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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2019

Registration No. 333-            


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549



FORM F-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



UP FINTECH HOLDING LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)



Cayman Islands
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  6211
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  Not Applicable
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

18/F, Grandyvic Building, No. 1 Building,
No. 16 Taiyanggong Middle Road, Chaoyang District,
Beijing, 100020 PRC
Telephone: +86-10-56216660

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



Puglisi & Associates
850 Library Avenue, Suite 204
Newark, Delaware 19711
Telephone: (302) 738-6680

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



Copies to:

Ke Geng, Esq.
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
37/F, Office Tower, Yin Tai Center
No. 2 Jianguomenwai Ave, Chaoyang District
Beijing, 100022 PRC
+86-10-6563-4200

 

Li Han, Esq.
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
31/F, AIA Central
1 Connaught Road, Central
Hong Kong
+852-3512-2300

 

Li He, Esq.
James C. Lin, Esq.
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
18/F, The Hong Kong Club Building
3A Charter Road, Central
Hong Kong
+852-2533-3300



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

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

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

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

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

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

           Emerging growth company ý

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



CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

       
 
Title of each class of securities
to be registered

  Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price(1)

  Amount of
registration fee

 

Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.00001 per share(2)(3)

  US$150,000,000   US$18,180

 

(1)
Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the amount of registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933.

(2)
Includes Class A ordinary shares initially offered and sold outside the United States that may be resold from time to time in the United States either as part of their distribution or within 40 days after the later of the effective date of this registration statement and the date the shares are first bona fide offered to the public, and also includes Class A ordinary shares that may be purchased by the underwriters pursuant to an over-allotment option. These Class A ordinary shares are not being registered for the purpose of sales outside the United States.

(3)
American depositary shares issuable upon deposit of the Class A ordinary shares registered hereby will be registered under a separate registration statement on Form F-6 (Registration No.333-            ). Each American depositary share represents            Class A ordinary shares.

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

   


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


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion. Dated                        , 2019.

American Depositary Shares

LOGO

UP FINTECH HOLDING LIMITED

Representing            Class A ordinary shares

        This is the initial public offering of American depositary shares, or ADSs, of UP Fintech Holding Limited.

        We are offering            ADSs. Each ADS represents            of our Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.00001 per share.

        Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our ADSs or our ordinary shares. We intend to list the ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, under the symbol "TIGR."

        We are an "emerging growth company" under applicable U.S. federal securities laws and are eligible for reduced public company reporting requirements.

        We have and will maintain a dual-class share structure. Our outstanding ordinary shares consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, and Mr. Tianhua Wu and his family beneficially own all of our issued Class B ordinary shares. These Class B ordinary shares will constitute approximately            % of our total issued and outstanding share capital immediately after the completion of this offering and            % of the aggregate voting power of our total issued and outstanding share capital immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. Each Class A ordinary share, upon the completion of this offering, will be entitled to one vote, and is not convertible into Class B ordinary share under any circumstance. Each Class B ordinary share, upon the completion of this offering, will be entitled to 20 votes, subject to certain conditions, and will be automatically converted into one Class A ordinary share under certain circumstances. Our dual-class ordinary share structure involves certain risks. See the relevant risk factors on pages 54-56 of this prospectus for a detailed discussion of such risks.

        Investing in our ADSs involves a high degree of risk. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 15.



PRICE US$            PER ADS



        Neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

       
 
 
  Per ADS
  Total
 

Initial public offering price

  US$               US$            
 

Underwriting discount

  US$               US$            
 

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

  US$               US$            

 

        To the extent the underwriters sell more than            ADSs, the underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional            ADSs from us at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount.

        The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs against payment in U.S. dollars to purchasers on or about            , 2019.

Citigroup

  Deutsche Bank Securities


(in alphabetical order)

AMTD

  China Merchants Securities (HK)   Tiger Brokers

Prospectus dated            , 2019


GRAPHIC


GRAPHIC


GRAPHIC


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

    1  

THE OFFERING

    9  

RISK FACTORS

    15  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    62  

USE OF PROCEEDS

    63  

DIVIDEND POLICY

    64  

CAPITALIZATION

    65  

EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION

    67  

DILUTION

    68  

HISTORY AND CORPORATE STRUCTURE

    70  

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

    76  

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

    80  

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

    111  

BUSINESS

    118  

REGULATION

    139  

MANAGEMENT

    160  

PRINCIPALSHAREHOLDERS

    166  

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

    168  

DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

    171  

DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

    183  

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

    194  

TAXATION

    196  

UNDERWRITING

    204  

EXPENSES OF THE OFFERING

    216  

LEGAL MATTERS

    217  

EXPERTS

    217  

ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

    218  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    221  

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    F-1  

        You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any related free-writing prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus or in any related free-writing prospectus. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, the ADSs only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of the ADSs.

        We have not taken any action to permit a public offering of the ADSs outside the United States or to permit the possession or distribution of this prospectus or any filed free writing prospectus outside the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus or any filed free writing prospectus must inform themselves about and observe any restrictions relating to the offering of the ADSs and the distribution of this prospectus or any filed free writing prospectus outside the United States.

        Until            , 2019 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade ADSs, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscription.


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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to this summary, we urge you to read the entire prospectus carefully, especially the risks of investing in our ADSs discussed under "Risk Factors," before deciding whether to buy our ADSs. This prospectus contains information from an industry report commissioned by us and prepared by Shanghai iResearch Co. Ltd, China, or iResearch, an industry research firm, to provide information regarding our industry and our market position among the online brokers focusing on global Chinese investors. We refer to this report as the "iResearch Report."

Our Business

        We are a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global Chinese investors. We are the largest online broker focusing on global Chinese investors in terms of U.S. securities trading volume, with a market share of approximately 58.4% in 2017, according to the iResearch Report. Our proprietary trading platform enables investors to trade in equities and other financial instruments on multiple exchanges around the world. Our continuous focus on offering innovative products and services and a superior user experience has enabled us to become one of the most utilized and well-recognized online trading platforms for Chinese investors around the world. We have achieved RMB1.0 trillion cumulative trading volume on our platform within three years since the launch of our Tiger Trade APP, which represents the shortest timeframe among all online brokers focusing on global Chinese investors, according to the iResearch Report.

        We have developed an innovative brokerage platform for Chinese investors globally, which can easily be accessed through our APP and website. We offer our customers comprehensive brokerage and value-added services, including trade order placement and execution, margin financing, account management, investor education, community discussion and customer support, all within a few taps or clicks. Our "mobile first" strategy backed by robust infrastructure and advanced technology further enables us to better serve and retain our customers as well as attract new customers.

        We take pride in our proprietary and cutting-edge technology. Our proprietary infrastructure and advanced technology are able to support trades across multiple currencies, multiple markets, multiple products, multiple execution venues and multiple clearinghouses. Our proprietary technology is the backbone for our constant innovation and enables us to provide efficient and first-rate services in a cost-effective manner. Over 100 versions of updates have been applied to the Tiger Trade APP since its initial launch to address users' diversified needs and improve user experience. As a third-generation broker (as defined in the section entitled "Industry Overview") that supports highly diverse and frequent trading activities on our online trading platform, we have competitive advantages over traditional brokers given our more advanced technology capabilities, wider range of products and services and better user experience, according to the iResearch Report.

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        We have achieved substantial growth since the launch of our trading platform in August 2015, as illustrated by the charts below.

GRAPHIC

        Apart from the substantial growth we have experienced, the turnover rate of our platform during the fourth quarter of 2018 was as high as 1,495.7%. Furthermore, the conversion rate and retention rate of customers were as high as 15.2% and 81.8% as of December 31, 2018 and in 2018, respectively.

        We generate revenues primarily by charging our customers commission fees for trading of securities as well as earning interest income or financing service fees arising from or related to margin financing provided by ourselves or third parties to our customers for trading activities. Our total revenues were US$5.5 million, US$16.9 million and US$33.6 million in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. We recorded net losses of US$10.8 million, US$7.9 million and US$44.3 million in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Our Industry

        Online brokers utilize APPs and websites to provide integrated online securities services, including customer acquisition, account opening, securities trading and other value-added services. Online brokers focusing on global Chinese investors refer to the online brokers who are able to provide all the services in the Chinese language and offer an user friendly experience that specifically fits Chinese investors' preferences. For the purpose of this prospectus, "Chinese investors" refer to the Chinese speaking population around the globe. According to the iResearch Report, with the increasing need to trade efficiently, the customer base trading through online brokers will grow at a faster pace than that through traditional brokers.

        According to the iResearch Report, the market size of online brokerage in terms of U.S. stock trading volume reached US$5,427.2 billion in 2017, accounting for approximately 14.7% of total trading volume in the U.S. stock market, and is expected to reach approximately US$6,852.4 billion in 2018,

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accounting for approximately 15.0% of total trading volume in the U.S. stock market. The market size of online brokerage in terms of Hong Kong stock trading volume reached US$93.9 billion in 2017, accounting for approximately 3.4% of total trading volume in the Hong Kong stock market, and is expected to reach approximately US$149.6 billion in 2018, accounting for approximately 4.1% of total trading volume in the Hong Kong stock market.

        The online brokerage industry focusing on global Chinese investors is highly concentrated yet competitive. Service providers that have superior user experience, better technology, as well as stronger brand recognition and reputation in the industry are able to acquire customers more effectively. According to the iResearch Report, the market size of the online brokerage industry focusing on global Chinese investors in terms of both the U.S. and Hong Kong stock trading volume experienced rapid growth over the past three years.

        According to the iResearch Report, we are the largest online broker focusing on global Chinese investors in terms of U.S. securities trading volume in 2017, with a market share of approximately 58.4%. We believe that our superior user experience, proprietary technology platform and strong brand recognition in the industry enable us to maintain our leadership in terms of U.S. securities trading services and further strengthen our competitiveness in terms of Hong Kong securities trading services for global Chinese investors.

Our Strengths

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

    The platform of choice for trading U.S. securities online among global Chinese investors with the fastest growth;

    High caliber customer base with great growth potential, engagement and stickiness;

    Constant expansion and innovation of products and services to serve customers' evolving needs;

    Unparalleled user experience and interactive investment community;

    Robust infrastructure and advanced technology supporting all aspects of our business; and

    Talented team backed by strong shareholder support.

Our Strategies

        Our mission is to make investing more efficient through technology for everyone. We intend to achieve our mission by pursuing the following strategies:

    Expand demographic coverage to serve global investors;

    Attract more institutional investors;

    Expand into the asset and wealth management business;

    Strengthen our technology capabilities through continuous investment;

    Further strengthen our brand equity; and

    Attract and retain talent.

Our Challenges

        Our ability to execute our strategies is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including:

    Limited operating history;

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    Our history of net losses;

    Regulatory and legal uncertainties relating to our industry and business;

    Potential failure of obtaining or maintaining necessary licenses, permits or approvals;

    Reliance on external service providers and business partners;

    Challenges to retain our management team and key talents;

    Risks related to our know your client, or KYC, procedures and our customers' potential non-compliance of applicable laws and regulations; and

    Uncertainties of securities markets and the competitive landscape of the industry in which we operate.

Our History

        We are a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated in January 2018. As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized share capital is US$50,000 divided into 5,000,000,000 shares. For more details of the history of our securities issuances, please see "Description of Share Capital—History of Securities Issuances."

        We commenced our technology research and development in June 2014 through Ningxia Xiangshang Rongke Technology Development Co., LTD, or Ningxia Rongke.

        Ningxia Rongke acquired a New Zealand registered financial service provider, Tiger Holdings Group Limited, formerly known as Transaction Holdings (N.I.) Limited, in August 2015, which is currently wholly owned by one of Ningxia Rongke's subsidiaries. In August 2016, Ningxia Rongke acquired Top Capital Partners Limited, or Top Capital Partners, also a registered financial service provider in New Zealand. Top Capital Partners is also accredited and approved by the New Zealand Stock Exchange, or the NZX, to provide investment advisory services in respect of transactions in NZX listed products. Substantially all of our revenues were generated from Tiger Holdings Group Limited in 2016 and 2017, and from Top Capital Partners in 2018.

Reorganization

        To facilitate foreign investment in our business, starting from early 2018, we began to establish an offshore holding structure for our company. As part of the efforts, we incorporated a Cayman Islands exempted company, UP Fintech Holding Limited, or our company, as our offshore holding company in January 2018. In February 2018, we established Up Fintech International Limited in Hong Kong, or Up Fintech HK, as our intermediate holding company, which in turn established our WFOEs, Ningxia Xiangshang Yixin Technology Co., LTD, or Ningxia Yixin, in May 2018, and Beijing Xiangshang Yixin Technology Co., LTD, or Beijing Yixin, in July 2018.

        To enable our effective control over the PRC operating entities and their subsidiaries including Top Capital Partners (at the time), Ningxia Yixin entered into variable interest entity, or VIE, contractual arrangements with Ningxia Rongke, and Beijing Yixin entered into substantially similar VIE arrangements with Beijing Xiangshang Yiyi Technology Co., LTD, or Beijing Yiyi, which we collectively refer to as our VIEs in this prospectus, and their respective shareholders. These contractual arrangements enable us to exercise effective control over our VIEs and their respective subsidiaries, receive substantially all of the economic benefits of such entities, and have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in and assets of them to the extent permitted by the applicable laws and regulations. For more details, please see "History and Corporate Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders."

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        In June 2018, we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary Up Fintech Global Holdings Limited in British Virgin Islands, or BVI, first as the holding company to hold our wholly-owned U.S. entity, Tiger Fintech Holdings Inc., or Tiger Fintech Holdings and later as the holding company to hold our subsidiaries in other jurisdictions. In August 2018, Tiger Fintech Holdings acquired 100% of the equity interests in Wealthn LLC, a registered investment advisor in the United States. Wealthn LLC provides investment advisory services for high-net-worth individuals, family offices and investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 such as TigerShares Trust. In November 2018, Tiger Fintech Holdings completed the acquisition of 100% of the equity interests in US Tiger Securities, Inc. (formerly known as JFD Securities, Inc.), a U.S. registered broker-dealer.

        In July 2018, we established another wholly-owned subsidiary Xiangshang Upfintech Holding Limited, a BVI company, to hold other operating companies including its wholly-owned operating entity in Singapore, Tiger Fintech (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., which was established in March 2018. In October 2018, Ningxia Rongke transferred all equity interests in Top Capital Partners to Tiger Fintech (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. As a result, Top Capital Partners is no longer held by our VIEs in China. In November 2018, Top Capital Partners acquired 100% of the equity interests in Fleming Funds Management Pty Ltd, which was established in Australia in January 2006 and has been authorized as a licensed financial services provider in Australia since July 2006.

        In September 2018, we established JV Uptech Holding Limited in BVI as a holding company to expand our business in Hong Kong. In October 2018, JV Uptech Holding Limited acquired 100% of the equity interests in Kastle Limited, which, in January 2019, was granted a license to carry on trust and company service business in Hong Kong. In January 2019, we entered into an agreement to purchase 100% equity interest of Tung Chi Consulting Limited, a licensed insurance broker in Hong Kong.

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Our Corporate Structure

        The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our significant subsidiaries, VIEs and our VIEs' subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated, as of the date of this prospectus:

GRAPHIC


Notes:

(1)
We have ultimate control over the Cayman fund managing entities through Uptech Global Holding Limited's ownership of 100% of the equity interests or at least a majority of the equity interests in the same. The Cayman fund managing entities serve as our vehicles to manage offshore funds.

(2)
Ningxia Rongke was formerly known as Beijing Xiangshang Rongke Technology Development Co., Ltd., through which we commenced our technology research and development in June 2014. Our directors and shareholders control Ningxia Rongke, and Mr. Tianhua Wu, our Chief Executive Officer and director, and Mr. Ming Dong, our employee and shareholder, together own 100% of the equity interests in Beijing Yiyi.

(3)
We carry out activities including technology research and development and Internet services in China through our VIEs, Ningxia Rongke and Beijing Yiyi, and their subsidiaries.

(4)
The contractual arrangements include the Powers of Attorney, the Equity Pledge Contracts, the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreements, and the Exclusive Option Contracts, the Commitment Letters and the Spouse Consent Letters as described in "History and Corporate Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders".

(5)
The subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong of Tiger Technology Corporation Limited are in the process of dissolution, which therefore were omitted here.

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Our Corporate Information

        The location of our principal executive offices is 18/F, Grandyvic Building, No. 1 Building, No. 16 Taiyanggong Middle Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020 PRC and our telephone number at this address is +86-10-56216660. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is P.O. Box 2547, 23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Puglisi & Associates.

        Investors should contact us for any inquiries through the address and telephone number of our principal executive offices. Our website is www.itiger.com. Information contained in, or accessible through, our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus.

Implications of Being an "Emerging Growth Company"

        As a company with less than US$1.07 billion in revenue for our last fiscal year, we qualify as an "emerging growth company" pursuant to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements compared to those that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, in the assessment of the emerging growth company's internal control over financial reporting. The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. However, we have elected to "Opt Out" of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted for public companies.

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

Conventions which Apply to this Prospectus

        Except where the context otherwise requires and for the purposes of this prospectus only, the following is a glossary of certain terms used throughout this prospectus:

    "China" or the "PRC" means the People's Republic of China, excluding, for the purposes of this prospectus only, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

    "Chinese investors" refer to the Chinese speaking population around the globe.

    "conversion rate" means the ratio of (i) the number of trading customers to (ii) the number of customer accounts.

    "customer(s)" or "customer account(s)" means the registered users who have passed the KYC procedures and opened a trading account on our platform (including APP and website).

    "customer(s) with deposits" means the customers who have deposited funds in their accounts on our platform.

    "HK$" or "Hong Kong dollars" means the legal currency of Hong Kong.

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    "NZ$" or "New Zealand dollars" means the legal currency of New Zealand.

    "our VIEs" means Ningxia Xiangshang Rongke Technology Development Co., LTD, or Ningxia Rongke, formerly known as Beijing Xiangshang Rongke Technology Development Co., LTD, and Beijing Xiangshang Yiyi Technology Co., LTD, or Beijing Yiyi; "VIE" or "VIEs" means a variable interest entity or variable interest entities.

    "our WFOEs" means Ningxia Xiangshang Yixin Technology and Development Co., Ltd., or Ningxia Yixin, and Beijing Xiangshang Yixin Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Yixin,; "WFOE" or "WFOEs" means the wholly-foreign owned entity or wholly-foreign owned entities as provided in the relevant PRC laws and regulations.

    "retention rate" means the ratio of (i) the number of trading customers in one period who continue to trade in the next period to (ii) the number of trading customers in the first period.

    "RMB" or "Renminbi" means the legal currency of China.

    "Singapore dollars" means the legal currency of Singapore.

    "trading customer(s)" means the customers who have conducted at least one trading transaction on our platform.

    "trading volume" means the total value of securities traded during a specific period of time.

    "turnover rate" means the ratio of (i) total trading volume in a period to (ii) the average of the beginning and ending account balances of all customers in the same period.

    "UP Fintech," "we," "us," "our" and "our company" means UP Fintech Holding Limited, our Cayman Islands holding company and its subsidiaries, its consolidated VIEs entity and the subsidiaries of the VIEs.

    "user(s)" or "registered user(s)" means those who have registered on our platform (including APP and website) but not necessarily have opened a trading account.

        Unless otherwise noted, the translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in this prospectus were made at a rate of RMB6.8755 to US$1.0000, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on December 31, 2018 and the translations from Hong Kong dollars to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Hong Kong dollars in this prospectus were made at a rate of HK$7.83 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of December 31, 2018. We make no representation that Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this prospectus could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

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THE OFFERING

        The following assumes that the underwriters will not exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in the offering, unless otherwise indicated.

Offering price

  We expect that the initial public offering price will be between US$            and US$            per ADS.

ADSs offered by us

 

            ADSs (or             ADSs if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in full).

ADSs outstanding immediately after this Offering

 

            ADSs (or             ADSs if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in full).

Ordinary shares outstanding immediately after this offering

 

            ordinary shares, comprised of            Class A ordinary shares and                Class B ordinary shares (or             ordinary shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full to purchase an additional            Class A ordinary shares). This number assumes the conversion of all outstanding preferred shares into Class A ordinary shares immediately upon the completion of this offering.

Nasdaq Global Select Market symbol

 

TIGR.

The ADSs

 

Each ADS represents            Class A ordinary shares. The ADSs may be evidenced by ADRs.

 

The depositary will hold the shares underlying your ADSs and you will have rights as provided in the deposit agreement.

 

We do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. If, however, we declare dividends on ordinary shares, the depositary will pay you the cash dividends and other distributions it receives on our Class A ordinary shares, after deducting its fees and expenses in accordance with the terms set forth in the deposit agreement.

 

You may surrender your ADSs to the depositary in exchange for our Class A ordinary shares. The depositary will charge you fees for any exchange.

 

We and the depositary may amend or terminate the deposit agreement without your consent. If you continue to hold your ADSs after an amendment to the deposit agreement, you agree to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended.

 

To better understand the terms of the ADSs, you should carefully read the "Description of American Depositary Shares" section of this prospectus. You should also read the deposit agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

Over-allotment option

 

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable within 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an additional ADSs.

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Ordinary shares

 

Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. Each Class A ordinary share is currently, and, upon the completion of this offering, will be entitled to one vote, and is not convertible into Class B ordinary share under any circumstances. Each Class B ordinary share is currently entitled to ten votes, and, upon the completion of this offering, will be entitled to 20 votes, subject to certain conditions, and is convertible into one Class A ordinary share by the holder thereof, subject to certain conditions. Upon any sale of Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any person other than Mr. Tianhua Wu or any entity which is not a permitted affiliate of Mr. Tianhua Wu, such Class B ordinary shares are automatically and immediately converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares. Each Class B ordinary share beneficially owned by Mr. Tianhua Wu and his family is automatically converted into one Class A ordinary share under certain circumstances. For a description of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, see "Description of Share Capital."

Use of proceeds

 

We estimate that we will receive net proceeds of approximately US$             million from this offering (or US$             million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in full), after deducting the underwriting discounts, commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us and assuming an initial public offering price of US$            per ADS, being the mid-point of the estimated range of the initial public offering price shown on the front cover of this prospectus.

 

We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering primarily for general corporate purposes, which may include investment in product development, sales and marketing activities, technology infrastructure, capital expenditures, and other general and administrative matters. We also plan to set up entities and apply for more operating license in multiple jurisdictions to expand our customer base and better serve them with global investment products. We will also use the proceeds to satisfy the increased capital adequacy requirements pursuant to the New Zealand Stock Exchange or regulators in other jurisdictions. In addition, we may use a portion of these proceeds for the acquisition of, or investment in, technologies, solutions or businesses that complement our business, although we have no present commitments or agreements to enter into any acquisitions or investments.

 

See "Use of Proceeds" for additional information.

Risk factors

 

See "Risk Factors" and other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of the risks you should carefully consider before investing in the ADSs.

