussion, moreover, does not address the U.S. federal estate, gift, and alternative minimum tax considerations, the Medicare tax on certain net investment income, information reporting or backup withholding or any state, local, and non-U.S. tax considerations, relating to the ownership or disposition of our Ordinary Shares. The following summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to particular investors in light of their individual circumstances or to persons in special tax situations such as:

 

banks and other financial institutions;
insurance companies;
pension plans;
cooperatives;
regulated investment companies;
real estate investment trusts;
broker-dealers;
traders that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting;
certain former U.S. citizens or long-term residents;
tax-exempt entities (including private foundations);
individual retirement accounts or other tax-deferred accounts;

 

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persons liable for alternative minimum tax;
persons who acquire their Ordinary Shares pursuant to any employee share option or otherwise as compensation;
investors that will hold their Ordinary Shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
investors that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;
persons that actually or constructively own 10% or more of our Ordinary Shares (by vote or value); or
partnerships or other entities taxable as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or persons holding the Ordinary Shares through such entities,

 

all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those discussed below.

 

Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the application of U.S. federal taxation to its particular circumstances, and the state, local, non-U.S., and other tax considerations of the ownership and disposition of our Ordinary Shares.

 

General

 

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our Ordinary Shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created in, or organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or
a trust (i) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more U.S. persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) that has otherwise validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person under the Code.
If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of our Ordinary Shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding our Ordinary Shares and their partners are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding an investment in our Ordinary Shares.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations

 

A non-U.S. corporation, such as our company, will be classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year if either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of “passive” income or (ii) 50% or more of the value of its assets (determined on the basis of a quarterly average) during such year is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income, or the asset test. Passive income generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. Passive assets are those which give rise to passive income, and include assets held for investment, as well as cash, assets readily convertible into cash, and working capital. The company’s goodwill and other unbooked intangibles are taken into account and may be classified as active or passive depending upon the relative amounts of income generated by the company in each category. We will be treated as owning a proportionate share of the assets and earning a proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, 25% or more (by value) of the stock.

 

Based upon our current and projected income and assets, the expected proceeds from this offering, and projections as to the market price of our Ordinary Shares immediately following this offering, we do not expect to be a PFIC for the current taxable year or the foreseeable future. However, no assurance can be given in this regard because the determination of whether we are or will become a PFIC is a factual determination made annually that will depend, in part, upon the composition and classification of our income and assets, including the relative amounts of income generated by our strategic investment business as compared to our other businesses, and the value of the assets held by our strategic investment business as compared to our other businesses. Because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules, it is possible that the IRS may challenge our classification of certain income and assets as non-passive, which may result in our being or becoming classified as a PFIC in the current or subsequent years. Furthermore fluctuations in the market price of our Ordinary Shares may cause us to be a PFIC for the current or future taxable years because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test, including the value of our goodwill and unbooked intangibles, may be determined by reference to the market price of our Ordinary Shares from time to time (which may be volatile). In estimating the value of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles, we have taken into account our anticipated market capitalization immediately following the close of this offering. Among other matters, if our market capitalization is less than anticipated or subsequently declines, we may be or become a PFIC for the current or future taxable years. The composition of our income and assets may also be affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets and the cash raised in this offering. Under circumstances where our revenue from activities that produce passive income significantly increases relative to our revenue from activities that produce non-passive income, or where we determine not to deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes, our risk of becoming a PFIC may substantially increase.

 

If we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our Ordinary Shares, we generally will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such U.S. Holder holds our Ordinary Shares unless, in such case, we cease to be treated as a PFIC and such U.S. Holder makes a deemed sole election.

 

The discussion below under “—Dividends” and “—Sale or Other Disposition” is written on the basis that we will not be or become classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The U.S. federal income tax rules that apply generally if we are treated as a PFIC are discussed below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”

 

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Dividends

 

Any cash distributions paid on our Ordinary Shares out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, will generally be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as dividend income on the day actually or constructively received by the U.S. Holder. Because we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of U.S. federal income tax principles, any distribution we pay will generally be treated as a “dividend” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividends received on our Ordinary Shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends-received from U.S. corporations.

 

Individuals and other non-corporate U.S. Holders may be subject to tax on any such dividends at the lower capital gain tax rate applicable to “qualified dividend income,” provided that certain conditions are satisfied, including that (i) our Ordinary Shares on which the dividends are paid are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, (ii) we are neither a PFIC nor treated as such with respect to a U.S. Holder for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid and the preceding taxable year, and (iii) certain holding period requirements are met. We intend to list the Ordinary Shares on Nasdaq Capital Market. Provided that this listing is approved, we believe that the ordinary should generally be considered to be readily tradeable on an established securities market in the United States. There can be no assurance that the Ordinary Shares will continue to be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in later years. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the lower rate for dividends paid with respect to the Ordinary Shares.

 

For U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, dividends paid on our Ordinary Shares will generally be treated as income from foreign sources and will generally constitute passive category income. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex and U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

 

Sale or Other Disposition

 

A U.S. Holder will generally recognize gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of Ordinary Shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and the holder’s adjusted tax basis in such Ordinary Shares. Such gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss. Any such capital gain or loss will be long term if the Ordinary Shares have been held for more than one year. Non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals) generally will be subject to United States federal income tax on long-term capital gain at preferential rates. The deductibility of a capital loss may be subject to limitations. Any such gain or loss that the U.S. Holder recognizes will generally be treated as U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes, which could limit the availability of foreign tax credits. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisor regarding the tax consequences if a foreign tax is imposed on a disposition of our Ordinary Shares, including the applicability of any tax treaty and the availability of the foreign tax credit under its particular circumstances.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

 

If we are classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our Ordinary Shares, and unless the U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election (as described below), the U.S. Holder will generally be subject to special tax rules on (i) any excess distribution that we make to the U.S. Holder (which generally means any distribution paid during a taxable year to a U.S. Holder that is greater than 125 percent of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Ordinary Shares), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition, including, under certain circumstances, a pledge, Ordinary Shares. Under the PFIC rules:

 

the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Ordinary Shares;
the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable years in the U.S. Holder’s holding period prior to the first taxable year in which we are classified as a PFIC (each, a “pre-PFIC year”), will be taxable as ordinary income; and
the amount allocated to each prior taxable year, other than a pre-PFIC year, will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, for that year, increased by an additional tax equal to the interest on the resulting tax deemed deferred with respect to each such taxable year.

