UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 20-F
(Mark One)
☐
☒
☐
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
or
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
or
☐
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report:
Commission file number: 001-38328
LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
27/F CES Tower
No. 3099 Keyuan South Road
Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057
The People’s Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices)
James Xigui Zheng, Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: +86 755 3637 8888
Email: IR@lexin.com
27/F CES Tower
No. 3099 Keyuan South Road
Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057
The People’s Republic of China
(Name, Telephone, Email and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
American depositary shares (one American depositary share representing
two Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share)
Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share*
Trading Symbol(s)
LX
* Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing on The Nasdaq Global Select Market of American depositary shares.
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(The Nasdaq Global Select Market)
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(The Nasdaq Global Select Market)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
(Title of Class)
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the Issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
As of December 31, 2022, there were 325,453,777 ordinary shares issued and outstanding, consisting of 245,264,614 Class A ordinary shares (excluding the 11,073,226 Class A ordinary
shares issued to the depositary bank for bulk issuance of ADSs reserved for future issuances upon the
exercise or vesting of awards granted under our share incentive plans), par value US$0.0001 per share, and 80,189,163 Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those
Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
☐ Yes ☒ No
☐ Yes ☒ No
☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter)
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,”
“accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated filer ☒
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section
404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to
previously issued financial statements.☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers
during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ☒
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board ☐
Other ☐
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐ Item 17 ☐ Item 18
☐ Yes ☒ No
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution
of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
☐ Yes ☐ No
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
PART I
PART II
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 4A.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
Item 16A.
Item 16B.
Item 16C.
Item 16D.
Item 16E.
Item 16F.
Item 16G.
Item 16H.
Item 16I.
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Key Information
Information on the Company
Unresolved Staff Comments
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Directors, Senior Management and Employees
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
Financial Information
The Offer and Listing
Additional Information
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Controls and Procedures
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Code of Ethics
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Change in Registrants Certifying Accountant
Corporate Governance
Mine Safety Disclosure
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
PART III
Item 17.
Item 18.
Item 19.
Financial Statements
Financial Statements
Exhibits
SIGNATURES
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INTRODUCTION
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, all information in this annual report reflects the following:
•“ABS” refers to asset-backed securities;
•“active users” refer to, for a specified period, users who made at least one transaction during that period through our platform or through our third-party
partners’ platforms using credit line granted by us;
•“ADSs” refer to our American depositary shares, each of which represents two Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share;
•“APR” in relation to a loan refers to the annualized internal rate of return, or IRR, at which the net present value of all ordinary cash outflows (e.g., the
principal of loans) and ordinary cash inflows (e.g., the principal repayment, the interest income, the credit facilitation service income fees, and other income)
from a loan or a group of loans equals zero;
•“China” or the “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for the purposes of this annual report only, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan;
•“delinquency ratio” refers to outstanding principal balance of loans that were past due (for certain calendar days, if specified) as a percentage of the total
outstanding principal balance of the loans on our platform as of a specific date; for example, “30 days+ delinquency ratio” and “90 days+ delinquency ratio”
refers to outstanding principal balance of loans that was over 30 and 90 calendar days past due as the total outstanding principal loans on our platform as of a
specific date;
•“Fenqile” or “our platform” refers to our online consumer finance platform;
•“institutional funding partners” refer to third-party commercial banks, consumer finance companies and other licensed financial institutions as well as
consolidated trusts and investors of our asset-backed securitized debts, and our microcredit company who fund the loans originated to our users on our
platform.
•“Maiya” refers to our buy-now and pay-later service that allows shoppers to buy products and pay for them over time;
•“originations” refer to the total principal amount of the loans we originate during the relevant period. The amount borrowed by users using flexible
repayment options to finance the repayment of certain principal amount of an original loan is calculated as a new loan principal amount. We treat off-balance
sheet loans as part of our originations;
•“RMB” or “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of China;
•“shares” or “ordinary shares” refers to our ordinary shares, which include both Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001
per share;
•“the variable interest entities” or “VIEs” refer to Shenzhen Xinjie Investment Co., Ltd., or Shenzhen Xinjie, Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co.,
Ltd., or Shenzhen Fenqile, Beijing Lejiaxin Network Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Lejiaxin, Shenzhen Qianhai Dingsheng Data Technology Co., Ltd., or
Qianhai Dingsheng, Shenzhen Mengtian Technology Co., Ltd., or Mengtian Technology, and Beihai Super Egg E-Commerce Co., Ltd., or Beihai Super Egg,
and others, collectively;
•“users” refer to users with an approved credit line on our online consumer finance platform and shoppers on our Maiya and e-commerce platforms;
•“U.S. GAAP” refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States;
•“US$,” “U.S. dollars,” “$,” or “dollars” refers to the legal currency of the United States;
•“Vintage charge-off rate” refers to, with respect to on- and off-balance sheet loans originated during a specified time period, which we refer to as a vintage,
the total outstanding principal balance of the loans that are charged off or assumed charged off during a specified period divided by the total initial principal of
the loans originated in such vintage;
•WFOE” or “WFOEs” refers to our wholly foreign-invested enterprises in China, including Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Shijitong,
Shenzhen Lexin Software Technology Co.,
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Ltd., or Shenzhen Lexin Software, Beihai Green Lemon Technology Co., Ltd., or Beihai Green Lemon, and others; and
•“we,” “us,” “our company,” “our,” or “Lexin” refers to LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. and its subsidiaries. We conduct operations in China through (i) our
PRC subsidiaries, and (ii) the variable interest entities, with which we have maintained contractual arrangements, and their subsidiaries. The variable interest
entities are the PRC companies conducting operations in China, and their financial results have been consolidated into our consolidated financial statements
under U.S. GAAP for accounting purposes. Investors are purchasing an interest in LexinFintech Holdings Ltd., a Cayman Islands holding company with no
operations of its own. LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. does not have any equity ownership in the variable interest entities.
Our reporting currency is Renminbi, or RMB. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to RMB in this annual
report are made at a rate of US$1.00=RMB6.8972, the exchange rate in effect as of December 30, 2022 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of The Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System. We make no representation that any RMB or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or
RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all.
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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and views of future events. These statements are
made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by
terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. We have
based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our
financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
•our goals and strategies;
•our future business development, financial condition and results of operations;
•the expected growth of the online and offline consumption market in China;
•our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our products and services;
•our expectations regarding our relationships with users, funding sources, third-party guarantee companies and other business partners;
•competition in our industry;
•general economic and business conditions in China and elsewhere;
•the impact of COVID-19 pandemic;
•relevant government policies, laws and regulations relating to our industry; and
•the outcome of any current and future legal or administrative proceedings.
We would like to caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and you should read these statements in conjunction with the
risk factors disclosed in “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors.” Those risks are not exhaustive. We operate in a rapidly evolving environment. New risks emerge
from time to time and it is impossible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any
factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We do not undertake any obligation to update
or revise the forward-looking statements except as required under applicable law. You should read this annual report, including the documents incorporated by reference
herein, completely, and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.
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PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3. Key Information
A. Selected financial data
Our Holding Company Structure and Contractual Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities and Their Shareholders
LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. is not a Chinese operating company but a Cayman Islands holding company with no equity ownership in the consolidated
variable interest entities and their subsidiaries. We conduct our operations in China through (i) our PRC subsidiaries, and (ii) the variable interest entities, with which we
have maintained contractual arrangements, and their subsidiaries. The PRC laws and regulations restrict and impose conditions on foreign investment in value-added
telecommunication service and certain other businesses. Accordingly, we operate these businesses in China through the variable interest entities, and rely on contractual
arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their nominee shareholders to control the business operations of the variable interest entities.
