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IOU Financial Inc.

iou · TSX-V Financial Services
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Ticker iou
Exchange TSX-V
Sector Financial Services
Industry Financial - Credit Services
Employees 51-200
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FY2020 Annual Report · IOU Financial Inc.
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IOU Financial Inc.

Annual Report 
2020

IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Contents 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of  
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Corporate Information 

Management’s Report 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

3 

28

29

30

 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

INTRODUCTION 

The  following  management’s  discussion  and  analysis  (“MD&A”)  of  IOU  Financial  Inc.  (“IOU  Financial”  or  the 
“Company”), prepared as of April 28, 2021, should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference 
to the condensed consolidated financial statements as at and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and 
related notes which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as 
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).  

All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

OVERVIEW

IOU Financial Inc. is a wholesale lender that provides quick and easy access to growth capital to small businesses 
through a network of preferred brokers across the US and Canada.  Built on a proprietary technology platform that 
connects underwriters, merchants and brokers in real time, IOU Financial has become a trusted alternative to banks 
by underwriting US$873 million in loans to fund small business growth since 2009.  To learn more about IOU Financial’s 
corporate history, financial products, or to join our broker network please visit: IOUFinancial.com.

As at December 31, 2020, IOU Financial’s customers had been in business an average 11.6 years (based on their 
incorporation  date)  at  the  time  of  application.  These  businesses  borrowed  on  average  US$78,019  for  a  weighted 
average term of 11.9 months and generally used the funds for working capital purposes, to purchase new equipment, 
invest  in  an  increased  workforce,  attend  to  repairs,  expand  their  business,  purchase  more  inventory  or  increase 
marketing efforts.

IOU Financial finances its lending activities in part by selling some of its commercial loans receivable to institutional 
purchasers on a non-recourse basis and retaining the servicing rights for these loans in exchange for a service fee.

As a lender, IOU Financial earns revenue from fees it charges to its borrowers, interest payments it receives on loans 
it has funded,  gains on the sale of loans it  has sold as well as servicing fees it charges  institutional purchasers for 
servicing the loans. A referral fee is earned on loans that are referred to and funded by other third-party lenders.

IOU Financial’s common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V”) under the symbol “IOU”. IOU Financial 
had 45 full-time employees as at December 31, 2020.

Page | 1 

CORPORATE HISTORY

IOU Financial is the continuation of Matco Ravary Inc. (“Matco Ravary”), a Company founded in 1977, which specialized 
for over 40 years in the retailing of home improvement and building materials. On November 1, 2002, Matco Ravary 
sold  its  operating  assets  to  a  company  involved  in  the  same  sector,  thereby  ceasing  all  operations  in  the  home 
improvement and building materials retailing sector. On May 14, 2004, substantially all of its issued and paid-up capital 
was distributed to its shareholders.

On April 29, 2005, Matco Ravary changed its corporate name to MCO Capital Inc. (“MCO”). During the following fiscal 
years, the main business and objective of MCO was to identify and evaluate businesses and assets with a view to a 
potential acquisition.

On February 28, 2011, MCO completed a reverse acquisition and acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of 
IOU Central Inc. (“IOU Central”), a Canadian corporation incorporated in August 2006. On the same day, MCO also 
acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of IOU USA, other than the shares of IOU USA already held by IOU 
Central.  IOU  USA  was  incorporated  in  Delaware  in  August  2006.  In  connection  with  the  completion  of  the  reverse 
acquisition, MCO effected a share consolidation and changed its name from “MCO Capital Inc.” to “IOU Financial Inc.”

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements  made  in  this  MD&A  that  describe  IOU  Financial’s  or  management’s  budgets,  estimates,  expectations, 
forecasts,  objectives,  predictions  or  projections  of  the  future  may  be  “forward-looking  statements”.  Forward-looking 
statements  are  statements,  other  than  statements  of  historical  fact,  that  address  or  discuss  activities,  events  or 
developments that IOU Financial expects or anticipates may occur in the future. The forward-looking statements can 
be identified by the use of the conditional or forward-looking terminology such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, 
“expects”, “may”, “plans”, “projects”, “should”, “will”, or the negative thereof or other variations thereon. 

IOU Financial cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of 
factors could cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied 
by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, risks inherent in growing a new business, dependence 
on third-party service providers, competition, regulatory risk, dependence on key personnel, risks related to rapid growth 
of the Company, security and confidentiality risk, risk related to inability to attract borrowers and lenders, technological 
development risk, IT disruptions, maintenance of client relationships, litigation risk, volatility of stock price, and other 
factors that are beyond its control. IOU Financial cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. For more 
information on risks and uncertainties and assumptions that would cause the company’s actual results to differ from 
current expectations, please refer to the section “Risks and Uncertainties” of this MD&A. 

The forward-looking statements in this MD&A reflect IOU Financial’s views as at the date of this MD&A and are based 
on certain assumptions including assumptions as to future economic conditions and courses of action, as well as other 
factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. IOU Financial does not undertake any obligation 
to  update  publicly  or  to  revise  any  such  forward-looking  statements,  unless  required  by  applicable  legislation  or 
regulation.

Page | 2 

OVERALL PERFORMANCE AND SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The  following  table  summarizes  key  financial  data  for  each  of  the  respective  periods.  The  financial  information 
presented below has been presented in Canadian dollars (except where otherwise noted) and has been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Summarized Financial Data 

For the year ended December 31 

Loan originations ($US) 

Principal balance of loan portfolio 
Principal balance of servicing portfolio 
Total loans under management 

Adjusted gross revenue (1) 
Interest expense 
Provision for loan losses 
Adjusted operating expenses (2) 
Adjusted net (loss) earnings(3) 
Adjusted net (loss) earnings per share(4)  
Net (loss) earnings  
Net (loss) earnings per share(4)  

Total assets 
Total liabilities 

2020 
$ 
84,867,150 

13,466,093 
55,796,788 
69,262,881 

17,132,332 
2,800,963 
8,689,540 
9,523,257 
(3,175,061) 
(0.03) 
(2,819,475) 
(0.03) 

25,171,893 
13,153,234 

2019 
$ 
154,221,080 

56,871,350 
53,900,047 
110,771,397 

23,699,254 
3,998,673 
7,951,635 
10,117,365 
1,758,254 
0.02 
1,523,309 
0.02 

64,814,946 
51,664,568 

(1)

(2)

(3)

IOU Financial’s adjusted gross revenue is defined as gross revenue prepared in accordance with IFRS for the period, plus amortization of servicing 
assets less gain on sale of loans. The Company uses adjusted gross revenue as it eliminates items that do not necessarily reflect how the Company 
is  performing.  Specifically,  it  eliminates  the  non-cash  gain  on  sale  of  loans  and  the  non-cash  amortization  of  servicing  assets  which  influence 
operating results depending on the timing and amount of the loan sales.
IOU Financial’s adjusted operating expenses is defined as total operating expenses prepared in accordance with IFRS for the period less: non-cash 
stock-based compensation which is given at different times and prices, and non-recurring costs, plus non-recurring gains which affects operating
results only periodically. The Company uses adjusted operating expenses as it eliminates items that do not necessarily reflect how the Company is 
performing.
IOU Financial’s adjusted net (loss) earnings is defined as net (loss) earnings for the period prepared in accordance with IFRS less: gain on sale of
loans and non-recurring gains, plus: amortization of servicing assets, stock-based compensation and non-recurring costs.

(4) Basic  and  diluted.  The  adjusted  net  earnings  and  net  earnings  per  share  has  been  calculated  using  the  weighted  average  number  of  shares

outstanding during each period.

The  onset  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  in  March  2020  effected  significant  changes  to  the  operational  and  financial 
performance of the Company, leading to a series of strategic initiatives pursuant to IOU’s Pandemic Resilience Plan.   

On  March  13,  2020,  two  days  after  the  World  Health  Organization  (WHO)  declared  the  corona  virus  a  pandemic, 
management transitioned all of IOU’s employees to a work from home status. The transition was seamless and service 
levels  remained  uninterrupted  largely  due  to  IOU’s  360  proprietary  platform,  keeping  employees,  brokers  and 
merchants  connected  in  real  time.  Furthermore,  the  Company  moved  certain  employees  from  loan  originations  to 
service and collection efforts related to its loan and servicing portfolios. This evolved into the creation of a full-time loss-
avoidance team dedicated to limiting write-offs. 

Despite  the  disruption,  slowdown  and  temporary  closures  of  many  of  the  Company’s  borrowers  as  a  result  of  the 
pandemic,  IOU  was  able  to  continue  to  originate  loans,  albeit  at  reduced  levels,  as  the  Company  modified  its 
underwriting standards to cease lending to industries and geographical areas which were strongly impacted by COVID-
19. For example, IOU ceased lending to highly impacted industries such as restaurants, hotels, travel and certain retail
sectors.

Page | 3 

In addition, the continuation of loan originations was possible due to the Company’s diversified sources of capital. For 
example, the Company was able to seamlessly shift to selling all of its loan originations to institutional buyers, while 
simultaneously moving away from originating loans to its balance sheet following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Due to the uncertainty facing the North American economy at the introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic, management 
focused on preserving the Company’s capital by way of a series of cost cutting and other measures as follows: 

1. On April 1, 2020, the Company immediately implemented a hiring freeze and furloughed approximately
40%  of  its  full-time  employees  and  implemented  a  temporary  20%  reduction  in  salary  for  all  remaining
employees and directors.

2. On  April  3,  2020,  IOU  announced  that  more  than  two-thirds  of  the  value  of  the  Company's  convertible
debenture holders agreed to defer the payment of interest from the April 30, 2020 payment period to the June
30, 2020 payment period ("reprieve period") and capitalizing the accrued interest over the reprieve period to
the principal amount of the debentures at the end of the reprieve period. In addition, on August 4, 2020, more
than two-thirds of the value of the Company's convertible debenture holders agreed to receive 75% of the
interest owed for the months of July, August and September 2020 in cash, and capitalize the remaining 25%
of the monthly interest payments to the principal amount of the debenture at the end of each monthly payment
period.

3. Other measures implemented by management included the reduction or delayed payment of certain vendor
expenses resulting in decreased data services and IT costs as well as travel and entertainment expenses.

In an effort to help its clients navigate the pandemic, IOU created a website (www.iouinsights.com) to identify available 
government assistance programs and other small business resources.  Furthermore, in late March 2020, management 
began the process of effecting modified payment plans for clients manifesting bona fide hardships directly attributable 
to  the  impacts  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic.  In  part  as  a  result  of  entering  these  modified  plans,  IOU  exceeded  the 
concentration limits in its financing credit facilities which created over advances and, ultimately, led to the Company 
receiving notices of default in April 2020 from these financing credit facilities. Nevertheless, the Company articulated a 
clear plan to its financing credit facilities and repaid the remaining loan amounts in Q4 2020. This led to the following 
series of events: 

1. On October 22, 2020, the Company obtained a waiver from its 2019 Credit Facility for not having cured the
over advance position initially created in March 2020. In addition, the Company obtained a waiver in relation
to the defaults arising from its failure to meet certain covenants for the April to September 2020 period. At the
same time, the Company entered into an amended agreement allowing for certain flexibility for certain financial
covenants in future as well as to maintain the current interest rate at 90-day LIBOR, subject to a minimum
LIBOR of 1.5%, plus 4.50% which represents 6.00% as at December 31, 2020.

2. On December 2, 2020, the 2016 financing credit facility was fully re-paid and was subsequently terminated.
All costs associated with the termination have been accounted for in the net loss for the year ended December
31, 2020 which amounted to $342,032.

Despite  the  setback  caused  by  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  the  Company  worked  throughout  2020  to  bring  its  loan 
origination volumes back to pre-pandemic levels. In Q1 2020, the Company originated US$38.1 million in loans and 
then hit low of US$9.2 million in Q2 2020.  However, in Q3 2020 and Q4 2020, loan originations increased to US$18.4 
million  and  US$19.1  million,  respectively  as  IOU  gradually  resumed  lending  to  more  businesses  and  geographical 
areas in the US. 

In  the  second  half  of  2020,  IOU  continued  its  capital  market  program  in  the  search  for  new  sources  of  capital  and 
announced, on November 4, 2020, that it closed a loan purchase agreement (the "Loan Purchase Agreement") with a 
fund  managed  by  Neuberger  Berman  for  up  to  US$150  million  per  year  over  the  next  two  years.  In  addition,  IOU 
completed a non-brokered private placement of 18,009,806 common shares of the Company at a price of $0.1157 per 
common share for gross proceeds of approximately $2.1 million. The announcement of the Loan Purchase Agreement 
in Q4 2020 in conjunction with other sources of funding will support IOU’s plan to bring back its loan origination volumes 
to pre-pandemic levels. The Loan Purchase Agreement significantly bolsters IOU's funding capabilities and puts the 
Company in an excellent position to capitalize on the eventual economic recovery. 

Page | 4 

. 

In the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, the Company’s loan originations exceeded US$ 25 million and in the month 
of March 2021, IOU originated in excess of US$12.1 million of loans, representing the highest monthly loan origination 
volume since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Despite the adjusted net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $3.2 million, IOU's corporate cash position 
increased  from  $5.3  million  at  December  31,  2019  to  $9.9  million  at  December  31,  2020  and  increased  again  to 
approximately $11.5 million at March 31, 2021.This was primarily due to a shift in the Company's funding strategy to 
reduce the loan portfolio in favour of the servicing portfolio.  Specifically, once the financing credit facilities were repaid, 
cash collected from the loan portfolio was not used to pay down debt nor to reinvest in loans as loans were originated 
and sold to institutional buyers.  

Financial Highlights

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020,  the  Company  funded  US$84.9  million  in  loans  (2019:  US  $154.2  million), 
representing a decrease of 45.0% over the same period last year. The decrease in loan originations was a result of the 
COVID-19 pandemic whereby IOU modified its underwriting standards to cease lending to industries and geographical 
areas which were strongly impacted by COVID-19.   

In Q2 2020, the Company separated what was previously referred to as its wholesale and retail channels.  IOU Central 
Inc.  (USA)  (“IOU  USA”),  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  IOU  Financial,  will  maintain  its  wholesale  channel  where  its 
borrowers are sourced through the servicing of existing broker relationships as well as the development of new broker 
relationships.  IOU USA intends to grow by providing brokers with a best-in class user experience.   

Commencing Q2 2020, IOU USA spun out its former retail channel into a wholly owned subsidiary, Zing Funding I, LLC 
(“Zing Funding”).  Zing Funding is engaged in the commercial lending brokerage business where borrowers are sourced 
directly and referred either to a third-party lending platform or to its parent, IOU USA.  A commission is earned on loans 
that are referred to and funded by IOU USA or third-party lenders.  Zing Funding intends to grow through investments 
in direct marketing and sales. 

In Q4 2020, Zing Funding facilitated loan originations of approximately US$3.9 million (of which approximately US$3.6 
million was originated by its parent, IOU USA). On a pro-forma basis, this compares to approximately US$4.4 million 
in Q4 2019 (of which approximately US$3.5 million was originated by IOU USA). For the twelve-month period ended 
December 31, 2020, Zing Funding facilitated loan originations of approximately US$11.4 million (of which approximately 
US$9.3 million was originated by its parent, IOU USA). On a pro-forma basis, this compares to approximately US$16.4 
million in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2019 (of which approximately US$13.1 million was originated 
by IOU USA). 

As  at  December  31,  2020,  total  loans  under  management  amounted  to  $69.3  million  (2019:  $110.8  million), 
representing a decrease of 37.5% year over year and is attributable to the decrease in loan originations of 45.0% in 
the year 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The principal balance of the loan portfolio amounted to $13.5 
million  (2019:  $56.9  million),  representing  a  decrease  of  76.3%.  The  principal  balance  of  IOU  Financial’s  servicing 
portfolio (loans being serviced on behalf of institutional purchasers) amounted to $55.8 million (2019: $53.9 million), 
representing an increase of 3.5%. 

Adjusted gross revenue decreased to $17.1 million (2019: $23.7 million), representing a decrease of 27.7% for the year 
ended December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. 

Interest  revenue  decreased  33.8%  to  $11.8  million  in  2020  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2019  as  a  result  of  a 
decrease in the average commercial loan receivable balance of 15.5% in 2020 as compared to 2019. The commercial 
loan receivable balance decreased from $59.0 million at December 31, 2019 to $14.0 million at December 31, 2020 as 
a result of the Company's funding strategy to reduce the loan portfolio in favor of the servicing portfolio following the 
onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Servicing income decreased 17.1% to $3.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the same period 
in 2019 as a result of the decrease in the servicing portfolio yield from 8.0% in 2019 to 6.7% in 2020. The decrease in 
servicing yield is due largely to the impacts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with the improvement 

Page | 5 

in loan quality, the servicing portfolio yield increased from a low of 5.2% in Q2 2020 to 6.8% in Q3 2020 and increased 
again to 7.0% in Q4 2020.  

Interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased 30.0% to $2.8 million (2019: $4.0 million). The 
decrease is attributable to a decrease in average borrowings of 19.3% in 2020 compared to 2019 due to the fact the 
Company repaid all its outstanding debt to its financing credit facilities. 

The provision for loan losses during the year ended December 31, 2020 increased to $8.7 million (2019: $8.0 million) 
due to a deterioration in the credit quality of the commercial loan receivable balance caused mainly by the COVID-19 
pandemic. More specifically, the increase in the provision for loan losses is due mainly to a $4.1 million increase of 
loans written off in 2020 compared to 2019, as well as an upward revision to the Company’s estimated loss rates to 
incorporate  forward  looking  information.  This  was  offset  by  a  $3.5  million  decrease  in  the  provision  for  loan  losses 
relating  to  impacts  of  originations  as  the  Company  shifted  from  originating  loans  to  its  balance  sheet  in  favor  of  its 
servicing portfolio. The provisional credit loss rate increased from 16.7% in 2019 to 21.6% in 2020 due in part to the 
deterioration in the credit quality of the commercial loan receivable balance and due in part to a diminishing commercial 
loan receivable balance. The provisional credit loss rate is expected to be volatile as the commercial loan receivable 
balance continues to diminish. 

The Net Credit Loss Rate increased from 12.5% for the year ended 2019 to 23.8% for the year ended 2020 due to an 
increase in net charge offs of 60.9% in 2020 to $9.6 million as compared to 2019 caused mainly by the COVID-19 
pandemic. As a result of the company’s collection efforts, recoveries increased from $0.2 million in 2019 to $0.7 million 
in 2020. The Company also uses the Net Credit Loss Rate as another measure for loan losses as it excludes the effect 
of provisions (reductions) in the allowance for expected credit losses during the period which may not coincide with the 
actual timing of charge offs and recoveries.   

Adjusted operating expenses decreased 5.9% to $9.5 million for the year ended 2020 compared to $10.1 million for 
the year ended 2019 primarily due to the implementation of IOU’s Pandemic Resilience Plan. On April 1, 2020, the 
Company  furloughed  approximately  40%  of  its full-time  employees  and  implemented  a  temporary  20%  reduction  in 
salaries for all remaining employees and directors as well as having managed certain vendors and discretionary costs 
resulting in decreased data services and IT costs as well as travel and entertainment expenses. The Adjusted Operating 
Expense  Ratio,  which  is  a  measure  of  the  Company’s  operating  efficiency,  increased  slightly  from  9.9%  in  2019  to 
10.2% in 2020. Operating expenses decreased by $0.9 million to $9.0 million in 2020 compared to $9.9 million in 2019. 