 

As an alternative to the foregoing rules, a U.S. Holder of “marketable stock” (as defined below) in a PFIC may make a mark-to- market election with respect to such stock. If a U.S. Holder makes this election with respect to our Ordinary Shares, the holder will generally(i) include as ordinary income for each taxable year that we are a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of Ordinary Shares held at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such Ordinary Shares and (ii) deduct as an ordinary loss the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of the Ordinary Shares over the fair market value of such Ordinary Shares held at the end of the taxable year, but such deduction will only be allowed to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. The U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Ordinary Shares would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss resulting from the mark-to-market election. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to- market election in respect of our Ordinary Shares and we cease to be classified as a PFIC, the holder will not be required to take into account the gain or loss described above during any period that we are not classified as a PFIC. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election, any gain such U.S. Holder recognizes upon the sale or other disposition of our Ordinary Shares in a year when we are a PFIC will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but such loss will only be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election.

 

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The mark-to-market election is available only for “marketable stock,” which is stock that is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter, or regularly traded, on a qualified exchange or other market, as defined in applicable United States Treasury regulations. Our Ordinary Shares will be treated as marketable stock upon their listing on NASDAQ Capital Market. We anticipate that our Ordinary Shares should qualify as being regularly traded, but no assurances may be given in this regard.

 

Because a mark-to-market election cannot technically be made for any lower-tier PFICs that we may own, a U.S. Holder may continue to be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to such U.S. Holder’s indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

We do not intend to provide information necessary for U.S. Holders to make qualified electing fund elections which, if available, would result in tax treatment different from (and generally less adverse than) the general tax treatment for PFICs described above.

If a U.S. Holder owns our Ordinary Shares during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, the holder must generally file an annual IRS Form 8621. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of our Ordinary Shares if we are or become a PFIC.

 

UNDERWRITING

 

Identification of Underwriter(s)

 

 

 

Commissions and Expenses

 

 

 

Option to Purchase Additional Ordinary Shares

 

 

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

 

 

Offering Price Determination

 

 

 

Indemnification

 

 

 

Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

 

 

 

Electronic Distribution

 

 

 

Listing on _____________

 

 

 

Stamp Taxes

 

 

 

Relationships

 

 

 

Selling Restrictions

 

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ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

 

Cayman Islands

 

We are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability. We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands because of certain benefits associated with being a Cayman Islands exempted company, such as political and economic stability, an effective judicial system, a favorable tax system, the absence of foreign exchange control or currency restrictions and the availability of professional and support services. However, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States and provides less protection for investors. In addition, Cayman Islands companies do not have standing to sue before the federal courts of the United States.

 

Substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. In addition, all of our directors and officers are nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United States and all or a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or these persons, or to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts against us or them, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. It may also be difficult for you to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors.

 

We have appointed [ ] as our agent upon whom process may be served in any action brought against us under the securities laws of the United States.

 

[ ], our counsel as to the laws of the Cayman Islands has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands would (1) recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States, or (2) entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands against us or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States.

 

[ ] has informed us that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the federal or state courts of the United States (and the Cayman Islands are not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments), a judgment in personam obtained in such jurisdiction will be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any re-examination of the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment (a) is given by a competent foreign court with jurisdiction to give the judgment, (b) imposes a specific positive obligation on the judgment debtor (such as an obligation to pay a liquidated sum or perform a specified obligation), (c) is final and conclusive, (d) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty; (e) has not been obtained by fraud; and (f) was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. However, the Cayman Islands courts are unlikely to enforce a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities law if such judgment is determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands to give rise to obligations to make payments that are penal or punitive in nature. Because such a determination has not yet been made by a court of the Cayman Islands, it is uncertain whether such civil liability judgments from U.S. courts would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands. A Cayman Islands court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.

 

Hong Kong

 

[ ], our counsel with respect to Hong Kong law, has advised us that judgment of United States courts will not be directly enforced in Hong Kong. There are currently no treaties or other arrangements providing for reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments between Hong Kong and the United States. However, the common law permits an action to be brought upon a foreign judgment. That is to say, a foreign judgment itself may form the basis of a cause of action since the judgment may be regarded as creating a debt between the parties to it. In a common law action for enforcement of a foreign judgment in Hong Kong, the enforcement is subject to various conditions, including but not limited to, that the foreign judgment is a final judgment conclusive upon the merits of the claim, the judgment is for a liquidated amount in a civil matter and not in respect of taxes, fines, penalties, or similar charges, the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were not contrary to natural justice, and the enforcement of the judgment is not contrary to public policy of Hong Kong. Such a judgment must be for a fixed sum and must also come from a “competent” court as determined by the private international law rules applied by the Hong Kong courts. The defenses that are available to a defendant in a common law action brought on the basis of a foreign judgment include lack of jurisdiction, breach of natural justice, fraud, and contrary to public policy. However, a separate legal action for debt must be commenced in Hong Kong in order to recover such debt from the judgment debtor.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $          per Ordinary Shares (the mid-point of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), we estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts, non-accountable expense allowance and the estimated offering expenses payable by us, of approximately $       assuming the Underwriter does not exercise its over-allotment option.

 

We plan to use the net proceeds we receive from this offering for the following purposes:

 

   Use of Net Proceeds Approximate in US$ 
Development of CFD Products and Services(1)  $15,000,000 
Acquisitions and Licensing(2)    3,000,000 
Optimization of Sales Network and Geographic Coverage(3)   2,000,000 
Purchase of IT Equipment and Software(4)   2,000,000 
Working Capital   3,000,000 
Total  $25,000,000 

 

(1)Approximately USD $15 million will be used to develop CFD products and services, especially to connect with top CFD liquidity providers such as UBS and Morgan Stanley to further develop our Hong Kong and global business.
(2)Approximately USD $3 million will be used for acquisitions and/or applications for licenses in Singapore or/and Australia in other regulated securities, futures or/and other financial structured products related activities. through (including) when the appropriate time arises.
(3)Approximately USD $2 million will be used to optimize the sales network coverage and geographical coverage, conduct more Internet (online) related services and sales, develop CFD white label partners and introduce broker services to further develop and strengthen the existing brokerage business.
(4)Approximately USD $2 million will be used to purchase IT equipment and software to transform and upgrade our IT infrastructure and capacity, including online trading platforms, risk monitoring programs, and software and computer program structures that provide personalized trading and risk management functions.