Such structure provides investors with exposure to foreign investment in China-based companies where the PRC laws and regulations prohibit or restrict direct foreign
investment in operating companies in certain sectors. Revenues contributed by the variable interest entities accounted for 99.4%, 97.5% and 94.2% of our total revenues
in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. As used in this annual report, “we,” “us,” “our company,” “our,” or “Lexin” refers to LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. and its
subsidiaries. We conduct operations in China through (i) our PRC subsidiaries, and (ii) the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries in China, including Shenzhen
Xinjie Investment Co., Ltd., or Shenzhen Xinjie, Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co., Ltd., or Shenzhen Fenqile, Beijing Lejiaxin Network Technology Co.,
Ltd., or Beijing Lejiaxin, Shenzhen Qianhai Dingsheng Data Technology Co., Ltd., or Qianhai Dingsheng, Shenzhen Mengtian Technology Co., Ltd., or Mengtian
Technology, and Beihai Super Egg E-Commerce Co., Ltd., or Beihai Super Egg, and others. Investors in our ADSs are not purchasing equity interest in the variable
interest entities in China but instead are purchasing equity interest in a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and may never directly hold equity
interests in the variable interest entities in China.
A series of contractual agreements have been entered into by and among our subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their respective shareholders,
which include exclusive option agreements, power of attorney, exclusive business cooperation agreements, loan agreements and equity pledge agreements. Terms
contained in each set of contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and their respective shareholders are substantially similar. For more details of these
contractual arrangements, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities.”
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The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our principal subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and subsidiaries of the variable
interest entities as of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F.
(1)The shareholders of Shenzhen Xinjie include Jay Wenjie Xiao (95%) and Wenbin Li (5%). Jay Wenjie Xiao is our chief executive officer and chairman of our board
of directors, and Wenbin Li is a non-executive PRC employee.
(2)The shareholders of Shenzhen Fenqile include Shenzhen Xinjie (68.7027%) and Jay Wenjie Xiao (31.2973%).
(3)The shareholders of Beijing Lejiaxin include Jay Wenjie Xiao (99.87%) and Jared Yi Wu (0.13%). Jared Yi Wu is our president and director.
(4)The shareholders of Qianhai Dingsheng include Kris Qian Qiao (60%), our counsel, and Jianwei Wei (30%), a non-executive PRC employee, and Shenzhen Xinjie
(10%).
(5)The shareholders of Mengtian Technology include Jay Wenjie Xiao (62.5%), Xiaoting Zhou (17.5%), Kris Qian Qiao (7.5%), Jianwei Wei (7.5%) and Shan Xu
(5%), Xiaoting Zhou and Shan Xu are all our non-executive PRC employees.
(6)99% of the equity interest of Shenzhen Lexin Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd. is directly held by Shenzhen Lexin Software, and the remaining 1% is held by Upside
Limited, one of our subsidiaries.
(7)The shareholders of Beihai Super Egg include Tao Yang (50%) and Chao Han (50%), and Tao Yang and Chao Han are all our non-executive PRC employees.
However, the contractual agreements with the VIEs may not be as effective as ownership in directing the activities of the VIEs and we may incur substantial
costs to enforce the terms of the arrangements. In addition, the legality and enforceability of the contractual agreements between our PRC subsidiaries, the variable
interest entities, and their nominee shareholders, as a whole, have not been tested in a court of law in China as of the date of this annual report. As such, the VIEs
structure involves unique risks to investors of our Cayman Islands holding company. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate
Structure—We rely on contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and their shareholders, for a significant portion of our business operations, which may
not be as effective as ownership in directing the activities” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—Any failure by
the variable interest entities or their respective shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material adverse
effect on our business.”
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There are also substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules regarding the status
of the rights of our Cayman Islands holding company with respect to its contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and its nominee shareholders. It is
uncertain whether any new PRC laws or regulations relating to variable interest entity structures will be adopted or if adopted, what they would provide. If we or any of
the variable interest entities is found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or
approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take action in dealing with such violations or failures. See “Item 3. Key Information—
D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—If the PRC government deems that the contractual arrangements in relation to the variable interest entities
and their subsidiaries do not comply with the PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of
existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations” and “Item 3. Key
Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of the PRC laws and regulations could
limit the legal protections available to us.”
Our corporate structure is subject to risks associated with our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities. If the PRC government deems that
our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities do not comply with the PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if
these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change or are interpreted differently in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to
relinquish our interests in those operations. Our holding company, our PRC subsidiaries and the variable interest entities, and investors of our company face uncertainty
about potential future actions by the PRC government that could affect the enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and,
consequently, significantly affect the financial performance of the variable interest entities and our company as a whole. The PRC regulatory authorities could disallow
the VIEs structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
For a detailed description of the risks associated with our corporate structure, please refer to risks disclosed under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks
Related to Our Corporate Structure.”
We face various legal and operational risks and uncertainties related to doing business in China. Our business operations are primarily conducted in China,
and we are subject to complex and evolving PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government has recently issued statements and regulatory actions relating to areas such
as the use of contractual arrangements in certain industries, regulatory approvals on overseas offerings, anti-monopoly regulatory actions, and oversight on cybersecurity
and data privacy. For example, the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Trial Measures, and
related guidelines issued by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, came into effect on March 31, 2023, which stipulates that a domestic company
that seeks to offer and list securities in overseas markets shall fulfill the filing procedure with the CSRC. See “Item 3. Key information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related
to Doing Business in China—Filing procedure with the CSRC shall be fulfilled and the approval of other PRC government authorities may be required in connection
with our overseas offerings under the PRC laws, and we cannot predict whether or for how long we will be able to complete the filing procedure with the CSRC and
obtain such approval if required.” In addition, if future regulatory updates mandate clearance of cybersecurity review or other specific actions to be completed by China-
based companies listed on foreign stock exchanges, such as us, we face uncertainties as to whether such clearance can be timely obtained, or at all. Furthermore, the PRC
anti-monopoly and competition laws and regulations are evolving, and there remains uncertainties as to how the anti-monopoly laws, regulations and guidelines will
impact our business and results of operations. Therefore, we face risks and uncertainties associated with these statements and regulatory actions, as well as the lack of
inspection by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, on our auditors in the past, which may impact our ability to conduct certain businesses,
accept foreign investments, or list on a stock exchange in the United States or other foreign country. These risks could result in a material adverse change in our
operations and the value of our ADSs, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer securities to investors, or cause the value of such securities
to significantly decline or become worthless. For a detailed description of risks related to doing business in China, “Item 3.Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks
Related to Doing Business in China.”
The PRC government’s significant authority in regulating our operations and its oversight and control over offerings conducted overseas by, and foreign
investment in, China-based issuers could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors. Implementation of
industry-wide regulations in this nature may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline. For more details, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors
—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The PRC government’s significant oversight and discretion over our business operation could result in a material adverse
change in our operations and the value of our ADSs.”
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Risks and uncertainties arising from the legal system in China, including risks and uncertainties regarding the enforcement of laws and quickly evolving rules
and regulations in China, could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs. For more details, see “Item 3. Key Information—D.
Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of the PRC laws and regulations could limit the legal
protections available to us.”
The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act
Pursuant to the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the HFCAA, if the SEC determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered
public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspections by the PCAOB for two consecutive years, the SEC will prohibit our shares or the ADSs from being
traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report to notify the
SEC of its determination that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong
Kong, including our auditor. In May 2022, the SEC conclusively listed us as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA following the filing of this annual report
on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB issued a report that vacated its December 16, 2021 determination and
removed mainland China and Hong Kong from the list of jurisdictions where it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms. For this
reason, we do not expect to be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA after we file this annual report on Form 20-F. Each year, the PCAOB will
determine whether it can inspect and investigate completely audit firms in mainland China and Hong Kong, among other jurisdictions. If PCAOB determines in the
future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong and we continue to use an accounting
firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit report on our financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, we would be
identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer following the filing of the annual report on Form 20-F for the relevant fiscal year. There can be no assurance that we would
not be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for any future fiscal year, and if we were so identified for two consecutive years, we would become subject to the
prohibition on trading under the HFCAA. For more details, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—The PCAOB
had historically been unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial statements and the inability of the PCAOB to conduct
inspections of our auditor in the past has deprived our investors with the benefits of such inspections” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to
Our Business and Industry—Our ADSs may be prohibited from trading in the United States under the HFCAA in the future if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or
investigate completely auditors located in China.” The delisting of the ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your
investment.”
