mF International Limited (MFI) Risk Analysis

34 Followers

Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

mF International Limited disclosed 37 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. mF International Limited reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2023

Risk Distribution

57% Finance & Corporate

24% Legal & Regulatory

8% Ability to Sell

8% Macro & Political

3% Tech & Innovation

0% Production

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

mF International Limited Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q4, 2023

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 21 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 21 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

S&P 500 Average: 32

Recent Changes

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Dec 2023

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Dec 2023

Number of Risk Changed

S&P 500 Average: 4

See the risk highlights of mF International Limited in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 37

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 21/37 (57%)Above Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights16 | 43.2%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

We are an "emerging growth company" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies, this could make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.

We are an "emerging growth company" within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period, which means that when a standard is issued or revised, and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accountant standards used.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

As an "emerging growth company" under applicable law, we are subject to lessened disclosure requirements. Such reduced disclosure may make our Ordinary Shares less attractive to investors.

For as long as we remain an "emerging growth company", as defined in the JOBS Act, we will elect to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies", including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Because of these lessened regulatory requirements, our shareholders would be left without information or rights available to shareholders of more mature companies. If some investors find our Ordinary Shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Ordinary Shares and our Ordinary Share price may be more volatile.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

Gaderway Investments Limited, our largest shareholder, owns more than a majority of the voting power of our outstanding Ordinary Shares. As a result, Gaderway Investments Limited has the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to the shareholders for approval. Additionally, we may be deemed to be a "controlled company" and may follow certain exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that could adversely affect our public shareholders.

As of the date of this annual report, our biggest shareholder, Gaderway Investments Limited, owns approximately 68.27% of the aggregate voting power of our outstanding Ordinary Shares. As a result, Gaderway Investments Limited has the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to the shareholders for approval, including the election of directors and any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. Under the NASDAQ listing rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group, or another company is a "controlled company" and is permitted to elect to rely, and may rely, on certain exemptions from the obligation to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including: - the requirement that our director nominees must be selected or recommended solely by independent directors; and - the requirement that we have a corporate governance and nominating committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities. Although we do not intend to rely on the "controlled company" exemptions under the NASDAQ listing rules even if we are deemed to be a "controlled company," we could elect to rely on these exemptions in the future. If we were to elect to rely on the "controlled company" exemptions, a majority of the members of our board of directors might not be independent directors and our nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees might not consist entirely of independent directors. Accordingly, if we rely on the exemptions, during the period we remain a controlled company and during any transition period following a time when we are no longer a controlled company, you would not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of NASDAQ.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

It may be difficult for overseas shareholders and/or regulators to conduct investigations or collect evidence within the territory of China, including Hong Kong.

Shareholder claims or regulatory investigations that are common in the United States generally are difficult to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in China. For example, in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to providing information needed for regulatory investigations or litigation initiated outside China. Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with the securities regulatory authorities of another country or region to implement cross-border supervision and administration, such cooperation with the securities regulatory authorities in the Unities States may not be efficient in the absence of mutual and practical cooperation mechanism. Our principal business operations are conducted in Hong Kong. In the event that the U.S. regulators carry out an investigation on us and there is a need to conduct such investigation, or collect evidence within, the territory of the PRC, the U.S. regulators may not be able to carry out such investigation or evidence collection directly in the PRC under the PRC laws. The U.S. regulators may, in the future, consider cross-border cooperation with a securities regulatory authority of the PRC by way of judicial assistance, diplomatic channels or regulatory cooperation mechanism established with the securities regulatory authority of the PRC. Additionally, our Hong Kong counsel, Bird & Bird, advised that the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong ("SFC") is a signatory to the International Organisation of Securities Commissions Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding ("MMOU"), which provides for mutual investigatory and other assistance and exchange of information between securities regulators around the world, including the SEC. This is also reflected in section 186 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance ("SFO") which empowers the SFC to exercise its investigatory powers to obtain information and documents requested by non-Hong Kong regulators, and section 378 of the SFO which allows the SFC to share confidential information and documents in its possession with such regulators. However, there is no assurance that such cooperation will materialize, or if it does, whether it will adequately address any efforts to investigate or collect evidence to the extent that may be sought by U.S. regulators.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our Operating Subsidiaries' business, or if they publish a negative report regarding our Ordinary Shares, the price of our Ordinary Shares and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our Ordinary Shares may depend in part on the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or the Operating Subsidiaries business. We do not have any control over these analysts. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrades us, the price of our Ordinary Shares would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our Company or fails to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause the price of our Ordinary Shares and the trading volume to decline.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6

The market price for our Ordinary Shares may be volatile.

The market price for our Ordinary Shares may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations due to factors, such as: - the financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in these projections or our failure to meet these projections; - actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results; - changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts; - negative publicity, studies or reports;- our capability to catch up with the technology innovations in the industry, and maintain such technological innovations, once attained; - announcements by us or our competitors of acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; - additions or departures of key personnel; - fluctuations of exchange rates between Hong Kong dollar and the U.S. dollar; and - general economic or political conditions in Hong Kong, the PRC and greater Asia region. In addition, the securities market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our Ordinary Shares.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7

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 British Virgin Islands law.

We are a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our Memorandum and Articles, the BVI Act and the common law of the British Virgin 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 British Virgin Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the British Virgin Islands. The common law of the British Virgin Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the British Virgin 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 British Virgin Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under the British Virgin 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 British Virgin 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 British Virgin Islands. In addition, the shareholders of British Virgin Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States. Certain corporate governance practices in the British Virgin Islands differ significantly from requirements for companies incorporated in other jurisdictions such as the United States. We can rely on home country practice with respect to our corporate governance. If we choose to follow the British Virgin Islands' 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. See "- D. Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares and the Trading Market - As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to rely on exemptions from certain NASDAQ Stock Exchange corporate governance standards applicable to domestic U.S. issuers. This may afford less protection to holders of our Ordinary Shares." As a result of the foregoing, public shareholders may have more difficulties in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by our management, or members of our board of directors than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8

As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to rely on exemptions from certain NASDAQ Stock Exchange corporate governance standards applicable to domestic U.S. issuers. This may afford less protection to holders of our Ordinary Shares.