 

The foregoing represents our current intentions based upon our present plans and business conditions to use and allocate the net proceeds of this offering. Our management, however, will have some flexibility and discretion to apply the net proceeds of this offering. If an unforeseen event occurs or business conditions change, we may use the proceeds of this offering differently than as described in this prospectus. To the extent that the net proceeds we receive from this offering are not immediately used for the above purposes, we intend to invest our net proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing bank deposits or debt instruments.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

 

Except as disclosed below, we have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our Ordinary Shares. We anticipate that we will retain any earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of our business. Therefore, we do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

On November 25, 2020, the Board of Directors of ZYSL declared an interim cash dividend of HK$24,805,800 (equivalent to $3,200,108) to its shareholder ZYSL (BVI), following which ZYSL (BVI) declared an interim cash dividend to its shareholder ZYFGL and ZYFGL declared an interim cash dividends to its shareholders for the same amount on the same day. Without any withholding tax levied on dividends in Hong Kong, British Virgin Islands, and Cayman Islands, the interim cash dividends have already been settled with the shareholders in cash on November 25, 2020.

 

On January 19, 2021, the Board of Directors of ZYSL declared an interim cash dividend of HK$11,628,450 (equivalent to $1,500,000) to its shareholder ZYSL (BVI), following which ZYSL (BVI) declared an interim cash dividend to its shareholder ZYFGL and ZYFGL declared an interim cash dividends to its shareholders for the same amount on the same day. Without any withholding tax levied on dividends in Hong Kong, British Virgin Islands, and Cayman Islands, $500,000 and $500,000 have been settled with the shareholders in cash on January 19, 2021 and January 20, 2021 respectively, the remaining $500,000 will be settled with the shareholders in cash on March 1, 2021.

 

Our board of directors has complete discretion on whether to distribute dividends, subject to applicable laws. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend either out of profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if the dividend payment would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency, and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions, and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant. Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

on an actual basis; and
on an as adjusted basis to reflect the issuance and sale of the Ordinary Shares by us in this offering at the initial public offering price of $[●] per Ordinary Share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated discounts, non-accountable expense allowance and the estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

You should read this capitalization table in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds,” “Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

   As of [   ], 2021 
   Actual   Pro Forma
As adjusted(1)
 
   Actual   Without
Exercise
of the
Over-allotment
Option
   Full
Exercise
of the
Over-allotment
Option
 
   US$   US$   US$ 
Equity            
Common shares, [ ] par value, [ ] Ordinary Shares authorized,  [ ] Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding; [ ] Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted  $                                   
Additional paid-in capital(2)               
Retained earnings               
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)               
Total equity  $           $           $         
                
Total capitalization  $           $           $         

 

(1) Reflects the sale of Ordinary Shares in this offering at the initial public offering price of $[ ] per share, this and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts, and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Additional paid-in capital reflects the net proceeds we expect to receive, after deducting the underwriting discounts, and estimated offering expenses payable by us. (See note 2 below). “Without Exercise of the Over-allotment Option” column does not give effect to shares sold pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option, if any. “Full Exercise of the Over-allotment Option” column assumes [ ] Ordinary Shares are sold pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option.
(2) Reflects the sale of Ordinary Shares in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $[ ] per share, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts, and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Additional paid-in capital reflects the net proceeds we expect to receive, after deducting the underwriting discounts, and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We expect to receive net proceeds of (a) approximately $[ ] in the event the over-allotment option is not exercised ($[ ] offering, less underwriting discounts of $[ ], reimbursement of the underwriters’ out-of-pocket expenses of $[ ] and other offering expenses of approximately $[ ]) or (b) approximately $[ ]in the event the over-allotment option is exercised ($[ ] offering, less underwriting discounts of $[ ], reimbursement of the underwriters out-of-pocket expenses of $[ ] and other offering expenses of approximately $[ ]).

 

The number of Ordinary Shares to be outstanding after this offering is based on [●] Ordinary Shares as of March 31, 2020 and excludes:

 

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DILUTION

 

If you invest in our Ordinary Shares in this offering, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share and the net tangible book value per Ordinary Share after this offering. Our net tangible book value as of was $        per Ordinary Share.

 

Our historical net tangible book value as of March 31, 2020 was $___ million, or $___ per Ordinary Share. Our historical net tangible book value is the amount of our total tangible assets less our liabilities. Historical net tangible book value per Ordinary Share is our historical net tangible book value divided by the number of outstanding Ordinary Shares as of March 31, 2020.

 

After giving effect to the sale of Ordinary Shares that we are offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $       per share, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our net tangible book value on an adjusted basis as of March 31, 2020 would have been $      per Ordinary Share. This amount represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $      per Ordinary Share to our existing shareholders and an immediate dilution of $      per Ordinary Share to new investors purchasing Ordinary Shares in this offering. We determine dilution by subtracting the as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering from the amount of cash that a new investor paid for an Ordinary Share.

 

The following table illustrates this dilution:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share  $  
As adjusted net tangible book value per share as of  $  
Increase per share attributable to this offering     
As adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering     
Dilution per share to new investors in this offering  $  

 

A $         increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $      per Ordinary Share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the as adjusted net tangible book value per share by $        , and increase (decrease) dilution to new investors by $        per share, in each case assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional Ordinary Shares in this offering, the as adjusted net tangible book value after the offering would be $      per share, the increase in net tangible book value to existing shareholders would be $      per share, and the dilution to new investors would be $      per share, in each case assuming an initial public offering price of $      per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

 

EXPENSES RELATING TO THIS OFFERING

 

Set forth below is an itemization of the total expenses, excluding Underwriting discounts, expected to be incurred in connection with this offering by us. With the exception of the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee, and the Nasdaq Capital Market listing fee, all amounts are estimates.

