Future FinTech Group Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Apr 15, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Apr 15, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-04-16.
0001213900-24-033265
ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-04-15.
0001213900-25-032096
ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 129 previous paragraphs and 103 current paragraphs.
84 unchanged; 15 reworded; 4 added; 30 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 2 previous and 2 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (4)
Current report
We are involved, and may become involved in the future, in disputes and legal or regulatory proceedings that, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Current report
In January 2021, FT Global Capital, Inc. (“FT Global”), a former placement agent of Future FinTech Group Inc. (the “Company” or “Defendant”) filed a lawsuit against the Company in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia in January 2021, relating to alleged breaches of an exclusive placement agent agreement between FT Global and the Company in July 2020. The Company timely removed the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (the “Court”) on February 9, 2021 based on diversity of jurisdiction. On April 11, 2024, the Court entered a judgment awarding FT Global $8,875,265.31 and on April 16, 2024, the Court issued an amended judgment, awarding FT Global $10,598,379.93, which includes $7,895,265.31 in damages, $1,723,114.62 in prejudgment interest, and $980,000.00 in attorney’s fees. On May 9, 2024, the Company filed a post-trial motion to set aside the jury verdict and for a new trial and the Court denied the motion on March 3, 2025. The Company filed notice of appeal to appeal the judgement to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on April 2, 2025.
Current report
FT Global has registered the Court’s judgment in the United States District Court for Southern District of New York (“NY Court”), where FT Global has brought a motion requiring the Company to turn over its stock in its subsidiary companies. The Company has filed an opposition to the motion, arguing that according to the New York statute the NY Court should first determine that the value of the stock in the subsidiary is insufficient to satisfy the judgment as the Company believe the request for turnover is premature before a valuation hearing. On August 28, 2024, NY Court granted FT Global’s motion for turnover of Defendant’s shares in Defendant’s wholly-owned subsidiaries as Defendant 1) failed to satisfy the $10.8 million judgment rendered in the Northern District of Georgia and registered in the Southern District of New York, and 2) is in possession of money and property in which it has an interest. The NY Court ordered Defendant shall turn over the shares, membership, or limited partnership interests in all of its subsidiaries, and the corporate seals of its China and Hong Kong-based subsidiaries, to the U.S. Marshal for auction or sale until the judgment is satisfied. Pursuant to the order issued by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on August 28, 2024, the United States Marshal for the Southern District of New York (“U.S. Marshal”) sold the securities of the subsidiaries of the Company other than those in Hong Kong and China in auction of: (i) all of the membership interests in Future Fintech Digital Capital Management LLC; (ii) all of the outstanding shares of FTFT UK Limited; (iii) the corporate seal of DigiPay FinTech Limited; (iv) the corporate seal of GlobalKey SharedMall Limited; (iv) all of the outstanding shares of Future Fintech Labs Inc.; and (v) all of the outstanding shares of Future Fintech Digital Number One GP, LLC (USA) to Alec Orudjiev, the general counsel of FT Global for $25,000 on December 18, 2024. On December 6, 2024, the Company agreed to sell all issued and outstanding shares of FTFT SuperComputing Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“FTFT SuperComputing”) to DDMM Capital LLC (the “Buyer”) for a purchase price that equals to: (i) the assumption of the obligations of FTFT SuperComputing totaling $973,072.24 and (ii)$1,000,000, which was paid to an account at Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP to satisfy, in part, the right of payment held by FT Global Capital, Inc. arising from the judgment entered in favor of FT Global and against the Company registered in the Southern District of New York and all matters pertaining to such litigation. The Company has appealed the turnover order of the NY Court for the auction of securities of the subsidiaries of the Company in Hong Kong and China to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and is waiting for the final decision of the Court of Appeals. On February 6, 2025, FT Global filed a motion (“Motion”) in the NY Court, amend…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Current report
From time to time, we may be a defendant in lawsuits and regulatory actions relating to our business. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation and regulatory proceedings, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings. An unfavorable outcome could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, any significant litigation, regardless of its merits, could divert management’s attention from our operations and may result in substantial legal costs. The Company has also been named in a putative securities class action case and a derivatives case described in Item 3 Legal Proceedings below. While the Company believes it has adequate defenses, the defense of those cases could become costly and could significantly divert management attention from its business.
Removed paragraphs (30)
Previous report
The asset management services that NTAM provides involve various risks, and failure to identify or fully appreciate such risks will negatively affect our reputation, client relationships, operations and prospects.
