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China United Insurance Service, Inc. - Annual Report: 2018 (Form 10-K)

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

 

or

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number: 000-54884

 

CHINA UNITED INSURANCE SERVICE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  30-0826400
(I.R.S Employer
Identification No.)

 

7F, No. 311 Section 3
Nan-King East Road
Taipei City, Taiwan
(Address of principal executive offices, with zip code)

 

+8862-87126958
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   None

 

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Common Stock, par value of $0.00001

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes   ¨    No   x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes   ¨   No   x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   x   No   ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes   x   No   ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨     (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company x
  Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, 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 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes   ¨   No   x

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the registrant’s common stock on June 30, 2018, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $65,505,414.

 

As of March 29, 2019, there were 29,452,669 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and 1,000,000 preferred shares issued and outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Registrant’s proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the Registrant’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed subsequent to the date hereof, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. Such proxy statement will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days following the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I 4
ITEM 1. BUSINESS 4
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 34
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 35
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES 35
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 36
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 36
PART II 36
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 36
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 38
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 39
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK 47
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 48
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 85
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 85
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 86
PART III 86
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 86
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 86
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 86
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 86
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 86
PART IV 87
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 87
SIGNATURES 94

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

This annual report contains forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward- looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors described under Item 1 “Description of Business,” Item 1A “Risk Factors” and Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this annual report. You should read this annual report and the documents that we reference in this annual report, or that we filed as exhibits to this annual report completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

 

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

 

References in this annual report to “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” and words of like import refer to China United Insurance Service, Inc., its subsidiaries and variable interest entities.

 

References to China or the PRC refer to the People’s Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan). References to Taiwan refer to Republic of China.

 

Unless context indicates otherwise, reference to the “Company” in this annual report refers to China United Insurance Service, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Reference to “AHFL” refers to the combined operations of Action Holdings Financial Limited and its Taiwan Subsidiaries (as defined below). Reference to “Anhou” refers to the combined operations of Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries.

 

Our business is conducted in Taiwan and China using New Taiwanese Dollars (“NT$” or “NTD”), the currency of Taiwan, Hong Kong Dollars (“HK$” or “HKD”), the currency of Hong Kong, and RMB, the currency of China, respectively, and our financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“USD”, “US$” or “$”). In this annual report, we refer to assets, obligations, commitments and liabilities in our financial statements in USD. These dollar references are based on the exchange rate of NT$, HK$ and RMB to USD, determined as of a specific date. Changes in the exchange rate will affect the amount of our obligations and the value of our assets in terms of USD which may result in an increase or decrease in the amount of our obligations (expressed in USD) and the value of our assets, including accounts receivable (expressed in USD).

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Corporate History and Structure Overview

 

Our Company is a Delaware corporation organized on June 4, 2010 and has been quoted on various tiers of the OTC Market since August 2012. We provide our customers life insurance and property and casualty insurance intermediary and related services. We operate our Taiwan business primarily through Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. (“Law Broker”) and our PRC business primarily through Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (“Anhou”).

  

Law Broker

 

The history of our Company dates back to 1992, when Law Broker was established on October 9, 1992.

 

Law Enterprise Co., Ltd. (“Law Enterprise”), a company limited by shares and incorporated under the laws of Taiwan, holds 100% interest in Law Broker, a company limited by shares and incorporated under the laws of Taiwan on October 9, 1992. Law Enterprise used to operate two other subsidiaries during the past three fiscal years, namely Law Risk Management & Consultant Co., Ltd. (“Law Management”), a company limited by shares and incorporated under the laws of Taiwan on December 5, 1987, and Law Insurance Agent Co., Ltd., a company limited by shares and incorporated under the laws of Taiwan on June 3, 2000 (“Law Agent”, collectively with “Law Enterprise”, “Law Broker” and “Law Management”, the “Taiwan Subsidiaries”, each a “Taiwan Subsidiary”). As Law Management and Law Agent ceased operations, they were dissolved on April 20, 2016 and April 12, 2016, respectively. 

 

Acquisition of AHFL

 

Action Holdings Financial Limited (“AHFL”) was incorporated in British Virgin Islands with limited liability on April 30, 2012. AHFL holds a 65.95% interest in Law Enterprise and certain of our other subsidiaries as more fully described below.

 

On August 24, 2012, an acquisition agreement (the “AHFL Acquisition Agreement”) was entered into by and among our Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL named therein. Pursuant to the AHFL Acquisition Agreement, our Company acquired 100% interest in AHFL and its subsidiaries in Taiwan and our Company agreed to pay NT$15.0 million ($500,815) on or prior to March 31, 2013 and NT$7.5 million ($250,095) subsequent to March 31, 2013 in cash in two installments. In addition, our Company agreed to (i) issue 8,000,000 shares of common stock of our Company to the shareholders of AHFL; (ii) issue 2,000,000 shares of common stock of our Company to certain employees of Law Broker; and (iii) create an employee stock option pool, consisting of available options, exercisable for up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock of our Company. Upon closing of the transaction, we acquired 100% interest in AHFL and its subsidiaries in Taiwan.

 

On March 14, 2013, an Amendment to the AHFL Acquisition Agreement (the “First Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement”) was entered into by and among our Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL named therein. Pursuant to the First Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement, (i) the deadline for cash payment under the AHFL Acquisition Agreement was extended to March 31, 2015; and (ii) in lieu of the 2,000,000 employee stock option pool, our Company agreed to create an employee stock pool consisting of up to 4,000,000 shares of the common stock of our Company, among which 2,000,000 shares shall be solely granted to employees of Law Broker, and the remaining 2,000,000 shares shall be granted to employees of affiliated entities of our Company (including Law Broker employees).

 

On March 13, 2015, a second Amendment to the AHFL Acquisition Agreement (the “Second Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement”) was entered into by and among our Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL named therein. Pursuant to the Second Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement, the deadline for cash payment under the AHFL Acquisition Agreement was further extended to March 31, 2016.

 

On February 17, 2016, a third Amendment to the AHFL Acquisition Agreement (the “Third Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement”) was entered into by and among our Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL named therein. Pursuant to the Third Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement, on or prior to June 30, 2016, (i) our Company committed to complete the listing of our Company’s shares in a major capital market, where the net proceeds raised through such public offering financing was required to be at least $10.0 million; (ii) our Company committed to distribute a cash payment in the amount of NT$22.5 million, on a pro rata basis, to the selling shareholders of AHFL and to issue 5,000,000 common shares to select employees of AHFL pursuant to its employee stock/option plan, and (iii) failure to timely complete either of the above-mentioned criteria would be deemed a material breach by the Company under Article 8 of the Acquisition Agreement, and the non-breaching parties would be entitled to terminate the Acquisition Agreement and unwind the Acquisition of AHFL by us and restore the status quo of our Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL as if the acquisition had never happened.

 

On August 8, 2016, a fourth Amendment to the AHFL Acquisition Agreement (the “Fourth Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement”) was entered into by and among our Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL named therein. Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement, (i) the Third Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement was terminated with immediate effect on August 8, 2016, and (ii) our Company agreed to pay to the selling shareholders of AHFL NT$15.0 million on or prior to March 31, 2017 and NT$4.8 million on July 21, 2016.  

 

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On March 12, 2017, a fifth Amendment to the Acquisition Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement”) was entered into by and among our Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL named therein. Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement, our Company agreed to distribute the cash payment in the amount of NT$15 million to the selling shareholders of AHFL named therein on or prior to March 31, 2019.

 

On March 27, 2019, a sixth Amendment to the Acquisition Agreement (the “Sixth Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement”) was entered into by and among our Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL named therein. Pursuant to the Sixth Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement, our Company agreed to distribute the cash payment in the amount of NT$15 million to the selling shareholders of AHFL named therein on or prior to March 31, 2021.

 

Acquisition of GHFL

 

Genius Holdings Financial Limited (“GHFL”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of AHFL. On February 13, 2015, our Company, AHFL and Mr. Chwan Hau Li, being the selling shareholder of GHFL, entered into an acquisition agreement (the “GHFL Acquisition Agreement”). Pursuant to the GHFL Acquisition Agreement, our Company agreed to issue 352,166 fully paid and non-assessable shares of AHFL common stock (the “AHFL Shares”) together with a granted put option for 352,166 shares of common stock of our Company (the “Put Option”), in exchange for 704,333 shares of common stock of GHFL, being all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of GHFL. The Put Option may be exercised within six months of the closing date of the acquisition and the selling shareholder of GHFL would exchange the AHFL Shares as consideration for the exercise of the Put Option. Subsequent to the acquisition, GHFL became a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Company. GHFL holds 100% issued and outstanding shares of Genius Investment Consultant Co., Ltd. (“Taiwan Genius”), a company limited by shares and incorporated under the laws of Taiwan, which in turn holds approximately 15.64% issued and outstanding shares of Genius Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. (“Genius Broker”), a company limited by shares and incorporated under the laws of Taiwan. Both GHFL and Taiwan Genius have no substantive business operation other than the holding of shares of its subsidiary. Genius Broker is primarily engaged in broker business across Taiwan. Mr. Chwan Hau Li was the sole shareholder of GHFL and he is a director and shareholder of our Company. On March 31, 2015, Mr. Chwan Hau Li exercised the Put Option, pursuant to which, 352,166 shares of AHFL held by Mr. Chwan Hau Li were transferred back to our Company as the consideration for 352,166 shares of common stock of our Company, which were issued to Mr. Chwan Hau Li on April 29, 2015.

 

On February 17, 2016, our Company, AHFL and Mr. Chwan Hau Li entered into an Amendment 2 to the GHFL Acquisition Agreement (the “Second Amendment to GHFL Acquisition Agreement”), pursuant to which our Company agreed to complete the listing of our Company in a major capital market on or prior to February 28, 2016 where the net proceeds raised through such public offering financing shall be at least $10.0 million.

 

On August 8, 2016, our Company, AHFL and Mr. Chwan Hau Li entered into an Amendment 3 to the GHFL Acquisition Agreement (the “Third Amendment to GHFL Acquisition Agreement”), pursuant to which, the Second Amendment to GHFL Acquisition Agreement was terminated.

 

In July of 2018 the Company acquired Joint Broker Co., Limited (“JIB”), a Taiwan Insurance brokerage company, previously known as Kao Te Insurance Broker (“KT Broker”), through Genius Investment Co., Limited (“GIC”). On July 1, 2018, GIC entered into an acquisition agreement (“KT Broker Acquisition Agreement”) with the selling shareholder of KT Broker, Ms. Ma. Pursuant to the KT Broker Acquisition Agreement, GIC agreed to pay $29,545 (NT$ 900,000) in exchange for the insurance brokerage licenses issued to KT Broker by the Taiwanese government, along with right to the KT Broker company name and $13,131 (NT$ 400,000) of legal deposits. The Company has no intention of operating the KT Broker existing brokerage business nor retain any of its sales personnel, therefore the Company recognized only the acquisition of assets as part of this transaction. Under Taiwanese law, the brokerage license is undetectable from the KT Broker legal entity and the entity itself cannot be dissolved, so the Company renamed KT Broker to Joint Insurance Broker Co., Limited to serve as a holding entity for the brokerage licenses.

 

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Anhou

 

On July 12, 2010, ZLI Holdings Limited (“CU Hong Kong”), a wholly owned subsidiary of our Company, was established in Hong Kong. On October 20, 2010, Zhengzhou Zhonglian Hengfu Consulting Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign owned enterprise (“CU WFOE”), a wholly owned subsidiary of CU Hong Kong, was established in Henan province of the PRC. On January 16, 2011, our Company issued 20,000,000 shares of common stock to several non-U.S. persons for their investment of $300,000 in CU WFOE. The issuance was made pursuant to an exemption from registration contained in Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Zhengzhou Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd., the predecessor entity of Anhou, was founded in Henan province of the PRC on October 9, 2003. Due to PRC legal restrictions on foreign ownership and investment in the insurance agency businesses in China, particularly those based on qualifications as well as capital requirements of the investors. Able Capital Holding Co., Ltd., a company established with limited liability in Hong Kong, delegated four PRC individuals, namely Yanyan Wang, Zhaohui Chen, Weizhe Hou and Yong Zhang, to invest in Anhou on its behalf.

 

On September 26, 2013, Yanyan Wang, Zhaohui Chen, Jing Yue, Weizhe Hou, Yong Zhang, Li Chen (“Anhou New Investors”) and Shuqin Zhu, Qun Wei, Qunlei Fang and Yanxia Chen (“Anhou Original Shareholders”) agreed to increase the registered capital of Anhou to RMB50 million, among which, (i) Yanyan Wang agreed to invest RMB10 million, accounting for 20% of registered capital in Anhou, (ii) Zhaohui Chen agreed to invest RMB10 million, accounting for 20% of registered capital in Anhou, (iii) Jing Yue agreed to invest RMB7.5 million, accounting for 15% of registered capital in Anhou, (iv) Weizhe Hou agreed to invest RMB5 million, accounting for 10% of registered capital in Anhou, (v) Yong Zhang agreed to invest RMB4.5 million, accounting for 9% of registered capital in Anhou, and (vi) Li Chen agreed to invest RMB3 million, accounting for 6% of registered capital in Anhou, respectively.

 

The registered capital increase of Anhou was in response to the promulgations of certain regulations by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (“CIRC”). On April 27, 2013, CIRC issued the Decision on Revising the Provisions of the Supervision and Administration of Specialized Insurance Agencies (the “Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions”), pursuant to which, CIRC mandated any insurance agency established subsequent to the Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions to meet a minimum registered capital requirement of RMB50 million. On May 16, 2013, CIRC issued Notice for Further Clarification on Related Issues of Access to Professional Insurance Intermediary Market (the “2013 Notice”), pursuant to which, professional insurance agencies established prior to the issuance of the Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions, with registered capital less than RMB50 million, can continue operation of their existing business within the provinces where they have the registered office or branch office, but shall not set up any new branches in any province where they do not have the registered office or any branch office. To better implement the expansion strategies of our Company, Anhou increased its registered capital to RMB50 million to meet the requirement of CIRC so that it is able set up new branches in any province beyond its current operations in the PRC.

 

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On October 24, 2013, Anhou Original Shareholders transferred their interests in Anhou to Changrong Hu, a PRC citizen (“Mr. Hu,” together with Anhou New Investors, “Anhou Existing Shareholders”), for an aggregate consideration of RMB10 million. Mr. Hu is currently the legal representative, General Manager and the sole director of Anhou.

 

On November 17, 2016, Li Chen transferred his interests in Anhou to Chunyan Lu for an aggregate consideration of RMB3 million.

 

Sichuan Kangzhuang Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (“Sichuan Kangzhuang”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Anhou, was established with limited liability on September 4, 2006 in Sichuan province of the PRC. On September 6, 2010, shareholders of Sichuan Kangzhuang transferred their interest in Sichuan Kangzhuang to Anhou for an aggregate consideration of RMB532,622. For the purpose of procuring certain economic benefits and enabling a centralized control over the business operations in Sichuan province, the Company commenced the dissolution process of Sichuan Kangzhuang, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anhou and set up a branch office of Anhou in Sichuan province. Accordingly, Sichuan Kangzhuang filed a dissolution application to the local Bureau of Administration and Commerce and made a public announcement published in local newspaper in October 2017. As Sichuan Kangzhuang ceased operations, it was dissolved on October 8, 2018.

 

Jiangsu Law Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd. (“Jiangsu Law”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Anhou, was established with limited liability on September 19, 2005 in Jiangsu province of the PRC. Jiangsu Law is licensed to provide insurance brokerage services. On September 28, 2010, Anhou and the shareholders of Jiangsu Law entered into an equity transfer agreements. Pursuant to Provisions on the Supervision and Administration of Insurance Brokerage Institution, effective on October 1, 2009, if an insurance brokerage entity fails to bring its registered capital to no less than RMB10 million on or prior to October 1, 2012, the CIRC or its local counterpart, as applicable, may determine not to extend the insurance brokerage license. To meet such minimum registered capital requirement, on February 11, 2011, Anhou invested RMB4.82 million in Jiangsu Law to increase the registered capital to RMB10 million.

 

Our Consolidated Affiliated Entities

 

Due to PRC legal restrictions on foreign ownership and investment in insurance agency and brokerage businesses in China, especially those on qualifications as well as capital requirement of the investors, we operate our PRC business primarily through Anhou and Jiangsu Law (collectively, the “Consolidated Affiliated Entities”, each a “Consolidated Affiliated Entity”). We do not hold equity interests in our Consolidated Affiliated Entities. However, through the VIE Agreements (defined as below), we effectively control, and are able to derive substantial economic benefits from, these Consolidated Affiliated Entities. On January 19, 2015, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (“MOFCOM”) published a draft version of a proposed Foreign Investment Law (the “Draft Foreign Investment Law”) with an explanatory note. MOFCOM has requested comments from the public on the Draft Foreign Investment Law by February 17, 2015, which, once promulgated, will replace and integrate the three existing laws over foreign investment, however, how these changes will affect entities currently operating in China, particularly foreign controlled variable interest entities, is not entirely clear.

 

Our Consolidated Affiliated Entities in China are variable interest entities through which all of our insurance services in China are operated. These VIE Agreements that give us effective control over our Consolidated Affiliated Entities in China and allow us to consolidate the financial results of our Consolidated Affiliated Entities in our financial statements.

 

On January 17, 2011, CU WFOE, Anhou and Anhou Original Shareholders entered into a series of agreements (the “Old VIE Agreements”) pursuant to which CU WFOE exercises effective control over Anhou. As a result of the capital increase and the share transfer described above, on October 24, 2013, CU WFOE, Anhou and Anhou Existing Shareholders entered into a series of agreements (the “VIE Agreements”), including Power of Attorneys, Exclusive Option Agreements, Share Pledge Agreements, in the same form as the previous Old VIE Agreements, other than the change of shareholder names and their respective shareholdings. The Old VIE Agreements were terminated by and among CU WFOE, Anhou and Anhou Original Shareholders on the same date, except that the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement executed by and between CU WFOE and Anhou on January 17, 2011 remains in full effect. The VIE Agreements now in effect include:

 

1.

An exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, pursuant to which CU WFOE is appointed as the exclusive services provider to Anhou of complete technical support, business support and related consulting services in exchange for 90% of the net profits of Anhou. The Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement was effective on January 17, 2011 with a term of ten years subject to extension at the discretion of CU WFOE. CU WFOE may terminate the agreement at any time with 30 days’ written notice but Anhou may only terminate the agreement if CU WFOE commits gross negligence or a fraudulent act against Anhou;

 

2.a Power of Attorney, pursuant to which the shareholders of Anhou have vested their collective voting control in Anhou to CU WFOE;

 

3.an Option Agreement, pursuant to which the shareholders of Anhou granted to CU WFOE the irrevocable right and option to acquire all of their equity interests in Anhou. The Option Agreement was effective on October 24, 2013 with a term of ten years subject to renewal at CU WFOE’s election; and

 

4.a Share Pledge Agreement, pursuant to which the shareholders of Anhou have pledged all of their equity interests in Anhou to CU WFOE to guarantee Anhou’s performance of its obligations under the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement.

 

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PFAL

 

Prime Financial Asia Ltd. (“PFAL”) is a re-insurance broker company incorporated in Hong Kong. On April 23, 2014, AHFL and Chun Kwok Wong (“Mr. Wong”) entered into a Capital Increase Agreement, pursuant to which Mr. Wong agreed to increase PFAL’s registered capital from HK$500,000 to HK$1,470,000 and AHFL agreed to contribute HK$1,530,000 to PFAL’s registered capital. Upon the completion of capital increase on April 30, 2014, Mr. Wong and AHFL own 49% and 51% of PFAL’s equity interest, respectively.

 

On August 7, 2015, Max Key Investment Ltd. (“MKI”) was incorporated with limited liability in the British Virgin Islands. On August 15, 2015, Prime Management Consulting (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. (“PTC Nanjing”) was incorporated with limited liability in Nanjing province of the PRC. On September 3, 2015, Prime Asia Corporation Limited. (“PTC Taiwan”), a company limited by shares, was incorporated in Taiwan. Each of MKI, PTC Nanjing and PTC Taiwan is a wholly owned subsidiary of PFAL.

 

As a holding company with no business other than holding equity interest of our operating subsidiary, CU WFOE in China and Law Broker in Taiwan, we rely principally on dividends to be paid by CU WFOE in China and Law Broker in Taiwan. CU WFOE, being the exclusive service provider to Anhou, relies on the service fees to which it is entitled from Anhou. Pursuant to the Exclusive Cooperation Agreement (the “Cooperation Agreement”) between CU WFOE and Anhou, CU WFOE has the right to collect 90% of the net profits of Anhou. Anhou has been paying service fees according to the Cooperation Agreement, but has not paid any dividend to CU WFOE to date. As of December 31, 2018, Anhou was operating at a profit, but since Anhou remains a growing company that requires financial resources to support further expansion, the dividend payment will be decided later on depending on the financial circumstances. Our capability to receive dividends from CU WFOE, convert them into USD and make the repatriation out of China is subject to the applicable PRC restrictions on the payment of dividends by PRC companies, laws and regulations on foreign exchange and restrictions on foreign investment. For the year ended December 31, 2017, 85.31%, 14.37% and 0.32% of our revenues in our consolidated financial statements were derived from our Taiwan Segment, PRC Segment, and Hong Kong Segment, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, 85.82 %, 13.31% and 0.87% of our revenues in our consolidated financial statements were derived from our Taiwan Segment, PRC Segment, and Hong Kong Segment, respectively. Revenues in our consolidated financial statements are composed of commissions earned from insurance companies according to the terms of each insurance company service agreement, as well as revenues earned in association with the Strategic Alliance Agreement with AIATW.

  

Reclassification of Shares

 

On January 28, 2011, our Company increased the number of authorized shares from 30,000,000 shares of common stock to 100,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. On July 2, 2012, our board of directors and stockholders approved, in connection with a reclassification of 1,000,000 issued and outstanding shares of common stock (the “Reclassified Shares”), par value $0.00001 per share held by Mr. Yi Hsiao Mao (“Mr. Mao”) into 1,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) on a share-for-share basis (the “Reclassification”), the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Mr. Mao and cancellation of 1,000,000 common stock held and submitted by Mr. Mao pursuant to the Reclassification. All of the 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock are reclassified from the 1,000,000 common stock held by Mr. Mao and no additional consideration has been paid by Mr. Mao in connection with the Reclassification. Each holder of common stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held of record by such holder as of the applicable record date on any matter that is submitted to a vote of the stockholders of our Company; while each holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to ten votes for each share of Series A Preferred Stock held of record by such holder as of the applicable record date on any matter that is submitted to a vote of the stockholders of our Company.

 

2017 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

On May 12, 2017, the Company’s 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) was approved by the shareholders at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of China United Insurance Service, Inc. Up to 10,000,000 shares of our Common Stock may be granted under the 2017 Plan (the “Share Pool”), provided that 2,000,000 shares of the Share Pool is reserved for issuance to eligible participants providing services to AHFL and its subsidiaries. Eligibility to participate is open to officers, directors and employees of, and other individuals (including sales agents who are exclusive agents of the Company or its subsidiaries or derive more than 50% of their income from those entities) who provide bona fide services to or for, us or any of our subsidiaries. Given that metrics for evaluating performance goals are rather complex and exhaustive, and that the Company’s management and Board of Directors are still working to develop a series of reward policies that specify various performance target levels and the size of the award or payout of performance shares with respect to each different target level attained, no awards were granted under the 2017 Plan as of December 31, 2018.

 

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The following flow chart illustrates our Company’s organizational structure as of March 29, 2019:

  

 

Products and Services

 

Law Broker and Anhou market and sell to customers two broad categories of insurance products: life insurance products and property and casualty insurance products, both focused on meeting the particular insurance needs of individuals. The insurance products that Law Broker and Anhou sell are underwritten by some of the leading insurance companies in Taiwan and China, respectively.

 

Through Anhou’s wholly-owned insurance brokerage firm Jiangsu Law, it also closely interacts with insurance companies and actively locates and introduces the right customers in Anhou’s database matching the insurance products offered by such insurance companies to them.

 

Law Broker and Anhou are compensated primarily by commissions and fees paid by insurance companies, typically based on a percentage of the premium paid by the insured or a percentage of the amount recovered from insurance companies. Commission and fee rates generally depend on the type of insurance products, the particular insurance company.

 

Life Insurance Products

 

Law Broker

 

The life insurance products Law Broker distributes can be broadly classified into the categories set forth below. Due to continuing product innovation by insurance companies, some of the insurance products Law Broker distributes combine features of one or more of the categories listed below. Total net revenues from life insurance products distributed by Law Broker in 2018 was approximately $62.43 million, accounted for approximately 93.12% of Law Broker’s total net revenues and approximately 79.36% of our total net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively.

 

  · Individual Whole Life Insurance. The individual whole life insurance products Law Broker distributes provide insurance for the insured person’s entire life in exchange for the periodic payment of fixed premiums over a pre-determined period, generally ranging from six to 20 years, or until the insured reaches a certain age. The face amount of the policy or, for some policies, the face amount plus accumulated interest is paid upon the death of the insured.

 

  · Individual Term Life Insurance. The individual term life insurance products Law Broker distributes provide insurance for the insured for a specified time period or until the attainment of a certain age, in return for the periodic payment of fixed premiums over a pre-determined period, generally ranging from six to 20 years. Term life insurance policies generally expire without value if the insured survives the coverage period.

 

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  · Individual Health Insurance. The individual health insurance products Law Broker distributes pay the insured amount of reasonable hospitalization cost, or certain death benefit in case of the death of the insured, due to illness, accident or childbirth. Individual health insurance policies expire when the premium is not paid or a certain age is attained.

 

  · Accidental Injury Insurance.  The accidental injury insurance products Law Broker distributes provide benefits when the insured is dead or disabled because of accidental injury, which is unforeseen by the injured or against his will.

 

  · Investment-Oriented Insurance. The investment-oriented insurance products Law Broker distributes are market linked insurance plans which also provide life coverage, combining advantages of investment and protection. The premium amount (after deduction of certain charges) is invested into different funds. The performance of the fund will depend on the market conditions. A growing upward trend in market will increase the fund value. Every investment-oriented insurance policy has market risk exposure depending on the fund invested and such investment risk is solely borne by the policyholder. Depending on the death benefit, investment-oriented insurance policies are categorized into two broad categories: (1) the death benefit is equal to the higher of insured amount or fund value; (2) the death benefit is equal to the insured amount plus fund value.

 

  · Foreign Currency Insurance Commodities. The foreign currency insurance commodities Law Broker distributes are life insurance policies in which policy benefits are paid in foreign currencies. The foreign currency policy provides insurance for the insured person’s life in exchange for the periodic payment of fixed premiums over a pre-determined period, generally ranging from six to 20 years, or until the insured reaches a certain age. The face amount of the policy or, for some policies, the face amount plus accumulated interest, is paid upon the death of the insured.

 

  ·

Travel Accident Insurance. The travel accident insurance products Law Broker distributes provide accident coverage for accidental death, bodily injury, and other travel injuries. The premium is based on the number of travel days and the insured amount.

 

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The life insurance products Law Broker distributed in the year ending December 31, 2018 were primarily underwritten by, in alphabetical order, AIA International Limited Taiwan Branch, Farglory Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Fubon Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Taiwan Life Insurance Co., Ltd. and TransGlobe Life Insurance Inc. Among them, Farglory Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Taiwan Life Insurance Co., Ltd., and TransGlobe Life Insurance Inc. accounted for approximately 23.43%, 14.01%, and 13.07% of our total net revenues in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, respectively. 

 

Anhou

 

The life insurance products Anhou distributes can be broadly classified into the categories set forth below. Due to constant product innovation by insurance companies, some of the insurance products Anhou distributes combine features of one or more of the categories listed below. Total net revenues from life insurance products in 2018 was approximately $ 9.91 million, accounting for approximately 94.67% of Anhou’s total net revenues and approximately 12.59% of our total net revenues for the year ending December 31, 2018, respectively.

 

  · Individual Whole Life Insurance. The individual whole life insurance products Anhou distributes provide insurance for the insured person’s entire life in exchange for the periodic payment of fixed premiums over a pre-determined period, generally ranging from five to 20 years, or until the insured reaches a certain age. The face amount of the policy or, for some policies, the face amount plus accumulated interest is paid upon the death of the insured.

 

  · Individual Term Life Insurance. The individual term life insurance products Anhou distributes provide insurance for the insured for a specified time period or until the attainment of a certain age, in return for the periodic payment of fixed premiums over a pre-determined period, generally ranging from five to 20 years. Term life insurance policies generally expire without value if the insured survives the coverage period.