 

SEC registration fee  $           
FINRA filing fee  $        
NASDAQ Capital Market Listing Fee  $        
Transfer agent fees and expenses  $        
Printer fees and engraving expenses  $        
Legal fees and expenses  $        
Accounting fees and expenses  $        
Miscellaneous  $        
Total  $        

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

We are being represented by Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP with respect to certain legal matters as to United States federal securities and New York State law. The underwriters are being represented by______________ with respect to certain legal matters as to United States federal securities and New York State law. The validity of the Ordinary Shares offered in this offering and other certain legal matters as to Cayman Islands law will be passed upon for us by __________. Certain legal matters as to Hong Kong law will be passed upon for us by ______________. Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP may rely upon ___________with respect to matters governed by Cayman Islands law and __________________ with respect to matters governed by Hong Kong law. _____________ may rely upon ________________ with respect to matters governed by Hong Kong law.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited at March 31, 2019 and 2020, and for each of the two years in the period ended March 31, 2020, appearing in this prospectus and registration statement have been audited by Friedman LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The offices of Friedman LLP are located at One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway 21st Floor, New York, NY 10006, United States.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-1, including relevant exhibits and schedules under the Securities Act, covering the Ordinary Shares offered by this prospectus. You should refer to our registration statements and their exhibits and schedules if you would like to find out more about us and about the Ordinary Shares. This prospectus summarizes material provisions of contracts and other documents that we refer you to. Since the prospectus may not contain all the information that you may find important, you should review the full text of these documents.

 

Immediately upon the completion of this offering, we will be subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act, as applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we will be required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules of the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders under the federal proxy rules contained in Sections 14(a), (b) and (c) of the Exchange Act, and our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

The registration statements, reports and other information so filed can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference rooms. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, such as us, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.sec.gov. The information on that website is not a part of this prospectus.

 

No dealers, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date.

 

95

 

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Consolidated Financial Statements for the Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

ZHONG YANG FINANCIAL GROUP LIMITED

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-2
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2020 and 2019 F-3
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 F-5
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 F-6
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 F-7 – F-19

 

F-1

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of March 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended March 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended March 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Friedman LLP

 

New York, New York

 

February 26, 2021

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.

 

F-2

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for the number of shares)

 

   As of March 31, 
   2020   2019 
Assets        
         
Cash and cash equivalents  $3,640,353   $2,085,694 
Restricted cash   1,224,144    4,224,242 
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations   5,062,922    3,894,769 
Commission receivable   75,900    60,100 
Amount due from a related party   2,876,244    2,486,187 
Securities owned, at fair value   134,785    - 
Fixed assets, net   17,254    34,827 
Intangible asset, net   64,505    63,696 
Other assets   190,821    195,121 
Total assets  $13,286,928   $13,044,636 
           
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity          
Payable to customers  $6,135,191   $8,065,543 
Dividend payable   503,141    - 
Income tax payable   58,936    302,924 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   160,281    167,921 
Total liabilities   6,857,549    8,536,388 
           
Commitments and contingencies           
           
Shareholders’ Equity          
           
Common shares, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 50,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively)   50,000    50,000 
Additional paid-in capital   2,914,595    2,914,595 
Retained earnings   3,428,173    1,579,926 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   36,611    (36,273)
Total shareholders’ equity   6,429,379    4,508,248 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $13,286,928   $13,044,636 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(Expressed in U.S. dollar, except for the number of shares)

 

   For the Years Ended
March 31,
 
   2020   2019 
         
Revenues        
Futures brokerage commissions  $16,179,198   $10,466,542 
Other service revenues   226,599    292,663 
Trading gains   22,124    - 
Interest income and other   72,304    25,618 
Total revenues   16,500,225    10,784,823 
           
Expenses          
Commission expenses   12,473,805    7,849,683 
Compensation and benefits   657,473    698,740 
Communications and technology   417,496    381,493 
Occupancy   133,344    130,184 
Travel and business development   52,167    32,211 
Professional fees   55,946    29,721 
Other administrative expenses   112,475    136,646 
Total expenses   13,902,706    9,258,678 
           
Income before income taxes   2,597,519    1,526,145 
Income tax expense   58,443    241,249 
Net income   2,539,076    1,284,896 
           
Other comprehensive income          
Total foreign currency translation adjustment   72,884    (1,836)
Total comprehensive income  $2,611,960   $1,283,060 
           
Earnings per share:          
Basic and diluted  $0.05   $0.03 
           
Dividend per share          
Basic and diluted  $0.01   $- 
           
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:          
Basic and Diluted   50,000,000    50,000,000 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Expressed in U.S. dollar, except for the number of shares)

 

   Common Shares   Additional Paid-in   Retained   Accumulated Other Comprehensive     
   Shares   Amount   Capital   Earnings   Income (Loss)   Total 
Balance as of March 31, 2018   50,000,000   $50,000   $2,914,595   $295,030   $(34,437)  $3,225,188 
Net income   -    -    -    1,284,896    -    1,284,896 
Foreign currency translation adjustment   -    -    -    -    (1,836)   (1,836)
Balance as of March 31, 2019   50,000,000    50,000    2,914,595    1,579,926    (36,273)   4,508,248 
Net income   -    -    -    2,539,076    -    2,539,076 
Dividend declared   -    -    -    (690,829)   -    (690,829)
Foreign currency translation adjustment   -    -    -         72,884    72,884 
Balance as of March 31, 2020   50,000,000   $50,000   $2,914,595   $3,428,173   $36,611   $6,429,379 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in U.S. dollar) 

 

   For the Years Ended
March 31,
 
   2020   2019 
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net income  $2,539,076   $1,284,896 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation   17,865    43,942 
Disposal loss of fixed asset   -    7,274 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:          
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations   (1,183,953)   (722,651)
Amount due from a related party   (581,954)   (1,181,896)
Securities owned, at fair value   (133,657)   - 
Other assets   4,300    (62,666)
Payable to customers   (1,930,352)   3,968,752 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   (7,640)   114,551 
Income tax payable   (243,988)   241,001 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   (1,520,303)   3,693,203 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Purchases of fixed assets   -    (11,677)
Net cash used in investing activities   -    (11,677)
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (1,520,303)   3,681,526 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year   6,309,936    2,630,259 
Net foreign exchange differences   74,864    (1,849)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year  $4,864,497   $6,309,936 
           
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to the consolidated balance sheets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $3,640,353   $2,085,694 
Restricted cash   1,224,144    4,224,242 
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash  $4,864,497   $6,309,936 
           
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities          
Dividends made through reduction in amount due from a related party  $191,897    - 
           
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:          
Cash paid for interest  $2,164   $695 
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds  $304,207   $- 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

  

1. Organization and Description of Business

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited (“ZYFGL”) is a company incorporated in Cayman Islands with limited liability on August 1, 2019. ZYFGL is a parent holding company with no operations.