Previous report
NTAM provides asset and wealth management service to clients. Neither the principal nor the return of the asset management products that NTAM has provided its services on is guaranteed by NTAM. As such, NTAM generally does not bear any liabilities for any loss to capital invested in the products. However, despite related risk warnings and disclaimers, the investors may attempt to hold NTAM responsible for their losses and terminate their business with us, which could harm our reputation and result in reduced business. In addition, although NTAM has implemented transparent disclosure policies, such policies and procedures may not be fully effective. If NTAM or its customer service personnel are found to have engaged in misconduct or negligent in providing their services, NTAM may be held responsible when the investors incur losses, and our reputation, client relationships, business and prospects will be materially and adversely affected.
Previous report
Our operations of NTAM depend on key management and professional staff and our business may suffer if we are unable to recruit or retain them.
Previous report
The success of our business is dependent, to a large extent, on the continued services of NTAM’s senior management, especially Mr. Siu Kei Chan, the Chief Executive Officer of NTAM. If NTAM loses the service of Mr. Chan, it needs to promptly hire an experienced professional from the market, otherwise it may not be able to execute its existing business strategy effectively, or we may have to change our current business direction. Such disruptions to our business may take up significant energy and resources of the Company, and materially and adversely affect our future prospects.
Previous report
Moreover, NTAM daily operations depend on the members of its mid-level management, experienced investment and trading managers, licensed representatives, risk management officers, research analysts and IT specialists. We devote considerable resources to the recruiting and retaining these personnel. However, the market for quality professionals is increasingly competitive. We expect to face significant competition from other assets management firms and technology companies in hiring such personnel. The intense competition may require us to offer more competitive compensation and other benefits to our talent, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. As a result, it may be difficult for us to continue to retain and motivate these employees, and this could affect their decisions about whether or not they continue to work for us. If we do not succeed in attracting, hiring, and integrating excellent personnel, or retaining and motivating existing personnel, NTAM may be unable to grow effectively.
Previous report
Our risk management and internal control systems of NTAM, as well as the risk management tools available to us, may not fully protect us against various risks inherent in our business.
Previous report
Currently, NTAM follows its comprehensive internal risk management framework and procedures to manage its risks, including but not limited to, reputational risk, legal risk, regulatory and compliance risk, operational risk, market risk, liquidity risk, and credit risk. However, its risk management policies, procedures and internal controls may not be adequate or effective in mitigating the risks or protecting it against unidentified or unanticipated risks. In particular, some methods of managing risks are based upon observed historical market behavior and experience in the securities industry. These methods may fail to predict future risk exposures, which could be significantly greater than those indicated by our historical measures. Other risk management methods depend upon an evaluation of available information regarding operating and market conditions and other matters, which may not be accurate, complete, up-to-date or properly evaluated. In addition, the capital markets in Hong Kong are rapidly developing, the information and experience that NTAM relies on for its risk management methods may become quickly outdated as capital markets and regulatory environment in Hong Kong continue to evolve. Deficiencies in the risk management and internal control systems and procedures may adversely affect our ability to identify or report our deficiencies or non-compliance. Any of these may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Previous report
The operations of NTAM may be adversely affected if it fails to obtain or maintain necessary approvals for conducting a particular business.
Previous report
Due to the highly regulated nature of the financial industry in jurisdiction where NTAM operates, many aspects of its business depend on obtaining and maintaining approvals, licenses, permits or qualifications from relevant regulators in Hong Kong. Obtaining and maintaining such approvals, licenses, permits or qualifications is contingent on NTAM’s compliance with regulatory requirements. Any failure to comply with regulatory requirements could limit the scope of businesses in which NTAM is permitted to engage. Furthermore, additional regulatory approvals, licenses, permits or qualifications may be required by relevant regulators in the future, and some of current approvals, licenses, permits or qualifications of NTAM are subject to periodic renewal. The failure to obtain or maintain the required approvals, licenses, permits or qualifications could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Previous report
The blockchain and digital assets related products and services that we are developing have the potential to be used in ways we do not intend, including for criminal or other illegal activities.
Previous report
Blockchain-related products and services, in particular cryptocurrencies, have the potential to be used for financial crimes or other illegal activities. We are currently developing digital assets mining farms, there are uncertainties regarding any legal and regulatory requirements for preventing blockchain-related products and services from being put to such uses, and there are uncertainties regarding the liabilities and risks to the Company if we are unable to prevent such uses. Even if we comply with all laws and regulations regarding financial and blockchain and digital assets related products and services, we have no ability to ensure that our customers, partners or others to whom we license or sell our products and services comply with all laws and regulations applicable to them and their transactions.