IOU closed on its year ended December 31, 2020 with an adjusted net loss of $3.2 million compared to adjusted net 
earnings of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.  

IOU closed on its year ended December 31, 2020 with IFRS net loss of $2.8 million, or $(0.03) per share, compared to 
IFRS net earnings of $1.5 million or $0.02 per share for the same period in 2019.  

Page | 6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ADJUSTED AND IFRS NET (LOSS) EARNINGS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020

The following table presents IOU Financial’s adjusted and IFRS net (loss) earnings for the years ended December 31, 
2020 and 2019. The financial information is presented in Canadian dollars (except where otherwise noted) and was 
prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Adjusted and IFRS net (loss) earnings 

2020 
$ 

11,815,590 

5,316,742 

17,132,332 

2,800,963 

8,689,540 

(706,367) 

10,784,136 

6,348,196 

9,523,257 

-

(3,175,061) 

(0.03) 

(3,175,061) 

2,857,268 

(3,004,811) 

(137,345) 

640,474 

(2,819,475) 

(0.03) 

2019 

$ 

17,861,394 

5,837,860 

23,699,254 

3,998,673 

7,951,635 

(248,043) 

11,702,265 

11,996,989 

10,117,365 

121,370

1,758,254 

0.02 

1,758,254 

3,273,642 

(3,706,180) 

(287,986) 

485,579 

1,523,309 

0.02 

For the year ended December 31 

    Interest revenue 
    Servicing & other income 
Adjusted Gross Revenue 

    Interest expense 

    Provision for loan losses 
    Recoveries 
Cost of Revenue 

Adjusted Net Revenue 

  Adjusted operating expense 
  Income tax expense  

Adjusted Net (Loss) Earnings 

Adjusted Net (Loss) Earnings per Share 

Adjusted Net (Loss) Earnings 

  Non-cash gain on sales of loans 

  Non-cash amortization of servicing asset 
  Non-cash stock-based compensation 
  Non-recurring gain -net  
Net (Loss) Earnings per IFRS 
Net (Loss) Earnings per Share 

Page | 7 

Adjusted Gross Revenue 

IOU  Financial’s  adjusted  gross  revenue  is  defined  as  gross  revenue  prepared  in  accordance  with  IFRS,  plus 
amortization of servicing assets less gain on sale of loans. The Company uses adjusted gross revenue as it eliminates 
items that do not necessarily reflect how the Company is performing. Specifically, it eliminates the non-cash gain on 
sale of loans and the non-cash amortization of servicing assets which influence operating results depending on the 
timing and amount of the loan sales.  

The following table summarizes revenues by category. 

Adjusted Gross Revenue 

For the year ended December 31 

Gross Revenue 

Interest revenue 

Servicing & other income 

Non-cash amortization of servicing assets 

Non-cash gain on sale of loans 

Gross Revenue  

Non-cash amortization of servicing assets 

Non-cash gain on sale of loans 

Adjusted Gross Revenue  

Ratios 

     Portfolio Yield (1) 

     Servicing Portfolio Yield (2) 

2020 
$ 

11,815,590 

5,316,742 

(3,004,811) 

2,857,268 

16,984,789 

3,004,811 

(2,857,268) 

17,132,332 

2019 
$ 

17,861,394 

5,837,860 

(3,706,180) 

3,273,642 

23,266,716 

3,706,180 

(3,273,642) 

23,699,254 

29.3% 

6.7% 

37.5% 

8.0% 

(1) Portfolio Yield is calculated as follows: interest revenue divided by the average commercial loans receivable for the period presented on an annualized 
basis. The ratios are calculated on a five-point basis, using December, March, June, September, and period end balances, presented on an annualized 
basis. 
(2) Servicing Portfolio Yield is calculated as follows: servicing income divided by the average servicing portfolio for the period presented on an annualized 
basis. The ratios are calculated on a five-point basis, using December, March, June, September, and period end balances, presented on an annualized 
basis. 

Adjusted gross revenue decreased to $17.1 million (2019: $23.7 million), representing a decrease of 27.7% for the year 
ended December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. 

Interest  revenue  decreased  33.8%  to  $11.8  million  in  2020  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2019  as  a  result  of  a 
decrease in the average commercial loan receivable balance of 15.5% in 2020 as compared to 2019. The commercial 
loan receivable balance decreased from $59.0 million at December 31, 2019 to $14.0 million at December 31, 2020 as 
a result of the Company's funding strategy to reduce the loan portfolio in favor of the servicing portfolio following the 
onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Servicing income decreased 17.1% to $3.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the same period 
in 2019 as a result of the decrease in the servicing portfolio yield from 8.0% in 2019 to 6.7% in 2020. The decrease in 
servicing yield is due largely to the impacts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with the improvement 
in loan quality, the servicing portfolio yield increased from a low of 5.2% in Q2 2020 to 6.8% in Q3 2020 and increased 
again to 7.0% in Q4 2020.  

Gross revenue decreased to $17.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 (2019: $23.3 million), representing a 
decrease of 27.0% over 2019. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in interest revenue and servicing income 
due largely to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Page | 8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As per the debt assignment agreements, the Company retains the servicing rights (payment collections) to the loans it 
has sold, and the institutional purchasers agree to be charged a servicing fee over the term of the loans. Under IFRS, 
the Company recognizes a non-cash gain on sale along with servicing assets that are amortized to the consolidated 
statements of comprehensive income over the term of the assignment agreements. The Company recognizes a non-
cash gain on sale of loans and related servicing asset since the actual expected cash flows to be received are higher 
than the fair value of providing such services.  

Cost of revenue  

IOU Financial’s cost of revenue consists primarily of interest costs incurred in connection with the financing of its lending 
activities and provisions for loan losses (net of recoveries). The following table summarizes cost of revenue by category.  

Cost of Revenue 

For the year ended December 31 

Cost of revenue 

    Interest expense 

    Provision for loan losses 
    Recoveries 

Cost of Revenue 

Ratios 

     Cost of Borrowing Rate (1) 

     Provisional Credit Loss (PCL) Rate (2) 

     Net Credit Loss (NCL) Rate (3) 

2020 
$ 

2,800,963 

8,689,540 
(706,367) 

10,784,136 

9.0% 

21.6% 

23.8% 

2019 
$ 

3,998,673 

7,951,635 
(248,043) 

11,702,265 

10.4% 

16.7% 

12.5% 

(1) The Cost of Borrowing Rate is calculated as follows: interest expense divided by the average borrowings for the year, presented on an annualized 
basis. The ratios are calculated on a five-point basis, using December, March, June, September, and period end balances, presented on an annualized 
basis. 
(2) The Provisional Credit Loss rate is calculated as follows: provision for loan losses divided by the average commercial loans receivable for the year, 
presented on an annualized basis. The ratios are calculated on a five-point basis, using December, March, June, September, and period end balances, 
presented on an annualized basis. 
(3) The Net Credit Loss rate  is  calculated  as follows: charge  offs  net  of  recoveries  divided  by the  average  commercial  loans  receivable for  the year, 
presented on an annualized basis. The ratios are calculated on a five-point basis, using December, March, June, September, and period end balances, 
presented on an annualized basis. 

The cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased from $11.7 million in 2019 to $10.8 million in 
2020. The decrease is primarily a result of a decrease in interest expense due to the decrease of average borrowings 
in 2020. At the end of 2020, the Company has no outstanding debt to its financing credit facilities. 

Interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased 30.0% to $2.8 million (2019: $4.0 million). The 
decrease is attributable to a decrease in average borrowings of 19.3% in 2020 compared to 2019 due to the fact the 
Company repaid all its outstanding debt to its financing credit facilities. 

The provision for loan losses during the year ended December 31, 2020 increased to $8.7 million (2019: $8.0 million) 
due to a deterioration in the credit quality of the commercial loan receivable balance caused mainly by the COVID-19 
pandemic. More specifically, the increase in the provision for loan losses is due mainly to a $4.1 million increase of 
loans written off in 2020 compared to 2019, as well as an upward revision to the Company’s estimated loss rates to 
incorporate  forward  looking  information.  This  was  offset  by  a  $3.5  million  decrease  in  the  provision  for  loan  losses 
relating  to  impacts  of  originations  as  the  Company  shifted  from  originating  loans  to  its  balance  sheet  in  favor  of  its 
servicing portfolio. The provisional credit loss rate increased from 16.7% in 2019 to 21.6% in 2020 due in part to the 
deterioration in the credit quality of the commercial loan receivable balance and due in part to a diminishing commercial 
loan receivable balance. The provisional credit loss rate is expected to be volatile as the commercial loan receivable 
balance continues to diminish. 

The Net Credit Loss Rate increased from 12.5% for the year ended 2019 to 23.8% for the year ended 2020 due to an 
increase in net charge offs of 60.9% in 2020 to $9.6 million as compared to 2019 caused  mainly by the COVID-19 
Page | 9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
pandemic. As a result of the company’s collection efforts, recoveries increased from $0.2 million in 2019 to $0.7 million 
in 2020. The Company also uses the Net Credit Loss Rate as another measure for loan losses as it excludes the effect 
of provisions (reductions) in the allowance for expected credit losses during the period which may not coincide with the 
actual timing of charge offs and recoveries. 
.   

Adjusted Operating Expenses 

IOU Financial’s adjusted operating expenses is defined as total operating expenses prepared in accordance with IFRS 
for the period, less: non-cash stock-based compensation, which is given at different times and prices, non-recurring 
costs, plus non-recurring gains which affects operating results only periodically. The Company uses adjusted operating 
expenses as it eliminates items that do not necessarily reflect how the Company is performing. Operating expenses 
consist of day to day operating expenses such as wages and salaries, professional fees, including consulting services, 
legal, audit and accounting fees, data services and IT costs.  

Adjusted Operating Expenses 

For the year ended December 31 

Operating Expenses 

Stock Based Compensation 

Non-Recurring Gain-net (2)  

Adjusted Operating Expenses 

Ratio 

2020 
$ 

9,020,128 

(137,345) 

640,474 

9,523,257 

2019 
$ 
9,919,772 

(287,986) 

485,579 

10,117,365 

     Adjusted Operating Expense Ratio (1) 

10.2% 

9.9% 

(1) The Adjusted Operating Expense Ratio is calculated as follows: adjusted operating expenses divided by the average loans under management for the 
year,  presented  on  an annualized  basis. The  ratios  are calculated  on  a five-point  basis,  using December, March, June,  September, and  period  end 
balances, presented on an annualized basis. 
(2) Refer to Note 17 of the Financial Statement relating to the breakdown of non-recurring gains and loss. 

Adjusted operating expenses decreased 5.9% to $9.5 million for the year ended 2020 compared to $10.1 million for 
the year ended 2019 primarily due to the implementation of IOU’s Pandemic Resilience Plan. On April 1, 2020, the 
Company  furloughed  approximately  40%  of  its full-time  employees  and  implemented  a  temporary  20%  reduction  in 
salaries for all remaining employees and directors as well as having managed certain vendors and discretionary costs 
resulting in decreased data services and IT costs as well as travel and entertainment expenses.  

Adjusted operating expenses decreased by $0.6 million to $9.5 million in 2020 compared to $10.1 million in 2019. This 
decrease can be primarily attributed to the following: 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

a decrease of $0.6 million in wages and salaries as a result of a decrease in the number of full-time employees 
and a temporary reduction in salaries for all remaining employees and directors. 
a decrease of $0.2 million in data services and IT costs. 
a decrease of $0.1 million in travel and entertainment expenses. 
an increase of $0.2 million in amortization of transaction costs on financing credit facilities. 
an increase of $0.1 million in insurance costs. 

The Adjusted Operating Expense Ratio, which is a measure of the Company’s operating efficiency, increased slightly 
from 9.9% in 2019 to 10.2% in 2020. 

Operating expenses decreased by $0.9 million to $9.0 million in 2020 compared to $9.9 million in 2019. This decrease 
in the following can be primarily attributed to measures taken by the Company as part of its Pandemic Resilience Plan: 

- 

a decrease of $0.6 million in wages and salaries as a result of a decrease in the number of full-time employees 
and a temporary reduction in salaries for all remaining employees and directors. 

Page | 10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
-
-
-
-
-
-

a decrease of $0.2 million in stock-based compensation.
a decrease of $0.2 million in data services and IT costs.
a decrease of $0.1 in travel and entertainment expenses.
an increase of $0.2 million in amortization of transaction costs on financing credit facilities.
an increase of $0.1 million in insurance costs
an increase of $0.1 million in non-recurring gain-net.

Adjusted Net (loss) Earnings 

IOU Financial’s adjusted (loss) earnings is defined as net (loss) earnings for the period prepared in accordance with 
IFRS  less:  gain  on  sale  of  loans  and  non-recurring  gains,  plus:  amortization  of  servicing  assets,  stock-based 
compensation  and  non-recurring  costs.  The  Company  uses  adjusted  net  (loss)  earnings  as  a  measure  of  financial 
performance. 

Adjusted Net (loss) Earnings 

For the period ended December 31 

Net (Loss) Earnings 

Gain on Sale of Loans 
Amortization of Servicing Assets 
Stock-Based Compensation 
Non-Recurring Gain-net 
Adjusted Net (Loss) Earnings (1) 

2020 
$ 
(2,819,475) 
(2,857,268) 
3,004,811 
137,345 
(640,474) 
(3,175,061) 

2019 
$ 
1,523,309 
(3,273,642) 
3,706,180 
287,986 
(485,579) 
1,758,254 

(1) IOU Financial’s adjusted net (loss) earnings is defined as net (loss) earnings for the period prepared in accordance with IFRS less: gain on sale of
loans and non-recurring gains, plus: amortization of servicing assets, stock-based compensation and non-recurring costs.

IOU closed on its year ended December 31, 2020 with an adjusted net loss of $3.2 million compared to adjusted net 
earnings of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.  

IOU closed on its year ended December 31, 2020 with IFRS net loss of $2.8 million, or $(0.03) per share, compared to 
IFRS net earnings of $1.5 million or $0.02 per share for the same period in 2019.  

Page | 11 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION 

The following table presents IOU Financial’s consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2020 and 
December 31, 2019. The financial information is presented in Canadian dollars (except where noted) and was prepared 
in accordance with IFRS.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

As at December 31, 2020 

As at December 31, 2019 

Assets 

Commercial loans receivable 
Allowance for expected credit losses 
Commercial loans receivable – net 
Non-portfolio assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Financing credit facilities 
Convertible debentures – liability component 
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 
Shareholders’ equity 

Ratios 

Allowance for Expected Credit Losses (ACL) 
Ratio (1) 
Stage 3 Delinquency Ratio (2) 

$ 

13,987,002 
(2,927,407) 
11,059,595 
14,112,298 
25,171,893 

- 
10,404,569 
2,748,665 
13,153,234 
12,018,659 

20.9% 

53.1% 

$ 

58,964,204 
(4,515,175) 
54,449,029 
10,365,917 
64,814,946 

38,936,865 
9,931,181 
2,796,522 
51,664,568 
13,150,378 

7.7% 

10.2% 

(1) The  Allowance  for  Expected  Credit  Losses  Ratio  is  calculated  as  follows:  allowance  for  expected  credit  losses  divided  by  the  commercial  loans 
receivable at year end. 
(2) The Stage 3 Delinquency Ratio is calculated as follows: amount of commercial loans receivable included in stage 3 divided by the commercial loans
receivable at year end. 

Total Assets

Total assets decreased by $39.6 million (61.2%) from $64.8 million at December 31, 2019 to $25.2 million at December 
31, 2020. This decrease is mainly attributable to a decrease of $43.4 million in commercial loans receivable-net. 

As at December 31, 2020, the allowance for Expected Credit Losses Ratio increased from 7.7% to 20.9% compared 
to December 31, 2019. The Stage 3 Delinquency Ratio increased from 10.2% to 53.1% compared to December 31, 
2019. The increase in the ACL and Stage 3 Delinquency Ratios are primarily attributable to the impact related to the 
COVID-19 pandemic. The ACL and Stage 3 Delinquency Ratios are expected to be volatile as the commercial loan 
receivable balance continues to diminish. 

Total Liabilities

IOU Financial’s total liabilities decreased by $38.5 million (74.5%) from $51.7 million at December 31, 2019 to $13.2 
million at December 31, 2020. The decrease is mainly due to the decrease in financing credit facilities of $ 38.9 million. 

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ Equity decreased by $ 1.1 million (8.6%) from $ 13.1 million at December 31, 2019 to $12.0 million at 
December 31, 2020. This decrease is mainly attributable to current period comprehensive loss ($3.2 million) and offset 
by the private placement of approximately $2.1 million. 

Page | 12 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

IOU Financial’s primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash-on-hand, cash provided by operations and 
cash provided by financing through the issuance of equity and/or debt securities as well as the sale of loans. 

IOU's corporate cash position increased from $5.3 million at December 31, 2019 to $9.9 million at December 31, 2020 
and increased again to approximately $11.5 million at March 31, 2021 as a result of the Pandemic Resilience Plan 
implemented by management in 2020. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company went into an over-advance position with its financing credit facilities. At 
the end of Q4 2020, the Company paid off all outstanding debt to its financing credit facilities. Having cured the over 
advanced position with its financing credit facilities, the Company entered into an amended agreement with the 2019 
Credit Facility and the 2016 Credit Facility terminated its agreement with the Company. 

In  the  second  half  of  2020,  IOU  continued  its  capital  market  program  in  the  search  for  new  sources  of  capital  and 
announced, on November 4, 2020, that it closed a loan purchase agreement (the "Loan Purchase Agreement") with a 
fund  managed  by  Neuberger  Berman  for  up  to  US$150  million  per  year  over  the  next  two  years.  In  addition,  IOU 
completed a non-brokered private placement of 18,009,806 common shares of the Company at a price of $0.1157 per 
common share for gross proceeds of approximately $2.1 million.  

On  April  8,  2021,  the  Company  announced  today  that  it  intends  to  repurchase  up  to  $2,000,000  of  its  convertible 
debentures in the capital of the Company (the “Debentures”) at a discount per $1,000 of aggregate principal amount 
per Debenture (the “Repurchases”). IOU will seek to repurchase such Debentures pursuant to repurchase agreements 
to be entered into with individual holders of Debentures and to close the Repurchases by no later than June 30, 2021.  
There can be no assurances that any Debentures will be so repurchased, that all Debentures that an individual holder 
wishes to be repurchased will so be, or that the Repurchases will be completed by such date. The total reduction in 
interest expenses to IOU, should the Repurchases be completed, will amount to approximately $500,000, representing 
the interest savings for the period July 1, 2021 to the maturity date of December 31, 2023. 