 

  · Individual Endowment Life Insurance. The individual endowment products Anhou distributes generally provide maturity benefits if the insured reaches a specified age, and provide to a beneficiary designated by the insured guaranteed benefits upon the death of the insured within the coverage period. In return, the insured makes periodic payment of premiums over a pre-determined period, generally ranging from five to 25 years.

 

  · Individual Annuity Insurance. The individual annuity insurance products Anhou distributes provide annual benefit payments after the insured attains a certain age, or for a fixed time period, and provide a lump payment at the end of the coverage period. In addition, the beneficiary designated in the annuity contract will receive guaranteed benefits upon the death of the insured during the coverage period. In return, the purchaser of the annuity products makes periodic payment of premiums during a pre-determined accumulation period.

 

  · Individual Health Insurance. The individual health insurance products Anhou distributes primarily consist of critical illness insurance products, which provide guaranteed benefits for specified critical illnesses during the coverage period. In return, the insured makes periodic payment of premiums over a pre-determined period.

 

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The life insurance products Anhou distributed in the year ending December 31, 2018 were primarily underwritten by, in alphabetical order, Aegon THTF Life Insurance Co., Ltd., AVIVA Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Evergrande Life Assurance Co., Ltd., Funde Sino Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Huaxia Insurance Co., Ltd., and Tianan Life Insurance Co., Ltd. None of these insurance company partners accounted for more than 10% of our total net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

In addition to the periodic premium payment schedules described above, most of the individual life insurance products we distribute also allow the insured to choose to make a single, lump-sum premium payment at the beginning of the policy term. If a periodic payment schedule is adopted by the insured, a life insurance policy can generate periodic payment of fixed premiums to the insurance company for a specified period of time. This means that once Anhou or Law Broker sells a life insurance policy with a periodic premium payment schedule, they will be able to derive commission and fee income from that policy for an extended period of time, sometimes up to 25 years. Because of this feature and the expected sustainable growth of life insurance sales in China and Taiwan, we have focused significant resources ever since the inception of Anhou and Law Broker on developing our capability to distribute individual life insurance products with periodic payment schedules. We expect that sales of life insurance products will continue to be our primary source of revenue in the next several years.

 

Property and Casualty Insurance Products

 

Law Broker

 

Law Broker’s main property and casualty insurance products are automobile insurance, casualty insurance, and liability insurance. Law Broker commenced sale of automobile insurance, casualty insurance and liability insurance business in August 2003. Total net revenues from property and casualty insurance products in the 2018 year was approximately $4.61 million, accounted for approximately 6.88% of Law Broker’s total net revenues and approximately 5.86% of our total net revenues in the year ending December 31, 2018, respectively.

 

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The property and casualty insurance products Law Broker distributes can be further classified into the following categories:

 

  · Automobile Insurance. Law Broker distributes both standard automobile insurance policies and supplemental policies, which we refer to as riders. The standard automobile insurance policies Law Broker sells generally have a term of one year and cover damages caused to the insured vehicle by collision and other traffic accidents, falling or flying objects, fire, explosion and natural disasters. Law Broker also sells standard third party liability insurance policies, which cover bodily injury and property damage caused by an accident involving an insured vehicle to a person not in the insured vehicle. The riders Law Broker distributes cover additional losses, such as liability to passengers, losses arising from vehicle theft and robbery, broken glass and vehicle body scratches.

 

  · Casualty Insurance. The casualty insurance Law Broker distributes are primarily designed to insure any losses or damages to properties caused by direct accidents. The policy period is usually one year and the premium is generally calculated based on the insured amount.

 

  · Liability Insurance. The liability insurance products Law Broker distributes are primarily designed to protect an individual or business from the risk that they may be sued and held legally liable for something such as malpractice, injury or negligence. The policy period is usually one year and the premium is generally calculated based on the insured amount.

 

The property and casualty insurance products Law Broker distributed in the year ending December 31, 2018 were primarily underwritten by, in alphabetical order, Fubon Insurance Co., Ltd., Hotai Insurance Co., Ltd., Shinkong Insurance Co., Ltd., Taiwan Insurance Co. Ltd. and TLG Insurance Co.. None of these insurance company partners accounted for more than 10% of our total net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

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Anhou

 

Anhou’s main property and casualty insurance products are automobile insurance and commercial property insurance. Anhou commenced its sale of commercial property insurance in 2009 and developed its automobile insurance business since 2010. Total net revenues from property and casualty insurance products distributed by Anhou in the 2018 fiscal year was approximately $0.56 million, accounted for approximately 5.33% of Anhou’s total net revenues and approximately 0.71% of our total net revenues for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.

 

The property and casualty insurance products Anhou distributes can be further classified into the following categories:

 

  · Automobile Insurance. Automobile insurance is the largest segment of property and casualty insurance in the PRC in terms of gross written premiums. Anhou distributes both standard automobile insurance policies and supplemental policies, which we refer to as riders. The standard automobile insurance policies Anhou sells generally have a term of one year and cover damages caused to the insured vehicle by collision and other traffic accidents, falling or flying objects, fire, explosion and natural disasters. Anhou also sells standard third party liability insurance policies, which cover bodily injury and property damage caused by an accident involving an insured vehicle to a person not in the insured vehicle. The riders Anhou distributes cover additional losses, such as liability to passengers, losses arising from vehicle theft and robbery, broken glass and vehicle body scratches.

 

  · Commercial Property Insurance. The commercial property insurance products Anhou distributes include basic, comprehensive and all risk policies. Basic commercial property insurance policies generally cover damage to the insured property caused by fire, explosion and thunder and lightning. Comprehensive commercial property insurance policies generally cover damage to the insured property caused by fire, explosion and certain natural disasters. All risk commercial property insurance policies cover all causes of damage to the insured property not specifically excluded from the policies.

 

The property and casualty insurance products Anhou distributed in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018 were primarily underwritten by, in alphabetical order, China Pacific (Group) Co., Ltd., Huatai P&C Insurance Co., Ltd., PICC Property and Casualty Co., Ltd., Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd., and Tianan Property Insurance Co., Ltd. None of these insurance company partners accounted for more than 10% of our total net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Strategic Alliance with AIATW

 

On June 10, 2013, AHFL entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement (the “Alliance Agreement”) with AIA International Limited Taiwan Branch (“AIATW”), the purpose of which is to promote life insurance products provided by AIATW within Taiwan by insurance agency companies or insurance brokerage companies affiliated with AHFL or CUIS. The original term of the Alliance Agreement was from June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2018. Pursuant to the terms of the Alliance Agreement, AIATW was required to pay AHFL an execution fee of $8,326,700 (NT$ 250,000,000) to be recorded as revenue upon fulfilling sales target over the next five years. As of September 23, 2013, AHFL received $8,326,700 (NT$250,000,000) from AIATW under the Alliance Agreement. Pursuant to the Alliance Agreement, AHFL was entitled to the payment of the execution fee, subject to certain terms and conditions therein, including the satisfaction of the performance targets and the threshold 13-month persistency ratio.

 

On September 30, 2014, AHFL entered into an Amendment to the Alliance Agreement (the “First Amendment to the Alliance Agreement”) with AIATW. Pursuant to the First Amendment to the Alliance Agreement, the expiration date of the Alliance Agreement was extended from May 31, 2018 to December 31, 2020. In addition, both AHFL and AIATW agreed to adjust certain terms and conditions set forth in the Alliance Agreement, including the downward adjustment of the performance targets as well as the mechanism and formula calculating the execution fee to be refunded, if any.

 

On January 6, 2016, AHFL entered into an Amendment No. 2 to the Alliance Agreement (the “Second Amendment to the Alliance Agreement”) with AIATW to further revise certain provisions in the Alliance Agreement and the previous amendment entered into by and between AHFL and AIATW.

 

Pursuant to the Second Amendment to the Alliance Agreement, the expiration date of the Alliance Agreement was extended from May 31, 2018 to December 31, 2021, and the effect of the Alliance Agreement during the period from October 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015 was suspended. In addition, both AHFL and AIATW agree to adjust certain terms and conditions set forth in the Alliance Agreement, among which are to: (i) expand the scope of services to be provided by AHFL to AIATW to include, without limitation, assessment and advice on suitability of cooperative partners, advice on product strategies suitable for promotion channel development, advice on promotion/sales channel improvement, advice on promotion channel marketing and strategic planning, and promotion channel talent training; and (ii) remove certain provisions related to performance milestones and refund of execution fees. On March 15, 2016, AHFL unilaterally issued a confirmation letter to AIATW  (the “2016 Letter”), where it emphasized its commitment to achieve certain sales targets within a specific time frame and covenanted to refund a certain portion of execution fees calculated based on the formula therein upon failure to achieve such sales target, as applicable.

 

On June 14, 2017, AHFL entered into an Amendment No. 3 to the Alliance Agreement (the “Third Amendment to the Alliance Agreement) with AIATW to further revise certain provisions in the Alliance Agreement and the previous amendments to the Alliance Agreement entered into by and between AHFL and AIATW.

 

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Pursuant to the Third Amendment to the Alliance Agreement, except for the first contract year (April 15, 2013 to September 30, 2014), the sales targets for the remaining contract term under the Alliance Agreement shall be changed by reference to (i) the amount of the value of new business (“VONB”) and (ii) the 13-month persistency ratio as set forth therein, provided that to the extent any underlying insurance contract is revoked, invalid or terminated and premiums is refunded to such policyholder, the amount of the related VONB shall be correspondingly reduced. Both AHFL and AIATW agreed to calculate the business promotion fees (equivalent to the “execution fee” referred above) to be returned in case of failure to achieve the sales targets or the fees to be increased in case of exceeding the sales targets, as the case may be, based on two formulas specified in the Third Amendment to the Alliance Agreement. The primary factor under formula one focuses on the annual and/or accumulated achievement rate(s), while the primary factor under formula two focuses on the 13-month persistency ratio(s), subject to terms and conditions therein. The expanded scope of services to be provided by AHFL to AIATW as set forth in Section 4 of the Second Amendment to the Alliance Agreement is removed under the Third Amendment to the Alliance Agreement as well.

 

On June 14, 2017, with AIATW's consent, the 2016 Letter was revoked in order to conform to the latest terms and conditions regarding the cooperation between AHFL and AIATW as set forth in the Third Amendment to the Alliance Agreement.

 

Online Business

 

In recent years, the online insurance business has experienced rapid growth. Many insurance companies, portal websites and professional insurance intermediaries have begun launching its e-commerce platforms, providing real-time information to consumers and allowing consumers to directly complete transactions online. Law Broker began developing its online platform in 2016, and became the first brokerage company to receive formal approval from the Financial Supervisory Commission  of Taiwan (“FSC”) to commence online business on May 9, 2016. The platform, SARAcares (website: https://www.saracares.com.tw), was launched on January 26, 2017. It offers a broad range of insurance products underwritten by multiple insurance companies, policy comparison features, and post-sale services that are backed by our online service staffs and nationwide sales network. As required by the relevant laws and regulations regarding e-commerce provided by the FSC, Law Broker has obtained the ISO 27001 certification of Information Security Management System (ISMS) and BS 10012 certification of Personal Information Management System since June 20, 2017. Our online business in Taiwan is still at a nascent stage with the majority of the sales still being completed by off-line agents.

 

Unified Operating Platform

 

Law Broker has self-constructed a Unified Operating Platform, an information technology infrastructure that serves to enhance operational, sales processes, and administrative efficiency. Since Law Broker’s establishment in 1992, it has successfully implemented the following components of its operating platform across its branch offices in Taiwan through a hub center located in Taipei:

 

  · A centralized client and insurance policy management and analysis system, which encompasses our life insurance unit and property and casualty insurance unit, that will better support business operations and facilitate risk control;

 

  · A centralized client relations management system, that manages and analyzes client interactions to drive sales growth;

 

  · An integrated administrative and information system, that increases the management efficiency among the subsidiaries, branches and sales departments;

 

  · A centralized and computerized accounting and financial management system, that improves the efficiency of commission distribution and enforcement;

 

  · A human resources management and performance tracking system; and

 

  · An e-training system to provide online trainings to sales professionals.

 

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The Unified Operating Platform has proved to be an efficient and streamlined operating system which has contributed to the successful expansion and growth of Law Broker into one of the leading insurance brokerage companies in Taiwan, with 34 sales and service outlets (including the headquarters) across Taiwan and 2,600 insurance sales professionals as of December 31, 2018.

 

In accordance with our growth strategy in China, Anhou has made significant effort to adapt the Unified Operating Platform utilized by Law Broker to better meet the operational need in China. Since September 2010, Anhou has successfully implemented the tailored operating platform across the PRC subsidiaries through a hub center located in Nantong, Jiangsu province. We expect that this tailored operating platform will make selling easier for sales agents in China, facilitate standardized business and financial management, enhance risk control and increase operational efficiency for the PRC subsidiaries.

 

Anhou has tailored and refined the platform on the basis of Law Broker’s well-developed operating platform in Taiwan and believes that it is difficult for our competitors in China, particularly new market entrants, to reproduce a similar platform without substantial financial resources, time and operating experience.

 

Because the various systems, policies and procedures under both of operating platforms utilized by Law Broker and Anhou can be rolled out quickly as we enter new regions or make acquisitions, we believe we can expand our distribution network rapidly and efficiently while maintaining the quality of our services.

 

Distribution and Service Network and Marketing

 

Since Law Broker’s establishment in 1992, it has devoted substantial resources to building up its distribution and service network. Law Broker currently has 34 sales and service outlets spread across Taiwan (including the headquarters), among which, 12 are located in the northern region, 14 are located in the central region, 6 are located in the southern region and 2 are located in the eastern region. As of December 31, 2018, Law Broker had 2,600 sales professionals and 199 administrative staff members.

 

Law Broker markets and sells life insurance products, property and casualty insurance products directly to the targeted customers through the sales professionals, who are independent contractors, not its employees.

 

Since Anhou’s establishment in 2003, it has devoted substantial resources in building up its distribution and service network. Anhou has targeted its distribution and service network in provinces with most population in China, such as Henan, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Fujian, and Guangdong. As of December 31, 2018, Anhou had one insurance agency and one insurance brokerage firm, with 2,589 sales professionals and 139 administrative staff members operating across 43 cities within these five provinces.

 

Anhou markets and sells life insurance products, property and casualty insurance products directly to the targeted customers through the sales agents, who are independent contractors, not its employees.

 

Customers

 

Due to its extensive line of insurance products underwritten by the insurance companies in Taiwan, Law Broker managed to offer a variety of insurance products to customers of different ages or professions. However, as an aging population in Taiwan has gradually become a more recognized social issue, despite relatively healthy government-sponsored retirement and medical programs, more and more Taiwanese, especially those with stable financial means and aiming for high-end retirement and medical treatment, have been focusing on endowment and medical type of commercial insurance products, while the investment type of insurance products have been playing a less significant role since the economic downturn.

 

In addition, from time to time, Law Broker has been, either voluntarily or upon request of insurance companies, advising insurance companies or providing feedback on particular types of insurance products before they are put on the market. This interaction with insurance companies has not only enhanced the close cooperation between Law Broker and the insurance companies, but also gives it an edge in understanding the in-depth features of such insurance products for marketing and distribution purposes.

 

Law Broker sells automobile insurance and casualty insurance primarily to individual customers. Law Broker sells liability insurance to institutional customers.

 

Anhou sells automobile insurance and individual accident insurance primarily to individual customers. Anhou sells commercial property insurance to institutional customers.

 

The revenues of Anhou are primarily generated from the sale of life insurance products and we expect the continuous growth in this regard, as more and more customers in China realized the insufficiency of the mandatory social insurance coverage and the necessity to supplement it with commercial insurance.

 

Insurance Company Partners

 

We are selective in terms of choosing insurance companies as our partners. We take into consideration a variety of factors, such as the reputation and integrity of the insurance company, the quality and competitiveness of insurance products offered, the prudence and health of the financial standing of the insurance company as well as the complexity and efficiency of claim adjustment and settlement. Both Law Broker and Anhou have formed strategic relationships with numerous insurance companies in Taiwan and China, respectively.

 

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In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Law Broker’s major insurance company partners, after aggregating the business conducted between Law Broker and the various local branches of the insurance companies were AIA International Limited Taiwan Branch, Farglory Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Fubon Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Taiwan Life Insurance Co., Ltd. and TransGlobe Life Insurance Inc., arranged in alphabetical order. Among them, Farglory Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Taiwan Life Insurance Co., Ltd. and TransGlobe Life Insurance Inc., accounted for approximately 23.43%, 14.01% and 13.07% of the Company’s total net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively.

 

In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Anhou’s major insurance company partners, after aggregating the business conducted between Anhou and the various local branches of the insurance companies were Aegon THTF Life Insurance Co., Ltd., AVIVA Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Evergrande Life Insurance Company Limited, Funde Sino Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Huaxia Insurance Co., Ltd., and Tianan Life Insurance Co., Ltd., arranged in alphabetical order. None of these insurance company partners accounted for more than 10% of our total net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Competition

 

A number of industry players are involved in the distribution of insurance products in Taiwan and PRC. We compete for customers on the basis of product offerings, customer services and reputation. Because we primarily distribute individual insurance products, our principal competitors include:

 

  · Professional insurance intermediaries. Life insurance is our core business and has a strong regional feature. Through years of business development, we believe that we can compete effectively with other insurance intermediary companies as we have a longer operational history and over the years have assembled a strong and stable team of managers and sales professionals. With the implementation of our unified operating platform, we believe that we could strengthen our lead in our developed local regions and expand our operation to our newly selected areas. However, with increasing consolidation expected in the insurance intermediary sector in the coming years, we expect competition within this sector to intensify.

 

  · Insurance companies. The distribution of individual life insurance products in Taiwan and China historically has been dominated by insurance companies, which usually use both in-house sales force and exclusive sales agents to distribute their own products. We believe that we can compete effectively with insurance companies because we focus only on distribution and offer our customers a broad range of insurance products underwritten by multiple insurance companies.

 

  · Other business entities. In recent years, business entities that distribute insurance products as an ancillary business, primarily commercial banks and postal offices have been playing an increasingly important role in the distribution of insurance products, especially life insurance products. However, the insurance products distributed by these entities are usually confined to those related to their main lines of business, such as investment-related life insurance products. We believe that we can compete effectively with these business entities because we offer our customers a broader variety of products.

 

Law Broker is one of the leading insurance brokerage firms in Taiwan. During the past two decades, Law Broker has expanded its business across Taiwan, with 34 sales and service outlets (including the headquarters) and 2,600 sales professionals and 199 administrative staff members spread over the four regions of Taiwan as of December 31, 2018. Other than insurance companies and commercial banks, Law Broker’s primary competitors are Taiwan insurance brokerage companies of relatively large size, such as Everpro Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd.

 

Awards and Recognitions

 

Through years of operation, Law Broker has been recognized by various organizations and government entities for its best practices in the industry. Especially noteworthy is the “Taiwan Insurance Excellence Award”, the highest acclaim in the Taiwan insurance industry, co-sponsored by the Taiwan Insurance Institute, FSC and Taiwan Consumer Protection Committee.

 

Year of Award Award/Recognition
2017…………. Seventh Taiwan Insurance Excellence Award
Excellence in Talent Training Award–Gold Medal
Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Award–Silver Medal
Excellence in Digital Application Award–Silver Medal
Excellence in Customer Service–Silver Medal
2015…………. Sixth Taiwan Insurance Excellence Award
Excellence in Talent Training Award–Silver Medal
Excellence in Customer Service–Silver Medal
2013…………. Fifth Taiwan Insurance Excellence Award
Excellence in Digital Application Award–Gold Medal
Excellence in Talent Training Award–Silver Medal
Excellence in Customer Service–Silver Medal
2011…………. Fourth Taiwan Insurance Excellence Award
Excellence in Talent Training Award
Excellence in Customer Service
2009…………. Third Taiwan Insurance Excellence Award
Excellence in Talent Training Award
Excellence in E-Commerce
Excellence in Customer Service–Nomination
2007…………. Second Taiwan Insurance Excellence Award
Excellence in Talent Training Award
Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility–Merit Award
2005…………. First Taiwan Insurance Excellence Award
Talent Training Excellence Award

 

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During the past 15 years, Anhou has expanded its business across 43 cities within Henan, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Fujian, and Guangdong provinces with 2,589 sales professionals and 139 administrative staff members. Based on the insurance products Anhou is offering and the geographic areas of its branch offices, Anhou’s primary competitors are small-sized and middle-sized insurance agency companies. Anhou is relatively larger in terms of the number of salesmen as well as the sales revenue comparing to those competing insurance agency companies. On April 20, 2012, Anhou obtained the nationwide license from CIRC, pursuant to which Anhou may set up its branch office across the PRC to carry out the insurance agency business with no further approval requirement from CIRC other than filing with the local CIRC at the provincial level.

 

On March 26, 2012, CIRC issued the Notice on Suspension of Market Entry Approval of Regional Insurance Agencies and Certain Part-time Insurance Agencies (“2012 Notice”). Pursuant to the 2012 Notice, CIRC and its local counterparts will suspend granting any new license to full-time insurance agencies operating on a regional basis (“Regional Insurance Agencies”) as well as to branch offices of existing Regional Insurance Agencies. In addition, no new license for part-time insurance agency businesses will be granted unless such applicant is a financial institution or a China Post office. However, CIRC emphasized in the 2012 Notice that its local counterparts shall continue to support the establishment of insurance intermediary groups and full-time insurance agencies operating on a nationwide basis, as well as continue to support their respective branch offices.

 

As indicated in the 2012 Notice, it appears that CIRC is aiming to increase the entry thresholds of Regional Insurance Agencies and part-time insurance agencies with a view to reducing the number, as well as, enhancing the quality of insurance agencies in the market. CIRC has also indicated in the 2012 Notice that it intends to further amend related rules and regulations to improve the market entry and exit mechanism for insurance agencies, and promote the professionalism as well as enhance the quality of insurance agencies in the market.

 

On April 27, 2013, CIRC issued the Decision on Revising the Provisions of the Supervision and Administration of Specialized Insurance Agencies (the “Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions”), pursuant to which, CIRC has mandated any insurance agency established subsequent to the Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions to meet a minimum registered capital requirement of RMB50 million.

 

On May 16, 2013, CIRC issued Notice for Further Clarification on Related Issues of Access to Professional Insurance Intermediary Market (the “2013 Notice”), pursuant to which, professional insurance agencies established prior to the issuance of the Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions, with registered capital less than RMB50 million, can continuously operate their existing business within the provinces where they have the registered office or branch office, but shall not set up any new branches in any province where they do not have the registered office or any branch office.

 

With the promulgation and implementation of the above-mentioned regulations, we expect a better regulated insurance agency market in China with orderly competition and pursuit for professional excellence, which will accentuate our competitive advantage due to our continuous commitment to quality service. On October 24, 2013, Anhou increased its registered capital to RMB50 million. We believe that we will be in a better position to obtain the full support expressly provided in the 2013 Notice from the local CIRC on our expansion strategy nationwide.

  

Intellectual Property

 

To protect our intellectual property, we rely on a combination of trademark, copyright and trade secret laws as well as confidentiality agreements with our employees, sales agents, contractors and others.

 

Law Enterprise and Law Broker jointly own the following registered trademarks in Taiwan:

 

the Service Mark of Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. under the registration number 01462327, with a 10-year validity from June 16, 2011 to June 15, 2021;

 

 

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the logo of Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. under the registration number 01604254, with a 10-year validity from October 16, 2013 to October 15, 2023;

 

 

the logo of Blue Magpie (藍鵲), under the registration number 01462329, with a 10-year validity from June 16, 2011 to June 15, 2021; 

 

 

the logo of Law (錠嵂) under the registration number 01462328, with a 10-year validity from June 16, 2011 to June 15, 2021;

 

 

the logo of Law (錠嵂) under the registration number 01611772, with a 10-year validity from December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2023; 

 

 

the logo of Bao Xian Tong and INS under the registration number 01580261 , with a 10-year validity from May 16, 2013 to May 15, 2023; and 

 

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the logo of Magpie Baby under the registration number 01518573 , with a 10-year validity from May 16, 2012 to May 15, 2022. 

 

 

the logo of Magpie Baby 2.0 under the registration number 01763557, with a 10 year validity from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2026; and

 

 

the logo of SARACARES under the registration number 01876419 , with a 10 year validity from October 16, 2017 to October 15, 2027

  

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Law Broker has the following registered trademarks in Taiwan. All of the trademarks will be renewed for another 10-year before their respective expiry:

 

the logo of Blue Magpie Cycling Team Fleet, under the registration number 01340567, with a 10-year validity from December 1, 2018 to November 30, 2028; 

 

 

the logo of Law Insurance Broker under the registration 01340565, with a 10-year validity from December 1, 2018 to November 30, 2028;

 

 

 

the logo of Law Blue Magpie under the registration number 01340566, with a 10-year validity from December 1, 2018 to November 30, 2028;

 

the logo of Symbiosis, Co-cultivation Co-Prosperity and Law Blue Magpie Picture under the registration number 01317020, with a 10-year validity from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2028; 

 

 

the logo of Education Training Blue Magpie under the registration number 01313467, with a 10-year validity from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2028; 

 

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the logo of Cartoon Blue Magpie under the registration number 01313464, with a 10-year validity from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2028; 

 

 

the logo of Little Blue Magpie under the registration number 01313468, with a 10-year validity from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2028; 

 

 

the logo of Triumph Blue Magpie under the registration number 01313465, with a 10-year validity from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2028; 

 

 22 

 

 

 

the logo of Blue Magpie Fleet Picture under the registration number 01310350 , with a 10-year validity from May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2028; and 

 

 

the logo of Fighting Blue Magpie under the registration number 01313466, with a 10-year validity from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2028. 

 

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Jiangsu Law has one registered trademark in China, the logo of Jiangsu Law: 

 

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2018, Law Broker has a total of 199 full-time employees and Anhou has 139 full-time employees. Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining agreement. We believe that we have good relations with our employees and we have never experienced a work stoppage.

 

Segments

 

The Company currently operates as three reporting segments. Revenues, net income and total assets can be found in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Regulation

 

Taiwan Regulations of the Insurance Industry

 

The insurance industry in Taiwan is highly regulated. The FSC, is the regulatory authority responsible for the supervision of the insurance industry in Taiwan. Insurance activities undertaken within Taiwan are primarily governed by the Insurance Law and the related rules and regulations.

 

Insurance Law

 

The current principal regulation governing insurance in Taiwan is the Insurance Law, most recently amended on January 16, 2019 by Legislative Yuan, which provided the basic framework for regulating the insurance industry.

 

The Insurance Law defines several participants in the insurance industry, such as insurer, insurance agency, insurance brokerage and insurance adjustor. It established requirements for form of organization, and qualifications and procedures to establish an insurance organization as well as separation of property insurance businesses and life insurance businesses. The Insurance Law distinguishes insurance between fire disaster, marine, land and air, liability, surety, and other casualty and property insurance businesses on the one hand, and life insurance, health insurance, casualty insurance and annuity businesses on the other. Unless permitted by the FSC, insurance companies are not allowed to engage in both types of insurance businesses.

 

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The insurers, insurance agencies, insurance brokerages and insurance adjustors must join the related industry associations, or they are prohibited from conducting business operation. An insurance agency company or broker company of certain sizes shall establish internal control and audit systems as well as business solicitation systems and procedures.

 

FSC

 

The FSC is in charge of the financial market and financial service industries, among the insurance industry and has the power to control the following items:

 

1.Financial system and supervision policy.

 

2.The preparation, amendment and abolishment of financial laws and regulations.

 

3.

Supervision and management of the financial institutions, including its establishment, revocation, abolishment, change, merger, dissolution, and business scope.

 

4.Development, supervision and management of financial market.

 

5.Inspection of financial institution.

 

6.Inspection on public listing company related to their securities market-related matters.

 

7.Foreign financial matters.

 

8.Protection of financial customers.

 

9.Dealing and penalizing the violation of related laws and regulations of finance.

 

10.Collection of and analysis on relevant statistic data related to financial supervision, management and inspection.

 

11.Other matters related to financial supervision, management and inspection.

  

Regulation of Insurance Brokers and Brokerage Companies

 

The current principal regulation governing insurance brokers and brokerage companies is the Regulations Governing Insurance Brokers last amended on June 27, 2017 by Insurance Bureau of FSC (the “Broker Rule”). An insurance broker stipulated under the Insurance Law refers to a person who negotiates to conclude an insurance contract on behalf of the insured and charges fees from the insured. Depending on their focused insurance areas, i.e. property or life insurance, insurance brokers can be divided into property insurance brokers and life insurance brokers. No matter what insurance industry an insurance broker is engaged in, it must have one of the following qualifications: (1) have passed the insurance brokerage examination for professional and technical staff; (2) have passed the insurance brokerage qualification test; or (3) have obtained the insurance brokerage practitioner certificate and practiced the same business.