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Lock-up

 

We, our directors and executive officers and all of our existing shareholders have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any ADSs, ordinary shares or similar securities for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus. Our board of directors, as the administrator of our share incentive plan, and the authorized executive officers, have agreed with the underwriters not to, without the prior written consent of underwriters, for a period of 180 days following the date of this prospectus, waive, release or adjust the lock-up obligations owned by each option holder and restricted share unit holder to our company not to offer, sell or transfer or dispose of any Class A ordinary shares issuable to such holders. See "Underwriting" for more information.

Listing

 

We intend to apply to have the ADSs listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "TIGR." Our ADSs and shares will not be listed on any other stock exchange or traded on any automated quotation system.

Depositary

 

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.

        The number of ordinary shares that will be outstanding immediately after this offering:

    is based upon                    ordinary shares outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, including                    Class A ordinary shares and                    Class B ordinary shares, and assuming the conversion of all outstanding preferred shares into                        Class A ordinary shares immediately upon the completion of this offering;

    assumes no exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional ADSs representing Class A ordinary shares;

    excludes            Class A ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, at a weighted average exercise price of US$            per share; and

    excludes                  Class A ordinary shares reserved for future issuances under our share incentive plan.

Summary Consolidated Financial and Operating Data

        The following summary consolidated statements of operations data for 2016, 2017 and 2018, summary consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and summary consolidated statements of cash flows data for 2016, 2017 and 2018 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or the U.S. GAAP. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results expected for future periods. You should read this Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data section together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and "Management's

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Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
  For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2017   2018  
 
  US$
 
 
  (in thousands)
 

Summary Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

                   

Revenues:

                   

Commissions

    5,280     15,063     26,043  

Financing service fees

    131     1,797     6,442  

Trading gains

            339  

Interest income

            85  

Other revenues

    65     89     651  

Total revenues

    5,476     16,949     33,560  

Operating cost and expenses:

                   

Execution and clearing

        (38 )   (257 )

Employee compensation and benefits (including share-based compensation)

    (8,443 )   (11,951 )   (55,656 )

Occupancy, depreciation and amortization

    (729 )   (1,168 )   (2,622 )

Communication and market data

    (1,920 )   (2,943 )   (3,559 )

Marketing and branding

    (3,473 )   (6,288 )   (10,527 )

General and administrative

    (4,449 )   (3,576 )   (7,831 )

Impairment of goodwill

    (166 )        

Total operating cost and expenses

    (19,180 )   (25,964 )   (80,452 )

Other income/(expenses):

                   

Foreign currency exchange gain/(loss)

    314     (451 )   542  

Investment loss

    (78 )        

Interest income of bank deposits

    91     318     194  

Others, net

    4     37     (11 )

Loss before income taxes

    (13,373 )   (9,111 )   (46,167 )

Income tax benefits

    2,562     1,184     1,873  

Net loss

    (10,811 )   (7,927 )   (44,294 )

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  As of
December 31,
 
 
  2017   2018  
 
  US$
 

 


 

(in thousands)


 

Summary Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:

             

Assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

    16,462     34,407  

Cash—segregated for regulatory purpose

    1,599     6,695  

Term deposits

        30,000  

Receivables from customers

        353  

Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations

    2,203     1,074  

Financial instruments held, at fair value

        6,436  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    3,437     5,803  

Amounts due from related parties

    4,436     18,138  

Total current assets

    28,137     102,906  

Property, equipment and intangible assets, net

    1,081     2,330  

Long-term investments

    2,187     2,387  

Other non-current assets

        1,255  

Deferred tax assets

    4,599     6,337  

Total assets

    36,004     115,215  

Liabilities:

             

Payables due to customers

    1,248     6,564  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    6,802     10,423  

Total liabilities

    8,050     16,987  

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and deficit

    36,004     115,215  

 

 
  For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2017   2018  
 
  US$
 
 
  (in thousands)
 

Summary Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data:

                   

Net cash used in operating activities

    (11,503 )   (8,511 )   (21,172 )

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

    302     (3,670 )   (35,124 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

    18,087     14,596     79,526  

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

    6,886     2,415     23,230  

Effect of exchange rate changes

    (651 )   896     (189 )

Cash and cash equivalents and cash—segregated for regulatory purpose, beginning of the year

    8,515     14,750     18,061  

Cash and cash equivalents and cash—segregated for regulatory purpose, end of the year

    14,750     18,061     41,102  

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Key Operating Data

        The following table presents key operating data as of the dates or for the periods indicated.

 
  As of and for the Three Months Ended  
 
  Mar 31,
2016
  Jun 30,
2016
  Sep 30,
2016
  Dec 31,
2016
  Mar 31,
2017
  Jun 30,
2017
  Sep 30,
2017
  Dec 31,
2017
  Mar 31,
2018
  Jun 30,
2018
  Sep 30,
2018
  Dec 31,
2018
 

Number of registered users (in thousands)

    77.3     198.0     281.3     368.4     448.9     525.7     604.3     712.6     865.2     1,043.2     1,392.6     1,580.3  

Number of customer accounts (in thousands)

    18.7     39.1     58.8     78.9     100.5     132.3     162.5     205.0     265.4     321.1     456.4     502.4  

Number of customers with deposits (in thousands)

    4.5     7.4     10.7     13.7     17.3     23.7     32.7     41.9     51.2     59.8     75.5     81.6  

Number of trading customers (in thousands)

    4.1     6.8     10.0     12.8     16.2     22.3     30.3     38.3     46.6     53.6     69.2     76.2 (3)

Total account balance(1)(4) (in US$ millions)

    185.5     324.2     475.1     574.5     910.1     1,155.2     1,568.6     1,785.9     2,183.6     2,033.5     2,576.4     2,357.0  

Trading volume(4) (in US$ millions)

    1,363.3     3,495.1     5,085.7     6,393.9     12,494.0     13,988.4     17,125.7     19,687.8     28,302.6     21,395.3     32,628.3     36,895.2  

Daily average trading volume(2)(4) (in US$ millions)

    22.7     55.5     79.5     103.1     201.5     231.2     267.6     317.5     464.0     345.1     526.3     542.6  

Notes:

(1)
Represents the total balance of all customers' deposits on our platform as of the respective date.

(2)
Calculated based on the average number of trading days during the period of the U.S. and Hong Kong exchanges.

(3)
As of December 31, 2018, 67,785 of our customers had conducted at least one trading transaction on our platform in the preceding 12 months.

(4)
Translated at a rate of RMB6.8755 to US$1.0000, or of HK$7.83 to US$1.00, respectively, as the case may be.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a description of non-GAAP financial measures we consider and use in evaluating our business as supplemental measures to review and assess our operating performance.

 
  For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2017   2018  
 
  US$
 
 
  (in thousands)
 

Net loss

    (10,811 )   (7,927 )   (44,294 )

Add: Share-based compensation

    222     350     34,205  

Impairment of goodwill

    166          

Adjusted net loss

    (10,423 )   (7,577 )   (10,089 )

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RISK FACTORS

        Investing in our ADSs involves significant risks. You should carefully consider the risks described below with all of the other information included in this prospectus before deciding to invest in our ADSs. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones that we may face. If any of the following risks actually occurs, it may harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In that event, the market price of our ADSs could decline and you could lose some or all of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

We have a limited operating history and our historical financial, operating results and growth rates may not be indicative of future performance.

        We have a limited operating history. We launched our trading platform in August 2015, and have experienced rapid growth since then. Our total revenues increased significantly from US$5.5 million in 2016 to US$16.9 million in 2017, and further increased to US$33.6 million in 2018. Our net loss also improved from US$10.8 million in 2016 to US$7.9 million in 2017, as a result of growth in our businesses and improvement in economies of scale. In 2018, we had a net loss of US$44.3 million primarily due to the increase in share-based awards granted to management and employees. We expect our business expansion to continue as we grow our customer base and explore new market opportunities. However, due to our limited operating history, our historical growth rates may not be indicative of our future performance. We cannot assure you that we will grow at the same rate and succeed in introducing new services and products as we did in the past. Further, we may fail to adjust our business model to our development needs or the requirements of this ever-changing industry. You should consider our prospects in light of the risks and uncertainties that a fast-growing company with a limited operating history may be exposed to or encounter.

We incurred net losses and had net operating cash outflows and may continue to incur losses and have cash outflows in the future.

        We have not been profitable since our inception. We incurred net losses of US$10.8 million, US$7.9 million and US$44.3 million in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. In addition, we had negative cash flows from operating activities of US$11.5 million, US$8.5 million and US$21.2 million in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. We have made significant investments in research and development, employee compensation and benefits, communication and market data, and marketing and branding to rapidly develop and expand our business. We expect to continue or increase such investments to establish and expand our business, and these investments may not result in an increase in revenue or positive cash inflow from operations in a timely manner, or at all.

        We may incur substantial losses for a number of reasons, including the lack of a larger customer base, as well as other risks discussed herein, and we may incur unforeseen expenses, or encounter difficulties, complications and delays in generating revenues or achieving profitability. We may also continue to incur net losses in the future due to changes in the macroeconomic and regulatory environment, competitive dynamics and our inability to respond to these changes in a timely and effective manner. If we are unable to achieve profitability, we may have to reduce the scale of our operations, which may impact our business growth and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Non-compliance with applicable laws in certain jurisdictions could harm our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

        The businesses of securities and other financial instruments are heavily regulated. Our broker business is subject to regulations in the United States, New Zealand, Australia and other jurisdictions in which we offer our products and services. Major regulatory bodies include, among others, in the

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United States, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or the FINRA, and the SEC; in New Zealand, the Financial Markets Authority New Zealand, or the FMA, the New Zealand Stock Exchange, or the NZX, and the Financial Service Providers Register, or the FSPR; in Australia, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, or the ASIC. Domestic and foreign stock exchanges, other self-regulatory organizations and state and foreign securities commissions can censure, fine, issue cease-and-desist orders, suspend or expel a broker and its officers or employees. Non-compliance with applicable laws or regulations could result in sanctions to be levied against us, including fines and censures, suspension or expulsion from a certain jurisdiction or market or the revocation or limitation of licenses, which could adversely affect our reputation, prospects, revenues and earnings.

        Furthermore, securities brokerage firms are subject to numerous conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest, over which federal and state regulators and self-regulatory organizations have increased their scrutiny. Addressing conflicts of interest is a complex and difficult undertaking. Our business and reputation could be harmed if we were to fail, or appear to fail, to address conflicts appropriately.

        In addition, we use the Internet and mobile network as a major distribution channel to provide services to our customers. A number of regulatory agencies have adopted regulations regarding customer privacy, system security and safeguarding practices and the use of customer information by service providers. Additional laws and regulations relating to the Internet and mobile network and safeguarding practices could be adopted in the future, including laws related to access and identity theft and regulations regarding the pricing, taxation, content and quality of products and services delivered over the Internet and mobile network. Complying with these laws and regulations may be expensive and time-consuming and could limit our ability to use the Internet and mobile network as a distribution channel, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and profitability.

        Our ability to comply with all applicable laws and rules is largely dependent on our internal system to ensure compliance, as well as our ability to attract and retain qualified compliance personnel. While we maintain systems and procedures designed to ensure that we comply with applicable laws and regulations, violations could still occur. Some legal and regulatory frameworks provide for the imposition of fines or penalties for non-compliance even though the non-compliance was inadvertent or unintentional and even though systems and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violations were in place at the time. There may be other negative consequences resulting from a finding of non-compliance, including restrictions on certain activities. Such a finding may also damage our reputation and our relationships with regulators and could restrict the ability of institutional investment managers to invest in our securities.

We may not be able to obtain or maintain all necessary licenses, permits and approvals and to make all necessary registrations and filings for our activities in multiple jurisdictions and related to residents therein, especially in China or otherwise related to PRC residents.

        We operate in a heavily-regulated industry which requires various licenses, permits and approvals in different jurisdictions to conduct our businesses. Our customers include people who live in jurisdictions where we do not have licenses issued by the local regulatory bodies. It is possible that authorities in those jurisdictions may take the position that we are required to obtain licenses or otherwise comply with laws and regulations which we believe are not required or applicable to our business activities. If we fail to comply with the regulatory requirements, we may encounter the risk of being disqualified for our existing businesses or being rejected for renewal of our qualifications upon expiry by the regulatory authorities as well as other penalties, fines or sanctions. In addition, in respect of any new business that we may contemplate, we may not be able to obtain the relevant approvals for developing such new business if we fail to comply with the relevant regulations and regulatory requirements. As a result, we may fail to develop new business as planned, or we may fall behind our competitors in such businesses.

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        In addition, a significant portion of our technology research and development, management, supporting and other teams are based in China and substantially all of our customers are Chinese speaking people including PRC citizens. Our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs work closely with and provide significant supporting services for our trading platform outside of China as well as teams in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States and Australia. In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, DaHui Lawyers, our current supporting activities in China do not require a securities brokerage license or permit under the existing PRC securities laws and regulations. However, new laws and regulations in connection with our business activities may be adopted from time to time. There may be substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or any future PRC laws and regulations applicable to our business and that the PRC government or other governmental authorities may ultimately take a view that is inconsistent with the opinion of our PRC legal counsel. For instance, if certain of our activities in China were deemed by relevant regulators as provision of securities brokerage services, future brokerage services, securities or futures investment consulting services or stock option brokerage business, we might be subject to licensing requirements from the CSRC.

        In July 2016, the CSRC posted an investor alert on its website warning investors that except for certain investment channels approved by the CSRC under the PRC laws, the CSRC has not approved any domestic or foreign institutions to provide services for domestic investors to participate in overseas securities trading. In September 2016, we received a rectification notice issued by the Beijing branch of the CSRC. Following such notice, we took certain rectification measures in order to comply with the requirements set forth therein, and we provided written responses to such authority promptly. We communicate with the Beijing branch of the CSRC from time to time to ensure our business follow their requirements. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not received further written rectification requirements from the CSRC. For more details of the notice and our rectification measures, please see "Regulations—PRC Regulations Relating to Securities and Futures Brokerage Business." However, we cannot assure you that the rectifications we have made will fully satisfy the relevant regulatory authorities' requirements and we cannot assure you that we will not be subject to further investigation or scrutiny from regulators even though we had not yet received any negative opinion or penalty for the activities of our PRC entities or services provided to PRC investors so far. If we are required to make further rectifications, our business and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. If we fail to receive required permits in a timely manner or at all, or obtain or renew any permits and certificates, we may be subject to fines, confiscation of the gains derived from our non-compliant activities, suspension of our non-compliant activities or claims for compensation of any economic loss suffered by our customers or other relevant parties.

Violations of the relevant SAFE rules and regulations may give rise to regulatory inquiries, investigations or other actions, which may disrupt our business and could materially and adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

        Most of our customers are PRC citizens resident in China and are therefore subject to the restrictions imposed by the applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or the SAFE, regarding the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies and the remittance and use of such funds outside China. Under the current PRC foreign exchange regulations, each PRC citizen is permitted to convert up to an aggregate of US$50,000 equivalent Renminbi each year for appropriate personal use. Such appropriate use does not include direct investment into secondary stock markets. PRC citizens who intend to convert U.S. dollars exceeding such quota are required to go through additional application and review procedures with the relevant commercial banks designated by the SAFE. Despite our emphasis on our customers' compliance with the relevant rules and regulations in the agreements with customers on our platform, we cannot assure you that our customers will follow the rules and regulations and the provisions in our agreements at all times. Any

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misbehavior or violation of our customers of applicable laws and regulations could lead to regulatory inquiries and investigations that involve us, which may affect our prospects.

        In connection with our customers' transfer of funds, in March 2016, we received a notice from the SAFE requiring us to review and report situations regarding our customers' account opening and fund transfers on our platform. Thereafter, the regulator conducted an onsite inspection collecting information on our customers' compliance with the relevant SAFE rules and regulations since the inception of our business. We submitted the relevant materials as requested by the regulator by the end of March 2016. In December 2016, the SAFE made another visit to our company and we submitted some additional documents per its requirements. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not received any further inquires or notices from the SAFE regulators. For more details of the notice aforementioned and our measures in response thereto, please see "Regulations—PRC Regulations Relating to the Individual Foreign Exchange." Since the PRC authorities and the commercial banks designated by the SAFE to conduct foreign exchange services have significant amount of discretion in interpreting, implementing and enforcing the relevant foreign exchange rules and regulations, and for many other factors that are beyond our control and anticipation, we may face more severe consequences, including but not limited to being asked to take additional and burdensome measures to monitor the source and use of the foreign currency funds in the accounts of our customers or suspend our operations pending an investigation or indefinitely. As a result, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

Any future change in the regulatory and legal regime for the securities brokerage industry may have a significant impact on our business model.

        Firms in the securities brokerage industry have been subject to an increasingly regulated environment over recent years, and penalties and fines sought by regulatory authorities have also increased. This regulatory and enforcement environment has created uncertainties with respect to various types of products and services that historically had been offered by us and that were generally believed to be permissible and appropriate. Our model of operation and profitability may be directly affected by legislative changes in rules promulgated by government agencies and self-regulatory organizations in various jurisdictions that oversee our businesses, and changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules, such as the potential imposition of transaction taxes.

        In addition, to continue to operate and expand our services internationally, we may have to comply with the regulatory controls of each jurisdiction where we conduct, or intend to conduct business, the requirements of which may not be clearly defined. The varying compliance requirements of these different regulatory jurisdictions, which are often unclear, may limit our ability to continue existing international operations and further expand our business internationally. For example, we face significant legal uncertainties as to whether the CSRC would require us to get certain licenses or permits relating to our activities in China given the fact that most of our technology, customer services and administrative teams are based in China, or whether the CSRC would view our current or previous business operations in China as non-compliant with the relevant regulatory regime. See "—We may not be able to obtain or maintain all necessary licenses, permits and approvals and to make all necessary registrations and filings for our activities in multiple jurisdictions and related to residents therein, especially in China or otherwise related to PRC residents." We could be subject to disciplinary or other actions in the future due to claimed or deemed non-compliant, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as further described under "—Non-compliance with applicable laws in certain jurisdictions could harm our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations."

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Accusations or claims against us may adversely affect our business operations and reputation.

        In 2017, when our contracted branding service provider posted advertisements for us, some of them were posted, without our consent or prior notice to us, on some websites in Taiwan where we did not and currently do not have a license to provide brokerage services. In February 2017, the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan published an investor alert through the website of International Organization of Securities Commissions and later on its own website, warning that investors should deny any offers of investment services provided by us in Taiwan because we did not have the authorization to offer investment services or have a license to conduct securities business in Taiwan. After taking notice of this negative coverage online, we took measures such as deleting advertisements on Taiwanese websites to the extent possible and in July 2017, we sent a letter of clarification to the regulator in Taiwan and requested the same to post a notice to clarify that we have the New Zealand Stock Exchange, or the NZX, accreditation to carry out our business in accordance with the laws and regulations of New Zealand. As of the date of this prospectus, there have been no more new alerts against us.

        Further, we have also been involved in cases or claims such as infringements upon reputation and intellectual property rights allegedly conducted by users on our platform, and portraiture right infringements allegedly done by us based on the fact that we list some of our shareholders on our website. For other examples, please see "—We may not be able to obtain or maintain all necessary licenses, permits and approvals and to make all necessary registrations and filings for our activities in multiple jurisdictions and related to residents therein, especially in China or otherwise related to PRC residents." Although the records of investigations or accusations did not necessarily lead to sanctions against us in a direct way, these historical records might be accessed online or offline, which could adversely affect our business operations and reputation, and thus further affect our progress if we decide to enter into new markets in these jurisdictions.

A substantial portion of our business currently relies on collaboration with our primary clearing agent, Interactive Brokers. Our business will be adversely impacted if we are unable to maintain our relationship with Interactive Brokers.

        We currently rely on Interactive Brokers to execute, settle and clear a substantial portion of the trades of the U.S. and Hong Kong stocks and other financial instruments, and to comply with certain federal, state and other laws, as discussed more fully in "Business—Our Core Products and Services—Brokerage Services." For consolidated accounts, the information of which is not fully disclosed to Interactive Brokers, we receive commission fees and direct a pre-determined portion to Interactive Brokers. For fully disclosed accounts, every time Interactive Brokers executes and clears a trade, it collects the commissions, deducts its pre-determined portion and returns the rest of the commission fees to us. Customers can also trade on margin and short sell securities on our trading platform. We generate interest income arising from margin financing offered by us to consolidated account customers and earn financing service fees related to the margin financing provided by Interactive Brokers to fully disclosed account customers.

        Our agreements with Interactive Brokers are non-exclusive and do not prohibit Interactive Brokers from working with our competitors or from offering competing services. Interactive Brokers currently offers execution and clearing services for other online brokerage platforms and other alternative brokers and also offers competing services on its own. Interactive Brokers could view that working with us is not in its best interest and hence decide to enter into exclusive or more favorable relationships with our competitors. In addition, Interactive Brokers may not perform as expected under our agreements including potentially being unable to accommodate our projected growth in customer base and trading volume. We could in the future have disagreements or disputes with Interactive Brokers or other clearing agents, which could negatively impact or threaten our relationship.

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        Interactive Brokers is subject to oversight by the SEC, the FINRA, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and other regulatory authorities in the U.S. and other jurisdictions and must comply with complex rules and regulations, licensing and examination requirements. We are an "introducing broker" to Interactive Brokers for fully disclosed accounts, and as such, we are subject to audit by Interactive Brokers and the FINRA with respect to our proprietary and customer accounts and are required to maintain such account information in such a manner as to enable Interactive Brokers and FINRA to specifically identify the accounts from our platform. We have broad indemnification obligations and exposure under our agreements with Interactive Brokers related to the actions and inactions involving the consolidated accounts and fully disclosed accounts or other activities under the agreements with Interactive Brokers.

        In the event that our relationship with Interactive Brokers deteriorates, we may need to enter into alternative arrangements with different clearing agents. If Interactive Brokers were to suspend, limit or cease its operations or our relationship with Interactive Brokers were to otherwise terminate, we would need to implement a substantially similar arrangement with another clearing agent or curtail our operations. To date, we have not frequently used any other backup clearing agents for execution and clearing services to the extent we use Interactive Brokers. Our relationships with such clearing agents are subject to a number of risks and may be subject to change or termination with appropriate notice.

        We believe that our relationship with Interactive Brokers is critical to our business. If we need to enter into alternative arrangements with a different clearing agent to replace our existing arrangements, we may not be able to negotiate a favorable alternative arrangement. Transitioning to a new clearing agent is time-consuming and may affect the user experience or, if our platform becomes inoperable, may result in our inability to facilitate trades through our platform. We would also need to comply with applicable laws regarding execution and clearing services, which would be costly and time-consuming. If we are unsuccessful in maintaining our relationships with Interactive Brokers, our operating cost and expenses might increase, which may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on a number of external service providers for certain key market information and data, technology, processing and supporting functions.