We are exempted from certain corporate governance requirements of the NASDAQ listing rules by virtue of being a foreign private issuer. We are required to provide a brief description of the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the corporate governance practices required to be followed by domestic U.S. companies listed on NASDAQ. The standards applicable to us are considerably different than the standards applied to domestic U.S. issuers. For instance, we are not required to: - have a majority of the governing board be independent (although all of the members of the audit committee must be independent under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act);- have a compensation committee or a nominating or corporate governance committee consisting entirely of independent directors; - have regularly scheduled executive sessions with only independent directors; or - have executive sessions of solely independent directors each year. We have complied with and intend to continue to comply with the above corporate governance requirements of the NASDAQ listing rules. However, we may consider following home country practice in lieu of the requirements under the NASDAQ listing rules with respect to certain corporate governance standards, by which, as a result, you may not be provided with the benefits of certain corporate governance requirements of NASDAQ.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9

If we cease to qualify as a foreign private issuer, we would be required to comply fully with the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, and we would incur significant additional legal, accounting and other expenses that we would not incur as a foreign private issuer.

We are qualified as a foreign private issuer. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders will be exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will not be required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as United States domestic issuers, and we will not be required to disclose in our periodic reports all of the information that United States domestic issuers are required to disclose. While we currently expect to qualify as a foreign private issuer, we may cease to qualify as a foreign private issuer in the future.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10

If we cannot continue to satisfy the continued listing requirements and other rules of NASDAQ Capital Market, although we are exempt from certain corporate governance standards applicable to U.S. issuers as a Foreign Private Issuer, our Ordinary Shares may be delisted, which could negatively impact the price of our Ordinary Shares and the shareholders' ability to sell them.

In order to maintain our listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, we are required to comply with certain rules of the NASDAQ Capital Market, including those regarding minimum shareholders' equity, minimum share price and certain corporate governance requirements. Even though we have fulfilled the listing requirements and other applicable rules of the NASDAQ Capital Market, we may not be able to continue to satisfy these requirements and applicable rules. If we are unable to satisfy the NASDAQ Capital Market criteria for maintaining our listing, our Ordinary Shares could be subject to delisting. If the NASDAQ Capital Market delists our Ordinary Shares from trading, we could face significant consequences, including: - a limited availability for market quotations for our Ordinary Shares; - reduced liquidity with respect to our Ordinary Shares; - a determination that our Ordinary Share is a "penny stock," which will require brokers trading in our Ordinary Share to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our Ordinary Share; - limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and - a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 11

Because our Operating Subsidiaries' business is conducted in Hong Kong dollars and the price of our Ordinary Shares is quoted in United States dollars, changes in currency conversion rates may affect the value of your investments.

Substantially all of our Operating Subsidiaries' business is conducted in Hong Kong (with less than 10% of their total customers clients in mainland China), our books and records are maintained in Hong Kong dollars, which is the currency of Hong Kong, and the financial statements that we file with the SEC and provide to our shareholders are presented in United States dollars. Changes in the exchange rate between the Hong Kong dollar and U.S. dollar affect the value of our assets and the results of our operations in United States dollars. The value of the Hong Kong dollar against the United States dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in the Hong Kong's political and economic conditions and perceived changes in the economy of Hong Kong and the United States. Any significant revaluation of the Hong Kong dollar may materially and adversely affect our cash flows, revenue and financial condition.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 12

Volatility in our Ordinary Shares price may subject us to securities litigation.

The market for our Ordinary Shares may have, when compared to seasoned issuers, significant price volatility and we expect that our share price may continue to be more volatile than that of a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. In the past, plaintiffs have often initiated securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We may, in the future, be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and liabilities and could divert management's attention and resources.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 13

Our Ordinary Shares may be prohibited from being traded on a national exchange under the HFCA Act if the PCAOB determines that it cannot inspect or fully investigate our auditors for two consecutive years, beginning in 2022, and, as a result, an exchange may determine to delist our securities. The delisting of our Ordinary Shares, or the threat of being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.

The HFCA Act, was enacted on December 18, 2020. The HFCA Act states if the SEC determines that a company has filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspection by the PCAOB for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, the SEC shall prohibit such company's securities from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the U.S. On March 24, 2021, the SEC adopted interim final rules relating to the implementation of certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the HFCA Act. A company will be required to comply with these rules if the SEC identifies it as having a "non-inspection" year under a process to be subsequently established by the SEC. The SEC is assessing how to implement other requirements of the HFCA Act, including the listing and trading prohibition requirements described above. On December 2, 2021, the SEC adopted amendments to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the HFCA Act. The rules apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in foreign jurisdictions. On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB has issued its report notifying the SEC of its determination that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely accounting firms headquartered in mainland China or Hong Kong. Our auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report included elsewhere in this annual report, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards on a regular basis. However, we cannot assure you that NASDAQ or other regulatory authorities would not apply additional or more stringent criteria to us after considering the effectiveness of our auditor's audit procedures and quality control procedures, adequacy of personnel and training, or sufficiency of resources, geographic reach or experience as it relates to the audit of our financial statements. On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed the SOP Agreement with the CSRC and China's Ministry of Finance. The SOP Agreement established a specific, accountable framework to make possible complete inspections and investigations by the PCAOB of audit firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong, as required under U.S. law. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB Board determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and voted to vacate its previous determinations to the contrary. However, should PRC authorities obstruct or otherwise fail to facilitate the PCAOB's access in the future, the PCAOB Board will consider the need to issue a new determination. On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, was signed into law by President Biden. The Consolidated Appropriations Act contained, among other things, an identical provision to the Accelerating HFCA Act, which reduces the number of consecutive non-inspection years required for foreign companies to comply with PCAOB audits under the HFCA Act from what was originally three years to two, thus reducing the time period before their securities may be prohibited from trading or delisted. If, as a consequence, our Ordinary Shares are unable to be listed on another securities exchange, such a delisting would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our Ordinary Shares when you wish to do so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with a potential delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our Ordinary Shares.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 14

The recent joint statement by the SEC and proposed rule changes submitted by NASDAQ, all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies. These developments could add uncertainties to our business operations, share price and reputation.