Flow of funds 

The following table presents a summary of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

For the year ended December 31 

Cash generated (used) in operating activities 
Cash generated in investing activities 
Cash (used) generated in financing activities 
(Decrease) increase in cash 
Exchange rate (loss) on cash 
Net increase (decrease) in cash 

Cash used in operating activities 

2020 
$ 

41,898,271 

66,505 

(37,153,841) 

4,810,935 

(184,490) 

4,626,445 

2019 
$ 

(21,222,645) 

548,757 

19,487,561 

(1,186,327) 

(242,311) 

(1,428,638) 

The $63.1 million increase in cash generated in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared 
to the same period in 2019, was primarily related to a decrease of $75.6 million in the cash outflow from the net change 
in non-cash working capital items (2020: $39.3 million compared to 2019: $114.9 million) and a decrease of $8.7 million 
in the cash inflow from the sale of commercial loans (2020: $84.6 million compared to 2019: $93.3 million). 

Cash used in investing activities 

The $0.5 million decrease in cash generated by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared 
to the same period in 2019, is primarily due to a decrease of cash inflow of $0.5 million in restricted cash. 
Page | 13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash generated from financing activities 

The $56.6 million increase in cash used in financing activities for year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the 
same period in 2019, is primarily due to the repayment of $38.9 million to the financing credit facilities in 2020 and 
proceeds of $19.9 million from the financing credit facilities in 2019 and offset by the issuance of equity of $1.9 million. 

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS 

Quarterly Results 

For the quarters ended  

Gross revenue  
Net (loss) revenue 
Net (loss) earnings 
Net (loss) earnings per share(1) 

For the quarters ended 

Gross revenue  
Net revenue 
Net earnings 

Net earnings per share(1) 

Dec 31/20 
$ 
2,427,139 

2,925,855 

703,292 

0.01 

Dec 31/19 
$ 
6,339,300 

3,079,405 

217,569 

0.00 

Sept 30/20 
$ 
3,821,597 

4,069,970 

1,698,588 

0.02 

Sept 30/19 

$ 
6,595,598 

3,208,098 

1,000,614 

0.01 

Jun 30/20 
$ 
4,392,762 

(1,222,449) 

(3,079,747) 

(0.04) 

Jun 30/19 

$ 
5,486,327 

2,737,863 

219,256 

0.00 

Mar 31/20 
$ 
6,343,291 

427,277 

(2,141,608) 

(0.02) 

Mar 31/19 
$ 
4,845,491 

2,539,085 

85,870 

0.00 

(1)  Basic and diluted. Net earnings (loss) per share has been calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each 
period. Rounded to the nearest cent. 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS 

IOU Financial does not engage in any off-balance sheet financing activities. IOU Financial does not have any interest 
in non-consolidated entities referred to as variable interest entities, which include special purpose entities and other 
structured finance entities. 

PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS 

There were no proposed transactions as at the date of the Company’s financial statements. 

Page | 14 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN RELATED PARTIES 

i) 

ii) 

The Company rents its Canadian office space from Palos. The lease may be cancelled after October 2021 upon 
the payment of a termination fee. The terms of this operating lease are similar to those that would have been 
present for an arm’s-length transaction. The amount of $122,874 is expensed as rental expense for the period 
(2019: rent expense of $122,018). That amount does not include the amortization of right-of-use assets and the 
interest on the lease liabilities. Future non-cancellable lease liabilities under this agreement amount to $628,789. 

The  Company  sells  loans  to  a  fund  managed  by  Neuberger  Berman.  In  2020,  the  Company  sold  loans  in  the 
amount of US$4,093,785 (2019: US$0) and earned service fees of $23,815 (2019: $0) and recorded  deferred 
service fees receivable in the amount of $283,216 as at December 31, 2020 (2019: $0). 

iii)  Key Management Compensation 

Key  management  includes  directors  (executive  and  non-executive),  the  Chief  Operating  Officer  and  the  Chief 
Financial Officer who is also the Company Secretary. The compensation paid or payable to key management for 
employee services for years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is shown below: 

Key Management Compensation 

For the year ended December 31 

Salaries and other short-term employee benefits 
Share-based payments 

2020 

749,925 
92,483 
842,408 

2019 

885,529 
169,496 
1,055,025 

Page | 15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMERCIAL LOANS RECEIVABLE  

IOU Financial’s commercial loan receivable portfolio is composed of a large number of loans, and as such, no individual 
loan comprises a significant portion of the portfolio. As at December 31, 2020, the average loan balance in the portfolio 
was approximately US$36,315 (2018: US$91,223). In addition to limiting its exposure to any single loan, IOU Financial 
maintains a geographically and industry diversified loan portfolio which reduces the risk of loss arising from adverse 
regional or industrial economic conditions.  

The following tables present the portfolio by geography and industry as at December 31, 2020. 

Portfolio % 
19% 

13% 

9% 

6% 

5% 

5% 

5% 

38% 
100% 

Portfolio % 
17% 

10% 

8% 

7% 

6% 

5% 

4% 

3% 

3% 

3% 

34% 

100% 

Industry Category 
Specialty trade contractors and home building renovation 

Casual, fine dining and full- service restaurants 

Manufacturing 

Medical services 

Other store or online retailers and wholesalers 

Other professional services 

Automotive garage 

Other 
Total 

State 
Texas 

Florida 

New York 

California 

Georgia 

Illinois 

Tennessee 

New Jersey 

North Carolina 

Michigan 

Other 

Total 

Page | 16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA  

The following table presents IOU Financial’s outstanding share data as at April 28, 2021 

Outstanding Share data 

Ordinary shares issued and outstanding: 
December 31, 2019 
Shares issued between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 

Shares cancelled between January 1, 2020 and December 31,2020 
Shares outstanding on April 28, 2021 

Options issued and outstanding: 
December 31, 2019 
Options granted between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 
Options forfeited between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 

Options exercised between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 

Options granted after December 31, 2020 
Options forfeited after December 31, 2020 
Options outstanding on April 28, 2021 

Number of shares issued 
86,708,122 
18,214,806 

(279,000) 
104,643,928 

Number of Options issued 
6,861,500 

2,000,000 

(1,090,000) 

(205,000) 

- 

- 

7,566,500 

The Company granted, on January 15, 2020, options to a consultant to acquire up to 200,000 Common Shares at an 
exercise price of $0.25 per share. These options have a term of three years and vest as follows: 50,000 options shall 
vest on March 15, 2020, 50,000 options shall vest on June 15, 2020, 50,000 options shall vest on September 15, 
2020, and 50,000 options shall vest on December 15, 2020. 

On July 28, 2020, the Company granted options entitling its senior officers, its directors, and certain employees and 
consultants to acquire up to an aggregate of 1,745,000 common shares of the Company ("Shares") at an exercise 
price of $0.08. These options have a term of five years from the date of grant with one-third (1/3) vesting immediately 
and one-third (1/3) vesting on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant, and if exercised, their 
underlying shares would be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of issuance of the options. The grant-
date fair value has been established at $0.10 per option using the following assumptions: expected volatility of 84%, 
risk-free interest rate of 0.23% and an expected life to maturity that equals the term. 

In addition, the exercise price of 2,403,167 stock options, granted prior to July 28, 2020, to purchase common shares 
of the Company and which are currently outstanding, were repriced to $0.08 per share. If exercised, their underlying 
shares would  be subject to a four-month hold period from July 28, 2020. None of these restrictions will apply as of 
November 29, 2020. 

On September 11, 2020, the Company amended the exercise price of the 200,000 options granted on January 15, 
2020 to a consultant from $0.25 to $0.08. If exercised, the shares underlying these options would be subject to a four-
month hold period from the date of the amendment. 

On December 3,2020, the Company granted options entitling one director to acquire up to 55,000 common shares at 
an exercise price of $0.11 per share. Those options are vested over a two-year period, with one-third vesting 
immediately and one-third vesting on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of the grant and 
exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant, provided that it has vested.  

In 2020, 205,000 options were exercised at an average exercise price of $0.08. 

Due to the repricing of options, the weighted average exercise price was reduced to $0.13. 

Page | 17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NORMAL COURSE ISSUER BID 

IOU Financial commenced on May 1st, 2019, a Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”) pursuant to which IOU Financial 
may  purchase  for  cancellation,  from  time  to  time,  as  it  considers  advisable,  up  to  2,000,000  of  its  common  shares 
(“Shares”) over a 12-month period. The NCIB terminated on April 30, 2020. Purchases of Shares under the NCIB were 
made through the facilities of the TSX Venture Exchange at the market price of the Shares at the time of acquisition. 
Leede Jones Gable Inc. conducted the NCIB on behalf of IOU and Shares were re-purchased at the discretion of senior 
management of IOU. For the period commencing May 1st, 2019 and ending April 30, 2020, 1,944,500 Shares were 
repurchased and cancelled.  

BUSINESS OUTLOOK  

Despite the setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company continues to work on bringing its loan origination 
volumes back to pre-pandemic levels and a return to profitability on an annual basis.  For all of 2021, the company is 
targeting loan originations in the range of US$165M to US$200M as compared to US$84.9M in 2020 and US$154.2M 
in 2019. 

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE 

On April 20,2021, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, IOU Central Inc., received loan proceeds of US$699,800 
pursuant to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). IOU Central Inc. can apply 
for an amount of loan forgiveness which would equal, in large part, to expenses incurred for payroll, rent and utilities 
commencing  from  the  date  of  first  disbursement  and  ending  no  later  than  twenty-four  (24)  weeks  after  the  date  of 
disbursement. The loan carries a fixed interest rate of 1% and matures five (5) years from the date IOU Central Inc. 
applies for forgiveness. No payment of principal and interest are due on this loan beginning on the date of disbursement 
and ending on the date on which the amount of forgiveness is determined under the PPP program.  

Page | 18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES 

The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by 
definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing 
a  material  adjustment  to  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  within  the  next  financial  year  are  addressed 
below. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Valuation of commercial loans 
Management  exercises  judgment  to  determine  the  expected  credit  losses  (ECL)  based  on  all  available 
reasonable and supportable information about past events, current conditions and forecasts of future events 
and economic conditions. At the end of each reporting period, the Company applies a three-stage forward 
looking impairment approach to measure the expected credit losses (ECL) on its Originated to hold (OTH) 
loans. The stages are based on the change in the credit quality of the OTH loan since initial recognition. 
Measurement of ECLs at each reporting period reflects reasonable and supportable information about past 
events, current conditions, and forecasts of future events and economic conditions. Further details on the 
estimates used to determine any allowance for impaired commercial loans are provided in the accounting 
policy of the consolidated Financial Statement “Impairment of OTH loans”. 

Servicing assets 
The initial recognition of servicing assets requires the Company to make estimates of the fair value of the 
service to be provided which is based on market expectations at the time of the loan sale and may vary 
from the actual cash flows serviced. 

Deferred Tax Estimation 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities recognition involves making a series of assumptions. For instance, the 
Company must estimate the timing of the reversal of temporary differences or if it is probable that temporary 
differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future or the tax rates expected to apply to the period when 
the asset is realized or the liability is settled. 

With respect to deferred tax assets, their realization ultimately depends on taxable profits being available 
in  the  future.  Deferred  tax  assets  should  be  recognized  when  it  is  probable  that  taxable  profits  will  be 
available against which the deferred tax asset can be  utilized, and it is probable that the entity will earn 
sufficient  taxable  profit  in  future  periods  to  benefit  from  a  reduction  in  tax  payments.  This  involves  the 
Company making assumptions within its overall tax-planning activities and periodically reassessing them in 
order to reflect changed circumstances as well as tax regulations. Moreover, the measurement of a deferred 
tax asset or liability reflects the manner in which the entity expects to recover the asset’s carrying value or 
settle the liability. 

Page | 19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

The Company has not adopted any new or revised standards, along with any consequential amendments, effective 
January 1, 2020.  

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS 

The carrying values of cash, commercial loans receivable, other receivables, financing credit facilities and accounts 
payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the relatively short period to maturity of these items. 

The majority of commercial loan receivables are due from customers in the United States. The maximum credit risk 
associated with the company’s financial assets is the carrying value of those assets. 

Foreign exchange risk 

The Company operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from currency exposure with 
respect  to  the  US  dollar.  Foreign  exchange  risk  arises  from  future  commercial  transactions,  recognized  assets  and 
liabilities.  

The Company does not use derivative financial instruments to reduce its foreign exchange exposure. Fluctuations in 
foreign exchange rates could cause unanticipated fluctuations in the Company’s operating results. 

Listed below are the relevant instruments and the amount of foreign currencies included in their balances (in US dollars) 
As at December 31, 2020: 

Cash 
Restricted cash  
Certain other assets  
Net commercial loan receivables  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
Financing credit facilities  

6,234,762   
      208,209   
    1,566,724   
8,568,568   
   (1,022,440)  
 -  

The exchange rate applied as at December 31, 2020 was 1.2732 (December 31, 2019: 1.2988).  

Based on the Company’s foreign currency exposure noted above, varying the above foreign exchange rates to reflect 
a 10% strengthening of the Canadian dollar would have increased the net loss by approximately $1,835,055 (2019: 
reduced  net  earnings  by  $3,955,744),  assuming  that  all  other  variables  remained  constant.  An  assumed  10% 
weakening of the Canadian dollar would have had an equal but opposite effect on the above currencies to the amounts 
shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain constant. 

Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due. The 
Company’s approach in managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its 
liabilities  when  due,  under  both  normal  and  stressed  conditions,  without  incurring  unacceptable  losses  or  risking 
damage to the Company’s reputation.  

The Company manages liquidity risk through the management of its capital structure. The Company has been financed 
mainly through equity and debt offerings, commercial loan sales and the use of its financing credit facilities.  

With respect to commercial loan sales, the Company has an agreement with an investor to sell interests in certain of 
its  commercial  loan  receivable  of  up  to  US$150  million  per  year  for  the  next  two  years  (2019  -  $0  million).  As  at 
December  31,  2020,  $4  million  (2019-  $0  million)  of  certain  commercial  loans  receivable  were  sold  to  the  investor 
pursuant to the agreement. 

Page | 20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With respect to the financing credit facilities, it is noted that save for the amortization period during the last year of the 
committed term, they are in the form of revolving credit facilities for which the availability is determined by the 
collateral value of the loans pledged thereunder. In order to meet its liabilities when they come due, the Company is 
dependent on the continued availability of such financing activities.  

Credit risk 

Credit risk is managed on a Company basis and results from the possibility that a loss may occur from the failure of 
another party to perform according to the terms of the contract. The Company regularly monitors the credit risk exposure 
and takes steps to mitigate the likelihood of these exposures from resulting in actual loss.  

The Company, in the normal course of business, monitors the financial condition of its customers and reviews the credit 
risk  history  of  each  customer.  These  policies  cover  the  approval  of  credit  applications,  attribution  of  risk  ratings, 
management of impaired loans, establishment of provisions and risk-based pricing. The Company’s maximum credit 
risk is the carrying value of the cash, restricted cash and commercial loans receivable. The allowance for loan losses 
is maintained at a level considered sufficient to cover all potential losses. 

In addition, financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist 
of  deposits  in  the  form  of  cash  and  restricted  cash.  The  Company  invests  with  major  North  American  financial 
institutions.  The  Company  has  investment  policies  that  are  designed  to  provide  for  the  safety  and  preservation  of 
principal, the Company's liquidity needs and appropriate yields. The Company has no exposure to any asset-backed 
securities.  

Interest rate risk 

The Company is subject to interest rate risk on its cash, restricted cash and financing credit facilities. A 10% increase 
in interest rates over a 12-month horizon based on the balances as at December 31, 2020 would not impact the net 
loss as the financing credit facilities have been fully repaid as at December 31,2020. Interest rate impact (2020 - $0, 
2019 - $285,601). 

None of the Company’s current commercial lending is based on variable interest rates. The Company is also exposed 
to changes in the value of a loan when that loan’s interest rate is at a rate other than current market rate. The Company 
mitigates this risk by lending for short terms, with terms at the inception of the loan generally varying from six to eighteen 
months. 

The Company is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on its financing credit facilities issued at a variable rate. During 
2019  and  2020,  the  borrowings  at  a  variable  rate  were  denominated  in  USD.  The  Company  mitigates  this  risk  by 
borrowing  in  the  short  term  and  therefore  the  Company  does  not  believe  that  its  exposure  to  interest  rate  risk  is 
significant. 

Interest  revenue  presented  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive  loss  represents  interest  revenue  on 
financial assets that are classified as loans and receivables. 

Page | 21 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 

In addition to the risks mentioned above, IOU Financial is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties in carrying out 
its activities. 

COVID-19  

The duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and full impact of the crisis are unknown. COVID-19 has resulted in a material 
adverse  effect  on  IOU  Financial’s  business,  operating  results,  financial  condition  and  liquidity.  Governmental 
requirements or recommendations for “non-essential” businesses to temporarily close or severely limit their operations 
have impacted many small businesses that are or could have been IOU Financial’s clients. Reduced customer demand 
has also hurt many of those small businesses. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue and whether such 
businesses will be able to continue to operate after an extended period. The ultimate depth, duration and impact of this 
crisis are unknown, which creates material uncertainty for IOU Financial Inc.  

IOU Financial is Subject to the Risks Inherent in Growing a Business. 

IOU Financial’s operations are subject to the general risks inherent in growing a business, including, among others, 
hiring and retaining experienced and qualified employees. If IOU Financial cannot hire or retain qualified employees, 
or cannot effectively implement its business planned strategy, it will be hampered in its ability to grow its current market 
and  to  develop  new  markets, which  would  in  turn  have  an  adverse  effect on  its  financial  performance.  Even  if  IOU 
Financial successfully implements its planned strategy, it may not achieve the favorable impact on its operations that it 
anticipates.  

Compliance with debt covenants 

IOU Financial entered into loan agreements with lenders in 2016 and in 2019. The loan agreements impose covenants 
and  obligations  on  the  part  of  the  Company.  In  particular,  the  agreements  contain  certain  covenants  and 
representations, the breach of which could result in a default and the acceleration of the maturity of the term of the 
financing  credit  facilities.  IOU  Financial  plans  to  address  the  risk  of  default  by  endeavoring  to  meet  the  financial 
covenants and other obligations in the loan agreement. There is no assurance, however, that IOU Financial will be in 
compliance with covenants in the future due to unforeseen events or circumstances and if IOU Financial was to default 
there is no assurance that an amendment or waiver will be granted by the lender.  

As part of the 2016 and the 2019 Credit Facilities, the Company must respect certain financial covenants. All financial 
covenants were met as at December 31, 2019. Despite the fact that the 2016 Credit Facility was terminated effective 
December 31, 2020, not all financial covenants were met at December 31, 2020. All financial covenants relating to the 
2019 Credit Facilities were met as at December 31, 2020. 

Dependence on Third Party Service Providers 

IOU Financial’s service to its clients depends, in part, on its ability to attract and retain the services that are provided to 
it, by third party service providers. If some or all of IOU Financial’s current third-party service providers were to interrupt 
or cancel their current services to IOU Financial, the company might be forced to curtail or cease its operations. 