Permissions Required from the PRC Authorities for Our Operations
We conduct our business primarily through our subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries in China. Our operations in China are
governed by the PRC laws and regulations. As of the date of this annual report, our PRC subsidiaries and the variable interest entities have obtained the requisite
licenses and permits from the PRC government authorities that are material for the business operations of our holding company, the variable interest entities in China,
including, among others, certain value-added telecommunications service license for the operation of domestic call center service, value-added telecommunications
service license for online data processing and transaction processing, value-added telecommunications service license for the operations of internet content service,
network microcredit license and financing guarantee business permit. Given the uncertainties of interpretation and implementation of relevant laws and regulations and
the enforcement practice by relevant government authorities, we may be required to obtain additional licenses, permits, filings or approvals for the functions and services
of our platform in the future. If we, our subsidiaries, the variable interest entities or their subsidiaries (i) do not receive or maintain any necessary permissions or
approvals from the PRC authorities to operate business or offer securities, (ii) inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required, or (iii) if
applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change and we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, we cannot assure you that we will be
able to obtain the necessary permissions or approvals in a timely manner, or at all, and such approvals may be rescinded even if obtained. Any such circumstance could
subject us to penalties, including fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer
securities to investors, and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. For more detailed information, see “Item 3. Key Information—D.
Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Any lack of requisite approvals, licenses or permits applicable to our business may have a material and adverse impact
on our business, financial condition and results of operations.”
As advised by Shihui Partners, our PRC legal counsel, in connection with our issuance of securities to foreign investors, under the PRC laws, regulations, and
rules currently in effect, as of the date of this annual report, we, our PRC
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subsidiaries and the variable interest entities, (i) are required to fulfill the filing procedure with the CSRC, if we seek subsequent securities offerings and listings in
overseas markets, and (ii) are not required to go through cybersecurity review by the Cyberspace Administration of China, or the CAC. However, there remains
significant uncertainty inherent in relying on the opinion of our PRC legal counsel as to the interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements related to
overseas securities offerings and other capital markets activities. We cannot assure you that regulators in China will not take a contrary view to that of our PRC legal
counsel or will not subsequently require us to undergo the approval or clearance procedures and subject us to penalties for non-compliance.
In addition, the PRC government has recently indicated an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or
foreign investment in China-based issuers. For more detailed information, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—
Filing procedure with the CSRC shall be fulfilled and the approval of other PRC government authorities may be required in connection with our overseas offerings
under the PRC laws, and we cannot predict whether or for how long we will be able to complete the filing procedure with the CSRC and obtain such approval if
required.”
Cash and Asset Flows through Our Organization
LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. is a holding company with no operations of its own. We conduct our operations in China primarily through our subsidiaries and
the variable interest entities in China. As a result, although other means are available for us to obtain financing at the holding company level, LexinFintech Holding
Ltd.’s ability to pay dividends to the shareholders and to service any debt it may incur may depend upon dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries and service fees paid by
the variable interest entities. If any of our subsidiaries incurs debt on its own behalf, the instruments governing such debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends to
LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. In addition, our PRC subsidiaries are permitted to pay dividends to LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. only out of their retained earnings, if any, as
determined in accordance with the PRC accounting standards and regulations. Further, our PRC subsidiaries and the variable interest entities are required to make
appropriations to certain statutory reserve funds or may make appropriations to certain discretionary funds, which are not distributable as cash dividends except in the
event of a solvent liquidation of the companies. For more details, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—
Holding Company Structure.”
Under the PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries and the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries are subject to certain restrictions with
respect to payment of dividends or otherwise transfers of any of their net assets to us. Remittance of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned enterprise out of China is also
subject to examination by the banks designated by the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE. These restrictions are benchmarked against the paid-up
capital and the statutory reserve funds of our PRC subsidiaries and the net assets of the variable interest entities in which we have no legal ownership. As of December
31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the total amount of such restriction to which our PRC subsidiaries and the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries are subject was
RMB3,772 million, RMB4,190 million, and RMB5,001 million (US$725 million), respectively. For risks relating to the fund flows of our operations in China, see “Item
3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries
to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.”
Under the PRC laws, LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. may fund our PRC subsidiaries only through capital contributions or loans, and fund the variable interest
entities or their subsidiaries only through loans, subject to satisfaction of applicable government registration and approval requirements. As of December 31, 2021 and
2022, the aggregate amount of capital contribution by LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. to our intermediate holding companies and PRC subsidiaries was RMB3,354 million
and RMB3,691 million (US$535 million), respectively.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the outstanding balance of amounts due from the Company and its subsidiaries to the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries
was RMB58.1 million and RMB107 million (US$15.5 million), respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the outstanding balance of amounts due to the
Company and its subsidiaries by the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries was RMB6,452 million and RMB6,285 million (US$911 million), respectively. The consolidated
VIEs may transfer cash to the relevant WFOE by paying service fees according to the business cooperation agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021
and 2022, the total amount of service fees that the VIEs paid to the relevant WFOE under the technical services agreements was RMB2,422 million, RMB4,140 million
and RMB1,540 million (US$223 million), respectively.
8
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, no transfers of other assets, dividends or distributions were made between the holding company, our
subsidiaries, and the consolidated VIEs. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, no transfer of cash or other assets, dividends or distributions were
made to U.S. investors.
The following table sets forth the amount of the transfers for the periods presented.
(1)
(1)
(2)
Service fees paid by VIEs to PRC subsidiaries
Goods/service fees received by VIEs from PRC subsidiaries
Funds from parent to Cayman, BVI, and Hong Kong subsidiaries/(repayment from Cayman, BVI, and Hong
Kong subsidiaries to parent)
Funds from Cayman, BVI, and Hong Kong subsidiaries to parent
Funds from Hong Kong subsidiaries to PRC subsidiaries
Funds provided by PRC subsidiaries to VIEs/(repayment from VIEs to the PRC subsidiaries)
Funds provided by Hong Kong subsidiaries to VIEs
Funds provided by VIEs to PRC subsidiaries/(repayment from PRC subsidiaries to VIEs)
Transfer of equity shares in Shenzhen Lexin Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd from VIE to primary beneficiary
of the VIEs
(3)
(6)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(5)
2020
2021
2022
Years Ended December 31,
2,422,048
730
107,446
—
21,069
1,688,579
828,184
(199,440 )
—
(RMB in thousands)
4,140,049
2,527
15,263
—
—
2,431,307
—
(150,468 )
—
1,539,812
13,004
(36,817 )
(323,446 )
—
(1,507,456 )
—
61,831
585,659
Notes:
(1) Represents “Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with inter-group entities for technical service charges and others” of the VIEs in the condensed consolidating schedule of cash flow
information.
(2) Represents “Net cash (used in)/provided by funds to Group companies” of the Parent in the condensed consolidating schedule of cash flow information. The funds provided to/repayments received
from Group companies are presented on a net basis in investing activities.
(3) Represents “Net cash provided by/(used in) funds from Group companies” of the Parent in the condensed consolidating schedule of cash flow information. The funds received from/repayments
made to Group companies are presented on a net basis in financing activities.
(4) “Net cash (used in)/provided by funds to Group companies” in columns of “Other Subsidiaries” and “Primary Beneficiary of the VIEs” in the consolidating schedules include the following items:
•Funds from Hong Kong subsidiaries to PRC subsidiaries, which are included in the “Other Subsidiaries” column;
•Funds provided by PRC subsidiaries to the VIEs, which are included in the “Primary Beneficiary of the VIEs” and the “Other Subsidiaries” column; and
•Funds provided by HK subsidiaries to the VIEs, which are included in the “Other Subsidiaries” column.
Below table summarizes the detailed cash transfers among the entities of the Group.