Previous report
Although we only provide hosting services to digital assets miners, the security measures employed by our projects are subject to further improvement and development. There is no guarantee that the security measures that we currently use or any that we may develop in the future will be effective.
Previous report
Any negative publicity we receive regarding any allegations of unlawful uses of our services and mining farm could damage our reputation. More generally, any negative publicity regarding unlawful uses of blockchain technology in the marketplace could reduce the demand for our products and services. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and business.
Previous report
The regulatory regime governing blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies, digital assets, and offerings of digital assets is uncertain, and new regulations or policies may materially adversely affect the development of our blockchain related business.
Previous report
Regulations of digital assets, cryptocurrencies, crypto mining, blockchain technologies, are currently undeveloped and likely to rapidly evolve as government agencies take greater interest in them. Regulations also vary significantly among international, federal, state and local jurisdictions and is subject to significant uncertainty. Various legislative and executive bodies in the United States and in other countries may in the future adopt laws, regulations, or guidance, or take other actions, which may severely impact the permissibility of tokens, crypto currencies and digital assets generally and the technology behind them or the means of transaction or in transferring them. Failure by our subsidiaries to comply with any laws, rules and regulations, some of which may not exist yet or are subject to interpretation and may be subject to change, could result in a variety of adverse consequences, including civil penalties and fines.
Previous report
Failure to comply with sanctions laws, anti-terrorist financing laws, anti-money laundering laws, and similar laws associated with our activities, and anti-corruption laws could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences.
Previous report
We have implemented policies and procedures designed to allow us to comply with anti-money laundering laws and economic sanctions laws and prevent our money transfer platform from being used to facilitate business in countries or with persons or entities designated on lists promulgated by governments and equivalent international authorities or that are otherwise the target of sanctions. We may utilize the services of vendors, such as screening tools, in implementing such policies and procedures. In the event that we or any of our users engage in any conduct, intentionally or not, that facilitates money laundering, terrorist financing, or other illicit activity, or that violates anti-money laundering or sanctions laws, or otherwise constitutes activity that is prohibited by such laws, including through the fault of any vendor, we may be subject to fines, penalties, lawsuits, and enforcement actions; additional compliance requirements; increased regulatory scrutiny of our business; restriction of our operations; or damage to our reputation or brand.
Previous report
Law enforcement and regulators continue to scrutinize compliance with these obligations, which may require us to further revise or expand our compliance program, including the procedures that we use to verify the identity of our customers or monitor our platform for potential illegal activity. In addition, any policies and procedures that we implement to comply with sanctions laws may not be effective, including in preventing customers from using our services for transactions with sanctioned persons or jurisdictions subject to comprehensive sanctions. Given the technical limitations in developing controls to prevent, among other things, the ability of customers to publish on our platform false or deliberately misleading information or to develop sanctions-evasion methods, it is possible that we may inadvertently and without our knowledge provide services to individuals or entities that have been designated by UK or Hong Kong government or other relevant sanctions authorities are located in a jurisdiction subject to comprehensive sanctions or an embargo by the UK, Hong Kong or other countries in which we operate or are licensed to do business, and such services may not be in compliance with applicable economic sanctions regulations.
Previous report
Sanctions are imposed to address acute foreign policy and national security threats and may change rapidly and unpredictably in response to world events or domestic or international political developments. Additionally, as we expand our services into additional jurisdictions, we may become subject to additional sanctions requirements imposed by those jurisdictions or face increased risk of processing transactions in violation of sanctions requirements to which we are currently subject. We may be unable to update policies, procedures, or controls to timely and effectively address changes in applicable legal requirements or in our sanctions risk environment.
Previous report
Consequences for failing to comply with applicable rules and regulations could include fines, criminal and civil lawsuits, forfeiture of significant assets, or other enforcement actions. We could also be required to make changes to our business practices or compliance programs as a result of regulatory scrutiny. In addition, any perceived or actual breach of compliance by us, our customers, vendors, or our payment or disbursement partners with respect to applicable laws, rules, and regulations could have a significant impact on our reputation and could cause us to lose existing customers, prevent us from obtaining new customers, cause other payment or disbursement partners to terminate or not renew their agreements with us, require us to expend significant funds to remedy problems caused by violations and to avert further violations, adversely affect our relationship with our partner banks and other commercial counterparties and expose us to legal risk and potential liability, all of which may adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Previous report
Use of our money transfer platform for illegal or fraudulent activities could harm our business, reputation, financial condition, and operating results.