 

Those who have brokerage qualifications required by the Broker Rule may conduct business after they obtain the practitioner certificates under their own name or the company they work for. A brokerage company must hire more than one broker to act as signatory(ies), and registered with the administrative authority, the number of whom can be adjusted appropriately in accordance with the scale of business. If necessary, the administrative authority may, in its discretion, require the company to add signatories. An insurance broker may only work for one insurance brokerage company as signatory at one time.

 

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There are special requirements for brokerage companies, such as the name of an brokerage company must contain the words “insurance broker” when an brokerage company applies to operate brokerage business, the minimum registered capital must be at least NT$5 million ($157,953) fully paid up in cash, according to which, insurance brokerage companies with business license obtained prior to the implementation of this latest Broker Rule shall adjust their registered capital within five years upon the its implementation.

 

The Practitioner Certificate

 

The insurance broker practitioner certificate is valid for five years, and must be renewed before expiration. In case a broker has the qualifications for both property insurance and life insurance, he may obtain both insurance brokerage practitioner certificates.

 

Education and Training

 

There are two types of education and training for an insurance broker, pre-vocational and on-the-job education and training. An insurance broker must attend pre-vocational education and training for at least 32 hours during the one year before applying for practicing insurance broker business and on-the-job education and training for at least 16 hours with law courses for no less than 8 hours per year, commencing after one year from the issuance of this latest Broker Rule.

 

Management of Insurance Brokerages

 

The rules describing how to conduct brokerage business concentrate on the concept that the brokerages must take care of customers' matters in good faith. To ensure that this concept is properly carried out, the rules require insurance brokerage companies must have legal compliance officers who have one of the following qualifications: (1) are qualified to be insurance agents or brokers and have worked as actual signatories; (2) have five years working experience in the insurance industry, insurance agency or insurance brokerage; or (3) have graduated from college and university departments related to insurance or law with more than three years working experience in insurance industry, insurance agency or insurance brokerage.

 

Regulation of Insurance Salespersons

 

The current principal regulation governing individual insurance salespersons is the Rules on the Administration of Insurance Salespersons latest amended on April 6, 2016 by Insurance Bureau of FSC (the “Salesperson Rule”). An insurance salesperson falling under the Insurance Law refers to a person who is engaged in attracting insurance business for insurance companies, insurance brokerage companies and insurance agency companies. A salesperson is not allowed to attract business for the company he belongs to unless he has completed the registration in accordance with the Salesperson Rules and has obtained the registration certificate. In order to obtain the registration certificate, an insurance salesperson must be at least 20 years old and has at least graduated from a senior high school or a senior vocational school or have an equivalent educational background. In addition, the salesperson must meet one of the following requirements: (1) passed the salesperson qualification examination held by relevant associations; or (2) have a valid the registration certificate. Once the salespersons passed the qualification examination, the relevant association will notify the company where the salesperson works, then the company will issue a registration certificate for the salesperson and file such registration certificate with the relevant authorities. The registration certificate is valid for five years and must be renewed before expiration. The salesperson must present the registration certificate before they start attracting insurance business. Unless approved by the company, the salesperson may not work for any other insurance company, insurance brokerage company or insurance agency company. The company supervises the work of the salesperson and is joint and severally liable for any damage caused by its salesperson.

 

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Education and Training

 

Salespersons must attend in education and training held by their companies every year, or the companies shall revoke the registration certificates of those who fail to attend such education and training.

 

The Salesperson Rule also stipulates the proper ways and manners to be followed by the salespersons in conducting their businesses and specifies the penalties in case of their violation of the Salesperson Rule.

 

Taiwan Regulations on Foreign Exchange

 

Foreign exchange regulation in Taiwan is primarily governed by the Ordinance of Foreign Exchange Administration, latest amended on April 29, 2009 (the “Foreign Exchange Ordinance”). Under the Foreign Exchange Ordinance, foreign exchange refers to foreign currency, bills and marketable securities. The authority managing the administration of foreign exchange is Ministry of Finance of Republic of China, while the authority managing the practical operation of foreign exchange business is Central Bank of Republic of China. The Foreign Exchange Ordinance also specifies the allocated power of Ministry of Finance and Central Bank, respectively. To the extent that any foreign exchange receipts, payments or transactions reach the threshold of NT$500,000 ($16,653) or equivalent in foreign currency, it must be reported to the Central Bank or its designated authorities. Upon incurrence of any of the following events, the State Council of Republic of China may determine and announce that for a period of time, to close the foreign exchange market, suspend or restrict all or partial foreign exchange payment, order a mandatory sale or deposit of all or partial foreign exchange into a designed bank, or dispose in any other manner as it deems necessary:

 

  · the disorder in domestic or international economy to the detriment of the stability of Taiwan’s economy; or

 

  · Taiwan suffers serious trade deficit.

 

Taiwan Regulation on Foreign Investment

 

The current principal regulation governing foreign investment is Statute For Investment By Foreign Nationals latest amended on November 19, 1997 (the “Investment Statute”). Under the Investment Statute, investment refers to any activities involving (1) holding share capital of a company incorporated in Taiwan; (2) establishing branches, wholly-owned or partnership enterprises in Taiwan; or (3) providing more than one-year term loan to the above-mentioned investee enterprises. The authority in charge of foreign investment is Ministry of Economic Affairs of Republic of China. The industries in Taiwan are categorized into permitted, restricted and prohibited foreign investment areas. Investors may apply for settlement of exchange in accordance with the annual yield of their investment or the allocation of surplus.

  

Eminent Domain

 

When the investment made by an investor constitutes less than 45% of the total amount of capital of the investee enterprise, and the investee enterprise has been expropriated or acquired by the government for the purpose of national defense, reasonable government compensation shall be paid to the investors. However, if the capital contribution made by the investor constitutes at least 45% of the total amount of capital of the investee enterprise and continues remaining above 45% for two decades since its establishment, then the government may not exercise its eminent domain power over such investee enterprise.

 

Taiwan Regulations on Tax

 

The current principal regulations governing tax in Taiwan include the following:

 

  · Income Tax Law, latest amended on February 7, 2018;

 

  · The Implementation Rules of Income Tax Law, latest amended on June 29, 2018;

 

  · Value-Added and Non-Value-Added Business Tax Law, latest amended on June 14, 2017; and

 

  · The Enforcement Rules of Value-Added And Non-Value-Added Business Tax Law, latest amended on June 25, 2018.

 

Under the Income Tax Law, there are two kinds of income tax, comprehensive income tax for individuals and income tax for enterprises operating for profit, respectively.

 

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Individuals who have income with a source within Taiwan must pay comprehensive income tax on their income sourced within Taiwan; while non-resident individuals having income with a source within Taiwan, except otherwise provided in the Income Tax Law, shall pay tax based on the amount attributable to the sources of their income.

 

The enterprise with head office located in Taiwan shall pay profit-seeking income tax on its global income both within and outside Taiwan; while the enterprises with head office outside Taiwan shall only pay profit-seeking income tax on its business income sourced from within Taiwan.

 

Rate of Income Tax

 

The individual comprehensive income tax exemption threshold is NT$120,000 per person per year. Any income beyond such exemption threshold is subject to a progressive tax rate ranging from 5% to 40%.

 

With respect to enterprises operating for profit, the exemption threshold is NT$120,000. Any income beyond such exemption threshold is subject to a progressive tax rate ranging from 18% to 20% on its taxable income.

 

Sale of goods or service, import of goods in Taiwan are subject to a Value-Added or Non-Value-Added Business Tax. The Rate of business tax, except as otherwise stipulated in the relevant tax law, ranges from 5% to 10% as determined by the State Council of Taiwan.

 

PRC Regulations of the Insurance Industry

 

The insurance industry in the PRC is highly regulated. CIRC is the regulatory authority responsible for the supervision of the Chinese insurance industry. Insurance activities undertaken within the PRC are primarily governed by the Insurance Law and the related rules and regulations.

 

Initial Development of Regulatory Framework

 

The Chinese Insurance Law was enacted in 1995. This original insurance law, which we refer to as the 1995 Insurance Law, provided the initial framework for regulating the domestic insurance industry. Among the steps taken under the 1995 Insurance Law were the following:

 

  (a) Licensing of insurance companies and insurance intermediaries, such as agencies and brokerages. The 1995 Insurance Law established requirements for minimum registered capital levels, form of organization, qualification of senior management and adequacy of the information systems for insurance companies, insurance agencies and brokerages.

 

  (b) Separation of property and casualty insurance and life insurance businesses. The 1995 Insurance Law distinguished insurance between property, casualty, liability and credit insurance businesses, on the one hand, and life, accident and health insurance businesses on the other, and prohibited insurance companies from engaging in both types of businesses.

 

  (c) Regulation of market conduct by participants. The 1995 Insurance Law prohibited fraudulent and other unlawful conduct by insurance companies, agencies and brokerages.

 

  (d) Substantive regulation of insurance products. The 1995 Insurance Law gave insurance regulators the authority to approve the policy terms and premium rates for certain insurance products.

 

  (e) Financial condition and performance of insurance companies. The 1995 Insurance Law established reserve and solvency standards for insurance companies, imposed restrictions on investment powers and established mandatory reinsurance requirements, and put in place a reporting regime to facilitate monitoring by insurance regulators.

 

  (f) Supervisory and enforcement powers of the principal regulatory authority. The principal regulatory authority, then the People’s Bank of China, was given broad powers under the 1995 Insurance Law to regulate the insurance industry.

 

Establishment of the CIRC and 2002 Amendments to the Insurance Law

 

China’s insurance regulatory regime was further strengthened with the establishment of the CIRC in 1998. The CIRC was given the mandate to implement reform in the insurance industry, minimize insolvency risk for Chinese insurers and promote the development of the insurance market.

 

The 1995 Insurance Law was amended in 2002 and the amended insurance law, which we refer to as the 2002 Insurance Law, became effective on January 1, 2003. The major amendments to the 1995 Insurance Law include:

 

  (a) Authorizing the CIRC to be the insurance supervisory and regulatory body nationwide. The 2002 Insurance Law expressly grants the CIRC the authority to supervise and administer the insurance industry nationwide.

 

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  (b) Expanding the permitted scope of business of property and casualty insurers. Under the 2002 Insurance Law, property and casualty insurance companies may engage in the short-term health insurance and accident insurance businesses upon the CIRC’s approval.

 

  (c) Providing additional guidelines for the relationship between insurance companies and insurance agents. The 2002 Insurance Law requires an insurance company to enter into an agent agreement with each insurance agent that will act as an agent for such insurance company. The agent agreement sets forth the rights and obligations of the parties to the agreement as well as other matters pursuant to law. An insurance company is responsible for the acts of its agents when the acts are within the scope authorized by the insurance company.

 

  (d) Relaxing restrictions on the use of funds by insurance companies. Under the 2002 Insurance Law, an insurance company may use its funds to make equity investments in insurance-related enterprises, such as asset management companies.

 

  (e) Allowing greater freedom for insurance companies to develop insurance products. The 2002 Insurance Law allowed insurance companies to set their own policy terms and premium rates, subject to the approval of, or a filing with, the CIRC.

 

2009 Amendments to the Insurance Law

 

The 2002 Insurance Law was amended again in 2009 and the amended insurance law, which we refer to as the 2009 Insurance Law, became effective on October 1, 2009. The major amendments to the 2002 Insurance Law include:

 

  (a) Strengthening protection of the insured’s interests. The 2009 Insurance Law added a variety of clauses such as incontestable clause, abstained and estoppel clause, common disaster clause and amending immunity clause, claims-settlement prescription clause, reasons for claims rejection and contract modification clause.

 

  (b) Strengthening supervision on the qualification of the shareholders of the insurance companies and setting forth specific qualification requirements for the major shareholders, directors, supervisors and senior managers of insurance companies.

 

  (c) Expanding the business scope of insurers and further relaxing restriction on the use of fund by insurers.

 

  (d) Strengthening supervision on solvency of insurers with stricter measures.

 

  (e) Tightening regulations governing the administration of insurance intermediary companies, especially those relating to behaviors of insurance agents.

 

According to the 2009 Insurance Law, the minimum registered capital required to establish an insurance agency or insurance brokerage as a company must comply with the PRC Company Law. The registered capital or the capital contribution of insurance agencies or insurance brokerages must be paid-up capital in cash. The 2009 Insurance Law also sets forth some specific qualification requirements for insurance agency and brokerage practitioners. The senior managers of insurance agencies or insurance brokerages must meet specific qualification requirements, and their appointments are subject to approval of the CIRC. Personnel of an insurance agency or insurance brokerage engaging in the sales of insurance products must meet the qualification requirements set by the CIRC and obtain a qualification certificate issued by the CIRC. Under the 2009 Insurance Law, the parties to an insurance transaction may engage insurance adjusting firms or other independent appraisal firms that are established in accordance with applicable laws, or persons who possess the requisite professional expertise, to conduct assessment and adjustment of the insured subject matters. Additionally, the 2009 Insurance Law specifies additional legal obligations for insurance agencies and brokerages.

 

The 2009 Insurance Law was revised again on April 24, 2015, the 2015 Insurance Law, with an aim to further eliminate various administrative approvals as well as grant more market discretion to participants, among which, (i) the requirement of prior approval by CIRC to establish an insurance agency or an insurance brokerage; (ii) the requirement on personnel or senior managers of an insurance agency or an insurance brokerage to obtain certain relevant qualification certificate; or (iii) the requirement of prior approval for split, merger or change of organizational form of an insurance agency company or an insurance brokerage company.

 

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The CIRC

 

The CIRC has extensive authority to supervise insurance companies and insurance intermediaries operating in the PRC, including the power to:

 

  (a) promulgate regulations applicable to the Chinese insurance industry;

 

  (b) investigate insurance companies and insurance intermediaries;

 

  (c) establish investment regulations;

 

  (d) approve policy terms and premium rates for certain insurance products;

 

  (e) set the standards for measuring the financial soundness of insurance companies and insurance intermediaries;

 

  (f) require insurance companies and insurance intermediaries to submit reports concerning their business operations and condition of assets; order the suspension of all or part of an insurance company or an insurance intermediary’s business;

 

  (g) approve the establishment, change and dissolution of an insurance company, an insurance intermediary or their branches;

 

  (h) review and approve the appointment of senior managers of an insurance company, an insurance intermediary or their branches; and

 

  (i) punish improper behaviors or misconducts of an insurance company or an insurance intermediary.

 

Regulation of Insurance Agencies

 

The principal regulation governing insurance agencies is the Provisions on the Supervision and Administration of Specialized Insurance Agencies (the “Agency Provisions”) promulgated by the CIRC on September 25, 2009 and effective on October 1, 2009, which replaced the Provisions on the Administration of Insurance Agencies issued by the CIRC on December 1, 2004 and effective on January 1, 2005. According to the Agency Provisions, the establishment of an insurance agency is subject to minimum registered capital requirement and other requirements and the approval of the CIRC. The term “insurance agency” refers to an entity that engages in insurance agency business within the authorization of, and collects commissions from, insurance companies, including the professional insurance agency companies and their branches. The insurance agency shall meet the qualification requirements specified by the CIRC, obtain the license to conduct an insurance agency business with the approval of the CIRC. An insurance agency may take any of the following forms: (i) a limited liability company; or (ii) a joint stock limited company. An insurance agency must have a registered capital of at least RMB2 million ($313,332). Where it is established as a nationwide company, its registered capital must be at least RMB10 million ($1,566,661). The registered capital must be paid up in cash. On April 27, 2013, CIRC issued the Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions (the “2013 Agency Provisions”), pursuant to which, CIRC has mandated any insurance agency established subsequent to the Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions to meet a minimum registered capital requirement of RMB50 million ($8.1 million). On October 19, 2015, CIRC issued the Decision on Revising Eight Regulations including Provisions on Insurance Companies Setting up Offshore Insurance Organizations, which made certain revisions to the 2013 Agency Provisions (the “2015 Agency Provisions”), among which, (i) eliminate the requirement of prior approval by CIRC to establish an insurance agency; (ii) eliminate the requirement on personnel or senior managers of an insurance agency to obtain certain relevant qualification certificate; or (iii) eliminate the requirement of prior approval by CIRC on split, merger or change of organizational form of an insurance agency company.

 

On May 16, 2013, CIRC issued the 2013 Notice, pursuant to which, professional insurance agency established prior to the issuance of the Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions, with registered capital less than RMB50 million ($8.1 million), can operate their existing business within the provinces where they have the registered office or branch office, but shall not set up any new branches in any province where they do not have the registered office or any branch office.

 

On September 17, 2015, CIRC issued Opinions on Deepening the Reformation of Insurance Intermediary Market (the “Reformation Opinions”), pursuant to which, CIRC will take further actions to simplify unnecessary administrative procedures, among which, the elimination of 8 administrative approvals, including the cancellation of previously required qualification certificate for insurance salesperson, the previously required approval for the split, merger, organizational change, set-up of branch office and exit of insurance agency and brokerage company. CIRC will also focus on (i) improving management over entry into and exit from insurance intermediary market and setting up a multilayered service system; (ii) encouraging and pushing forward reformation and innovation to improve intermediary service; (iii) strengthening self-management and supervision and promoting the improvement of industrial quality; (iv) placing stronger supervision and management and improving the comprehensive administrative efficiency; (v) focusing more on organizational construction and industrial self-control; and (vi) consummating information disclosure system and making better use of social supervision.

 

On September 29, 2016, CIRC circulated the Notice on Issuance of Business License to Insurance Intermediaries. In order to promote the sound and steady development of insurance intermediary market, CIRC instructed its local counterparts to focus on the followings factors while managing the business licenses of insurance intermediaries: (i) capital contributions to be self-owned, genuine and legal; (ii) registered capital to be deposited into an escrow account set up with qualified commercial bank; (iii) to maintain sufficient and valid professional liability insurance; (iv) reasonable and viable business model; (v) established corporate governance; and (vi) to undergo mandatorily required risk assessment.

 

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An insurance agency may engage in the following insurance agency businesses:

 

  (a) selling insurance products on behalf of the insurer principal;

 

  (b) collecting insurance premiums on behalf of the insurer principal; and

 

  (c) conducting loss surveys and handling claims of insurance businesses on behalf of the insurer principal; and other business activities specified by the CIRC.

 

The name of an insurance agency must contain the words “insurance agency” or “insurance sales.” The license of an insurance agency company is valid for a period of three years and may be renewed with due application 30 days prior to its expiration. An insurance agency must report to the CIRC when it (i) changes its registered name or the name of its branches; (ii) changes its registered address or the operating address of its branches; (iii) the sponsors or major shareholders change their respective name; (iv) changes its major shareholders; (v) changes its registered capital; (vi) materially changes its equity structure; (vii)changes its organizational form; (viii) split, merger; (ix) amends its articles of association; or (x) sets up or closes its branches. The senior managers of an insurance agency including its branches must meet specific qualification requirements set forth in the Agency Provisions. The appointment of the senior managers of an insurance agency including its branches is subject to review and approval of the CIRC.

 

Regulation of Insurance Brokerages

 

The principal regulation governing insurance brokerages is the Provisions on the Supervision and Administration of Insurance Brokerage Institutions (the “Brokerage Provisions”) promulgated by the CIRC on September 25, 2009 and effective on October 1, 2009, which replaced the Provisions on the Administration of Insurance Brokerages issued by the CIRC on December 15, 2004 and effective on January 1, 2005. According to this Brokerage Provisions, the establishment of an insurance brokerage is subject to the approval of the CIRC. The term “insurance brokerage” refers to an entity provides brokerages service on the execution of the insurance contract between the insured and the insurance company based on the interests of the insured and collects commission as agreed, including the insurance brokerage companies and their branches, The insurance brokerage shall meet the qualification requirements specified by the CIRC and obtain the license to operate an insurance brokering business with the approval of the CIRC. Insurance brokering business includes both direct insurance brokering, which refers to brokering activities on behalf of insurance applicants or the insured in their dealings with the insurance companies, and reinsurance brokering, which refers to brokering activities on behalf of insurance companies in their dealings with reinsurance companies. An insurance brokerage may take any of the following forms: (i) a limited liability company; or (ii) a joint stock limited company. An insurance brokerage company must have a registered capital or capital contribution of at least RMB10 million ($1,566,661). The registered capital must be paid up in cash. On April 27, 2013, CIRC issued the Decision on Revising the Brokerage Provisions (the “2013 Brokerage Provisions”), pursuant to which, CIRC has mandated any insurance brokerage established subsequent to the 2013 Brokerage Provisions to meet a minimum registered capital requirement of RMB50 million ($8.1 million).On October 19, 2015, CIRC issued the Decision on Revising Eight Regulations including Provisions on Insurance Companies Setting up Offshore Insurance Organizations, which made certain revisions to the 2013 Agency Provisions (the “2015 Brokerage Provisions”), among which, (i) eliminate the requirement of prior approval by CIRC to establish an insurance brokerage company; (ii) eliminate the requirement on personnel or senior managers of an insurance brokerage company to obtain certain relevant qualification certificate; or (iii) eliminate the requirement of prior approval by CIRC on split, merger or change of organizational form of an insurance brokerage company.

 

On May 16, 2013, CIRC issued the 2013 Notice, pursuant to which, professional insurance brokerage established prior to the issuance of the Decision on Revising the Brokerage Provisions, with registered capital less than RMB50 million ($8.1 million), can operate their existing business within the provinces where they have the registered office or branch office, but shall not set up any new branches in any province where they do not have the registered office or any branch office.

 

On September 17, 2015, CIRC issued Opinions on Deepening the Reformation of Insurance Intermediary Market (the “Reformation Opinions”), pursuant to which, the following targets were erected for future reformation of insurance intermediary market: (i) improve management over entry into and exit from insurance intermediary market and set up a multilayered service system; (ii) encourage and push forward reformation and innovation and improve intermediary service; (iii) strengthen self-management and supervision and promote the improvement of industrial quality; (iv) place stronger supervision and management and improve the comprehensive administrative efficiency; (v) pay more attention to organizational construction and industrial self-control; and (vi) consummate information disclosure system and make better use of social supervision. The Reformation Opinions will be beneficial to both the improvement of reformation and development conducted by insurance intermediaries on their own and transformation and upgrading of the insurance intermediary market.

 

An insurance brokerage may conduct the following insurance brokering businesses:

 

  (a) making insurance proposals, selecting insurance companies and handling the insurance application procedures for the insurance applicants;

 

  (b) assisting the insured or the beneficiary to claim compensation;

 

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  (c) reinsurance brokering business; and

 

  (d) providing consulting services to clients with respect to disaster and damage prevention, risk assessment and risk management; and other business activities specified by the CIRC.

 

The name of an insurance brokerage must contain the words “insurance brokerage.” The license of an insurance brokerage company is valid for three years and may be renewed with due application 30 days prior to its expiration. An insurance brokerage must report to the CIRC when it (i) changes its registered name or the name of its branches; (ii) change its registered address or the operating address of its branches; (iii) the sponsors or the major shareholders change their respective name; (iv) changes its major shareholders; (v) changes its registered capital; (vi) materially changes its equity structure; (vii)changes its organizational form; (viii) split, merger; (ix) amends its articles of association; or (x) sets up or closes its branches. The senior managers of an insurance brokerage including its branches must meet specific qualification requirements set forth in the Brokerage Provisions. Appointment of the senior managers of an insurance brokerage including its branches is subject to review and approval by the CIRC.

 

On February 9, 2018, the CIRC issued the Provisions on the Regulation of Insurance Brokers (the “Provisions”), effective as of May 1, 2018. With a total of 109 articles in eight chapters, the Provisions highlight the improved market access and exit, the effective management of matters no long requiring licensing, the promotion of specialized and well-regulated operations, and the increased protection of consumers’ rights and interests. In particular, the Provisions make adjustments to optimize licensing procedures for insurance brokerage and tighten examination of shareholders of insurance brokerage firms; also, the Provisions set forth explicit requirements in respect of the source of capital contributed by shareholders, custodian of the registered capital, corporate governance and internal control, and information system, and standardize the requirements on qualifications of senior executives in brokerage firms.

 

Regulation of Insurance Salespersons

 

The principal regulation governing individual insurance salespersons is the Measures on the Supervision of Insurance Salespersons issued by the CIRC on January 6, 2013 and effective on July 1, 2013, which replaced the Provisions on the Administration of Insurance Salespersons promulgated on April 6, 2006 and effective on July 1, 2006. Under this regulation, the term “insurance salesperson” refers to an individual who sells insurance products for an insurance company, including those who are engaged by insurance companies or by insurance agencies. To engage in insurance sales activities as an insurance salesperson, a person first must pass the qualification examination for the insurance agency practitioners organized by the CIRC to obtain a “Qualification Certificate of Insurance Agency Practitioners”. The person must have a junior high school education or above to be qualified for the examination. In addition to the qualification certificate, a person must be registered with the CIRC’s Insurance Intermediary Supervision Information System and obtain a “Practice Certificate of Insurance Salespersons” issued by the insurance company or insurance agency to which he or she belongs in order to conduct insurance sales activities. On August 3, 2015, CIRC issued the Notice on Relevant Issues to Management of Insurance Intermediary Practitioners (the “2015 Notice”), pursuant to which, the qualification certificate is no more a pre-requisite condition for insurance intermediary practitioners to practice, instead, the insurance intermediary companies where such practitioners work shall complete the practitioners registration for them and conduct professional training. CIRC branches shall not accept any application for qualification approval of insurance salesperson (including insurance agency practitioners) any more.

 

Regulation of Insurance Brokerage Practitioner and Insurance Adjustment Practitioners

 

The principal regulation governing insurance brokerage practitioners and insurance adjustment practitioners is the Measures on the Supervision of Insurance Brokerage Practitioners and Insurance Adjustment Practitioners issued by the CIRC on January 6, 2013 and effective on July 1, 2013. To engage in the insurance brokerage activities as an insurance brokerage practitioner, or in the insurance adjustment activities as an insurance adjustment practitioner, a person first must pass the qualification examination organized by the CIRC for the insurance brokerage practitioners or for the insurance adjustment practitioners to obtain a “Qualification Certificate of Insurance Brokerage Practitioners” or a “Qualification Certificate of Insurance Adjustment Practitioners”. The person must have a tertiary education or above to be qualified for the examination. In addition to the qualification certificate, a person also must be registered with the CIRC’s Insurance Intermediary Supervision Information System and obtain a “Practice Certificate of Insurance Brokerage Practitioners” or “Practice Certificate of Insurance Adjustment Practitioners” issued by the insurance brokerage firm or insurance claims adjusting company to which he or she belongs in order to conduct insurance brokerage or claims adjustment activities. An insurance brokerage practitioner is not allowed to conduct insurance brokerage activities on behalf of himself or herself. On August 3, 2015, CIRC issued the 2015 Notice, pursuant to which, the qualification certificate is no more a pre-requisite condition for insurance intermediary practitioners (including insurance adjustment practitioners) to practice, instead, the insurance intermediary companies where such practitioners work shall complete the practitioners registration for them and conduct professional training. CIRC branches shall not accept any application for qualification approval of insurance brokerage practitioners any more.

 

Content Related to Insurance Industry in the Legal Documents of China’s Accession to the WTO

 

According to the Circular of the CIRC on Distributing the Content Related to Insurance Industry in the Legal Documents of China’s Accession to the WTO, for the life insurance sector, within three years of China’s accession to the WTO on December 11, 2001, geographical restrictions were to be lifted, equity joint venture companies allowed to provide health insurance, group insurance, and pension/annuity services to Chinese citizens and foreign citizens, and no other restrictions allowed except those on the proportion of foreign investment (no more than 50%) and establishment conditions. For the non-life insurance sector, within three years of China’s accession, the geographical restrictions were to be lifted and no restrictions allowed other than establishment conditions. For the insurance brokerage sector, within five years of China’s accession, the establishment of wholly foreign-funded subsidiary companies was to be allowed, and no restrictions allowed other than establishment conditions and restrictions on business scope.

 

According to the latest Catalogue of Industries for Guiding Foreign Investment (2015 Revision) issued by Ministry of Commerce on March 10, 2015 with effective date on April 10, 2015, both the insurance agency and insurance brokerage do not fall into the prohibited or restricted category any more. On January 12, 2017, the State Council issued the Notice on Certain Measures to Strengthen Opening up and Utilization of Foreign Investment, pursuant to which, restrictions on foreign investors entry into the industry of insurance institutions and insurance intermediaries within China will be further relaxed. However, as these regulations are still relatively new, local CIRC counterparts may have different interpretations. Based on the consultation by the Company with the relevant local counterparts of CIRC, they are of the view that the proportion of foreign investment in insurance intermediaries shall not exceed 24.9%.