U.S. public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China (including in Hong Kong) have been the subject of intense scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of this negative attention has centered on financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, a lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. On December 7, 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement highlighting continued challenges faced by the U.S. regulators in their oversight of financial statement audits of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China. On April 21, 2020, SEC Chairman Jay Clayton and PCAOB Chairman, William D. Duhnke III, along with other senior SEC staff, released a joint statement highlighting the risks associated with investing in companies based in or have substantial operations in emerging markets including China, reiterating past SEC and PCAOB statements on matters including the difficulty associated with inspecting accounting firms and audit work papers in China and higher risks of fraud in emerging markets and the difficulty of bringing and enforcing SEC, Department of Justice and other U.S. regulatory actions, including in instances of fraud, in emerging markets generally. On May 21, 2021, NASDAQ filed three proposals with the SEC to (i) apply minimum offering size requirement for companies primarily operating in a "Restrictive Market", (ii) prohibit Restrictive Market companies from directly listing on NASDAQ Capital Market, and only permit them to list on NASDAQ Global Select or NASDAQ Global Market in connection with a direct listing and (iii) apply additional and more stringent criteria to an applicant or listed company based on the qualifications of the company's auditors. As a result of such scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity, the publicly traded stock of many U.S. listed Chinese companies sharply decreased in value and, in some cases, has become virtually worthless. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions and are conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations. It is not clear what effect this sector-wide scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity will have on us, our business and our share price. If we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we will have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend our Company. This situation will be costly and time consuming and distract our management from developing our growth. If such allegations are not proven to be groundless, we and our Operating Subsidiaries' business operations will be severely affected and you could sustain a significant decline in the value of our Ordinary Share.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 15

NASDAQ may apply additional and more stringent criteria for our continued listing because our insiders hold a large portion of our listed securities.

NASDAQ Listing Rule 5101 provides NASDAQ with broad discretionary authority over, among other things, the continued listing of securities on NASDAQ, and NASDAQ may use such discretion to apply additional or more stringent criteria for continued listing of particular securities, or suspend or delist particular securities based on any event, condition, or circumstance that exists or occurs that makes continued listing of the securities on NASDAQ inadvisable or unwarranted in the opinion of NASDAQ, even though the securities may meet all enumerated criteria for continued listing on NASDAQ. In addition, NASDAQ may use its discretion to deny continued listing or to apply additional and more stringent criteria including, but not limited to: where the company engaged an auditor that has not been subject to an inspection by PCAOB, an auditor that PCAOB cannot inspect, or an auditor that has not demonstrated sufficient resources, geographic reach, or experience to adequately perform the company's audit. Our IPO was relatively small. As of the date of this annual report, there is not more than 35% of the total issued capital in public hands, and the insiders of our Company hold a large portion of the Company's listed securities. Therefore, we may be subject to the additional and more stringent criteria of NASDAQ for our continued listing.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 16

The price of our Ordinary Shares could be subject to rapid and substantial volatility, and such volatility may make it difficult for prospective investors to assess the rapidly changing value of our Ordinary Shares.

There have been instances of extreme stock price run-ups followed by rapid price declines and strong stock price volatility with recent initial public offerings, especially among those with relatively smaller public floats. As a relatively small-capitalization company with relatively small public float, we may experience greater stock price volatility, extreme price run-ups, lower trading volume and less liquidity than large-capitalization companies. In particular, our Ordinary Shares may be subject to rapid and substantial price volatility, low volumes of trades and large spreads in bid and ask prices. Such volatility, including any stock-run up, may be unrelated to our actual or expected operating performance and financial condition or prospects, making it difficult for prospective investors to assess the rapidly changing value of our Ordinary Shares. In addition, if the trading volumes of our Ordinary Shares are low, persons buying or selling in relatively small quantities may easily influence prices of our Ordinary Shares. This low volume of trades could also cause the price of our Ordinary Shares to fluctuate greatly, with large percentage changes in price occurring in any trading day session. Holders of our Ordinary Shares may also not be able to readily liquidate their investment or may be forced to sell at depressed prices due to low volume trading. Broad market fluctuations and general economic and political conditions may also adversely affect the market price of our Ordinary Shares. As a result of this volatility, investors may experience losses on their investment in our Ordinary Shares. A decline in the market price of our Ordinary Shares also could adversely affect our ability to issue additional shares of Ordinary Shares and our ability to obtain additional financing in the future. No assurance can be given that an active market in our Ordinary Shares will develop or be sustained. If an active market does not develop, holders of our Ordinary Shares may be unable to readily sell the shares they hold or may not be able to sell their shares at all.

Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 5.4%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Our lack of effective internal controls over financial reporting may affect our ability to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, which may affect the market for and price of our Ordinary Share.

To implement Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC adopted rules requiring public companies to include a report of management on the company's internal control over financial reporting. Prior to the closing of our IPO in April 2024, we were a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources for addressing our internal control over financial reporting. 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. However, in connection with the audits of our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, we and our independent registered public accounting firms identified certain material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting PCAOB of the United States. 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 annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weaknesses identified related to (1) our lack of sufficient full-time personnel with appropriate levels of accounting knowledge and experience to monitor the daily recording of transactions, address complex U.S. GAAP accounting issues and to prepare and review financial statements and related disclosures under U.S. GAAP; (2) our lack of a functional internal audit department or personnel that monitors the consistencies of the preventive internal control procedures as well as adequate policies and procedures in internal audit function to ensure that our policies and procedures have been carried out as planned; and (3) inadequate segregation of duties for certain key functions due to limited staff and resources. Our management has implemented and is currently taking the steps necessary to remediate the underlying causes of these material weaknesses, including (i) conducting regular and continuous U.S. GAAP training programs and webinars for our financial reporting and accounting personnel; ii) established three committees under the board of directors: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (see "Item 6- DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES for details"; iii) actively hiring more qualified staff to fill up the key roles in the operations; and iv) setting up a financial and system control framework with formal documentation of polices and controls in place. However, we cannot assure you 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. We are subject to the requirement that we maintain internal controls and that management perform periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal controls. Effective internal control over financial reporting is important to prevent fraud. As a result, our business, our financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the market for and trading price of our Ordinary Shares, may be materially and adversely affected if we do not have effective internal controls. Before the IPO, we were a private company with limited resources. As a result, we may not discover any problems in a timely manner and current and potential shareholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which would harm the business of the Operating Subsidiaries and the trading price of our Ordinary Shares. The absence of internal controls over financial reporting may inhibit investors from purchasing our Ordinary Shares and may make it more difficult for us to raise funds in a debt or equity financing. Additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies may be identified in the future. If we identify such issues or if we are unable to produce accurate and timely financial statements, our Ordinary Share price may decline and we may be unable to maintain compliance with the NASDAQ Listing Rules.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

We do not intend to pay further dividends in the foreseeable future.

We currently intend to retain all remaining funds and future earnings, if any, for the operations and expansion of the business of the Operating Subsidiaries and do not anticipate declaring or paying any further dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination related to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors after considering our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, contractual requirements, business prospects and other factors the board of directors deems relevant, and will be subject to the restrictions contained in any future financing instruments.