        We rely on a number of external service providers for certain key market information and data, technology, processing and supporting functions. These include the services of market makers, exchanges and Interactive Brokers and other clearing agents and clearinghouses to execute and settle customer orders. We primarily contract with Interactive Brokers for execution and clearing of customer trades. Furthermore, external content providers provide us with financial information, market news, charts, option and stock quotes and other fundamental data that we offer to customers. These service providers face technical, operational and security risks of their own. Any significant failures by them, including improper use or disclosure of our confidential customer, employee or company information, could interrupt our business, cause us to incur losses and harm our reputation. Particularly, we have contracted with Nasdaq, New York Stock Exchange and a few other institutions to allow our customers to access real-time market information data, which are essential for our customers to make their investment decisions and take actions. Any failure of such information providers to update or deliver the data in a timely manner as provided in the agreements could lead to potential losses of our customers, which will in turn affect our business operations and reputation.

        We cannot assure that the external service providers will be able to continue to provide these services to meet our current needs in an efficient and cost-effective manner, or that they will be able to adequately expand their services to meet our needs in the future. Some external service providers have assets that are important to the services they provide us located outside the United States, and their ability to provide these services is subject to risks from unfavorable political, economic, legal or other

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developments, such as social or political instability, changes in governmental policies or changes in the applicable laws and regulations.

        An interruption in or the cessation of service by any external service provider as a result of system failures, capacity constraints, financial constraints or problems, unanticipated trading market closures or for any other reason and our inability to make alternative arrangements in a smooth and timely manner, if at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

        Further, disputes might arise out of or in connection with the agreements regarding our or the service providers' performance of the obligations thereunder. To the extent that any service provider disagrees with us on the quality of the products or services, terms and conditions of the payment or other provisions of such agreements, we may face claims, disputes, litigations or other proceedings initiated by such service provider against us. We may incur substantial expenses and require significant attention of management in defending against these claims, regardless of their merit. We could also face damages to our reputation as a result of such claims, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

We are dependent upon the cooperation agreements with a few third party platforms for a portion of our revenues and customers.

        We enter into revenue-sharing arrangements with third party platforms, pursuant to which those platforms allow us to interface with their own customers and receive a percentage of the fees paid by those customers who have transacted through our platform. Our agreements with those platforms typically have a term of one to three years. There can be no assurance that our agreements with them will be extended or renewed after their respective expiration or that we will be able to extend or renew such agreements on terms and conditions favorable to us. If any of the important platforms breaches its obligations under any of these agreements or refuses to extend or renew it when the term expires, we may lose all or a portion of the customer base of its network or we may not be able to continue to acquire new customers through that platform. Any termination or deterioration of our relationship with an important platform, and any extension or renewal after the respective initial term of these agreements on terms and conditions less favorable to us would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may pursue acquisitions or joint ventures that could present unforeseen integration obstacles, incur unpredicted costs or may not enhance our business as we expected.

        We have made a few selective acquisitions recently to expand our business into new areas and jurisdictions. We may in the future continue to pursue acquisitions and joint ventures as part of our growth strategy. Any future acquisition or joint venture may result in exposure to potential liabilities of the acquired companies, significant transaction costs and present new risks associated with entering additional markets or offering new products and integrating the acquired companies or newly established joint ventures. Potential liabilities may arise from deficiencies in due diligence findings and deficient past track record results. For instance, in November 2018, Tiger Fintech Holdings completed the acquisition of 100% of the equity interests in US Tiger Securities, lnc. (formerly known as JFD Securities, lnc.), a U.S. registered broker-dealer. Prior to this acquisition, JFD Securities Inc. was censured by the Philadelphia Stock Exchange for failing to keep accurate books in June 2004. In that same time period, according to FINRA records, JFD Securities Inc. violated FINRA rules and regulations by failing to, among others, prepare and file accurate financial records, conduct due diligence, maintain documentation of its customers, preserve business communications and obtain regulatory approval. In 2008, JFD Securities Inc. was censured for violating Philadelphia Stock Exchange procedures by not properly filing equity trade orders.

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        Moreover, we may not have sufficient management, financial and other resources to integrate companies we acquire or to successfully operate joint ventures and we may be unable to profitably operate our expanded company structure. Additionally, any new business that we may acquire or joint ventures we may form, once integrated with our existing operations, may not produce expected or intended results.

Our business may be harmed by global events beyond our control, including overall slowdowns in securities trading. Our revenues and profitability depend on trading volume and are prone to significant and unpredictable fluctuations.

        Like other brokerage and financial services firms, our business and profitability are directly affected by elements that are beyond our control, such as economic and political conditions, broad trends in business and finance, changes in volume of securities transactions, changes in the markets in which such transactions occur and changes in how such transactions are processed. A weakness in equity markets, such as a slowdown causing reduction in trading volume in the United States and Hong Kong stocks and other financial instruments, has historically resulted in reduced transaction revenues and would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Our revenues depend substantially on our customers' trading volume, which is influenced by the general trading activities in the securities trading market. Securities trading faces competition from other investment products, such as wealth management products and peer-to-peer lending. These alternative investment products may divert investors from or reduce their activity levels in securities trading, which may adversely affect our trading volume, revenues and business.

        In addition, general trading activities in our industry are also directly affected by factors such as economic and political conditions, macro trends in business and finance, investors' interest level in securities trading and legislative and regulatory changes. Any of these factors or other factors may reduce the trading activity level in securities trading industry and adversely affect our business and results of operations and cash flows. Events in global financial markets in recent years resulted in substantial market volatility and increased customer trading volume. However, any sustained downturn in general economic conditions or global equity markets could result in reduced customer trading volume and revenues. Severe market fluctuations or weak economic conditions could reduce our trading volume and revenues and have a material adverse effect on our profitability. As a result, period to period comparisons of our revenues and operating results may not be meaningful, and future revenues and profitability may be subject to significant fluctuations or declines.

We face intense competition, and if we do not compete effectively, our results of operations and business prospects may be adversely affected.

        The securities brokerage industry is highly competitive. We compete primarily on the basis of our proprietary trading platform, comprehensive customer services, innovative products and services, unparalleled user experience, robust infrastructure and advanced technology, as well as brand equity. Our competitors may compete with us in the following ways:

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        Although we do not compete against other trading service providers solely based on prices, if our competitors offer their services at lower prices, we may be forced to provide more aggressive rebates to our customers and our commissions and fees may decrease. Reduction in commissions and fees without a commensurate reduction in expenses would lower our profitability. Some of our competitors may have greater financial resources or a larger customer base than we do, and if we fail to compete effectively, our market position, business prospects and results of operations would be adversely affected.

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

        Our customer base mainly comprises of individual customers. Although we offer services designed to educate, support and retain our customers, our efforts to attract new customers or reduce the attrition rate of our existing customers may not be successful. If we were unable to maintain or increase our customer retention rates or generate new customers in a cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations would likely be adversely affected. Historically, we incurred US$3.5 million, US$6.3 million and US$10.5 million in marketing and branding expenses, representing 63.4%, 37.1% and 31.4% of our total revenues in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. Although we have spent significant financial resources on marketing expenses and plan to continue doing so, these efforts may not be cost-effective to attract new customers. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain or grow our customer base in a cost-effective way. If we are unable to maintain high quality services, or maintain or reduce our service fee rate, or introduce new products and services, we may fail to attract new customers or lose our existing customers, which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

Failure to comply with regulatory capital requirements set by local securities regulatory authorities and agencies could materially and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

        Our major operating subsidiary Top Capital Partners is currently registered in New Zealand to provide brokerage services. Top Capital Partners is also accredited and approved by the NZX to provide investment advisory services in respect of transactions in NZX listed products. Our subsidiary US Tiger Securities, Inc. is a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Wealthn LLC, our another subsidiary, is a registered investment advisor in the United States and a member of the National Futures Association, or the NFA. Stringent rules with respect to the maintenance of specific levels of net capital by securities broker-dealers or investment advisory firms have been adopted by many regulatory authorities and agencies such as the NZX, the SEC, the FINRA, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the CFTC, and the NFA. For example, net capital is generally a measure of a broker-dealer or investment advisor's readily available liquid assets, reduced by its total liabilities other than approved subordinated debt.

        As an accredited and authorized NZX market participant, Top Capital Partners is contractually obliged to adhere to the terms and conditions of the NZX participant rules at all times. The rules set out the requirements for calculating, recording, reporting and complying with the NZX capital adequacy requirements. Generally, the NZX's minimum net current tangible assets requirement is NZ$0.5 million. However, we might be subject to a higher requirement depending on the risk exposures with our available liquid capital taken into consideration. Our prescribed minimum capital adequacy is the higher of the minimum net current tangible assets or the total risk requirement, being all the current exposures associated with our business. The rules also require us to at all times maintain the net current tangible assets at a level no lower than the prescribed minimum capital adequacy, and to calculate and record on each business day our net current tangible assets as a percentage of our prescribed minimum capital adequacy by the end of the following business day. For more details, please see "Business—Risk Management—Trading-Related Risks."

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        US Tiger Securities, Inc. must comply with the SEC's net capital requirements, by which its current financial health is measured by assessing its liquidity against the risks where it has exposure. At all times US Tiger Securities, Inc. must maintain its net capital requirements, at a level equal to, or greater than, the prescribed minimum capital. US Tiger Securities, Inc. must maintain a minimum net capital requirement in compliance with the SEC Rule 15c3-1 as well as comply with the SEC Rule 17a-11 and the "early warning levels" for net capital requirements contained therein.

        We believe we currently are in compliance with all capital requirements set by all the applicable New Zealand and U.S. regulatory authorities. However, if we fail to remain in compliance with such capital adequacy requirements, we will be forced to suspend our business operations until such time as we have injected enough capital to comply with applicable rules and regulations. For example, failure to comply with the capital adequacy requirement, or failure to record the daily capital adequacy calculation, could result in the NZX taking measures to increase our reporting requirements or restrict our service provision until the situation is remedied to its satisfaction. Additionally, the regulators could suspend or revoke our registration, expel us from membership, or impose censures, fines or other sanctions. If the net capital requirements are changed or expanded, or if there is an unusually large charge against net capital, then our operations that require capital could be limited, and we may not be able to pay dividends. A large operating loss or charge against net capital could have a material adverse effect on our ability to maintain or expand our business.

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

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

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

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

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constraints and transaction errors at such intermediaries could result in delays and erroneous or unanticipated execution prices, cause substantial losses for our customers and for us, and subject us to claims from our customers for damages.

        While we currently maintain a disaster recovery and business continuity plan, which is intended to minimize service interruptions and secure data integrity, our plan may not work effectively during an emergency. The information technology system failure may lead to interruption of our operations, which in turn will prevent our customers from trading and hence significantly reduce customer satisfaction and confidence in us, cause loss or reduce potential gain for our customers, or cause regulatory authorities' investigation and penalization. Any such system failure could impair our reputation, damage our brand, subject us to claims and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or prospects.

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

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

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights.

        We rely on a combination of trademark, copyright, trade secret and fair business practice laws in and outside of China to protect our proprietary technology, intellectual property rights and brand. We have not registered some of the names, logos and characters of our platform and products as trademarks, which may adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations, if others register the same or similar terms as their own trademarks. Although we have submitted trademark applications for the names, logos and characters of our platform and products such as "Tiger Brokers" GRAPHIC , in jurisdictions including China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, Malaysia and the United States, there is no guarantee that our applications will be approved by the relevant authorities. For instance, the trademark application for class 36 of our "Tiger" brand and logo in China was contested and is currently pending approval. We also discovered a mischievous pending class 36 application of a trademark similar to our "Tiger" brand and logo by others. Although we have adopted strict internal policies and have entered into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with certain of our employees and/or relevant third parties and also rigorously control access to proprietary technology, it is possible that third parties may copy or otherwise obtain and use our proprietary technology without our authorization or otherwise infringe on our rights. We may also face claims of infringement that could interfere with our ability to use technology that is material to our business operations.

        We may also have to rely on litigations to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets, determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or defend against claims of infringement or invalidity, and may also have to attend litigation initiated against us. Any such litigation, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs and the diversion of resources and the attention of management, any of which could adversely affect our business. In addition, we may have to enter into royalty or licensing agreements where there can be no assurance that such licenses would be available on reasonable terms, if at all, and the settlement of these claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

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We may be subject to intellectual property claims from others and applicable administrative penalties.

        We may in the future receive notices of claims for infringing upon other parties' intellectual property rights. There can be no assurance that claims for infringement or invalidity (or claims for indemnification resulting from infringement claims) will not be asserted or prosecuted against us. To provide the user community with the latest news and online content, our trading platform was previously programmed to automatically collect and use certain contents provided by third parties without the appropriate authorization or license. Further, some of our users might repost the contents produced by third parties without authorization. The contents created by third parties and published by us or our users could lead to infringement claims. We may also be subject to administrative penalties brought by the National Copyright Administration in China or its local branches for alleged copyright infringement.

        We may not be able to promptly identify and remove all contents that may infringe upon third-party rights. Moreover, some right owners might not send us a notice before bringing a lawsuit against us. Thus, our failure to identify unauthorized contents posted on our trading platform can subject us to claims for infringement of third-party intellectual property rights or other rights. Even if we can and have removed all unauthorized content and are in the process of negotiating the license or permit, pursuant to the provisions of applicable laws and regulations, we believe our past violations or infringement might still expose us to potential claims or liabilities. For example, although we conduct the majority of our business operations under the NZX regulation, we cannot assure that we will not be subject to the U.S. copyright laws, including the legal standards for determining indirect liability for copyright infringement, by virtue of our listing on Nasdaq Global Select Market, the ownership of our ADSs by U.S. investors, or the extraterritorial application of the U.S. law by the U.S. courts. In the general context of the U.S. laws, the statute of limitation for intellectual property right infringement can be three years and the plaintiff does not have to establish the existence of actual damage. The relevant third parties can still base their claims on the contents published historically but have since been removed by us.

We may fail to protect our platform from cyber-attacks, which may adversely affect our reputation, customer base and business.

        Despite our efforts to safeguard the information of our customers, system malfunctions, employee errors, misconducts or other factors may still occur, which may lead to Internet security emergency. Our computer system, the networks we use, the networks and online trading platforms of the exchanges and other third parties with whom we interact, are potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic computer break-ins, viruses and similar disruptive problems or security breaches. A party that is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or customer information, jeopardize the confidential nature of the information we transmit over the Internet and mobile network or cause interruptions in our operations. Also see "—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—If we fail to protect customer data and privacy, our reputation, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected." We or our service providers may be required to invest significant resources to protect against the threat of security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by any breaches. To the extent that our activities involve the storage and transmission of proprietary information and personal financial information, security breaches could expose us to risks of financial loss, litigation and other liabilities. Any of these events, particularly if they result in a loss of confidence in our services, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

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If we fail to protect customer data and privacy, our reputation, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.

        We are dependent on information technology networks and systems to securely process, transmit and store electronic information and to communicate among our locations and with our customers and partners. Due to the volume and sensitivity of the personal information and customer data we manage and the nature of our brokerage services, the security features of our platform and information systems are critical.

        We have adopted security policies and measures, including encryption technology, to protect our proprietary data and customer's privacy. All customer and transaction data are saved in our own database and operating systems. Only database administrators with the proper authorization have access to the database. In addition, all employees should sign non-disclosure agreements when they join and leave our company. However, we cannot guarantee our employees will not breach the non-disclosure agreements in the future. Further, as the breadth and complexity of the infrastructure of our platform continues to grow, the potential risk of system breakdown or function failure increases and it is the same for the potential risk of security breaches and cyber-attacks such as viruses, malware or phishing attempts by cyber criminals or other wrongdoers seeking to steal our customer's data for financial gain or to harm our business operations or reputation. Further, if any person, including any of our employees, negligently disregards or intentionally breaches our established controls with respect to customer data, or otherwise mismanages or misappropriates that data, we could be subject to significant monetary damages, regulatory enforcement actions, fines or even criminal prosecution in one or more jurisdictions. Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential customer data, whether through system failure, employee negligence, fraud or misappropriation, could damage our reputation and cause us to lose customers. Cyber-attacks could also adversely affect our operating results, consume internal resources, and result in litigation or potential liabilities for us and otherwise harm our business. We have received several complaints from our customers regarding the leakage of their personal information. Although we have conducted investigation on such leakage, we cannot guarantee that there will not be other similar incidents and complaints. Further, our security management programs are reviewed annually, and therefore, we cannot ensure that such programs will be updated promptly.

        In addition, by virtue of third party channels, our corporate customers utilize our technology to serve their own customers. Consequently, any leak or abuse of customer data by our third party channels may be perceived by the customers as a result of our failure to protect the customer data and privacy. Any failure or perceived failure by us to prevent information security breaches or to comply with privacy policies or privacy-related legal obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of personally identifiable information or other customer data, could cause our customers to lose trust in us and could expose us to legal claims.

        A growing number of legislative and regulatory bodies have adopted consumer notification requirements in the event of unauthorized access to or acquisition of certain types of personal data. Such breach notification laws continue to evolve and may be inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another, which might become a particular concern as we accelerate our international expansion. In addition, laws and regulations in certain jurisdictions impose specific regulatory requirements on cross border transmission of important personal data. For instance, the Cyber Security Law of the PRC, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, or the SCNPC and became effective on June 1, 2017, requires operators of key information infrastructures, which include, among others, public communications and information service and financial industry and other important industries and fields, shall store personal information and important data gathered and produced during operations in China within the territory of China. Where such information and data need to be transmitted overseas based on commercial demand, a security assessment shall be conducted in accordance with the measures formulated by the national cyberspace administration authority in concert with the relevant departments under the State Council. However, there are no detailed

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measures published on how such security assessment shall be conducted. Although all of the data centers used for our brokerage service are located overseas, we have several servers located in China to provide user community support and market information. We might need to transmit certain personal data between different locations, and since such data are used for financial services, we might be subject to security assessment requirements as set forth in the Cyber Security Law of the PRC. We cannot assure that the measures we currently adopt to assess the personal data security could satisfy the requirements of the relevant governmental authorities or any future measures when published. Further, to comply with those obligations will incur substantial costs and could increase negative publicity surrounding any incident that compromises user data. Although we have made substantial efforts to ensure our compliance with the applicable privacy regulations in various jurisdictions, we may not be capable of adjusting our internal policies in a timely manner and any failure to comply with applicable regulations could also result in regulatory enforcement actions against us.

We face risks related to potential insider trading, money laundering and securities fraud conducted by our customers which we cannot fully eliminate.

        Although our customer agreements require customers to acknowledge that they will observe all insider trading, money laundering and securities fraud laws and regulations in applicable jurisdictions and to assume liabilities for all restrictions, penalties and other responsibilities arising from conducts suspected to constitute insider trading, money laundering and/or, securities fraud, we cannot verify whether every transaction conducted by our customers is in compliance with such laws and regulations because our customers may circumvent our due diligence measures to commit insider trading and/or money laundering. In addition, we will review to see if our customers are politically exposed persons or on certain sanction lists (including but not limited to the lists of money laundering, terrorist financing or other crimes) through search systems provided by third-party suppliers. However, we may still be subject to certain legal or regulatory sanctions, fines or penalties, financial loss, or damage to reputation resulting from the failure of our customers to comply with insider trading and/or money laundering laws and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions.

We face risks related to our KYC procedures when our customers provide outdated, inaccurate, false or misleading information.

        We collect user information during the account opening and registration process and screen accounts against public databases for purpose of verifying customer identity and detecting risks. Although we require our customers to submit documents for proof of their identity and address for completing the account registration and to update such information from time to time, we face risks as the information provided by our customers may be outdated, inaccurate, false or misleading. We cannot fully confirm the accuracy, currency and completeness of such information beyond reasonable effort. For example, a substantial portion of our customers are holders of the PRC identity card. Because the PRC identity cards are usually effective for more than ten years or some may have no expiration term, customers may have changed their domicile or citizenship, thus making them subject to applicable laws and regulations of jurisdictions other than PRC such as the U.S. In this situation, despite our effort to exclude persons who reside in jurisdictions where we have no license or permit such as the United States before the completion of the acquisition of US Tiger Securities, Inc., our provision of products and services to such customers could be in violation of the applicable laws and regulations in those jurisdictions, of which we may have no awareness until we are warned by the relevant supervising authorities. Despite our safeguards, we could still be subject to certain legal or regulatory sanctions, fines or penalties, financial loss, or damage to reputation resulting from such violations.

        In addition, although we have strict internal policies for continuing KYC procedures after the activation of accounts and for issues such as anti-corruption, economic sanctions, anti-money laundering, export controls and securities fraud, we mainly rely on our continuing KYC procedures to

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ensure our compliance with relevant laws and regulations related to anti-corruption, economic sanctions, anti-money laundering, export controls and securities fraud. Although we have relevant trainings for our employees in all of our departments and, notably on a biweekly or triweekly basis for employees in the customer service department, our KYC system and procedures cannot be foolproof. Any potential flaw in our KYC system or any misconduct in the KYC procedures by any of our employees may also lead to our failure of compliance with such relevant laws and regulations, which will further subject us to certain legal or regulatory sanctions, fines or penalties, financial loss, or damage to reputation.

We cannot guarantee the profitability of our customers' investment or ensure that our customers can make rational investment judgement.

        Similar to other brokerage and financial services providers, we cannot guarantee the profitability of the investment made by customers on our trading platform. The profitability of our customers' investment is directly affected by elements beyond our control, such as economic and political conditions, broad trends in business and finance, changes in volume of securities and futures transactions, changes in the markets in which such transactions occur and changes in how such transactions are processed.

        Moreover, although we currently set a minimum deposit requirement of US$2,000 to open and maintain a margin account, a substantial portion of our customers are retail investors who are less sophisticated compared with institutional investors. We provide a forum to facilitate the provision of financial and market information, and live market commentaries. Although these materials and commentaries contain prominent disclaimers, our customers may seek to hold us responsible when they use such information to make trading decisions and suffer financial loss on their trades, or if their trades are not as profitable as they have expected. Furthermore, it is possible that some customers could solely rely on certain predictive statements made by other customers on our trading platform, ignoring our alert warnings that customers should make their own investment judgement and should not predict future performance based on historical records. As a result, the financial loss of our customers will inevitably affect our performance in terms of transaction volumes and revenues as customers decide to abort trading. In addition, some customers who have suffered substantial losses on our platform may blame our platform, seek to recover their damages from us or bring lawsuits against us.

If our reputation, or the reputation of our industry as a whole, is harmed, or the reputation of the industry as a whole is damaged, our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

        Our ability to attract and retain customers may be adversely affected if our reputation, or the reputation of our industry as a whole, is damaged. If we fail, or appear to fail, to deal with issues that may give rise to reputational risk, our business and prospects may be harmed. These issues include, but are not limited to, mishandling customer complaints, potential conflicts of interest, privacy breaches, customer data leak, improper sales practices, as well as failure to identify legal, credit, liquidity, and market risks inherent in our business. Failure to appropriately address these issues could reduce customer confidence in us or increase customer attrition rate, which may adversely affect our reputation and business.

        In addition, our ability to attract and retain customers may be adversely affected if the reputation of the industry as a whole is damaged. The perception of insufficient regulation and unfavorable reputation within the industry could materially and adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers. Any fraudulent or allegedly fraudulent activities in the securities brokerage industry, which is beyond our control, may damage the reputation of the entire industry and may adversely affect our business operations and reputation.