 

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PRC Regulations on Foreign Exchange

 

Foreign Currency Exchange

 

Foreign exchange regulation in China is primarily governed by the following rules:

 

  · Foreign Currency Administration Rules (2008 Revision), as amended or revised, or the Exchange Rules; and

 

  · Administration Rules of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), as amended or revised, or the Administration Rules.

 

Under the Exchange Rules, the RMB is convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions. Conversion of RMB for capital account items, such as direct investment, loan, security investment and repatriation of investment, however, is still subject to the approval of the SAFE or relevant authorities.

 

Under the Administration Rules, foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell or remit foreign currencies at those banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange business after providing valid commercial documents and, in the case of capital account item transactions, obtaining approval from the SAFE. Capital investments by foreign-invested enterprises outside of China are also subject to limitations, which include approvals by the Ministry of Commerce, the SAFE and the State Development and Reform Commission.

 

On June 9, 2016, SAFE issued the Notice on Reforming and Regulating Management Policies of Settlement of Foreign Exchange under Capital Accounts, pursuant to which, the domestic entity may, depending on its actual operation need, settle its revenue in foreign currency with the bank, provided such revenue falls into those under capital accounts with explicit policy on settlement by willingness; while for those revenue under capital accounts still subject to restrictive regulations, such applicable policies shall prevail.

 

On January 26, 2017, SAFE issued the Notice on Further Promoting the Reform of Foreign Exchange Management and Strengthening Verification on Authenticity and Legality, pursuant to which, banks are mandated to strengthen verification on authenticity and legality on foreign exchange conversion and remittance offshore.

 

PRC Regulations on Dividend Distribution

 

The principal regulations governing dividend distributions of wholly foreign-owned companies include:

 

  · Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law (2016), as amended or revised; and

 

  · Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law Implementing Rules (2016 Revision), as amended or revised.

 

Under these regulations, wholly foreign-owned companies in the PRC may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards. In addition, these wholly foreign-owned companies are required to set aside at least 10% of their respective accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds, until the accumulative amount of such fund reaches 50% of its registered capital. These reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends. On January 19, 2015, MOFCOM published a draft version of a proposed Foreign Investment Law (the “Draft Foreign Investment Law”) with an explanatory note. MOFCOM has requested comments from the public on the Draft Foreign Investment Law by February 17, 2015, which, once promulgated, will replace and integrate the three existing laws over foreign investment, including the Foreign-Invested Enterprise Law.

 

PRC Regulations on Tax

 

PRC Enterprise Income Tax

 

The PRC EIT is calculated based on the taxable income determined under the PRC accounting standards and regulations, as well as the EIT law. On March 16, 2007, the National People’s Congress of China enacted the EIT Law, a new EIT law which became effective on January 1, 2008. On December 6, 2007, the State Council promulgated the Implementation Rules which also became effective on January 1, 2008. On December 26, 2007, the State Council issued the Notice on Implementation of Enterprise Income Tax Transition Preferential Policy under the EIT Law, or the Transition Preferential Policy Circular, which became effective simultaneously with the EIT Law. The EIT Law imposes a uniform EIT rate of 25% on all domestic enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises unless they qualify under certain exceptions. Under the EIT Law, as further clarified by the Implementation Rules, the Transition Preferential Policy Circular and other related regulations, enterprises that were established and already enjoyed preferential tax treatments before March 16, 2007 will continue to enjoy them in the following manners: (i) in the case of preferential tax rates, for a five-year period starting from January 1, 2008, during which the tax rate will gradually increase to 25%; or (ii) in the case of preferential tax exemption or reduction for a specified term, until the expiration of such term. However, if such an enterprise has not enjoyed the preferential treatments yet because of its failure to make a profit, its term for preferential treatment will be deemed to start from 2008.

 

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PRC Business Tax and Implementation of VAT

 

Taxpayers providing taxable services in China were required to pay a business tax at a normal tax rate of 5% of their revenues, unless otherwise provided. According to the Announcement on the VAT Reform Pilot Program of the Transportation and Selected Modern Service Sectors issued by the State Tax Bureau in July 2012, the transportation and some selected modern service sectors, including research and development and technical services, information technology services, cultural creative services, logistics support services, tangible personal property leasing services, and assurance and consulting service sectors, should pay value-added tax instead of business tax based on a predetermined timetable (hereinafter referred to as the “VAT Reform”), effective September 1, 2012 for entities in Beijing and October 1, 2012 for entities in Jiangsu. In March 2016, the PRC State Council further expanded the application of VAT to several other key sectors, including real estate, construction, financial services and lifestyle services, effective May 1, 2016.

 

As of December 31, 2018, all of our Consolidated Affiliated Entities have been requested to convert into the VAT system.

 

Dividend Withholding Tax

 

Under the PRC tax laws effective prior to January 1, 2008, dividends paid to foreign investors by foreign-invested enterprises are exempt from PRC withholding tax. Pursuant to the EIT Law and the Implementation Rules, dividends generated after January 1, 2008 and distributed to us by our PRC subsidiaries are under a 5% withholding tax subject to PRC laws and regulations, provided that we are determined by the relevant PRC tax authorities to be a “non-resident enterprise” under the EIT Law.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

Copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and other filings made with the SEC, are available free of charge through our Website (http://cuis.asia/cuis_en, under the Investor Relations section) as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The inclusion of our Web site address in this report does not include or incorporate by reference into this report any information contained on, or accessible through, such Websites.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

You should carefully consider the risks described below together with all of the other information included in this Form 10-K. The statements contained in or incorporated herein that are not historic facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be harmed. In that case, you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

Risks Relating to Our Business

 

We have been charged with fraud for manipulating the Company's trading volume.

 

On December 20, 2018, we agreed to settle fraud charges brought by the SEC relating to a scheme to manipulate the Company's trading volume and the Company substantially cooperated with the SEC’s investigation into the activities that led the SEC to bring the fraud charges. Based upon the Company's substantial cooperation with the SEC’s investigation, the SEC is not seeking a monetary penalty against the Company. While the Company did not realize any financial gain from this scheme and settled the SEC fraud charges with no economic loss, we can make no assurances that there will not be more serious consequences were we to be accused of engaging in this scheme in the future.

 

Our Company’s affiliates have significant control over matters requiring approval by shareholders.

 

The affiliates of our Company hold 100% of our Company’s outstanding preferred shares, approximately 31.4% of our Company’s outstanding common shares, and approximately 44.6% of the voting power of our Company as of March 29, 2019 (calculated in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). As a result, our Company’s affiliates, in view of their ownership percentage of our common stock and voting power, have significant control over matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including the selection of our board of directors, approval or rejection of mergers, sales or licenses of all or substantially all of our assets, or other business combination transactions. The interests of our Company’s affiliates may not always coincide with the interests of our other shareholders and as such our Company may take action in advancement of its affiliates’ interests to the detriment of our other shareholders, including you. Accordingly, you may not be able to influence any action we take or consider taking, even if it requires a shareholder vote.

 

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Risks Relating to Ownership of Our Shares

 

The value of your investment might not accurately reflect the actual market value of such investment as a result of deceitful historical practices relating to the appearance of greater market demand for our common stock than factually accurate.

 

On December 20, 2018, we agreed to settle fraud charges brought by the SEC relating to a scheme to manipulate the appearance market demand for our common stock and as a result historical market prices of our common stock might not be reflective of the actual market price of our common stock at such time and should not be relied upon for purposes of an evaluation of the market value of your investment. Even though such activities did not result in a profit for the Company or any of its employees, these activities may have affected our common stock market prices and as such the market value of your investment in our common stock might be less than otherwise presumed.

 

You may not be able to liquidate your investment since there is no assurance that a public market will develop for our common stock or that our common stock will ever be approved for trading on a recognized exchange.

 

There is no established public trading market for our securities and any historic trading activity indicating that an established trading market might have existed cannot be relied upon. Although our shares are currently quoted on the OTC Pink Market, our shares are not and have not been listed on any exchange. We cannot assure you that a regular trading market will develop or that if developed, will be sustained. In the absence of a regular trading market, you may not be able to liquidate your investment in the event of an emergency or for any other reason.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

 

Law Broker’s headquarter is located at 5th Floor, No. 311 3rd Section, Nanjing East Road, Taipei City, Taiwan, with approximately 753.29 square meters of office space. The lease is between Pon-Chen Co., Ltd. and Law Broker, for two years commencing from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2019 and with a monthly rent of NT $373,251 ($12,279). Law Broker has also entered into 44 leases for each of its sales and service outlets and training centers (excluding headquarter), for an aggregate monthly fee (untaxed) of NT$4,997,715 ($165,862).

 

Anhou’s current registered address is located at Room 2008-2010, No. 215 Jiangzhong Middle Road, Jianye District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, with 553.26 square meters of office space. The lease agreement is between Zheng Yong Xiang, Zhang Guo Qiang and Anhou. The term is from November 3, 2018 to November 2, 2024 with rent of first year being RMB $686,595 ($107,036), second year being RMB 720,925 ($112,387), third year being RMB 757,274 ($118,054), the fourth year being RMB $795,643 ($124,035), and the fifth year being RMB 836,031 ($130,332).

 

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Jiangsu Law’s office is located at No. 888 Jintong Road, Xingren County, Tongzhou District, Nantong City, Jiangsu province, China, with 21,527 square feet (2,000 square meters) of office space. The lease was between Xiangriya Industrial (Nantong) Co., Ltd., which is an affiliate of Mao Yi Hsiao. The lease term is from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019 for five years, with rent of RMB $85,000 ($13,251) per year, payable every year.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

On December 20, 2018, the Company and Cheng-Hsiung Huang (“Mr. Huang”), one of the Company’s former employees, agreed to settle fraud charges brought by the SEC relating to a scheme to manipulate the Company's trading volume. Neither the Company nor Mr. Huang realized financial gain from the scheme and both the Company and Mr. Huang substantially cooperated with the SEC’s investigation into the activities that led the SEC to bring the fraud charges. For further information, please see the Company’s Amended Current Report.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock has been quoted on the various tiers of the OTC Market under the symbol “CUII” since August 2012. The latest available closing price of our common stock prior to March 29, 2019 was US$2.90.

 

The following table sets forth for the respective periods indicated the high and low closing prices for our common stock. Such prices are based on inter-dealer bid and asked prices, without markup, markdown, commissions, or adjustments and may not represent actual transactions.

 

   Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2018
 
   Low   High 
First Quarter ended March 31, 2018  $5   $5 
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2018  $3   $3 
Third Quarter ended September 30, 2018  $3   $3 
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2018  $3   $3 

 

The above stock prices may not be reflective of the actual market value thereof on the dates listed. For further information please, see the Company’s amended current report filed with the SEC on January 22, 2019.

 

Shareholders

 

As of December 31, 2018, there were 672 record owners of our common stock and one record owner of our preferred stock.

 

Transfer Agent

 

Our transfer agent is Island Stock Transfer, at the address of 15500 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 301, Clearwater, FL33760.

 

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Dividends

 

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends or distributions on our common stock. We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to support operations and to finance future growth and expansion and, therefore, do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

Pursuant to the provisions of the AHFL Acquisition Agreement dated August 24, 2012 and its amendments on March 14, 2013, March 13, 2015, February 17, 2016 and August 8, 2016, in lieu of the 2 million employee stock option pool (the “ESOP”) described in the AHFL Acquisition Agreement, our Company is committed to create an employee stock pool or similar plan consisting of up to 5 million shares of common stock to be granted to employees of affiliated entities of our Company (including Law Broker employees). Law Broker, being the only actively operated subsidiary in Taiwan, primarily engages in insurance brokerage and insurance agency service business across Taiwan. Upon satisfaction of respective performance criteria of Law Broker employees, the board of directors of Law Broker may submit its recommendation to our Company for its approval and issuance of such options under the ESOP. Details of terms and conditions on the said ESOP shall be set forth in separate ESOP documents duly approved by our Company.

 

On May 12, 2017, the Company’s 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) was approved by the shareholders at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of China United Insurance Service, Inc. Up to 10,000,000 shares of our Common Stock may be granted under the 2017 Plan (the “Share Pool”) is equal to 10,000,000, provided that 2,000,000 shares of the Share Pool is reserved for issuance to eligible participants providing services to Action Holdings Financial Limited and its subsidiaries. Eligibility to participate is open to officers, directors and employees of, and other individuals (including sales agents who are exclusive agents of the Company or its subsidiaries or derive more than 50% of their income from those entities) who provide bona fide services to or for, us or any of our subsidiaries. Given that metrics for evaluating performance goals are rather complex and exhaustive, and that the Company’s management and Board of Directors are still working to develop a series of reward policies that specify various performance target levels and the size of the award or payout of performance shares with respect to each different target level attained, no awards were granted under the 2017 Plan as of December 31, 2018.

 

Options and Warrants

 

As of March 29, 2019, we had no outstanding options or warrants exercisable for shares of our Common Stock.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECT FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2018, and 2017 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2018, and 2017 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

  

Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in the future. You should read the following selected financial data in conjunction with the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, our consolidated financial statements, related notes, and other financial information included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

The following selected consolidated financial and other data is as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is derived in part from, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. 

 

CHINA UNITED INSURANCE SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS)

 

   Year Ended December 31 
   2018   2017 
         
Revenue  $78,667,731   $72,848,444 
Cost of revenue   49,314,709    42,801,007 
           
Gross profit   29,353,022    30,047,437 
           
Operating expenses:          
Selling   3,560,840    2,344,633 
General and administrative   17,854,923    14,959,384 
Total operating expense   21,415,763    17,304,017 
           
Income from operations   7,937,259    12,743,420 
           
Other income (expenses):          
Interest income   446,859    339,169 
Interest expenses   (130,523)   (35,375)
Dividend income   354,224    332,302 
Other - net   418,999    312,066 
Total other income(expenses), net   1,089,559    948,162 
           
Income before income tax   9,026,818    13,691,582 
Income tax expense   3,610,172    3,513,717 
           
Net income   5,416,646    10,177,865 
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests   3,045,241    3,023,227 
Net income attributable to shareholders of the Company   2,371,405    7,154,638 
           
Other comprehensive income (loss)          
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)   

(787,695

)   1,241,081 
Other   358    42,914 
           
Other comprehensive income attributable to shareholders of the Company   

(787,337

)   1,283,995 
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (429,854)   940,887 
           
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders of the Company  $1,584,068   $8,438,633 
           
Weighted average shares outstanding:          
Basic   29,452,669    29,452,669 
Diluted   29,452,669    30,509,552 
           
Earnings per share attributable to common shares of the Company:          
Basic  $0.078   $0.243 
Diluted  $0.078   $0.235 

 

Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

 

   Year Ended December 31 
   2018   2017 
Total assets  $68,881,844   $59,273,243 
Total current liabilities   

26,394,619

    19,438,643 
Total long-term liabilities   

3,544,395

    5,091,226 
Total shareholders 'equity   

38,942,830

    34,743,374 

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report. Unless otherwise stated, references to particular years, quarters, months or periods refer to the Company’s fiscal years ended in December and the associated quarters, months and periods of those fiscal years.

 

We are a Delaware corporation, organized on June 4, 2010 by Mr. Mao as a holding company for both ZLI Holdings Limited (“CU Hong Kong”) and Action Holdings Financial Limited (“AHFL,” a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands), which has been quoted on various tiers of the Over the Counter market. The Company organizes and manages its business by geographic areas, aggregates them as three operating segments. As of December 31, 2018, through our Consolidated Affiliated Entities – PRC Segment, we had two insurance agencies, one brokerage and 47 service outlets with 2,589 full-time sales professionals and 139 administrative staff in Nanjing, Henan, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Fujian and Guangdong provinces in China. In addition, through Law Broker – Taiwan Segment, we had 34 sales and service outlets (including the headquarters) with 2,600 sales professionals and 199 administrative staff in Taiwan.

  

During the year ended December 31, 2018, 85.82%, 13.31% and 0.87% of our revenues were derived from our Taiwan Segment, PRC Segment and Hong Kong Segment, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, 85.31%, 14.37% and 0.32% of our revenues were derived from our Taiwan Segment, PRC Segment, and Hong Kong Segment, respectively. 

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Accounting Principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Management makes these estimates using the best information available when they are made. However, actual results could differ materially from those estimates. While there are a number of significant accounting policies affecting our financial statements; we believe the following critical accounting policies involve the most complex, difficult and subjective estimates and judgments. We have not made any material changes in the methodology used in these accounting polices during the past three years.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and reflect the accounts and operations of the Company and those of its subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. In accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, the Company consolidates any variable interest entity (“VIE”), of which it is the primary beneficiary. The typical condition for a controlling financial interest ownership is holding a majority of the voting interests of an entity; however, a controlling financial interest may also exist in entities, such as VIEs, through arrangements that do not involve controlling voting interests. ASC 810 requires a variable interest holder to consolidate a VIE if that party has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company does not consolidate a VIE in which it has a majority ownership interest when the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary. The Company evaluates its relationships with all the VIEs on an ongoing basis to ensure that it continues to be or becomes the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Noncontrolling Interest

 

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation,” which governs the accounting for and reporting of noncontrolling interests (“NCI”) in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and the loss of control of subsidiaries. NCIs may be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability, that increases and decreases in the parent’s ownership interest that leave control intact be treated as equity transactions rather than as step acquisitions or dilution gains or losses, and that losses of a partially owned consolidated subsidiary be allocated to the NCI even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance. This standard also required changes to certain presentation and disclosure requirements.

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

We review our accounts receivable regularly to determine if a bad debt allowance is necessary at each quarter-end. Management reviews the composition of accounts receivable and analyzes the age of receivables outstanding, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to evaluate the necessity of making such allowance. No allowance was deemed necessary as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Long-Term Investments

 

Long-term investments include government bonds held as available-for-sale, investment in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) measured at fair value through net income, and equity investments accounted for the cost method. Available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value and unrealized gains and losses as a result of changes in the fair value are recorded as a separate component within accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company measures equity investments in companies that do not have a readily determinable fair value in which it holds an interest of less than 20% using cost method, and no changes in fair value is recognize in net income for those equity investments.

 

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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

In accordance with ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”, we review the carrying values of long-lived assets when circumstances warrant in order to determine whether their carrying value has become impaired. We consider assets to be impaired if the carrying value of an asset exceeds the present value of future net undiscounted cash flows from related operations. No impairment was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Revenue recognition

 

We adopted the new revenue standard ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, at the beginning of 2018, which requires that recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We recognize revenue when control over services provided by the Company is transferred to the respective insurance company, whereby the transfer of control is considered complete when the insurance policy becomes effective. The new guidance includes requirements to estimate variable or contingent consideration to be received and recognize variable consideration to the extent that a significant reversal of revenue will not probably occur in subsequent periods. Applying the new revenue standard requires significant judgment and estimate to be made by the Company.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company records income tax expense using the asset-and-liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

When tax returns are filed, it is likely some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. Interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as interest expense and penalties are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations and other comprehensive income (loss).

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Leases

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, (Topic 842), Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases currently classified as operating leases and makes certain changes to the accounting for lease expenses. The Company anticipates that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 for our leasing arrangements will likely (i) increase our recorded assets and liabilities, (ii) increase depreciation and amortization expense, (iii) increase interest expense and (iv) decrease lease/rental expense.

 

The Company plans to adopt the standard as of January 1, 2019, the beginning of the fiscal year 2019. The Company estimates adoption of the standard will result in recognition of additional Right of Use (“ROU”) assets and operating liabilities as of January 1, 2019. The difference between these amounts will be recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings. The Company does not believe the standard will materially affect our consolidated net earnings. While substantially complete, the Company is still in the process of finalizing its evaluation of the effect of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures. The Company will finalize its accounting assessment and quantitative impact of the adoption during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019.

 

Credit Losses

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, (Topic 326), Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which amends the current accounting guidance and requires the use of the new forward-looking “expected loss” model, rather than the “incurred loss” model, which requires all expected losses to be determined based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This guidance amends the accounting for credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments including trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments. ASU 2016-13 is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its financial position and results of operations.

 

Results of Operations

 

Overview of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

The following table shows the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   Year Ended December 31 
   2018   2017   Change   Percent 
                 
Revenue  $78,667,731   $72,848,444   $5,819,287    8%
Cost of revenue   49,314,709    42,801,007    6,513,702    15%
Gross profit   29,353,022    30,047,437    (694,415)   (2)%
Gross profit margin   37%   41%   (12)%   (25)%
                     
Operating expenses:                    
Selling   3,560,840    2,344,633    1,216,207    52%
General and administrative   17,854,923    14,959,384    2,895,539    19%
Total operating expenses   21,415,763    17,304,017    4,111,746    24%
                     
Income from operations   7,937,259    12,743,420    (4,806,161)   (38)%
                     
Other income (expenses):                    
Interest income   446,859    339,169    107,690    32%
Interest expenses   (130,523)   (35,375)   (95,148)   269%
Dividend income   354,224    332,302    21,922    7%
Other - net   418,999    312,066    106,933    34%
Total other income(expenses), net   1,089,559    948,162    141,397    15%
                     
Income before income tax   9,026,818    13,691,582    (4,664,764)   (34)%
Income tax expense   3,610,172    3,513,717    96,455    3%
                     
Net income   5,416,646    10,177,865    (4,761,219)   (47)%
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests   3,045,241    3,023,227    22,014    1%
Net income attributable to shareholders of the Company   2,371,405    7,154,638    (4,783,233)   (67)%

 

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Revenue

 

As a distributor of insurance products, we derive our revenue primarily from commissions and fees paid by insurance companies, typically calculated as a percentage of premiums paid by our customers to the insurance companies in among Taiwan, PRC and Hong Kong. We generate revenue primarily through our sales force, which consists of individual sales professionals in our distribution and service network. Revenue in the year ended December 31, 2018 totaled over $78.6 million, an increase of approximately $5.8 million (or slightly over 8%) compared with approximately $72.8 million in the previous year. This increase was attributable primarily to growth of our business in Taiwan. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the revenue generated respectively from Taiwan, PRC and Hong Kong was as follows:

 

   For the Years 
   Ended December 31, 
Geographic Areas  2018   2017 
Revenue          
Taiwan  $67,515,966   $62,147,136 
PRC   10,465,147    10,467,488 
Hong Kong   718,924    302,096 
Elimination adjustment   (32,306)   (68,276)
Total revenue  $78,667,731   $72,848,444 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, 85.82%, 13.31% and 0.87% of our revenue in our audited consolidated financial statements were derived from Taiwan, Consolidated Affiliated Entities (“CAE”) in PRC and Hong Kong, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, 85.31%, 14.37% and 0.32% of our revenue in our audited consolidated financial statements were derived from Taiwan, CAE in PRC and Hong Kong, respectively. Total revenue increased by $5,819,287, or 8%, from $72,848,444 for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $78,667,731 for the year ended December 31, 2018, mainly due to the increase of the revenue in Taiwan and Hong Kong for the following reasons:

 

  a) The total revenue related to TransGlobe Life Insurance Inc. (“TransGlobe”) increased by $2,111,268 from $8,168,837 for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $10,280,105 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The revenue earned from TransGlobe experienced a visible increase because TransGlobe offered health insurance products with greater affordability and more favorable terms that appealed to the market, thereby boosting the sales of health insurance products for the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, due to a regulatory change in Taiwan proposing to limit total claims from multiple insurance policies up to incurred losses, our sales professionals are focusing on selling TransGlobe products to other existing policy holders to maximize insured benefits before the enactment.

 

  b) The total revenue related Taiwan Life Insurance Co., Ltd (“Taiwan Life”) increased by $1,714,574 from $9,309,759 for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $11,024,333 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily driven by the launch of a new affordable comprehensive long-term disability insurance product in 2017. This package attracted more attention from customers in 2018 and led to the increase in sales. Policies sold in 2017 and retained through their 13th month also generated additional commission bonuses for the Company which further increased revenue.

 

  c) Overall revenue in the Taiwan segment increased in 2018 due to commissions from increased sales of insurance products that are soon to be discontinued due to Taiwan regulatory changes. Sales of these types of products increased as customers were looking to take advantage of their last opportunity to lock in these policies before the products are no longer available.

 

  d) The revenue from our Hong Kong segment increased significantly. In 2018, the Company became the broker for re-insurance products for Taiwan Life. In this arrangement, the Company earns commissions on sales of insurance products from other insurers to Taiwan Life for risk management. The increase was the result of revenue from commissions from sales of reinsurance products in Hong Kong.

 

Cost of revenue and gross profit

 

Cost of revenue mainly consists of commissions paid to our individual sales professionals. The cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by $6,513,702 or 15%, to $49,314,709 compared with $42,801,007 for the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to the increase of direct commission cost as a result of first year commission earned from insurance companies, and the restructuring of the commission program. The Company launched Commission 2.0 in September 2017, featuring new incentive schemes and performance measures that are more aligned with the company’s long-term objectives. Under Commission 2.0, sales targets are divided into smaller and more attainable targets to improve the achievement rate. As a result, cost of revenue from commissions paid to sales professionals increased more than the proportional increase of revenue.

 

The gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2018 decreased by $(694,415) or 2%, to $29,353,022 compared with $30,047,437 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The gross profit margin decreased to 37% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 41% for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was a result of increased commissions paid to our sales professionals under the new commission program.

  

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Selling expenses

 

Selling expenses mainly occurred in Law Broker, representing the expense for marketing promotion and selling related expense. The selling expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by $1,216,207 or 52%, to $3,560,840 compared with $2,344,633 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase is mainly attributed to the increased event related expenses. The Company launched an online reality show in the second half of 2018 to facilitate deeper brand engagement and to attract younger candidates to join the Company’s salesforce. The advertising expenses related to the show were mainly incurred in 2018.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses are principally comprised of salaries and benefits for our administrative staff, office rental expenses, travel expenses, depreciation and amortization, entertainment expenses, and professional service fees.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018, G&A expenses were $17,854,923, an increase of $2,895,539, or 19%, compared with $14,959,384 for the year ended December 31, 2017, which was mainly due to an increase in salary for our senior administrative personnel.

 

Other income (expenses)

 

Net total other income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $1,089,559, compared with net total other income for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $948,162. Net total other income mainly consists of interest income, interest expenses, dividend income and other miscellaneous income and expense. Net total other income increased by over $141,397 primarily due to the exchange rate fluctuations and an increase in interest income from time deposits.

  

Income tax

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018, income tax expense was $3,610,172, an increase of $96,455, or 3%, compared with $3,513,717 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company had increased income tax expense in the year ended December 31, 2018, despite having lower earnings before income taxes in comparison with the year ended December 31, 2017 due to the one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries imposed by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

 

Our subsidiaries in Taiwan are governed by the Income Tax Law of Taiwan and are generally subject to tax at 20% on income reported in the statutory financial statements after appropriate adjustments. Also, the Income Tax Law of Taiwan provides that a company is taxed an additional 5% on any undistributed earnings to its shareholders.

 

WFOE and the CAE in the PRC are governed by the Income Tax Law of the PRC concerning privately-run enterprises, which are generally subject to tax at 25% on income reported in the statutory financial statements after appropriated adjustments. According to the requirement of local tax authorities, the taxable income of Jiangsu Law was deemed to be 10% of total revenue, instead of actual income before income tax. The tax rate of Jiangsu Law is also 25%.

 

Our subsidiaries in Hong Kong are governed by the Inland Revenue Ordinance Tax Law of Hong Kong and are generally subject to a profits tax at the rate of 16.5% on the estimated assessable profits.

 

As a result of all these factors, net income decreased by $4.8 million to almost $5.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2018, from just over $10.2 million in the previous fiscal year.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Overview of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

 

The following table represents a comparison of the net cash provided by operating activities, net cash provided by (used in) investing activities, and net cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   For the Years 
   Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   Change   Percent 
Net cash provided by operating activities  $3,907,452   $5,906,923   $(1,999,471)   (34)%
Net cash used in investing activities   (4,301,227)   (14,435,727)   10,134,500    (70)%
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   5,487,587    2,506,795    2,980,792    119%

 

Operating activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $3,907,452, which was a decrease from $5,906,923, net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in net income due to increasing selling expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared with that of the year ended December 31, 2017.

  

Investing activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $4,301,227 during the year ended December 31, 2018, which was mainly due to an increase in purchases of time deposits in 2018 as compared to 2017. Net cash used in investing activities was $14,435,727 during the year ended December 31, 2017, which was mainly due to purchase of structured deposit, marketable securities and time deposits of approximately $39 million less proceeds from maturities of time deposits of approximately $17 million and disposals of marketable securities of approximately $8 million.

 

Financing activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $5,487,587 during the year ended December 31, 2018, which was an increase from 2017 mainly due to the proceeds from related party and third party borrowings of approximately $2.8 million.