Competition 

IOU Financial operates in an increasingly competitive environment. Both large and small competitors compete with IOU 
Financial.  Some  of  these  competitors  may  have  longer  operating  histories,  greater  name  recognition  and  greater 
financial and marketing resources than IOU Financial. IOU Financial believes that its ability to compete effectively is 
dependent upon the quality of its product and client service. There can be no assurance that IOU Financial will be able 
to  compete  effectively  and  retain  its  existing  clients  or  attract  and  retain  new  clients.  IOU  Financial’s  current  and 
potential competitors may develop and market new products or services that render IOU Financial’s existing and future 
products and services less marketable or competitive.  

Regulatory Risk 

IOU Financial is subject to strict regulatory and licensing compliance standards, non-conformity with which may expose 
IOU Financial to adverse consequences. IOU Financial’s business is dependent to a large extent on its ability to remain 

Page | 22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in  good  standing  with  all  regulators.  Some  of  these  regulators  impose  minimum  working  capital  or  net  equity 
requirements, amongst other, which in certain cases and under certain circumstances, IOU Financial may not be able 
to satisfy. Under such cases, the Company may not be able to operate its regular business until all such financial or 
regulatory requirements have been satisfied. 

Dependence on Key Personnel 

IOU Financial’s future depends, in part, on its ability to attract and retain key personnel. IOU Financial’s future also 
depends on the continued contributions of its executive officers and other key technical personnel, each of whom would 
be difficult to replace. The loss of the services of executive officers or key personnel, and the process to replace any of 
its key personnel could involve significant time and expense and may significantly delay or prevent the achievement of 
its business objectives. 

IOU Financial’s growth could strain its personnel, resources and infrastructure 

IOU  Financial’s  growth  in  headcount  and  operations  may  place  a  significant  strain  on  its  management  and  its 
administrative, operational and financial reporting infrastructure. Accordingly, IOU Financial’s success will depend, in 
part, on the ability of its senior management to manage the growth it achieves effectively. To do so, it must continue to 
hire, train and manage new employees as needed. The addition of new employees and the system development that 
it anticipates will be necessary to manage its growth will increase its cost base, which will make it more difficult for it to 
offset any future revenue shortfalls by reducing expenses in the short term. If IOU Financial fails to successfully manage 
its growth, it will be unable to execute its business plan. If its new hires perform poorly, or if it is unsuccessful in hiring, 
training, managing and integrating these new employees, or if it is not successful in retaining its existing employees, 
IOU Financial’s business may be harmed. To manage the growth of IOU Financial’s operations and personnel, it will 
need to continue to improve its operational and financial controls and update its reporting procedures and systems. 
Given the complex nature of the accounting of the Company’s operations and the limited number of staff resources, 
IOU Financial may not be able to address all accounting and reporting impacts of new transactions or agreements on 
a timely basis. 

Security and Confidentiality Risk  

IOU Financial stores users’ bank information and other personally-identifiable sensitive data. Any accidental or willful 
security breaches or other unauthorized access could cause users’ secure information to be stolen and used for criminal 
purposes. Security breaches or unauthorized access to secure information could also expose IOU Financial to liability 
related  to  the  loss  of  the  information,  time-consuming  and  expensive  litigation,  and  negative  publicity.  If  security 
measures are breached because of third-party action, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise, or if design flaws in 
its  software  is  exposed  and  exploited,  and,  as  a  result,  a  third  party  or  disaffected  employee  obtains  unauthorized 
access to any of its users’ data, IOU Financial’s relationships with its users will be severely damaged and it could incur 
significant liability. Because techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or to sabotage systems change frequently 
and  generally  are  not  recognized  until  they  are  launched  against  a  target,  IOU  Financial  and  its  third-party  hosting 
facilities may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. In addition, 
many  states  have  enacted  laws  requiring  companies  to  notify  individuals  of  data  security  breaches  involving  their 
personal  data.  These  mandatory  disclosures  regarding  a  security  breach  are  costly  to  implement  and  often  lead  to 
widespread negative publicity, which may cause IOU Financial’s users to lose confidence in the effectiveness of its 
data security measures. Any security breach, whether actual or perceived, could harm IOU Financial’s reputation and 
could result in the loss of users and future business. 

If  IOU  Financial  is  unable  to  increase  transaction  volumes,  its  business  and  results  of  operations  will  be 
affected adversely. 

To succeed, IOU Financial must increase transaction volumes on its lending platform by raising additional capital and 
attracting  a  large  number  of  qualified  borrowers  in  a  cost-effective  manner.  The  general  tightening  and  other 
developments in the broader credit markets may impact IOU Financial’s ability to attract capital to lend which, in turn, 
could limit its ability to increase transaction volumes. If IOU Financial is not able to attract qualified borrowers, IOU 
Financial will not be able to increase its transaction volumes. In addition, IOU Financial will rely on a variety of methods 
to drive traffic to its website and lending platform. If IOU Financial is unable to use any of its planned marketing initiatives 
or  the  cost  of  these  initiatives  was  to  significantly  increase,  IOU  Financial  may  not  be  able  to  attract  new  qualified 
borrowers in a cost-effective manner. As a result, its revenue and results of operations could be affected adversely and 
could impair its ability to maintain its lending platform. 

Page | 23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As an online company constantly involved in the development of its online lending platform, IOU Financial 
faces increased risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties. 

If  IOU  Financial  is  successful,  the  volume  of  loans  originated  through  its  lending  platform  may  increase  beyond  its 
current  capacity,  which  will  require  IOU  Financial  to  increase  its  facilities,  personnel  and  infrastructure  in  order  to 
accommodate the greater servicing requirements and demands of its lending platform. IOU Financial’s lending platform 
is dependent upon its website. 

IOU Financial will likely be required to constantly add new hardware and update its software and website, expand its 
customer support services and add new employees to maintain the operation of its lending platform, as well as satisfy 
its servicing requirements. If IOU Financial is unable to increase the capacity of its lending platform and maintain the 
necessary infrastructure, it might then suffer from a negatively impact on its revenue stream. 

Any significant disruption in service on IOU Financial’s website or in its computer systems could reduce the 
attractiveness of its lending platform and result in a loss of users. 

If a catastrophic event resulted in a lending platform outage and physical data loss, IOU Financial’s ability to service its 
loans  would  be  materially  and  adversely  affected.  The  satisfactory  performance,  reliability  and  availability  of  its 
technology and its underlying network infrastructure are critical to its operations, level of customer service, reputation 
and ability to attract and retain users. IOU Financial’s system hardware is hosted in multiple hosting facilities. All of the 
data is stored in multiple geographic locations to ensure data availability in the event a particular data center fails. IOU 
Financial’s service provider does not guarantee that access to IOU Financial’s website will be uninterrupted, error-free 
or secure. IOU Financial’s operations depend on its supplier’s ability to protect their and its systems in their facilities 
against damage or interruption from natural disasters, power or telecommunications failures, air quality, temperature, 
humidity and other environmental concerns, computer viruses or other attempts to harm its systems, criminal acts and 
similar  events.  If  its  arrangement  with  this  supplier  is  terminated,  or  there  is  a  lapse  of  service  or  damage  to  the 
supplier’s facilities, IOU Financial could experience interruptions in its service, as well as delays and additional expense 
in arranging new facilities. Any interruptions or delays in its service, whether as a result of its supplier or other third-
party  error,  its  own  error,  natural  disasters  or  security  breaches,  whether  accidental  or  willful,  could  harm  its 
relationships  with  its  users  and  its  reputation.  In  addition,  in  the  event  of  damage  or  interruption,  IOU  Financial's 
insurance policies may not adequately compensate it for any losses that it may incur. IOU Financial’s disaster recovery 
plan has not been tested under actual disaster conditions, and it may not have sufficient capacity to recover all data 
and services in the event of an outage at a supplier facility. These factors could prevent it from processing or posting 
payments on the loans, damage its brand and reputation, divert its employees’ attention, reduce its revenue, subject it 
to liability and cause users to abandon its lending platform, any of which could adversely affect its business, financial 
condition and results of operations. 

IOU Financial’s ability to service loans or maintain accurate accounts may be adversely affected by computer 
viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions. 

The  highly-automated  nature  of  IOU  Financial’s  lending  platform  may  make  it  an  attractive  target  and  potentially 
vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions. If a computer “hacker” were 
able to infiltrate IOU Financial’s lending platform, users would be subject to an increased risk of fraud or identity theft, 
and IOU Financial may not receive the principal or interest payments that it expects to receive on any loans that it was 
fraudulently  induced  to  make.  Hackers  might  also  disrupt  the  accurate  processing  and  posting  of  payments  to  IOU 
Financial’s accounts on its lending platform, or cause the destruction of data and thereby undermine IOU Financial’s 
rights to repayment of the loans it has made. While IOU Financial has taken steps to prevent hackers from accessing 
its lending platform, if it is unable to prevent hacker access, its ability to receive the principal and interest payments that 
it expects to receive on loans it made and its ability to service its loans and to maintain its lending platform could be 
adversely affected. 

Page | 24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maintenance of Client Relationships 

The ability of IOU Financial to attract and maintain clients requires that it provide a competitive offering of products and 
services that meet the needs and expectations of its clients. IOU Financial’s ability to satisfy the needs or demands of 
its  clients  may  be  adversely  affected  by  factors  such  as  the  inability  or  failure  to  identify  changing  client  needs  or 
expectations or the inability to adapt in a timely and cost-effective manner to innovative products and services offered 
by competitors. 

Litigation Risk 

IOU  Financial’s  business  may  become  susceptible  from  time  to  time  to  various  legal  claims,  including  class  action 
claims, in the course of its operations or with respect to the interpretation of existing agreements. Any future claims or 
litigation could have a material adverse effect on IOU Financial’s business and its profitability. 

Possible Volatility of Stock Price 

The market price of the common Shares could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors such as actual or 
anticipated variations in IOU Financial’s results of operations, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts or 
by management, general market conditions and other factors. Market fluctuations, as well as general economic, political 
and market conditions such as recessions, interest rate changes or international currency fluctuations may adversely 
affect the market price of the common shares. 

GENERAL 

The  Company  also  discloses  information  related  to  its  activities  on  SEDAR  at  www.sedar.com  and  on  its  website 
www.ioufinancial.com 

Page | 25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

CORPORATE INFORMATION 

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS 

Philippe Marleau, Director, President & CEO 

David Kennedy, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary 

Wayne Pommen – Director 

Evan Price - Director 

Yves Roy - Director 

Lucas Timberlake - Director

Neil Wolfson - Director

AUDITORS 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR 

Computershare Investor Services Inc. 

HEAD OFFICE 

IOU Financial Inc. 
1 Place Ville-Marie 
Suite 1670 
Montreal, Quebec 
H3B 2B6 
Telephone:  (514) 789-0694 
(514) 789-0542 
Fax: 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 

Supplementary  documents  regarding 
(www.sedar.com) or upon written request to the Company’s principal business center:
1 Place Ville-Marie, Suite 1670, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 2B6. 

the  Company  are  available  on  SEDAR’s  website 

 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT 

Management is responsible for the integrity and fair representation of the financial statements and 
other information in this annual report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards. Financial data and operating results elsewhere in 
the annual report are consistent with those contained in the financial statements. 

The  Company's  policy  is  to  maintain  high-quality  internal  accounting  and  administrative  control 
systems within the limits of reasonable cost. Such systems are designed to provide assurance that 
the financial information is accurate and reliable and that assets are adequately accounted for and 
safeguarded. 

The financial statements have been reviewed by the Audit Committee and approved by the Board of 
Directors, as has the other information in this annual report. In addition, the financial statements have 
been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 

In the opinion of management, these financial statements incorporate, within  reasonable limits, all 
important elements and data available as at April 28, 2021.

(s) David Kennedy

David Kennedy 
Chief Financial Officer 

Montreal, Canada 
April 28, 2021

Independent auditor’s report 

To the Shareholders of IOU Financial Inc. 

Our opinion 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, 
the financial position of IOU Financial Inc. and its subsidiaries (together, the Company) as at 
December 31, 2020 and 2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board (IFRS). 

What we have audited 
The Company’s consolidated financial statements comprise: 

 

 

 

 

 

the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2020 and 2019; 

the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income for the years then ended; 

the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years then ended; 

the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then ended; and 

the notes to consolidated financial statements, which include significant accounting policies and other 
explanatory information. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our 
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of 
the consolidated financial statements section of our report.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion. 

Independence 
We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our 
audit of the consolidated financial statements in Canada. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with these requirements. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP/s.r.l./s.e.n.c.r.l.   
1250 René-Lévesque Boulevard West, Suite 2500, Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3B 4Y1 
T: +1 514 205 5000, F: +1 514 876 1502 

“PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP/s.r.l./s.e.n.c.r.l., an Ontario limited liability partnership. 

Other information 

Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis. 

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information, and we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other 
information identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially 
inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other 
information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of management and those charged with governance for the 
consolidated financial statements 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with IFRS, and for such internal control as management determines is 
necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the 
Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate 
the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting 
process. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as 
a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s 
report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards 
will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and 
are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence 
the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements. 

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise 
professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, 
whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and 
obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of 
not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, 
as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of 
internal control. 

  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures 

that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the 
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. 

  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 

estimates and related disclosures made by management. 

  Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, 
based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If 
we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report 
to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are 
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to 
the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to 
cease to continue as a going concern.  

  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, 

including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying 
transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or 
business activities within the Company to express an opinion on the consolidated financial 
statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We 
remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. 

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope 
and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal 
control that we identify during our audit. 

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant 
ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other 
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related 
safeguards. 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Jean-Luc Tremblay.

Montréal, Quebec 
April 28, 2021 

1 CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A125840

IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 

PAGE 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position                                                               3 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income                                                     4 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity                                      5 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                                                                        6 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements                                                            7 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 
As at December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars) 

Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Restricted cash  
Sales taxes receivable  
Commercial loans receivable, net  
Servicing assets  
Other receivables 
Prepaid expenses and deposits 
Equipment and leasehold improvements 
Intangible assets 
Right-of-use assets 
Unamortized financing transaction costs 
Total Assets 

Liabilities 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Financing credit facilities 
Convertible debentures 
Lease liabilities 
Total Liabilities 

Shareholders’ Equity  
Share capital 
Contributed surplus 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 
Deficit 
Total Shareholders’ Equity 

Note 

2020 
$ 

2019 
$ 

4 
4 
5 

6 
7 
8 
10 

9 
10 
11 
8 

13 

9,958,977 
1,291,646 
49,161 
11,059,595 
1,237,550 
605,930 
92,886 
103,721 
- 
672,456 
99,971 
25,171,893 

2,017,542 
- 
10,404,569 
731,123 
13,153,234 

5,332,532 
1,378,989 
23,286 
54,449,029 
1,405,302 
211,940 
114,772 
145,233 
54,940 
716,787 
982,136 
64,814,946 

2,042,877 
38,936,865 
9,931,181 
753,645 
51,664,568 

28,887,186 
4,614,728 
1,728,918 
(23,212,173) 
12,018,659 

26,988,530 
4,477,383 
2,077,163 
(20,392,698) 
13,150,378 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 

25,171,893 

64,814,946 

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

Approved by the Board on April 28, 2021 

Phil Marleau (signed), Director 
Wayne Pommen (signed), Director 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars) 

Note 

2020 
$ 

2019 
$ 

Revenue  
Interest revenue  
Other fees and servicing income  
Net gain recognized on sale of loans  
Gross Revenue  

Cost of Revenue 
Interest expense 
Provision for loan losses, net of recoveries  
Total Cost of Revenue 

Net Revenue 

Operating expenses  
(Loss) Earnings Before Income Taxes 

Income tax expense 

Net (Loss) Earnings for the Year 

Currency translation differences 

Income tax 
Other comprehensive loss  
Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the 
Year 

(Loss) Earnings per Share: 
Basic  
Diluted 

15 
15 
4 

4 

17 

16 

16 

12 
12 

11,815,590  17,861,394 
1,754,589 
3,650,733 
16,984,789  23,266,716 

1,624,994 
3,544,205 

2,800,963 
7,983,173 

3,998,673 
7,703,592 
10,784,136  11,702,265 

6,200,653  11,564,451 

9,020,128 
(2,819,475) 

9,919,772 
1,644,679 

- 

121,370 

(2,819,475) 

1,523,309 

(348,245) 

(454,869) 

- 
(3,167,720) 

121,370 
(333,499) 

(3,167,720) 

1,189,810 

(0.03) 
(0.03) 

0.02 
0.02 

Net  (loss)  earnings  and  comprehensive  (loss)  income  are  entirely  attributable  to  the  shareholders  of  the 
Company. Other comprehensive (loss) income is entirely subject to be reclassified to net (loss) earnings. 

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

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019  
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Note 

Common 
Shares  
(#) 

Share 
Capital  
($) 

Contributed 
Surplus  
($) 

Accumulated 
OCI 1  
($) 

Deficit 
($) 

Shareholders’ 
Equity 
($) 

Balance as at  

December 31, 2018 

Comprehensive income 

for the year 

Warrants exercised 

Debentures exercised 
Shares repurchased  
Stock-based 

compensation  

Balance as at  

December 31, 2019 

Comprehensive loss 

for the year 
Shares Issued 
Shares repurchased  
Stock options exercised 
Stock-based 

compensation  

Balance as at  

December 31, 2020 

87,825,309 

27,171,722 

4,189,397 

2,410,662 

(21,916,007) 

11,855,774 

- 

- 

348,313 

69,662 

200,000 
(1,665,500) 

100,000 
(352,854) 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

287,986 

(333,499) 

1,523,309 

1,189,810 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

69,662 

100,000 
(352,854) 

287,986 

86,708,122 

26,988,530 

4,477,383 

2,077,163 

(20,392,698) 

13,150,378 

- 
18,009,806 
(279,000) 
205,000 

- 
1,937,644 
(55,388) 
16,400 

- 
- 
- 
- 

(348,245) 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

137,345 

- 

(2,819,475) 

- 
- 
- 

- 

(3,167,720) 
1,937,644 
(55,388) 
16,400 

137,345 

13 

11 
13 

13 

13 
13 
13 

13 

104,643,928 

28,887,186 

4,614,728 

1,728,918 

(23,212,173) 

12,018,659 

1 OCI: Other Comprehensive Income 

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

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars) 

Operating Activities 
Net (loss) earnings for the year 
Non-cash items included in net earnings  
Change in non-cash working capital items 
Sale of commercial loans 
Interest received 
Interest expense 
Interest paid 
Cash (used) generated in operating activities 

Investing Activities 
Additions to equipment and leasehold 

improvements 

Deductions to restricted cash 
Cash generated in investing activities 

Note 

18 
18 

2020 
$ 

2019 
$ 

(2,819,475)   
(11,299,387)  
(39,279,996)  
84,570,685   
10,253,056   
2,854,977   

1,523,309   
(17,181,434)  
(114,955,469)  
93,261,010   
16,177,700   
4,062,894   

(2,381,589) 
41,898,271 

(4,110,655) 
(21,222,645) 

(20,838) 
87,343 
66,505 

(42,334) 
591,091 
548,757 

Financing Activities 
Transaction costs paid 
Issuance (repurchase) of equity, net of 
transaction costs 
Proceeds from financing credit facilities 
Repayment of financing credit facilities 
Decrease in lease liabilities 
Cash generated (used) in financing activities 

- 

(81,546) 

13 
10 
10 

1,898,656 
- 
(38,936,865) 
(115,632) 
(37,153,841) 

(183,192) 
19,906,790 
- 
(154,491) 
19,487,561 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash 

4,810,935 

(1,186,327) 

Exchange rate difference on cash 

(184,490) 

(242,311) 

Cash 

Beginning of period 

End of period 

5,332,532 

9,958,977 

6,761,170 

5,332,532 

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

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

1.  General Information 

IOU Financial Inc. (“IOU Financial”) was incorporated under Part IA of the Companies Act 
(Quebec) and is governed by the Business Corporations Act (Quebec). The registered office 
of IOU Financial is located at 1 Place Ville-Marie, Suite 1670, Montréal, Quebec, Canada. 
IOU Financial is a public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V). 