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We depend on key management as well as experienced and capable personnel, and our business may be adversely affected if we are unable to hire and retain qualified employees.

        Our key management includes our Chief Executive Officer or CEO, Mr. Tianhua Wu, our Chief Financial Officer or CFO, Mr. John Fei Zeng, and our Vice President of Technology, Mr. Yonggang Liu. Our continued success is dependent upon the hire and retention of these key management members, as well as a number of other key managerial, marketing, sales, research, technical and operations personnel, and continuous recruitment of experienced and capable personnel. We do not have key man insurance and the loss of such key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, our ability to grow our business is dependent, to a large degree, on our ability to hire or retain such key management members and experienced personnel. If we lose any of our key management team members or fail to attract and retain professional personnel, we may not be able to execute our existing business strategies effectively or deliver excellent services to our customers, and our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We have exposure to interest rate risk.

        As a part of our business, we invest in interest-earning assets and are obligated on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rate fluctuations primarily affect our interest income and interest expenses. We earn interest income primarily from margin financing and short selling and make interest payments on deposits we hold on behalf of our customers and borrowings provided by Interactive Brokers and other commercial lenders. Changes in interest rates could affect the interest earned on assets differently than interest paid on liabilities. A rising interest rate environment generally results in a larger net interest spread. Conversely, a falling interest rate environment generally results in a smaller net interest spread. Our most prevalent form of interest rate risk is referred to as "gap" risk. This risk occurs when the interest rates we earn on assets change at a different frequency or scale than the interest rates we pay on liabilities. If we are unable to effectively manage our interest rate risk, changes in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

Our brokerage operations have exposure to liquidity risk.

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

Our TigerShares China-U.S. Internet Titans ETF may not be successful which could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Our TigerShares China-U.S. Internet Titans ETF started trading on Nasdaq Global Market on November 7, 2018. Prior to November 7, 2018, there had been no public market for this ETF, and we cannot assure that a liquid public market for this ETF will develop. If an active public market for our TigerShares China-U.S. Internet Titans ETF does not develop, the market price and liquidity of such ETF may be materially and adversely affected. Even if an active public market for this ETF has formed, we cannot assure investors of such ETF that the market will remain active. As a result, investors in our TigerShares China-U.S. Internet Titans ETF may experience a significant decrease in

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the value of their ETF, which could adversely affect our reputation given the fact that our subsidiary, Wealthn LLC, is the investment advisor to the fund that launched such ETF. From time to time, we may invest in our TigerShares China-U.S. Internet Titans ETF. Investments in this ETF utilize capital that would otherwise be available for other corporate purposes and expose us to potential capital losses.

Fluctuations in the value of Renminbi could result in foreign currency exchange losses.

        A substantial portion of our operating costs and expenses is denominated in Renminbi, while most of our revenues and the net proceeds from this offering will be denominated in U.S. dollars. Consequently, fluctuations in exchange rates, primarily those involving U.S. dollar, may affect the relative purchasing power of these proceeds and our balance sheet and earnings per share in U.S. dollars following this offering. In addition, appreciation or depreciation in the value of Renminbi relative to U.S. dollar would affect our financial results reported in U.S. dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying change in our business, financial condition or results of operations. Renminbi may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against U.S. dollar in the long term, depending on the fluctuation of the basket of currencies against which it is currently valued, or it may be permitted to enter into a full float, which may also result in a significant appreciation or depreciation of Renminbi against U.S. dollar.

        The hedging options available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations are quite limited. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to hedge our exposure adequately or at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency.

We are exposed to credit risk with customers.

        A portion of our revenues arises from or is related to margin financing provided to our customers. By permitting customers to purchase securities on margin, we are subject to risks inherent in extending credit, especially during periods of heightened market volatility. Substantial fluctuations in market values of securities and the failure to honor their commitments by our customers on margin financing or short selling could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability.

We may be subject to litigation risk which could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

        We are subject to arbitration claims and lawsuits in the ordinary course of our business. As the date of this prospectus, we are not a party to, and we are not aware of any threat of, any legal proceeding that, in the opinion of our management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operations, nor have we experienced any incident of non-compliance which, in the opinion of our directors, is likely to materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Actions brought against us may result in settlements, awards, injunctions, fines, penalties and other results adverse to us. Predicting the outcome of such matters is inherently difficult, particularly where claims are brought on behalf of various classes of claimants or by a large number of claimants, when claimants seek substantial or unspecified damages or when investigations or legal proceedings are at an early stage. A substantial judgment, settlement, fine or penalty could be material to our operating results or cash flows for a particular period, depending on our results for that period, or could cause us significant reputational harm, which could harm our business prospects. In market downturns, the volume of legal claims and amount of damages sought in litigation and regulatory proceedings against securities brokerage companies have historically increased. We are also subject to litigation claims from third parties alleging infringement of their intellectual property rights. Also see "—We may be subject to intellectual property claims from others and

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applicable administrative penalties." Such litigation can require the expenditure of significant resources, regardless of whether the claims have merit. If we were found to have infringed a third-party patent or other intellectual property right, then we could incur substantial liability and in some circumstances could be enjoined from using the relevant technology or providing related products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

        Our operations require our employees to frequently interact with our existing and potential customers. Although we have prudent internal procedures and policies in place and we monitor employees' interaction with existing and potential customers through our customer relations management system, or our CRM system, it is difficult to detect and deter misconducts and inappropriate behaviors of all of our employees and the precautions we take to prevent and detect such behaviors may not be effective in all cases. Our employees could misappropriate customer information, conduct improper activities on behalf of our customers, make false or misleading statements, falsely promise investment returns to attract customers to trade, mis-record or otherwise try to hide improper activities from us.

        Misconducts by our employees or former employees could give rise to customer claims against us, including claims for negligence, fraud, failures to supervise, breaches of fiduciary duty, transactions and intentional misconduct. These customer claims, regardless of their merits, could subject us to substantial losses and seriously harm our reputation. In addition, such customer claims may escalate into litigations or arbitrations. The outcome of any arbitration or litigation is inherently uncertain, and defending against these claims could be both costly and time-consuming, and could significantly divert the efforts and resources of our management and other personnel. A judgment against us in any such litigation could incur financial and reputation damage on our business. Even if we prevail in such litigation or arbitration, we could incur significant legal expenses.

Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover risks related to our business and operation.

        While we maintain certain insurance for Top Capital Partners in New Zealand such as professional liability insurance, directors' and officers' insurance, we do not maintain any other insurance policies for any other entities, and for Top Capital Partners, there is no assurance that our insurance coverage will be adequate to cover potential losses. In addition, customers of our consolidated accounts are not protected under the scheme of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, or the SIPC, and we have neither purchased any commercial insurance to cover similar risks. Under the applicable laws and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions such as New Zealand, the United States and China, we are not required to, and we do not, maintain any insurance in relation to our business operations, such as data security insurance, business interruption insurance, or liability insurance against liabilities arising from customer complaints and litigation or other aspects of our business. Our current insurance policies may not protect us against such losses and liabilities.

        Although we believe that our insurance coverage is in line with industry practice in the relevant jurisdictions such as New Zealand, the United States and China, if any of the incidents mentioned above occur and we have insufficient insurance to cover the liabilities associated with such incidents, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and business prospects.

Some of our customers reach us on social media platforms, leading to our difficulties in maintaining all the communication records.

        Under the relevant laws and regulations, we are required to keep the records of our communications with customers concerning orders or complaints, e.g., under the NZX Participant Rules in New Zealand, for at least a period of two years. To ensure all of our users and customers are best served, we occasionally provide customer service on popular social media platforms in a similar way as other market players in both our industry and other various industries. However, we cannot solve all

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the difficulties arising therefrom because the social media platforms usually do not have functions that telephone or email operation systems use for keeping the communication records long term, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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

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

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

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

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

        From time to time, we may implement new lines of business or offer new services within existing lines of business. For example, we commenced futures trading in March 2016, and we have expanded our businesses into other areas. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new services, we may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new services may not be achieved and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competition and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new service. Our personnel and technology systems may fail to adapt to the changes in such new areas or we may fail to effectively integrate new services into our existing operation and we may lack experience in managing new lines of business or new services. In addition, we may be unable to proceed our operation as planned or compete effectively due to different competitive landscapes in these new areas. Even if we expand our businesses into new jurisdictions or areas, the expansion may not yield intended profitable results. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our

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internal control system. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or new services could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If our internal control over financial reporting or our disclosure controls and procedures are not effective, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results, prevent fraud or file our periodic reports in a timely manner.

        When we become a public company, we will be subject to reporting obligations under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, that will require us to include a management report on our internal control over financial reporting in our annual report, which contains management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our management may conclude that our internal control over our financial reporting is not effective. Moreover, when we are no longer an emerging growth company under the federal securities laws, our independent registered public accounting firm will be required to issue an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may conclude that there are material weaknesses or significant deficiencies with respect to our controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed. Material weaknesses were once identified by our auditor in the past and may be identified during the audit process or at other times.

        Prior to this offering, we have been a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal control and procedures over financial reporting. In the course of auditing our consolidated financial statements for 2016, 2017, and 2018, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified two material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and other control deficiencies for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018. As defined in the standards established by the U.S. Public company Accounting Oversight Board, a "material weakness" is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected in a timely manner. A "significant deficiency" is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal controls over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for the oversight of the company's financial reporting.

        The material weaknesses identified related to (i) insufficient accounting personnel with appropriate knowledge of U.S. GAAP and lack of comprehensive accounting policies and procedures in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and (ii) lack of a systematic risk assessment process over financial reporting. Neither we nor our independent registered public accounting firm undertook a comprehensive assessment of our internal control under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for purposes of identifying and reporting any weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. We are required to do so only after we become a public company. Once we cease to be an "emerging growth company" as such term is defined in the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Had we performed a formal assessment of our internal control over financial reporting or had our independent registered public accounting firm performed an audit of our internal control over financial reporting, additional control deficiencies may have been identified.

        To remedy the identified material weaknesses, we have adopted and will adopt further measures to improve our internal control over financial reporting. We have hired a chief financial officer who has extensive experience in the capital markets industry and profound knowledge of financial statements and SEC regulations. We have also increased the number of employees with knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SEC regulations within our finance and accounting department. We intend to hire an internal control manager who has extensive experience in internal procedures and internal controls over

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financial reporting. In addition, we plan to, among others, (i) set up a comprehensive accounting policy and procedure manual in accordance with U.S. GAAP, (ii) continue to provide our accounting staff with U.S. GAAP training, and (iii) develop a systematic risk assessment process over financial reporting. We will continue to implement measures to remedy our internal control deficiencies in order to meet the requirements imposed by Section 404. However, the implementation of these measures may not fully address the deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. We are not able to estimate with reasonable certainty the costs that we will need to incur to implement these and other measures designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting.

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

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

        We use transfer pricing arrangements to account for business activities among our subsidiaries in different jurisdictions. There is no assurance that the tax authorities in any of the jurisdictions where we operate would not subsequently challenge the appropriateness of our transfer pricing arrangements or that the relevant regulations or standards governing such arrangements will not be subject to future changes. If a competent tax authority later finds that the transfer prices and the terms that we have applied are not appropriate, such authority may require us or our subsidiaries to re-assess the transfer prices and re-allocate the income or adjust the taxable income. Any such reallocation or adjustment could result in a higher overall tax liability for us and may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may be unable to effectively manage our rapid growth.

        The rapid growth of our business during our limited operation history has placed significant demands on our management and other resources. As we grow, we may also need to enhance the reliability and scalability of our proprietary technology, network infrastructure and other aspects of our IT systems. We may need to hire additional professionals in such areas as sales and marketing, customer support and risk management as well as other personnel to serve the enlarged customer base. Implementation of new business arrangements, expansion of technology infrastructure and increase in the number of employees may further increase our operational complexity and impose higher standards on every aspect of our operations. Our management team may fail to effectively cope with the increased operational complexity, and we may fail to integrate new resources into our existing operation system. Therefore, we may not be able to maintain current growth rate or manage our growth effectively.

We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics, terrorist attacks and other outbreaks, which could significantly disrupt our operations.

        The occurrence, especially in the regions and cities where we have business, of unforeseen or catastrophic events, including the emergence of a pandemic or other widespread health emergency,

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terrorist attacks or natural disasters, could create economic and financial disruptions, lead to operational difficulties that could impair our ability to manage our businesses, and expose our business activities to significant losses. Our management team are principally located in Beijing, PRC and Auckland, New Zealand. A significant portion of our technology research and development and services, supporting and other teams are based in Beijing, China. Most of our data centers are located in Hong Kong and Beijing, China. Although we have recovery and business continuity plans for our data centers, we cannot guarantee that these plans would be adequate to mitigate the adverse effects to our sustainable operations caused by such unforeseen or catastrophic events. In addition, the major stock exchanges our operations rely on are in the U.S. and Hong Kong. Our operations could also be severely disrupted if the exchanges we operate on were affected by natural disasters, health epidemics or man-caused disasters. An unforeseen or catastrophic event in any of the regions mentioned above could adversely impact our operations.

Negative media coverage related to and our relationships with our service providers and/or former shareholders could adversely affect our business.

        We may be affected by publicity relating to our service providers and/or shareholders. For example, in September 2018, there was negative publicity involving certain senior officers of iResearch, the industry consultant we commissioned to prepare an industry report in connection with this offering. According to a public announcement made by iResearch, certain senior officers of iResearch are cooperating with governmental investigations in China. Although we were informed by iResearch that its department involved in such negative media coverage did not provide data for the preparation of the iResearch Report, such publicity may raise questions as to the integrity of the industry data or opinions produced by iResearch, including the data in the iResearch Report produced in connection with this offering, which we have cited in this prospectus, or otherwise have a negative impact on our reputation.

        Additionally, one of our former shareholders, who also served as our director and an officer of one of our VIEs, had a criminal violation of immigration law in Hong Kong a few years before the commencement of our operations. Although this former shareholder no longer has an active role in our company, any potential negative publicity or legal or regulatory proceeding relating to this former shareholder and our relationship with him could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure

PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from using proceeds we receive from this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries.

        In 2015, the SAFE published the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming the Management Approach regarding the Settlement of Foreign Exchange Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or the SAFE Circular 19, which has come into effect since June 1, 2015. According to the SAFE Circular 19, foreign-invested enterprises are allowed to convert their registered capital from foreign exchange to Renminbi and apply such funds to equity investment within the PRC, conditioned upon the investment target's duly registration with local bank of such reinvestment and open a corresponding special account pending for foreign exchange settlement payment. Further, such conversion will be handled at the bank level and does not need to be approved by the SAFE. The SAFE Circular 19 prohibits foreign-invested enterprises from, among other things, using an RMB fund converted from its foreign exchange capital for expenditure beyond its business scope, investment in securities, providing entrusted loans, repaying loans between nonfinancial enterprises or purchasing real estate not for self-use. The SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming and Standardizing the Foreign Exchange Settlement Management Policy of Capital Account, or the SAFE Circular 16, effective on

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June 9, 2016, which reiterates some of the rules set forth in the SAFE Circular 19, but changes the prohibition against using RMB capital converted from foreign currency-denominated registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise to issue RMB entrusted loans, to the prohibition against using such capital to issue loans to non-associated enterprises.

        If we fail to comply with such regulations, our ability to capitalize the relevant PRC subsidiaries or fund our operations or utilize the proceeds of this offering in the manner described in the section entitled "Use of Proceeds" may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affect the liquidity of our relevant PRC subsidiaries or our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

We may be subject to penalties, including restrictions on our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries, if our PRC resident shareholders or beneficial owners fail to comply with relevant PRC foreign exchange regulations.

        On July 4, 2014, the SAFE issued the Circular on Several Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic Residents Engaging in Overseas Investment, Financing and Round-Trip Investment via Special Purpose Vehicles, or the SAFE Circular 37, which replaced the previous Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Residents' Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, effective on November 1, 2005, or the SAFE Circular 75. The SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC individuals, institutions and foreign individuals who have a habitual residence in the PRC due to economic interests, or collectively referred as the PRC residents, to register with the SAFE or its local branches in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore entity, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents' legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests. Such offshore entity is referred to as an offshore special purpose vehicle. In addition, such PRC residents must update their foreign exchange registrations with the SAFE when the offshore special purpose vehicle undergoes material events relating to any change of basic information (including change of such PRC residents, name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount, share transfers or exchanges, or mergers or divisions. According to the Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving the Administration of Foreign Exchange Concerning Direct Investment released on February 13, 2015 by the SAFE, local banks will examine and handle foreign exchange registration for overseas direct investment, including the initial foreign exchange registration and amendment registration, under the SAFE Circular 37 from June 1, 2015.

        If any shareholder holding interest in an offshore special purpose vehicle, who is a PRC resident as determined by the SAFE Circular 37, fails to fulfill the required foreign exchange registration with the local SAFE branches or its designated banks, the offshore special purpose vehicle may be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital to its PRC subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with the SAFE registration described above could result in liability under PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions.

        Mr. Tianhua Wu and some other individual shareholders, who indirectly hold shares in our Company and who are known to us as being PRC residents have completed the SAFE registration pursuant to the SAFE Circular 37. We have requested all of our current shareholders and/or beneficial owners to disclose whether they or their shareholders or beneficial owners fall within the ambit of the SAFE Circular 37 and urged relevant shareholders, upon learning that they are PRC residents, to register with the local SAFE branch or its designated bank as required under the SAFE Circular 37. However, we may not be fully informed of the identities of all our shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents, and we cannot provide any assurance that all of our shareholders and beneficial owners who are PRC residents will comply with our requests to make, obtain or update any applicable registrations or comply with other requirements pursuant to the SAFE Circular 37 or other related rules in a timely manner. Failure of our exisiting and future shareholders who are PRC

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residents to register or amend their foreign exchange registrations in a timely manner pursuant to the SAFE Circular 37 and subsequent implementation rules may subject such beneficial owners or our wholly-owned PRC subsidiary to fines and legal sanctions. Failure to register or comply with the relevant requirements may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital to our WFOEs for the research and development and other supporting functions. These risks may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

If the agreements that establish the structure for operating some of our activities in China do not comply with PRC regulations, or if these regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.

        Our WFOEs have entered into a series of contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their respective shareholders, respectively, which enable us to (i) exercise effective control over our VIEs, and (ii) receive substantially all of the economic benefits of our VIEs. As a result of these contractual arrangements, we have control over and are the primary beneficiary of our VIEs and hence consolidate their financial results into our consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP. See "History and Corporate Structure" for further details.

        In the opinion of DaHui Lawyers, our PRC legal counsel, (i) the ownership structures of our VIEs in China and our WFOEs, both currently and immediately after giving effect to this offering, comply with all existing PRC laws and regulations; and (ii) the contractual arrangements between our WFOEs, our VIEs and their respective shareholders governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable, and will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect. However, our PRC legal counsel has also advised us that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the existing and future PRC laws, regulations and rules. Accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may take a view that is not consistent with the opinion of our PRC legal counsel. It is uncertain whether any new PRC laws or regulations relating to variable interest entity structures will be adopted or if adopted, what they would provide. If we or any of our VIEs are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take action in dealing with such violations or failures, including:

        The imposition of any of these penalties would result in a material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business. In addition, it is unclear what impact the PRC government actions would have on us and on our ability to consolidate the financial results of our VIEs in our consolidated financial statements, if the PRC government authorities were to find our legal structure and contractual arrangements to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations. If the imposition of any of these government actions causes us to lose our right to direct the activities of our VIEs and we are not able to restructure our ownership structure and operations in a satisfactory manner, or any other significant penalties imposed on us in this event, there would have a material adverse effect on our activities in China, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected.

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We rely on contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their respective shareholders for a large portion of our business operations, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control.

        We have relied and expect to continue to rely on contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their respective shareholders to conduct certain of our key supporting functions. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us with control over our VIEs. For example, our VIEs and their respective shareholders could breach their contractual arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to conduct their operations in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests.

        If we had direct ownership of our VIEs, we would be able to exercise our rights as a shareholder to effect changes in the board of directors of our VIEs, which in turn could implement changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management and operational level. However, under the current contractual arrangements, we rely on the performance by our VIEs and their respective shareholders of their obligations under the contracts to exercise control over our VIEs. Although our directors and shareholders together ultimately controls our VIEs, the shareholders of our consolidated VIEs may not act in the best interests of our company or may not perform their obligations under these contracts. Such risks exist throughout the period in which we intend to operate certain portions of our business through the contractual arrangements with our VIEs. If any disputes relating to these contracts remain unresolved, we will have to enforce our rights under these contracts through the operations of PRC law and arbitration, litigation and other legal proceedings and therefore will be subject to uncertainties in the PRC legal system. See "—Any failure by our VIEs or their shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material and adverse effect on our business." Therefore, our contractual arrangements with our VIEs may not be as effective in ensuring our control over the relevant portion of our business operations as direct ownership would be.

Any failure by our VIEs or their shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material and adverse effect on our business.

        We refer to the shareholders of each of our VIEs as its nominee shareholders because although they remain the holders of equity interests on record in each of our VIEs, pursuant to the terms of the relevant power of attorney, each such shareholder has irrevocably authorized the relevant WFOE to exercise his, her or its rights as a shareholder of the relevant VIE. However, if our VIEs or their shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs and expend additional resources to enforce such arrangements. We may also have to rely on legal remedies under the PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure will be effective under the PRC law. For example, if the shareholders of our VIEs refuse to transfer their equity interests in our VIEs to us or our designee if we exercise the purchase option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, or if they otherwise act in bad faith towards us, then we may have to take legal actions to compel them to perform their contractual obligations.

        All of the agreements under our contractual arrangements are governed by PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through an arbitration in China. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC law and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal system in the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the U.S. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. See "—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The legal system of the PRC is not fully developed and there are inherent uncertainties that may affect the protection afforded to us." Meanwhile, there are very few precedents and little formal guidance as to how contractual arrangements in the context of a VIE should be interpreted or enforced under the PRC law. There remain significant uncertainties regarding the ultimate outcome of such arbitration. In addition, under

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the PRC law, rulings by arbitrators are final, parties cannot appeal the arbitration results in courts, and if the losing parties fail to carry out the arbitration awards within a prescribed time limit, the prevailing parties may only enforce the arbitration awards in PRC courts through arbitration award recognition and enforcement proceedings, which would require additional expenses and delay. In the event we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant delays or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert effective control over our VIEs, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected.

The shareholders of our VIEs may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business.

        The shareholders of our VIEs may have potential conflicts of interest with us. These shareholders may breach, or cause our VIEs to breach, or refuse to renew, the existing contractual arrangements we have with them and our VIEs, which would have a material and adverse effect on our ability to effectively control our VIEs and receive economic benefits from them. For example, the shareholders may be able to cause our agreements with our VIEs to be performed in a manner adverse to us by, among other things, failing to remit payments due under the contractual arrangements to us in a timely manner. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise any or all of these shareholders will act in the best interests of our company or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor. Currently, we do not have any arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these shareholders and our company. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between us and these shareholders, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainties as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.