 

ZYFGL has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, ZYSL (BVI) Limited (“ZYSL (BVI)”) and ZYCL (BVI) Limited (“ZYCL (BVI)”), both which are investment holding entities formed under the laws and regulations of the British Virgin Islands on August 29, 2019.

 

Zhong Yang Securities Limited (“ZYSL”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ZYSL (BVI), was established in accordance with laws and regulations of Hong Kong on April 22, 2015 with a registered capital of HKD 18,000,000 (approximately $2.3 million). ZYSL is a limited liability corporation licensed with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (“HKSFC”) to carry out regulated activities including Type 1 Dealing in Securities and Type 2 Dealing in Futures Contracts.

 

Zhong Yang Capital Limited (“ZYCL”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ZYCL (BVI), was established in accordance with laws and regulations of Hong Kong on September 29, 2016 with a registered capital of HKD 5,000,000 (approximately $0.6 million). ZYCL is a limited liability corporation licensed with the HKSFC to carry out regulated activities Type 4 Advising on Securities, Type 5 Advising on Futures Contracts and Type 9 Asset Management.

 

Three subsidiaries, ZYAL (BVI) Limited (“ZYAL (BVI)”), ZYTL (BVI) Limited (“ZYTL (BVI)”) and ZYNL (BVI) Limited (“ZYNL (BVI)”) were incorporated under the laws of British Virgin Islands on January 7, 2021, January 12, 2021 and January 20, 2021 respectively. These subsidiaries are dormant as of the date of this report.

 

ZYFGL together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) are primarily engaged in providing futures brokerage and other financial services in Hong Kong through a trading platforms to its customers. The Company generates brokerage commission income by enabling its customer to trade on multiple exchanges around the world.

 

Reorganization

 

Reorganization of the legal structure of the Company (“Reorganization”) has been completed on March 26, 2020 by carrying out a sequence of contemplated transactions, where the Company became the holding company of all entities discussed above.

 

Previous to the reorganization, both ZYSL and ZYCL were held by Zhong Yang Holdings Company (the “Predecessor Parent Company”), a company incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability on April 21, 2015. The Predecessor Parent Company was owned 55.5% by Ms. Yang Junli, 20.2% by Ms. Ji An, 10% by Mr. Chen Tseng Yuan, 8.3% by Ms. Lo Yung Yung, 4% by Ms. Chen Hong, and 2% by Mr. Li Jian. The first step of the Reorganization was incorporating ZYFGL, which had then incorporated ZYSL (BVI) and ZYCL (BVI) on August 29, 2019. With the approval obtained from HKSFC, the ownership interests in ZYSL and ZYCL were transferred from the Predecessor Parent Company to ZYSL (BVI) and ZYCL (BVI), respectively on March 26, 2020.

 

Before and after the Reorganization, the Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, are ultimately and effectively controlled by the same shareholders. Hence, the Reorganization is considered under common control. The consolidation of the Company and its subsidiaries has been accounted for at historical cost as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

  

F-7

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

  

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

 

Basis of presentation and principle of consolidation

 

These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and have been prepared in accordance with the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of parent company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U. S. requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect both the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposits with banks and all highly liquid investments, with maturities of three months or less. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts which at times may exceed insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. Management believes that the Company is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

 

Restricted cash

 

The balance of restricted cash represents the bank balance the Company held on behalf of customers. The Company maintains segregated bank accounts with authorized institutions to hold clients’ monies arising from its normal course of business. The segregated clients account balance are restricted for client transactions and governed by the Securities and Futures (Client Money) Rule under the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Ordinance (“HKSFO”). The Company has classified such segregated clients account balances as restricted cash.

 

Securities owned, at fair value

 

Securities owned, at fair value, mainly investment in common stocks, are recorded at fair value with the resulting realized and unrealized gains and losses reflected in trading gains in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. All securities transactions and transaction costs are recorded on a trade date basis.

  

F-8

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations

 

Receivables arise from the business of dealing in futures or investment securities. Broker-dealers will require balances to be placed with them in order to cover the positions taken by its customers. Clearing house receivables typically represent proceeds receivable on trades that have yet to settle and are usually collected within two days. The balance of receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations represents such receivables related to the Company’s customer trading activities and proprietary trading activities.

 

As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations consisted of the following:

 

   As of March 31, 
   2020   2019 
         
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations for futures customer accounts  $4,374,709   $3,743,122 
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations for securities customer accounts   488,146    42,298 
Receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations for securities proprietary trading   200,067    109,349 
   $5,062,922   $3,894,769 

 

Commissions receivable

 

Commissions receivable represent future brokerage commissions due and amounts due from customers once the transactions have been executed and completed.

 

Fixed assets, net

 

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life. The useful lives of office equipment as follows:

 

Computer and electronic equipment   3-5 years
Software   3-5 years
Furniture and fixtures   4 years

 

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance, which do not materially extend the useful lives of the assets, are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments which substantially extend the useful life of assets are capitalized. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets disposed of or retired are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of income and other comprehensive income in other income or expenses.

 

Intangible assets

 

Intangible assets are originally recognized at cost. The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed to be either finite or indefinite. The Company’s intangible assets consist of eligibility rights to trade on or through the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “SEHK”). Management has determined that such assets have indefinite useful lives. These intangible assets are not amortized and tested for impairment annually either individually or at the cash-generating unit level. The useful life of an intangible asset with an indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine whether indefinite life assessment continues to be supportable. If not, the change in the useful life assessment from indefinite to finite is accounted for on a prospective basis.

  

F-9

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

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. No impairment of long-lived assets was recognized for the years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

Operating leases

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted the Topic 842 on April 1, 2018 using a modified retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard to leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company leases its office from the Predecessor Parent Company (see note 8), which is classified as an operating lease in accordance with Topic 842. Under Topic 842, lessees are required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) on the commencement date: (i) lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (ii) right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, no right-of-use asset or lease liability was recognized as the term of the office lease is short term.