Debt & Financing1 | 2.7%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

We rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by the Operating Subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. In the future, funds may not be available to fund operations or for other use outside of Hong Kong, due to interventions in, or the imposition of restrictions and limitations on, our ability or the Operating Subsidiaries by the PRC government to transfer cash. Any limitation on the ability of the Operating Subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material adverse effect on our Operating Subsidiaries' ability to conduct business and might materially decrease the value of our Ordinary Shares or cause them to be worthless.

We are a holding company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, and we rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by the Operating Subsidiaries for our cash and financing requirements, including for the provision of funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders and to service any debt we may incur. If the Operating Subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. Under the current practice of the Inland Revenue Department of Hong Kong, no tax is payable in Hong Kong in respect of dividends paid by us. See "Item 4. Information on the Company - B. Business Overview - Regulations - Regulations related to Hong Kong taxation." The PRC laws and regulations do not currently have any material impact on transfers of cash from mF International to Operating Subsidiaries or from Operating Subsidiaries to mF International, our shareholders and U.S. investors. However, the Chinese government may, in the future, impose restrictions or limitations on our ability to transfer money out of Hong Kong, to distribute earnings and pay dividends to and from the other entities within our organization, or to reinvest in our business outside of Hong Kong. Such restrictions and limitations, if imposed in the future, may delay or hinder the expansion of our business outside of Hong Kong and may affect our ability to receive funds from the Operating Subsidiaries in Hong Kong. The promulgation of new laws or regulations, or the new interpretation of existing laws and regulations, in each case, that restrict or otherwise unfavorably impact the ability or way we or the Operating Subsidiaries conduct business, could require us to change certain aspects of our Operating Subsidiaries' business to ensure compliance, which could decrease demand for our services, reduce revenues, increase costs, require us to obtain more licenses, permits, approvals or certificates, or subject us to additional liabilities. To the extent any new or more stringent measures are required to be implemented, our business, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected and such measures could materially decrease the value of our Ordinary Shares, potentially rendering them worthless.

Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 5.4%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

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

As of the date of this annual report, we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses as a public company that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC, impose various requirements on the corporate governance practices of public companies. We are an "emerging growth company," as defined in the JOBS Act and will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our IPO, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our Ordinary Shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2021 and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. 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 in the assessment of the emerging growth company's internal control over financial reporting and permission to delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. Compliance with these rules and regulations increases our legal and financial compliance costs and makes some corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. After we are no longer an "emerging growth company," or until five years following the completion of our initial public offering, whichever is earlier, we expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 and the other rules and regulations of the SEC. For example, as a public company, we may be required to increase the number of independent directors and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. We may invest in obtaining director and officer liability insurance. In addition, we may 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.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

We have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from the IPO and may not use them effectively.

Our management has broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds, including for any of the purposes described in "Item 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS - Use of Proceeds," and our shareholders do not have the opportunity as part of their investment decision to assess whether the net proceeds are being used appropriately. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from the IPO, their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. The failure of our management to apply these funds effectively could harm the business of our Operating Subsidiaries.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 9/37 (24%)Above Sector Average

Regulation7 | 18.9%

Regulation - Risk 1

Recently, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in certain areas in China with little or no advance notice, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using the variable interest entity structure, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. In the future, we may be subject to PRC laws and regulations related to our current business operations and any changes in such laws and regulations and interpretations may impair our ability to operate profitably, which could result in a material negative impact on our operations and/or the value of the securities we are registering for sale.

Although we have direct ownership of the Operating Subsidiaries in Hong Kong, and currently do not have, nor intend to have, any subsidiary or any contractual arrangement to establish a VIE structure with any entity in mainland China, we are still subject to certain legal and operational risks associated with the Operating Subsidiaries being based in Hong Kong and having all operations conducted in Hong Kong, as of the date of this annual report. However, the legal and operational risks associated with China may also apply to our Operating Subsidiaries' operations in Hong Kong, and we face the risks and uncertainties associated with the complex and evolving PRC laws and regulations and as to whether and how the recent PRC government statements and regulatory developments, such as those relating to data and cybersecurity and anti-monopoly concerns, would be applicable to our Company or our subsidiaries in Hong Kong. In the event that we or the Operating Subsidiaries were to become subject to PRC laws and regulations, we could incur material costs to ensure compliance, and we or the Operating Subsidiaries might be subject to fines, experience devaluation of securities or delisting, no longer be permitted to conduct offerings to foreign investors, and/or no longer be permitted to continue business operations as presently conducted. Our organizational structure involves risks to the investors, and Chinese regulatory authorities could disallow this structure, which would likely result in a material change in mF International's operations and/or a material change in the value of the securities mF International is registering for sale, including the risk that such event could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless. Moreover, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations related to our Operating Subsidiaries' business and the enforcement and performance of our arrangements with customers in certain circumstances. The laws and regulations are sometimes vague and may be subject to future changes, and their official interpretation and enforcement may involve substantial uncertainty. The effectiveness and interpretation of newly enacted laws or regulations, including amendments to existing laws and regulations, may be delayed, and our Operating Subsidiaries' business may be affected if we rely on laws and regulations which are subsequently adopted or interpreted in a manner different from our understanding of these laws and regulations. New laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future businesses may also be applied retroactively. We cannot predict what effect the interpretation of existing or new PRC laws or regulations may have on our Operating Subsidiaries' business. The uncertainties regarding the enforcement of laws and the fact that rules and regulations in China can change quickly with little advance notice, along with the risk that the Chinese government may intervene or influence our operations at any time could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of the securities we are registering.