Contractual arrangements in relation to our VIEs may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and they may determine that we or our PRC VIEs owe additional taxes, which could negatively affect our financial condition and the value of your investment.

        Under applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. We could face material and adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the VIE contractual arrangements were not entered into on an arm's length basis in such a way as to result in an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, and adjust the income of our VIEs in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in a reduction of expense deductions recorded by our VIEs for PRC tax purposes, which could in turn increase their liabilities without reducing our WFOEs' tax expenses. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on our VIEs for the adjusted but unpaid taxes according to the applicable regulations. Our financial position could be materially and adversely affected if our VIEs' tax liabilities increase or if it is required to pay late payment fees and other penalties.

We may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by our VIEs that are material to the operation of certain portion of our business if our VIEs go bankrupt or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.

        As part of our contractual arrangements with our VIEs, our VIEs and their subsidiaries hold certain assets that are material to the operation of certain portion of our business, including intellectual properties. If our VIEs go bankrupt and all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Under the contractual arrangements, our VIEs may not, in any manner, sell, transfer, mortgage or dispose of their assets or legal or beneficial interests in the business without our prior consent. If our VIEs undergo a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, independent third-party creditors may claim rights to

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some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We may be subject to penalties for failure to fully comply with the NDRC and the MOFCOM filing requirements for historical overseas investments.

        Historically, before we established our offshore holding structure, our PRC operating entity, Ningxia Rongke, has established Tiger Technology Corporation Limited, or Tiger Technology, in Hong Kong, which thereafter acquired our New Zealand registered companies, Top Capital Partners, and Tiger Holdings Group Limited, or Tiger Holdings. Under the applicable PRC laws and regulations, PRC entities need to obtain approvals from or file with the National Development and Reform Commission, or the NDRC and the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM, or their local branches before conducting any overseas investments, and are also required to apply for additional approvals or file or make certain amendments if any change occurs to such overseas investments. Ningxia Rongke has filed with the relevant branch of the MOFCOM for investing in Tiger Technology, but failed to update such filing for Tiger Technology's further investments in Top Capital Partners and Tiger Holdings. It also failed to file with the NDRC for the overseas investment as required under then effective PRC laws. Failure to conduct such filing procedures may subject us to an order of suspension of Ningxia Rongke's investment in Tiger Technology, and may result in the inability for Ningxia Rongke to enjoy relevant policy favors for three years. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not received any rectification requirements or penalties from the NDRC or the MOFCOM. In addition, we have taken certain rectification measures. For instance, we have recently transferred all equity interest in Top Capital Partners from Tiger Technology to our Singapore subsidiary, Tiger Fintech (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. for commercial needs, and we are in the process of returning the proceeds to Ningxia Rongke and de-registering our filing with MOFCOM and liquidation of Tiger Technology as rectification measures. However, we cannot assure you that these rectifications will fully satisfy the relevant regulatory authorities' requirements or we will not be subject to investigation or scrutiny from regulators even though we had not yet received any negative opinion or penalty for our historical overseas investments so far. If the NDRC or the MOFCOM imposes any penalties on us or requires us to make any further rectifications, our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Risks Related to Doing Business in China

The current trade war between the U.S. and China, and on a larger scale internationally, may dampen growth in China and other markets where the majority of our customers reside, and our activities and results may be negatively impacted.

        The U.S. government has recently imposed, and has recently proposed imposing additional, new or higher tariffs on specified products imported from China to penalize China for what it characterizes as unfair trade practices and China has responded by imposing, and proposing to impose additional, new or higher tariffs on specified products imported from the U.S. On September 17, 2018, President Trump announced his decision to impose a 10% tariff on the third list of US$200 billion in imports from China to the U.S. effective September 24, 2018. The 10% tariff was scheduled to increase to 25% on January 1, 2019. However, the U.S. government has agreed to postpone this increase until the beginning of March of 2019 to allow the U.S. and Chinese governments time to negotiate an agreement on tariffs. We cannot assure you that the negotiations will result in an agreement by the deadline in March or that the 25% increase or other tariffs will not be imposed even if an agreement will be reached. These tariffs are in addition to two earlier rounds of tariffs implemented against Chinese products on June 6, 2018 and August 16, 2018 that amount to tariffs on US$50 billion of Chinese products imported into the U.S. In response, China has imposed, and has proposed imposing additional, tariffs on a number of the U.S. goods, on a much smaller scale, in the current time.

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        Although we are not subject to any of those tariff measures, the proposed tariffs may adversely affect the economic growth in China and other markets and the financial condition of our customers. With the potential decrease in the spending powers of our target customers, we cannot guarantee that there will be no negative impact on our operations. In addition, the current and future actions or escalations by either the U.S. or China that affect trade relations may cause global economic turmoil and potentially have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and we cannot provide any assurance as to whether such actions will occur or the form that they may take.

PRC economic, political and social conditions as well as government policies could adversely affect our business and prospects.

        We mainly conduct our brokerage operations in New Zealand and conduct technology research and development in China through our PRC subsidiaries, our VIEs and their subsidiaries. Because technology development is our key backbone for our operations in a long run, our financial condition and results of operations are subject to influences from PRC's economic, political and social conditions to a great extent. The PRC economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many aspects, including, but not limited to, the degree of government involvement, control level of corruption, control of capital investment, reinvestment control of foreign exchange, allocation of resources, growth rate and development level.

        For approximately three decades, the PRC government has implemented economic reform measures to utilize market forces in the development of the PRC economy. We cannot predict whether changes in the PRC's economic, political and social conditions and in its laws, regulations and policies will have any adverse effect on our current or future business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, many of the economic reforms carried out by the PRC government are unprecedented or experimental and are expected to be refined and improved over time. This refining and improving process may not necessarily have a positive effect on our operations and business development. For example, the PRC government has in the past implemented a number of measures intended to slow down certain segments of the economy, including the property industry, which the government believed to be overheating. These actions, as well as other actions and policies of the PRC government, could cause a decrease in the overall level of economic activities in the PRC and, in turn, have an adverse impact on our business and financial condition.

The legal system of the PRC is not fully developed and there are inherent uncertainties that may affect the protection afforded to us.

        Our business and activities in China are governed by the PRC laws and regulations. The PRC legal system is generally based on written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since 1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various industries in China. However, as these laws and regulations are relatively new and continue to evolve, interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve significant uncertainties and different degrees of inconsistency. Some of the laws and regulations are still in the developmental stage and are therefore subject to policy changes. Many laws, regulations, policies and legal requirements have only been recently adopted by PRC central or local government agencies, and their implementation, interpretation and enforcement may involve uncertainty due to the lack of established practice available for reference. We cannot predict the effect of future legal developments in China, including the promulgation of new laws, changes in existing laws or their interpretation or enforcement, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. As a result, there are substantial uncertainties as to the legal protection available to us. Furthermore, due to the limited volume of published cases and the non-binding nature of prior court decisions, the outcome of the dispute resolution may not be as consistent or predictable as in other more developed jurisdictions, which may limit the legal protection available to us.

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We may be adversely affected by the complexity, uncertainties and changes in the PRC regulations of Internet-related businesses and companies, and any lack of requisite licenses, permits or approvals applicable to our business may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

        The PRC government extensively regulates the Internet industry, including foreign ownership of, and the licensing and permit requirements pertaining to, companies in the internet industry. These Internet-related laws and regulations are relatively new and evolving, and their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainties. As a result, in certain circumstances it may be difficult to determine what actions or omissions may be deemed to be in violation of applicable laws and regulations.

        We only have contractual control over the entities that provide Internet information provision services in China. We do not directly own such entities due to the restriction of foreign investment in businesses providing value-added telecommunication services in China, including Internet information provision services. This may significantly disrupt our business, subject us to sanctions, compromise enforceability of related contractual arrangements, or have other harmful effects on us.

        The evolving PRC regulatory system for the Internet industry may lead to the establishment of new regulatory agencies. For example, in May 2011, the State Council announced the establishment of a new department, the Cyberspace Administration of China, or the CAC, with the involvement of the State Council Information Office, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or the MIIT, and the Ministry of Public Security. The primary role of this new agency is to facilitate the policy-making and legislative development in this field, to direct and coordinate with the relevant departments in connection with online content administration and to deal with cross-ministry regulatory matters in relation to the Internet industry.

        Considering our business arrangement and development plan, currently we have set up another set of VIE structures and intend the new VIE or its subsidiary to apply for a value-added telecommunications business license as soon as practical to conduct value-added telecommunications business such as Internet information services. See "Regulations—PRC Regulations Relating to Internet Companies—Regulations on Value-Added Telecommunication Services." We cannot guarantee that our new VIE, Beijing Yiyi or its subsidiary, will obtain such value-added telecommunications business license due to uncertainties from PRC governmental authorities.

        In addition, our provision of certain services online may subject us to license requirements in China. For instance, we provide some recorded videos as a way of customer education and occasionally launch other audio-video contents on our platform and our community, which may result in audio-video license requirements from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or the SAPPRFT. We also provide some digital works on our website and APP, which may require online publishing service license issued by the SAPPRFT. In addition, we reprint some articles related to the stock market on our website and APP, and therefore may be subject to permit and approval requirements from the State Council Information Office. Furthermore, we also need to strictly follow the requirements applicable to online content providers set forth by the relevant regulatory authorities, especially for financial information. See "Regulations—PRC Regulations Relating to Internet Companies—PRC Regulation on Financial Information Services." Failure to comply with these license or other requirements may subject us to penalties, which may adversely affect our business operations and reputation.

        The interpretation and application of the existing PRC laws, regulations and policies and possible new laws, regulations or policies relating to the Internet industry have created substantial uncertainties regarding the legality of the existing and future foreign investments in, and the businesses and activities of, Internet businesses in China, including our business. We cannot assure you that we have obtained all the permits or licenses related to our Internet related business in China that might be required for conducting our supporting functions in China or will be able to maintain our existing licenses or obtain

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new ones. In the event that the PRC government considers that we were operating without the proper approvals, licenses or permits, promulgates new laws and regulations that require additional approvals or licenses, or imposes additional restrictions on the operation of any part of our business, it has the power, among other things, to levy fines, confiscate our income, revoke our business licenses, and require us to discontinue our relevant business or impose restrictions on the affected portion of our business. Any of these actions by the PRC government may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

The enforcement of the Labor Contract Law of the People's Republic of China, or the PRC Labor Contract Law, and other labor-related regulations in the PRC may increase our labor costs and impose limitations on our labor practices.

        On June 29, 2007, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, or the SCNPC, in China enacted the PRC Labor Contract Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008 and was amended on December 28, 2012. The PRC Labor Contract Law introduces specific provisions related to fixed-term employment contracts, part-time employment, probation, consultation with labor unions and employee assemblies, employment without a written contract, dismissal of employees, severance, and collective bargaining, which together represent enhanced enforcement of labor laws and regulations. According to the PRC Labor Contract Law, an employer is obliged to sign an unfixed-term labor contract with any employee who has worked for the employer for 10 consecutive years. Further, if an employee requests or agrees to renew a fixed-term labor contract that has already been entered into twice consecutively, the resulting contract must have an unfixed term, subject to certain exceptions. The employer must pay economic compensation to an employee where a labor contract is terminated or expires in accordance with the PRC Labor Contract Law, except for certain situations which are specifically regulated. In addition, the government has issued various labor-related regulations to further protect the rights of employees. According to such laws and regulations, employees are entitled to an annual leave ranging from 5 to 15 days and are able to be compensated for any untaken annual leave days in the amount of three times of their daily salary, subject to certain exceptions.

        As a result of these regulations, which are designed to enhance labor protection, we expect our labor costs to increase, as the continued success of our business depends significantly on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. In the event that we decide to change our employment or labor practices, the PRC Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules may also limit our ability to affect those changes in a manner that we believe to be cost-effective. In addition, as the interpretation and implementation of these new regulations are still evolving, our employment practices may not be at all times deemed in compliance with the new regulations. If we are subject to severe penalties or incur significant liabilities in connection with labor disputes or investigations, our business and financial condition may be adversely affected.

        In addition, on December 28, 2012, the PRC Labor Contract Law was amended to impose more stringent requirements on labor dispatches, and such amendments became effective on July 1, 2013. For example, the number of dispatched contract workers that an employer hires may not exceed a certain percentage of the total number of employees to be decided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and the dispatched contract workers can only engage in temporary, auxiliary or substitute work. According to the Interim Provisions on Labor Dispatch, or the Interim Provisions, promulgated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on January 24, 2014, which became effective on March 1, 2014, the number of dispatched contract workers hired by an employer shall not exceed 10% of the total number of its employees (including both directly hired employees and dispatched contract workers). The Interim Provisions further requires the employer that is not in compliance with the above provisions to formulate a plan to reduce the number of its dispatched contract workers to below 10% of the total number of its employees prior to March 1, 2016. However, if any labor contract or labor dispatch agreement legally executed prior to December 28, 2012 will

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expire within two years after the date of implementation thereof, such contracts or agreements may continue to be performed until the expiry thereof in accordance with the applicable law. In addition, an employer is not permitted to hire any new dispatched contract worker until the number of its dispatched contract workers has been reduced to below 10% of the total number of its employees. Such limitations on use of dispatched labor may increase our labor costs and impose limitations on our employment practices, which may adversely affect our business and profitability.

Failure to make adequate contributions to various employee benefit plans as required by the PRC regulations may subject us to penalties.

        Companies operating in China are required to participate in various government-sponsored employee benefit plans, including certain social insurances, housing funds and other welfare-oriented payment obligations, and contribute to the plans in amounts equal to certain percentages of salaries, including bonuses and allowances, of our employees up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time at locations where we operate our businesses. The requirement of employee benefit plans has not been implemented consistently by the local governments in China given the different levels of economic development in different locations. Our PRC operating entities incorporated in various locations in China have not made adequate employee benefit payments and we have recorded accruals for estimated underpaid amounts in our financial statements. We may be required to make up the contributions for these plans as well as to pay late fees and fines.

        Regulators may impose penalties and fines with respect to shortfall in social insurance payment. A late payment fee at the rate of 0.05% per day of the outstanding amount from the due date may be imposed, and if such amounts remain outstanding beyond a prescribed time limit, a fine of one to three times of the outstanding amount may be imposed. While there are no explicit quantitative statutory fines or penalties on late payments of housing funds as advised by our PRC legal counsel, the housing accumulation fund management center may order us to pay any housing fund shortfalls immediately. Although based on the opinion of our PRC counsel, the possibility that we will be subject to any fine or penalty is remote, if we become subject to such fines or penalties in relation to the underpaid employee benefits, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Any failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee share incentive plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.

        Pursuant to the Notice on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly Listed Company, issued by the SAFE in February 2012, employees, directors, supervisors and other senior management participating in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company who are PRC citizens or who are non-PRC citizens residing in China for a continuous period of not less than one year, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with the SAFE through a domestic qualified agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company, and complete certain other procedures. We and our directors, executive officers and other employees who are PRC citizens or who reside in the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one year and who have been granted restricted shares, restricted share units or options will be subject to these regulations if those employees exercise such restricted shares, restricted share units or options when our company becomes an overseas listed company upon the completion of this offering. Separately, the SAFE Circular 37 also requires certain registration procedures to be completed if those employees exercise restricted shares, restricted share units or options before the listing. Failure to complete the SAFE registrations may subject them to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China. We also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional incentive plans for our directors and employees under PRC law.

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        In addition, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, has issued certain circulars concerning employee share options or restricted shares. Under these circulars, the employees working in the PRC who exercise share options or are granted restricted share units will be subject to PRC individual income tax. The PRC subsidiaries of such an overseas listed company have obligations to file documents related to employee share options or restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of those employees who exercise their share options. If the employees fail to pay or the PRC subsidiaries fail to withhold their income taxes in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries may face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC government authorities.

We may be deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, and be subject to the PRC taxation on our worldwide income, which may significantly increase our income tax expenses and materially decrease our profitability.

        Under the EIT Law that took effect on January 1, 2008, enterprises established outside of China whose "de facto management bodies" are located in China are considered to be "resident enterprises" and will generally be subject to a uniform 25% corporate income tax on their global income (excluding dividends received from "resident enterprises"). In addition, a circular issued by SAT on April 22, 2009 and amended on January 29, 2014 sets out certain standards for determining whether the "de facto management body" of an offshore enterprise funded by Chinese enterprises as controlling shareholders is located in China. Although this circular applies only to offshore enterprises funded by Chinese enterprises as controlling shareholders, rather than those funded by Chinese or foreign individuals or foreign enterprises as controlling shareholders (such as our company), the determining criteria set forth in the circular may reflect SAT's general position on how the "de facto management body" test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of how they are funded. Although our company is not funded by Chinese enterprises as controlling shareholders, substantial uncertainties remain as to whether our company or any of our other non-PRC entities will be deemed a PRC resident enterprise for the EIT purposes. If we or any of our subsidiaries registered outside the PRC are to be deemed a "resident enterprise" under the EIT Law, our income tax expenses may increase significantly, and our profitability could decrease materially.

You may be subject to PRC withholding tax on dividends from us and PRC income tax on any gain realized on the transfer of our shares or ADSs if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise.

        As described above, we may be treated as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. Under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, PRC withholding tax at the rate of 10% is normally applicable to PRC sourced dividends payable to investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises, which do not have an establishment or place of business in PRC, or which have such establishment or place of business if the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business. Any gain realized on the transfer of ADSs or shares by such non-PRC resident enterprise investors is also subject to a 10% PRC income tax if such gain is regarded as income derived from sources within the PRC. Under the PRC Individual Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, PRC sourced dividends paid to non-PRC individual investors are generally subject to a PRC withholding tax at a rate of 20% and gains from PRC sources realized by such investors on the transfer of ADSs or shares are generally subject to a 20% PRC income tax. While substantially all of our brokerage operations are in New Zealand, it is unclear whether dividends we pay with respect to our ADSs, or the gain realized from the transfer of our ADSs, would be treated as the income derived from sources within the PRC and as a result be subject to PRC income tax if we were considered a PRC resident enterprise, as described above. See "—We may be deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, and be subject to the PRC taxation on our worldwide income, which may significantly increase our income tax expenses and materially decrease our profitability." If PRC income tax were imposed on gains realized through the transfer of our ADSs or

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on dividends paid to our non-resident investors, the value of your investment in our ADSs may be materially and adversely affected. Any PRC tax liability described above may be reduced under applicable tax treaties. However, it is unclear whether our ADS holders whose jurisdictions of residence have tax treaties or arrangements with China will be able to obtain the benefits of such tax treaties or arrangements, if the prerequisites provided under the relevant treaties or arrangements were not satisfied.

We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.

        On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued the Circular on issues of enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Transfer of Assets by Non-PRC Resident Enerprise, or the SAT Circular 7 pursuant to which if a non-resident enterprise transfers the equity interests of a PRC resident enterprise indirectly by transfer of the equity interests of an offshore holding company (other than the purchase and sale of shares in public securities market) without a reasonable commercial purpose, the PRC tax authorities have the power to reassess the nature of the transaction and the indirect equity transfer might be treated as a direct transfer. As a result, the gain derived from such transfer, which means the equity transfer price minus the cost of equity, will be subject to the PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%. Under the SAT Circular 7, the transfer which meets all of the following circumstances shall be deemed as having no reasonable commercial purpose: (i) over 75% of the value of the equity interests of the offshore holding company are directly or indirectly derived from PRC taxable properties; (ii) at any time during the year before the indirect transfer, over 90% of the total properties of the offshore holding company are investments within PRC territory, or in the year before the indirect transfer, over 90% of the offshore holding company's total income is directly or indirectly derived from within PRC territory; (iii) the function performed and risks assumed by the offshore holding company are insufficient to substantiate its corporate existence; or (iv) the foreign income tax imposed on the indirect transfer is lower than the PRC tax imposed on the direct transfer of the PRC taxable properties.

        The SAT Circular 7 and its interpretation by relevant PRC authorities clarify that an exemption is available for transfers of shares in a publicly-traded entity that is listed overseas if the purchase of the shares and the sale of the shares both take place in the open market. However, if a shareholder of an entity that is listed overseas purchases shares in the open market and sells them in a private transaction, or purchases shares in a private transaction and sells them in the open market, the PRC tax authorities might deem such a transfer to be subject to the SAT Circular 7, which could subject such shareholder to additional reporting obligations or tax burdens. Accordingly, if a holder of our shares or ADSs purchases our shares or ADSs in the open market and sells them in a private transaction, or purchases our shares or ADSs in a private transaction and sells them in the open market, and fails to comply with the SAT Circular 7, the PRC tax authorities may take actions, including requesting us to provide assistance for their investigation or impose a penalty on us, which could have a negative impact on our business operations. In addition, since we may pursue acquisitions as one of our growth strategies, and may conduct acquisitions involving complex corporate structures, the PRC tax authorities might impose taxes on capital gains or request that we submit certain additional documentation for their review in connection with any potential acquisitions, which may incur additional acquisition costs, or delay our acquisition timetable.

        The PRC tax authorities have discretion under the SAT Circular 7 to make adjustments to the taxable capital gains based on the difference between the fair value of the equity interests transferred and the cost of investment. We may pursue acquisitions in the future that involve complex corporate structures. If we are considered a non-resident enterprise under the EIT Law and if the PRC tax authorities make adjustments to the taxable income of these transactions under the SAT Circular 7, our income tax expenses associated with such potential acquisitions will be increased, which may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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We may not be able to obtain certain tax benefits for dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries to us through our Hong Kong subsidiaries.

        Pursuant to the EIT Law and its implementation rules, if a non-resident enterprise has not set up an organization or establishment in the PRC, or has set up an organization or establishment therein but its income has no actual connection with such organization or establishment, it will be subject to a withholding tax on its PRC-sourced income at a rate of 10%. Pursuant to the Arrangement between the Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, or the Double Taxation Arrangement, the withholding tax rate on dividends paid by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong enterprise is reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly holds at least 25% of the equity interests of the PRC enterprise. There are also other conditions for enjoying the reduced withholding tax rate according to other relevant tax rules and regulations. See "Regulation—Regulations Relating to Tax—PRC Regulations on Dividend Withholding Tax." We cannot assure you that our determination regarding our qualification to enjoy the preferential tax treatment will not be challenged by the relevant PRC tax authority that or we will be able to complete the necessary filings with the relevant PRC tax authority and enjoy the preferential withholding tax rate of 5% under the Double Taxation Arrangement with respect to dividends to be paid by our PRC subsidiaries to our Hong Kong subsidiaries.

The approval of relevant government authorities may be required in connection with this offering under PRC law, and if required, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain such approval.