 

Payables to customers

 

Payables to customers arise from the business of dealing in futures and investment securities. Payables to customers represent payables related to the Company’s customer trading activities, which include the cash deposits received by the Company as requested by third party broker-dealers to place with them in order to cover the positions taken by its customers, clearing house payables due on pending trades and payable on demand, as well as the bank balances held on behalf of customers.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

c)Revenue from Contracts with Customers

 

The Company early adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) on April 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of this ASC 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. ASC 606 establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entity’s contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The core principle requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services recognized as performance obligations are satisfied. In according with ASC 606, revenues are recognized when the Company satisfies the performance obligations by delivering the promised services to the customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services.

 

The Company identified each distinct service as a performance obligation. The recognition and measurement of revenue is based on the assessment of individual contract terms. The Company applied a practical expedient to expense costs as incurred for costs to obtain a contract with a customer when the amortization period would have been one year or less. The Company has no material incremental costs of obtaining contracts with customers that the Company expects the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year, which need to be recognized as assets.

 

F-10

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Futures brokerage commissions

 

The Company earns fees and commissions from futures brokerage services based on a fixed rate for each transaction, all of which are under the consolidated accounts where the customer information are not disclosed to the third party brokers. When a customer executes a futures transaction through the Company’s platform, future brokerage commission is recognized upon the completion of this transaction. Only a single performance obligation is identified for each future trading transaction, and the performance obligation is satisfied on the trade date because that is when the underlying financial instrument is identified, the pricing of brokerage service is agreed upon and the promised services are delivered to customers. All of the Company’s revenues from contracts with customers are recognized at a point in time. The future brokerage service could not be cancelled once it’s executed and is not refundable, so returns and allowances are not applicable. Commissions are charged for each customer trade order executed and cleared by the third-party brokers. The Company recognizes revenue net of discount (if any) on a gross basis as the Company is determined to be the primary obligor in fulfilling the trade order initiated by the customer.

 

Other service revenues

 

The Company also provides other financial services including securities brokerage, consulting services and currency exchange services, and earns securities brokerage commissions, consultancy fee income and other revenues, which are recognized when the service is rendered according to the relevant contracts. For the years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, other revenues are less than 3% of total revenue.

 

Sources of revenue

 

The Company has one revenue generating reportable geographic segment under ASC Topic 280 “Segment Reporting” and derives its revenue primarily from its future brokerage service. The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers, in accordance with ASC Topic 606, by major source:

 

   For the Years Ended
March 31,
 
   2020   2019 
Futures brokerage commissions        
Commission on futures broking earned from Hong Kong Exchange  $5,026,406   $3,242,606 
Commission on futures broking from overseas Exchanges   11,152,792    7,223,936 
    16,179,198    10,466,542 
Other service revenues   226,599    292,663 
   $16,405,797   $10,759,205 

 

d)Trading gains, interest income and other

 

Trading gains and losses along with interest income fall within the scope of ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, which is excluded from the scope of ASC Topic 606. Trading gains and losses mainly consist of realized and unrealized gains and losses from the investment in US common stocks, which are included in Securities owned, at fair value. Interest and other income primarily consist of interests earned on bank deposit.

 

Commission expenses

 

Commission expenses related to futures and other financial service transactions are primarily transaction cost paid to broker-dealers. These costs are expensed as incurred.

 

F-11

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Income taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the U.S. GAAP. Under the asset and liability method as required by this accounting standard, the recognition of deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the income tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Provision for income taxes consists of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes.

 

The charge for taxation is based on the results for the year as adjusted for items which are non-assessable or disallowed. It is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

 

Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax basis. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable income to be utilized with prior net operating loss carried 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 income statement, except when it is related to items credited or charged directly to 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. As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no temporary differences and no deferred tax asset or liability recognized.

 

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 is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. Penalties and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the period incurred. The Company does not believe that there was any uncertain tax position as of March 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

Earnings per share

 

Basic earnings per ordinary share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to ordinary shareholders by the sum of the weighted average number of ordinary share outstanding and of potential ordinary share (e.g., convertible securities, options and warrants) as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later. Potential ordinary share that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had no dilutive stocks.

 

Translation of foreign currencies

 

The functional currency is U.S. dollar for the Company’s Cayman Island operations and Hong Kong dollar for all other entities’ operations. The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at year-end exchange rates, income statement accounts are translated at average rates of exchange for the year and equity is translated at historical exchange rates. Any translation gains or losses are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in net income.

 

The following table outlines the currency exchange rates that were used in creating the consolidated financial statements in this report:

 

   As of March 31, 
   2020   2019 
Year-end spot rate   7.7513    7.8498 

 

   For the Years Ended
March 31,
 
   2020   2019 
Average rate   7.8167    7.8421 

 

F-12

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 1 assets included securities owned, at fair value.

 

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. As of and during the years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no Level 2 assets owned.

 

Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. As of and during the years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no Level 3 assets owned.

 

As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, financial instruments of the Company comprised primarily current assets and current liabilities including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations, commission receivable, securities owned, at fair value, and payables to customers. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations, commission receivable, and payables to customers approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Securities owned, at fair value as of March 31, 2020, mainly consist of common stock investments and are based upon quoted market price.

 

Concentration

 

For the year ended March 31, 2020, five customers accounted for approximately 17%, 14%, 13%, 11% and 11% of the total revenue, respectively. For the year ended March 31, 2019, four customers accounted for approximately 15%, 12%, 12% and 11% of the total revenue, respectively. As of March 31, 2020, the payable balance due to two customers accounted for approximately 25% and 11% of the total balance of payable to customers, respectively. As of March 31, 2019, the payable balance due to one customer accounted for approximately 20% of the total balance of payable to customers.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326)”, which significantly changes the way entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over their remaining life, instead of when incurred. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses”, which amends Subtopic 326-20 (created by ASU No.2016-13) to explicitly state that operating lease receivables are not in the scope of Subtopic 326-20. Additionally, in April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No.2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments”, in May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief”, and in November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates”, and ASU No. 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses”, to provide further clarifications on certain aspects of ASU No. 2016-13 and to extend the nonpublic entity effective date of ASU No. 2016-13. The changes (as amended) are effective for the Company for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and the Company is in the process of evaluating the potential effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company does not believe other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the consolidated financial position, statements of operations and cash flows.