For the year ended December 31, 2020
Funds from Hong Kong subsidiaries to PRC subsidiaries
Funds provided by PRC subsidiaries to VIEs/repayment from VIEs to PRC
subsidiaries)
Other Subsidiaries
Primary Beneficiary of the
VIEs
The VIEs and the VIEs'
subsidiaries
(21,069 )
(828,184 )
21,069
(1,688,579 )
—
2,516,763
For the year ended December 31, 2021
Funds provided by PRC subsidiaries to VIEs/repayment from VIEs to PRC
subsidiaries)
Other Subsidiaries
Primary Beneficiary of the
VIEs
The VIEs and the VIEs'
subsidiaries
(100 )
(2,431,207 )
2,431,307
Primary Beneficiary of the
VIEs
The VIEs and the VIEs'
subsidiaries
For the year ended December 31, 2022
Other Subsidiaries
Funds provided by PRC subsidiaries to VIEs/repayment from VIEs to PRC
subsidiaries)
(5) Represents “Net cash (used in)/provided by funds to Group companies” of the VIEs’ investing activities in the condensed consolidating schedule of cash flow information.
(6) In 2022, the consolidated VIE, Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co., Ltd., transferred all its equity interest in Shenzhen Lexin Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd to primary beneficiary of the
VIEs, Shenzhen Lexin Software Technology Co., Ltd. The total consideration for the transfer of equity shares is RMB586 million.
1,507,708
(252 )
(1,507,456 )
Taxation on Dividends or Distributions
LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. has not declared or paid any cash dividends, nor does it have any present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares
in the foreseeable future. We intend to indefinitely reinvest all the undistributed earnings of our subsidiaries and the consolidated VIEs in China to operate and expand
our business. See “Item 8. Financial
9
Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Dividend Policy.” For PRC and United States federal income tax considerations of an
investment in our ADSs, see “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation.”
Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. is not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Upon payments of dividends to
our shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed. For purposes of illustration, the following discussion reflects the hypothetical taxes that might be
required to be paid in mainland China and Hong Kong, assuming that: (i) we have taxable earnings in the VIE, and (ii) we determine to pay a dividend in the future:
(2)
Hypothetical pre-tax earnings
Tax on earnings at statutory rate of 25%
Net earnings available for distribution
Withholding tax at standard rate of 10%
Net distribution to Parent/Shareholders
(3)
(4)
Tax calculation
(1)
100.0%
(25.0)%
75.0%
(7.5)%
67.5%
(1)For purposes of this example, the tax calculation has been simplified. The hypothetical book pre-tax earnings amount is assumed to equal Chinese taxable income;
(2)Certain of our subsidiaries and the VIEs qualifies for a 15% preferential income tax rate in China. However, such rate is subject to qualification, is temporary in
nature, and may not be available in a future period when distributions are paid. For purposes of this hypothetical example, the table above reflects a maximum tax
scenario under which the full statutory rate would be effective;
(3)China’s Enterprise Income Tax Law imposes a withholding income tax of 10% on dividends distributed by a Foreign Invested Enterprise to its immediate holding
company outside of mainland China. A lower withholding income tax rate of 5% is applied if the Foreign Invested Enterprise’s immediate holding company is
registered in Hong Kong or other jurisdictions that have a tax treaty arrangement with mainland China, subject to a qualification review at the time of the distribution.
There is no incremental tax at Hong Kong level for any dividend distribution to LexinFintech Holdings;
(4)If a 10% withholding income tax rate is imposed, the withholding tax will be 7.5% and the amount to be distributed as dividend at Hong Kong level and net
distribution to LexinFintech Holdings will be 67.5%.
The table above has been prepared under the assumption that all profits of the consolidated VIEs will be distributed as fees to our PRC subsidiaries under tax
neutral contractual arrangements. If, in the future, the accumulated earnings of the consolidated VIEs exceed the service fees paid to our PRC subsidiaries (or if the
current and contemplated fee structure between the inter-group entities is determined to be non substantive and disallowed by Chinese tax authorities), the consolidated
VIEs could make a non-deductible transfer to our PRC subsidiaries for the amounts of the stranded cash in the consolidated VIEs. This would result in such transfer
being non-deductible expenses for the consolidated VIEs but still taxable income for the PRC subsidiaries. Such a transfer and the related tax burdens would reduce our
after-tax income to approximately 50.6% of the pre-tax income. Our management believes that there is only a remote possibility that this scenario would happen.
Financial Information Related to the Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
The following table presents the condensed consolidating schedule of financial position for the consolidated variable interest entities and other entities as of
the dates presented. The financial information of the consolidated trusts and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) were included in the financial position for the VIEs and the
VIEs’ subsidiaries, as the consolidated VIEs companies are considered the primary beneficiary of these trusts and ABS plans.
10
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income Information
(1)
(1)
Condensed Consolidating Schedule of Results of
Operations
Operating revenue:
Third-party revenues
Inter-group revenues
Total Operating revenue
Operating cost:
Third-party costs
Inter-group costs
Total operating cost
Gross profit
Operating expense:
Third-party expenses
Inter-group expenses
Total operating expenses
Share of income from subsidiaries
Income of the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries (3)
Others
Income before income tax
Income tax expenses
Net income
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income/(Loss) attributable to ordinary
shareholders
(2)
(1)
Condensed Consolidating Schedule of Results of
Operations
Operating revenue:
Third-party revenues
Inter-group revenues
Total Operating revenue
(1)
(1)
(1)
Operating cost:
Third-party costs
Inter-group costs
Total operating cost
Gross profit
Operating expense:
Third-party expenses
Inter-group expenses
Total operating expenses
Share of income from subsidiaries
Income of the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries (3)
Others
Income before income tax
Income tax expenses
Net income
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders
(2)
Parent
Other Subsidiaries
Primary Beneficiary
of the VIEs
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022
The VIEs and the
VIEs’ subsidiaries
(RMB in thousands)
Eliminating
adjustments
Consolidated
totals
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(15,082 )
—
(15,082 )
872,049
—
(37,215 )
819,752
—
819,752
—
819,752
48,868
112,943
161,811
(77,711 )
—
(77,711 )
84,100
(82,216 )
—
(82,216 )
888,094
—
(17,753 )
872,225
(176 )
872,049
—
872,049
519,209
1,516,904
2,036,113
(268,727 )
—
(268,727 )
1,767,386
(838,069 )
(329 )
(838,398 )
—
16,098
131,522
1,076,608
(188,514 )
888,094
—
888,094
9,297,734
329
9,298,063
(6,484,657 )
(36 )
(6,484,693 )
2,813,370
(1,764,902 )
(1,629,811 )
(3,394,713 )
—
—
617,568
36,225
(13,950 )
22,275
6,177
16,098
—
(1,630,176 )
(1,630,176 )
—
36
36
(1,630,140 )
—
1,630,140
1,630,140
(1,760,143 )
(16,098 )
—
(1,776,241 )
—
(1,776,241 )
—
(1,776,241 )
9,865,811
—
9,865,811
(6,831,095 )
—
(6,831,095 )
3,034,716
(2,700,269 )
—
(2,700,269 )
—
—
694,122
1,028,569
(202,640 )
825,929
6,177
819,752
Parent
Other Subsidiaries
Primary Beneficiary
of the VIEs
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
The VIEs and the
VIEs’ subsidiaries
(RMB in thousands)
Eliminating
adjustments
Consolidated
totals
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(19,109 )
—
(19,109 )
2,395,789
—
(35,606 )
2,341,074
(7,151 )
2,333,923
—
2,333,923
287,020
2,980,763
3,267,783
(112,202 )
—
(112,202 )
3,155,581
(930,293 )
(11,429 )
(941,722 )
—
332,405
65,636
2,611,900
(277,988 )
2,333,912
—
2,333,912
1,527
68,500
70,027
1,945
—
1,945
71,972
(40,298 )
—
(40,298 )
2,333,912
—
38,281
2,403,867
(8,078 )
2,395,789
—
2,395,789
11
11,091,978
11,429
11,103,407
(5,520,994 )
(1,636 )
(5,522,630 )
5,580,777
(1,689,151 )
(3,047,627 )
(4,736,778 )
—
—
(369,200 )
474,799
(142,201 )
332,598
193
332,405
—
(3,060,692 )
(3,060,692 )
—
1,636
1,636
(3,059,056 )
—