 

Related Party Loan and Loans to Unrelated Third Parties

 

Anhou Registered Capital Increase

 

On April 27, 2013, the CIRC issued the Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions, pursuant to which, CIRC mandated any insurance agency established subsequent to the Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions to meet a minimum registered capital requirement of RMB50 million (approximately $8 million). On May 16, 2013, CIRC issued the 2013 Notice, pursuant to which, professional insurance agencies established prior to the issuance of the Decision on Revising the Agency Provisions, with registered capital less than RMB50 million (approximately $8 million) can continue to operate its existing business within the provinces where they have a registered office or branch office, but shall not set up any new branches in any provinces where it has no registered office or a branch office.

 

Prior to the capital increase, Anhou, a professional insurance agency with a PRC nationwide license, used to have a registered capital of RMB10 million (approximately $1.6 million). The branch offices of Anhou currently were all in Henan province. To better implement its expansion strategies, Anhou increased its registered capital to RMB50 million (approximately $8 million) to meet the requirement of CIRC so that it can set up new branches in any province beyond its current operations in China.

 

Due to certain restrictions on direct foreign investment in insurance agency business under current PRC legal regime, Anhou has sought certain investments made by the Investor Borrowers (defined as below) and they may need funds through individual loans. Upon the completion of the contemplated increase of registered capital of Anhou, each Investor Borrower shall, or cause their designated persons to, enter into the Variable Interest Entities Agreement with WFOE, Anhou and other parties so as to consolidate any additional VIE interest generated from the said registered capital increase into the Company.

 

On June 9, 2013, AHFL entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Company Loan Agreement”) with CU Hong Kong.

 

Under the Company Loan Agreement, AHFL agreed to provide a loan to the CU Hong Kong with the principal amount equal to the US Dollar equivalent of RMB40 million ($6,389,925). The term for such was ten years which could be extended upon the agreement of the parties. The amount of such loan was remitted to the account of CU Hong Kong on August 30, 2013.

 

In August 2013, the CU Hong Kong entered into several Loan Agreements (collectively, the “Investor Loan Agreements”) with the following unrelated parties: Able Capital Holding Co., Ltd., a limited liability company established and registered in Hong Kong, Mr. Li Chen and Ms. Jing Yue, both PRC citizens (collectively, the “Investor Borrowers”).

 

Under the Investor Loan Agreements, the Investor Borrowers loaned cash from CU Hong Kong for their investment in Anhou and CU Hong Kong agreed to provide certain loans to each of the Investor Borrowers with an aggregate principal amount equal to the US Dollar equivalent of RMB40 million ($6,389,925). The term for such loans was ten years which could be extended upon the agreement of the parties. Pursuant to the Investor Loan Agreements, each of the Investor Borrowers covenants to enter into certain Variable Interest Entities Agreements with Anhou, WFOE and certain existing shareholders of Anhou. The proceeds received from the said loans by the Investor Borrowers shall be solely used to increase the registered capital of Anhou, and CU Hong Kong may determine the repayment methods including transferring of the Investor Borrowers’ corresponding registered capital in Anhou or through other manner as full payment of the loans subject to terms and conditions therein in the event that the Investor Borrowers fails to repay the loan in currency to CU Hong Kong.

 

The specific amounts loaned to the Investor Borrowers were as follows:

 

Able Capital Holding Co., Ltd.: RMB29.5 million ($4,712,570)

Ms. Chunyan Lu: RMB3 million ($479,244)

Ms. Yue: RMB7.5 million ($1,198,111)

 

On October 20, 2013, the Investor Borrowers, through certain nominees, increased Anhou’s registered capital by RMB 40 million ($6,389,925).

 

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Loan Receivable

 

On October 24, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement with a third party, Rich Fountain Limited (“RFL”), a company incorporated under the laws of Samoa. The Company provided a short-term loan approximately $1,618,577 (NT$48,000,000) to RFL. The short-term loan bears an interest rate of 4.5% per annum and the principal and interest of the loan were payable on April 23, 2017. On April 21, 2017, the Company and RFL entered into a supplemental agreement to extend the loan to October 23, 2017. The Company received partial payment of approximately $71,974 (NT$ 2,134,440) and approximately $36,256 (NT$1,075,200) on June 22, 2017 and July 14, 2017, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the outstanding principal balance of the loan was approximately $1,510,347 (NT$ 44,790,360). On March 7, 2018, RFL paid off all outstanding balance of loan to the Company.

 

Due to related parties

 

The related parties listed below loaned money to the Company for working capital. Due to related parties consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Due to Mr. Mao (Principal shareholder of the Company)*  $391,311   $409,054 
Due to Ms. Lu (Shareholder of Anhou)*   -    161,380 
Due to I Health Management Corp**   -    17,703 
Accrued bonus for Ms. Chao***   597,631    210,752 
Others   7,623    2,128 
Total  $996,565   $801,017 

 

*Amounts due to Mr. Mao and Ms. Lu bear no interest and are payable on demand.

 

**25% of I Health Management Corp’s shares are owned by Multiple Capital Enterprise, and 24% of Multiple Capital Enterprise’s shares are owned by members of the Company’s management level.

 

***On May 10, 2016, Law Broker entered into an engagement agreement (“Engagement Agreement”) with Hui-Hsien Chao (“Ms. Chao”), pursuant to which, she serves as the general manager of Law Broker from December 29, 2015 to December 28, 2018. Ms. Chao’s primary responsibilities are to assist Law Broker in operating and managing insurance agency business. According to the Engagement Agreement, Ms. Chao’s Bonus plans include: 1) execution, 2) long-term service fees, 3) pension and 4) non-competition. The payment of such bonuses will only occur upon satisfaction of certain condition and subject to the terms in the Engagement Agreement. Ms. Chao acts as the general manager or equivalent position of Law Broker for a term of at least three years. On March 13, 2017, Law Broker and Ms. Chao entered into an amendment to the Engagement above-mentioned Agreement to specify 1) Ms. Chao’s pension calculation assumptions and start date, and 2) the non-competition provision start date. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had current liabilities amounted $597,631 and $210,752, respectively, related to accrued bonus for Ms. Chao.

 

On a going forward basis, our primary requirements for cash over the next 12 months consist of:

 

  · providing insurance agency services to its existing clients in its existing branches;

 

  · developing new clients;

 

  · promoting sales activities;

 

  · opening more branches in China; and

 

  · expanding business scale in China, through mergers & acquisitions.

 

Long-term loan

 

The Company’s long-term loans consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Loan A, interest at 8% per annum, maturity date May 15, 2019  $123,611   $130,641 
Loan B, interest at 8% per annum, maturity date July 20, 2019   111,976    118,345 
Total loans   235,587    248,986 
Less: current portion   (235,587)   - 
Total long-term loans  $-   $248,986 

 

Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Limited (“Anhou”) in Nanjing City, PRC is a variable interest entity (VIE) of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company contractually control Anhou through CU Hong Kong.

 

On May 15, 2016, Anhou entered into a loan agreement (“Loan A”) with an individual third party. The loan agreement provided for approximately $123,611 (RMB 850,000) and $130,641 (RMB 850,000) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, loan to the Company. The Loan A bears an interest rate of 8% per annum and interest is payable annually. The principal and the accrued interest will be due on May 15, 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the principal amount was reclassified to current liabilities.

 

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On July 20, 2016, Anhou entered into a loan agreement (“Loan B”) with an individual third party. The loan agreement provided for approximately $111,976 (RMB 770,000) and $118,345 (RMB 770,000) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, loan to the Company. The Loan B bears an interest rate of 8% per annum and interest is payable annually. The principal and the accrued interest will be due on July 20, 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the principal amount was reclassified to current liabilities.

 

Total interest expenses for the long-term loans were $18,450 and $20,737, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company has operating leases for its offices. Rental expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and were $2,720,365 and $2,537,348, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, total future minimum annual lease payments under operating leases were as follows, by years:

 

Years ending December 31,  Amount 
Twelve months ending December 31, 2019  $2,043,635 
Twelve months ending December 31, 2020   818,792 
Twelve months ending December 31, 2021   369,340 
Twelve months ending December 31, 2022   131,568 
Twelve months ending December 31, 2023   121,303 
Thereafter   - 
Total  $3,484,638 

 

Lease Agreements

 

On February 1, 2018, Prime Asia Corporation, Limited, the Company’s majority owned subsidiary entered into a lease agreement with Apex Biz Solution Limited (“Apex,” was formerly known as Prime Technology Corp.) Apex is a related party of the Company because it is affiliated to the Company’s management. The lease is to lease the office space in Taipei City to Apex. The lease commencement date is December 1, 2018, with a monthly base rent of approximately $680 (NT$20,476). The Company recorded rent income of $7,317 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

On July 1, 2016, the Company entered into lease agreements with Yuli Broker and Yuli Investment separately, to lease their Nan-King East Road office space in Taipei City. The lease terms were both for one year commencing on July 1, 2016 and ending on June 30, 2017, with an annual base rent approximately of $610 (NT$18,000). On June 30, 2018, these lease agreements were extended automatically to June 30, 2019. The Company recorded rent income of $1,138 and $1,128, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Yuli Broker and Yuli Investment are owned by Ms. Lee who is the Director of Law Broker. The Company plans to invest in Yuli Broker and the application of the investment was approved by Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan in January 2018. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has not commenced the investment.

 

AHFL Acquisition Agreement

 

The Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL entered into a third Amendment to the Acquisition Agreement (the “Third Amendment”), pursuant to which, the Company committed to distribute the cash payment in the amount approximately $676,466 (NT$22.5 million) to the selling shareholders of AHFL on or prior to June 30, 2016. On July 21, 2016, the Company arranged for the payment of $153,097 (NT$4,830,514) to the selling shareholders. On March 12, 2017, the Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL entered into a fifth amendment to the acquisition agreement (the “Fifth Amendment”), pursuant to which, the Company agreed to make the cash payment in the amount of $480,559 (NT$15 million) on or prior to March 31, 2019. On March 27, 2019, the Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL entered into a sixth amendment to the acquisition agreement (the “Sixth Amendment”), pursuant to which, the Company agreed to make the cash payment in the amount of $480,559 (NT$15 million) on or prior to March 31, 2021.

 

Engagement Agreement with Ms. Chao

 

On May 10, 2016, Law Broker entered into an engagement agreement (“Engagement Agreement”) with Hui-Hsien Chao (“Ms. Chao”), pursuant to which, she serves as the general manager of Law Broker from December 29, 2015 to December 28, 2018. Ms. Chao’s primary responsibilities are to assist Law Broker in operating and managing insurance agency business. According to the Engagement Agreement, Ms. Chao’s Bonus plans include: 1) execution, 2) long-term service fees, 3) pension and 4) non-competition. The payment of such bonuses will only occur upon satisfaction of certain condition and subject to the terms in the Engagement Agreement. Ms. Chao acts as the general manager or equivalent position of Law Broker for a term of at least three years. On March 13, 2017, Law Broker and Ms. Chao entered into an amendment to the Engagement above-mentioned Agreement to specify 1) Ms. Chao’s pension calculation assumptions and start date, and 2) the non-competition provision start date. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had current liabilities amounted $597,631 and $210,752, respectively, related to accrued bonus for Ms. Chao.

 

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Advisory Agreements

 

On May 2, 2016, the Company entered into an advisory agreement with I Health Management Corp (“I Health”) who is contracted to provide 10,000 Taiwan citizens’ health information to the Company. The total advisory fee was approximately $42,000 (NT$1,275,000). For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had cost of revenue related to I Health amounted $13,315. The Company had due to I Health $17,703 as of December 31, 2017.

 

On December 7, 2016, the Company entered into an advisory agreement with Mr. Fu Chang Li, the Director of the Company. Pursuant to this Advisory Agreement, Mr. Li provided investment consulting services to the Company from December 7, 2016 to December 6, 2017. On December 7, 2017, both parties agreed to extend this advisory agreement from December 7, 2017 to December 6, 2018. On December 7, 2018, both parties agreed to extend this advisory agreement from December 7, 2018 to December 6, 2019. The total advisory fee was approximately $60,204 (NT$1.8 million). For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized $59,368 and $59,214, respectively, general and administrative expenses in connection to this advisory agreement.

 

Consulting Agreement

 

On November 1, 2016, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Apex pursuant to which the Company would provide administrative operational consulting services to Apex from November 1, 2016 through December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had accounts receivable amounted of nil and $17,231, respectively. The Company also had revenue of $31,449 and $50,053 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of December 31, 2018, our Company had no off balance sheet arrangements.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

As a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, we are not required to provide the information under this item.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of:

China United Insurance Service, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of China United Insurance Service, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”)

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Material weaknesses regarding (1) an ineffective mechanism to proper communicate the concepts of corporate governance and (2) lack of a qualified experienced financial expert to lead and supervise the overall internal control over financial reporting system of the Company, have been identified and described in management’s assessment. These material weaknesses were considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2018 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

 

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

 48 

 

 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.

 

/s/ Simon & Edward, LLP  
   
Los Angeles, California  
April 1, 2019  

 

 49 

 

  

CHINA UNITED INSURANCE SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   As of December 31, 
   2018   2017 
         
ASSETS          
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $16,663,942   $15,473,949 
Time deposits   25,740,164    21,470,113 

Restricted cash equivalents

   

3,320,802

    - 
Structured deposits   -    1,248,340 
Accounts receivable   15,332,355    13,301,006 
Other current assets   1,155,678    2,226,467 
Total current assets   

62,212,941

    53,719,875 
           
Property, plant and equipment, net   1,195,695    946,302 
Intangible assets, net   575,985    775,778 
Long-term investments   2,477,558    1,399,762 

Restricted cash – long-term

   

655,027

    469,615 
Other assets   1,764,638    1,961,911 
TOTAL ASSETS  $68,881,844   $59,273,243 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Current liabilities          
Short-term loans  $8,435,587   $2,350,000 
Income tax payable - short-term   1,599,146    3,508,790 
Commissions payable to sales professionals   8,014,480    6,415,071 
Convertible bonds   -    200,000 
Due to related parties   996,565    801,017 
Other current liabilities   

7,348,841

    6,163,765 
Total current liabilities   

26,394,619

    19,438,643 
           
Long-term loans   -    248,986 
Income tax payable - long-term   1,007,323    - 
Other liabilities   

2,537,072

    4,842,240 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   29,939,014    24,529,869 
           
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES          
           
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY          
Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value, 10,000,000 authorized, 1,000,000 issued and outstanding   10    10 
Common stock, $0.00001 par value, 100,000,000 authorized, 29,452,669 issued and outstanding   295    295 
Additional paid-in capital   8,190,449    8,190,449 
Statutory reserves   7,299,123    5,781,008 
Retained earnings   7,273,227    6,419,937 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   (171,318)   616,019 
Total stockholders' equity attributable to shareholders of the Company   22,591,786    21,007,718 
Noncontrolling interests   

16,351,044

    13,735,656 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   38,942,830    34,743,374 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  $68,881,844   $59,273,243 

 

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

 

 50 

 

 

CHINA UNITED INSURANCE SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS)

 

  

Year Ended

December 31,

 
   2018   2017 
           
Revenue  $78,667,731   $72,848,444 
Cost of revenue   49,314,709    42,801,007 
           
Gross profit   29,353,022    30,047,437 
           
Operating expenses:          
Selling   3,560,840    2,344,633 
General and administrative   17,854,923    14,959,384 
Total operating expenses   21,415,763    17,304,017 
           
Income from operations   7,937,259    12,743,420 
           
Other income (expenses):          
Interest income   446,859    339,169 
Interest expenses   (130,523)   (35,375)
Dividend income   354,224    332,302 
Other - net   418,999    312,066 
Total other income, net   1,089,559    948,162 
           
Income before income tax   9,026,818    13,691,582 
Income tax expense   3,610,172    3,513,717 
           
Net income   5,416,646    10,177,865 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   3,045,241    3,023,227 
Net income attributable to shareholders of the Company   2,371,405    7,154,638 
           
Other comprehensive income (loss)          
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)   (787,695)   1,241,081 
Other   358    42,914 
           
Total other comprehensive income   (787,337)   1,283,995 
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (429,854)   940,887 
           
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders of the Company  $1,584,068   $8,438,633 
           
Weighted average shares outstanding:          
Basic   29,452,669    29,452,669 
Diluted   29,452,669    30,509,552 
           
Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders of the Company:          
Basic  $0.078   $0.243 
Diluted  $0.078   $0.235 

 

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

 

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CHINA UNITED INSURANCE SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

   Common
Stock
   Amount   Preferred
Stock
   Amount   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Statutory
Reserves
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   Retained
Earnings
   Total   Noncontrolling
Interests
   Total
Equity
 
                                             

Balance December

31, 2016

   29,452,669    295    1,000,000    10    8,157,512    3,799,585    (667,976)   1,246,722    12,536,148    9,771,542    22,307,690 
                                                        

Appropriation of

reserves

   -     -     -     -     -     1,981,423    -     (1,981,423)   -    -     - 

Foreign currency

translation gain

   -     -     -     -     -     -     1,241,081    -     1,241,081    940,518    2,181,599 

Other comprehensive

gain

   -     -     -     -     -     -     42,914    -     42,914    369    43,283 
Forgiveness of debt   -     -     -     -     32,937    -     -     -     32,937    -     32,937 
Net income   -     -     -     -     -     -     -     7,154,638    7,154,638    3,023,227    10,177,865 
                                                        

Balance December

31, 2017

   29,452,669    295    1,000,000    10    8,190,449    5,781,008    616,019    6,419,937    21,007,718    13,735,656    34,743,374 
                                                        

Appropriation of

reserves

   -     -     -     -     -     1,518,115    -     (1,518,115)   -    -     - 

Foreign currency

translation gain

   -     -     -     -     -     -     (787,695)   -     (787,695)   (430,038)   (1,217,733)

Other comprehensive

gain

   -     -     -     -     -     -     358    -     358    184    542 
Net income   -     -     -     -     -     -     -     2,371,405    2,371,405    3,045,242    5,416,647 
                                                        

Balance December

31, 2018

   29,452,669    295    1,000,000    10    8,190,449    7,299,123    (171,318)   7,273,227    22,591,786    16,351,044    38,942,830 

 

  

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

 

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CHINA UNITED INSURANCE SERVICE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

   Year ended December 31, 
   2018   2017 
           
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $5,416,646   $10,177,865 
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   636,980    561,184 
Pension plan   -    2,169 
Amortization of bond premium   569    - 
Loss on debt forgiveness   12,645    - 
Loss on valuation of financial assets   125,714    64,749 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets   36,279    110,964 
Deferred income tax   (163,631)   87,391 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   (2,421,663)   3,657,114 
Other current assets   (486,314)   (335,939)
Other assets   106,662    (1,277,215)
Income tax payable   (726,379)   1,036,997 
Commissions payable to sales professionals   1,826,478    (5,557,039)
Other current liabilities   2,672,584    (1,592,557)
Other liabilities   (3,129,118)   (1,028,760)
Net cash provided by operating activities   3,907,452    5,906,923 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Purchases of structured deposits   (13,696,531)   (1,285,882)
Proceeds from maturities of structured deposits   14,993,795    - 
Purchases of time deposits   (49,535,273)   (32,699,028)
Proceeds from maturities of time deposits   44,555,966    17,437,704 
Proceeds from repayment of loan made to RFL   1,486,485    - 
Loan made to RFL   -    105,586 
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities   -    7,515,680 
Purchase of marketable securities   -    (4,967,359)
Purchase of long-term investments - REITs   (1,327,505)   - 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment   (696,028)   (382,473)
Purchase of intangible assets   (82,136)   (159,955)
Net cash used in investing activities   (4,301,227)   (14,435,727)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Repayment of convertible bonds   (200,000)   - 
Proceeds from short-term loans   34,300,000    2,350,000 
Repayment of short-term loans   (28,450,000)   (22,199)
Proceeds from related party borrowings   475,273    464,850 
Repayment to related party borrowing   (637,686)   (285,856)
Net cash provided by financing activities   5,487,587    2,506,795 
           
Foreign currency translation   (397,605)   1,577,935 
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and equivalents   4,696,207    (4,444,074)
           
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and equivalents, beginning balance   15,943,564    20,387,638 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and equivalents, ending balance  $20,639,771   $15,943,564 
           
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE:          
           
Interest paid  $264,845   $33,844 
Income tax paid  $3,561,329   $2,307,768 
           
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE of CASH FLOW FOR NON-CASH TRANSACTION:          
           
Debt forgiveness - related parties   -   $32,937 

  

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

 

 53 

 

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

 

Overview

 

China United Insurance Service, Inc. (“China United”, “CUIS”, or the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation, organized on June 4, 2010 by Yi-Hsiao Mao, a Taiwan citizen, as a listing vehicle for both ZLI Holdings Limited (“CU Hong Kong”) and Action Holdings Financial Limited (“AHFL,” a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands).

 

In January of 2011, through Zhengzhou Zhonglian Hengfu Business Consulting Co., Limited (“WFOE”), a wholly owned Hong Kong based subsidiary of CU Hong Kong, the Company entered a series of agreements (“VIE agreements”) with Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Limited (“Anhou”) that established, among other things, an exclusive business cooperation agreement. Prior to the VIE agreements with WFOE, Anhou owned 100% interest of Sichuan Kangzhuang Insurance Agency Co., Limited (“Sichuan Kangzhuang”) and 100% interest of Jiangsu Law Insurance Brokers Co., Limited. Both subsidiaries are also engaged in selling life and property casualty insurance products in the PRC. With the establishment of VIE in 2011, the Company expanded business operations into Peoples’ Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”).

 

For the purpose of procuring certain economic benefits and establishing a more centralized control over the business operations in Sichuan province, the Company reorganized by dissolving Sichuan Kangzhuang, and set up a branch office of Anhou in Sichuan province instead. On October 8, 2018, Sichuan Kangzhuang was legally dissolved.

 

The Company owns 65.95% interest of Law Enterprise Co., Limited (“Law Enterprise”) through AHFL and its 100% owned subsidiary Law Insurance Broker Co., Limited (“Law Broker”). Both companies are engaging in business in insurance brokerage and insurance agency services across Taiwan, where the majority of revenue is generated.

 

The Company’s common stock currently trades over the counter under the ticker symbol “CUII” on the OTC Pink market.

 

Acquisitions

 

In July of 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of Kao Te Insurance Broker (“KT Broker”) for its existing brokerage licenses. Under Taiwanese law, the brokerage license is undetachable from the legal entity and the entity itself cannot be dissolved, so the Company renamed KT Broker to Joint Insurance Broker Co., Limited (“JIB”) to serve as a holding entity for the brokerage licenses. The Company has no intention of operating the existing business of KT Broker nor retain any of its sales personnel, therefore the Company accounted the acquisition as assets purchase in accordance with ASC 805.

 

The corporate structure as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

 

 54 

 

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of China United, its subsidiaries and variable interest entities as shown in the corporate structure in Note 1. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidation. The Company consolidates variable interest entities where it has been determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of those entities' operations. Certain reclassifications have been made to the consolidated financial statements for prior years to the current year’s presentation. Such reclassifications have no effect on net income as previously reported.

 

Use of Estimates

 

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

 

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions.

 

Noncontrolling Interest

 

Noncontrolling interest consists of direct and indirect equity interest in AHFL and its subsidiaries arising from the acquisition of AHFL by CUIS and acquisition of PFAL by AHFL in August 2012 and April 2014, respectively.

 

 55 

 

 

The Company follows Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, “Consolidation,” which governs the accounting for and reporting of noncontrolling interests (“NCI”) in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and the loss of control of subsidiaries. Certain provisions of this standard indicate, among other things, that NCIs be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability, that increases and decreases in the parent’s ownership interest that leave control intact be treated as equity transactions rather than as step acquisitions or dilution gains or losses, and that losses of a partially owned consolidated subsidiary be allocated to the NCI even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance. This standard also required changes to certain presentation and disclosure requirements.

 

The net income (loss) attributed to the NCI is separately designated in the accompanying statements of operations and other comprehensive income (loss). Losses attributable to the NCI in a subsidiary may exceed the NCI’s interests in the subsidiary’s equity. The excess attributable to the NCI is attributed to those interests. The NCI shall continue to be attributed its share of losses even if that attribution results in a deficit NCI balance.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 220, “Reporting Comprehensive Income,” which establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income, its components and accumulated balances in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. ASC 220 defines comprehensive income as net income and all changes to stockholders’ equity, except those due to investments by stockholders, changes in paid-in capital and distributions to stockholders, including adjustments to minimum pension liabilities, accumulated foreign currency translation, and unrealized gains or losses on securities held as available-for-sale.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

The Company’s financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars ($), which is the Company’s reporting and functional currency. The functional currencies of the Company’s subsidiaries are NTD, RMB and HKD. The resulting translation adjustments are reported under other comprehensive income in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 220, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”. Gains and losses resulting from the translation of foreign currency transactions are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income (loss). Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated at the functional currency using the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Any differences are taken to profit or loss as a gain or loss on foreign currency translation in the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income (loss).

 

The Company translates the assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars using the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date and the statements of operations and cash flows are translated at an average rate during the reporting period. Adjustments resulting from the translation from NTD, RMB and HKD into U.S. dollars are recorded in stockholders’ equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income. The exchange rates used for financial statements are as follows:

 

   Average Rate for the years ended December 31, 
   2018   2017 
Taiwan dollar (NTD)  NTD30.13172   NTD30.39845 
China yuan (RMB)  RMB6.61464   RMB6.75701 
Hong Kong dollar (HKD)  HKD7.83704   HKD7.79223 
United States dollar ($)  $1.00000   $1.00000 

 

    Exchange Rate at  
    December 31, 2018     December 31, 2017  
Taiwan dollar (NTD)   NTD 30.56492     NTD 29.65568  
China yuan (RMB)   RMB 6.87644     RMB 6.50638  
Hong Kong dollar (HKD)   HKD 7.83125     HKD 7.81493  
United States dollar ($)   $ 1.00000     $ 1.00000  

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks, bank deposits, and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of origination. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates market value.

 

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents represent amounts held in banks by the Company in conformity with Provisions of the Supervision and Administration of Specialized Insurance Agencies by China Insurance Regulatory Commission and time deposits in financial institutions that are pledged to satisfy the requirements of certain debt agreements. 

 

 56 

 

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

Accounts receivable includes commission receivables stated at net realizable values. The Company reviews its accounts receivable regularly to determine if a bad debt allowance is necessary at each quarter-end. Management reviews the composition of accounts receivable and analyzes the age of receivables outstanding, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to evaluate the necessity of making such allowance. No allowance was deemed necessary as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized; repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Upon sale of retirement, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is recorded in other income (expense).

 

Depreciation of office equipment, office furniture, transportation equipment and other equipment is computed using straight-line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from one to ten years with estimated salvage value. Leasehold improvements are depreciated or amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining expected lease term.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets in the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is not amortized but instead is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate it might be impaired, using two-step goodwill impairment test. The first step screens for potential impairment of goodwill to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, while the second step measures the amount of goodwill impairment, if any, by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying value. As of December 31, 2018, and 2017, there were no indications of impairment of goodwill. Intangible assets, which primarily consist of software, are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization, and amortized over estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 5 years.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews the carrying values of the long-lived assets when circumstances warrant as to whether the carrying value has become impaired. The Company considers assets to be impaired if the carrying value of an asset exceeds the present value of future net undiscounted cash flows from its related operations. There was no impairment recognized for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Long-Term Investments

 

Long-term investments include government bonds held as available-for-sale, investment in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”)   measured at fair value through net income, and equity investments accounted for the cost method. Available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value and unrealized gains and losses as a result of changes in the fair value are recorded as a separate component within accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company measures equity investments in companies that do not have a readily determinable fair value in which it holds an interest of less than 20% using cost method, and no changes in fair value is recognize in net income for those equity investments.

 

Convertible Bonds

 

Convertible debt is accounted for under the guidelines established by ASC Subtopic 470-20 “Debt with Conversion and Other Options.” ASC 470-20 governs the calculation of an embedded beneficial conversion. The amount of the value of beneficial conversion feature may reduce the carrying value of the instrument to zero, but no further. Many of the conversion features embedded in the Company’s notes are variable and are adjusted based on a discount to market prices which could cause an unlimited number of shares of common stock to be issued. In these cases, the Company records the embedded conversion feature as a derivative instrument, at fair value. The embedded conversion features are recorded as discounts when the notes become convertible. The excess of fair value of the embedded conversion feature over the carrying value of the debt is recorded as an immediate charge to operations. Each reporting period, the Company will compute the estimated fair value of derivatives and record changes to operations. The discounts relating to the initial recording of the derivatives or beneficial conversion features will be amortized over the terms of the convertible bonds.