IOU Financial’s wholly owned subsidiary IOU Central Inc. (“IOU Central”) was incorporated 
under the Canada Business Corporations Act on August 10, 2006 and presently operates 
an internet-based commercial lending business in the United States of America, through its 
subsidiary, IOU Central Inc. (USA) (“IOU USA”), based in the state of Georgia (incorporated 
in Delaware on August 16, 2006). On January 1, 2020, IOU Central was dissolved, leaving 
IOU USA to be a subsidiary of IOU Financial. 

IOU Financial’s wholly owned subsidiary IOU Financial Canada Inc. (“IOUF Canada”) was 
incorporated on December 1, 2015 under the Business Corporations Act (Quebec). IOUF 
Canada is engaged in the commercial lending business in Canada. 

IOU USA’s wholly owned subsidiary IOU Small Business Asset Fund I, LLC (“IOU SBAF I”) 
and  IOU  Small  Business  Asset  Fund  II,  LLC  (“IOU  SBAF  II”)  were  incorporated  on 
December  9,  2015  and  January  2,  2019  respectively,  as  Delaware  limited  liability 
companies and currently hold a portfolio of commercial loans receivable. 

IOU  USA’s  new  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  Zing  Funding  I,  LLC,  (“Zing  Funding”)  was 
incorporated on March 16, 2020 as a Delaware limited liability company and is engaged in 
the commercial lending brokerage business. 

The term “Company” in these consolidated financial statements refers collectively to IOU 
Financial  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiaries:  IOU  Central,  IOU  USA,  IOUF  Canada,  IOU 
SBAF I, IOU SBAF II, and Zing Funding. 

These  consolidated  financial  statements  were  authorized  for  issuance  by  the  Board  of 
Directors of the Company on April 28, 2021. 

2.  Basis of Preparation 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance 
with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (“IFRS”)  as  issued  by  the  International 
Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). These consolidated financial statements have been 
prepared  under  the  historical  cost  convention.  Other  measurement  bases  used  are 
described in the applicable notes. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

3.  Significant Accounting Policies 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial 
statements  are  consistent  with  those  applied  in  the  previous  financial  year,  except  as 
described below. 

4.1 Current and Future Changes in Accounting Policies 

a) New standards adopted during the year 

The Company has not adopted any new standards that have had a significant effect on 
the Company during the year. 

b) New standards and interpretations not yet adopted that are relevant to the Company.  

A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective 
for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2021 and have not been applied in preparing 
these consolidated financial statements. Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (Amendments to 
IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7), may be applicable but is not expected to have a significant 
effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company. 

4.2 Use of Estimates and Judgments 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the 
use  of  certain  critical  accounting  estimates.  It  also  requires  management  to  exercise  its 
judgment  in  the  process  of  applying  the  Company’s  accounting  policies.  Estimates  and 
judgments  are  continually  evaluated  and  are  based  on  historical  experience  and  other 
factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the 
circumstances.  The areas  involving  a  higher  degree  of  judgment  or  complexity,  or  areas 
where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements 
are described below: 

1.  Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions 

The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting 
accounting  estimates  will,  by  definition,  seldom  equal  the  related  actual  results.  The 
estimates  and  assumptions  that  have  a  significant  risk  of  causing  a  significant 
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year 
are addressed below. 

1.1 

Deferred Tax Estimation 

The  recognition  of  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  involves  making 
assumptions  including  estimating  the  timing  of  the  reversal  of  temporary 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

differences or if it is probable that temporary differences will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future. 

The realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on taxable profits being 
available  in  the  future.  Deferred  tax  assets  should  be  recognized  when  it  is 
probable  that  taxable  profits  will  be  available  against  which  the  deferred  tax 
asset can be utilized and it is probable that the entity will earn sufficient taxable 
profit in future periods to benefit from a reduction in tax payments. This involves 
the Company making assumptions within its overall tax-planning activities and 
periodically reassessing them in order to reflect changed circumstances as well 
as tax regulations. Moreover, the measurement of a deferred tax asset or liability 
reflects  the  manner  in  which  the  Company  expects  to  recover  the  asset’s 
carrying value or settle the liability. 

1.2 

Servicing Assets 

The  initial  recognition  of  servicing  assets  requires  the  Company  to  make 
estimates  of  the  fair  value  of  the  service  to  be  provided,  which  is  based  on 
market expectations at the time of the sale of the loan and may vary from the 
actual cash flows received. The Company also make estimates on the timing of 
future cash flows from servicing fees to be received from institutional purchasers. 

1.3       Valuation of Commercial Loans 

Management  exercises  judgment  to  determine  the  expected  credit  losses 
(“ECL”)  based  on  all  available  reasonable  and  supportable  information  about 
past  events,  current  conditions  and  forecasts  of  future  events  and  economic 
conditions. Further details on the estimates used to determine any allowance for 
impaired loans receivable are provided in the accounting policy “Impairment of 
OTH Loans”. 

Basis of Consolidation 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  IOU  Financial  and  its 
subsidiaries,  which  are  the  entities  over  which  IOU  Financial  has  control.  The  Company 
controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has the rights to, variable returns 
from  its  involvement  with  the  entity  and  has the  ability to  affect  those returns through  its 
power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is 
transferred to the Company. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. 

All  intercompany  transactions,  balances,  income  and  expenses  are  eliminated  in  full  on 
consolidation. 

Segment Reporting 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided 
to  the  chief  operating  decision-maker.  The  chief  operating  decision-maker,  who  is 
responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, 
has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). 

Equipment and Leasehold Improvements 

Equipment  and  leasehold  improvements  are  stated  at  historical  cost  less  residual  value, 
accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditures that 
are directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. The depreciation rate, residual value 
and useful life of equipment are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate. Depreciation 
based on the estimated useful life of the assets is calculated as follows: 

Office Equipment 
Computer Equipment 
Leasehold Improvements 

20% straight-line method 
30% straight-line method 
Over remaining lease term 

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the 
asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. 

Intangible Assets  

The  costs  to  develop  software  for  the  Company’s  website  and  online  loan  platform  are 
capitalized when management has authorized and committed project funding, preliminary 
development efforts are successfully completed, and it is probable that the project will be 
completed  and the  software  will  be  used  as  intended.  Capitalized  software  development 
costs primarily include fees paid to outside consultants and salaries for employees directly 
involved in the development efforts. Costs incurred prior to meeting these criteria, together 
with costs incurred for training and maintenance, are expensed. Costs incurred for upgrades 
and enhancements that are considered to be probable to result in additional functionality 
are  capitalized.  The  Company  capitalizes  expenditures  for  betterments  and  expenses 
amounts for maintenance, repairs and renewals as they are incurred.  

Internal  use  software  is  stated  at  cost  less  accumulated  amortization.  Amortization  and 
useful lives are reviewed annually. Capitalized costs are amortized using the straight-line 
method over their expected lives, which presently approximate three years. 

Leases 

IFRS 16 specifies a single accounting model for the lessee under which a lease liability and 
a right-of-use asset are recognized for all leases with a term of more than 12 months (except 
if the value of the underlying asset is low).  

10 

 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

The lease liabilities and right-of-use assets are initially measured at the present value of the 
lease  payments  payable  over  the  lease  term,  discounted  at  the  Company’s  incremental 
borrowing rate. 

Each  month,  the  right-of-use  assets  are  amortized  on  a  linear  basis  until  the  end  of  the 
lease. Lease payments are apportioned between the lease liabilities and interest expense.  

Leases  in  which  the  Company  is  the  lessor  are  generally  sub-leases  for  premises.  The 
Company classifies the leases in which it is the lessor as either finance leases or operating 
leases. A lease is classified as a finance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and 
rewards incidental to ownership of an underlying asset and as an operating lease if it does 
not. The Company mainly enters into operating leases. When the Company is the lessor, 
lease income from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease 
term to offset its rental expense. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an 
operating lease are recognized as an expense. 

Impairment of Tangible and Intangible Assets 

At  the  end  of  each  reporting  period,  the  Company  reviews  the  carrying  amounts  of  its 
tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. 
If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to 
determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. Where it is not possible to estimate the 
recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Company estimates the recoverable amount 
of the cash-generating unit (“CGU”) to which the asset belongs. Where a reasonable and 
consistent  basis  of  allocation  can  be  identified,  corporate  assets  are  also  allocated  to 
individual CGUs. 

Recoverable  amount  is  the  higher  of  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell  and  value  in  use.  In 
assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value 
using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of 
money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have 
not been adjusted. 

If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the 
carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is 
recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). 

Where  an  impairment  loss  subsequently  reverses,  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset  is 
increased  to  the  revised  estimate  of  its  recoverable  amount,  but  so  that  the  increased 
carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined 
had  no  impairment  loss  been  recognized  for  the  asset  in  prior  years.  A  reversal  of  an 
impairment 
the  consolidated  statements  of 
loss 
comprehensive income (loss). 

immediately 

recognized 

in 

is 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Government Grants 

At the end of each reporting period, the Company reviews if the government grant may be 
reported separately as “other income or non-recurring gain” or deducted from the related 
expense.  

If a grant becomes repayable, the Company will treat it as a change in estimate. Where the 
original grant related to income or non-recurring gain, the repayment should be applied first 
against any related unamortised deferred credit, and any excess should be dealt with as an 
expense. Where the original grant related to an asset, the repayment should be treated as 
increasing the carrying amount of the asset or reducing the deferred income balance. The 
cumulative depreciation which would have been charged had the grant not been received 
should be charged as an expense. 

Financial Instruments 
Classification and Measurement – Financial Assets 

At  initial  recognition,  all  financial  assets  are  recorded  at  fair  value  on  the  consolidated 
statements of financial position. After initial recognition, financial assets are classified either 
at (i) amortized cost; (ii) fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”); or (iii) fair value through 
other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”). 

Such classification is based on: 

- the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets; and 
- the Company’s business model for managing these financial assets. 

The contractual cash flows associated with the financial asset must be solely payments of 
principal and interest on the outstanding principal amount for the asset to be classified at 
amortized cost or for a debt instrument held to be classified as FVOCI; otherwise, it must 
be classified and measured at FVTPL. 

The table below presents the different classifications for each of the three possible business 
models  that  can  be  used  to  manage,  on  a  portfolio  basis,  a  group  of  financial  assets  to 
achieve their respective business objectives. 

Business Model 
Originated to hold (OTH) 

Originated to sell (OTS) 

Originated to hold and sell 

Business Objective 
Solely the collection of the 
contractual cash flows of the 
financial assets 
Sale of the financial assets or 
managed on a fair value basis 
Both the collection of contractual 
cash flows of the financial assets 
and their sale 

12 

Classification 
Amortized cost 

FVTPL 

FVOCI 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

In addition, debt instruments held that would otherwise be measured at amortized cost or 
at FVOCI can be designated upon initial recognition using the fair value option if doing so 
would  reduce  an  accounting  mismatch.  Equity  instruments  held  are  always measured  at 
FVTPL unless they are designated upon initial recognition at FVOCI, whereby subsequent 
changes  in  fair  value  would  be  recorded  in  OCI  and  would  never  be  reclassified  to  net 
income (loss). 

The  following  table  presents  the  Company’s  classification  of  its  financial  assets.  The 
Company has no financial assets at FVOCI and has not used the fair value option.  

Financial Assets 
Cash 
Restricted cash 
OTH loans 
OTS loans 
Other receivables 

Classification 
Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 
FVTPL 
Amortized cost 

Commercial Loans Receivable 
The  Company  recognizes  commercial  loans  receivable  when  cash  is  advanced  to  a 
borrower.  Commercial  loans  are  initially  recognized  at  fair  value  plus  directly  attributable 
costs and are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method 
for OTH loans or at fair value for OTS loans. 

Presentation  
OTH loans are presented net of allowances for expected credit losses on the consolidated 
statements of financial position.  

The  interest  income  on  OTS  loans  is  recorded  in  interest  revenue  in  the  consolidated 
statements of comprehensive income (loss). Changes in the fair value of OTS loans are 
recognized  in  net  gain  recognized  on  sale  of  loans  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 
comprehensive income (loss).  

Reclassifications 
The  portfolio  of  commercial  loans  designated  as  OTS  at  initial  recognition  would  be 
reclassified as OTH only in rare situations when there is a change in the business model 
used to manage the portfolio. Such a reclassification would be applied prospectively from 
the reclassification date. 

Impairment of OTH Loans 
At  the  end  of  each  reporting  period,  the  Company  applies  a  three-stage  forward-looking 
impairment approach to measure the ECLs on its OTH loans. The stages are based on the 
change in the credit quality of the OTH loan since initial recognition. Measurement of ECLs 
at each reporting period reflects reasonable and supportable information about past events, 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

current conditions, and forecasts of future events and economic conditions.  

The following table presents the three stages of the Company’s impairment model. 

Stage 

Credit Quality – Reporting 
Date vs. Initial Recognition 

Impairment Amount 

1 

2 

3 

No significant increase 

Equals to 12-month ECL 

Significant increase 

Equals to lifetime ECL 

Credit-impaired 

Equals to lifetime ECL until the 
financial asset is written off 

Interest Income 
The interest income is calculated on the gross carrying amount of the OTH loans in stages 
1 and 2 and on the net carrying amount of the OTH loans in stage 3.  

Changes in Credit Risk 
The Company considers that a significant increase in credit risk exists after a commercial 
loan  has  one missed  payment  or  earlier  if  other reasonable  and supportable  information 
exists  to  support  the  estimated  increase  in  probability  of  default  of  the  OTH  loan.  The 
assessment of a significant increase in credit risk requires significant judgment. 

If the credit risk of an OTH loan improves such that there is no longer a significant increase 
in credit risk since initial recognition, the OTH loan can revert from stage 2 to stage 1. 

Credit-Impaired Loans 
The definition of default used by the Company to identify its credit-impaired OTH loans is 
consistent with the definition of default used for internal credit risk management purposes. 
The Company considers that an event of default occurs when a payment is late by more 
than  90  days  or  earlier  when  one  or  more  events  that  have  a  detrimental  impact  on  the 
estimated future cash flows of the commercial loan have occurred. 
If a credit impaired OTH loan improves such that there is no longer a significant increase in 
credit risk since initial recognition, the credit impaired OTH loan can revert from stage 3 to 
either stage 2 or stage 1. 

Write offs 
Commercial loans are written off when the Company considers the probability of recovery 
to be non-existent due to: 

(i) 
(ii) 

having exhausted reasonable recovery efforts; or  
the borrower is bankrupt or winding up, and balances owing are not likely to be 
recovered. 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

ECL Measurement 
ECLs are measured as the probability-weighted present value of all expected cash shortfalls 
over the remaining expected life of the financial instrument, and reasonable and supportable 
information  about  past  events,  current  conditions  and  forecasts  of  future  events  and 
economic  conditions  is  considered.  The  estimation  and  application  of  forward-looking 
information requires significant judgment. The cash shortfall is the difference between all 
contractual  cash  flows  owed  to  the  Company  and  all  the  cash  flows  that  the  Company 
expects to receive.   

The measurement of ECLs is primarily based on the product of the OTH loan’s: 

-  probability of default;  
loss given default; and 
- 
-  exposure at default.  

The determination of ECL also requires the utilization of forward-looking macroeconomic 
factors  such  as  credit  default  indices,  interest  rates and  gross  domestic product that  are 
incorporated into the risk parameters. The estimate of ECL losses reflects an unbiased and 
probability-weighted amount that is determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes. 
In  order  to  implement  these  principles,  the  Company  has  developed  loss-ratios  by  ECL 
impairment  stage.  The  forward-looking  macroeconomic  factors  are  integrated  in  the 
aforementioned  loss  ratios  to  reflect  the  current  economic  conditions.  Nevertheless,  the 
short-term  nature  of  the  Company’s  commercial  loans  curtails  the  importance  of  these 
forward-looking macroeconomic factors. 

The Company applies experienced credit judgment to adjust the modelled ECL results when 
it becomes evident that known or expected risk factors and information were not considered 
in the initial credit risk rating and modelling process.  

Classification and Measurement – Financial Liabilities 
The following table presents the Company’s classification of its financial liabilities. 

Financial Liabilities 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
Financing credit facilities 
Convertible debentures 

Lease Liabilities 

Classification  
Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 

Amortized cost 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Definitions – Financial Instruments 

Term 

Amortized cost 

Exposure at 
default 

Fair value 

Fair value option 
(for a financial 
asset) 

FVOCI option 

Modified loans 

Loss given 
default 

Probability of 
default 

Meaning 
The  principal  amount  is  generally  the  fair  value  of  the  financial 
instrument at initial recognition. The interest consists of consideration 
for  the  time  value  of  money,  the  credit  risk  associated  with  the 
principal amount outstanding during a particular period of time, and 
other basic lending risks and costs as well as of a profit margin. 
Outstanding balances anticipated at each point in time and assuming 
previous  payments  were  made.  Expected  exposure  at  default 
decreases over time until it reaches zero upon loan maturity. 
The fair value on initial recognition is the transaction price, which is 
the fair value of the consideration given or received. Subsequent to 
initial  recognition,  fair  value  is  determined  by  management  using 
available market information or other valuation methodologies. 
Irrevocable  designation  at  FVTPL  at  initial  recognition.  Certain 
conditions must be met: 

-  elimination  or  significant  reduction  in  a  measurement  or 
recognition  inconsistency  that  would  otherwise  arise  from 
liabilities  or 
measuring 
recognizing gains and losses on them on different bases; and  
fair values are reliable. 

financial  assets  or 

financial 

- 

Irrevocable designation, at initial recognition, of an investment in an 
equity  instrument  that  is  neither  held  for  trading  nor  a  contingent 
consideration  recognized  in  a  business  combination  as  being 
measured at FVOCI. 
OTH  loans  for  which  the  contractual  cash  flows  have  been 
renegotiated or otherwise modified. 
Reflects the losses expected should a default occur and considers 
such  factors  as  repayments  of  principal  and  interest  between  the 
consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  date  and  the  time  of 
default. 
Probabilities of a default occurring over the determined period, based 
on  conditions  existing  at  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial 
position  date  and  on  future  economic  conditions  that  have,  or  will 
have, an impact on credit risk. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Calculation of Interest Income 

Type of revenue  Method of calculation 
Interest – OTH 
loans 

Effective interest rate method on the gross carrying amount. 