3,059,056
3,059,056
(4,729,701 )
(332,405 )
—
(5,062,106 )
—
(5,062,106 )
—
(5,062,106 )
11,380,525
—
11,380,525
(5,631,251 )
—
(5,631,251 )
5,749,274
(2,678,851 )
—
(2,678,851 )
—
—
(300,889 )
2,769,534
(435,418 )
2,334,116
193
2,333,923
(1)
(1)
Condensed Consolidating Schedule of Results of
Operations
Operating revenue:
Third-party revenues
Inter-group revenues
Total Operating revenue
Operating cost:
Third-party costs
Inter-group costs
Total operating cost
Gross profit
Operating expense:
Third-party expenses
Inter-group expenses
Total operating expenses
Share of income from subsidiaries
Loss of the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries
Others
Income/(loss) before income tax
Income tax benefits/(expenses)
Net income/(Loss) attributable to ordinary
shareholders
(3)
(2)
(1)
Parent
Other Subsidiaries
Primary Beneficiary
of the VIEs
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
The VIEs and the
VIEs’ subsidiaries
(RMB in thousands)
Eliminating
adjustments
Consolidated
totals
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(15,707 )
—
(15,707 )
626,877
—
(16,190 )
594,980
—
594,980
63,823
2,408,993
2,472,816
(49,408 )
—
(49,408 )
2,423,408
(808,555 )
(449 )
(809,004 )
—
(816,113 )
9,086
807,377
(223,029 )
584,348
1,440
—
1,440
(3,684 )
—
(3,684 )
(2,244 )
(14,714 )
—
(14,714 )
584,348
—
58,329
625,719
1,158
626,877
12
11,579,992
449
11,580,441
(7,959,095 )
(21,817 )
(7,980,912 )
3,599,529
(1,360,975 )
(2,387,176 )
(3,748,151 )
—
—
(798,733 )
(947,355 )
131,242
(816,113 )
—
(2,409,442 )
(2,409,442 )
—
21,817
21,817
(2,387,625 )
—
2,387,625
2,387,625
(1,211,225 )
816,113
—
(395,112 )
—
(395,112 )
11,645,255
—
11,645,255
(8,012,187 )
—
(8,012,187 )
3,633,068
(2,199,951 )
—
(2,199,951 )
—
—
(747,508 )
685,609
(90,629 )
594,980
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Information
(4)
(2)
Consolidating Schedule of Financial Position
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Restricted term deposit and short-term investments
Financing receivables, net
Amounts due from Group companies
Deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies
Contract assets, service fees receivable and guarantee receivables
Property, equipment and software, net
Land use rights, net and right of use assets
Long‑term investments
Investments in subsidiaries
Net assets of the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries
Other assets
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Amounts due to Group companies
Short‑term borrowings
Funding debts
Deferred guarantee income
Contingent guarantee liabilities
Convertible notes
Other liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Total equity attributable to owners of the company
Non-controlling interests
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(3)
(4)
(2)
(4)
Consolidating Schedule of Financial Position
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Restricted term deposit and short-term investments
Financing receivables, net
Amounts due from Group companies
Deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies
Contract assets, service fees receivable and guarantee receivables
Property, equipment and software, net
Land use rights, net and right of use assets
Long‑term investments
Investments in subsidiaries
Net assets of the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries
Other assets
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Amounts due to Group companies
Short‑term borrowings
Funding debts
Deferred guarantee income
Contingent guarantee liabilities
Convertible notes
(2)
(3)
(4)
Other liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Total equity attributable to owners of the company
Non-controlling interests
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(2)
Parent
Other
Subsidiaries
Primary Beneficiary
of the VIEs
The VIEs and the
VIEs’ subsidiaries
Eliminating
adjustments
Consolidated
totals
As of December 31, 2022
(RMB in thousands)
1,517
—
—
—
335,934
—
—
—
—
—
10,741,234
—
8,549
11,087,234
357,042
—
—
—
—
2,063,545
17,896
2,438,483
8,648,751
—
8,648,751
11,087,234
66,953
120,556
1,012,180
7,665
1,486,746
—
5,427
2,689
—
16,816
8,270,993
—
42,607
11,032,632
250,499
—
—
—
—
—
40,899
291,398
10,741,234
—
10,741,234
11,032,632
151,857
596,802
200,000
93,820
5,214,557
34,251
342,459
68,294
48,982
—
—
2,291,434
220,288
9,262,744
251,562
30,000
—
113,225
111,612
—
485,352
991,751
8,270,993
—
8,270,993
9,262,744
1,273,823
718,675
119,678
6,756,760
106,977
2,214,771
4,151,340
213,610
1,029,258
331,560
—
—
2,919,516
19,835,968
6,285,111
1,288,476
5,719,358
781,633
770,495
—
2,699,461
17,544,534
2,291,434
—
2,291,434
19,835,968
—
—
—
—
(7,144,214 )
—
—
—
—
(19,012,227 )
(2,291,434 )
—
(28,447,875 )
(7,144,214 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
(7,144,214 )
(21,303,661 )
—
(21,303,661 )
(28,447,875 )
1,494,150
1,436,033
1,331,858
6,858,245
—
2,249,022
4,499,226
284,593
1,078,240
348,376
—
—
3,190,960
22,770,703
—
1,318,476
5,719,358
894,858
882,107
2,063,545
3,243,608
14,121,952
8,648,751
—
8,648,751
22,770,703
Parent
Other
Subsidiaries
Primary Beneficiary
of the VIEs
The VIEs and the
VIEs’ subsidiaries
Eliminating
adjustments
Consolidated
totals
As of December 31, 2021
(RMB in thousands)
1,845
—
—
—
212,191
20
1,271,220
—
354,241
1,090,779
—
—
—
—
—
9,563,708
—
28,642
9,948,436
—
—
4,768
—
20,178
7,209,384
—
32,852
9,841,392
17,887
260,100
—
—
—
—
1,882,689
20,244
1,920,820
8,027,616
—
8,027,616
9,948,436
—
—
—
—
—
17,584
277,684
9,563,708
—
9,563,708
9,841,392
13
317,694
31,429
50,000
—
5,401,561
—
171,480
60,793
62,350
—
—
1,726,848
122,832
7,944,987
174,268
63,810
—
—
—
—
497,525
735,603
7,209,384
—
7,209,384
7,944,987
2,132,402
1,423,233
424,678
4,014,102
58,050
1,378,489
4,661,403
129,769
1,096,579
448,886
—
—
2,928,359
18,695,950
6,452,376
1,735,931
3,798,233
419,843
928,840
—
—
—
—
(6,904,631 )
—
—
—
—
—
(16,773,092 )
(1,726,848 )
—
(25,404,571 )
(6,904,631 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,593,686
16,928,909
1,726,848
40,193
1,767,041
18,695,950
(6,904,631 )
(18,499,940 )
—
(18,499,940 )
(25,404,571 )
2,664,132
1,454,682
1,745,898
4,014,102
—
1,378,489
4,832,883
195,330
1,158,929
469,064
—
—
3,112,685
21,026,194
—
1,799,741
3,798,233
419,843
928,840
1,882,689
4,129,039
12,958,385
8,027,616
40,193
8,067,809
21,026,194
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(5)
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with inter-group entities for technical service
charges and others
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties
Net cash (used in)/ provided by funds to Group companies
Transfer of Shenzhen Lexin Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd from VIE to subsidiary
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties
(8)
Net cash provided by/(used in) funds from Group companies
(6)
(7)
Parent
Other Subsidiaries
Primary Beneficiary
of the VIEs
The VIEs and the
VIEs’ subsidiaries
Eliminating
adjustments
Consolidated
totals
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022
(51,139 )
(51,139 )
—
36,141
(676 )
36,817
—
(754 )
(324,200 )
323,446
(15,497 )
(106,623 )
91,126
33,143
356,841
(323,698 )
—
(36,817 )
—
(36,817 )
(RMB in thousands)
(371,539 )
(1,807,221 )
1,435,682
743,054
(178,995 )
1,507,708
(585,659 )
28,021
(33,810 )
61,831
537,019
2,063,827
(1,526,808 )
(2,062,379 )
(2,586,207 )
(61,831 )
585,659
(37,777 )
1,469,679
(1,507,456 )
—
—
—
(1,158,996 )
—
(1,158,996 )
—
1,158,996
—
1,158,996
98,844
98,844
—
(2,409,037 )
(2,409,037 )
—
—
1,111,669
1,111,669
—
(5)
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with inter-group entities for technical service charges
and others
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties
Net cash (used in)/ provided by funds to Group companies
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties
(8)
Net cash provided by/(used in) funds from Group companies
(6)
(5)
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
Net cash (used in)/provided by transactions with external parties
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with inter-group entities for technical service charges
and others
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties
Net cash (used in)/provided by funds to Group companies
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
Net cash provided by transactions with external parties
Net cash provided by/(used in) funds from Group companies
(6)
(8)
Parent
Other
Subsidiaries
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Primary
Beneficiary
of the VIEs
The VIEs and the
VIEs’
subsidiaries
(RMB in thousands)
Eliminating
adjustments
Consolidated
totals
14,196
14,196
—
9,089
24,352
(15,263 )
7,124
7,124
—
(45,084 )
(114,057 )
68,973
(3,931 )
(3,831 )
(100 )
15,489
—
15,489
2,996,575