 

Advertising Costs

 

The Company expenses all advertising costs, which include promotions and branding, as incurred. The Company incurred $749,563 and $386,858 in advertising and marketing costs during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

 57 

 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company’s revenue is generated from providing insurance agency and brokerage services. The Company, through its subsidiaries and VIEs, sells insurance products to customers, and obtains commissions from the respective insurance companies according to the terms of each insurance company service agreement. The Company adopted the new revenue standard ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, at the beginning of 2018, which requires that recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company recognizes revenue when control over services provided by the Company is transferred to the respective insurance company; whereby the transfer of control is considered complete when the insurance policy becomes effective. The new guidance includes requirements to estimate variable or contingent consideration to be received and recognize variable consideration to the extent that a significant reversal of revenue will not probably occur in the subsequent periods. Applying the new revenue standard requires significant judgment and estimate to be made by the Company.

 

The Company is obligated to pay commissions to its sales professionals when an insurance policy becomes effective. The Company recognizes commission revenue from insurance companies on a gross basis, and the commissions paid to its sales professionals are recognized as cost of revenue.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company records income tax expense using the asset-and-liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

When tax returns are filed, it is likely some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more-likely-than-not the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. Interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits is classified as interest expense and penalties are classified in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income (loss).

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income attributable to the common shareholders of the Company by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed in the same manner as basic EPS, except the number of shares includes additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potential common shares with a dilutive effect had been issued.

 

As the holders of preferred stock of the Company are entitled to share equally with the holders of common stock, on a per share basis, in such dividends and other distributions of cash, property or shares of stock of the Company as may be declared by the board of directors, the preferred stock is a participating security. When calculating the basic earnings per common share, the two-class method is used to allocate earnings to common stock and participating security as required by ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Potential common shares consist primarily of convertible bonds calculated using the if-converted method. However, convertible bonds were excluded from the calculation due to the antidilutive effect. The antidilutive common share equivalents excluded from the computation was 45,935 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

The calculation for basic and diluted EPS is as follows:

 

   As of December 31, 2018 
   2018   2017 
           
Net income attributable to common shareholders of the Company:  $2,371,405   $7,154,638 
Effect of dilution   -    12,000 
Net income attributable to common shareholders of the Company after dilution  $2,371,405   $7,166,638 
           
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding   29,452,669    29,452,669 
Effect of convertible bond   -    1,056,883 
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding   29,452,669    30,509,552 
           
Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders of the Company:          
Basic  $0.078   $0.243 
Diluted  $0.078   $0.235 

  

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair value accounting establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. Fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels as follows:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available.

 

The carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expense approximate fair value due to the short-term duration of those instruments. See Note 22 for additional information on the fair values related to other financial assets and liabilities.

 

Concentration of Risk

 

The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with banks or high credit, quality financial institutions in the USA, PRC, Hong Kong, and Taiwan with balances in excess of the limits insured by various governments. In Taiwan, a depositor has up to NTD3,000,000 insured by Central Deposit Insurance Corporation (“CDIC”). In China, a depositor has up to RMB500,000 insured by the People’s Bank of China Financial Stability Bureau (“FSD”). In Hong Kong, a depositor has up to HKD500,000 insured by Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board (“DPB”). In the United States, the standard insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor in a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, restricted cash, register capital deposits and accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2018, and 2017, approximately $1,751,000 and $1,512,000 of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, restricted cash and register capital deposits held by financial institutions, was insured, and the remaining balance of approximately $44,289,000 and $33,949,000, was not insured. With respect to accounts receivable, the Company generally does not require collateral and does not have an allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company realized revenues with the customers individually more than 10% of the total revenue of the Company were:

 

   Years ended December 31, 
   2018   2017 
   Amount   % of Total
Revenue
   Amount   % of Total
Revenue
 
Farglory Life Insurance Co., Ltd.  $18,432,050    23%  $18,617,293    26%
Taiwan Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (**)   11,024,333    14%   9,309,759    13%
TransGlobe Life Insurance Inc.   10,280,105    13%   8,168,837    11%
Fubon Life Insurance Co., Ltd.   (*)    (*)    (*)    (*) 

 

(*) Revenue for the year ended had not exceeded 10% or more of the consolidated revenue.

(**) Taiwan Life Insurance Co., Ltd. was formerly known as CTBC Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

 

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As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s accounts receivable due from these customers were:

 

   As of December 31, 
   2018   2017 
   Amount   % of Total
Accounts
Receivable
   Amount   % of Total
Accounts
Receivable
 
Farglory Life Insurance Co., Ltd.  $3,139,404    24%  $3,430,661    26%
Taiwan Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (**)   2,578,590    20%   2,192,668    17%
TransGlobe Life Insurance Inc.   2,381,181    18%   1,811,401    14%
Fubon Life Insurance Co., Ltd.   (*)    (*)    (*)    (*) 

 

(*) Revenue for the year ended had not exceeded 10% or more of the consolidated revenue.

(**) Taiwan Life Insurance Co., Ltd. was formerly known as CTBC Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

 

The Company operates their business in the PRC, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic, foreign currency exchange and legal environments in the PRC, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and by the state of each economy. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by changes in the political and social conditions in the PRC, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, anti-inflationary measures, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.

 

Operating Leases

 

Leases, where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the leasing company, that do not meet the capitalization criteria of FASB ASC Topic 840 “Leases,” are accounted for as operating leases.

 

Segment Reporting

 

The Company managed and reviewed its business as three operating segments. The business of WFOE, CU Hong Kong and the Company’s Consolidated Affiliated Entities (“CAE”) in PRC was managed and reviewed as the PRC segment. The business of AHFL and its subsidiaries in Taiwan was managed and reviewed as Taiwan segment. The business of PFAL was managed and reviewed as Hong Kong segment. The PRC and Taiwan segments are substantially all of the reported consolidated amounts. Please refer to Note 23 for additional information on the segment reporting.

 

Contingencies

 

Certain conditions may exist as of the date the financial statements are issued, which could result in a loss to the Company which will be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company’s management assesses such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves judgment. In assessing loss contingencies arising from legal proceedings pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may rise from such proceedings, the Company’s management evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought.

 

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If the assessment of a contingency indicates it is probable a material loss will be incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, then the estimated loss is accrued in the Company’s financial statements. If the assessment indicates a material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material would be disclosed.

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

The Company follows FASB ASC Subtopic 810-10-05-8, “Consolidation of VIEs,” states that a VIE is a legal entity in which equity investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack any one of the following three characteristics:

 

  a) The power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities of a legal entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance

 

  b) The obligation to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity

 

  c) The right to receive the expected residual returns of the legal entity.

 

Due to the legal restrictions on foreign ownership and investment in insurance agency and brokerage businesses in China, especially those on qualifications as well as capital requirement of the investors, the Company operates its insurance agency and brokerage business in PRC primarily through Anhou, a VIE with its two subsidiaries in the PRC.

 

On January 17, 2011, WFOE and Anhou and Anhou Original Shareholders entered into the VIE Agreements (the “First VIE Agreements”) which included:

 

  · Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement (“EBCA” or the “Agreement”) through which: (1) WFOE has the right to provide Anhou with complete technical support, business support and related consulting services during the term of this Agreement; (2) Anhou agrees to accept all the consultations and services provided by WFOE. Anhou further agrees that unless with WFOE’s prior written consent, during the term of this Agreement, Anhou shall not directly or indirectly accept the same or any similar consultations and/or services provided by any third party and shall not establish similar cooperation relationship with any third party regarding the matters contemplated by this Agreement; (3) Anhou shall pay WFOE fees equal to 90% of the net income of Anhou, and the payment is quarterly, and (4) WFOE retains all exclusive and proprietary rights and interests in all rights, ownership, interests and intellectual properties arising out of or created during the performance of this Agreement.

  

The term of this Agreement is 10 years. Subsequent to the execution of this Agreement, both WFOE and Anhou shall review this Agreement on an annual basis to determine whether to amend or supplement the provisions. The term of this Agreement may be extended if confirmed in writing by WFOE prior to the expiration thereof. The extended term shall be determined by WFOE, and Anhou shall accept such extended term unconditionally.

 

During the term of this Agreement, unless WFOE commits gross negligence, or a fraudulent act, against Anhou, Anhou may not terminate this Agreement. Nevertheless, WFOE shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon giving 30 days prior written notice to Anhou at any time.

 

  · Power of Attorney under which each shareholder of Anhou executed an irrevocable power of attorney to authorize WFOE to act on behalf of the shareholder to exercise all of his/her rights as equity owner of Anhou, including without limitation to: (1) attend shareholders’ meetings of Anhou; (2) exercise all the shareholder’s rights and shareholder’s voting rights that he/she is entitled to under the laws of the PRC and Anhou’s Articles of Association, including but not limited to the sale or transfer or pledge or disposition of the shareholder’s shareholding in part or in whole, and (3) designate and appoint on behalf of the shareholder the legal representative, the director, supervisor, the chief executive officer and other senior management members of Anhou.

 

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  · Option Agreement under which the shareholders of Anhou irrevocably granted WFOE or its designated person an exclusive and irrevocable right to acquire, at any time, the entire portion of Anhou’s equity interest held by each shareholder of Anhou, or any portion thereof, to the extent permitted by PRC law. The purchase price for the shareholders’ equity interests in Anhou shall be the lower of (i) RMB1 ($0.16) and (ii) the lowest price allowed by relevant laws and regulations. If appraisal is required by the laws of PRC when WFOE exercises the Equity Interest Purchase Option (as defined in the Option Agreement), the Parties shall negotiate in good faith and based on the appraisal result make necessary adjustment to the Equity Interest Purchase Price (as defined in the Option Agreement) so that it complies with any and all then applicable laws of the PRC. The term of this Agreement is 10 years, and may be renewed at WFOE’s election.

 

  · Share Pledge Agreement under which the owners of Anhou pledged their equity interests in Anhou to WFOE to guarantee Anhou’s performance of its obligations under the EBCA. Pursuant to this agreement, if Anhou fails to pay the exclusive consulting or service fees in accordance with the EBCA, WFOE shall have the right, but not the obligation, to dispose of the owners of Anhou’s equity interests in Anhou. This Agreement shall be continuously valid until all payments due under the EBCA have been repaid by Anhou or its subsidiaries.

 

As a result of the capital increase and the share transfer, on October 24, 2013, WFOE, Anhou and Anhou Existing Shareholders entered into a series of variable interest agreements (the “Second VIE Agreements”), including Power of Attorneys, Exclusive Option Agreements, Share Pledge Agreements, in the same form as the First VIE Agreements, other than the change of shareholder names and their respective shareholdings. The First VIE Agreements were terminated by and among WFOE, Anhou and Anhou Original Shareholders on the same date. The EBCA executed by and between WFOE and Anhou on January 17, 2011 remains in full effect.

 

As a result of the agreements among WFOE, the shareholders of Anhou and Anhou, WFOE is considered the primary beneficiary of Anhou, WFOE has effective control over Anhou; therefore, WFOE consolidates the results of operations of Anhou and its subsidiaries. Accordingly, the results of operations, assets and liabilities of Anhou and its subsidiaries are consolidated in the Company’s financial statements from the earliest period presented. However, the VIE is monitored by the Company to determine if any events have occurred that could cause its primary beneficiary status to change. These events include:

 

  a) The legal entity’s governing documents or contractual arrangements are changed in a manner that changes the characteristics or adequacy of the legal entity’s equity investment at risk.

 

  b) The equity investment or some part thereof is returned to the equity investors, and other interests become exposed to expected losses of the legal entity.

 

  c) The legal entity undertakes additional activities or acquires additional assets, beyond those anticipated at the later of the inception of the entity or the latest reconsideration event, that increase the entity’s expected losses.

 

  d) The legal entity receives an additional equity investment that is at risk, or the legal entity curtails or modifies its activities in a way that decreases its expected losses.

 

The Company reviews the VIE’s status on an annual basis. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, no event including a)-d) above took place that would change the Company’s primary beneficiary status.

 

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New Accounting Pronouncements and Other Guidance

 

New Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2018:

 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance – ASU No. 2014-09, (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers related to revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the Standard is that recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the new guidance requires that companies disclose the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method, which applies the new guidance beginning in the year of adoption, with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized as an adjustment to retained earnings at January 1, 2018.

 

The Company’s revenue is derived from insurance agency and brokerage services. The Company, through its subsidiaries, sells insurance products provided by insurance companies to individuals, and is compensated in the form of commissions from the respective insurance companies, according to the terms of each service agreement made by and between the Company and the insurance companies. The sale of an insurance product by the Company is considered complete when initial insurance premium is paid by an individual and the insurance policy becomes effective. When a policy is effective, the insurance company is obligated to pay the agreed-upon commission to the Company under the terms of its service agreement with the Company and such commission is recognized as revenue.

 

Upon adoption of the new revenue guidance, the timing of revenue recognition remains unchanged. However, the new guidance includes requirements to estimate variable or contingent consideration to be received and recognize variable consideration to the extent that a significant reversal of revenue will not probably occur in the subsequent periods. Under the legacy GAAP, the Company recognized certain contingent commissions when fixed or determinable whereas the Company recognizes estimated contingent commissions when the policy is accepted under the new revenue guidance. This results in the revenue recognition accelerated from historical patterns and a shift in timing of quarterly revenue recognized. In addition, the Company recognizes the contingent commission as contract asset when the performance obligation is fulfilled but yet obtain unconditional rights of payment. As a result, the Company recognizes contract assets to distinguish from accounts receivable.

 

Since the majority of the Company’s fee arrangements involve contracts that cover a single year of services, there was no significant change in the amount of revenue recognized in an annual period after adoption of the new revenue recognition accounting policy. The cumulative effect of adopting the new standard from January 1, 2018 is nil to the opening balance of retained earnings. The comparative information and prior periods were not restated and reported under the legacy accounting standards.

 

Restricted Cash

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, (Topic 230), Statement of Cash Flows, amending the presentation of restricted cash within the consolidated statements of cash flows. The new guidance requires that restricted cash be added to cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2018 on a retrospective basis with the following impacts to the Company’s prior period consolidated statement of cash flows:

 

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   Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2017
 
   Previously
Reported*
   Adjustments   As Revised 
Operating activities  $5,655,491   $251,432   $5,906,923 
Investing activities   (14,435,727)   -    (14,435,727)
Financing activities   2,506,795    -    2,506,795 
Foreign currency translation   1,577,935    -    1,577,935 
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and equivalents  $(4,695,506)  $251,432   $(4,444,074)

 

Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement

 

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted, on a prospective basis, ASU No. 2016-01, (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities that makes limited changes to the accounting for financial instruments. The changes primarily relate to (i) the requirement to measure equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) at fair value, with changes in the fair value recognized in net income, (ii) an alternative approach for the measurement of equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value, (iii) the elimination of the other-than-temporary impairment model and its replacement with a requirement to perform a qualitative assessment to identify the impairment of equity investments, and a requirement to recognize impairment losses in net income based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the equity investment, (iv) the elimination of the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost, (v) the addition of a requirement to use the exit price concept when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes and (vi) the addition of a requirement to present financial assets and financial liabilities separately in the notes to financial statements, grouped by measurement category (e.g., fair value, amortized cost, lower of cost or market) and by form of financial asset (e.g., loans, equity securities).

 

The equity investment without readily determinable fair value held by the Company is the equity investment of Genius Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. The Company elects to measure the equity investment using measurement alternative and records the investment at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from qualifying observable prices changes. Adjustments resulting from impairments and observable prices changes are recorded in the income statement. Further, in accordance with the guidance, recurring fair value disclosures are no longer provided for equity securities measured using the measurement alternative. In addition, the existing impairment model has been replaced with a new one-step qualitative impairment model. No initial adoption adjustment was recorded for these instruments since the guidance is required to be applied prospectively for securities measured using the measurement alternative. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there is no impairment indicator and no adjustment to the cost of the equity investment in Genius Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the equity investment of Genius Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. is classified under long-term investments and the carrying amounts were $1,257,485 and $1,296,039, respectively.

  

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Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Adopted

 

Leases

 

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, (Topic 842), Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases currently classified as operating leases and makes certain changes to the accounting for lease expenses. We anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 for our leasing arrangements will likely (i) increase our recorded assets and liabilities, (ii) increase depreciation and amortization expense, (iii) increase interest expense and (iv) decrease lease/rental expense.

 

We plan to adopt the standard as of January 1, 2019, the beginning of fiscal 2019. We will elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allows us to continue to apply the legacy guidance in ASC 840 in the comparative periods presented in the year we adopt the new leases standard. Consequently, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019. We will also elect the practical expedient that allows us to carry forward historical lease classifications and we will make an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off the balance sheet.

 

While substantially complete, the Company is still in the process of finalizing its evaluation of the effect of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures. The Company will finalize its accounting assessment and quantitative impact of the adoption during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019.

 

Credit Losses

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, (Topic 326), Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which amends the current accounting guidance and requires the use of the new forward-looking “expected loss” model, rather than the “incurred loss” model, which requires all expected losses to be determined based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This guidance amends the accounting for credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments including trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments. ASU 2016-13 is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its financial position and results of operations.

 

There were other updates recently issued. The management does not believe that other than disclosed above, accounting pronouncements the recently issued but not yet adopted will have a material impact on its financial position results of operations or cash flows.

 

NOTE 3 – CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Cash and cash equivalents:          
Cash in banks and on hand  $7,439,057   $11,774,489 
Cash equivalents - re-purchase bonds   -    2,697,628 
Cash equivalents - commercial paper   654,006    - 
Time deposits - with original maturities less than three months (see Note 4)   8,570,879    1,001,832 
    16,663,942    15,473,949 
Restricted cash equivalents   3,320,802    - 
Restricted cash – long-term   655,027    469,615 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows  $20,639,771   $15,943,564 

 

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On December 22, 2017, the Company and China Bills Finance Corporation entered into a repurchase agreement to purchase re-purchase bonds of $2,697,628 (NTD 80,000,000) with 0.38% interest rate annum. The re-purchase bonds were due in January and February 2018. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased another re-purchase bonds of $5,254,096 (NTD 160,000,000) with 0.38% interest rate annum. The re-purchase bonds were due during July to September 2018. As of December 31, 2018, the re-purchase bonds held by the Company was nil.

 

On December 14, 2018, the Company purchased a commercial paper of $654,006 (NTD 19,989,649) with a maturity of 25 days and 0.70% interest rate annum.

 

Restricted cash equivalents include time deposits of $3,302,802 (NTD101,500,000), which were with original maturities less than three months and pledged to satisfy the requirements of certain debt agreements. Long-term restricted cash includes a mandatory deposit in the bank in conformity with Provisions of the Supervision and Administration of Specialized Insurance Agencies in PRC, which is not allowed to be withdrawn without the permission of the regulatory commission, and a trust account held for the bonus accrued for Law Broker’s general manager.

 

NOTE 4 – TIME DEPOSITS AND STRUCTURED DEPOSITS

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Total time deposits  $34,311,043   $22,471,945 
Less: time deposits - original maturities less than three months (see Note 3)   (8,570,879)   (1,001,832)
Time deposits - original maturities over three months but less than one year  $25,740,164   $21,470,113 
           
Structured deposits  $-   $1,248,340 

  

Time Deposits Pledged as Collateral

 

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had time deposits of approximately $5,404,889 (NTD 165,200,000) and $1,641,905 (NTD 50,000,000) out of total $34,311,043 and $22,471,945, respectively, pledged as collateral for short-term loans. See Note 10.

 

Structured Deposits

 

On July 7, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with Cathay United Bank to purchase a 185-day structured deposit in effective on July 7, 2017 and mature on January 8, 2018, with principal approximately $1,229,563 (RMB8 million). The structured deposit has an embedded foreign exchange option linked to US Dollar to China Yuan offshore exchange rate (“USDCNH”). Strike price of the structured deposit is set at 7.3 USDCNH and the fixing date is on January 4, 2018. Yield rate will be at 4.1% per annum when the USDCNH is above or equal strike price on the fixing date, or at 3.9% per annum when below.

 

On February 9, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with CTBC Bank Co., Ltd. (CTBC) to purchase a one-month FX Swap and Forward Linked structured product in effective on February 13, 2018 and mature on March 29, 2018, with principal approximately $1,273,855 (RMB8 million). The structured deposit has an embedded foreign exchange forward linked to USDCNH.

 

From May to December of 2018, the Company entered into agreements with CTBC to purchase dual currency investment structured products which are embedded a foreign exchange option linked to USDCNH. The settlement amount on the maturity date is referring to the USDCNH on a valuation date which is compared with a pre-determined USDCNH (the “Strike Price”). The Company might receive the original investment amount in original currency back or might receive investment amount exchanged into another currency at the Strike Price back depending on the appreciation or depreciation between US Dollar and offshore China Yuan. The Company bears the risk of exchange losses of the investment amount. In addition, the Company will receive interest income at the maturities and the coupon rate ranges from 3.50% to 5.10% per annum.

 

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had structured deposits of nil and $1,248,340, respectively. Gross unrealized losses on valuation of structured deposits as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were nil and $30,211 respectively.

 

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NOTE 5 – OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 

The Company’s other current assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Loan receivable  $-   $1,510,347 
Prepaid rent and rent deposits   322,130    213,688 
Prepaid expenses   327,083    87,947 
Other receivables   325,946    135,996 
Refundable business tax   149,028    150,221 
Marketable securities   30,800    33,381 
Interest receivable   691    94,887 
Total other current assets  $1,155,678   $2,226,467 

 

On October 24, 2016, the Company entered into a loan agreement with a third party, Rich Fountain Limited (“RFL”), a company incorporated under the laws of Samoa. The Company provided a short-term loan approximately $1,618,577 (NTD 48,000,000) to RFL. The short-term loan bears an interest rate of 4.5% per annum and the principal and interest of the loan were payable on April 23, 2017. On April 21, 2017, the Company and RFL entered into a supplemental agreement to extend the loan to October 23, 2017. The Company received partial payment of approximately $71,974 (NTD 2,134,440) and approximately $36,256 (NTD1,075,200) on June 22, 2017 and July 14, 2017, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the outstanding principal balance of the loan was approximately $1,510,347 (NTD 44,790,360). On March 7, 2018, RFL paid off all outstanding balance of loan to the Company.

 

NOTE 6 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Office equipment  $1,293,549   $1,198,456 
Office furniture   112,366    103,025 
Leasehold improvements   910,168    761,522 
Transportation equipment   223,115    221,477 
Other equipment   375,496    90,990 
Total   2,914,694    2,375,470 
Less: accumulated depreciation   (1,718,999)   (1,429,168)
Total property, plant and equipment, net  $1,195,695   $946,302 

 

Depreciation expense was $375,588 and $325,212 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

NOTE 7 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

 

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s intangible assets consisted the following:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Software  $1,816,449   $1,797,227 
Less: accumulated amortization   (1,240,464)   (1,021,449)
Total intangible assets, net  $575,985   $775,778 

 

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Estimated future assets amortization as of December 31, 2018 is as follows: 

 

Years ending December 31,  Amount 
2019  $233,520 
2020   203,127 
2021   93,872 
2022   35,791 
2023   9,675 
Thereafter   - 
Total  $575,985 

 

Amortization expense was $261,392 and $235,972 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

  

NOTE 8 – LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s long-term investments consisted the following:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Equity investments accounted for the cost method  $1,257,485   $1,296,039 
Government bonds held for available-for-sale   99,834    103,723 
REITs   1,120,239    - 
Total long-term investments  $2,477,558   $1,399,762 

 

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Equity investments accounted for the cost method

 

The change in carrying value of equity investment from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018 was entirely due to foreign currency translation.

  

Type  Investee  Investment
Ownership
   December 31,
2018
Amount
   December 31,
2017
Amount
 
Equity investments accounted for the cost method  Genius Insurance Broker Co., Ltd   15.64%  $1,257,485   $1,296,039 

 

Government bonds held for available-for-sale

 

According to Taiwan Regulations Governing Deposit of Bond and Acquirement of Insurance by Insurance Agents, Insurance Brokers and Insurance Surveyors (“RGDBAI”) Article 3 and 4, Law Broker is required to maintain a minimum of NTD 3,000,000 ($98,152 and $101,161 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively) restricted balance in a separate account or government bonds   issued by the central government. The government bonds are valued based on theoretical bond price in Taipei Exchange.

 

   December 31, 2018 
   Fair value at
December 31,
2017
   Gross
unrealized
losses
   Fair value at
December 31,
2018
 
Government bonds   103,723    (3,889)   99,834 
   $103,723   $(3,889)  $99,834 

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Fair value at
December 31,
2016
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Fair value at
December 31,
2017
 
Government bonds   94,506    9,217    103,723 
   $94,506   $9,217   $103,723 

 

REITs

  

REITs are valued based on quoted market prices in the active market of Taiwan. The fair value of REITs as of December 31, 2018 was $1,120,239. Unrealized losses due to revaluation included in earnings for assets held at the end of the reporting period were $220,596 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

NOTE 9 – OTHER ASSETS

 

The Company’s other assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Rental deposits  $465,423   $508,352 
Register capital deposit   872,544    1,075,867 
Prepayments   112,055    140,404 
Deferred tax assets   268,237    123,406 
Goodwill   31,651    31,651 
Other   14,728    82,231 
Total other assets  $1,764,638   $1,961,911 

 

According to China Insurance Regulatory Commission No. 82, promulgated on September 29, 2016, the Company should deposit all of its registered capital in a custody fund account   and subject to limited usage, among which, no less than 10% of the registered capital can be invested in significant deposit by agreement or term deposit. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had register capital deposits in the amount of $872, 544 and $1,075,867, respectively.

 

Goodwill arose from the acquisition of PFAL in April 2014. The fair value of the net identifiable assets of PFAL at acquisition date was $324,871, and 51% of which was $165,684. The Company recorded $31,651 excess of purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as goodwill. No intangible assets were identified as of the acquisition date. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no indications of the impairment of the goodwill.

 

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NOTE 10 – SHORT-TERM LOANS

 

The Company’s short-term loans consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Credit facility, O-Bank  $3,600,000   $1,400,000 
Credit facility, FEIB   2,000,000    - 
Credit facility, CTBC   1,000,000    950,000 
Credit facility, KGI   1,600,000    - 
Subtotal   8,200,000    2,350,000 
Current portion of long-term loans (Note 14)   235,587    - 
Total short-term loans  $8,435,587   $2,350,000 

 

The Company entered into three credit agreements with several commercial banks as follows:

 

O-Bank Co., Ltd. (“O-Bank”): The Company entered into a line of credit agreement with O-Bank for a $1,500,000 revolving credit facility from June 22, 2017 to June 21, 2018. The line of credit was renewed on September 4, 2018 and matures on September 3, 2019, with a revolving credit limit raised to $4,000,000. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at the TAIFX3 rate plus a margin of 0.5%. On December 11, 2017, the Company draw down a borrowing of $600,000 with interest at a rate of 2.35% per annum. On December 26, 2017, the Company borrowed $800,000 with interest at a rate of 2.70% per annum. These amounts were paid off in March of 2018. On March 12, 2018, the Company draw down borrowings of $1,400,000 with interest at rates of 2.53% per annum. These amounts were paid off in June of 2018. On June 12, 2018, the Company draw down borrowings of $1,400,000 with interest at rates of 2.89% per annum. These amounts were paid off in September of 2018. On September 12, 2018, the Company draw down borrowings of $1,400,000 with interest at rate of 2.89% per annum. The Company paid down $500,000 and $900,000 of these amounts in September and October of 2018, respectively. On October 11 and October 12, 2018, the Company draw down borrowings of $1,500,000 and $900,000, respectively, with interest at a rate of 2.90% per annum. These amounts were paid off in December of 2018. On December 7 and December 25, 2018, the Company draw down borrowings of $2,400,000 and $1,200,000, with interest at a rate of 3.60% and 3.75% per annum, respectively. These amounts were paid off in January of 2019. The credit facility is secured by a total amount of approximately $4,492,078 (NTD 137,300,000) of time deposits.