Interest – 
credit-impaired 
loans 

Interest – 
modified loans 

Interest – OTS 
loans 

The effective interest rate method is applied to the amortized cost of 
a credit-impaired loan (i.e., net of the stage 3 allowance for that loan) 
in  subsequent  reporting  periods,  until  the  loan  is  fully  impaired  or 
written off. 
The gross carrying amount of a modified loan is recalculated as the 
present value of the renegotiated or modified contractual cash flows 
that are discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. 

Effective interest rate method. 

Definitions – Calculation of Interest Income 

Term 

Effective interest 
rate 

Expected life 

Loan origination 
fees 

Loan Sales 

Meaning 
Rate that discounts estimated future cash flows through the expected 
life  of  the  financial  instrument  back  to  the  net  carrying  amount 
considering  all  contractual  cash  flows,  including,  for  commercial 
loans,  loan  origination  fees,  net  of  any  transaction  costs  that  are 
directly  attributable  to  the  financial  instrument  but,  for  financial 
assets, not future credit losses. Under the effective interest method, 
the interest realized is not necessarily the same as the stated interest 
rate on the agreement. The application of this method has the effect 
of  recognizing  interest  on  the  financial  instrument  evenly  in 
proportion to the amount outstanding over the period of repayment. 
Represents  the  remaining  contractual  life  of  commercial  loans 
receivable. 
Fee income charged to the borrower on the origination of the financial 
asset. 

In the normal course of business, the Company may sell its interests in commercial loans 
receivable. The Company derecognizes loans receivable sold only when it has transferred 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the assets, which occurs when the 
Company no longer considers itself to have any significant exposure to the variability in the 
present value of the future cash flows from the loans receivable. Outstanding proceeds of 
sold or discharged loans receivable are reported separately from other loans receivable and 
are measured at their realizable value, net of expected transaction costs. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

When  substantially  all  the  risks  and  rewards  related  to  a  financial  asset  are  neither 
transferred nor retained, the Company derecognizes the financial asset over which it does 
not  retain  control  and  recognizes  an  asset  or  a  liability  representing  the  rights  and 
obligations  created  or  retained  in  the  asset  transfer.  If  control  of  the  financial  asset  is 
retained, the Company continues to recognize the asset in the Consolidated Statements of 
Financial Position to the extent of its continuing involvement in that asset. 

Where the Company retains the servicing rights of loans sold, the benefits of servicing are 
assessed against market expectations. When the benefits of servicing are more than market 
expectations,  a  servicing  asset  is  recognized.  Servicing  assets  are  carried  at  amortized 
cost.  Amortization  is  calculated  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  term  of  the  servicing 
agreement,  which  approximates  one  year.  When  the  benefits  of  servicing  are  less  than 
market expectations, a servicing liability is recognized. 

Transaction Costs 

Transaction  costs  incurred  as  a  necessary  part  of  completing  an  equity  transaction  are 
accounted for as part of that transaction and deducted from equity, net of any related income 
tax benefit. Transaction costs that relate to the issue of a compound financial instrument 
are allocated to the liability and equity components of the instrument in proportion to the 
allocation  of  proceeds.  Transaction  costs  for  all  financial  instruments  not  at  FVPTL  are 
added to the carrying amount of the instrument. 

Interest Revenue 

Interest  revenue  is  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  comprehensive  income 
(loss) for all financial assets measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate 
method.  

When a loan is classified as impaired, the original expected timing and amount of future 
cash flows may be revised to reflect new loan circumstances. Interest revenue continues to 
be recognized using the effective interest rate used to discount the future cash flows for the 
purpose of measuring the impairment loss. This is offset by a corresponding adjustment to 
the allowance for loan loss charge to reflect the fact that this additional revenue may not be 
collectible. 

Interest income and guarantee fee income is thereafter recognized on this impaired carrying 
value using the effective interest rate. Additional changes to the amount or timing of future 
cash  flows  could  result  in  further  loan  losses,  or  the  reversal  of  prior  loan  losses,  which 
would also impact the amount of subsequent income recognized. 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Interest Expense 

Interest expense comprises interest expense on debt borrowings and is recognized in profit 
or loss, in the period in which it is incurred, under the effective interest method. 

Provisions 

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation 
as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Company will be required to settle the 
obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. 

The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to 
settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks 
and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash 
flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of 
those cash flows. 

Revenue Recognition 

Revenue is recognized when the Company has transferred control of goods or a service 
(i.e., the  performance  obligation  is  satisfied).  Management  must  use  its  judgment  to 
determine when performance obligations are satisfied and establish the transaction price 
and the amounts allocated to such obligations. 

Other Fees and Servicing Income 

Fee  income  that  is  integral  to the  effective  yield  of  a  financial  asset  is  recognized  as  an 
adjustment to the effective interest rate calculation and is included in financing revenue as 
previously described. 

Fee and servicing revenue comprise service fees, insufficient funds and other administrative 
fees, and referral fees. 

Service  fees  are  charged  on  loans  sold  to  institutional  purchasers  where  the  Company 
retains the servicing rights on the loans. In some instances, service fees are based on the 
future cash flows of the loans sold to institutional purchasers, the amount recognized as a 
service fee is based on the best estimate on the future cash flow taking into account the 
risks and uncertainties surrounding the loans.  

Insufficient  funds  and  other  administrative  fee  revenue  are  charged  and  collected  on  all 
missed payments or for other administrative reasons and is recognized as it is earned. 

Referral fee revenue is collected upon the successful referral and funding of unfunded loan 
applications to third parties. This revenue is recognized when it is earned. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Cash and Restricted Cash 

Cash  and  restricted  cash  comprise  cash  in  hand,  deposits  held  at  call  with  banks  and 
restricted cash. Restricted cash comprises bonding insurance collateral and cash held as 
security for payment clearing activities. 

Convertible Debentures 

Convertible  debentures  are  separated  into  their  liability  and  equity  components.  The  fair 
value of the liability component at the time of issue is determined based on an estimated 
interest rate of the debenture without the conversion feature. The amount attributed to the 
equity component is determined as the difference between the fair value of the convertible 
debenture as a whole and the fair value of the liability component.  

Subsequent  to  initial  recognition,  the  liability  component  is  measured  at  amortized  cost 
using the effective interest method. The equity component is not remeasured subsequent 
to initial recognition and is reclassified within equity on conversion or expiry. 
requiring les sees to rec ognis e ass ets and liabilities for all l eas es unles s the leas e term is 12 months  or l ess or the underlying asset has  a low val ue. Les sors  conti nue to clas sify l eases  as  operati ng or  finance 

Share Capital 

Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue 
of new common shares are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 

Contributed Surplus 

Contributed surplus is used to record the accumulated fair value of stock options recognized 
as  stock-based  payments  and  warrants  issued. Contributed  surplus  is  increased  by  the 
compensation  charge  over the  vesting  period  and  is reduced  by  corresponding  amounts 
when the options and warrants are exercised, forfeited, or expire. 

Foreign Exchange 

a)  Functional and Presentation Currency 

Items  included  in  the  financial  statements  of  each  of  the  Company’s  entities  are 
measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity 
operates  (the  “functional  currency”).  The  consolidated  financial  statements  are 
presented in Canadian dollars. The functional currency of IOU USA, IOU SBAF, IOU 
SBAF II  and  Zing  Funding  is  the  US  dollar,  while  the  rest  of  the  Company  uses  the 
Canadian dollar as its functional currency.  

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

b)  Group Companies 

The  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  subsidiaries  with  a  US  dollar  functional  currency  are 
translated  at  the  exchange  rate  prevailing  on  the  reporting  date,  and  revenues  and 
expenses at the average rates during the reporting period. Foreign currency gains or 
losses  resulting  from  the  translation  of  those  subsidiaries  are  recorded  in  other 
comprehensive income (loss) with a corresponding increase or decrease to the foreign 
currency translation reserve component of accumulated other comprehensive income 
(loss), which is a component of shareholders’ equity. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

The Company operates an equity-settled stock-based compensation plan, under which the 
entity receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments (options) 
of  the  Company.  The  fair  value  of  the  employee  and  others  providing  similar  services 
received  in  exchange  for  the  grant  of  options  is  recognized  as  an  expense  with  a 
corresponding  increase  to  contributed  surplus.  The  total  amount  to  be  expensed  is 
determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted at the grant date. 

Each  tranche  of  a  stock-based  compensation  award  with  a  different  vesting  date  is 
considered a separate grant for the calculation of fair value, and the resulting fair value is 
amortized  over  the  vesting  period  of  the  respective  tranches,  based  on  the  Company’s 
estimate of equity instruments that will eventually vest. At the end of each reporting period, 
the Company revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest. The 
impact  of  the  revision  of  the  original  estimates,  if  any,  is  recognized  in  the  consolidated 
statements of comprehensive income (loss), such that the cumulative expense reflects the 
revised estimate with a corresponding adjustment to contributed surplus.  

When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received 
net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital. Any amounts 
previously credited to contributed surplus relating to the original stock-based compensation 
is also allocated to share capital.   

Taxation 

Income  tax  expense  or  recovery  represents  the  sum  of  the  tax  currently  payable  and 
deferred tax. 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

a) Current Tax 

The tax currently payable is based on taxable income for the year. Taxable income differs 
from  net  earnings  as  reported  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  comprehensive  income 
(loss) because of items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years 
and  items that  are  never  taxable  or  deductible. The  Company’s  liability  for  current tax  is 
calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of 
the reporting period. 

b) Deferred Tax 

Deferred  tax  is  recognized,  using  the  balance  sheet  method,  on  temporary  differences 
arising  between  the  tax  bases  of  assets  and  liabilities  and  their  carrying  amounts  in  the 
consolidated statements of financial position. Deferred tax is calculated using tax rates and 
laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period, 
and which apply when the related deferred income tax asset is expected to be realized or 
the deferred income tax liability is expected to be settled. 

i) Deferred Tax Liabilities: 

●  are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences; and 
●  are  not  recognized  on  temporary  differences  that  arise  from  goodwill 
which  is  not  deductible for tax  purposes  or  the  initial  recognition  of  an 
asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and 
at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit 
(loss). 

ii) Deferred Tax Assets: 

●  are  recognized  to  the  extent  it  is  probable  that  taxable  profits  will  be 
available  against  which  the  deductible  temporary  differences  can  be 
utilized; and 

●  are reviewed at the end of the reporting period and reduced to the extent 
that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available 
to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set 
off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes 
levied  by  the  same  taxation  authority  and  the  Company  intends  to  settle  its  current  tax 
assets and liabilities on a net basis.  

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

c) Current and Deferred Tax for the year 

Current and deferred tax are recognized as an expense or income in net earnings, except 
when  they  relate  to  items  that  are  recognized  outside  profit  or  loss  (whether  in  other 
comprehensive income (loss) or directly in equity), in which case the tax is also recognized 
outside  profit  or  loss,  or  where  they  arise  from  the  initial  accounting  for  a  business 
combination.  In  the  case  of  a  business  combination,  the  tax  effect  is  included  in  the 
accounting for the business combination. 

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share 

Earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding 
during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the treasury stock method, 
giving effect to the exercise of all stock options, warrants and convertible debentures. The 
diluted earnings per share is equal to the basic earnings per share due to the anti-dilutive 
effect of these elements. 

4.  Commercial Loans Receivable 

As  at  December  31,  2020  and  2019, the  Company  held commercial  loans  receivable  as 
part of its regular operations. 

Principal balance of OTH loans 
Unamortized fees and transaction costs 
OTH loans 

2020  
$ 

2019 
$ 

13,466,093 
520,909 
13,987,002 

56,871,350 
2,092,854 
58,964,204 

Allowance for expected credit losses 

(2,927,407) 

(4,515,175) 

Commercial loans receivable, net 

11,059,595 

54,449,029 

The loans bear fixed interest at a rate of 9.25% (2019: ranging between 9.25% and 15.99%) 
and  mature  no  later  than  18 months  (2019:  18).  As  at  December  31,  2020,  0%  (2019: 
10.70%) of commercial loans receivable have a maturity date over 12 months. Guarantee 
fees charged on each loan range between 7.00% and 30.00% (2019: 7.00% and 29.00%) 
of the original loan amount. At inception, the loans had an average date to maturity of 12.9 
months (2019: 12.0 months). The loans are being repaid daily or weekly over their terms. 
Loans are not collateralized but are backed by a general security agreement against all of 
the assets of the business and are personally guaranteed by the owner(s) of the business. 
The  commercial  loans  receivable  are  substantially  all  denominated  in  US  dollars. 
Transaction  costs  and  unamortized  fees  comprise  broker  commissions  and  loan  closing 
fees and are recognized over the term of the loan through the effective rate mechanism. 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

The fair value of these loans is estimated to be equivalent to the carrying amount, due to 
the residual short-term nature of these loans. 

Credit Quality of OTH Loans 

The commercial loan receivable balance consists of term loans and given their relatively 
short-term nature; the Company assesses the credit quality of its loans solely at the time of 
origination.  Subsequent  to  origination,  the  credit  quality  of  the  loan  portfolio  is  derived 
principally  through  the  monitoring  of  payment  delinquencies  and  interactions  with  the 
borrowers  which  then  has  a  corresponding  impact  on  the  classification  of  the  ECL 
impairment stages. 

The following table presents the gross carrying amount of commercial loans receivable as 
at December 31, 2020, according to their ECL impairment stages. 

As noted below, Stage 3 loans are subdivided into two subgroups described as Tier 1 and 
Tier 2. Tier 1 includes credit-impaired loans that are still responsive and have made at least 
one  payment  in  the  last  30  days.  Tier  2  includes  credit-impaired  loans  that  are  not 
responsive and have not made a payment in the last 30 days. Inactive loans are estimated 
ultimate recoverable amounts for delinquent loans that are in the last stages of the collection 
process.   

Stage 1 
Stage 2 
Stage 3 Tier 1 
Stage 3 Tier 2 
Inactive 
Total 

% 
38.42 
0.44 
48.96 
3.13 
9.05 
100.00 

Gross Carrying 
Amount 
5,262,045 
59,926 
6,979,057   
447,396   

1,238,578 
  13,987,002 

Allowance for 
Expected Credit 
Losses 
(131,235) 
(12,584) 
(2,407,775)   
(375,813)   

Net Carrying 
Amount 
5,130,810 
47,342 
4,571,282   
71,583   

- 
(2,927,407) 

1,238,578 
11,059,595 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

The following table presents the gross carrying amount of commercial loans receivable as 
at December 31, 2019, according to credit quality and ECL impairment stages. 

Stage 1 
Stage 2 
Stage 3 Tier 1 
Stage 3 Tier 2 
Inactive 
Total 

% 
85.89 
3.45 
4.96 
5.23 
0.47 
100.00 

Gross Carrying 
Amount 
50,643,436 
2,037,037 
2,927,133 
3,085,948 
270,650 
58,964,204 

Allowance for 
Expected Credit 
Losses 
(1,005,219) 
(285,065) 
(711,363) 
(2,513,528) 
- 
(4,515,175) 

Net Carrying 
Amount 
49,638,217 
1,751,972 
2,215,770 
572,420 
270,650 
54,449,029 

Movement in the Allowances for Losses on OTH Loans 

The following table presents the movements of the allowance for expected credit losses as 
at December 31, 2020. 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Stage 3 

Total 

Balance, December 

31, 2019 

Transfers to stage 1 
Transfers to stage 2 
Transfers to stage 3 
Impact of 
originations 
Net remeasurement 
Net variation of the 

allowance 
Loans written off 
Recoveries of loans 

previously 
written off 
Net write offs 
Translation 

differences 

Balance, 

December 31, 
2020  

1,005,219 
2,063,864 
(1,473,838) 
(1,513,803) 

541,268 
(465,740) 

(848,249) 
- 

285,065 
(1,473,525) 
1,473,838 
(42,803) 

3,224,891 
(590,339) 
- 
1,556,606 

4,515,175 
- 
- 
- 

- 
(222,693) 

- 
8,248,767 

541,268 
7,560,334 

(265,183) 
- 

9,215,034 

8,101,602 
(10,280,147)  (10,280,147) 

- 
- 

- 
- 

706,367 
(9,573,780) 

706,367 
(9,573,780) 

(25,735) 

(7,298) 

(82,557) 

(115,590) 

131,235 

12,584 

2,783,588 

2,927,407 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

The following table presents the movements of the allowance for expected credit losses as 
at December 31, 2019. 

Stage 1 

Stage 2 

Stage 3 

Total 

Balance, December 

31, 2018 

Transfers to stage 1 
Transfers to stage 2 
Transfers to stage 3 
Impact of 
originations 
Net remeasurement 
Net variation of the 

allowance 
Loans written off 
Recoveries of loans 

previously 
written off 
Net write offs 
Translation 

differences 

Balance, 

December 31, 
2019  

620,256 
4,295,537 
(3,263,488) 
(3,052,229) 

4,006,047 
(1,560,339) 

447,926 
(4,295,537) 
3,263,488 
(76,904) 

2,255,932 
- 
- 
3,129,133 

3,324,114 
- 
- 
- 

- 
975,386 

- 
3,937,972 

4,006,047 
3,353,019 

425,528 
- 

(133,567) 
- 

7,067,105 
(6,198,651) 

7,359,066 
(6,198,651) 

- 
- 

- 
- 

248,043 
(5,950,608) 

248,043 
(5,950,608) 

(40,565) 

(29,294) 

(147,538) 

(217,397) 

1,005,219 

285,065 

3,224,891 

4,515,175 

Amounts  charged  to  the  allowance  are  charged  off  when  there  is  no  expectation  of 
recovering additional cash. 

Loans  with  a  contractual  amount  of  $10,280,147  written  off  during  the  period  are  still 
subject to enforcement activity. 

Loan modification 

Commencing  March  2020,  the  coronavirus  pandemic  (“COVID-19”)  caused  disruption, 
slowdown and even temporary closures of several of the Company’s clients. In an effort to 
help its clients, in late March 2020, management began the process of effecting modified 
payment plans for clients manifesting bona fide hardships directly attributable to the impacts 
of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nature and duration of the modified plans varied according 
to the degree of hardship experienced by each client. These plans generally contemplated 
temporary deferral of principal payments without reductions in the applicable interest rates 
and for the most part not exceeding four months. As such, the effect on the amortized cost 
of the modified loans were not significant and did not result in derecognitions of the loans 
in question. These modifications were temporary in nature and by December 31, 2020 more 
than two-thirds of all such loans have reverted to the initial payment schedule. All loans that 
participated in the deferral program have been subject to the normal staging process for 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

ECL  purposes,  however  given  the  extraordinary  circumstance  of  COVID-19,  as  at 
December  2020,  if  a  credit-impaired  OTH  loan  improves  such  that  there  is  no  longer  a 
significant  increase  in  credit  risk  since  initial  recognition,  the  credit-impaired  OTH  loan 
reverts from stage 3 to either stage 2 or stage 1. 

Loan sales and servicing assets 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company sold some of its commercial loans 
receivable, on a non-recourse basis, at face value, for total proceeds of $84.6 million (2019: 
$93.3 million). At the time of sale, the Company transferred to the purchaser all rights and 
risks  associated  with  the  loans  sold,  and  the  Company  determined  that  the  criteria  for 
derecognition had been met.  