(1,071,974 )
4,068,549
(2,509,341 )
(78,134 )
(2,431,207 )
(162,314 )
(11,620 )
(150,694 )
(298,268 )
3,839,254
(4,137,522 )
622,696
472,228
150,468
656,269
(1,775,038 )
2,431,307
—
—
—
2,296,102
—
2,296,102
(2,296,102 )
—
(2,296,102 )
2,667,419
2,667,419
—
414,615
414,615
—
(1,779,534 )
(1,779,534 )
—
Parent
Other
Subsidiaries
(53,626 )
(53,626 )
—
(79,692 )
27,754
(107,446 )
7,970
7,970
—
38,370
38,370
—
(572,780 )
276,473
(849,253 )
107,446
—
107,446
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Primary
Beneficiary
of the VIEs
The VIEs and the
VIEs’
subsidiaries
(RMB in thousands)
1,554,848
(866,470 )
2,421,318
(1,739,492 )
(50,913 )
(1,688,579 )
(156,940 )
21,431
(178,371 )
(1,750,611 )
670,707
(2,421,318 )
(2,190,303 )
(2,389,743 )
199,440
3,720,373
1,203,610
2,516,763
Eliminating
adjustments
Consolidated
totals
—
—
—
2,445,838
—
2,445,838
(2,445,838 )
—
(2,445,838 )
(211,019 )
(211,019 )
—
(2,136,429 )
(2,136,429 )
—
1,233,011
1,233,011
—
(1)The inter-group revenues and inter-group costs recognized by the consolidated VIEs were related to the goods and services between the consolidated VIEs and WFOEs;
The inter-group revenues generated by other subsidiaries and primary beneficiaries of the VIEs represent the technical service charges to the consolidated VIEs, which were
recognized as inter-group expenses by the consolidated VIEs.
(2)It represents the equity method accounting treatment with regards to consolidated entities included in other columns in the condensed consolidating schedules. These amounts are
eliminated in consolidation.
(3)It represents the economic benefits held by primary beneficiaries of the VIEs from the consolidated VIEs.
(4)The inter-group balances represent the funds provided among Parent, other subsidiaries, primary beneficiary of the VIEs, and the consolidated VIEs, as well as the operating
receivables and payables resulting from the provision of goods and services among the group companies.
(5)For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, cash paid by the VIEs to WFOEs for technical service fees were RMB2,422 million, RMB4,140 million and RMB1,540
million, respectively. Cash received by the VIEs from WFOEs for the provision of goods and services were RMB0.7 million, RMB2.5 million and RMB13.0 million, respectively.
(6)Net cash (used in)/provided by funds to Group companies represent the funds provided among Parent, other subsidiaries, primary beneficiary of the VIEs, and the consolidated
VIEs, and the collections received for the funds previously provided.
(7)In 2022, the consolidated VIE, Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co., Ltd., transferred all its equity interest in Shenzhen Lexin Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd to primary
beneficiary of the VIEs, Shenzhen Lexin Software Technology Co., Ltd. The total consideration for the transfer of equity shares is RMB586 million.
14
(8)Net cash provided by/(used in) funds from Group companies represent the funds received among Parent, other subsidiaries, primary beneficiary of the VIEs, and the consolidated
VIEs.
Enforcement of Civil Liabilities
We are an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We conduct substantially all of our operations in China
and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, a majority of our directors and executive officers reside within China, and most of the assets of these
individuals are located within China. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these individuals, or
to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you believe your rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal
securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of the PRC may render you unable to
enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers.
Cayman Islands
We are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with limited liability. Our constituent documents do not contain
provisions requiring that disputes, including those arising under the securities laws of the United States, between us, our officers, directors, and shareholders, be
arbitrated.
Our Cayman Islands legal counsel, Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, has advised us that the courts of the Cayman Islands are unlikely (i) to recognize
or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of
the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States, and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands to impose liabilities against us or our
directors or officers that are predicated upon the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States so far as the liabilities
imposed by those provisions are penal in nature.
Our Cayman Islands legal counsel has informed us that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the federal
or state courts of the United States (and the Cayman Islands are not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments), the courts of
the Cayman Islands will, at common law, recognize and enforce a foreign monetary judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without any re-examination of
the merits of the underlying dispute based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the
liquidated sum for which such judgment has been given, provided that such judgment (i) is final and conclusive, (ii) is not in the nature of taxes, a fine, or a penalty; (iii)
is not inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matter and (iv) is not impeachable on the grounds of fraud and was not obtained in a manner
and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. However, the Cayman Islands courts are unlikely
to enforce a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities law if such judgment is determined by the courts of the
Cayman Islands to give rise to obligations to make payments that are penal or punitive in nature. A Cayman Islands court may stay enforcement proceedings if
concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.
PRC
Our PRC legal counsel has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the PRC courts would (i) recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts
obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States, or
(ii) entertain original actions brought in each respective jurisdiction against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any
state in the United States.
Our PRC legal counsel has further advised us that the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures
Law. The PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based either on treaties
between China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. There exists no treaty and few other forms of
reciprocity between China and the United States or the Cayman Islands governing the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments as of the date of this annual
report. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, the PRC
15
courts will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of the PRC laws or
national sovereignty, security, or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the
United States or in the Cayman Islands. Under the PRC Civil Procedures Law, foreign shareholders may originate actions based on the PRC laws before a PRC court
against a company for disputes relating to contracts or other property interests, and the PRC court may accept a cause of action based on the laws or the parties’ express
mutual agreement in contracts choosing PRC courts for dispute resolution if such foreign shareholders can establish sufficient nexus to China for a PRC court to have
jurisdiction and meet other procedural requirements, including, among others, that the plaintiff must have a direct interest in the case and that there must be a concrete
claim, a factual basis, and a cause for the case. The PRC court will determine whether to accept the complaint in accordance with the PRC Civil Procedures Law. The
shareholder may participate in the action by itself or entrust any other person or PRC legal counsel to participate on behalf of such shareholder. Foreign citizens and
companies will have the same rights as PRC citizens and companies in an action unless the home jurisdiction of such foreign citizens or companies restricts the rights of
PRC citizens and companies.
However, it will be difficult for U.S. shareholders to originate actions against us in China in accordance with the PRC laws because we are incorporated under
the laws of the Cayman Islands and it will be difficult for U.S. shareholders, by virtue only of holding our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, to establish a connection to
China for a PRC court to have jurisdiction as required under the PRC Civil Procedures Law.