Previous report
Our platform is susceptible to illegal, improper or fraudulent uses, including money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions evasion, bank fraud, payments involving child pornography or human trafficking, and the facilitation of other illegal, improper or fraudulent activity. The digital financial services industry is under increasing scrutiny from federal, state, and international regulators in connection with the potential for such illegal, improper or fraudulent activities. In addition, our remittance service facilitates payments to jurisdictions which may in some cases have higher levels of illegal, improper payments. Our payment system has been utilized for illegal, improper and fraudulent uses in the past and we cannot guarantee that our policies, procedures and internal controls, or insurance, would adequately protect our business, maintain our continued ability to operate in the jurisdictions that we serve, or our reputation, especially if such illegal, improper or fraudulent activities were discovered to have taken place on our platform in the future. Our fraud loss expenses may increase if our fraud systems lose effectiveness or if new methods or schemes are developed to defraud us. Since the methods and schemes utilized by perpetrators of fraud are constantly evolving or, in some cases, not immediately detectable, we cannot assure you that our policies, procedures and controls for managing fraud will be effective over time or of our ability to update these measures to address emerging fraud risks. In addition, if illicit or fraudulent activity levels involving our services were to rise, it could lead to regulatory intervention and reputational and financial damage to us. This, in turn, could lead to government enforcement actions and investigations, a suspension or termination of our operating licenses, a reduction in the use and acceptance of our services, or an increase in our compliance costs, any of which may harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Previous report
On the other hand, if the measures we have taken to detect illegal, improper or fraudulent activities are too restrictive and/or inadvertently prevent or delay proper transactions, this could result in suspension of legitimate customer activity on our payment system, deter new and existing customers or otherwise diminish our customer experience, any of which could harm our business.
Previous report
We may be exposed to litigation related to the Sale Transaction on February 27, 2020 from the holders of our common stock.
Previous report
Transactions such as the Sale Transaction are often subject to lawsuits by stockholders. Particularly because the holders of our common stock will not receive any consideration from the Sale Transaction, it is possible that they may sue the Company or the Board of Directors. Such lawsuits could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.
Previous report
On February 28, 2019, the Company received a letter from NASDAQ notifying the Company that, because the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock listed on NASDAQ was below $1.00 for 30 consecutive trading days, the Company no longer met the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on NASDAQ under NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2). On May 7, 2019, the Company received a written notification from the NASDAQ Stock Market Listing Qualifications Staff indicating that the Company has regained compliance with the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement and that the matter is now closed.
Previous report
On April 17, 2019, the Company received a notification letter from NASDAQ stating the Company was not in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), due to its failure to timely file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 10-K”). On May 21, 2019, the Company received a notification letter from NASDAQ stating the Company was not in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), due to its failure to timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. On August 20, 2019, the Company received a notification letter from the NASDAQ stating the Company was not in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), due to its failure to timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.
Previous report
On October 16, 2019, the Company received a letter from the NASDAQ notifying the Company that it has regained compliance with NASDAQ’s periodic filing requirements for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The letter noted that as a result of the September 3, 2019 filing of the Form 10-K for the year ended on December 31, 2018 and the September 30, 2019 filing of the Forms 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, and June 30, 2019 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company has regained compliance with Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) and the matter is now closed.
Previous report
On September 4, 2019, the Company received written notice from the NASDAQ stating that the Company did not meet the requirement of maintaining a minimum of $2,500,000 in stockholders’ equity for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, as set forth in NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(b)(1), the Company also does not meet the alternative of market value of listed securities of $35 million under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(b)(2) or net income from continuing operations of $500,000 in the most recently completed fiscal year or in two of the last three most recently completed fiscal years under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(b)(3), and the Company is no longer in compliance with the NASDAQ Listing Rules. On March 18, 2020, the Company received written notice form NASDAQ stating that the Company complies with the Listing Rule 5550(b)(1).
Previous report
On November 4, 2019, the Company received a letter from the Nasdaq notifying the Company that, because the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock listed on Nasdaq was below $1.00 for 30 consecutive trading days, the Company no longer meets the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2), which requires a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share. On April 14, 2020, the Company received a written notification from the Nasdaq indicating that the Company has regained compliance with the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement and that the matter is now closed.