 

Far Eastern International Bank (“FEIB”): On September 21, 2017, the Company entered into a line of credit agreement with FEIB for a revolving credit facility of $2,000,000 from September 21, 2017 to September 21, 2018. The line of credit was renewed on October 26, 2018 and matures on September 21, 2019. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at the higher of LIBOR or TAIFX3 rate plus a margin of 0.85%. On June 15 and June 22, 2018, the Company draw down borrowings of $1,000,000 and $500,000, respectively, with interest at a rate of 3.45% per annum. These amounts were paid off in July of 2018. On July 13 and July 20, 2018, the Company draw down $1,000,000 and $500,000 with interest at a rate of 3.38% and 3.39% per annum, respectfully. These amounts were paid off in August of 2018. On August 10 and August 17, 2018, the Company draw down $1,000,000 and $500,000 with interest at a rate of 3.37% and 3.38% per annum, respectfully. These amounts were paid off in September of 2018. On September 07, September 14 and September 21, 2018, the Company draw down $1,000,000, $500,000 and $500,000 with interest at a rate of 3.60%, 3.65% and 3.68% per annum, respectfully. These amounts were paid off in November of 2018. On November 13, 2018 the Company draw down a borrowing of $2,000,000 with interest at a rate of 3.40% per annum. The Company paid off the borrowing in December of 2018. On December 7, 2018, the Company draw down a borrowing of $2,000,000 with interest at a rate of 3.95% per annum. The Company paid off the borrowing in January of 2019. The credit facility is secured by a total amount of approximately $2,434,163 (NTD 74,400,000) of time deposits.

 

CTBC Bank Co., Ltd. (“CTBC”): On November 17, 2017, the Company entered into a line of credit agreement with CTBC, pursuant to which the Company has a revolving credit facility of $1,000,000 from November 17, 2017 to July 31, 2018. This line of credit was renewed on September 12, 2018 and matures on August 31, 2019, with a revolving credit limit raised to $1,500,000. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at the CTBC’s cost of fund plus a margin of 1%. On December 28, 2017, the Company draw down a borrowing of $950,000 with interest at a rate of 3.30% per annum. Law Broker is the guarantor of the credit facility. On January 29, 2018, the Company paid off the entire principal and interest of the borrowing. On October 11, 2018, the Company draw down a borrowing of $1,000,000 with interest at a rate of 3.26% per annum. The amount was paid off in November of 2018. On November 9, 2018, the Company draw down $1,000,000 with interest at a rate of 3.26% per annum. The amount was paid off in December of 2018. In December of 2018, the Company draw down borrowings of $3,000,000 with interest at a rate of 3.26% per annum. The borrowings were paid off in December of 2018. On December 28, 2018, the Company draw down $1,000,000 with interest at a rate of 4.10% per annum. Law Broker is the guarantor of the credit facility. The Company paid down $750,000 and $250,000 of these amounts in January and February of 2019, respectively.

 

KGI Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. (“KGI”): On September 19, 2018, the Company was approved of entering into a line of credit agreement with KGI, pursuant to which the Company has a revolving credit facility of $1,600,000 from October 26, 2018 to October 26, 2019. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus a margin of 0.9%. On December 27, 2018, the Company draw down a borrowing of $1,600,000 with interest at a rate of 3.41% per annum. The Company paid off the borrowing in January of 2019. The credit facility is secured by a total amount of approximately $1,799,450 (NTD 55,000,000) of time deposits.

 

Total interest expenses of short-term loans incurred were $105,536 and $1,531 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

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NOTE 11 – INCOME TAX PAYABLE

 

The Company’s income tax payable consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Taiwan Tax  $1,416,540   $3,232,996 
USA Tax (Note 19)   1,131,307    - 
PRC Tax   7,590    270,267 
Hong Kong Tax   51,032    5,527 
Total income tax payable  $2,606,469   $3,508,790 
Less: short-term   (1,599,146)   (3,508,790)
Income tax payable – long-term (Note 19)  $1,007,323   $- 

 

NOTE 12 – COMMISSIONS PAYABLE TO SALES PROFESSIONALS

 

Commissions payable to professionals consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Taiwan  $7,602,595   $6,206,269 
PRC   411,885    208,802 
Hong Kong   -    - 
Total commissions payable to sales professionals  $8,014,480   $6,415,071 

 

Commissions payable to sales professionals are usually settled within twelve months. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had the commissions payable obligation to sale professionals amounted $8,014,480 and $6,415,071, respectively.

 

NOTE 13 – OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

Other current liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Unearned revenue - current (Note 15)  $1,028,256   $1,237,684 
Payroll payable and other benefits   1,360,790    1,309,281 
Accrued bonus   2,320,445    1,730,278 
Accrued business tax and tax withholdings   893,391    835,410 
Other accrued liabilities   1,745,959    1,051,112 
Total other current liabilities  $7,348,841   $6,163,765 

 

See Note 15 for additional information on current liabilities related to AIA International Limited Taiwan Branch (“AIATW”).

 

NOTE 14 – LONG-TERM LOANS

 

The Company’s long-term loans consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Loan A, interest at 8% per annum, maturity date May 15, 2019  $123,611   $130,641 
Loan B, interest at 8% per annum, maturity date July 20, 2019   111,976    118,345 
Total loans   235,587    248,986 
Less: current portion (Note 10)   (235,587)   - 
Total long-term loans  $-   $248,986 

 

Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Limited (“Anhou”) in Nanjing City, PRC is a variable interest entity (VIE) of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company contractually control Anhou through CU Hong Kong.

 

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On May 15, 2016, Anhou entered into a loan agreement (“Loan A”) with an individual third party. The loan agreement provided for approximately $123,611 (RMB 850,000) and $130,641 (RMB 850,000) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, loan to the Company. The Loan A bears an interest rate of 8% per annum and interest is payable annually. The principal and the accrued interest will be due on May 15, 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the principal amount was reclassified to current liabilities.

 

On July 20, 2016, Anhou entered into a loan agreement (“Loan B”) with an individual third party. The loan agreement provided for approximately $111,976 (RMB 770,000) and $118,345 (RMB 770,000) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, loan to the Company. The Loan B bears an interest rate of 8% per annum and interest is payable annually. The principal and the accrued interest will be due on July 20, 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the principal amount was reclassified to current liabilities.

 

Total interest expenses for the long-term loans were $18,450 and $20,737, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

NOTE 15 – OTHER LIABILITIES

 

The Company’s other liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: 

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Unearned revenue - AIATW  $2,056,513   $4,239,130 
Due to previous shareholders of AHFL    

480,559

    480,559 
Deferred tax liabilities   -    122,551 
Total other liabilities  $

2,537,072

   $4,842,240 

 

Unearned revenue – AIATW

 

On June 10, 2013, AHFL entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement (the “Alliance Agreement”) with AIA International Limited Taiwan Branch (“AIATW”), the purpose to which is to promote life insurance products provided by AIATW within Taiwan by insurance agencies or brokerage companies affiliated with AHFL or CUIS. The original term of the Alliance Agreement was from June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2018. Pursuant to the terms of the Alliance Agreement, AIATW paid AHFL an execution fee approximately $8,326,700 (NTD250,000,000, including the tax of NTD11,904,762, the “Execution Fee”), which is to be recorded as revenue upon fulfilling sales targets and the 13-month persistency ratio, as defined, over the next five years. The Execution Fee may be required to be recalculated if certain performance targets are not met by AHFL.

 

On September 30, 2014, AHFL entered into a Strategic Alliance Supplemental Agreement (the “First Amendment to the Alliance Agreement”) with AIATW. In the First Amendment to the Alliance Agreement, the performance targets and the provision about refunding the Execution Fee on a pro rata basis when the performance targets are not met were revised.

 

On January 6, 2016, AHFL entered into an Amendment No. 2 to the Alliance Agreement (the “Second Amendment to the Alliance Agreement”) with AIATW to further revise certain provisions in the Strategic Alliance Agreement and the previous amendment entered into by and between AHFL and AIATW. To the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, AHFL shall assist and encourage any insurance agency company or insurance brokerage company duly approved by the competent government authorities of Taiwan (the “Appointed Broker/Agent”), to cooperate with AIATW for the promotion of life insurance products of AIATW. Pursuant to the Second Amendment to the Alliance Agreement, the expiration date of the Strategic Alliance Agreement was extended from May 31, 2018 to December 31, 2021, and the effect of the Alliance Agreement during the period from October 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015 was suspended. In addition, both AHFL and AIATW agreed to adjust certain terms and conditions set forth in the Alliance Agreement, among which: (i) expand the scope of services to be provided by AHFL to AIATW to include, without limitation, assessment and advice on suitability of cooperative partners, advice on product strategies suitable for promotion channel development, advice on promotion/sales channel improvement, advice on promotion channel marketing and strategic planning, and promotion channel talent training; and (ii) remove certain provisions related to performance milestones and refund of Execution Fees. On March 15, 2016, AHFL issued a promise letter (the “2016 Letter”) to AIATW that AHFL is required to (i) fulfill sales targets and (ii) the 13-month persistency ratio.

 

On June 14, 2017, with AIATW’s consent, the 2016 Letter was revoked in order to conform with the latest terms and conditions regarding the cooperation between AHFL and AIATW as set forth in an Amendment No. 3 to the Alliance Agreement (the “Third Amendment to the Alliance Agreement”). Pursuant to the Third Amendment to the Alliance Agreement, both AHFL and AIATW agreed to adjust certain terms and conditions set forth this amendment, among which (i) except the first contract year (April 15th, 2013 to September 30th, 2014), the sales target of the alliance between the parties shall be changed to (a) value of new business (“VONB”) and (b) the 13-month persistency ratio; and (ii) AIATW will calculate and recognize the VONB and 13-month persistency ratio each contract year and inform the Company the result; and (iii) the Company agrees to return the basic business promotion fees to AIATW within thirty (30) days of receipt of the notice sent by AIATW if the Company fails to meet the targets set forth in the Third Amendment to the Alliance Agreement, AIATW reserves the right to offset such amount against the amount payable by it to the Company; and (iv) upon the termination of the Alliance Agreement and its amendments pursuant to the Section 8.2 of the Alliance Agreement, both parties agreed to calculate the amount to be returned or repaid, as applicable, based on the past and current contract years. The Company shall return the basic business execution fees at NTD50 million for the first contract year, NTD35 million for the second contract year, and NTD33 million for each contract year thereafter within one month after the termination.

 

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The following table presents the amounts recognized as revenue and refund for each contract year:

 

Contract
Year
  Period   Execution Fees     Revenue
Amount
    Revenue VAT
Amount
    Refund
Amount
    Refund VAT
Amount
 
First   04/15/2013 -
09/30/2014
  NTD 50,000,000     NTD 27,137,958 (1)   NTD 1,356,898     NTD 20,481,090 (1)   NTD 1,024,054  
Second   01/01/2016 -
12/31/2016
  NTD 35,000,000     NTD 12,855,000 (2)   NTD 642,750     NTD 20,478,333 (2)   NTD 1,023,917  
Third   01/01/2017 -
12/31/2017
  NTD 33,000,000     NTD 12,628,201 (3)   NTD 631,410     NTD 18,800,370 (3)   NTD 940,019  
Fourth   01/01/2018 -
12/31/2018
  NTD 33,000,000     NTD 11,228,600 (4)   NTD 561,429     NTD 20,199,971 (4)   NTD 1,010,000  
Fifth   01/01/2019 -
12/31/2019
  NTD 33,000,000     NTD -     NTD -     NTD -     NTD -  
Sixth   01/01/2020 -
12/31/2020
  NTD 33,000,000     NTD -     NTD -     NTD -     NTD -  
Seventh   01/01/2021 -
12/31/2021
  NTD 33,000,000     NTD -     NTD -     NTD -     NTD -  
TOTAL       NTD 250,000,000     NTD 63,849,759     NTD 3,192,487     NTD 79,959,764     NTD 3,997,990  

 

  1) The revenue recognition for the first contract year is based on the annual first year premium (“AFYP”) set in Alliance Agreement, which is different from other contract years. From the second contract year to the seventh contract year, the revenue calculation is based on VONB. The Company recognized the first contract year’s revenue amount of $892,742 (NTD 27,137,958), net of Value-Added Tax (“VAT”) in 2017 due to uncertainty resolved after Amendment 3 went effective. Besides, on December 3, 2015 and February 23, 2016, the Company refunded the amounts of $160,573 (NTD4,761,905), net of VAT, and $530,056 (NTD15,719,185), net of VAT, to AIATW, respectively, due to the portion of performance sales targets not met during the first contract year based on original agreement and earlier amendments.

 

  2) For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized the second contract year’s revenue amount of $422,883 (NTD 12,855,000), net of VAT, and refunded the amount of $690,537 (NTD 20,478,333), net of VAT, due to uncertainty resolved after Amendment 3 went effective.

 

  3) For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized the third contract year’s revenue amount of $415,423 (NTD12,628,201), net of VAT, and refund amount of $633,955 (NTD18,800,370), net of VAT, for the same contract period based on the calculation of VONB and 13-month persistency.

 

  4) For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company estimated to recognize the fourth contract year’s revenue amount of $391,223 (NTD11,788,229), net of VAT, and refund the amount of $651,816 (NTD19,640,341), net of VAT, for the same contract period based on the calculation of VONB and 13-month persistency. The revenue recorded and refund amounts were trued up to $412,230 (NTD 12,068,571) and $661,286 (NTD 19,360,000), respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2018 based on notice received from AIATW.

 

The Company recognized revenue of $372,650 (NTD 11,228,600) and $1,731,048 (NTD 52,621,159), net of VAT, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 related to this agreement. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had non-current portion of unearned revenue of $2,056,513 and $4,239,130, respectively, and amounts in current liabilities of $1,028,256 and $1,237,684, respectively, related to the Alliance Agreement.

  

Unearned revenue – Farglory

 

On April 20, 2016, the Company entered into a service agreement (“Service Agreement”) with Farglory. The Company was to provide consulting services to Farglory for NTD 4,000,000 per year and the aggregate consulting services fee was NTD 20,000,000 from May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2021. On January 2, 2018, the Company received termination notice from Farglory. Pursuant to the termination notice, the Company refunded approximately $603,729 (NTD 17,904,000) to Farglory in January 2018.

 

Due to previous shareholders of AHFL

 

Due to previous shareholders of AHFL is the entire remaining balance payable of the acquisition cost. On March 12, 2017, the Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL entered into a fifth amendment to the acquisition agreement, pursuant to which, the Company agreed to make the cash payment in the amount of $480,559 (NTD15 million) on or prior to March 31, 2019. On March 27, 2019, the Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL entered into a sixth amendment to the acquisition agreement, pursuant to which, the Company agreed to make the cash payment in the amount of $480,559 (NTD15 million) on or prior to March 31, 2021.

 

NOTE 16 – PREFERRED STOCK

 

On January 28, 2011, the Company increased the number of authorized shares of common stock from 30,000,000 to 100,000,000 and authorized 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with $0.00001 par value. It currently has 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (“Series A Stock”) issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Series A Stock has the following rights and preferences:

  

  · Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Series A Stock and the common stock vote together on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s shareholders. Each holder of Series A Stock is entitled to ten votes for each share of Series A Stock held of record by such holder as of the applicable record date on any matter that is submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Registrant.

 

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  · Series A Board Designee and Board Restriction. In addition to the voting rights disclosed above, the holders of the Series A Stock shall be entitled to appoint one director (the “Series A Director”). No Board resolution regarding certain material Company actions can be made without the affirmative vote of the Series A Director.

 

  · Dividends. The holders of Series A Stock are entitled to share equally with the holders of common stock, on a per share basis, in such dividends and other distributions of cash, property or shares of stock of the Registrant as may be declared by the Board.

 

  · Liquidation. In the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding up of the Registrant, the holders of common stock and the holders of Series A Stock shall be entitled to share equally on a per share basis, in all assets of the Registrant of whatever kind available for distribution.

 

  · Conversion Rights. The holders of the Series A Stock have the right to convert their shares thereof at any time into shares of the Registrant’s common stock. Each share of Series A Stock is convertible into one share of common stock.

 

If the Registrant in any manner subdivides or combines the outstanding shares of common stock, the outstanding shares of the Series A Stock will be subdivided or combined in the same manner.

 

Business Combinations. In any merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination, the consideration received per share by the holders the common stock and the holders of the Series A Stock in such merger, consolidation, reorganization or other business combination shall be identical; provided however, that if such consideration consists, in whole or in part, of certain equity interests, the rights and limitations of such equity interests may differ from the extent that the rights and limitations of the common stock and the Series A Stock differ.

 

Fully Paid and Nonassessable. All of the Company’s outstanding shares of preferred stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

 

From the qualitative aspect, the Company notes the following regarding this deemed compensation:

 

  · Does not violate any debt or other contract covenants;

 

  · Does not change any earnings or EPS trends;

 

  · Does not affect any previous earnings or EPS guidance;

 

  · Does not affect any segment or class of revenue;

 

  · Does not affect any regulatory compliance matters;

 

  · Does not affect cash compensation of management;

 

  · Does not involve concealment of an unlawful act

 

Additional preferred stock may be authorized and issued in the future in connection with acquisitions, financings, or other matters, as the Board of Directors deems appropriate. In the event that the Registrant issues any shares of preferred stock, a certificate of designation containing the rights, privileges and limitations of this series of preferred stock will be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The effect of this preferred stock designation power is that its Board of Directors alone, subject to Federal securities laws, applicable blue sky laws, and Delaware law, may be able to authorize the issuance of preferred stock which could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control without further action by its stockholders, and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of its common stock.

 

All 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were reclassified from the 1,000,000 shares of common stock held by Mr. Mao and no additional consideration was paid by Mr. Mao in connection with the Reclassification. The preferred stock has no material quantitative preferences over common stock, such as liquidation preferences and dividend preferences, and it specifically granted equal status to common stock pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held of record by such holder as of the applicable record date on any matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company; while each holder of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to ten votes for each share of Series A Preferred Stock held of record by such holder as of the applicable record date on any matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company.

 

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NOTE 17 – STATUTORY RESERVES

 

According to Taiwan accounting rules and corporation regulations, the Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan must appropriate 10% of net income to statutory reserves until the accumulated reserve reaches registered capital. The reserve can be converted into share capital by issuing new shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their shareholding or by increasing the par value of the shares currently held by them, with a limitation that the reserve left is not less than 25% of the registered capital after converting to share capital. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had statutory reserves in responding to the regulations in Taiwan in the amount of $7,299,123 and $5,781,008, respectively.

 

Pursuant to the PRC regulations, the Company’s CAE are required to transfer 10% of net profits, as determined under the PRC accounting regulations, to a Statutory Common Reserve Fund (“Reserve Fund”). Appropriation to the Reserve Fund may cease when the fund equals 50% of a company’s registered capital or when a company has accumulated losses. The transfer to this reserve must be made before distribution of dividends to shareholders. The Company’s CAE did not appropriate such reserve due to as the accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

  

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NOTE 18 – NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

 

Noncontrolling interests consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

Name of Entity  % of Non-
Controlling
Interests
   December 31,
2017
   Net Income
(Loss)
   Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   December 31,
2018
 
Law Enterprise   34.05%  $(243,240)  $193,308   $(22,625)  $(72,557)
Law Broker   34.05%   13,900,341    2,655,344    (406,023)   16,149,662 
PFAL   49.00%   228,079    208,918    (255)   436,742 
MKI   49.00%   (2,117)   (513)   -    (2,630)
PA Taiwan   49.00%   (145,442)   (11,789)   (531)   (157,762)
PTC Nanjing   49.00%   (1,965)   (26)   (420)   (2,411)
Total       $13,735,656   $3,045,242   $(429,854)  $16,351,044 

   

Name of Entity  % of Non-
Controlling
Interests
   December 31,
2016
   Net Income
(Loss)
   Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   December 31,
2017
 
Law Enterprise   34.05%  $17,386   $(307,217)  $46,591   $(243,240)
Law Broker   34.05%   9,621,159    3,387,038    892,144    13,900,341 
PFAL   49.00%   232,414    (3,817)   (518)   228,079 
MKI   49.00%   (1,569)   (548)   -    (2,117)
PA Taiwan   49.00%   (95,448)   (52,169)   2,175    (145,442)
PTC Nanjing   49.00%   (2,400)   (60)   495    (1,965)
Total       $9,771,542   $3,023,227   $940,887   $13,735,656 

 

NOTE 19 – INCOME TAX

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2018 consisted of:

 

Year ended December 31, 2018  Federal   State   Foreign   Total 
Current  $1,227,243   $-   $2,546,560   $3,773,803 
Deferred   -    -    (163,631)   (163,631)
Total  $1,227,243   $-   $2,382,929   $3,610,172 

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017 consisted of:

 

Year ended December 31, 2017   Federal     State     Foreign     Total  
Current   $ -     $ -     $ 3,426,326     $ 3,426,326  
Deferred     -       -       87,391       87,391  
Total   $ -     $ -     $ 3,513,717     $ 3,513,717  

 

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Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities for income taxes as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:

 

   2018   2017 
Deferred tax assets          
Net operating loss carry-forward  $847,023   $874,934 
Others   268,237    123,406 
Total  $1,115,260   $998,340 
Valuation allowance   (847,023)   (874,934)
Net deferred tax assets - noncurrent  $268,237   $123,406 
           
Deferred tax liabilities - noncurrent  $-   $122,551 

 

A 100% valuation allowance was provided for the deferred tax assets related to the net operating loss in the PRC segment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The deferred tax assets of $268,237 and $123,406 related to the Taiwan segment were included in other assets, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. Deferred tax liabilities were the timing differences of revenue and cost of sales recognized in the year ended December 31, 2018. Deferred tax liabilities of nil and $122,551, respectively, related to the PRC segment were included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

The following table reconciles the Company’s statutory tax rates to effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017 
US statutory rate   21%   34%
Tax rate difference   (1)%   (18)%
Tax base difference   -%   -%
Income tax on undistributed earnings   4%   -%
Loss in subsidiaries   3%   3%
Un-deductible and non-taxable items   -%   7%
True up of prior year income tax   3%   -%
Withholding tax   10%   -%
Effective tax rate   40%   26%

 

Un-deductible and non-taxable items mainly represent un-deductible expenses according to PRC tax laws and the non-taxable tax income or loss.

 

The Company’s income tax expense is mainly generated by its subsidiaries in Taiwan and PRC.

 

The Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan are governed by the Income Tax Law of Taiwan which was amended in February 2018. The major change was to increase the statutory tax rate on income reported in the statutory financial statements after appropriate adjustments from 17% to 20% starting from the beginning of 2018. In addition, the Income Tax Law of Taiwan provided that a company is taxed at an additional 10% on any undistributed earnings. This was reduced to 5% by the amended Income Tax Law of Taiwan. The Company has recorded an income tax expense of $21,434 for remeasuring the Company’s deferred tax as a result of increase in tax rate in the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

In June 2018, the shareholders of Law Enterprise approved the distribution of accumulated earnings to shareholders including AHFL. Under the Income Tax Law of Taiwan, the distributed earnings are not subject to the undistributed earning tax and the foreign shareholders of a Taiwan company will bear 21% of withholding tax after deducting certain tax credits allowed by the Income Tax Law of Taiwan for the dividend received. As a result of the earning distribution, Law Enterprise reversed $902,479 of the undistributed earning tax liability accrued in prior years and AHFL accrued $877,746 of withholding tax liability that cannot be deducted in its tax jurisdiction.

 

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WFOE and the VIE in PRC are governed by the Income Tax Law of PRC concerning private-run enterprises, which are generally subject to tax at 25% on income reported in the statutory financial statements after appropriate adjustments, except for Jiangsu. For Jiangsu province in PRC, according to the requirement of local tax authorities, the tax basis is levied at 10% of total revenue, instead of net income.

 

As of December 31, 2017, Anhou and its branches elected to file joint tax returns under PRC tax jurisdiction. Due to the adoption of this filing method, operating loss in the branches from the year 2016 and prior can no longer be deducted from earnings beginning in the year 2017. However, any losses incurred in any of the branches in the joint tax return will be consolidated and any further losses in the joint tax return can be carried over five years from the year 2017.

 

The Company’s subsidiaries in Hong Kong are governed by the Inland Revenue Ordinance Tax Law of Hong Kong and are generally subject to a profit tax at the rate of 16.5% on the estimated assessable profits.

 

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) was enacted into law on December 22, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act significantly revised the U.S. corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering the statutory corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, eliminating certain deductions, imposing a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, introducing new tax regimes, and changing how foreign earnings are subject to U.S. tax. The Company has determined the implication of the tax rate reduction does not have any impact on its consolidated financial statements. A one-time transition tax, based on the Company’s total post-1986 earnings and profits (“E&P”) that it previously deferred from U.S. income taxes, was recorded at $1,199,195 for the transition tax on undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company recorded $95,936 and $1,007,323 of income tax payable as current liabilities and long-term liabilities respectively based on the statutory due date as of December 31, 2018.

 

In addition, the 2017 Tax Act also creates a new requirement that certain income (i.e., GILTI) earned by controlled foreign corporations (“CFCs”) must be included currently in the gross income of the CFCs’ U.S. shareholder. GILTI is the excess of the shareholder’s net CFC tested income over the net deemed tangible income return, which is currently defined as the excess of (1) 10 percent of the aggregate of the U.S. shareholder’s pro rata share of the qualified business asset investment of each CFC with respect to which it is a U.S. shareholder over (2) the amount of certain interest expense taken into account in the determination of net CFC-tested income. The FASB Staff Q&A, Topic 740 No. 5, Accounting for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, states that an entity can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year that tax is incurred. The Company has elected to recognize the tax on GILTI as tax expense in the period the tax is incurred. For the year ended December 31, 2018, no GILTI tax obligation existed and no GILTI tax expense was recorded.

 

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NOTE 20 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Due to related parties

 

Due to related parties consisted of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Due to Mr. Mao (Principal shareholder of the Company)*  $391,311   $409,054 
Due to Ms. Lu (Shareholder of Anhou)*   -    161,380 
Due to I Health Management Corp**   -    17,703 
Accrued bonus for Ms. Chao***   597,631    210,752 
Others   7,623    2,128 
Total  $996,565   $801,017 

 

*Amounts due to Mr. Mao and Ms. Lu bear no interest and are payable on demand.

 

**25% of I Health Management Corp’s shares are owned by Multiple Capital Enterprise, and 24% of Multiple Capital Enterprise’s shares are owned by members of the Company’s management level.

 

***On May 10, 2016, Law Broker entered into an engagement agreement (“Engagement Agreement”) with Hui-Hsien Chao (“Ms. Chao”), pursuant to which, she serves as the general manager of Law Broker from December 29, 2015 to December 28, 2018. Ms. Chao’s primary responsibilities are to assist   Law Broker in operating and managing insurance agency business. According to the Engagement Agreement, Ms. Chao’s Bonus plans include: 1) execution, 2) long-term service fees, 3) pension and 4) non-competition. The payment of such bonuses will only occur upon satisfaction of certain condition and subject to the terms in the Engagement Agreement. Ms. Chao acts as the general manager or equivalent position of Law Broker for a term of at least three years.  On March 13, 2017, Law Broker and Ms. Chao entered into an amendment to the Engagement above-mentioned to specify 1) Ms. Chao’s pension calculation assumptions and start date, and 2) the non-competition provision start date. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had current liabilities amounted $597,631 and $210,752, respectively, related to accrued bonus for Ms. Chao. For the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded $398,801 and $123,362 bonus expense in accordance with the Agreement. The 2019 engagement agreement is in the process of negotiating.

 

Lease Agreements

 

On February 1, 2018, Prime Asia Corporation, Limited, the Company’s majority owned subsidiary entered into a lease agreement with Apex Biz Solution Limited (“Apex,” was formerly known as Prime Technology Corp.) Apex is a related party of the Company because it is affiliated to the Company’s management. The lease is to lease the office space in Taipei City to Apex. The lease term is for 10 months commencing on February 1, 2018, with a monthly base rent of approximately $660 (NTD 20,000). The new lease agreement is started from December 1, 2018, and the new monthly rent expense is $680 (NTD 20,476). The Company recorded rent income of $7,317 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

On July 1, 2016, the Company entered into lease agreements with Yuli Broker and Yuli Investment separately, to lease their Nan-King East Road office space in Taipei City. The lease terms were both for one year commencing on July 1, 2016 and ending on June 30, 2017, with an annual base rent approximately of $610 (NTD18,000). On June 30, 2018, these lease agreements were extended automatically to June 30, 2019. The Company recorded rent income of $1,138 and $1,128, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Yuli Broker and Yuli Investment are owned by Ms. Lee who is the Director of Law Broker. The Company plans to invest in Yuli Broker and the application of the investment was approved by Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan in January 2018. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has not commenced the investment.

 

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Advisory Agreements

 

On May 2, 2016, the Company entered into an advisory agreement with I Health who is contracted to provide 10,000 Taiwan citizens’ health information to the Company. The total advisory fee was approximately $42,000 (NTD 1,275,000). For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had cost of revenue related to I Health amounted $13,315. The Company had due to I Health $17,703 as of December 31, 2017.