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
Summary of Risk Factors
An investment in our ADSs involves significant risks. Below is a summary of material risks we face, organized under relevant headings. All the operational risks
associated with being based in and having operations in the PRC also apply to our operations in Hong Kong. With respect to the legal risks associated with being based
in and having operations in the PRC, the laws, regulations and the discretion of the governmental authorities in the Chinese mainland discussed in this annual report are
expected to apply to entities and businesses in the Chinese mainland, rather than entities or businesses in Hong Kong which operate under a different set of laws from the
Chinese mainland.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
•We are a Cayman Islands holding company with no equity ownership in the variable interest entities and we conduct our operations in China through (i) our
PRC subsidiaries and (ii) the variable interest entities, with which we have maintained contractual arrangements, and their subsidiaries. Investors in our ADSs
thus are not purchasing equity interest in the variable interest entities in China but instead are purchasing equity interest in a Cayman Islands holding
company. If the PRC government deems that the contractual arrangements in relation to the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries do not comply with
the PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in
the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations. Our holding company in the Cayman Islands,
the variable interest entities, and investors of our company face uncertainty about potential future actions by the PRC government that could affect the
enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and, consequently, significantly affect the financial performance of the
variable interest entities and our company as a group. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—If the
PRC government deems that the contractual arrangements in relation to the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries do not comply with PRC regulatory
restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could
be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations”;
16
•We rely on contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and their shareholders, for a significant portion of our business operations, which may
not be as effective as ownership in directing the activities. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—We
rely on contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and their shareholders, for a significant portion of our business operations, which may not
be as effective as ownership in directing the activities”; and
•Any failure by the variable interest entities or their respective shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would
have a material adverse effect on our business. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—Any failure by
the variable interest entities or their respective shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material
adverse effect on our business.”
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
•Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of
operations. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Changes in China’s economic, political or social
conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations”;
•Litigation and negative publicity surrounding China-based companies listed in the U.S. may result in increased regulatory scrutiny of us and negatively
impact the trading price of our ADSs. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Litigation and negative
publicity surrounding China-based companies listed in the U.S. may result in increased regulatory scrutiny of us and negatively impact the trading price of
our ADSs”;
•The PCAOB had historically been unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial statements and the inability of the
PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditor in the past has deprived our investors with the benefits of such inspections. See “Item 3. Key Information—D.
Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The PCAOB had historically been unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work
performed for our financial statements and the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditor in the past has deprived our investors with the
benefits of such inspections”;
•Our ADSs may be prohibited from trading in the United States under the HFCAA in the future if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely
auditors located in China. The delisting of the ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.
See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Our ADSs may be prohibited from trading in the United States
under the HFCAA in the future if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely auditors located in China. The delisting of the ADSs, or the threat
of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment”;
•We face risks arising from the uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system. Certain rules and regulations can change quickly and sometimes with
short notice, and there may be risks and uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforcement of the PRC laws and regulations. These risks and
uncertainties may make it difficult for us to meet or comply with requirements under the applicable laws and regulations. See “Item 3. Key Information—D.
Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of the PRC laws and regulations could limit the
legal protections available to us”;
•The PRC government has significant oversight and discretion over our business operations, and may influence our operations. It may exert more oversight
and control over offerings conducted overseas by, and foreign investment in, China-based issuers, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our
ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless. See “Item 3. Key
Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The PRC government’s significant oversight and discretion over our business
operation could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs”; and
•Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our
current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business
in China—Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law
17
and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.”
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
•We have a limited operating history in China’s online and offline consumption market, an emerging and evolving industry, which makes it difficult to
evaluate our future prospects;
•The laws and regulations governing the online consumer finance industry in China are developing and evolving rapidly, and our business operations have
been and may need to continue to be modified to ensure full compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We also cooperate with institutional funding
partners, whose compliance with the PRC laws and regulations may affect our business;
•Changes in the PRC regulations relating to interest rates and fees for online consumer finance platforms and microcredit lending could have a material
adverse effect on our business;
•If we are unable to retain existing users or attract new users, or if we fail to meet the financial needs of our users as they evolve and are therefore unable to
capture their long-term growth potential, our business and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected;
•If our current investor protection measures for institutional funding partners are deemed to violate the relevant laws and regulations, or if we are deemed to
have operated financial guarantee business by the PRC regulatory authorities, our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations would be
materially and adversely affected;
•If our current collaboration with trust companies is deemed to violate the relevant laws and regulations, our business, financial condition and results of
operations would be materially and adversely affected;
•We may be required to segregate our own assets from the assets of our institutional funding partners and borrowers;
•Our business is subject to complex and evolving Chinese and international laws and regulations regarding cybersecurity, information security, privacy and
data protection. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and any failure or perceived failure to comply with
these laws and regulations could result in claims, changes to our business practices, negative publicity, legal proceedings, increased cost of operations, or
declines in user growth or engagement, or otherwise harm our business;
•If we are unable to effectively maintain the quality of our loan portfolio, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and
adversely affected; and
•We need adequate funding at a reasonable cost to successfully operate our business, and access to adequate funding at a reasonable cost cannot be assured.
Risks Related to the American Depositary Shares
•The market price for our ADSs may be volatile;
•We cannot guarantee that any share repurchase program will be fully consummated or that any share repurchase program will enhance our long-term
shareholder value, and share repurchase could increase the volatility of the price of our ADSs and diminish our cash reserves;
•Our dual-class share structure will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control
transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and the ADSs may view as beneficial; and
18
•We are an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We conduct substantially all of our operations in China
and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, a majority of our directors and executive officers reside within China, and most of the
assets of these individuals are located within China. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to effect service of process within the United States
upon these individuals, or to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you believe your rights have been
infringed under the U.S. federal securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and
of the PRC may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk
Factors—Risks Related to the American Depositary Shares—You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign
judgments or bringing actions in China against us or our management named in the annual report based on foreign laws.”
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
If the PRC government deems that the contractual arrangements in relation to the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries do not comply with the
PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future,
we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.
Foreign ownership of internet-based businesses, such as distribution of online information and other value-added telecommunication services, are subject to
restrictions under the current PRC laws and regulations. For example, foreign investors are generally not allowed to own more than 50% of the equity interests in a
value-added telecommunication service provider with exceptions relating to e-commerce business, domestic multi-party communications services business, store-and-
forward business or otherwise stipulated by the state.
We are a Cayman Islands company and our PRC subsidiaries are considered foreign-invested enterprises. To comply with the PRC laws and regulations, we
set up a series of contractual arrangements entered into among some of our PRC subsidiaries, the variable interest entities, and their shareholders to conduct our
operations in China. For a detailed description of these contractual arrangements, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure—Contractual
Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities.” As a result of these contractual arrangements, we exert control over the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries
and consolidate their operating results in our financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
Investors in our ADSs are not purchasing equity interest in the variable interest entities in China but instead are purchasing equity interest in a Cayman
Islands holding company. If the PRC government deems that our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities do not comply with the PRC regulatory
restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change or are interpreted differently in the
future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations, and our ADSs may decline in value or become worthless, if we
are unable to assert our contractual control rights over the assets of the consolidated VIEs which contribute to 94.2% of our revenues in 2022. Our holding company in
the Cayman Islands, the variable interest entities, and investors of our company face uncertainty about potential future actions by the PRC government that could affect
the enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and, consequently, significantly affect the financial performance of the variable
interest entities and our company as a group.
In the opinion of our PRC counsel, Shihui Partners, the ownership structures of our PRC subsidiaries and the variable interest entities, currently do not, result
in any violation of the applicable PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, the variable interest entities
and their shareholders, are governed by the PRC laws or regulations, and are currently valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with the applicable PRC laws or
regulations currently in effect, and do not result in any violation of the applicable PRC laws or regulations currently in effect. However, Shihui Partners has also advised
us that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations, and there can be no assurance that
the PRC government will ultimately take a view that is consistent with the opinion of our PRC counsel.
19
It is uncertain whether any new PRC laws, regulations or rules relating to such contractual arrangements will be adopted or if adopted, what they would
provide. In particular, in March 2019, the National People’s Congress, or the NPC, passed the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which became effective as of January 1,
2020. For the effect of the PRC Foreign Investment Law on us, see “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation
and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business
operations.” If the operation of our businesses conducted through the variable interest entities is subject to any restrictions pursuant to the Special Administrative
Measures for Foreign Investment Access (Edition 2021) , or the 2021 Negative List, jointly promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development
and Reform Committee, or the NDRC, or any successor regulations, and the contractual arrangements are not treated as domestic investments, the contractual
arrangements may be regarded as invalid and illegal. If this were to occur, we would not be able to operate the relevant businesses through the contractual arrangements
and would lose our rights to receive the economic benefits of the variable interest entities. As a result, we would no longer consolidate the financial results of the variable
interest entities into our financial results, and we would have to derecognize their assets and liabilities according to the relevant accounting standards. If we do not
receive any compensation, we would recognize an investment loss as a result of such derecognition.