        On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including the MOFCOM, the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, or the SASAC, the SAT, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce the CSRC, and the SAFE, jointly adopted the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, which became effective on September 8, 2006, and was amended on June 22, 2009 by the MOFCOM. The M&A Rules, among other things, purports to require offshore special purpose vehicles that are controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or individuals and that have been formed for the purpose of seeking a public listing of the interest in PRC companies on an overseas stock exchange through acquisitions to obtain the CSRC approval prior to publicly listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC clarified the procedures and required materials regarding its approval of overseas listings by special purpose vehicles. However, substantial uncertainties remain as to the scope and applicability of the M&A Rules to offshore special purpose vehicles. The interpretation and application of the regulations remain unclear, and this offering may ultimately require approval from the CSRC, and if it does, it is uncertain how long it will take us to obtain the approval. If the CSRC approval is required for this offering, our failure to obtain or delay in obtaining such CSRC approval for this offering would subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC and other PRC regulatory agencies, which could include fines and penalties on our activities in China, restrictions or limitations on our ability to pay dividends outside of China, and other forms of sanctions that may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

        Our PRC legal counsel advised us that we will not be required to submit an application to the CSRC for the approval of this offering because (i) the CSRC currently has not issued any definitive rule or interpretation concerning whether offerings like ours under this prospectus are subject to this regulation, (ii) our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries were established by means of direct investments rather than by a merger with or an acquisition of any PRC domestic companies as defined under the M&A Rules; and (iii) no explicit provision in the M&A Rules classifies the respective contractual arrangements among our WFOEs, our consolidated VIEs and their respective shareholders as a type of acquisition transaction falling within the scope of the M&A Rules. Further, it is not aware of any public record indicating that any of the issuers having similar offshore and onshore corporate structures and

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already listed on an offshore stock exchange has been required by the CSRC to procure such approval prior to its listing.

        However, our PRC legal counsel further advised us that since there has been no official interpretation or clarification of the M&A Rules, there remain some uncertainties as to how the M&A Rules will be interpreted or implemented in the context of an overseas offering and the opinions summarized above are subject to any new laws and regulations or further implementations and interpretations of competent government authorities in any form relating to the M&A Rules. Further, we cannot assure you that the PRC government authorities, including the CSRC, will reach the same conclusion as our PRC legal counsel. If the CSRC or other PRC government authorities determine that such prior CSRC approval is required, any future registered offering will be delayed until we obtain such approval. If prior approval from the CSRC is required but not obtained, we may face regulatory actions or other sanctions from the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities.

Our leased property interest may be defective and our right to lease the properties may be affected by such defects, which could cause significant disruption to our business.

        Under the applicable PRC laws and regulations, all lease agreements are required to be registered with the local housing authorities. The landlords of certain of our leased premises in China may have not completed the registration of their ownership rights or our leases with the relevant authorities. Failure to complete these required registrations may expose our landlords, lessors and us to potential monetary fines. If these registrations are not obtained in a timely manner, or at all, we may be subject to monetary fines or may have to relocate our offices, which will incur the associated losses and adversely affect our normal business operations.

The audit report included in this prospectus is prepared by an auditor that is not inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and, as such, you are deprived of the benefits of such inspection.

        Our independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit reports included in this prospectus, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the U.S. and a firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, is required by the laws of the U.S. to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess its compliance with the laws of the U.S. and the relevant professional standards. Because our auditors are located in China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities, our auditors are not currently inspected by the PCAOB. 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. However, it remains unclear what further actions the SEC and the PCAOB will take to address the problem.

        Inspections of other firms that the PCAOB has conducted outside of China have identified deficiencies in those firms' audit procedures and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. The lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditors' audits and its quality control procedures. As a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of the PCAOB inspections.

        The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our auditors' audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the PCAOB inspections. Investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information and procedures and the quality of our financial statements. For more risks related to our auditor, please see "—Proceedings instituted by the SEC against the "big four" PRC-based accounting firms could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act."

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Proceedings instituted by the SEC against the "big four" PRC-based accounting firms could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.

        Starting in 2011 the Chinese affiliates of the "big four" accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, were affected by a conflict between the U.S. law and the Chinese law. Specifically, for certain U.S.-listed companies operating and audited in mainland China, the SEC and the PCAOB, sought to obtain from the Chinese firms access to their audit work papers and related documents. The firms were, however, advised and directed that under Chinese law, they could not respond directly to the U.S. regulators on those requests, and that requests by foreign regulators for access to such papers in China had to be channeled through the CSRC.

        In late 2012, this impasse led the SEC to commence administrative proceedings under Rule 102(e) of its Rules of Practice and also under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act against the Chinese accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm. A first instance trial of the proceedings in July 2013 in the SEC's internal administrative court resulted in an adverse judgment against the firms. The administrative law judge proposed penalties on the firms including a temporary suspension of their right to practice before the SEC, although that proposed penalty did not take effect pending review by the Commissioners of the SEC. On February 6, 2015, before a review by the Commissioner had taken place, the firms reached a settlement with the SEC. Under the settlement, the SEC accepts that future requests by the SEC for the production of documents will normally be made to the CSRC. The firms will receive matching Section 106 requests, and are required to abide by a detailed set of procedures with respect to such requests, which in substance require them to facilitate production via the CSRC. If they fail to meet specified criteria, the SEC retains the authority to impose a variety of additional remedial measures on the firms depending on the nature of the failure. Remedies for any future non-compliance could include, as appropriate, an automatic six-month bar on a single firm's performance of certain audit work, commencement of a new proceeding against a firm, or in extreme cases the resumption of the current proceeding against all of the four firms. If additional remedial measures are imposed on the Chinese affiliates of the "big four" accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, in administrative proceedings brought by the SEC alleging the firms' failure to meet specific criteria set by the SEC with respect to requests for the production of documents, we could be unable to timely file future financial statements in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.

        In the event that the SEC restarts the administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the United States with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operations in China, which could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, including possible delisting. Moreover, any negative news about any such future proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainties regarding China-based, U.S.-listed companies and the market price of our common stock may be adversely affected.

        If our independent registered public accounting firm was denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before the SEC and we were unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our financial statements could be determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such a determination could ultimately lead to the delisting of our ADSs from the Nasdaq Global Select Market or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of our ADSs in the United States.

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Risks Related to this Offering and Our ADSs

An active trading market for our shares or our ADSs may not develop and the trading price for our ADSs may fluctuate significantly.

        We have applied to list our ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Prior to the completion of this offering, there has been no public market for our ADSs or our Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs, and we cannot assure you that a liquid public market for our ADSs will develop. If an active public market for our ADSs does not develop following the completion of this offering, the market price and liquidity of our ADSs may be materially and adversely affected. Even if an active public market for our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs develops, we cannot assure you that it will continue. The initial public offering price for our ADSs will be determined by negotiations between us and the underwriters based upon several factors, and we can provide no assurance that the trading price of our ADSs after this offering will not decline below the initial public offering price. As a result, investors in our securities may experience a significant decrease in the value of their ADSs.

The trading prices of our ADSs are likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.

        The trading prices of our ADSs are likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of broad market and industry factors, like the performance and fluctuation in the market prices or the underperformance or deteriorating financial results of other similarly situated companies that have listed their securities in the U.S. in recent years. The securities of some of these companies have experienced significant volatility since their initial public offerings, including, in some cases, substantial price declines in the trading prices of their securities. The trading performances of these companies' securities after their offerings may affect the attitudes of investors toward such companies listed in the United States, which consequently may affect the trading performance of our ADSs, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, securities markets may from time to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to our operating performance, such as the large decline in share prices in the United States and other jurisdictions.

        In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for our ADSs may be highly volatile for factors specific to our own operations, including the following:

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

We may grant employee share options and other share-based compensation awards in the future. Any additional grant of employee share options and other share-based compensation awards in the future may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

        We have adopted and may adopt employee share option plans for the purpose of granting share-based compensation awards to our employees, officers, directors and other eligible persons to incentivize their performance and align their interests with ours. As of the date of this prospectus, options to purchase                   Class A ordinary shares are issued and outstanding under the 2018 Share Incentive Plan. For more information on these share incentive plans, see "Management—2018 Share Incentive Plan." As a result of these grants and potential future grants, we expect to continue to incur significant share-based compensation expenses in the future. The amount of these expenses is based on the fair value of the share-based awards. We account for compensation costs for all share options using a fair-value-based method and recognize expenses in our combined and consolidated statements of comprehensive income and other comprehensive income in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The expenses associated with share-based compensation will decrease our profitability, perhaps materially, and the additional awards issued under share-based compensation plans will dilute the ownership interests of our shareholders, including holders of our ADSs. However, if we limit the scope of our share-based compensation plan, we may not be able to attract or retain key personnel who expect to be compensated by such share-based awards.

We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act and may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements.

        We are an "emerging growth company," as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, most significantly, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for so long as we are an emerging growth company. As a result, if we elect not to comply with such auditor attestation requirements, our investors may not have access to certain information they may deem important.

        The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. However, we have elected to "opt out" of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted for public companies. This decision to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act is irrevocable.

        We cannot predict if investors will find our ADSs less attractive due to our status under the JOBS Act. If some investors find our ADSs less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our ADSs and our ADS price may be more volatile.

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

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

The sale or availability for sale, or perceived sale or availability for sale, of substantial amounts of our ADSs could adversely affect their market price.

        Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs in the public market after the completion of this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our ADSs and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future. There will be            ADSs (equivalent to            Class A ordinary shares) outstanding immediately after this offering, or            ADSs (equivalent to            Class A ordinary shares) if the underwriters exercise their options to purchase additional ADSs in full. The ADSs sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and shares held by our existing shareholders may also be sold in the public market in the future subject to the restrictions in Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act and the applicable lock-up agreements. In connection with this offering, we and our officers, directors and all of our shareholders have agreed, and we have agreed to cause all our option holders, not to sell any shares or ADSs for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of the underwriters. However, the underwriters may release the securities subject to lock-up agreements from the lock-up restrictions at any time, subject to applicable regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. In addition, Class A ordinary shares subject to our outstanding options as of the completion of this offering will become eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various vesting agreements, the lock-up agreements and Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act. We may also issue additional options in the future that may be exercised for additional Class A ordinary shares. We cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of securities held by our significant shareholders or any other shareholder or the availability of these securities for future sale will have on the market price of our ADSs. See "Underwriting" and "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" for a more detailed description of the restrictions on selling our securities after this offering.

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Our dual-class share structure with different voting rights will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions.

        We have and will maintain a dual-class share structure such that our ordinary shares consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. In respect of matters requiring the votes of shareholders, upon the completion of this offering, a holder of Class B ordinary shares will be entitled to 20 votes per share, subject to certain conditions, while holders of Class A ordinary shares will be entitled to one vote per share based on our proposed dual-class share structure. We will sell Class A ordinary shares represented by our ADSs in this offering. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share by the holder thereof, subject to certain conditions, while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any sale of Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any person other than Mr. Tianhua Wu or any entity which is not a permitted affiliate to Mr. Tianhua Wu, such Class B ordinary shares are automatically and immediately converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares. For a description of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, see "Description of Share Capital."

        Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, Mr. Tianhua Wu and his family will beneficially own all of our issued Class B ordinary shares. These Class B ordinary shares will constitute approximately            % of our total issued and outstanding share capital immediately after the completion of this offering and            % of the aggregate voting power of our total issued and outstanding share capital immediately after the completion of this offering due to the disparate voting powers associated with our dual-class share structure, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option. See "Principal Shareholders." As a result of the dual-class share structure and the concentration of ownership, holders of Class B ordinary shares will have considerable influence over matters such as decisions regarding mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, election of directors and other significant corporate actions. Such holders may take actions that are not in the best interest of us or our other shareholders. This concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could have the effect of depriving our other shareholders of the opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and may reduce the price of our ADSs. This concentrated control will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions that holders of Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.

As a result of Mr. Tianhua Wu's ownership of our Class B ordinary shares, Mr. Wu will effectively control the outcome of shareholder actions in our company and may take actions that might not be beneficial to you as a holder of our ADSs.

        Upon the completion of this offering and assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option to purchase additional ADSs, Mr. Tianhua Wu will hold the voting rights attached to all of our 337,611,722 Class B ordinary shares. As each Class B ordinary share entitles its holder to 20 votes per share, such Class B ordinary shares in the aggregate represent        % of the combined total voting rights in our company. Mr. Wu's shareholding, in particular the greater voting rights of Class B ordinary shares he holds, gives him the power to control any actions that require shareholder approval under Cayman Islands law, our memorandum and articles of association, and the Nasdaq requirements. Mr. Wu could have sufficient voting rights to determine the outcome of all matters requiring shareholder approval even if he should, at some point in the future, hold considerably less than a majority of the combined total of our outstanding ordinary shares. Mr. Wu's voting power may prevent a transaction involving a change of control of us, including transactions in which you as a holder of our ADSs might otherwise receive a premium for your securities over the then-current market price. Similarly, Mr. Wu may approve a merger or consolidation of our company which may result in you receiving a stake (either in the form of shares, debt obligations or other securities) in the

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surviving or new consolidated company which may not operate our current business model and dissenter rights may not be available to you in such an event.

We are a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act and therefore are exempt from certain provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.

        Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including but not limited to:

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

As a foreign private issuer with ADSs to be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, we will follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain NASDAQ requirements.

        As a foreign private issuer whose ADSs are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, we are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain Nasdaq requirements. A foreign private issuer that elects to follow its home country practice must submit to the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC a written statement from an independent counsel in such issuer's home country certifying that the issuer's practices are not prohibited by the home country's laws. In addition, a foreign private issuer must disclose in its annual reports filed with the SEC each Nasdaq requirement with which it does not comply followed by a description of its applicable home country practice.

        As a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with ADSs to be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, we intend to follow our home country practice instead of NASDAQ requirements that mandate that:

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We will be a "controlled company" as defined under the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and, as a result, can rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

        Upon the completion of this offering, we will be a "controlled company" as defined under the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules because Mr. Tianhua Wu, our founder, director and chief executive officer, will hold more than 50% of our total voting power. For so long as we remain as a controlled company as defined above, we are permitted to elect to, and may, rely on certain exemptions from corporate governance requirements otherwise applicable. As a result, you may not have the same protection afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to these corporate governance requirements.

The dual-class structure of our ordinary shares may adversely affect the trading market for our ADSs.

        Certain shareholder advisory firms have announced changes to their eligibility criteria for inclusion of shares of public companies on certain indices, including the S&P 500, to exclude companies with multiple classes of shares and companies whose public shareholders hold no more than 5% of total voting power from being added to such indices. In addition, several shareholder advisory firms have announced their opposition to the use of multiple class structures. As a result, the dual class structure of our ordinary shares may prevent the inclusion of our ADSs representing Class A ordinary shares in such indices and may cause shareholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary about our corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to cause us to change our capital structure. Any such exclusion from indices could result in a less active trading market for our ADSs. Any actions or publications by shareholder advisory firms critical of our corporate governance practices or capital structure could also adversely affect the value of our ADSs.

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

        If you invest in our ADSs, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per ADS and our net tangible book value per ADS after this offering. Without taking into account any other changes in such net tangible book value after December 31, 2018, other than to give effect to our issuance and sale of            ADSs in this offering and our issuance, at an assumed initial public offering price of US$            per ADS, the mid-point of the estimated public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us (assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised), new investors in ADSs in this offering would be diluted by US$            , or      %. This number is determined by subtracting net tangible book value per ordinary share, after giving effect to the net proceeds we will receive from this offering, from the assumed initial public offering price of US$            per ADS, which is the mid-point of the estimated initial public offering price range per ADS set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. See "Dilution" for a more complete description of how the value of your investment in our ADSs will be diluted upon the completion of this offering.

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

        We are an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum of association and articles of association, the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedents in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law

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of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedents in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have the standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.

        Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like ours have no general rights under the Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have the discretion under our fourth amended and restated articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.

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

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

You may not be able to participate in rights offerings and may experience dilution of your holdings as a result.

        We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. Under the deposit agreement for the ADSs, the depositary will not offer those rights to ADS holders unless both the rights and the underlying securities to be distributed to ADS holders are either registered under the Securities Act, or exempted from registration under the Securities Act with respect to all holders of ADSs. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. In addition, we may not be able to take advantage of any exemptions from the registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, holders of the ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in their holdings as a result.

Judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable in our home jurisdiction.

        We are a Cayman Islands company and a substantial majority of our assets are located outside of the United States. A significant percentage of our current brokerage operations are conducted in New Zealand. In addition, a significant majority of our current directors and officers are nationals and residents of jurisdictions other than the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands, New Zealand,

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China and other jurisdictions where we operate may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. There are uncertainties as to whether Cayman Islands courts would:

        There is no statutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the Cayman Islands will under certain circumstances recognize and enforce a non-penal judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our ADSs and trading volume could decline.

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

The depositary for our ADSs will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs if you do not vote at shareholders' meetings, except under limited circumstances, which could adversely affect your interests.

        Under the deposit agreement for the ADSs, if you do not give instructions for voting the Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to vote those Class A ordinary shares at the shareholders' meeting unless:

        The effect of this discretionary proxy is that you cannot prevent our Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs from being voted at the shareholder meeting, except under the circumstances described above. This may make it more difficult for shareholders to influence the management of our company. Holders of our Class B ordinary shares are not subject to this discretionary proxy.

The deposit agreement may be amended or terminated without your consent.

        We and the depositary may amend or terminate the deposit agreement without your consent. Such amendment or termination may be done in favor of our company. Holders of our ADSs are entitled to a prior notice in the event of a materially prejudicial amendment or termination thereof. If you continue to hold your ADSs after an amendment to the deposit agreement, you agree to be bound by

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the deposit agreement as amended. The deposit agreement may be terminated at any time upon a prior written notice. Upon the termination of the deposit agreement, our company will be discharged from all obligations under this deposit agreement except for its obligations to the depositary thereunder. See "Description of American Depositary Shares" for more information.

If we do not pay dividends in the future, you must rely on price appreciation of our ADSs for return on your investment.

        Our board of directors may from time to time declare dividends or authorize other distributions to our shareholders, subject to certain restrictions under the Cayman Islands law, namely that our company may only pay dividends out of profits or share premium, and provided always that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid out of share premium if this would result in our company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiary, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our ADSs. There is no guarantee that our ADSs will appreciate in value after this offering or even maintain the price at which you purchase the ADSs. You may not realize a return on your investment in our ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in our ADSs. For more details of our dividend policy, please see the section titled "Dividend Policy."

You may not receive dividends or other distributions on our Class A ordinary shares and you may not receive any value for them, if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to you.

        To the extent that we decide to pay a dividend or make other distributions in the future, the depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you such cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities underlying our ADSs, after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of Class A ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if there are securities that require the registration under the Securities Act but such securities are not properly registered or distributed under an applicable exemption from the registration. The depositary may also determine that it is not feasible to distribute certain property through the mail. Additionally, the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may determine not to distribute such property. We have no obligation to register under the U.S. securities laws any ADSs, Class A ordinary shares, rights or other securities received through such distributions. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, Class A ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs. This means that you may not receive distributions we make on our Class A ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to you. These restrictions may cause a material decline in the value of our ADSs.

You may be subject to limitations on the transfer of your ADSs.

        Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close its books from time to time for a number of reasons, including in connection with corporate events such as a rights offerings when the depositary needs to maintain an

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exact number of ADS holders on its books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on weekends and public holidays in the United States. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register the transfers of our ADSs generally when our share register or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary think that it is advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. As a result, you may be unable to transfer your ADSs when you wish to under these circumstances.

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could discourage a third party from acquiring us, which could limit our shareholders' opportunity to sell their shares, including Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs, at a premium.

        We will adopt the fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering. Some provisions of our fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including provisions that: authorize our board of directors to issue preference shares in one or more series and to designate the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of such preference shares without any further vote or action by our shareholders; and limit the ability of shareholders to requisition and convene general meetings of shareholders. Under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company. However, these provisions could still have the effect of depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transaction.

Our management will have considerable discretion as to the use of the net proceeds from this offer and you may not agree with our management on these uses.

        As of December 31, 2018, our cash and cash equivalents were US$34.4 million. We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately US$            million, or approximately US$            million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional            ADSs in full, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering for purposes including but not limited to (i) general corporate matters, (ii) establishment of entities and application of operating licenses, (iii) satisfaction of increased capital adequacy requirements, and (iv) potential investments in various forms. However, our management will have considerable discretion in the application of the net proceeds received by us. You will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether proceeds are being used appropriately. You must rely on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the net proceeds of this offering. The net proceeds may be used for corporate purposes that do not improve our efforts to maintain profitability or increase our share price. The net proceeds from this offering may be placed in investments that do not produce income or that lose value. For more details of our plan on how to use our proceeds, please see the section titled "Use of Proceeds."

We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. investors of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares.

        Depending upon the value of our ADSs and Class A ordinary shares and the nature and composition of our assets and income over time, we could be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Based on the expected composition of our

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income and assets and the value of our assets, including goodwill, which is based in part on the expected price of our ADSs in this offering, we do not expect to be a PFIC for the taxable year ending December 31, 2019 or in the foreseeable future. Despite our expectation, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC in the current taxable year or any future taxable year as PFIC status is tested each taxable year and will depend on the composition of our assets and income and the value of our assets in each such taxable year. Our PFIC status for the current taxable year 2019 will not be determinable until the close of the taxable year ending December 31, 2019.

        We will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of our gross income for the taxable year is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value of our assets (based on a quarterly value of the assets during the taxable year) is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. Passive income generally includes interest, and cash and loans are generally considered passive assets. In determining the average percentage value of our gross assets, the aggregate value of our assets will generally be deemed to be equal to our market capitalization (determined by the sum of the aggregate value of our outstanding equity) plus our liabilities. Accordingly, we could become a PFIC if our market capitalization were to decrease significantly while we hold substantial cash, cash equivalents or other assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income such as loans to customers. In addition, we expect to increase our margin loan business (where we extend margin loans using our own capital rather than Interactive Brokers' capital) which will increase our passive interest income. Furthermore, we could also be a PFIC if we were not treated as the owner of our consolidated affiliated entities for U.S. tax purposes. Because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant PFIC rules, it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, may challenge our classification of certain income and assets as non-passive or our valuation of our tangible and intangible assets, which could result in a determination that we were a PFIC for the current or subsequent taxable years.

        If we were a PFIC in any taxable year in which a U.S. investor holds our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, the U.S. investor would generally be subject to additional taxes and interest charges on certain "excess" distributions we make and on the gain, if any, recognized on the disposition or deemed disposition of such U.S. investor's ADS or Class A ordinary shares, even if we are no longer a PFIC in the year of distribution or disposition. Moreover, such U.S. investor would also be subject to special U.S. tax reporting requirements. For more information on the U.S. tax consequences to certain U.S. investors that would result from our classification as a PFIC, see "Taxation—United States Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company."