 

On December 7, 2016, the Company entered into an advisory agreement with Mr. Fu Chang Li, the Director of the Company. Pursuant to this Advisory Agreement, Mr. Li provided investment consulting services to the Company from December 7, 2016 to December 6, 2017. On December 7, 2017, both parties agreed to extend this advisory agreement from December 7, 2017 to December 6, 2018. On December 7, 2018, both parties agreed to extend this advisory agreement from December 7, 2018 to December 6, 2019. The total advisory fee was approximately $60,204 (NTD 1,800,000). For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized $59,368 and $59,214, respectively, general and administrative expenses in connection to this advisory agreement.

 

Consulting Agreement

 

On November 1, 2016, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Apex pursuant to which the Company would provide administrative operational consulting services to Apex from November 1, 2016 through December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had accounts receivable amounted of nil and $17,231, respectively. The Company also had revenue of $31,449 and $50,053 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

NOTE 21 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company has operating leases for its offices. Rental expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $2,720,365, and $2,537,348, respectively. At December 31, 2018, total future minimum annual lease payments under operating leases were as follows, by years:

 

Years ending December 31,     Amount   
2019   $ 2,043,635  
2020     818,792  
2021     369,340  
2022     131,568  
2023     121,303  
Thereafter     -  
Total   $ 3,484,638  

 

Legal Proceedings

 

On December 20, 2018, the Company and one of the Company’s former employees, agreed to settle fraud charges brought by the SEC relating to a scheme to manipulate the Company's trading volume for the purpose of obtaining a listing on Nasdaq. Neither the Company nor the former employee realized financial gain from the scheme. Both the Company and the former employee agreed to the entry of a final judgment that enjoins them from violating the charged provisions of the federal securities laws, orders the Company to comply with its undertaking to retain an independent compliance monitor for a period of not less than one year. The SEC did not seek a monetary penalty against the Company and there is no financial impact to the Company.

 

NOTE 22 – FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Financial Risk Management

 

The Company has exposure to credit, liquidity and market risks which arise in the normal course of its business. This note presents information about the Company’s exposure to each of these risks, the Company’s objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk, and the Company’s management of capital. Further quantitative disclosures are included throughout these consolidated financial statements.

 

The Board of Directors (“BOD”) has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company’s risk management framework. The Company’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyze the risks faced by the Company, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Company’s activities. The Company, through its training and management standards and procedures, aims to develop a disciplined and constructive control environment in which all employees understand their roles and obligations.

 

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The Company’s BOD oversees how management monitors compliance with the Company’s risk management policies and procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Company.

 

(a) Credit risk

 

The Company’s credit risk arises principally from accounts and other receivables, pledged deposits and cash and cash equivalents. Management has a credit policy in place and monitors exposures to these credit risks on an ongoing basis. The carrying amounts of trade and other receivables, pledged deposits and cash and cash equivalents represent the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risks. Accounts receivable are due within 30 days from the date of billing.

 

(b) Liquidity risk

 

The BOD of the Company is responsible for the overall cash management and raising borrowings to cover expected cash demands. The Company regularly monitors its liquidity requirements, to ensure it maintains sufficient reserves of cash and readily realizable marketable securities and adequate committed lines of funding from major financial institutions to meet its liquidity requirements in the short and longer term.

 

(c) Currency risk

 

The functional currency for the subsidiaries in Taiwan is NTD, the functional currency for the subsidiaries in Hong Kong is HKD, and the functional currency for the subsidiaries and VIEs in PRC is RMB. The reporting currency of the Company are USD. The fluctuation of NTD, HKD and RMB will affect the Company’s operating results expressed in USD. The Company reviews its foreign currency exposures. The management does not consider its present foreign exchange risk to be significant.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The following table presents the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018:

 

   Fair Value     
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Carrying Value 
Assets                    
Total cash, cash equivalents, time deposits, restricted cash and cash equivalents   46,379,935    -    -    46,379,935 
Marketable securities:                    
Mutual fund   30,800    -    -    30,800 
Structured deposits   -    -    -    - 
Long-term investments:                    
Government bonds (available-for-sale debt securities)   -    99,834    -    99,834 
REITs   1,120,239    -    -    1,120,239 
                     
Liabilities                    
Short-term loans   -    8,435,587    -    8,435,587 
Due to previous shareholders of AHFL   -    -    457,396    480,559 

 

The following table presents the fair value and carrying value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017:

 

   Fair Value     
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Carrying Value 
Assets                    
Total cash, cash equivalents, time deposits, restricted cash and cash equivalents   37,413,677              37,413,677 
Marketable securities:                    
Mutual fund   33,381    -    -    33,381 
Structured deposits   -    -    1,248,340    1,248,340 
Long-term investment:                    
Government bonds (available-for-sale debt securities)   -    103,723    -    103,723 
                     
Liabilities                    
Short-term loans   -    2,350,000    -    2,350,000 
Long-term loans   -    -    239,624    248,986 
Due to previous shareholders of AHFL   -    -    465,950    480,559 

  

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The following table presents a reconciliation from the opening balances to the closing balances for recurring fair value measurements categorized within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

Opening balance as of January 1, 2018  $1,248,340 
Transfer into/ out of Level 3   - 
Total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings   68,646 
Total gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income   - 
Purchases   13,696,531 
Settlements   (14,993,795)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)   (19,722)
Ending balance as of December 31, 2018  $- 

  

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, there were no assets or liabilities that were transferred between any of the levels.

 

The carrying amounts of current financial assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, restricted cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term loans and accrued expense approximate fair value due to the short-term duration of those instruments.

 

Restricted cash – The fair value approximates the carrying amount due to the nature of cash held in restricted accounts.

 

Marketable securities and long-term investments in REITs – The fair values of mutual funds and REITs were valued based on quoted market prices in active markets.

 

Structured deposits – Structured deposits are hybrid instruments containing embedded derivatives. The valuation of the hybrid instruments is predominantly driven by the derivative features embedded within the instruments. The structured deposits are valued based on discounted cash flow analyses that consider the embedded derivative and terms and payment structure of the deposits. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the values of structured deposits were nil and $1,248,340 respectively. Gross unrealized losses on valuation of structured deposits at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were nil and $30,211 respectively.

 

The embedded derivative features are valued using Black & Scholes option pricing model that used significant unobservable inputs, i.e., volatility of options. The fair value is determined by using the counterparty’s pricing information. The volatility mentioned above is a pricing input for options. Generally, the higher the volatility of the underlying, the riskier the instrument. Given a long position in an option, an increase in volatility, in isolation, would generally result in an increase in a fair value measurement.

 

Government bonds – The fair value of government bonds is valued based on theoretical bond price in the Taipei Exchange.

 

Long-term loans and due to previous shareholders – The fair value of long-term loans and due to previous shareholders are determined based on the variable nature of the interest rates and the proximity to the issuance date.

 

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NOTE 23 – SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The Company organizes and manages its business as three operating segments by operating geographic areas. The business of WFOE, CU Hong Kong and the Company’s Consolidated Affiliated Entities (“CAE”) in PRC was managed and reviewed as PRC segment. The business of AHFL and its subsidiaries in Taiwan was managed and reviewed as Taiwan segment. The business of PFAL was managed and reviewed as Hong Kong segment. PRC and Taiwan segments retain majority of reported consolidated amounts.

 

The geographical distributions of the Company’s financial information for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

   For the Years 
   Ended December 31, 
Geographic Areas  2018   2017 
Revenue          
Taiwan  $67,515,966   $62,147,136 
PRC   10,465,147    10,467,488 
Hong Kong   718,924    302,096 
Elimination adjustment   (32,306)   (68,276)
Total revenue  $78,667,731   $72,848,444 
           
Income (loss) from operations          
Taiwan  $7,362,949   $12,109,928 
PRC   (48,080)   489,017 
Hong Kong   478,626    3,065 
Elimination adjustment   143,764    141,410 
Total income from operations  $7,937,259   $12,743,420 
           
Net income (loss)          
Taiwan  $4,906,605   $10,050,593 
PRC   70,087    128,052 
Hong Kong   426,363    (7,790)
Elimination adjustment   13,591    7,010 
Total net income  $5,416,646   $10,177,865 

 

The geographical distribution of the Company’s financial information as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

   As of 
   December 31, 
Geographical Areas  2018   2017 
Long-lived assets          
Taiwan  $1,092,576   $836,347 
PRC   102,383    109,597 
Hong Kong   736    358 
Elimination adjustment   -    - 
Total long-lived assets  $1,195,695   $946,302 
           
Reportable assets          
Taiwan  $100,220,270   $96,399,321 
PRC   11,796,388    11,140,124 
Hong Kong   1,015,400    643,881 
Elimination adjustment   (44,150,214)   (48,910,083)
Total reportable assets  $68,881,844   $59,273,243 
           
Capital investment          
Taiwan  $641,873   $348,028 
PRC   53,158    34,445 
Hong Kong   997    - 
Elimination adjustment   -    - 
Total capital investments  $696,028   $382,473 

 

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NOTE 24 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company has evaluated all other subsequent events through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued and determine that there were no subsequent events or transactions that require recognition or disclosures in the consolidated financial statements except for the follows:

 

On January 30, 2019, the Company drew down $200,000 from the credit facility of CTBC with interest at a rate of 3.26% per annum. These amounts were paid off in February of 2019. On February 27, March 21 and March 28, 2019, the Company drew down borrowings of $450,000, $100,000 and $650,000 with interest at a rate of 3.75% per annum, respectively.

 

On March 27, 2019, a sixth Amendment to the Acquisition Agreement (the “Sixth Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement”) was entered into by and among our Company and the selling shareholders of AHFL named therein. Pursuant to the Sixth Amendment to AHFL Acquisition Agreement, our Company agreed to distribute the cash payment in the amount of NT$15 million to the selling shareholders of AHFL named therein on or prior to March 31, 2021.

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2018, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, including to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of December 31, 2018, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level due to the deficiencies and material weaknesses identified and described in this Item 9A(a) and 9A(c), respectively.

 

Our principal executive officers do not expect that our disclosure controls or internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud and our disclosure controls and internal controls have been deficient in preventing recent fraud. For further information, please see our Amended Current Report. Although our disclosure controls and procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, our principal executive officers have determined that our disclosure controls and procedures are not currently effectively at doing so. Notwithstanding, a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute assurance that the objectives of the system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented if there exists in an individual a desire to do so. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

  

(b) Management’s Remediation Plan Regarding Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We are committed to remediating the control deficiencies described above by implementing changes to our internal control over disclosure controls and procedures. Pursuant to the terms of the SEC Settlement, we have retained an independent corporate monitor who will help us implement changes and improvements in the internal control over disclosure controls and procedures for remediating the control deficiencies. For further information, please see our Amended Current Report.

 

We are currently evaluating the impact of the deficiency and have taken or are in the process of taking the following actions in conjunction with the independent corporate monitor:

 

  1) A review and consideration of the implementation of our earlier and revised compliance policies and procedures as they relate to trading in securities issued by us;

 

  2) A review of our policies and procedures as they relate to the our corporate governance;

 

  3) A review of our policies and procedures as they relate to preclearances granted by us for trading in shares of our common stock; and, until December 31, 2019, the independent corporate monitor will provide oversight over preclearances;

 

  4) Determining whether policies and procedures are adequate and properly tailored for us;

 

  5) A review of the education and training program at our company and a consideration of the sufficient scope and appropriate content;

 

  6) A Review of our monitoring, testing and reporting mechanisms;

 

  7) A review of our commitment to compliance, including senior management and board-level awareness of compliance issues;

 

  8) A review of our allocation of resources for the compliance program, including whether resources are sufficient and properly tailored;

 

  9) Conduct two rounds of in-person interviews of 15-20 company employees and board members in Taiwan each time; and

 

  10) Provide an interim written report in 120 to 180 days and final written report to the SEC no later than December 31, 2019 that includes a description of the review performed, the conclusions reached, recommendations for changes in or improvements to our policies and procedures, and a procedure for implementing the recommended changes in or improvements to our policies and procedures.

 

However, we have not completed all of the corrective processes, procedures and related evaluation or remediation that we believe are necessary. As we continue to evaluate and work to remediate the control deficiencies we may determine to take additional.

 

Until the remediation steps set forth above, including the efforts to implement the necessary control activities we identify, are fully implemented and concluded to be operating effectively, the deficiencies described above could continue to exist.

 

(c)Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The internal controls for our Company are provided by executive management's review and approval of all transactions. Our internal control over financial reporting also includes those policies and procedures that:

 

(1)Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

   

(2)Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization of our management; and

 

(3)Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In connection with management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, management has identified control deficiencies that constituted material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, as described below.

 

(1)We have yet established an effective mechanism to proper communicate the concepts of corporate governance.

 

(2)Lack of a qualified experienced financial expert to lead and supervise the overall internal control over financial reporting system of the Company.

 

Each of the material weaknesses described above could result in a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.

 

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 has been audited by Simon & Edward, LLP, an independent registered certified public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which appears in this Annual Report.

 

To address these material weaknesses, management performed additional analyses and other procedures to ensure that the financial statements included herein fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Accordingly, we believe that the financial statements included in this report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

 

(d) Management’s Remediation Plan Concerning Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

We are committed to remediating the control deficiencies that constitute the material weaknesses described above by implementing changes to our internal control over financial reporting. Our Chief Financial Officer is responsible for implementing changes and improvements in the internal control over financial reporting and for remediating the control deficiencies that gave rise to the material weaknesses. We are currently evaluating the impact of the material weaknesses and have taken or are in the process of taking the following actions:

 

(1)We are in the process of implementing an education program aimed at improving the accounting department personnel's US GAAP knowledge. This program will require key personnel who oversee reporting functions to take classes overseen by representatives of the big four accounting firms.

 

(2)In addition to retaining external professional consultants, we are also committed to building a robust internal audit team. We are actively looking to recruit internal auditors with appropriate experience to join this team. As of December 31, 2018, two additions have been added to this team.

 

(3)In order to ensure the proper comprehension of corporate governance and provide further assurances regarding our internal controls, we have set up a compliance team to work closely with the independent corporate monitor to implement changes and improvements as the independent corporate monitor sees fit.  Also, our management team has tasked our administration center with the responsibility of reviewing and testing self-assessment results for high risk areas.

 

However, we have not completed all of the corrective processes, procedures and related evaluation or remediation that we believe are necessary. As we continue to evaluate and work to remediate the material weaknesses, we may determine to take additional measures to address the control deficiencies.

 

Until the remediation steps set forth above, including the efforts to implement the necessary control activities we identify, are fully implemented and concluded to be operating effectively, the material weaknesses described above will continue to exist.

 

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None. 

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

 

The information required by this item regarding directors is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement”) to be filed with the SEC in connection with our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the heading “Election of Directors.” The information required by this item regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is incorporated by reference to the information under the caption “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act” to be contained in the Proxy Statement.

 

iTEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information under the caption “Executive Compensation and Related Information Compensation Discussion and Analysis” to be contained in the Proxy Statement.

 

iTEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” to be contained in the Proxy Statement.

 

iTEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” to be contained in the Proxy Statement.

 

iTem 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information under the caption “Principal Accounting Fees and Services” to be contained in the Proxy Statement.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

(a) Index of Financial Statements:

 

(1)The financial statements required by Item 15(a) are filed in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(2)Schedules required by Item 15(a) are omitted because they are not required, are not applicable or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 

(b) Index of Exhibits:  

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description of Exhibit
     
2.1   Acquisition Agreement, dated August 24, 2012, by and among China United Insurance Service, Inc. and the selling shareholders of Action Holdings Financial Limited named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 24, 2012).
     
2.2   Amendment to Acquisition Agreement, dated March 14, 2013, by and among China United Insurance Service, Inc. and the selling shareholders of Action Holdings Financial Limited named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2013).
     
2.3   Second Amendment to Acquisition Agreement, dated March 13, 2015, by and among China United Insurance Service, Inc. and the selling shareholders of Action Holdings Financial Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 18, 2015).
     
2.4   Third Amendment to Acquisition Agreement, dated February 17, 2016, by and among China United Insurance Service, Inc. and the selling shareholders of Action Holdings Financial Limited named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016).
     
2.5   Acquisition Agreement, dated February 13, 2015, by and among China United Insurance Service, Inc., Action Holdings Financial Limited and Chwan Hau Li (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2015).
     
2.6   Amendment 2 to Acquisition Agreement, dated February 15, 2016, by and among China United Insurance Service, Inc., Action Holdings Financial Limited and Chwan Hau Li (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016).
     
3.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 3, 2012).
     
3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 3, 2012).

 

4.1   Certificate of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 3, 2012).
     
10.1   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 17, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.2   Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, dated January 17, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.3   Share Pledge Agreement, dated January 17, 2011, by and among Zhengzhou Zhonglian Hengfu Business Consulting Co., Ltd., Zhu Shuqin and Henan Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.4   Share Pledge Agreement, dated January 17, 2011, by and among Zhengzhou Zhonglian Hengfu Business Consulting Co., Ltd., Wei Qun and Henan Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).

 

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10.5   Share Pledge Agreement, dated January 17, 2011, by and among Zhengzhou Zhonglian Hengfu Business Consulting Co., Ltd., Fang Qunlei and Henan Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.6   Share Pledge Agreement, dated January 17, 2011, by and among Zhengzhou Zhonglian Hengfu Business Consulting Co., Ltd., Chen Yanxia and Henan Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.7   Power of Attorney, dated January 17, 2011, by Zhu Shuqin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.8   Power of Attorney, dated January 17, 2011, by Wei Qun (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.9   Power of Attorney, dated January 17, 2011, by Fang Qunlei (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.10   Power of Attorney, dated January 17, 2011, by Chen Yanxia (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.11   Exclusive Option Agreement, dated January 17, 2011, by and among Zhengzhou Zhonglian Hengfu Business Consulting Co., Ltd., Zhu Shuqin and Henan Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.12   Exclusive Option Agreement, dated January 17, 2011, by and among Zhengzhou Zhonglian Hengfu Business Consulting Co., Ltd., Wei Qun and Henan Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.13   Exclusive Option Agreement, dated January 17, 2011, by and among Zhengzhou Zhonglian Hengfu Business Consulting Co., Ltd., Fang Qunlei and Henan Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).

 

10.14   Exclusive Option Agreement, dated January 17, 2011, by and among Zhengzhou Zhonglian Hengfu Business Consulting Co., Ltd., Chen Yanxia and Henan Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.15   Sichuan Kangzhuang Share Transfer Agreement, dated September 6, 2010, by and between Anhou and Allianz China Life Insurance Company Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.16   Sichuan Kangzhuang Share Transfer Agreement, dated September 6, 2010, by and between Anhou and Chengdu Jingzhan Enterprise Management & Consulting Company Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.17   Sichuan Kangzhuang Share Transfer Agreement, dated September 6, 2010, by and between Anhou and Li Dan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.18   Sichuan Kangzhuang Share Transfer Agreement, dated September 6, 2010, by and between Anhou and Yan Fang (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.19   Jiangsu Law Share Transfer Agreement, dated September 28, 2010, by and between Anhou and Liu Jianxin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.20   Jiangsu Law Share Transfer Agreement, dated September 28, 2010, by and between Anhou and Zhu Xudong (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.21   Jiangsu Law Share Transfer Agreement, dated September 28, 2010, by and between Anhou and Zhu Xumin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.22   Translation of Insurance Agency Contract, dated November 5, 2003,  by and between Taiping Life Insurance Co., Ltd. and Zhengzhou Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011).
     
10.23   Translation of Creditors Right Subrogation Agreement, dated March 31, 2011, by and between Jin, Yong-Guang and Li, Fu-Chang (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 14, 2011).

 

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10.24   Translation of Debt Waiver Agreement, dated March 31, 2011, by and between Fu Chang Li and Henan Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 14, 2011).
     
10.25   Translation of Employment Agreement, dated July 2, 2012, by and between China United Insurance Service, Inc. and Chuang Yun Chi (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 28, 2012).

 

10.26   Translation of Insurance Agency Contract, dated January 1, 2008, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and China Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 28, 2012).
     
10.27   Translation of Insurance Agency Contract, dated December 30, 2000, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and Farglory Life Insurance Co, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 28, 2012).
     
10.28   Translation of Insurance Agency Contract, dated February 20, 2004, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and Fubon Life Insurance Co, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 28, 2012).
     
10.29   Translation of Insurance Agency Contract, dated July 22, 1993, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and KuoHua Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 28, 2012).
     
10.30   Translation of Insurance Agency Contract, dated January 1, 2002, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and TransGlobe Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 28, 2012).
     
10.31   Translation of Insurance Agency Contract, dated September 1, 2009, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and ACE Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 28, 2012).
     
10.32   Translation of Insurance Agency Contract, dated December 1, 2006, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and Fubon Insurance Co, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 28, 2012).
     
10.33   Translation of Insurance Agency Contract, dated August 5, 2010, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and Taian Insurance Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 28, 2012).
     
10.34   Translation of Insurance Agency Contract, dated April 1, 2008, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and Union Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 28, 2012).
     
10.35   Translation of Insurance Agency Contract, dated October 1, 2005, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and Zurich Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 28, 2012).
     
10.36   Reclassification Agreement, dated July 2, 2012, by and between China United Insurance Service, Inc. and Mao Yi Hsiao (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 3, 2012).

 

10.37   Strategic Alliance Agreement, dated June 10, 2013, by and between Action Holdings Financial and AIA International Limited Taiwan Branch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 29, 2013).
     
10.38   Amendment to Strategic Alliance Agreement, dated June 10, 2013, by and between AIA International Limited Taiwan Branch and Action Holdings Financial Limited  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on September 30, 2014).
     
10.39   Translation of Amendment No. 2 to Strategic Alliance Agreement, dated June 10, 2013, by and between Action Holdings Financial Limited and AIA International Limited Taiwan Branch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on January 11, 2016).
     
10.40   Translation of Consent Letter, dated March 15, 2016, by Action Holdings Financial Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2016).
     
10.41   Loan Agreement, dated June 9, 2013, by and between Action Holdings Financial Limited and ZLI Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 6, 2013).

 

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10.42   Loan Agreement, dated August 28, 2013, by and between ZLI Holdings and Able Capital Holding Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 6, 2013).
     
10.43   Loan Agreement, dated August 9, 2013, by and between ZLI Holdings and Chen Li (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 6, 2013).
     
10.44   Loan Agreement, dated August 9, 2013, by and between ZLI Holdings and Yue Jing (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 6, 2013).
     
10.45   Form of Share Pledge Agreement, dated October 24, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to the Form 10-KT filed with the SEC on April 17, 2014).
     
10.46   Form of Power of Attorney, dated October 24, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Form 10-KT filed with the SEC on April 17, 2014).
     
10.47   Form of Exclusive Option Agreement, dated October 24, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.57 to the Form 10-KT filed with the SEC on April 17, 2014).

 

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10.48   Translated Broker Agreement, dated January 1, 2014, by and between AIA International Limited, Taiwan Branch and Law Insurance Broker, Co. Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.59 to the Form 10-KT filed with the SEC on April 17, 2014).
     
10.49   Engagement Agreement, dated January 13, 2016, by and between Chao Hui-Hsien and Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2016).
     
10.50   Translation of Loan Agreement, dated January 15, 2016, by and between Action Holdings Financial Limited Taiwan Branch and Law Enterprise Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Form 8-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on January 19, 2016).
     
10.51   Translation of Loan Agreement No. 2, dated February 15, 2016, by and between Action Holdings Financial Limited Taiwan Branch and Law Enterprise Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Form 8-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on February 18, 2016).
     
10.52   Translation of Loan Agreement, dated January 4, 2016, by and between Action Holdings Financial Limited Taiwan Branch and Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on January 19, 2016).

 

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10.53   Professional Consulting Service Agreement, dated April 20, 2016, by and between Farglory Life Insurance Co., Ltd. and Action Holdings Financial Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 10, 2016).
     
10.54   Engagement Agreement, dated May 9, 2016, by and between Chao Hui-Hsien and Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 10, 2016).
     
10.55   Translation of Form of Convertible Bond Purchase Agreement, dated June 23, 2016, by and between China United Insurance Service, Inc. and Huang Hai-Long (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 28, 2016).
     
10.56   Fourth Amendment to Acquisition Agreement, dated August 8, 2016, by and among China United Insurance Service, Inc. and the selling shareholders of Action Holdings Financial Limited named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 9, 2016).
     
10.57   Third Amendment to Genius Acquisition Agreement, dated August 8, 2016, by and among China United Insurance Service, Inc., Action Holdings Financial Limited and Chwan Hau Li (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 9, 2016).
     
10.58   Translation of Loan Agreement, dated May 15, 2016, by and between Hu Guowei and Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 9, 2016).
     
10.59   Translation of Loan Agreement, dated July 20, 2016, by and between Hu Guowei and Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 9, 2016).
     
10.60   Translation of Loan Agreement, dated October 11, 2016, by and between Action Holdings Financial Limited and Law Insurance Broker Co. Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 14, 2016).
     
10.61   Translation of Loan Agreement, dated October 24, 2016, by and between Action Holdings Financial Limited Taiwan Branch and Rich Fountain Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 9, 2016).

 

10.62   Translation of the Supplementary Agreement to Engagement Agreement, dated May 14, 2016, by and between Chao Hui-Hsien and Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 9, 2016).
     
10.63   Translation of Share Transfer Agreement, dated November 17, 2016, by and between Li Chen and Chunyan Lu  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.90 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2017)
     
10.64   Translation of Fifth Amendment to Acquisition Agreement, dated March 12, 2017, among China United Insurance Service, Inc. and the selling shareholders of Action Holdings Financial Limited named therein  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.90 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2017)
     
10.65   Translation of Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated December 30, 2016, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and Action Holdings Financial Limited  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.92 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2017)
     
10.66   Translation of Loan Agreement, dated March 13, 2017, by and between Law Enterprise Co., Ltd. and Action Holdings Financial Limited Taiwan Branch  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.93 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2017)

 

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10.67   Translation of Consulting Service Agreement, dated December 7,2016, by and between China United Insurance Service, Inc. and Fu Chang Li (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.94 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2017)
     
10.68   Translation of Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated October 11, 2017, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and Action Holdings Financial Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.68 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018)
     
10.69   Translation of Consulting Service Agreement, dated December 7, 2017, by and between China United Insurance Service, Inc. and Fu Chang Li (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.69 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018)
     
10.70   Translation of Loan Agreement, dated January 15, 2018, by and between ZLI Holdings Limited and Law Anhou Insurance Agency Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.70 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018)
     
10.71   Translation of Loan Agreement, dated January 15, 2018, by and between Action Holdings Financial Limited and ZLI Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.71 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018)
     
10.72   Translation of Second Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated December 28, 2017, by and between Law Insurance Broker Co., Ltd. and Action Holdings Financial Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.72 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018)
     
10.73   Translation of O-Bank Credit Line Approval, dated September 25, 2017 (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.73 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018)
     
10.74   Translation of Far Eastern International Bank Credit Approval, dated September 21, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.74 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018)
     
10.75   Translation of CTBC Bank Credit Approval Notification, dated November 17, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.75 to the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2018)
     
10.76†   Translation of Consulting Service Agreement, dated December 7, 2018, by and between China United Service, Inc. and Fu Chang Li
     
10.77   Translation of O-Bank Credit Line Approval, dated September 26, 2018
     
10.78   Translation of Credit Terms/ Financial Transaction Terms Agreement, dated November 7, 2018
     
10.79   Translation of CTBC Bank Credit Line Approval, dated September 12, 2018
     
10.80   Translation of KGI Bank Credit Line Approval, dated September 19, 2018
     

10.81

 

Translation of Sixth Amendment to Acquisition Agreement, dated March 27, 2019, among China United Insurance Service, Inc. and the selling shareholders of Action Holdings Financial Limited named therein.

     

10.82

 

Translation of Third Amendment to Strategic Alliance Agreement, dated June 14, 2017, by and between Action Holdings Financial Limited and AIA International Limited Taiwan Branch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 20, 2017)

     
21†   Subsidiaries of the registrant
     
31.1†   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
     
31.2†   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
     
32.1†   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.2†   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
101.INS†   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH†   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL†   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF†   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB†   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE†   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

Filed herewith
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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ Yi Hsiao Mao   Chief Executive Officer and Director   April 1, 2019
Yi Hsiao Mao   (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ Yung Chi Chuang   Chief Financial Officer   April 1, 2019
Yung Chi Chuang   (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ Fu Chang Li   Director   April 1, 2019
Fu Chang Li        
         
/s/ Chwan Hau Li   Director   April 1, 2019
Chwan Hau Li        
         
/s/ Chih Yuan Lu   Independent Director   April 1, 2019
Chih Yuan Lu        
         
/s/ Lo Tien Hsin   Independent Director   April 1, 2019
Lo Tien Hsin        
         
/s/ Chun Hui Yang   Independent Director   April 1, 2019
Chun Hui Yang        
         
/s/ Tse Hsun Niu   Independent Director   April 1, 2019
Tse Hsun Niu        

 

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