Regulation - Risk 2

We may become subject to a variety of PRC laws and other obligations regarding M&A Rules and data security, and any failure to comply with applicable laws and obligations could have a material and adverse effect on our Operating Subsidiaries' business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in 2006 and amended in 2009, require an overseas special purpose vehicle formed for listing purposes through acquisitions of domestic companies in mainland China and controlled by companies or individuals of mainland China to obtain the approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle's securities on an overseas stock exchange. In addition, on February 17, 2023 , the CSRC promulgated the Trial Measures and five supporting guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023, requiring, among other things, that (1) domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedures with the CSRC; if a domestic company fails to complete the filing procedures, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties; (2) where a domestic company seeks to indirectly offer and list securities in an overseas market, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity responsible for all filing procedures with the CSRC, and such filings shall be submitted to the CSRC within three business days after the submission of the overseas offering and listing application. mF International is a holding company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with three Operating Subsidiaries based in Hong Kong, and, as of the date of this annual report, we have no active subsidiary, VIE structure or any direct operations in mainland China, nor do we intend to have any subsidiary or VIE structure or intent to acquire any equity interests in any domestic companies in mainland China, and we are not controlled by any companies or individuals of mainland China. Further, we are headquartered in Hong Kong, with our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and all members of the board of directors of mF International based in Hong Kong, not mainland China, and all of our revenues and profits are generated by the Operating Subsidiaries in Hong Kong. Moreover, pursuant to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or the Basic Law, PRC laws and regulations shall not be applied in Hong Kong except for those listed in Annex III of the Basic Law (which is confined to laws relating to national defense, foreign affairs and other matters that are not within the scope of autonomy). Therefore, as of the date of this annual report, the CSRC's approval is not required for the listing and trading of our Ordinary Shares in the U.S. exchange as provided under the M&A Rules, and we would not be subject to filing requirements with the CSRC pursuant to the Trial Measures and supporting guidelines. We are aware that, recently, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in certain areas in China with little advance notice, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using the variable interest entity structure, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. For example, on July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued a document to crack down on illegal activities in the securities market and promote the high-quality development of the capital market, which, among other things, requires the relevant governmental authorities to strengthen cross-border oversight of law-enforcement and judicial cooperation, to enhance supervision over China-based companies listed overseas, and to establish and improve the system of extraterritorial application of the PRC securities laws. In addition, on December 28, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China (the "CAC"), together with other administrative departments, jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures which became effective on February 15, 2022, and repealed the Cybersecurity Review Measures promulgated on April 13, 2020. Such Measures require that, among other things, and in addition to any operator of critical information infrastructure, any network platform operators possessing personal information of more than one million users which seeks to list in a foreign stock exchange shall also be subject to cybersecurity review, and such Measures further elaborate on the factors to be considered when assessing the national security risks of the relevant activities. The publication and revision of the Cybersecurity Review Measures indicates greater oversight by the PRC regulatory authorities over data security, which may impact our Operating Subsidiaries' business in the future. As of the date of this annual report, the Operating Subsidiaries currently have less than 10% of their total customers in mainland China. Additionally, the Operating Subsidiaries may collect and store certain data for customer registration purpose. As of the date of this annual report, we do not expect the Cybersecurity Review Measures to have an impact on the Operating Subsidiaries business or operations to subject us or the Operating Subsidiaries to permission requirements from the CAC or any other government agency that is required to approve our operations, as we do not believe that we will be deemed to be an "operator of critical information infrastructure" or a "network platform operator" possessing personal information of more than one million users, that are required to file for cybersecurity review before listing in the U.S., because (i) all operations are conducted by the Operating Subsidiaries which currently mostly serve clients outside mainland China; (ii) we do not have or intend to have, nor do we have or intend to establish, a VIE structure with any entity in mainland China and the Cybersecurity Review Measures remain unclear whether they shall be applied to a company like us; (iii) as of date of this annual report, we have neither collected nor stored any personal information of any mainland China individual or within mainland China, nor do we entrust or expect to be entrusted by any individual or entity to conduct any data processing activities of any mainland China individual or within mainland China; (iv) as of the date of this annual report, we have not been informed by any PRC governmental authority of any requirement that we must file for a cybersecurity review; and (v) pursuant to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or the Basic Law, PRC laws and regulations shall not be applied in Hong Kong except for those listed in Annex III of the Basic Law (which is confined to laws relating to national defense, foreign affairs and other matters that are not within the scope of autonomy). However, there remains significant uncertainty in the interpretation and enforcement of relevant PRC cybersecurity laws and regulations. If we were deemed to be an "operator of critical information infrastructure" or a "network platform operator" possessing personal information of more than one million users, or if other regulations promulgated in relation to the Cybersecurity Review Measures are deemed to apply to us, the business operations of the Operating Subsidiaries and the listing of our Ordinary Shares in the U.S. could be subject to CAC's cybersecurity review or we and the Operating Subsidiaries might be covered by permission from the CAC or any other government agency that is required to approve our operations in the future. Nevertheless, since these statements and regulatory actions are new, it is highly uncertain how soon the legislative or administrative regulation making bodies will respond and what existing or new laws or regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations will be modified or promulgated, if any. It also remains highly uncertain what the potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our daily business operations, its ability to accept foreign investments and the listing of our Ordinary Shares on a U.S. or other foreign exchanges. If any or all of the foregoing were to occur, it may cause the value of our Ordinary Shares to significantly decline or become worthless. On February 17, 2023, with the approval of the State Council, the CSRC released the Trial Measures and five supporting guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. According to the Trial Measures, among other requirements, (1) domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedures with the CSRC; if a domestic company fails to complete the filing procedures, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties; (2) where a domestic company seeks to indirectly offer and list securities in an overseas market, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity responsible for all filing procedures with the CSRC, and such filings shall be submitted to the CSRC within three business days after the submission of the overseas offering and listing application. As advised by our PRC counsel, Zhong Lun Law Firm, since the Company is a company duly incorporated in the BVI, (i) with business operations conducted by the Operating Subsidiaries located in Hong Kong, and (ii) neither the Company nor the Operating Subsidiaries currently have any subsidiary in the PRC nor have they entered into any contractual arrangements to establish a variable interest entity structure with any entity in the PRC, the Company fails to meet the conditions under Article 15 of the Trial Measures and the supporting guidelines which constitute an indirect overseas listing in an overseas market that would otherwise subject the Company to the Trial Measures and supporting guidelines as of the date of this annual report. Therefore, as of the date of this annual report, no effective laws or regulations in the PRC explicitly require our Company or the Operating Subsidiaries in Hong Kong to seek approvals from the CSRC or any other PRC governmental authorities for our future overseas offering plans. If it is later determined that we are required by the Trial Measures to submit to the CRSC and complete the filing procedures of any offering and listing, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete such filings in a timely manner or even at all. Any failure by us to comply with such filing requirements under the Trial Measures may result in an order to rectify, warnings and fines against us and could materially hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities. As of the date of this annual report, we are advised by Hong Kong counsel, Bird & Bird, that we are not required to obtain permission or approval from Hong Kong authorities to offer the securities being registered to foreign investors, save that our Ordinary Shares may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), (ii) to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules promulgated thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong). Should there be any change in applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations, and we or any of the Operating Subsidiaries are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, we will strive to comply with the then applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations. Based on our understanding of the PRC laws and regulations currently in effect, as of the date of this annual report, neither we nor the Operating Subsidiaries are subject to the M&A Rules, the Cybersecurity Review Measures, the Trial Measures or the regulations or policies that have been issued by the CSRC or the CAC as of the date of this annual report, nor are we currently covered by permission requirements from the CSRC, the CAC or any other PRC governmental agency that is required to approve our listing on the U.S. exchanges and offering securities. Hence, based on the foregoing, since we are not subject to the regulations or policies issued by the CAC to date, we believe that we are currently not required to be compliant with such regulations and policies issued by the CAC as of the date of this annual report. Further, as of the date of this annual report, neither we nor the Operating Subsidiaries have ever applied for any such permission or approval, as we currently are not subject to the M&A Rules or the regulations and policies issued by the CAC. However, if there is significant change to current political arrangements between mainland China and Hong Kong, or the applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change, and, in such event, if we are required to obtain such approvals in the future and we do not receive or maintain the approvals or are denied permission from mainland China or Hong Kong authorities, we will not be able to list our Ordinary Shares on a U.S. exchange, or continue to offer securities to investors, which would materially affect the interests of the investors and cause significant the value of our Ordinary Shares significantly decline or be worthless.