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of current or historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

        You can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "likely to" or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

        You should read this prospectus and the documents that we refer to in this prospectus with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from and worse than what we expect. Other sections of this prospectus include additional factors which could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all the risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all the factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

        You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

        This prospectus contains certain data and information that we obtained from various government and private publications. The market data contained in this prospectus involve a number of assumptions, estimates and limitations. The brokerage services market and related markets in the relevant jurisdictions may not grow at the rates projected by market data, or at all. The failure of these markets to grow at the projected rates may have a material adverse effect on our business and the market price of our ADSs. If any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data turns out to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions. In addition, projections, assumptions and estimates of our future performance and the future performance of the industry in which we operate are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risks due to a variety of factors, including those described in "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately US$             million, or approximately US$             million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional            ADSs in full, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. These estimates are based upon an assumed initial offering price of US$            per ADS, the midpoint of the range shown on the front cover page of this prospectus. A US$1.00 change in the assumed initial public offering price of US$            per ADS would, in the case of an increase, increase and, in the case of a decrease, decrease the net proceeds of this offering by US$             million, or approximately US$             million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in full, assuming no change to the number of            ADSs offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us.

        The primary purposes of this offering are to create a public market for our shares for the benefit of all of our shareholders, retain talented employees by providing them with equity incentives, and obtain additional capital. We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering, as follows:

        The amounts and timing of any expenditures will vary depending on the amount of cash generated by our operations, and the rate of growth, if any, of our business. Accordingly, our management will have significant flexibility in applying the net proceeds of the offering. If an unforeseen event occurs or business conditions change, we may use the proceeds of this offering differently than as described in this prospectus. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and Our ADSs—Our management will have considerable discretion as to the use of the net proceeds from this offer and you may not agree with our management on these uses."

        In utilizing the proceeds of this offering, we are permitted under the PRC laws and regulations to provide funding to our PRC subsidiaries only through loans or capital contributions. Subject to satisfaction of the applicable government registration and approval requirements, we may extend inter-company loans to our PRC subsidiary or make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary to fund its capital expenditures or working capital. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain these government registrations or approvals in a timely manner, if at all. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from using proceeds we receive from this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries."

        Pending the use of the net proceeds, we intend to hold our net proceeds in demand deposits or make investments including cash equivalents such as interest-bearing government securities.

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DIVIDEND POLICY

        We have not previously declared or paid cash dividends and we have no plan to declare or pay any dividends in the near future on our shares or the ADSs representing our Class A ordinary shares. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.

        We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We have not relied on and do not plan to rely principally on dividends from our New Zealand subsidiaries for our cash requirements, including any payment of dividends to our shareholders. Further, we have not received and do not plan receive dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries. We have also not received and do not plan to receive dividends from our U.S. subsidiaries in the foreseeable future.

        Our board of directors has discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of the Cayman Islands law. Under the Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid out of share premium if this would result in our company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant. If we pay any dividends on our ordinary shares, we will pay those dividends which are payable in respect of the Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs to the depositary, as the registered holder of such ordinary shares, and the depositary then will pay such amounts to the ADS holders in proportion to the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs held by such ADS holders, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including those on the deduction of the fees and expenses payable thereunder. See "Description of American Depositary Shares."

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of December 31, 2018:

        You should read this table together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the information under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

 
  As of December 31, 2018  
 
  Actual   Pro forma   Pro forma as
adjusted(1)
 
 
  US$
(in thousands)

 

Mezzanine Equity

                   

Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares

    16,487            

Series B-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares

    17,169            

Series B-2 convertible redeemable preferred shares

    9,594            

Series B-3 convertible redeemable preferred shares

    21,471            

Series C convertible redeemable preferred shares

    47,980            

Subscriptions receivable from Series C convertible redeemable preferred shares

    (800 )          

Series C-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares

    10,000            

Redeemable non-controlling interest of sponsored fund

    2,205     2,205        

Total mezzanine equity

    124,106     2,205        

Shareholders' (deficit)/equity:

                   

Ordinary shares

                   

Class A ordinary shares

    2     14        

Class B ordinary shares

    3     3        

Preferred shares

                   

Series Angel convertible preferred shares

    4            

Additional paid-in capital(2)

    42,520     165,213        

Subscriptions receivable

        (800 )      

Accumulated deficit

    (66,390 )   (66,390 )      

Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)

    (545 )   (545 )      

Total stockholders' (deficit)/equity

    (24,406 )   97,495        

Non-controlling interest

    (1,472 )   (1,472 )      

Total shareholders' (deficit)/equity

    (25,878 )   96,023        

Total capitalization(3)

    98,228     98,228        

Notes:

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(1)
The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only. Our additional paid-in capital, total shareholders' deficit and total capitalization following the completion of this offering are subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

(2)
Assuming the number of ADSs offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus remains the same, and after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us, a US$1.00 change in the assumed initial public offering price of US$            per ADS would, in the case of an increase, increase and, in the case of a decrease, decrease each of additional paid-in capital, total equity and total capitalization by US$             million.

(3)
Total capitalization equals the sum of non-current liabilities (which was nil as of December 31, 2018), total mezzanine equity and total shareholders' (deficit)/equity.

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EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION

        Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars or Hong Kong dollars. However, a substantial portion of our costs and expenses are denominated in Renminbi and U.S. dollars. This prospectus contains translations of certain Renminbi and Hong Kong dollars amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in this prospectus were made at a rate of RMB6.8755 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on December 31, 2018 and the translations from Hong Kong dollars to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Hong Kong dollars in this prospectus were made at a rate of HK$7.83 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of December 31, 2018. We make no representation that any Renminbi, Hong Kong dollar, or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into another currency of the three aforementioned, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all. Transactions between the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the agent bank responsible for storing and distributing the coins to the Hong Kong public are settled against U.S. dollars at the rate of HK$7.83 to US$1.00 and therefore Hong Kong dollar is pegged to U.S. dollar. The PRC government imposes controls over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign exchange and through restrictions on the foreign trade.

        The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between Renminbi and U.S. dollars for the periods indicated. These rates are provided solely for your convenience and are not necessarily the exchange rates that we used in this prospectus or will use in the preparation of our periodic reports or any other information to be provided to you. For all dates and periods, the exchage rate refers to the exchange rate as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

 
  Exchange Rate  
Period
  Period End   Average(1)   Low   High  
 
  (RMB per US$1.00)
 

2012

    6.2301     6.2990     6.3879     6.2221  

2013

    6.0537     6.1412     6.2438     6.0537  

2014

    6.2046     6.1704     6.2591     6.0402  

2015

    6.4778     6.2869     6.4896     6.1870  

2016

    6.9430     6.6549     6.9580     6.4480  

2017

    6.5063     6.7350     6.9575     6.4773  

2018

                         

July

    6.8038     6.7164     6.8102     6.6123  

August

    6.8300     6.8453     6.9330     6.8018  

September

    6.8680     6.8551     6.8880     6.8270  

October

    6.9737     6.9191     6.9737     6.8680  

November

    6.9558     6.9367     6.9558     6.8894  

December

    6.8755     6.8837     6.9077     6.8343  

2019

                         

January

    6.6958     6.7863     6.8708     6.6958  

February (through February 19)

    6.7907     6.7562     6.7907     6.7426  

Source: Federal Reserve Statistical Release.

Note:

(1)
Annual averages are calculated by using the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the relevant year. Monthly averages are calculated by using the average of the daily rates during the relevant month.

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DILUTION

        Our net tangible book value as of December 31, 2018 was approximately US$            per ordinary share and US$            per ADS. Net tangible book value per ordinary share represents the amount of total tangible assets minus the amount of total liabilities, divided by the total number of ordinary shares outstanding. Pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share is calculated after giving effect to the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding preferred shares on a one-for-one basis and subject to anti-dilution adjustments set forth in the shareholders agreement. Dilution is determined by subtracting pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share from the assumed public offering price per ordinary share. Because Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same dividend and other rights, except for voting and conversion rights, the dilution is presented based on all issued and outstanding ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares.

        Without taking into account any other changes in such net tangible book value after December 31, 2018, other than to give effect to our issuance and sale of            ADSs in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of US$            per ADS, the midpoint of the estimated public offering price range, and after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us (assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised), our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2018 would have been US$            per outstanding ordinary share, including ordinary shares underlying our outstanding ADSs, or US$            per ADS. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of US$            per ordinary share, or US$            per ADS, to existing shareholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of US$            per ordinary share, or US$            per ADS, to purchasers of ADSs in this offering. The following table illustrates such dilution:

 
   
 

Assumed initial public offering price per share

  US$    

Net tangible book value per share as of December 31, 2018

  US$    

Pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share after giving effect to the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding preferred shares, as of                        , 2018

  US$    

Pro forma net tangible book value per ordinary share as adjusted to give effect to the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding preferred shares and this offering, as of December 31, 2018

  US$    

Amount of dilution in net tangible book value per ordinary share to new investors in the offering

  US$    

Amount of dilution in net tangible book value per ADS to new investors in the offering

  US$    

        A US$1.00 change in the assumed public offering price of US$            per ADS would, in the case of an increase, increase and, in the case of a decrease, decrease our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value after giving effect to the offering by US$             million, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per ordinary share and per ADS after giving effect to this offering by US$            per ordinary share and per US$            ADS and the dilution in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per ordinary share and per ADS to new investors in this offering by US$            per ordinary share and US$            per ADS, assuming no change to the number of ADSs offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. The pro forma information discussed above is illustrative only. Our net tangible book value following the completion of this offering is subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price of our ADSs and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

        The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 2018, the differences between the shareholders as of December 31, 2018 and the new investors with respect to the number of ordinary shares (in the form of ADSs or shares) purchased from us, the total consideration paid and the average price per ordinary share and per ADS paid before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The total number of ordinary shares

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does not include ordinary shares underlying the ADSs issuable upon the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters.

 
  Shares
Purchased
  Total
Consideration
(in thousands)
   
   
 
 
  Average Price
Per Share
  Average Price
Per ADS
 
 
  Number   Percent   Amount   Percent  

Existing shareholders

                 % US$                   % US$          US$         

New investors

                 % US$                   % US$          US$         

Total

              US$            100.0 %            

        A US$1.00 change in the assumed public offering price of US$            per ADS would, in the case of an increase, increase and, in the case of a decrease, decrease total consideration paid by new investors, total consideration paid by all shareholders, average price per ordinary share and average price per ADS paid by all shareholders by US$            , US$            , US$            and US$            , respectively, assuming no change to the number of            ADSs offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

        The discussion and tables above also assume no exercise of any outstanding stock options outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. As of the date of this prospectus, there were             ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options at a weighted average exercise price of US$            per ordinary share, and there were             ordinary shares available for future issuance upon exercise of future grants under our share incentive plans. To the extent that any of these options are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors.

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HISTORY AND CORPORATE STRUCTURE

Our History

        We are a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated in January 2018. As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized share capital is US$50,000 divided into 5,000,000,000 shares. For more details of the history of our securities issuances, please see "Description of Share Capital—History of Securities Issuances."

        We commenced our technology research and development in June 2014 through Ningxia Xiangshang Rongke Technology Development Co., LTD, or Ningxia Rongke.

        Ningxia Rongke acquired a New Zealand registered financial service provider, Tiger Holdings Group Limited, formerly known as Transaction Holdings (N.I.) Limited, in August 2015, which is currently wholly owned by one of Ningxia Rongke's subsidiaries. In August 2016, Ningxia Rongke acquired Top Capital Partners, also a registered financial service provider in New Zealand. Top Capital Partners is also accredited and approved by the New Zealand Stock Exchange, or the NZX, to provide investment advisory services in respect of transactions in NZX listed products. Substantially all of our revenues were generated from Tiger Holdings Group Limited in 2016 and 2017, and from Top Capital Partners in 2018.

Reorganization

        To facilitate foreign investment in our business, starting from early 2018, we began to establish an offshore holding structure for our company. As part of the efforts, we incorporated a Cayman Islands exempted company, UP Fintech Holding Limited, or our company, as our offshore holding company in January 2018. In February 2018, we established Up Fintech International Limited in Hong Kong, or Up Fintech HK, as our intermediate holding company, which in turn established our WFOEs, Ningxia Xiangshang Yixin Technology Co., LTD, or Ningxia Yixin, in May 2018, and Beijing Xiangshang Yixin Technology Co., LTD, or Beijing Yixin, in July 2018.

        To enable our effective control over the PRC operating entities and their subsidiaries including Top Capital Partners (at the time), Ningxia Yixin entered into variable interest entity, or VIE, contractual arrangements with Ningxia Rongke, and Beijing Yixin entered into substantially similar VIE arrangements with Beijing Xiangshang Yiyi Technology Co., LTD, or Beijing Yiyi, which we collectively refer to as our VIEs in this prospectus, and their respective shareholders. These contractual arrangements enable us to exercise effective control over our VIEs and their respective subsidiaries, receive substantially all of the economic benefits of such entities, and have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in and assets of them to the extent permitted by the applicable laws and regulations. For more details, please see "History and Corporate Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders."

        In June 2018, we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary Up Fintech Global Holdings Limited in British Virgin Islands, or BVI, first as the holding company to hold our wholly-owned U.S. entity, Tiger Fintech Holdings Inc., or Tiger Fintech Holdings and later as the holding company to hold our subsidiaries in other jurisdictions. In August 2018, Tiger Fintech Holdings acquired 100% of the equity interests of Wealthn LLC, a registered investment advisor in the United States. Wealthn LLC provides investment advisory services for high-net-worth individuals, family offices and investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 such as TigerShares Trust. In November 2018, Tiger Fintech Holdings completed the acquisition of 100% of the equity interests in US Tiger Securities, Inc. (formerly known as JFD Securities, Inc.), a U.S. registered broker-dealer.

        In July 2018, we established another wholly-owned subsidiary Xiangshang Upfintech Holding Limited, a BVI company, to hold other licensed operating companies including its wholly-owned operating entity in Singapore, Tiger Fintech (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., which was established in March

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2018. In October 2018, Ningxia Rongke transferred all equity interests in Top Capital Partners to Tiger Fintech (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. As a result, Top Capital Partners is no longer held by our VIEs in China. In November 2018, Top Capital Partners acquired 100% of the equity interests in Fleming Funds Management Pty Ltd, which was established in Australia in January 2006 and has been authorized as a licensed financial services provider in Australia since July 2006.

        In September 2018, we established JV Uptech Holding Limited in BVI as a holding company to expand our business in Hong Kong. In October 2018, JV Uptech Holding Limited acquired 100% of the equity interests in Kastle Limited, which, in January 2019, was granted a license to carry on trust and company service business in Hong Kong. In January 2019, we entered into an agreement to purchase 100% equity interest of Tung Chi Consulting Limited, a licensed insurance broker in Hong Kong.

Corporate Structure

        The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our significant subsidiaries, VIEs and our VIEs' subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated, as of the date of this prospectus:

GRAPHIC


Notes:

(1)
We have ultimate control over the Cayman fund managing entities through Uptech Global Holding Limited's ownership of 100% of the equity interests or at least a majority of the equity interests in the same. The Cayman fund managing entities serve as our vehicles to manage offshore funds.

(2)
Ningxia Rongke was formerly known as Beijing Xiangshang Rongke Technology Development Co., Ltd., through which we commenced our technology research and development in June 2014. Our directors and shareholders control Ningxia

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(3)
We carry out activities including technology research and development and Internet services in China through our VIEs, Ningxia Rongke and Beijing Yiyi, and their subsidiaries.

(4)
The contractual arrangements include the Powers of Attorney, the Equity Pledge Contracts, the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreements, and the Exclusive Option Contracts, the Commitment Letters and the Spouse Consent Letters as described in "History and Corporate Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders."

(5)
The subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong of Tiger Technology Corporation Limited are in the process of dissolution, which therefore were omitted here.

Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders

        We use contractual arrangements to control our VIEs due to restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of Internet technology services and other related businesses in China. Although as early in 2021, the restrictions on the controlling stake of Internet technology service companies will be revoked, according to the Negative List (as defined elsewhere in this prospectus) that took effect on July 28, 2018, foreign investments in this business are still restricted by other qualifications and requirements under relevant regulations in China.

        Our WFOEs, Ningxia Yixin and Beijing Yixin, respectively, have the sole discretion to receive from the relevant VIE an annual service fee at an amount of at least 99% of the respective VIE's annual net profit. In addition, Ningxia Yixin and Beijing Yixin are entitled to receive certain fees for other technical services at the amount mutually agreed upon by Ningxia Yixin or Beijing Yixin and the respective VIE. Ningxia Yixin and Beijing Yixin did not collect any service fees from our VIEs in the last two fiscal years, and will make discretionary determinations on whether to collect services fees and on the amount of fees to be collected. We do not have unfettered access to Ningxia Yixin's, Beijing Yixin's and the respective VIEs' revenues due to PRC legal restrictions on the payment of dividends by PRC companies, foreign exchange control restrictions, and the restrictions on foreign investment, among others. For more details and risks related to our variable interest entity structure, please see "History and Corporate Structure—Contractual Arrangements with Our VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders" and "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure."

        As a result of our direct ownership in Ningxia Yixin and Beijing Yixin, and the contractual arrangements with the VIEs, we are regarded as the primary beneficiary of our VIEs, and we treat them as our consolidated affiliated entities under U.S. GAAP. We have consolidated the financial results of our VIEs in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Agreements that provide us with effective control over the VIEs

        Powers of Attorney.    Pursuant to the Powers of Attorney dated December 17, 2018 among Ningxia Yixin and each of the shareholders of Ningxia Rongke, which restated and amended the version dated June 7, 2018, each of the shareholders of Ningxia Rongke irrevocably authorizes Ningxia Yixin to act as its attorney-in-fact to exercise all of its rights as a shareholder of Ningxia Rongke, including, but not limited to, the right to convene and attend shareholders' meetings, vote on any resolution that requires a shareholder vote, such as the sale, transfer, disposal and pledge of all or part of the equity interest owned by such shareholder, and decide on the appointment and removal of directors, supervisors and officers. Ningxia Yixin can assign or transfer under the aforementioned Powers of Attorney at its own discretion to any other person or entity without notice to or consent from any or all of the shareholders of Ningxia Rongke. The Power of Attorney will remain effective and irrevocable until such shareholder is no longer a shareholder of Ningxia Rongke.

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        On October 30, 2018, Beijing Yixin and each of the shareholders of Beijing Yiyi entered into an Power of Attorney, which contain terms substantially similar to the Powers of Attorney executed by the shareholders of Ningxia Rongke described above.

        Exclusive Option Contracts.    Pursuant to the Exclusive Option Contract dated December 17, 2018, among Ningxia Yixin, Ningxia Rongke and each shareholder of Ningxia Rongke, which restated and amended the version dated June 7, 2018, the shareholders of Ningxia Rongke have irrevocably granted Ningxia Yixin an exclusive option to purchase all or part of their equity interests in Ningxia Rongke. Ningxia Rongke has irrevocably granted Ningxia Yixin an exclusive option to purchase all or part of its assets. Ningxia Yixin or its designated person(s) may exercise such options at RMB10 or at the lowest price permitted under applicable PRC laws, whichever is higher. The shareholders of Ningxia Rongke undertake that, without Ningxia Yixin's prior written consent, they will not, among other things, (i) create any pledge or encumbrance on their equity interests in Ningxia Rongke, (ii) transfer or otherwise dispose of their equity interests in Ningxia Rongke, (iii) change Ningxia Rongke's registered capital, (iv) supplement, revise or amend Ningxia Rongke's articles of association, or (v) allow Ningxia Rongke to merge with any other entity. In addition, Ningxia Rongke undertakes that, without Ningxia Yixin's prior written consent, it will not, among other things, create any pledge or encumbrance on any of its assets, or enter into any material contracts (except in the ordinary course of business). The Exclusive Option Contract will remain effective for a term of ten years and renewable in accordance with the sole discretion of Ningxia Yixin.

        On October 30, 2018, Beijing Yixin and each shareholder of Beijing Yiyi entered into an Exclusive Option Contract which contain terms substantially similar to the Exclusive Option Contract described above.

        Spouse Consent Letters.    Pursuant to the Spouse Consent Letters dated December 17, 2018, the spouse of each married shareholder of Ningxia Rongke, which restated and amended the version dated June 7, 2018, unconditionally and irrevocably agreed not to assert any rights over the equity interest in Ningxia Rongke held by and registered in the name of their spouse. In addition, each of them agreed to be bound by the contractual arrangements described here if the spouse obtains any equity interest in Ningxia Rongke for any reason.

        On October 30, 2018, the spouse of each shareholder of Beijing Yiyi signed two Spouse Consent Letters, which contain terms substantially similar to the Spouse Consent Letters described above.

        Commitment Letters.    Pursuant to the Commitment Letters dated December 17, 2018, the shareholders of Ningxia Rongke, which restated and amended the version dated June 7, 2018, undertake that, when Ningxia Rongke exercises its options under the Exclusive Option Contracts, they will refund, without any conditions, any amount and fees to Ningxia Yixin which exceed the share purchase price provided in the Exclusive Option Contracts.

        On October 30, 2018, each of the shareholders of Beijing Yiyi executed a Commitment Letter, which contain terms substantially similar to the Commitment Letters described above.

        In the opinion of DaHui Lawyers, our PRC legal counsel:

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Agreements that allow us to receive economic benefits from the VIEs

        Equity Pledge Contracts.    Pursuant to the Equity Pledge Contract dated December 17, 2018 among Ningxia Yixin, Ningxia Rongke and each shareholder of Ningxia Rongke, which restated and amended the version dated June 7, 2018, the shareholders of Ningxia Rongke have pledged 100% of the equity interests in Ningxia Rongke for the benefit of Ningxia Yixin. In the event of a breach by Ningxia Rongke or its any shareholder of contractual obligations under the Equity Pledge Contract, Ningxia Yixin, as pledgee, will have the right to dispose of the pledged 100% equity interests in Ningxia Rongke and will have priority in receiving the proceeds from such disposal.

        The shareholders of Ningxia Rongke also undertake that, without prior written consent of Ningxia Yixin, they will not dispose of, create or allow any encumbrance on the pledged equity interests and rights. Ningxia Rongke further undertakes that, there is no other pledge or any other encumbrance on the assets owned by it that will or is likely to affect Ningxia Yixin's pledged equity interests and rights, including but not limited to any transfer of intellectual property rights or transfer of any asset with a value exceeding RMB0.5 million (except in the ordinary course of business). Ningxia Rongke further undertakes that, without the prior written consent of Ningxia Yixin, they will not assist or allow any encumbrance to be created on the pledged equity interests. The Equity Pledge Contract will be effective until Ningxia Rongke and its shareholders fully perform their corresponding obligations therein.

        On October 30, 2018, Beijing Yixin, Beijing Yiyi and each shareholder of Beijing Yiyi entered into an Equity Pledge Contract, which contains terms substantially similar to the Equity Pledge Contract described above.

        We have completed the registration of the equity pledge of Beijing Yiyi under the Equity Pledge Contract with the State Administration for Market Regulation in accordance with the PRC Property Rights Law, but we are still in the process of registering the equity pledge of Ningxia Rongke.

        Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreements.    Pursuant to the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement dated June 7, 2018 between Ningxia Yixin and Ningxia Rongke, Ningxia Yixin has the exclusive right to provide Ningxia Rongke with the consulting and technical services required by Ningxia Rongke's business. Without Ningxia Yixin's prior written consent, Ningxia Rongke may not accept any services subject to this Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement from any third party. Ningxia Rongke agrees to pay Ningxia Yixin an annual service fee at an amount of no less than 99% of its net profit or the amount which is adjusted at any time at the sole discretion of Ningxia Yixin. Ningxia Yixin has the exclusive ownership of all the intellectual property rights created as a result of the performance of the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, to the extent permitted by applicable PRC laws. Ningxia Rongke also undertakes that upon the request of Ningxia Yixin, it will assist Ningxia Yixin in the consummation of the assignment or transfer of the relevant intellectual property rights, including but not limited to entering into a transfer or license agreement at no or a nominal consideration as well as fulfilling the necessary registration. To guarantee Ningxia Rongke's performance of its obligations thereunder, its shareholders have pledged their equity interests in Ningxia Rongke to Ningxia Yixin pursuant to the Equity Pledge Contract. The Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement will remain effective for a term of ten years and unconditionally renewable at the sole discretion of Ningxia Yixin.

        On October 30, 2018, Beijing Yixin and Beijing Yiyi entered into an Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, which contains terms substantially similar to the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement described above.

        However, our PRC legal counsel has also advised us that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules. Accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may take a view that is contrary to the opinion of our PRC

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legal counsel. It is uncertain whether any new PRC laws or regulations relating to variable interest entity structures will be adopted or if adopted, what they would provide. If we or any of our VIEs are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take action in dealing with such violations or failures. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure."

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

        The following selected consolidated statements of operations data for 2016, 2017 and 2018, selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and selected consolidated cash flows data for 2016, 2017 and 2018 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with the U.S. GAAP. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results expected for future periods. You should read this Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data section together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
  For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2017   2018  
 
  US$
 
 
  (in thousands)
 

Selected Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

                   

Revenues:

                   

Commissions

    5,280     15,063     26,043  

Financing service fees

    131     1,797     6,442  

Trading gains

            339  

Interest income

            85  

Other revenues

    65     89     651  

Total revenues

    5,476     16,949     33,560  

Operating cost and expenses:

                   

Execution and clearing

        (38 )   (257 )

Employee compensation and benefits (including share-based compensation)

    (8,443 )   (11,951 )   (55,656 )

Occupancy, depreciation and amortization

    (729 )   (1,168 )   (2,622 )

Communication and market data

    (1,920 )   (2,943 )   (3,559 )

Marketing and branding

    (3,473 )   (6,288 )   (10,527 )

General and administrative

    (4,449 )   (3,576 )   (7,831 )

Impairment of goodwill

    (166 )        

Total operating cost and expenses

    (19,180 )   (25,964 )   (80,452 )

Other income/(expenses):

                   

Foreign currency exchange gain/(loss)

    314     (451 )   542  

Investment loss

    (78 )        

Interest income of bank deposits

    91     318     194  

Others, net

    4     37     (11 )

Loss before income taxes

    (13,373 )   (9,111 )   (46,167 )

Income tax benefits

    2,562     1,184     1,873  

Net loss

    (10,811 )   (7,927 )   (44,294 )

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  As of
December 31,
 
 
  2017   2018  
 
  US$
 
 
  (in thousands)
 

Selected Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:

             

Assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

    16,462     34,407  

Cash—segregated for regulatory purpose

    1,599     6,695  

Term deposits

        30,000  

Receivables from customers

        353  

Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations

    2,203     1,074  

Financial instruments held, at fair value

        6,436  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    3,437     5,803  

Amounts due from related parties

    4,436     18,138  

Total current assets

    28,137     102,906  

Property, equipment and intangible assets, net

    1,081     2,330  

Long-term investments

    2,187     2,387  

Other non-current assets

        1,255  

Deferred tax assets

    4,599     6,337  

Total assets

    36,004     115,215  

Liabilities:

             

Payables due to customers

    1,248     6,564  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    6,802     10,423  

Total liabilities

    8,050     16,987  

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and deficit

    36,004     115,215  


 
  For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2017   2018  
 
  US$
 
 
  (in thousands)
 

Selected Consolidated Cash Flows Data:

                   

Net cash used in operating activities

    (11,503 )   (8,511 )   (21,172 )

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

    302     (3,670 )   (35,124 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

    18,087     14,596     79,526  

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

    6,886     2,415     23,230  

Effect of exchange rate changes

    (651 )   896     (189 )

Cash and cash equivalents and cash—segregated for regulatory purpose, beginning of the year

    8,515     14,750     18,061  

Cash and cash equivalents and cash—segregated for regulatory purpose, end of the year

    14,750     18,061     41,102  

Selected Quarterly Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth our unaudited consolidated quarterly results of operations for each of the eight quarters from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. You should read the following table in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. We prepared this unaudited condensed consolidated quarterly financial data on the same basis as we prepared our audited consolidated financial statements. The unaudited quarterly

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condensed consolidated financial data include all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, that our management considered necessary for a fair statement of our financial position and results of operations for the quarters presented.

 
  For the Three Months Ended  
 
  March 31,
2017
  June 30,
2017
  September 30,
2017
  December 31,
2017
  March 31,
2018
  June 30,
2018
  September 30,
2018
  December 31,
2018
 
 
  Unaudited
 
 
   
   
   
  US$
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  (in thousands)
   
   
   
 

Revenues:

                                                 

Commissions

    2,166     3,229     4,424     5,244     6,625     5,182     7,154     7,082  

Financing service fees

    115     354     499     829     1,319     1,546     1,859     1,718  

Trading gains

                                339  

Interest income

                    4     8     20     53  

Other revenues

        14     60     15     49     128     152     322  

Total revenues

    2,281     3,597     4,983     6,088     7,997     6,864     9,185     9,514  

Operating cost and expenses:

                                                 

Execution and clearing

            (7 )   (31 )   (23 )   (34 )   (104 )   (96 )

Employee compensation and benefits (including share-based compensation)(1)

    (2,406 )   (2,975 )   (2,923 )   (3,647 )   (4,861 )   (38,274 )   (5,951 )   (6,570 )

Occupancy, depreciation and amortization

    (219 )   (245 )   (299 )   (405 )   (522 )   (650 )   (786 )   (664 )

Communication and market data

    (514 )   (626 )   (1,010 )   (793 )   (636 )   (890 )   (1,087 )   (946 )

Marketing and branding

    (1,545 )   (1,134 )   (1,774 )   (1,835 )   (2,651 )   (2,428 )   (3,139 )   (2,309 )

General and administrative

    (582 )   (575 )   (485 )   (1,934 )   (1,574 )   (1,770 )   (1,994 )   (2,493 )

Total operating cost and expenses:

    (5,266 )   (5,555 )   (6,498 )   (8,645 )   (10,267 )   (44,046 )   (13,061 )   (13,078 )

Other income/(expense)

                                                 

Foreign currency exchange (loss)/gain

    (26 )   (78 )   (105 )   (242 )   (218 )   445     282     33  

Interest income of bank deposits

    26     54     125     113     22     2     4     166  

Others, net

        38         (1 )   (1 )       (11 )   1  

Loss before income taxes

    (2,985 )   (1,944 )   (1,495 )   (2,687 )   (2,467 )   (36,735 )   (3,601 )   (3,364 )

Income tax benefit

    388     253     197     346     61     416     149     1,247  

Net Loss

    (2,597 )   (1,691 )   (1,298 )   (2,341 )   (2,406 )   (36,319 )   (3,452 )   (2,117 )

(1)       share-based compensation
        expense by quarter

    77     87     89     97     253     32,782     450     720  

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Selected Operating Data

Key Operating Data

        The following table presents key operating data as of the dates or for the periods indicated.

 
  As of and for the Three Months Ended  
 
  Mar 31,
2016
  Jun 30,
2016
  Sep 30,
2016
  Dec 31,
2016
  Mar 31,
2017
  Jun 30,
2017
  Sep 30,
2017
  Dec 31,
2017
  Mar 31,
2018
  Jun 30,
2018
  Sep 30,
2018
  Dec 31,
2018
 

Number of registered users (in thousands)

    77.3     198.0     281.3     368.4     448.9     525.7     604.3     712.6     865.2     1,043.2     1,392.6     1,580.3  

Number of customer accounts (in thousands)

    18.7     39.1     58.8     78.9     100.5     132.3     162.5     205.0     265.4     321.1     456.4     502.4  

Number of customers with deposits (in thousands)

    4.5     7.4     10.7     13.7     17.3     23.7     32.7     41.9     51.2     59.8     75.5     81.6  

Number of trading customers (in thousands)

    4.1     6.8     10.0     12.8     16.2     22.3     30.3     38.3     46.6     53.6     69.2     76.2 (3)

Total account balance(1)(4) (in US$ millions)

    185.5     324.2     475.1     574.5     910.1     1,155.2     1,568.6     1,785.9     2,183.6     2,033.5     2,576.4     2,357.0  

Trading volume(4) (in US$ millions)

    1,363.3     3,495.1     5,085.7     6,393.9     12,494.0     13,988.4     17,125.7     19,687.8     28,302.6     21,395.3     32,628.3     36,895.2  

Daily average trading volume(2)(4) (in US$ millions)

    22.7     55.5     79.5     103.1     201.5     231.2     267.6     317.5     464.0     345.1     526.3     542.6  

Notes:

(1)
Represents the total balance of all customers' deposits on our platform as of the respective date.

(2)
Calculated based on the average number of trading days during the period of the U.S. and Hong Kong exchanges.

(3)
As of December 31, 2018, 67,785 of our customers had conducted at least one trading transaction on our platform in the preceding 12 months.

(4)
Translated at a rate of RMB6.8755 to US$1.0000, or of HK$7.83 to US$1.00, respectively, as the case may be.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a description of the non-GAAP financial measures we consider and use in evaluating our business to review and assess our operating performance. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures for the periods indicated:

 
  For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2017   2018  
 
  US$
 
 
  (in thousands)
 

Net loss

    (10,811 )   (7,927 )   (44,294 )

Add: Share-based compensation

    222     350     34,205  

Impairment of goodwill

    166          

Adjusted net loss

    (10,423 )   (7,577 )   (10,089 )

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

        You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the section entitled "Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of selected events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus. See "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."

Overview

        We are a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global Chinese investors. Our proprietary trading platform enables investors to trade in equities and other financial instruments on multiple exchanges around the world.

        We have developed an innovative brokerage platform for Chinese investors globally, which can easily be accessed through our APP and website. Our primary customers are Chinese investors living in and outside China. We offer our customers comprehensive brokerage and value-added services, including trade order placement and execution, margin financing, asset management services, quantitative trading API, account management, investor education, community discussion and customer support.

        We generate revenues primarily by charging our customers commission fees for trading of securities as well as earning interest income or financing service fees arising from or related to margin financing provided by ourselves or third parties to our customers to finance their trading activities.

        We have achieved substantial growth since we launched our platform in August 2015. Our total revenues were US$5.5 million, US$16.9 million and US$33.6 million in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively. We recorded net losses of US$10.8 million, US$7.9 million and US$44.3 million, in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively.

Reorganization

        We commenced our technology research and development in June 2014 through one of our VIEs, Ningxia Xiangshang Rongke Technology Development Co., Ltd., or Ningxia Rongke. To facilitate foreign investment in our business, starting from early 2018, we began to establish an offshore holding structure for our company. As part of the efforts, we incorporated UP Fintech Holding Limited in January 2018, which controls Ningxia Rongke and its subsidiaries through a series of contractual arrangements. See "History and Corporate Structure—Our History—Reorganization."

        In connection with the reorganization, in June 2018, UP Fintech Holding Limited issued Series Angel (in four tranches), Series A, Series B-1, and Series B-2 preferred shares to the shareholders of Ningxia Rongke or their affiliates or designees to replicate the corresponding Series Angel (in four tranches), Series A, Series B, and Series B+ equity interest with preferred rights issued by Ningxia Rongke prior to the reorganization. UP Fintech Holding Limited also adopted a new share incentive plan, or the 2018 Share Incentive Plan, to replicate and replace the equity incentive plan adopted by Ningxia Rongke in 2014.

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

        We believe our business and operating results are affected by general factors affecting the online brokerage industry focusing on global Chinese investors, which include economic and political conditions, broad trends in business and finance, changes in volume of securities transactions, changes

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in the markets in which such transactions occur and changes in how such transactions are processed, growth of private wealth of the worldwide Chinese communities, demand for global asset allocation among global Chinese investors as well as changes in the regulatory regime over the online brokerage industry. Unfavorable changes in any of these general financial and regulatory conditions, reduction in trading volume in the U.S. and Hong Kong stocks and other financial instruments, unfavorable currency fluctuations and volatility of the trading activity on exchanges in the United States and other countries could negatively affect demand for our services and materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

        In addition, we believe our results of operations are more directly affected by company specific factors, including the following major factors.

Our ability to maintain and expand our customer base globally, as well as to maintain and enhance customer engagement

        Our commissions largely depend on the number of customers on our trading platform and our customers' trading volume, which is the aggregate notional value of their transactions. The number of customers on our trading platform depends on the usability and popularity of our trading platform as well as the industry outlook of the online brokerage business. Our customers' trading volume is directly influenced by the demand for trading by individual investors, which is affected by the general social and economic conditions, as well as individual investors' preference for the choice of investment products. In addition, customers' trading activities are influenced by the trading price volatility of the relevant products.

        Additionally, we have a large and highly engaged customer base, which drives our revenue growth. Our ability to continue to effectively maintain and expand our customer base will affect the growth of our business and our revenues going forward. Our total customer accounts increased from 78,946 as of December 31, 2016 to 204,965 as of December 31, 2017 and further increased to 502,352 as of December 31, 2018. The significant increase in total customer accounts led to the rapid growth in our revenues, which increased by 209.5% from US$5.5 million in 2016 to US$16.9 million in 2017, and further increased by 98.0% to US$33.6 million in 2018. Furthermore, the level of customer engagement affects our commissions, interest income and financing service fees. Trading volume increased from US$16.3 billion in 2016 to US$63.3 billion in 2017 and further increased to US$119.2 billion in 2018. Our ability to expand our customer base, including expansion into new markets including the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and India, as well as maintain and enhance customer engagement, depends on, among other things, our ability to continuously provide comprehensive and user-friendly online trading experience.

Our ability to earn commissions for brokerage services and interest income or financing service fees for margin financing

        We charge commission fees for the brokerage services we deliver to our customers. We also earn interest income or financing service fees arising from or related to margin financing provided by ourselves or third parties to our customers for trading activities. Our ability to earn commission fees, interest income or financing service fees largely depends on the number of customers on our trading platform and their trading volume. Additionally, our ability to extend margin financing to our customers largely depends on the amount of funds we can allocate internally and obtain from external sources, such as potential borrowings on revolving credit facilities. In connection with the significant growth in our consolidated account customers, we expect to generate more interest income from margin financing offered to our customers.

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Our ability to effectively improve technology infrastructure and serve more consolidated accounts

        Our technology infrastructure and compliance capabilities are critical for us to offer high quality products and services as well as to retain and attract users and customers. They also enable us to facilitate secure, fast and cost-efficient financial transactions on our platform. We must continue to upgrade and expand our technology infrastructure and to strengthen our compliance system to keep pace with the growth of our business and to develop new features and services for our users and customers. With the continuous improvement of our technology infrastructure and compliance capabilities, we are able to serve more consolidated accounts. In 2016 and 2017, all or substantially all of the accounts on our trading platform were fully disclosed accounts pursuant to which we record commissions after Interactive Brokers deducted the execution and clearing expenses and returned the rest of the commission fees to us. In 2018, a rapid growth was witnessed in the number of consolidated accounts. In connection with the growth of consolidated accounts, we expect our revenues to increase because the revenues for consolidated accounts are recognized on a gross basis including the full amount paid by customers while the revenues for fully disclosed accounts are recognized on a net basis after deducting the execution and clearing expenses paid to Interactive Brokers. On the other hand, we expect our operating costs and expenses to increase as well due to the increase in execution and clearing expenses paid to Interactive Brokers. We also expect cash segregated for regulatory purposes and payables due to customers on our balance sheet to increase significantly as a result of such growth. We will invest more resources on customer verification, record keeping, compliance and trading-related functions for consolidated accounts whereas Interactive Brokers has been responsible for certain of these functions for fully disclosed accounts. Our ability to serve more consolidated accounts, depends on, among other things, our ability to support all aspects of customer verification, record keeping and compliance functions using our technology and human resources.

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

        Historically, we generated a significant portion of revenues through the provision of online brokerage services including commissions for execution of trades and interest income or financing service fees arising from or related to margin financing for our customers. Key success factors of the online brokerage industry include expansion of products and services that add value to customers, acquisition of licenses in different jurisdictions and enhancement of user experience. To this end, we intend to continue strengthening the innovation, security, efficiency and effectiveness of our brokerage services, including our user-friendly interface, comprehensive functionalities and customer service capabilities. Particularly, we intend to expand our service offerings to small and medium-sized institutional customers and increase the proportion of revenues generated from them. We have developed customized application programming interface, or API, for our institutional customers. As institutional customers tend to trade more consistently and demand a wider spectrum of services as compared to individual investors, we strive to foster long-term partnerships with them and to grow our revenue streams substantially as a result of greater number of institutional customers utilizing our trading platform and services.

        We also plan to continue integrating value-added services, including asset management and wealth management services as well as institutional and corporate services to improve popularity and enhance customer stickiness and increase revenue streams. We aim to provide asset management and wealth management services to a greater number of high net worth individuals as well as institutional and corporate customers. As we create more types of asset management and wealth management services, we expect to attract more institutional and corporate customers to engage us to provide such services and in turn generate more revenues. Our ability to develop institutional and corporate customers principally depends on the quality of our products and services as well as our brand equity. We expect our operating cost and expenses to continue to increase as we provide more innovative and effective products and services.

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Our ability to operate in a cost-effective manner

        Our ability to control costs and expenses relating to our operations affects our profitability. With the expansion of our business, we expect our operating cost and expenses to continue to increase, including employee compensation and benefits, marketing and branding and other costs and expenses. The salary level in the fintech industry in and outside China has generally increased in recent years, and we offer competitive wages and other benefits to recruit and retain quality professionals. Employee compensation and benefits increased from US$8.4 million in 2016 to US$12.0 million in 2017, and further increased to US$55.7 million in 2018. In addition, we utilize various marketing tools, including branding on online channels, collaborating with business partners, hosting branding events and circulating branding materials, to attract new customers, retain our existing customers and increase our revenues. Our marketing and branding expenses were US$3.5 million, US$6.3 million and US$10.5 million in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, accounting for 63.4%, 37.1% and 31.4%, respectively, of our total revenues for the same periods. Despite the increases in operating cost and expenses, the marginal costs for the business expansion have been decreasing and the growth of our revenues has greatly outpaced the increase in operating cost and expenses.

Key Financial and Operating Metrics

        We regularly review a number of metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends, formulate financial projections and make strategic decisions. The principal metrics we consider are set forth in the two tables below.

 
  For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2017   2018  
 
  US$
 
 
  (in thousands)
 

Total revenues

    5,476     16,949     33,560  

Total operating cost and expenses

    (19,180 )   (25,964 )   (80,452 )

Other income/(expenses)

    331     (96 )   725  

Loss before income taxes

    (13,373 )   (9,111 )   (46,167 )

Income tax benefits

    2,562     1,184     1,873  

Net loss

    (10,811 )   (7,927 )   (44,294 )

        The following table presents key operating data as of the dates or for the periods indicated.

 
  As of and for the Three Months Ended  
 
  Mar 31,
2016
  Jun 30,
2016
  Sep 30,
2016
  Dec 31,
2016
  Mar 31,
2017
  Jun 30,
2017
  Sep 30,
2017
  Dec 31,
2017
  Mar 31,
2018
  Jun 30,
2018
  Sep 30,
2018
  Dec 31,
2018
 

Number of registered users (in thousands)

    77.3     198.0     281.3     368.4     448.9     525.7     604.3     712.6     865.2     1,043.2     1,392.6     1,580.3  

Number of customer accounts (in thousands)

    18.7     39.1     58.8     78.9     100.5     132.3     162.5     205.0     265.4     321.1     456.4     502.4  

Number of customers with deposits (in thousands)

    4.5     7.4     10.7     13.7     17.3     23.7     32.7     41.9     51.2     59.8     75.5     81.6  

Number of trading customers (in thousands)

    4.1     6.8     10.0     12.8     16.2     22.3     30.3     38.3     46.6     53.6     69.2     76.2 (3)

Total account balance(1)(4) (in US$ millions)

    185.5     324.2     475.1     574.5     910.1     1,155.2     1,568.6     1,785.9     2,183.6     2,033.5     2,576.4     2,357.0  

Trading volume(4) (in US$ millions)

    1,363.3     3,495.1     5,085.7     6,393.9     12,494.0     13,998.4     17,125.7     19,687.8     28,302.6     21,395.3     32,628.3     36,895.2  

Daily average trading volume(2)(4) (in US$ millions)

    22.7     55.5     79.5     103.1     201.5     231.2     267.6     317.5     464.0     345.1     526.3     542.6  

Notes:

(1)
Represents the total balance of all customers' deposits on our platform as of the respective date.

(2)
Calculated based on the average number of trading days during the period of the U.S. and Hong Kong exchanges.

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(3)
As of December 31, 2018, 67,785 of our customers had conducted at least one trading transaction on our platform in the preceding 12 months.

(4)
Translated at a rate of RMB6.8755 to US$1.0000, or of HK$7.83 to US$1.00, respectively, as the case may be.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        In evaluating our business, we consider and use adjusted net loss as a supplemental measure to review and assess our operating performance. The presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We define adjusted net loss as net loss excluding share-based compensation and impairment of goodwill. Such adjustments have no impact on income tax.

        We present these non-GAAP financial measures because it is used by our management to evaluate our operating performance and formulate business plans. Adjusted net loss enables our management to assess our operating results without considering the impact of share-based compensation and impairment of goodwill. We also believe that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures facilitate investors' assessment of our operating performance.

        These non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool. One of the key limitations of using adjusted net loss is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect our operations. Share-based compensation and impairment of goodwill have been and may continue to be incurred in our business and are not reflected in the presentation of adjusted net loss. Further, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the non-GAAP financial information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

        These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as alternatives to total operating expenses, net loss or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of our operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review these historical non-GAAP financial measures in light of the most directly comparable GAAP measures, as shown below. These non-GAAP financial measures presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting the usefulness of such measures when analyzing our data comparatively. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

        The table below sets forth a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures for the periods indicated:

 
  For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2016   2017   2018  
 
  US$
 
 
  (in thousands)
 

Net loss

    (10,811 )   (7,927 )   (44,294 )

Add: Share-based compensation

    222     350     34,205  

Impairment of goodwill

    166          

Adjusted net loss

    (10,423 )   (7,577 )   (10,089 )

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Key Components of Results of Operations

Revenues

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

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,  
 
  2016   2017   2018  
 
  US$