 

F-13

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

3. Fixed assets, Net

 

At March 31, 2020 and 2019, fixed assets consisted of the following:

 

   As of March 31, 
   2020   2019 
         
Computer and electronic equipment  $145,123   $143,302 
Software   23,879    23,579 
Furniture and fixtures   5,953    6,260 
Less: accumulated depreciation   (157,701)   (138,314)
Total fixed assets, net  $17,254   $34,827 

 

Depreciation expense was $17,865 and $43,942 for the years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

4. Employee Benefits

 

All salaried employees of the Company in Hong Kong are enrolled in a Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme (“MPF scheme”) scheme under the Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance, within two months of employment. The MPF scheme is a defined contribution retirement plan administered by an independent trustee. The Company make regular contributions of 5% of the employee’s relevant income to the MPF scheme, subject to a maximum of $194 per month. Contributions to the plan vest immediately. The Company recorded MPF expense of $17,673 and $18,797 for the years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

F-14

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

5. Fair Value 

 

The following table present information about the Company’s assets by major category measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2020, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation technique utilized by the Company to determine such fair value. There is no assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2019.

 

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2020:

 

   March 31, 2020 
   Carrying   Fair Value 
   Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Assets:                    
Securities owned, at fair value  $134,785   $134,785   $         -   $         -   $134,785 
Total assets at fair value  $134,785   $134,785   $-   $-   $134,785 

 

There was no transfer between any levels during the year ended March 31, 2020.

 

6. Equity

 

Common shares

 

The Company’s authorized share capital is 50,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.001 per share. On August 1, 2019, the Company issued 50,000,000 ordinary shares, which issuance was considered as being part of the reorganization of the Company and was retroactively applied as if the transaction occurred at the beginning of the period presented (see Note 1). As of March 31, 2020, a single shareholder owned 100% of the Company’s outstanding shares.

 

Cash dividends

 

On March 24, 2020, Board of Directors of ZYSL and ZYCL declared an interim cash dividend of HK$3,900,000 (equivalent to $498,932) and HK$1,500,000 (equivalent to $191,897), respectively, to its single shareholder at the time of record, i.e. the Predecessor Parent Company. Without any withholding tax levied on dividends in Hong Kong, the full amounts were payable to the Predecessor Parent Company. As of March 31, 2020, the dividend declared by ZYCL has been fully settled by directly deducting from the amount due from the Predecessor Parent Company and the dividend declared by ZYSL was recorded as dividend payable. On June 19, 2020, ZYSL settled such dividend payable in cash.

 

F-15

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

7. Income Taxes

 

 Cayman Islands

 

Under the current and applicable laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to tax on income or capital gain. Additionally, upon payments of dividends by the Company to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.

 

British Virgin Islands

 

Under the current and applicable laws of BVI, both ZYSL (BVI) and ZYCL (BVI) are not subject to tax on income or capital gains.

 

Hong Kong

 

ZYSL and ZYCL are incorporated in Hong Kong and is subject to Hong Kong Profits Tax on the taxable income as reported in its statutory financial statements adjusted in accordance with relevant Hong Kong tax laws. For the years ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, Hong Kong profits tax is calculated in accordance with the two-tiered profits tax rates regime. The applicable tax rate for the first HKD 2 million of assessable profits is 8.25% and assessable profits above HKD 2 million will continue to be subject to the rate of 16.5% for corporations in Hong Kong, effective from the year of assessment 2018/2019. Before that, the applicable tax rate was 16.5% for corporations in Hong Kong. Under Hong Kong tax laws, ZYSL and ZYCL are exempted from income tax on its foreign-derived income and there are no withholding taxes in Hong Kong on remittance of dividends.

 

The current and deferred portions of the income tax expense (benefit) included in the statements of operations and comprehensive income as determined in accordance with FASB ASC 740 are as follows:

 

   For the Years Ended
March 31,
 
   2020   2019 
Current  $58,443   $241,249 
Deferred   -    - 
           
   $58,443   $241,249 

 

F-16

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

7. Income Taxes (Continued)

 

A reconciliation of the difference between the expected income tax expense or benefit computed at applicable statutory income tax rates and the Company’s income tax expense is shown in the following table:

 

   For the Years Ended
March 31,
 
   2020   2019 
Income tax expense at applicable statutory rate  $428,590   $251,814 
Nondeductible expenses   6,138    19,296 
Income not subject to tax   (15,058)   (2,099)
Nontaxable offshore profit   (337,560)   - 
Benefit on tax concession (note (1))   (23,667)   (26,141)
Tax loss utilized   -    (1,621)
           
Reported income taxes  $58,443   $241,249 

 

(1)The provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax for 2020 is calculated at 16.5% (2019: 16.5%) of the estimated assessable profits for the year, taking into account a reduction granted by the Hong Kong SAR Government of 100% of the tax payable for the year of assessment 2019-20 subject to a maximum reduction of HK$20,000 for each business (2019: a maximum reduction of HK$20,000 was granted for the year of assessment 2018-19 and was taken into account in calculating the provision for 2019).

 

F-17

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

8. Related Party Transaction and Balance

 

a. Nature of relationships with related parties

 

Name   Relationship with the Company
Zhong Yang Holdings Limited  

Predecessor Parent Company, owned by the same group of shareholders and determined to be a related party upon the completion of the Reorganization (See Note 1) on March 26, 2020. 

     
Sunx Global Limited   Predecessor Parent Company owns 95% of Sunx Global Limited.