Regulation - Risk 3

Substantially all of our Operating Subsidiaries' operations are conducted in Hong Kong. However, due to the long arm provisions under the current PRC laws and regulations, the Chinese government may exercise significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of such business and may intervene in or influence such operations at any time, which could result in a material change in the operations of the Operating Subsidiaries and/or the value of our Ordinary Shares. The PRC government may also intervene or impose restrictions on our ability to move money out of Hong Kong to distribute earnings and pay dividends or to reinvest in our business outside of Hong Kong. Changes in the policies, regulations, rules, and the enforcement of laws of the Chinese government may also occur quickly with little advance notice and our assertions and beliefs of the risk imposed by the PRC legal and regulatory system cannot be certain.

Recently, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in certain areas in China with little advance notice, including a cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using the variable interest entity structure, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. Given the recent statements by the Chinese government indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. Additionally, any further control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment impacting the Operating Subsidiaries in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong government could result in a material change in our operations, financial performance and/or the value of our Ordinary Shares or impair our ability to raise money.

Regulation - Risk 4

If the Chinese government chooses to extend oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in mainland China-based issuers to Hong Kong-based issuers, such action may significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer Ordinary Shares to investors and cause the value of our Ordinary Shares to significantly decline or be worthless.

Recent statements, laws and regulations by the Chinese government, including the Cybersecurity Review Measures, the PRC Personal Information Protection Law, and the Trial Measures published by CSRC, effective on March 31, 2023, have already indicated an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investments in China-based issuers. It remains uncertain whether the Chinese government will adopt additional requirements or extend the existing requirements to apply to the Operating Subsidiaries located in Hong Kong. Any future action by the PRC government expanding the categories of industries and companies whose foreign securities offerings are subject to review by the CSRC could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

Regulation - Risk 5

The enactment of Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the "Hong Kong National Security Law") could impact our Operating Subsidiaries.

On June 30, 2020, the Standing Committee of the PRC National People's Congress adopted the Hong Kong National Security Law. This law defines the duties and government bodies of the Hong Kong National Security Law for safeguarding national security and four categories of offences - secession, subversion, terrorist activities, and collusion with a foreign country or external elements to endanger national security - and their corresponding penalties. On July 14, 2020, the former U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Hong Kong Autonomy Act, or HKAA, into law, authorizing the U.S. administration to impose blocking sanctions against individuals and entities who are determined to have materially contributed to the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy. On August 7, 2020 the U.S. government imposed HKAA-authorized sanctions on eleven individuals, including HKSAR chief executive Carrie Lam. On October 14, 2020, the U.S. State Department submitted to relevant committees of Congress the report required under HKAA, identifying persons materially contributing to "the failure of the Government of China to meet its obligations under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law." On March 16, 2021, the U.S. State Department submitted a report listing an additional 24 foreign persons determined to meet the HKAA criteria. This report is an update to the October 2020 and March 2021 reports, consistent with section 5(e) of the HKAA. The HKAA further authorizes secondary sanctions, including the imposition of blocking sanctions, against foreign financial institutions that knowingly conduct a significant transaction with foreign persons sanctioned under this authority. The imposition of sanctions may directly affect the foreign financial institutions as well as any third parties or customers dealing with any foreign financial institution that is targeted. It is difficult to predict the full impact of the Hong Kong National Security Law and HKAA on Hong Kong and companies located in Hong Kong. If the Operating Subsidiaries are determined to be in violation of the Hong Kong National Security Law or the HKAA by competent authorities, the business operations, our financial position and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Regulation - Risk 6

The enforcement of laws and rules and regulations in China can change quickly with little advance notice. Additionally, the PRC laws and regulations and the enforcement of such that apply or are to be applied to Hong Kong can change quickly with little or no advance notice. As a result, the Hong Kong legal system embodies uncertainties which could limit the availability of legal protections, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of the securities we are registering for sale.

As one of the conditions for the handover of the sovereignty of Hong Kong to China, China accepted conditions such as Hong Kong's Basic Law. The Basic Law ensured Hong Kong will retain its own currency (the Hong Kong Dollar), legal system, parliamentary system and people's rights and freedom for fifty years from 1997. This agreement has given Hong Kong the freedom to function with a high degree of autonomy. The Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong is responsible for its own domestic affairs including, but not limited to, the judiciary and courts of last resort, immigration and customs, public finance, currencies and extradition. Hong Kong continues using the English common law system. However, if the PRC attempts to alter its agreement to allow Hong Kong to function autonomously, this could potentially impact Hong Kong's common law legal system and may in turn bring about uncertainty in, for example, the enforcement of the contractual rights of our Operating Subsidiaries. This could, in turn, materially and adversely affect business and operations of our Operating Subsidiaries. Additionally, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in Hong Kong may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the Hong Kong legal system, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us, including the ability to enforce agreements with the customers.

Regulation - Risk 7

The Hong Kong legal system embodies uncertainties which could limit the availability of legal protections.