Reworded paragraphs (15)
Previous wording
The supply chain financing service industry in China is highly dynamic and rapidly evolving. Operating in this industry demands applying cutting-edge technologies to digitalize supply chain financing workflows and optimize payment cycles, which is an emerging and relatively new business model in China. In addition, we are facing uncertainties relating to the intensifying competition and evolving regulatory environment in China’s supply chain financing service industry. There have been limited proven methods to project available technology, regulatory and industry standards on which we can rely, and the delay, unexpected or adverse developments in this sector may adversely and materially affect our operational and financial performances. As market develops, regulatory environment and our business continue to develop, we may need to adjust our business model and continue to upgrade our products and service offerings, and if we fail to adapt to these developments promptly, or at all, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
Current wording
The supply chain financing service industry in China is highly dynamic and rapidly evolving. Operating in this industry demands applying cutting-edge technologies to digitalize supply chain financing workflows and optimize payment cycles, which is an emerging and relatively new business model in China. In addition, we are facing uncertainties relating to the intensifying competition, inflation, general economy conditions and evolving regulatory environment in China’s supply chain financing service industry. There have been limited proven methods to project available technology, regulatory and industry standards on which we can rely, and the slowdown of domestic industries of infrastructure, the delay, unexpected or adverse developments in this sector may adversely and materially affect our operational and financial performances. As market develops, regulatory environment and our business continue to develop, we may need to adjust our business model and continue to upgrade our products and service offerings, and if we fail to respond to and adapt to these developments promptly, or at all, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
Previous wording
Our supply chain finance business faces various risk in its operation, including (i) risk of failure to collect our receivables in time after the delivery of commodities; (ii) risk of unable to supply/deliver the commodity according to the contract requirements such as issues of quality and/or quantity of goods. If we fail to control such risk and strictly implement our new supplier and client evaluation standards as well as the background investigation for our risk control, we might not receive payment for the goods delivered or lose control of the title of the goods or breach contracts to supply goods according to their terms, which will materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, if the market for commodities fluctuates sharply, our downstream customers might default on their purchase obligation and cause losses to us.
Current wording
Our supply chain finance business faces various risk in its operation, including (i) risk of failure to collect our receivables in time after the delivery of commodities; (ii) risk of unable to supply/deliver the commodity according to the contract requirements such as issues of quality and/or quantity of goods. If we fail to control such risk and strictly implement our new supplier and client evaluation standards as well as the background investigation for our risk control, we might not receive payment for the goods delivered or lose control of the title of the goods or breach contracts to supply goods according to their terms, which will materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, if the market for commodities fluctuates sharply, our downstream customers might default on their purchase obligation and cause losses to us, especially when the market of infrastructure in China slows down.
Previous wording
The brokerage and investment banking service industry are intensely competitive in Hong Kong. If we are unable to compete effectively, we may lose our market share and our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.
Current wording
The brokerage and investment banking service industry are intensely competitive in Hong Kong. If we are unable to compete effectively, we may lose business and our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.
Previous wording
As an provider of brokerage and investment banking business services for Hong Kong and Chinese investors on a global basis, our business generally requires us to react promptly to the evolving demand of our clients and be able to provide innovative financial solutions tailored to their needs. We may not be able to compete effectively with our competitors at all times and always be able to provide appropriate financial solutions that promptly and accurately address our clients’ needs. If this were to happen, our ability to attract new or retain existing clients will suffer, which would materially and adversely affect our revenues and earnings.
Current wording
As a provider of brokerage and investment banking business services for Hong Kong and Chinese investors on a global basis, our business generally requires us to react promptly to the evolving demand of our clients and be able to provide innovative financial solutions tailored to their needs. We may not be able to compete effectively with our competitors at all times and always be able to provide appropriate financial solutions that promptly and accurately address our clients’ needs. If this were to happen, our ability to attract new or retain existing clients will suffer, which would materially and adversely affect our revenues and earnings.