However,  as  per  the  debt  assignment  agreements,  the  Company  retained  the  servicing 
rights  (payment  collections)  to  the  loans,  and  the  purchaser  agreed  to  be  charged  a 
servicing fee over the term of the loans. The Company recognized a net gain on sale of the 
commercial loans of $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 (2019: $3.7 million), 
along  with  servicing  assets  that  are  amortized  to  the  consolidated  statements  of 
comprehensive income over the term of the assignment agreements. As at December 31, 
2020, the carrying amount of these assets amounted to $1.2 million (2019: $1.4 million). 
The  servicing  asset  is  determined  by  comparing  the  actual  expected  cash  flows  to  be 
received  to  the  fair  value  of  providing  such  services.  The  fair  value  of  the  servicing  was 
determined by using readily available third-party pricing for a similar type of service, which 
is around 1% of the total principal and interest collected over the term of the servicing period. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

5.  Other receivables 

Other receivable 
Deferred Service Fees receivable 

Total 

2020 
$ 

322,714 
283,216 

605,930 

2019 
$ 

211,940 
- 

211,940 

Deferred service fees receivable relates to amounts to be collected with respect to the 
sale proceeds and service fees on certain OTS loans. 

6.  Equipment and Leasehold Improvements 

The following table presents the carrying amount of the equipment and leasehold 
improvements as at December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

Cost 
Balance at December 31, 2018 
Translation differences 
Additions 
Balance at December 31, 2019 
Translation differences 
Additions 
Balance at December 31, 2020  

Accumulated Depreciation 
Balance at December 31, 2018 
Translation differences 
Depreciation expense 

for the year 

Balance at December 31, 2019  
Translation differences 
Depreciation expense 

for the year 

Balance at December 31, 2020  

Carrying Amounts 
At December 31, 2019  
At December 31, 2020  

Office 
Equipment 
$ 

Computer 
Equipment 
$ 

Leasehold 
Improvements 
$ 

Total 
$ 

183,602 
(4,672) 
- 
178,930  
(1,828) 
2,210 
179,312 

188,580 
(6,400) 
7,977 
190,157  
(3,510) 
18,626 
205,273 

181,607  553,789 
(12,799) 
(1,727) 
42,334  
34,357 
214,237   583,324  
(6,041) 
20,836 
213,534  598,119 

(703) 
- 

148,922 
(4,287) 

153,322 
(5,667) 

73,509  375,753 
(11,105) 
(1,151) 

25,950 
170,585  
(1,862) 

15,413 
163,068  
(2,912) 

32,080 

73,443 
104,438   438,091  
(5,358) 

(584) 

7,759 
176,482 

18,726 
178,882 

35,180 

61,665 
139,034  494,398 

8,345  
2,830 
28 

27,089  
26,391 

109,799   145,233  
74,500  103,721 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

7. 

Intangible Assets 

The following table presents the carrying amount of the intangible assets as at 
December 31, 2020 and 2019. Intangible assets comprise internal use software. 

Cost 
Balance at beginning of year 
Translation differences 
Additions 
Balance at end of year 

Accumulated Amortization 
Balance at beginning of year 
Translation differences 
Amortization charge for the year 

Balance at end of year 

2020 
$ 

2019 
$ 

1,750,978 
(40,500)  
-  
1,710,478 

1,696,038 
(42,297) 
56,737 
1,710,478 

1,854,440 
(103,462)  
-  
1,750,978 

1,711,068 
(98,629) 
83,599 
1,696,038 

Carrying Amount 

- 

54,940 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

8.  Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities 

The following table presents the value of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as at 
December 31, 2020 and 2019. 

Right-of-use Assets 
Balance at beginning of year  
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 
Translation differences 
Balance at end of year 

Lease Liabilities 
Balance at beginning of year 
Principal payments 
Translation differences 
Balance at end of year 

9.  Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities  

Trade payables 
Payable to loan purchasers 
Other payables and accruals 

Total 

2020 
$ 

2019 
$ 

716,787 
(137,441) 
93,110 
672,456 

753,645 
(115,632) 
93,110 

731,123 

1,088,257 
(191,349) 
(180,121) 
716,787 

1,088,257 
(154,491) 
(180,121) 
753,645 

2020 
$ 

252,097 
814,339 
951,106 

2019 
$ 

573,882 
792,916 
676,079 

2,017,542 

2,042,877 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

10.  Financing Credit Facilities 

Balance at beginning of year 
Proceeds 
Repayments 
New transaction costs incurred 
Exit fee 
Amortization of transaction costs 
Translation differences 
Balance at end of year 

2020 
$ 
37,954,729 
- 
(38,936,865) 
- 
222,810 
662,409 
(3,054) 
(99,971) 

At year-end, the carrying value of the liability (asset) was composed of: 

Financing credit facilities 
Unamortized transaction costs 

2020 
$ 
- 
(99,971) 
(99,971) 

2019 
$ 
19,758,556 
19,906,790 
- 
(375,083) 
- 
461,373 
(1,796,907) 
37,954,729 

2019 
$ 
38,936,865 
(982,136) 
37,954,729 

The  carrying  amount  of  current  borrowings  was  a  reasonable  approximation  of  the  fair 
value,  as  the  facilities  bear  interest  at  a  floating  rate  and  the  contractual  spreads  are 
commensurate with the spreads the Company estimates it could currently obtain. 

2016 Credit Facility 

On April 22, 2016, the Company entered into a US$50.0 million credit facility with a third-
party  lender  (the  “2016  Credit  Facility”).  The  facility  consisted  of  a  US$25.0 million  term 
loan,  expandable  to  US$50.0 million  at  the  Company’s  request  and  the  lender’s 
acceptance. The facility is denominated in US dollars and the interest rate is LIBOR plus 
8.50%, which represented 10.19% as at December 31, 2019. 

In  February  and  July  2018,  the  2016  Credit  Facility  was  modified  and  extended  until 
December 31,  2020,  the  date  on  which  the  full  amount  will  be  due.  The  amount  of  the 
modified  facility  is  US$22.0 million,  with  a  term  portion  equal  to  US$15.0 million  and  a 
revolver amount of US$7.0 million. 

In  December  2019,  the  Company  modified  and  extended  its  2016  Credit  Facility 
until December  31,  2022.  The modified  interest  rate  of  the  2016  Credit  Facility  is  LIBOR 
plus 5.50%, down from LIBOR plus 8.50%. The new rate came into effect in 2020.  

In April 2020, the Company received default notices from the 2016 Credit Facility as a result 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

of an uncured over advance position and consequently it began charging additional default 
interest of 3% for a total interest rate of LIBOR plus 8.5% and reduced the maximum facility 
amount from US$22.0 million to US$15.0 million. 

The  amount  outstanding  as  at  December  31,  2020  is  US$0  and  the  credit  facility  was 
terminated effective December 31, 2020. Upon termination, the 2016 Credit Facility charged 
an exit fee of US$175,000, a termination fee of US$75,000 and US$5,000 of legal costs 
(Refer to Note 17). 

2019 Credit Facility 

On  March  5,  2019,  the  Company  entered  into  a  new  US$50.0 million  credit  facility  (the 
“2019 Credit Facility”). The facility has an initial commitment amount of US$50.0 million and 
is expandable to US$100.0 million at the Company’s request and the lender’s acceptance. 
The interest rate on the facility is 90-day LIBOR, subject to a minimum LIBOR of 1.5%, plus 
4.50%, which represents 6.00% as at December 31, 2020. The term of the facility is three 
years  with  a  revolving  period  ending  on  March 5,  2021  and  an  amortization  period   
reflecting the availability of the credit facility. 

On October 15, 2020, the Company repaid the remaining loan amount related to the 2019 
Credit Facility and as a result, on October 22, 2020, the Company obtained a waiver for not 
having  cured  the  over  advance  position  initially  created  in  March  2020.  In  addition,  the 
Company obtained a waiver in relation to the defaults arising from its failure to meet certain 
covenants for the April-September 2020 period. At the same time, the Company entered 
into an amended agreement allowing for certain flexibility for certain financial covenants in 
future. 

The amount outstanding as at December 31, 2020 is US$0. 

Transaction costs 

Transaction costs directly attributable to the implementation and subsequent modification 
of the financial liabilities described above have been included in the measurement of the 
liabilities and are amortized over a period reflecting the availability of the credit facility. For 
the year ended December 31, 2020, amortization of $662,409 (2019: $461,373) has been 
included in operating expenses (Note 17). 

Pledged assets 

With respect to the 2016 Credit Facility, all assets held by the subsidiary IOUF SBAF are 
pledged as collateral for the facility. The following table presents the carrying amounts of 
assets pledged as collateral. 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Asset 
Commercial loans receivable, net  
Cash 

2020 
$ 
4,830,825  
1,322,558  

2019 
$ 
28,547,715  
2,356,398  

With respect to the 2019 Credit Facility, all assets held by the subsidiary IOUF SBAF II are 
pledged as collateral for the facility. The following table presents the carrying amounts of 
assets pledged as collateral. 

Asset 
Commercial loans receivable, net  
Cash 

Financial covenants 

2020 
$ 
5,449,924  
2,141,428  

2019 
$ 
25,901,314  
1,303,424  

As  part  of  the  2016  and  the  2019  Credit  Facilities,  the  Company  must  respect  certain 
financial covenants. All financial covenants were met as at December 31, 2019.  

Despite the fact that the 2016 Credit Facility was terminated effective December 31, 2020, 
not all financial covenants were met at December 31, 2020. 

All  financial  covenants  relating  to  the  2019  Credit  Facility  were  met  as  at  December  31, 
2020. 

11.  Convertible Debentures 

On November 2, November 20 and December 17, 2015, the Company closed tranches of 
an  offering  for  convertible  unsecured  subordinated  debentures  (the  “Debentures”)  for 
aggregate gross proceeds of $11,500,000. The Debentures mature on December 31, 2020 
and  bear  interest  at  a  rate  of  10%  per  annum,  payable  monthly.  The  Debentures  are 
convertible at the holders’ option into common shares at a price of $0.75 per common share, 
representing  a  conversion  rate  of  1,333.33  common  shares  for  each  $1,000  principal 
amount  of  the  Debentures.  The  Company  has  the  right  to  force  the  conversion  of  the 
Debentures  into  common  shares  at  any  time  on  or  after  December  31,  2018  should  the 
20-day volume weighted average price of the common shares on the TSX-V exceed 125% 
of  the  conversion  price.  The  issue  costs  were  $621,159,  resulting  in  net  proceeds  of 
$10,878,841. The fair value of the liability component at the time of issuance was based on 
an  estimated  interest  rate  of  11.90%  for  a  debt  without  the  conversion  feature.  The  net 
proceeds were attributed to the liability and equity components amounting to $10,092,467 
(net of transaction costs of $576,268) and $786,374 (net of transaction costs of $44,891), 
respectively.  Considering  the  issuance  costs,  the  effective  interest  rate  on  the  liability 
component of the Debentures is 12.14%. 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

On August 2, 2019, the Company amended the Debentures according to the terms below. 

a)  extended  the  maturity  date  of  the  Debentures  from  December  31,  2020  to 

December 31, 2023; 

b)  eliminated the condition that the Debentures be redeemable by the Company only 

when the current market price is 125% of the conversion price; 

c)  modified the conversion price of the Debentures from $0.75 to $0.50 per share; 
d)  eliminated the Company’s right to carry out a forced conversion of the Debentures; 

and 

e)  eliminated  the  Company’s  right  to  redeem  or  repay  the  principal  amount  of  the 

Debentures with freely tradeable shares. 

The  conversion  period  for  the  Debentures  remains  unchanged  and  is  set  to  expire  at 
5:00 p.m. on the last business day prior to December 31, 2020. 

The  Company  issued  the  Debentures  by  way  of  a  private  placement  pursuant  to  a  trust 
indenture  dated  November  2,  2015  and  entered  into  a  supplemental  trust  indenture  with 
Computershare Trust Company of Canada, the debenture trustee. 

Following the amendment, the liability component of the Debentures was determined to be 
$10,012,175, resulting in a gain of $485,579 in 2019. 

On October 21, 2019, an amount of $100,000 of the Debentures was converted to 
200,000 common shares at $0.50 per share, bringing the par value of Debentures from 
$11,500,000 to $11,400,000, and resulting in a gain of $9,028. 

In  April  2020, more than  two-thirds  of  the  value of the  Company's  convertible  debenture 
holders agreed to defer the payment of interest from the April 30, 2020 payment period to 
the June 30, 2020 payment period ("reprieve period") and capitalize the accrued interest 
over the reprieve period to the principal amount of the debentures at the end of the reprieve 
period, in accordance to the terms of the trust indenture under which such debentures were 
issued. 

In August 2020, more than two-thirds of the value of the Company's convertible debenture 
holders  agreed  to  receive  75%  of  the  interest  owed  for  the  months  of  July,  August  and 
September  2020  in  cash,  and  capitalize  the  remaining  25%  of  the  monthly  interest 
payments  to  the  principal  amount  of  the  debenture  at  the  end  of  each  monthly  payment 
period, in accordance to the terms of the trust indenture under which such debentures were 
issued. 

The  Debentures  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  are 
34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

calculated as follows: 

2020 
$ 

2019 
$ 

Par value of the Debentures 
Unamortized discount and transaction costs 

11,760,434 
(1,355,865) 

11,400,000 
(1,468,819) 

Liability component amount 

10,404,569 

9,931,181 

12.  Earnings per Share 

  Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share 

2020 
$ 

2019 
$ 

Net (loss) earnings  
Weighted average number of common shares 
for the purposes of basic earnings per share 

(2,819,475) 

1,523,309 

87,854,907 

87,547,924 

Basic (loss) earnings per share 

Effect of dilutive securities: Options 
Weighted average number of common shares 
for the purposes of diluted earnings per share 

(0.03) 

- 

0.02 

- 

87,854,907 

87,547,924 

Diluted earnings per share 

(0.03) 

0.02 

The following potential common shares are anti-dilutive and are therefore excluded from 
the weighted average number of common shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per 
share. 

Stock options 
Debentures 

Number of shares 

2020 

7,566,500 
- 

7,566,500 

2019 

6,861,500 
22,800,000 

29,661,500 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

13.  Share Capital 

Authorized 

Unlimited number of common shares  

Issued and Outstanding 

104,643,928 Common shares  
86,708,122 Common shares 

2020 
$ 

28,887,186 

2019 
$ 

26,988,530 

On May 24, 2019, 348,313 warrants were exercised for total proceeds of $69,662. 

As  part  of  the  Normal  Course  Issuer  Bid  (“NCIB”),  in  December  2019,  the  Company 
repurchased  and  cancelled  1,665,500  common  shares  in  the  market  for  a  total  cost  of 
$352,854 including $4,087 of transaction costs. 

On October 31, 2019, 100,000 Debentures were converted into 200,000 common shares. 

In 2020, as part of the NCIB, the Company repurchased and cancelled 279,000 common 
shares  in the market  for  a  total  cost  of  $55,388 including  $823  of  transaction  costs.  The 
NCIB terminated on April 30, 2020. 

IOU completed a non-brokered private placement of 18,009,806 common shares of the 
Company at a price of $0.1157 per common share for gross proceeds of $2,083,736, 
excluding transactions cost of approximately $146,092. 

In 2020, 205,000 options were exercised at an average exercise price of $0.08 for total 
proceeds of $16,400. 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Warrants 

A continuity schedule of outstanding common share purchase warrants for the years 
presented is as follows: 

Balance as at December 31, 2018 
Exercised 
Expired 
Balance as at December 31, 2019 
Exercised 
Expired 
Balance as at December 31, 2020  

Stock-Based Compensation 

Warrants 
Outstanding 
(#) 
479,125 
(348,313) 
(130,812) 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Average Exercise 
Price per Warrant 
($) 
0.20 
0.20 
0.20 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Movements in options for the years presented are as follows: 

Balance as at December 31, 2018 
Granted 
Forfeited 
Balance as at December 31, 2019 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Balance as at December 31, 2020  

Options 
Outstanding 
(#) 
6,201,000 
2,385,000 
     (1,724,500) 
6,861,500 
2,000,000 
(205,000) 
     (1,090,000) 
7,566,500 

Average 
Exercise Price 
($) 
0.35 
0.23 
0.48 
0.28 
0.08 
0.08 
0.39 
0.13 

Stock options are granted to directors, officers, selected employees, and consultants. The 
exercise  price  of  the  granted  options  is  determined  by  the  Board  of  Directors  at  a  price 
which shall not be lower than the greater of the closing market price of the shares on the 
TSX-V on (a) the trading day prior to the grant of the options and (b) the date of the grant 
of the options.  

The employee options vest over a two-year period, with one-third vesting immediately and 
one-third vesting on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of the grant. Each 
option is exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant, provided that it has 
vested. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

The following summarizes information about stock options outstanding as at 
December 31, 2020: 

Exercise Price 
($) 
0.27 
0.08 
0.27 
0.20 
0.08 
0.27 
0.22 
0.08 
0.08 
0.08 
0.08 
0.11 
Total 

Outstanding 
Options 
(#) 
 1,205,000  
376,500  
 500,000  
 705,000  
645,000  
 500,000  
 705,000  
860,000  
 70,000  
 200,000  
 1,745,000  
55,000 
7,566,500 

Exercisable 
(#) 
 1,205,000  
376,500 
 500,000  
 705,000  
645,000 
 333,333  
 470,000  
573,333  
 46,667  
200,000  
 581,667  
18,333 
5,654,833 

Expiry Date 

June 2022 
June 2022 
July 2023 
July 2023 
July 2023 
March 2024 
March 2024 
March 2024 
August 2024 
January 2023 
July 2025 
December 2025 

The Company granted, on January 15, 2020, options to a consultant to acquire up to 
200,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of $0.25 per share. These options have a 
term of three years and vest as follows: 50,000 options shall vest on March 15, 2020, 
50,000 options shall vest on June 15, 2020, 50,000 options shall vest on September 15, 
2020, and 50,000 options shall vest on December 15, 2020. 

On July 28, 2020, the Company granted options entitling its senior officers, its directors, 
and certain employees and consultants to acquire up to an aggregate of 1,745,000 
common shares of the Company ("Shares") at an exercise price of $0.08. These options 
have a term of five years from the date of grant with one-third (1/3) vesting immediately 
and one-third (1/3) vesting on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of 
grant, and if exercised, their underlying shares would be subject to a four-month hold 
period from the date of issuance of the options. The grant-date fair value has been 
established at $0.10 per option using the following assumptions: expected volatility of 
84%, risk-free interest rate of 0.23% and an expected life to maturity that equals the term. 

In addition, the exercise price of 2,403,167 stock options, granted prior to July 28, 2020, to 
purchase common shares of the Company and which are currently outstanding, were 
repriced to $0.08 per share. If exercised, their underlying shares would be subject to a 
four-month hold period from July 28, 2020. None of these restrictions will apply as of 
November 29, 2020. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

On September 11, 2020, the Company amended the exercise price of the 200,000 options 
granted on January 15, 2020 to a consultant from $0.25 to $0.08. If exercised, the shares 
underlying these options would be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of the 
amendment. 