As one of the conditions for the handover of the sovereignty of Hong Kong to China, China accepted conditions such as Hong Kong's Basic Law. The Basic Law ensured that capitalist system and way of life in Hong Kong shall remain unchanged for 50 years, and has given Hong Kong the freedom to function with a high degree of autonomy. Hong Kong is responsible for its own domestic affairs including, but not limited to, the judiciary and courts of last resort, immigration and customs, public finance, currencies and extradition. Hong Kong continues using the English common law system. However, if the PRC attempts to alter its agreement to allow Hong Kong to function autonomously, this could potentially impact Hong Kong's common law legal system and may in turn bring about uncertainty in, for example, the enforcement of our contractual rights. This could, in turn, materially and adversely affect the business and operations of our Operating Subsidiaries. Additionally, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in Hong Kong may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the Hong Kong legal system, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to our Operating Subsidiaries, including their ability to enforce agreements with our customers.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 2.7%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

You may incur additional costs and procedural obstacles in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing actions in Hong Kong against us or our management named in this annual report based on Hong Kong laws.

Currently, all of our operations are conducted outside the United States, and all of our assets are located outside the United States. All of our directors and officers are Hong Kong nationals or residents and a substantial portion of their assets are located in Hong Kong outside the United States. Foreign judgments of United States courts will not be directly enforced in Hong Kong, as there are currently no treaties or other arrangements providing for reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments between Hong Kong and the United States. You may incur additional costs and procedural obstacles in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing actions in Hong Kong against us or our management named in the annual report, as judgments entered in the United States can be enforced in Hong Kong only at common law. If you want to enforce a judgment of the United States in Hong Kong, it must be a final judgment conclusive upon the merits of the claim, 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. For more information regarding the relevant laws of the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong.

Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 2.7%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

There can be no assurance that we will not be deemed a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders of our ordinary shares.

A non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC for any taxable year if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of "passive" income; or (2) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such year is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, or the asset test. Based on our current and expected income and assets, we do not presently 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 fact-intensive inquiry made on an annual basis that depends, in part, upon the composition of our income and assets. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, will agree with our conclusion or that the IRS would not successfully challenge our position. Fluctuations in the market price of our Ordinary Shares may cause us to become a PFIC for the current or subsequent taxable years because the value of our assets for the purpose of the asset test may be determined by reference to the market price of our Ordinary Shares. 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 our IPO. If we were to be or become a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our Ordinary Shares, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to such U.S. Holder and such U.S. Holder may be subject to additional reporting requirements. For a more detailed discussion of the application of the PFIC rules to us and the consequences to U.S. taxpayers if we were or are determined to be a PFIC, see "Item 10. Additional Information-E. Taxation-United States Federal Income Taxation-PFIC."

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 3/37 (8%)Above Sector Average

Competition1 | 2.7%

Competition - Risk 1

The market in which the Operating Subsidiaries operate is competitive.

The financial technology industry in Hong Kong and Asia is competitive and fragmented. With the rise of electronic trading in recent years, the industry has attracted the presence of both Hong Kong-based and international companies. The market for financial trading solutions is still at its emerging stage, and we believe that it will continue to grow in the coming years. The prospect and potential of this market is expected to attract entry by companies with substantial capital and resources. Mergers and acquisitions of enterprises and consolidation of the industries may become a trend in the market. The environment in which our subsidiaries operate will likely become more competitive as a result. The competitors of our subsidiaries may offer similar financial trading solutions and services at prices lower than those of our subsidiaries. There is no guarantee that the projects undertaken and services provided by our subsidiaries in the future will allow our subsidiaries to maintain their present profit margins, and a competitive environment may adversely affect our profitability.

Demand1 | 2.7%

Demand - Risk 1

The Operating Subsidiaries operate in dynamic industries, which make it difficult to evaluate the future prospects.

In general, the financial technology industry is dynamic. The industries in which we operate, including those providing and maintaining financial trading solutions, mobile and desktop trading applications and financial value-added services, are all highly dynamic and may not develop as expected. Our customers may not fully understand the value of our solutions and potential new customers may have difficulty distinguishing our solutions from those of our competitors. If we fail to convince our customers of the value of our solutions, the markets for our solutions do not continue to develop as we expect or we fail to address the needs of these dynamic, evolving industries, our Operating Subsidiaries' business may be materially and adversely affected.

Sales & Marketing1 | 2.7%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

The success of the Operating Subsidiaries is dependent on the financial and brokerage industry and its market participants. Any market consolidation may adversely affect our Operating Subsidiaries' business development and financial performance.

The Operating Subsidiaries provide financial trading solutions primarily to market participants in the financial and brokerage industry. It is observed that the financial and brokerage industry is characterized by intensive competition. Intensive competition in the financial and brokerage industry will inevitably affect the profit margins of market participants and may consequently affect such participants' willingness to invest in new technologies or to expand their current usage of existing technologies. This may adversely affect our business development. Traditional small to medium sized brokerage firms may face competition from larger brokers that have more capital, resources or experience. The possible emergence of consolidation of the global brokerage industry may lead to reduction in the number of the players in the industry. If the number of our potential and existing customers or their size of operations decrease, our existing business and future growth potential may be adversely affected.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 3/37 (8%)Above Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment1 | 2.7%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

There are some political risks associated with conducting business in Hong Kong.