Previous wording
As part of our business strategy, we review acquisition and strategic investment prospects that we believe would complement our current product and service offerings, augment our market coverage, enhance our technological capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. From time to time, we review investments in new business and we expect to make investments in, and to acquire, business, products or technologies in the future. We have completed acquisitions of a money transfer company in UK and brokerage and investment banking firm in Hong Kong in 2023. In the event of any future acquisitions, we may expend significant costs and cash, incur substantial debt and/or issue equity securities and dilute the percentage ownership of current shareholders, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and the price of our stock. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to successfully integrate any business, products, technologies or personnel that we may acquire in the future, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Current wording
As part of our business strategy, we review acquisition and strategic investment prospects that we believe would complement our current product and service offerings, augment our market coverage, enhance our technological capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. From time to time, we review investments in new business and we expect to make investments in, and to acquire, business, products or technologies in the future. We have completed acquisitions of a money transfer company in UK and brokerage and investment banking firm in Hong Kong in 2023. In the event of any future acquisitions, we may expend significant costs and cash, incur substantial debt and/or issue equity securities and dilute the percentage ownership of current shareholders, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and the price of our stock. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to successfully integrate any business, products, technologies or personnel that we may acquire in the future, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. For example, we had to sell NTAM as it was unable to generate net profit due to high labor cost and slow down of capital market in Hong Kong.
Previous wording
Our business depends on internet, our websites, apps, network infrastructure and processing systems.
Current wording
Our business depends on internet, our websites, network infrastructure and processing systems.
Previous wording
Our supply chain financing, money transfer, assets management and digital mining services depend upon the widespread use of the internet. Factors which could reduce the widespread use of the internet include, without limitation, actual or perceived lack of security of information or privacy protection, cyberattacks or other disruptions or damage to the internet or to users’ computers, whatever the cause, could reduce customer satisfaction with our platforms and services and harm our business. Any system interruption that results in the unavailability of our websites, apps or reduced performance of our transaction and information systems could reduce our ability to conduct our business. We use internally and externally developed systems for our websites, apps and our transaction and information processing systems. We expect to experience system interruptions due to software failure. Capacity constraints can cause system disruptions, slower response times, delayed page presentation, degradation in levels of customer service and other problems. We may also experience difficulties with our infrastructure upgrades. Any future difficulties with our transaction and information processing systems or difficulties upgrading, expanding or integrating aspects of our systems may cause system disruptions, slower response times, and degradation in levels of customer service, additional expense, impaired quality and speed of our services or other problems.
Current wording
Our supply chain financing, and assets management and financial services depend upon the widespread use of the internet. Factors which could reduce the widespread use of the internet include, without limitation, actual or perceived lack of security of information or privacy protection, cyberattacks or other disruptions or damage to the internet or to users’ computers, whatever the cause, could reduce customer satisfaction with our platforms and services and harm our business. Any system interruption that results in the unavailability of our websites, apps or reduced performance of our transaction and information systems could reduce our ability to conduct our business. We use internally and externally developed systems for our websites and our transaction and information processing systems. We expect to experience system interruptions due to software failure. Capacity constraints can cause system disruptions, slower response times, delayed page presentation, degradation in levels of customer service and other problems. We may also experience difficulties with our infrastructure upgrades. Any future difficulties with our transaction and information processing systems or difficulties upgrading, expanding or integrating aspects of our systems may cause system disruptions, slower response times, and degradation in levels of customer service, additional expense, impaired quality and speed of our services or other problems.
Previous wording
Our supply chain financing, money transfer, assets management and digital mining services are dependent on the secure operation of our website and systems as well as the operation of the internet generally. Our business involves the storage of customers’ proprietary information, and security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, litigation, and potential liability. A number of large internet companies have suffered security breaches, some of which have involved intentional ransomware attacks. From time to time, we and many other internet businesses also may be subject to a denial of service attacks wherein attackers attempt to block customers’ access to our website with ransomware. If we are unable to avert a denial of service attack for any significant period, we could sustain substantial loss from payment of ransom fee, lost sales and customer dissatisfaction. We may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyberattacks.
Current wording
Our supply chain financing, assets management and financial services are dependent on the secure operation of our website and systems as well as the operation of the internet generally. Our business involves the storage of customers’ proprietary information, and security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, litigation, and potential liability. A number of large internet companies have suffered security breaches, some of which have involved intentional ransomware attacks. From time to time, we and many other internet businesses also may be subject to a denial of service attacks wherein attackers attempt to block customers’ access to our website with ransomware. If we are unable to avert a denial of service attack for any significant period, we could sustain substantial loss from payment of ransom fee, lost sales and customer dissatisfaction. We may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyberattacks.
Previous wording
The PRC has not adopted management and financial reporting concepts and practices similar to those in the United States. We may have difficulty in hiring and retaining a sufficient number of qualified financial and accounting employees who are familiar with US GAAP and reporting requirements to work in the PRC. As a result of these factors, we may experience difficulty in establishing and maintaining accounting and financial controls, collecting financial data, budgeting, managing our funds and preparing financial statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices that meet investors’ expectations in the United States.