 

b. Related parties transactions

 

      For the Years Ended
March 31,
 
   Nature  2020   2019 
Zhong Yang Holdings Limited  Rental expenses  $118,776   $53,423 
Sunx Global Limited  Gross commission income  $1,808,799   $23,978 

 

c. Balance with related parties

 

   Nature  March 31,
2020
   March 31,
2019
 
Zhong Yang Holdings Limited  Amount due from a related party(1)  $2,876,244   $2,486,187 
   Dividend payable (2)  $503,141   $- 

 

(1) The amount represented the advances to the Predecessor Parent Company for its operation funding needs, which was made prior to the completion of Reorganization. Such advances are non-interest bearing. As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, the amount due from the Predecessor Parent Company is $2,876,244 and $2,486,187, respectively. There was no further advances to the Predecessor Parent Company after the completion of Reorganization. As of the date of this report, the Predecessor Parent Company has fully repaid the outstanding balance of $2,876,244 by cash.
(2)

The balance of dividend payable of $503,141 as of March 31, 2020 represented the interim cash dividend of HK$3,900,000 that was declared on March 24, 2020 to its single shareholder at the time of record, i.e. the Predecessor Parent Company, prior to the completion of Reorganization (See Note 6). As of the date of this report, ZYSL has fully settled the outstanding balance of such dividend payable.

 

F-18

 

 

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended March 31, 2020 and 2019

 

9. Regulatory Requirements

 

The following table illustrates the minimum regulatory capital as established by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission that the Company’s subsidiaries were required to maintain as of March 31, 2020 and the actual amounts of capital that were maintained.

 

   Minimum             
   Regulatory   Capital   Excess   Percent of 
   Capital   Levels   Net   Requirement 
   Requirements   Maintained   Capital   Maintained 
Zhong Yang Securities Limited  $387,032   $2,629,882   $2,242,850    680%
Zhong Yang Capital Limited   387,032    659,631    272,599    170%
Total  $774,064   $3,289,513   $2,515,449    425%

 

10. Subsequent Events

 

On November 25, 2020, the Board of Directors of ZYSL declared an interim cash dividend of $3,200,108 to its shareholder ZYSL (BVI), following which ZYSL (BVI) declared an interim cash dividend to its shareholder ZYFGL and ZYFGL declared an interim cash dividends to its shareholders for the same amount on the same day. Without any withholding tax levied on dividends in Hong Kong, British Virgin Islands, and Cayman Islands, the interim cash dividends have already been settled with the shareholders in cash on November 25, 2020.

 

On January 19, 2021, the Board of Directors of ZYSL declared an interim cash dividend of $1,500,000 to its shareholder ZYSL (BVI), following which ZYSL (BVI) declared an interim cash dividend to its shareholder ZYFGL and ZYFGL declared an interim cash dividends to its shareholders for the same amount on the same day. Without any withholding tax levied on dividends in Hong Kong, British Virgin Islands, and Cayman Islands, the interim cash dividends are settled in three parts, $500,000 and $500,000 have been settled with the shareholders in cash on January 19, 2021 and January 20, 2021 respectively, the remaining $500,000 will be settled with the shareholders in cash on March 1, 2021.

 

These consolidated financial statements were approved by management and available for issuance on February 26, 2021, and the Company has evaluated subsequent events through this date.

 

F-19

 

 

PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime.

 

Our memorandum and articles of association provide that we shall indemnify our officers and directors against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by such directors or officer, other than by reason of such person’s dishonesty, willful default or fraud, in or about the conduct of our company’s business or affairs (including as a result of any mistake of judgment) or in the execution or discharge of his duties, powers, authorities or discretions, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by such director or officer in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning our company or its affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.

 

Pursuant to the form of indemnification agreements filed as Exhibit __________to this registration statement, we will agree to indemnify our directors and executive officers against certain liabilities and expenses that they incur in connection with claims made by reason of their being a director or officer of our company.

 

The underwriting agreement, the form of which will be filed as Exhibit __________ to this registration statement, will also provide for indemnification by the underwriters of us and our directors and officers for certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act, but only to the extent that such liabilities are caused by information relating to the underwriters furnished to us in writing expressly for use in this registration statement and certain other disclosure documents.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

Item 7. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

Founding Transactions

  

Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited was incorporated on August 1, 2019. Upon incorporation, the Company issued 50,000,000 ordinary shares to Zhong Yang Holdings (BVI) Limited with a total consideration of $50,000. The transaction was not registered under the Securities Act in reliance on an exemption from registration set forth in Section 4(a)(2) and/or Regulation S thereof.

 

Item 8. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this registration statement:

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description
1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement*
3.1   Memorandum and Articles of Association†
4.1   Form of Underwriter Warrants*
5.1   Opinion of [    ] regarding the validity of the Ordinary Shares being registered*
8.1   Opinion of [    ] regarding certain Hong Kong tax matters (including in Exhibit 99.1)*
10.1   Employment Agreement by and among [    ] and [    ]*
14.1   Code of Business Conduct and Ethics*
21.1   List of Subsidiaries†
23.1   Consent of Friedman LLP*
23.2   Consent of [   ] (included in Exhibit 5.1)*
23.3   Consent of [   ] (included in Exhibit 99.1)*
23.4   Consent of Edward Ming Tung Ko*
23.5   Consent of Chung Mau Ng*
23.6   Consent of Kwan Yiu Chan*
99.1   Opinion of [   ], Hong Kong counsel to the Registrant, regarding certain Hong Kong law matters*
99.2   Audit Committee Charter*
99.3   Nominating Committee Charter*
99.4   Compensation Committee Charter*

 

Filed herewith.
* To be filed by amendment

 

II-1

 

 

(b) Financial Statement Schedules

 

Schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.

 

Item 9. Undertakings.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

1)To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(i)To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

(ii)To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) (§230.424(b) of this chapter) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

 

(iii)To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

 

2)That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

3)To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

4)To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act need not be furnished, provided that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements.

 

5)That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use;

 

II-2

 

 

6)That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the placement method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

(i)Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424.

 

(ii)Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

(iii)The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

(iv)Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

7)Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

8)That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, (i) the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b) (1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and (ii) each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

II-3

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Hong Kong, on _______, 2021.

 

  Zhong Yang Financial Group Limited
     
  By:  
  Name:  Ka Fai Yuen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature   Title
     
    Chief Executive Officer and Director
Name: Ka Fai Yuen    
     
    Chief Financial Officer
Name: Yung Yung Lo    
     
    Chief Operating Officer
Name: Jennifer Tam Hoi Ling    
     
    Chairman of the Board of Directors
Name: Junli Yang    

 

II-4

 

 

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

 

Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of Zhang Yong Holdings Limited, has signed this registration statement or amendment thereto in ________, __________, United States on ______, 2021.

 

  Authorized U.S. Representative
                      
  By:  
  Name:   
  Title:  

 

 

II-5