The operations of the Operating Subsidiaries are principally based in Hong Kong. Accordingly, the business operations of the Operating Subsidiaries and financial conditions will be affected by the political and legal developments in Hong Kong. During the period covered by the financial information incorporated by reference into and included in this annual report, we derive all of our revenue from operations in Hong Kong and, specifically, from our Operating Subsidiaries. Any adverse economic, social and/or political conditions, material social unrest, strike, riot, civil disturbance or disobedience, as well as significant natural disasters, may affect the market and may adversely affect the business operations of our Operating Subsidiaries. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the PRC and the basic policies of the PRC regarding Hong Kong are reflected in the Basic Law, namely, Hong Kong's constitutional document, which provides Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy and executive, legislative and independent judicial powers, including that of final adjudication under the principle of "one country, two systems". However, there is no assurance that there will not be any changes in the economic, political and legal environment in Hong Kong in the future. Since all of our operations are based in Hong Kong, any change of such political arrangements may pose an immediate threat to the stability of the economy in Hong Kong, thereby directly and adversely affecting our results of operations and financial positions. The Hong Kong protests that began in 2019 are ongoing and were triggered by the introduction of the Fugitive Offenders amendment bill by the Hong Kong government. If enacted, the bill would have allowed the extradition of criminal fugitives who are wanted in territories with which Hong Kong does not currently have extradition agreements, including mainland China. This led to concerns that the bill would subject Hong Kong residents and visitors to the jurisdiction and legal system of mainland China, thereby undermining the region's autonomy and people's civil liberties. Various sectors of the Hong Kong economy have been adversely affected as the protests turned increasingly violent. Most notably, the airline, retail, and real estate sectors have seen their sales decline. Under the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong is exclusively in charge of its internal affairs and external relations, while the government of the PRC is responsible for its foreign affairs and defense. As a separate customs territory, Hong Kong maintains and develops relations with foreign states and regions. Based on certain recent development including the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region issued by the Standing Committee of the PRC National People's Congress in June 2020, the U.S. State Department has indicated that the United States no longer considers Hong Kong to have significant autonomy from China and President Trump signed an executive order and Hong Kong Autonomy Act, or HKAA, to remove Hong Kong's preferential trade status and to authorize the U.S. administration to impose blocking sanctions against individuals and entities who are determined to have materially contributed to the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy. The United States may impose the same tariffs and other trade restrictions on exports from Hong Kong that it places on goods from mainland China. These and other recent actions may represent an escalation in political and trade tensions involving the U.S, China and Hong Kong, which could potentially harm our business. Our revenue is susceptible to the ongoing incidents or factors which affect the stability of the social, economic and political conditions in Hong Kong. Any drastic events may adversely affect the business operations of our Operating Subsidiaries. Such adverse events may include changes in economic conditions and regulatory environment, social and/or political conditions, civil disturbance or disobedience, as well as significant natural disasters. Given the relatively small geographical size of Hong Kong, any of such incidents may have a widespread effect on the business operations of our Operating Subsidiaries, which could in turn adversely and materially affect our business, our results of operations and financial condition. It is difficult to predict the full impact of the HKAA on Hong Kong and companies with operations in Hong Kong like us. Furthermore, legislative or administrative actions in respect of China-U.S. relations could cause investor uncertainty for affected issuers, including us, and the market price of our Ordinary Shares could be adversely affected.

Capital Markets2 | 5.4%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

Our financial performance and business outlook are significantly affected by the volatility of the financial markets in which we and the Operating Subsidiaries have no control.

The target customers of the Operating Subsidiaries include financial brokers and institutions mainly located in Asia, whose demand for financial trading solutions is dependent upon their business operations and expansion needs, which, to a large extent, are dependent upon the performance of the global financial markets as a whole. The global financial markets are directly affected by, among others, the global and local political and economic environments. Any sudden downturn in the global economic and political environments, which are beyond the control of our Operating Subsidiaries, may adversely affect the financial market sentiment in general. Severe fluctuation in market and economic sentiments may also result in a prolonged period of sluggish market activities, which would in turn have an adverse impact on the business and operating performance of our target customers, and hence, their demand for our financial trading solutions. As such, our revenue and the profitability of our Company and the Operating Subsidiaries may fluctuate and there is no assurance that we will be able to maintain our historical results in times of difficult or unstable economic conditions. Our historical profit levels should not be relied solely upon as an indication of our future financial performance.

Capital Markets - Risk 2

Our trading in foreign currencies significantly affected by the volatility of the financial and currency market in which we and the Operating Subsidiaries have no control. Any sudden volatility in the financial and currency market in the future may adversely affect the performance of our trading in foreign currencies and lead to realized and unrealized loss.

For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, we had realized loss on disposal of financial assets at fair value and change in fair value on financial assets at fair value in the aggregate amounts of HK$676,445, HK$1,157,650 and HK$9,965 (US$1,276), respectively, from trading in foreign currencies, at fair value, with the intention to optimize a trading algorithm based on live market interactions. The change in fair value on financial assets at fair value was mainly due to the increased volatility of the financial and currency market in 2021, 2022 and 2023. We plan to continue trading in foreign currencies in the future to further optimize our trading algorithm through live trading in the real foreign exchange market. Any sudden volatility in the financial and currency market, which are beyond the control of our Operating Subsidiaries, may adversely affect the performance of our trading in foreign currencies and lead to realized and unrealized loss.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 1/37 (3%)Below Sector Average

Trade Secrets1 | 2.7%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

Unauthorized use of the Operating Subsidiaries' intellectual property by third parties and expenses incurred in protecting their intellectual property rights may adversely affect their business, reputation and competitive edge.

We regard the Operating Subsidiaries' intellectual property, including their domain names, as important to their success, and they rely on a combination of intellectual property laws, subscriptions and contractual arrangements with software providers to protect their proprietary rights. The Operating Subsidiaries have filed various applications in Hong Kong and mainland China for protection of certain aspects of their intellectual property, including multiple trademarks. Nevertheless, we can provide no assurance that they will be able to have all applications registered. If the Operating Subsidiaries fail to register their trademarks, they may not be able to use such intellectual property without risk of infringement and, even if they can use them, they may have difficulty in enforcing such intellectual property rights against infringement by third parties, and this could have a material adverse impact on their business, financial conditions, and operating results. Despite these measures, any of the Operating Subsidiaries' intellectual property rights could be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or misappropriated, or such intellectual property may not be sufficient to provide us with competitive advantages. Statutory laws and regulations are subject to judicial interpretation and enforcement and may not be applied consistently. Accordingly, the Operating Subsidiaries may not be able to effectively protect their intellectual property rights or to enforce their contractual rights in all jurisdictions. Preventing any unauthorized use of the Operating Subsidiaries' intellectual property is difficult and costly and the steps it takes may be inadequate to prevent the misappropriation of their intellectual property. In the event that they must resort to litigation to enforce their intellectual property rights, such litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of their managerial and financial resources. We can provide no assurance that the Operating Subsidiaries will prevail in any such litigation. In particular, m-FINANCE has nine trademarks registered in mainland China, but without having physical operations in mainland China, it may have limited ability to timely respond or enforce its intellectual property rights, in the event of any infringement in mainland China. In addition, the Operating Subsidiaries' trade secrets may be leaked or otherwise become available to, or be independently discovered by, their competitors. Any failure in protecting or enforcing their intellectual property rights could have a material adverse effect on their business, reputation and competitive edge.

See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.

They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.

It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.

Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.

Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.

According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.

How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?

Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.

You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.

Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.

1. Financial & Corporate

Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.

2. Legal & Regulatory

Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.

3. Production

Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.

5. Ability to Sell

Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.

6. Macro & Political

Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.

Become an Expert with TipRanks Premium

What am I Missing?

Make informed decisions based on Top Analysts' activity

Know what industry insiders are buying

Get actionable alerts from top Wall Street Analysts

Find out before anyone else which stock is going to shoot up

Get powerful stock screeners & detailed portfolio analysis

Subscribe Now See Plans & Pricing