Current wording
The PRC has not adopted management and financial reporting concepts and practices similar to those in the United States. We have had difficulty in hiring and retaining a sufficient number of qualified financial and accounting employees who are familiar with US GAAP and reporting requirements to work in the PRC. As a result of these factors, we may experience difficulty in establishing and maintaining accounting and financial controls, collecting financial data, budgeting, managing our funds and preparing financial statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices that meet investors’ expectations in the United States.
Previous wording
Rules adopted by the SEC, or the Commission, pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 require annual assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting. The standards that must be met for management to assess the internal controls over financial reporting as effective are relatively new and complex, and they require significant documentation, testing and possible remediation to meet the detailed standards. This assessment will need to include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting. During the evaluation and testing process, if we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as we have done previously and this year, we will be unable to assert that our internal controls are effective. If we continue to be unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could harm our business and cause the price of our stock to decline.
Current wording
Rules adopted by the SEC, or the Commission, pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 require annual assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting. The standards that must be met for management to assess the internal controls over financial reporting as effective are relatively new and complex, and they require significant documentation, testing and possible remediation to meet the detailed standards. This assessment will need to include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting. During the evaluation and testing process, if we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as we have done previously and this year, we will be unable to assert that our internal controls are effective. We have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective. If we continue to be unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could harm our business and cause the price of our stock to decline.
Previous wording
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over blockchain related financial technology, capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese government has implemented certain measures, including more regulations on U.S. listed Chinese companies and control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China, and since 2012, China’s economic growth has slowed down. Any prolonged slowdown in the Chinese economy may reduce the demand for our products and services and materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Current wording
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over blockchain related financial technology, capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese government has implemented certain measures, including more regulations on U.S. listed Chinese companies and control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China, and since COVID-19, China’s economic growth has slowed down. The prolonged slowdown in the Chinese economy may reduce the demand for our products and services and materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Previous wording
On February 15, 2022, Cybersecurity Review Measures published by Cyberspace Administration of China, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of State Security, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, People’s Bank of China, State Administration of Radio and Television, China Securities Regulatory Commission, State Secrecy Administration and State Cryptography Administration became effective, which provides that, Critical Information Infrastructure Operators (“CIIOs”) that purchase internet products and services and Online Platform Operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security shall be subject to the cybersecurity review by the Cybersecurity Review Office. On November 14, 2021, CAC published the Administration Measures for Cyber Data Security (Draft for Public Comments), or the “Cyber Data Security Measure (Draft)”, which requires cyberspace operators with personal information of more than 1 million users who want to list abroad to file a cybersecurity review with the Office of Cybersecurity Review. As confirmed by our PRC counsel Fengdong Law Firm, we are currently not subject to cybersecurity review with the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) under these new measures, because E-Commerce Tianjin is not a cyberspace operator with personal information of more than 1 million users or has activities that affect or may affect national security. Nevertheless, the aforementioned draft measures and any related implementation rules to be enacted may subject us to additional compliance requirement in the future.
Current wording
On February 15, 2022, Cybersecurity Review Measures published by Cyberspace Administration of China, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of State Security, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, People’s Bank of China, State Administration of Radio and Television, China Securities Regulatory Commission, State Secrecy Administration and State Cryptography Administration became effective, which provides that, Critical Information Infrastructure Operators (“CIIOs”) that purchase internet products and services and Online Platform Operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security shall be subject to the cybersecurity review by the Cybersecurity Review Office. As confirmed by our PRC counsel Fengdong Law Firm, we are currently not subject to cybersecurity review with the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) under these new measures, because E-Commerce Tianjin is not a cyberspace operator with personal information of more than 1 million users or has activities that affect or may affect national security. Nevertheless, the aforementioned draft measures and any related implementation rules to be enacted may subject us to additional compliance requirement in the future.
Previous wording
Most of our present officers and directors reside outside of the United States. In addition, most of our subsidiaries and assets are located outside of the United States. Therefore, it may be difficult for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws against us in the courts of either the United States or the Hong Kong/PRC and, even if civil judgments are obtained in courts of the United States, to enforce such judgments in the PRC or Hong Kong courts. Further, it is unclear if extradition treaties now in effect between the United States, Hong Kong and the PRC would permit effective enforcement against us or our officers and directors of criminal penalties under the U.S. Federal securities laws or otherwise.