On December 3,2020, the Company granted options entitling one director to acquire up to 
55,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.11 per share. Those options are vested 
over a two-year period, with one-third vesting immediately and one-third vesting on each 
of the first and second anniversaries of the date of the grant and exercisable for a period 
of five years from the date of grant, provided that it has vested. 

In 2020, 205,000 options were exercised at an average exercise price of $0.08. 

Due to the repricing of options, the weighted average exercise price was reduced to $0.13. 

14.  Financial Risk Management 

The Company is exposed to a variety of financial risks including credit risk, liquidity risk and 
market risk (including foreign exchange and interest rate risks). The Company’s overall risk 
management  program  focuses  on  the  unpredictability  of  financial  markets  and  seeks  to 
minimize potential adverse effects on the Company’s financial performance. 

14.1 Financial Risks 

a)  Credit risk  

Credit risk is managed on a Company-wide basis and results from the possibility that a loss 
may occur from the failure of another party to perform according to the terms of the contract. 
The Company regularly monitors the credit risk exposure and takes steps to mitigate the 
likelihood of those exposures resulting in actual loss.  

The  Company,  in  the  normal  course  of  business,  monitors  the  financial  condition  of  its 
customers.  These  policies  cover  the  approval  of  credit  applications,  attribution  of  risk 
ratings, management of impaired loans, establishment of provisions and risk-based pricing. 
The Company establishes an allowance for ECLs that corresponds to the credit risk of its 
customers, historical trends and future economic circumstances. The Company’s maximum 
credit  risk  is  the  carrying  value  of  the  cash,  restricted  cash,  other  receivables  and 
commercial  loans  receivable.  Refer  to  Note 4  for  information  related  to  the  commercial 
loans receivable at year-end and the related allowance for ECLs. 

In  addition,  financial  instruments  that  potentially  subject  the  Company  to  significant 
concentrations of credit risk consist of deposits in the form of cash and restricted cash. The 
Company invests with major North American financial institutions with external credit ratings 
varying from A- to A+. The Company has investment policies that are designed to provide 
39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

for the safety and preservation of principal, the Company’s liquidity needs and appropriate 
yields.  

b)  Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as 
they become due. The Company’s approach in managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as 
possible, that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal 
and  stressed  conditions,  without  incurring  unacceptable  losses  or  risking  damage  to  the 
Company’s reputation.  

The Company manages liquidity risk through the management of its capital structure. The 
Company  has  been  financed  mainly  through  equity  and  debt  offerings,  commercial  loan 
sales and the use of its financing credit facilities.  

With respect to commercial loan sales, the Company has an agreement with an investor to 
sell interests in certain of its commercial loan receivable of up to US$150 million per year 
for  the  next  two  years  (2019  -  US$0  million).  As  at  December  31,  2020,  US$4.1  million 
(2019-  US$0  million)  of  certain  commercial  loans  receivable  were  sold  to  the  investor 
pursuant to the agreement. 

With respect to the financing credit facilities, it is noted that save for the amortization period 
during the last year of the committed term, they are in the form of revolving credit facilities 
for  which  the  availability  is  determined  by  the  collateral  value  of  the  loans  pledged 
thereunder. In order to meet its liabilities when they come due, the Company is dependent 
on the continued availability of such financing activities.  

The following table presents the contractual maturities of financial liabilities. 

As at December 31, 2020  

Carrying 
Amount 
$ 

0 to 1 
Month 
$ 

1 to 12 
Months 
$ 

12 to 36 
Months 
$ 

36 
Months 
and Over 
$ 

2,017,542  575,678  1,144,864 

- 

- 

- 
10,404,569 
731,123 

- 

- 
97,964  1,077,604  14,111,580 
439,826 
205,276 
18,371 

- 

- 
- 
182,626 

Accounts payable and 
accrued liabilities  

Financing credit 

facilities 

Convertible debentures 
Lease liabilities 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Amounts denominated in foreign currency or based on variable rates are determined based 
on the spot rates as at December 31, 2020. 

c)  Foreign exchange risk 

The  Company,  due  to  its  operations  being  conducted  primarily  in  the  United  States,  is 
exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from currency exposure with respect to the US 
dollar.  Foreign  exchange  risk  arises  from  foreign  denominated  future  commercial 
transactions and recognized assets and liabilities.  

The Company does not use derivative financial instruments to reduce its foreign exchange 
exposure. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates could cause unanticipated fluctuations in 
the Company’s operating results. 

The Company’s foreign exchange exposure arising from financial instruments that would 
affect net earnings as at December 31, 2020 and 2019 relates to US dollar balances of the 
Canadian  dollar  functional  entities  and  Canadian  dollar  balances  of  US  dollar  functional 
entities. 

Based  on  the  Company’s  foreign  currency  exposure  noted  above,  varying  the  above 
foreign exchange rates to reflect a 10% strengthening of the Canadian dollar would have 
increased  the  net  loss  by  approximately  $1,835,055  (2019:  reduced  net  earnings  by 
$3,955,744),  assuming  that  all  other  variables  remained  constant.  An  assumed  10% 
weakening  of  the  Canadian  dollar  would  have  had  an  equal  but  opposite  effect  on  the 
above currencies to the amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain 
constant. 

d)  Interest rate risk 

The Company is subject to interest rate risk on its cash, restricted cash and financing credit 
facilities. A 10% increase in interest rates over a 12-month horizon based on the balances 
as at December 31, 2020 would not impact the net loss as the financing credit facilities have 
been fully repaid as at December 31,2020. Interest rate impact (2020 - $0, 2019 - $285,601). 

None of the Company’s current commercial lending is based on variable interest rates. The 
Company is also exposed to changes in the value of a loan when that loan’s interest rate is 
at a rate other than current market rate. The Company mitigates this risk by lending for short 
terms, with terms at the inception of the loan generally varying from 6 to 18 months. 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

14.2 Management of Capital 

The Company defines capital to be total shareholders’ equity, which includes share capital, 
and certain debt, specifically the financing credit facilities and Debentures. 

The Company’s objective in managing capital is to ensure a sufficient liquidity position to 
market its loans, to finance its sales and marketing activities, research and development 
activities,  general  and  administrative  expenses,  working  capital  and  overall  capital 
expenditures, including those associated with equipment and intangible assets. The ability 
to  fund  these  requirements  in  the  future  depends  on  the  Company’s  ability  to  access 
additional capital and generate additional cash flow from its operations.  

Since  inception,  the  Company  has  financed  its  liquidity  needs  primarily  through  private 
placements, the sale of loans and convertible debentures. When possible, the Company 
tries  to  optimize  its  liquidity  needs  by  non-dilutive  sources.  The  capital  management 
objectives listed above have not changed since the previous fiscal year.  

As  part  of  the  2016  and  the  2019  Credit  Facilities,  the  Company  must  respect  certain 
financial covenants. All financial covenants were met as at December 31, 2019. Despite the 
fact  that  the  2016  Credit  Facility  was  terminated  effective  December  31,  2020,  not  all 
financial covenants were met at December 31, 2020. All financial covenants relating to the 
2019 Credit Facilities were met as at December 31, 2020. 

15.  Revenue by Category 

The following table presents an analysis of revenue by category. 

2020 
$ 

2019 
$ 

Interest Revenue 

11,815,590 

17,861,394 

Other Fees and Servicing Income 

Other fees 
Servicing fees 
Amortization of servicing assets 

883,204 
3,746,601 
(3,004,811) 

944,041 
4,516,728 
(3,706,180) 

Total other fees and servicing income 

1,624,994 

1,754,589 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

16.  Income Tax 

Income tax expense (recovery) comprises: 

Current tax expense 
Deferred tax expense (recovery) 

Total income tax (recovery) expense 

2020 
$ 

- 
- 

- 

2019 
$ 

5,694 
115,676 

121,370 

The tax on the Company’s income before income tax differs from the theoretical amount 
that would arise using the federal and provincial statutory tax rates applicable to income of 
the consolidated entities. The statutory tax rates for 2020 decreased from 26.6% to 26.5%. 
This  decrease  is  in  line  with  Quebec’s  tax  rate  reduction  from  11.6%  to  11.5%.  The 
difference between the Company’s income tax and theoretical tax is as follows: 

2020 

2019 

Canadian statutory tax rates 

26.5% 

26.6% 

Statutory income taxes 
Non-deductible expenses 
Difference in foreign tax rates 
Net change to unrecognized tax assets 
Effective income tax (recovery) expense 

 $(747,161) 
 $86,614 
 $28,818 
 $631,729 
- 

$437,485 
$52,892 
$(29,254) 
$(339,753) 
$121,370 

The adjustment in respect of differences in foreign tax rates includes amounts arising from 
the differences in taxable income under US jurisdictions in which the Company operates. 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

Recognized Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities 

The following tables presents the composition of recognized deferred income tax assets 
and liabilities. 

Opening 
balance 
$ 

Recognized 
in net earnings 
$ 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 
Recognized 
Recognized 
in OCI1 
in equity  
$ 
$ 

Closing 
balance 
$ 

Temporary Differences 
Tax credit for salaries and 

wages 
Financing fees 
Fixed assets / Intangibles / 
ROU assets 
Capital lease obligation 
Unrealized foreign exchange 

gain 

Convertible debentures 

Tax Losses and Credits 
Tax losses 

(25,475) 
7,643 

127,630 

- 

(358,531) 
(248,733) 

 248,733 

 - 

(757)  
 (7,643) 

 (166,820) 
39,190 

- 

21,463 

 (114,567) 

114,567 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
 - 
- 

- 

- 
 - 

 - 

- 

(26,232) 
 - 

(39,190) 
39,190 
- 

(337,068) 

(363,300) 

 363,300 

 - 

Temporary Differences 
Tax credit for salaries and 

wages 

Financing fees 
Fixed assets 
Unrealized foreign exchange 

gain 

Convertible debentures 

Tax Losses and Credits 
Tax losses 

Opening 
balance 
$ 

Recognized 
in net earnings 
$ 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 
Closing 
Recognized 
Recognize
d in OCI1 
balance 
in equity  
$ 
$ 
$ 

(34,455) 

11,466 
(649) 
(115,676) 

8,980  

(3,823) 

- 
- 

128,279                        - 
115,676 

- 

(208,389) 
(347,703) 

(150,142) 

- 
(16,705)                115,676 

347,703 

(98,971) 

- 

- 

(115,676) 

115,676 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

(25,475) 

7,643 
127,630 
- 

(358,531) 
(248,733) 

 248,733 

 - 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
                             
 
                
 
 
 
 
                        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                         
 
 
                    
 
 
 
                             
 
                
 
 
 
                       
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

As  at  December  31,  2020,  no  deferred  income  tax  asset  has  been  recognized  on 
approximately $8,885,000 and $9,083,000 of Federal and Provincial tax loss carryforwards, 
respectively and on approximately $5,135,000 of tax loss carryforwards in the United States 
(expressed in Canadian dollars). These tax loss carryforwards remain available for use in 
the future to reduce taxable income, no later than as follows: 

2027 
2028 
2029 
2030 
2031 
2032 
2033 
2034 
2035 
2036 
2037 
2038 
2039 
2040 
No expiry 

Total 

Federal  
$ 
29,000 
- 
- 
195,000 
361,000 
373,000 
243,000 
502,000 
2,551,000 
 1,477,000 
1,500,000 
1,287,000 
 367,0002 
1 - 

$ 

Provincial  United States 
$ 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
 383,000 
2,719,000 
- 
- 

29,000 
- 
- 
195,000 
361,000 
373,000 
243,000 
502,000 
2,551,000 
 1,477,000 
1,500,000 
 1,492,000 
 360,0003 
1 - 

 8,885,000 

 9,083,000 

 5,135,000 

2,033,000 

1  Gross  tax  losses  of  $932,000  for  Federal  and  Provincial  less  recognized  amount  of  $932,000 

against taxable temporary differences.  

2 Gross  tax  losses  of  $804,000  for  Federal  less  recognized  amount  of  $437,000  against  taxable 

temporary differences. 

3 Gross tax losses of $804,000 for Provincial less recognized amount of $444,000 against taxable 

temporary differences. 

As at December 31, 2020, the Company had approximately $98,000 of unused Federal tax 
credits that are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Those unused tax 
credits will expire between 2026 and 2033. 

As  at  December  31,  2020,  the  Company  had  other  deductible  temporary  differences  of 
approximately $1,031,000 for the Federal, $1,177,000 for the Provincial and $4,657,000 in 
the United States (expressed in Canadian dollars) for which no deferred income tax asset 
is recognized. 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

17.  Operating Expenses 
The following table presents the details of operating expenses for the years ended 
December 31. 

Wages and salaries 
Credit on qualifying wages 
Stock-based compensation 
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 
Rental liability interest expense 
Rental expense 
Insurance 
Amortization of transaction costs – financing 

credit facilities 

Bank charges 
Professional fees 
Legal and accounting fees 
Business fees and licences 
Travel and entertainment 
Telecommunications 
Data services and IT costs  
Advertising and promotion 
Depreciation and amortization 
Other 
Non-recurring cost (gain) – revaluation of 
convertible debenture 
Non-recurring gain – PPP loan forgiveness and 
wage subsidies (1) 
Non-recurring cost – credit facility termination and 
exit fees 

Note 

2020 
$ 

2019 
$ 

8 
8 

10 

4,916,626 
(128,987) 
137,345 
195,541 
54,014 
148,467 
179,924 

662,409 
206,723 
162,379 
1,383,682 
125,001 
58,715 
82,438 
770,323 
440,352 
118,402 
147,248 

5,554,087 
(96,132) 
287,986 
191,349 
64,221 
136,353 
125,684 

461,373 
252,651 
177,894 
1,160,791 
142,884 
182,583 
62,478 
976,580 
394,628 
157,042 
172,899 

11 

29,825 

(485,579) 

(1,012,331) 

9 

342,032 

- 

- 

Total Operating Expenses 

9,020,128 

9,919,772 

(1)  On  May  11th,  2020,  the  Company  received  funds  from  the  US  Small  Business 
Administration  (SBA)  through  the  Payroll  Protection  Program  in  the  amount  of 
US$699,800. The Company also received $73,689 in wage subsidies through the 
Canada Wage Subsidy program during 2020. All the forgiveness criteria for the loan 
and  subsidies  were  met  in  2020  as  such  the  Company  recognized  the  PPP  loan 
forgiveness and wage subsidies as a non-recurring gain in 2020. 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

18.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information 

Non-cash items included in net earnings comprise the following: 

Note 

6 
7 

Depreciation of equipment and leasehold 

improvements 

Amortization of intangible assets 
Amortization of servicing asset 
Amortization of right-of-use asset 
Stock-based compensation  
Interest revenue 
Net gain recognized on sale of loans  
Income tax expense 
Amortization of transaction costs – 

financing credit facility 

Revaluation of convertible debentures  

2020 
$ 

2019 
$ 

61,665 
56,737 
3,004,811 
137,441 
137,345 
(11,815,590) 
(3,544,205) 
- 

73,443 
83,599 
3,706,180 
191,349 
287,986 
(17,861,394) 
(3,650,733) 
121,370 

662,409 
- 
(11,299,387) 

461,373 
(594,607) 
(17,181,434) 

Change in non-cash working capital items comprises the following: 

Sales taxes receivable 
Commercial loans receivable 
Other receivables 
Prepaid and deposits 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

2020 
$ 

(25,875) 
(38,856,682) 
(393,990) 
21,886 
(25,335) 
(39,279,996) 

2019 
$ 

3,468 
(115,237,057) 
27,600 
44,400 
206,120 
(114,955,469) 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

19.  Related Party Transactions 

Transactions in the Normal Course of Operations 

The Company had the following transactions with related parties in the normal course of 
its operations: 

i)  The Company rents its Canadian office space from Palos. The lease may be cancelled 
after October 2021 upon the payment of a termination fee. The terms of this operating 
lease are similar to those that would have been present for an arm’s-length transaction. 
The  amount  of  $122,874  is  expensed  as  rental  expense  for  the  period  (2019:  rent 
expense of $122,018). That amount does not include the amortization of right-of-use 
assets and the interest on the lease liabilities. Future non-cancellable lease liabilities 
under this agreement amount to $628,789. 

ii)  The  Company  sells  loans  to  a  fund  managed  by  Neuberger  Berman.  In  2020,  the 
Company sold loans in the amount of US$4,093,785 (2019: US$0) and earned service 
fees of $23,815 (2019: $0) and recorded deferred service fees receivable in the amount 
of $283,216 as at December 31, 2020 (2019: $0). 

Key Management Compensation 

Key  management  includes  directors  (executive  and  non-executive),  the  Chief  Operating 
Officer  and  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  who  is  also  the  Company  Secretary.  The 
compensation paid or payable to key management for employee services is shown below: 

Salaries and other short-term employee benefits 
Stock-based payments 

2020 
$ 

749,925 
92,483 

842,408 

2019 
$ 

885,529 
169,496 

1,055,025 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

20.  Segment Information 

The  Company  determines  its  reportable  operating  segments  according  to  the  manner  in 
which the information is used by the chief operating decision-maker and has determined 
that the Company operates in one reportable operating segment with two main activities: 
lending  and  servicing.  Those  activities  have  been  identified  on  the  basis  of  services 
provided.  

The Company’s lending activity originates and retains loans as part of its commercial loans 
receivable portfolio. The Company’s servicing activity services commercial loans that have 
been sold to institutional purchasers on a non-recourse basis in exchange for a servicing 
fee.  

Substantially all of the Company’s assets are located in the United States. 

Revenues by activity are as follows: 

2020 

2019 

Lending 
$ 

Servicing 
$ 

Total 
$ 

Lending 
$ 

Servicing 
$ 

Total 
$ 

Revenue 

Interest revenue 

11,815,590 

-  11,815,590  17,861,394 

-  17,861,394 

Other fees 

883,204 

- 

883,204 

944,041 

- 

944,041 

Servicing fees 

- 

3,746,601 

3,746,601 

- 

4,516,728 

4,516,728 

Accelerated 

recognition of 
transaction costs 
on loans sold 

Amortization of 

servicing asset 

Gain on sale of 
loans 

- 

686,937 

686,937 

- 

377,091 

377,091 

-  (3,004,811)  (3,004,811) 

- 

(3,706,180) 

(3,706,180) 

- 

2,857,268 

2,857,268 

- 

3,273,642 

3,273,642 

Gross Revenue 

12,698,794 

4,285,995  16,984,789  18,805,435 

4,461,281  23,266,716 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IOU FINANCIAL INC. 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the Years Ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019 
(in Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 

21.  Event after the reporting date 

On April 20,2021, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, IOU Central Inc., received loan 
proceeds of US$699,800 pursuant to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck 
Protection Program (PPP). IOU Central Inc. can apply for an amount of loan forgiveness 
which  would  equal,  in  large  part,  to  expenses  incurred  for  payroll,  rent  and  utilities 
commencing from the date of first disbursement and ending no later than twenty-four (24) 
weeks  after  the  date  of  disbursement.  The  loan  carries  a  fixed  interest  rate  of  1%  and 
matures five (5) years from the date IOU Central Inc. applies for forgiveness. No payment 
of principal and interest are due on this loan beginning on the date of disbursement and 
ending  on  the  date  on  which  the  amount  of  forgiveness  is  determined  under  the  PPP 
program. 

50