Current wording
All of our present officers and directors reside outside of the United States, other than Mingjie Zhao. In addition, all of our subsidiaries and assets are located outside of the United States. Therefore, it may be difficult for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws against us in the courts of either the United States or the Hong Kong/PRC and, even if civil judgments are obtained in courts of the United States, to enforce such judgments in the PRC or Hong Kong courts. Further, it is unclear if extradition treaties now in effect between the United States, Hong Kong and the PRC would permit effective enforcement against us or our officers and directors of criminal penalties under the U.S. Federal securities laws or otherwise.
Previous wording
Mr. Zeyao Xue, the son of our president, indirectly and directly beneficially owns 3,652,850 shares, or approximately 18.3%, of our outstanding common stock as of April 12, 2024. Mr. Zeyao Xue’s beneficial ownership of 18.3% of Future FinTech’s issued and outstanding common stock will likely give him the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to shareholders for approval, including but not limited to the election of directors and any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. This concentrated control could delay, defer, or prevent a change of control, merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets that other shareholders support, or conversely this concentrated control could result in the consummation of such a transaction that other shareholders do not support. This concentrated control could also discourage a potential investor from acquiring the common stock of the Company due to the limited voting power of such shares. As a shareholder, even a controlling shareholder, Mr. Zeyao Xue is entitled to vote his shares, and shares over which he has voting control, in his own interests, which may not always be in the interests of our shareholders generally.
Current wording
Mr.Zeyao Xue, indirectly and directly beneficially owns 385,287 shares, or approximately 12.6%, of our outstanding common stock as of April 11, 2025. Mr. Zeyao Xue’s beneficial ownership of 12.6% of Future FinTech’s issued and outstanding common stock will likely give him the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to shareholders for approval, including but not limited to the election of directors and any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. This concentrated control could delay, defer, or prevent a change of control, merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets that other shareholders support, or conversely this concentrated control could result in the consummation of such a transaction that other shareholders do not support. This concentrated control could also discourage a potential investor from acquiring the common stock of the Company due to the limited voting power of such shares. As a shareholder, even a controlling shareholder, Mr. Zeyao Xue is entitled to vote his shares, and shares over which he has voting control, in his own interests, which may not always be in the interests of our shareholders generally.
Previous wording
On March 1, 2022, the Company received a letter from the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that, because the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock listed on Nasdaq was below $1.00 for 30 consecutive trading days, the Company no longer meets the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2), which requires a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). The Company has a period of 180 calendar days from the date of notification, until August 29, 2022 (the “Compliance Period”), to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. On August 30, 2022, the Company received a written notification from the NASDAQ Stock Market Listing Qualifications Staff (the “Staff”) indicating that the Company has been granted an additional 180 calendar day period or until February 27, 2023, to regain compliance with the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule. On January 26, 2023, the Company filed with the Florida Secretary of State’s office Articles of Amendment (the “Amendment”) to amend its Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (“Articles of Incorporation”). As a result of the Amendment, the Company has authorized and approved a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of the Company’s authorized shares of common stock from 300,000,000 shares to 60,000,000 shares, accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The common stock will continue to be $0.001 par value. The Company’s shares of common stock began to trade on the NASDAQ Stock Market on the post-Reverse Stock Split basis under the symbol “FTFT” on February 1, 2023. On February 15, 2023, the Company received a written notification from the NASDAQ Stock Market Listing Qualifications Staff indicating that the Company has regained compliance with the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and that the matter is now closed.
Current wording
On May 13, 2024, the Company received a letter from the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that, because the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock listed on Nasdaq was below $1.00 for 30 consecutive trading days, the Company no longer meets the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2), which requires a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). The Company has a period of 180 calendar days from the date of notification, until November 11, 2024 (the “Compliance Period”), to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. On November 12, 2024, the Company received a written notification from the NASDAQ Stock Market Listing Qualifications Staff (the “Staff”) indicating that the Company has been granted an additional 180 calendar day period or until May 12, 2025, to regain compliance with the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule. On April 1, 2025, the Company filed with the Florida Secretary of State’s office Articles of Amendment (the “Amendment”) to amend its Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (“Articles of Incorporation”). As a result of the Amendment, the Company has authorized and approved a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of the Company’s authorized shares of common stock from 60,000,000 shares to 6,000,000 shares, accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock (the “2025 Reverse Stock Split”). The common stock will continue to be $0.001 par value. The Company’s shares of common stock began to trade on the NASDAQ Stock Market on the post-Reverse Stock Split basis under the symbol “FTFT” on April 4, 2025.