Furthermore, if future laws, administrative regulations or provisions mandate further actions to be taken by companies with respect to existing contractual
arrangements, we may face substantial uncertainties as to whether we can complete such actions in a timely manner, or at all. Failure to take timely and appropriate
measures to cope with any of these or similar regulatory compliance challenges could materially and adversely affect our current corporate structure and part of our
business operations.
We rely on contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and their shareholders, for a significant portion of our business operations, which
may not be as effective as ownership in directing the activities.
We have relied and expect to continue to rely on contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and their shareholders to operate our business in
areas where foreign ownership is restricted. For a description of these contractual arrangements, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transaction—B.
Related Party Transaction—Contractual Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities.” These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as ownership in
directing the activities of the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries. For example, the variable interest entities or their shareholders may fail to fulfill their
contractual obligations with us, by, among other things, failing to maintain our website and use the domain names and trademarks in a manner as stipulated in the
contractual arrangements, or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests.
If we had ownership of the variable interest entities, we would be able to exercise our rights as shareholders to effect changes in their board of directors,
which in turn could implement changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management and operational level. However, under the current contractual
arrangements, we rely on the performance by the variable interest entities and their shareholders of their obligations under the contractual arrangements to exercise
control over the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries. The shareholders of the variable interest entities may not act in the best interests of our company or may
not perform their obligations under these contracts. Such risks exist throughout the period in which we intend to operate a certain portion of our business through the
contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and their shareholders. Although we have the right to replace any shareholder of such entities under the
contractual arrangements, if any of these shareholders is uncooperative or any dispute relating to these contracts remains unresolved, we will have to enforce our rights
under these contracts through the operations of the PRC laws and arbitration, litigation and other legal proceedings, the outcome of which will be subject to uncertainties
in the PRC legal system. Therefore, our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and their shareholders may not be as effective in ensuring our control
over the relevant portion of our business operations as ownership would be.
Any failure by the variable interest entities or their respective shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them
would have a material adverse effect on our business.
We have entered into a series of contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and their shareholders. For a description of these contractual
arrangements, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities.” If the variable
interest entities or their shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we may incur substantial costs and expend
additional resources to enforce such arrangements. We may also have to rely on legal remedies under the PRC laws, including seeking specific performance or injunctive
relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure you will be effective under the PRC laws. For example, if the shareholders of the variable interest entities were to
refuse to transfer their
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equity interests in such entities to us or our designee when we exercise the purchase option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, or if they were otherwise to act in
bad faith toward us, then we may have to take legal action to compel them to perform their contractual obligations.
All the agreements under our contractual arrangements are governed by the PRC laws and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in China.
Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with the PRC laws and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with the PRC legal procedures.
The legal system in the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit
our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. Meanwhile, there are very few precedents and little formal guidance as to how contractual arrangements in the
context of a variable interest entity should be interpreted or enforced under the PRC laws. There remain significant uncertainties regarding the ultimate outcome of such
arbitration should legal action become necessary. In addition, under the PRC laws, rulings by arbitrators are final and parties cannot appeal the arbitration results in court
unless such rulings are revoked or determined unenforceable by a competent court. If the losing parties fail to carry out the arbitration awards within a prescribed time
limit, the prevailing parties may only enforce the arbitration awards in PRC courts through arbitration award recognition proceedings, which would require additional
expenses and delay.
In the event that we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant delay or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these
contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert effective control over the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries, and our ability to conduct our business
may be negatively affected. See “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China —Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of the PRC laws and regulations
could limit the legal protections available to us.”
Furthermore, the contractual arrangements provide that (i) as requested by our WFOEs from time to time, the variable interest entities will unconditionally
sell all of their assets to the extent permitted by the PRC law to our WFOEs, respectively, or the entity designated by them, at the lowest price permitted under applicable
PRC laws; and (ii) the variable interest entities or their respective shareholders will pay to our WFOEs, or the entity designated by them any payments they receive from
such transaction, and any profits arising from such a transaction shall be paid to our WFOEs, or the entity designated by them in satisfaction of the service fees under the
exclusive business cooperation agreements. These provisions may not be enforceable under the PRC laws in the event of a mandatory liquidation required by the PRC
laws or bankruptcy liquidation. Therefore, in the event of a breach of any agreements constituting the contractual arrangements by the variable interest entities, their
respective subsidiaries and/or shareholders, we may not be able to exert effective control over the variable interest entities due to the inability to enforce the contractual
arrangements, which could adversely affect our ability to conduct part of our business.
The shareholders of the variable interest entities may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business
and financial condition.
The shareholders of the variable interest entities may have potential conflicts of interest with us. These shareholders may breach, or cause the variable interest
entities to breach, the existing contractual arrangements, which would have a material adverse effect on our ability to effectively control the variable interest entities and
their subsidiaries and receive economic benefits from them. For example, these shareholders may be able to cause our agreements with the variable interest entities to be
performed in a manner adverse to us by, among other things, failing to remit payments due under the contractual arrangements to us on a timely basis. We cannot assure
you that when conflicts of interest arise, any or all of these shareholders will act in the best interests of our company or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor.
Currently, we do not have any arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these shareholders and our company, except that we could
exercise our purchase option under the exclusive option agreement with these shareholders to request them to transfer all of their equity interests in the variable interest
entities to a PRC entity or individual designated by us, to the extent permitted by the PRC laws. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between us and
these shareholders, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in the disruption of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainty as to the
outcome of any such legal proceedings.
The shareholders of the variable interest entities may be involved in personal disputes with third parties or other incidents that may have an adverse effect on
their respective equity interests in the variable interest entities and the validity or enforceability of our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and
their shareholders. For example, in the event that any of the individual shareholders who holds any equity interests in some of the variable interest entities divorces his or
her spouse, the spouse may claim that the equity interest of the variable interest entities held by such shareholder is part
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of their community property and should be divided between such shareholder and his or her spouse. If such claim is supported by the court, the relevant equity interest
may be held by the shareholder’s spouse or another third party who is not subject to obligations under our contractual arrangements, which could result in a loss of the
effective control over those variable interest entities by us. Similarly, if any of the equity interests of some of the variable interest entities is inherited by a third party
with whom the current contractual arrangements are not binding, we could lose our control over the variable interest entities or have to maintain such control by
incurring unpredictable costs, which could cause disruption to our business and operations and harm our financial condition and results of operations.
Although under our current contractual arrangements, (i) the spouses of some of shareholders of some of the variable interest entities has respectively
executed a spousal consent letter, under which each spouse agrees that he/she will not raise any claims against the equity interest, and will take every action to ensure the
performance of the contractual arrangements, and (ii) the variable interest entities and their shareholders shall not assign any of their respective rights or obligations to
any third party without the prior written consent of our WFOEs or their subsidiaries, we cannot assure you that these undertakings and arrangements will be complied
with or effectively enforced. In the case any of them is breached or becomes unenforceable and leads to legal proceedings, it could disrupt our business, distract our
management’s attention and subject us to uncertainties as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.
Contractual arrangements in relation to the variable interest entities, may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and they may determine that
we, or the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries, owe additional taxes, which could negatively affect our financial condition and the value of your
investment.
Under applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax
authorities. The PRC enterprise income tax law and regulations require enterprises that conduct related party transactions to prepare transfer pricing documentations to
demonstrate the basis of determining the price, the computation methodology and detailed explanations. The tax authorities may impose reasonable adjustments on
taxation if they have identified any related party transactions that are inconsistent with arm’s length principles after they conducted tax inspection. We may face material
and adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their
shareholders were not entered into on an arm’s length basis in such a way as to result in an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicable PRC laws, regulations and
rules, and adjust income of the variable interest entities in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in a
reduction of expense deductions recorded by the variable interest entities for PRC tax purposes, which could in turn increase their tax liabilities without reducing the tax
expenses of our PRC subsidiaries. In addition, if a PRC subsidiary requests the shareholders of the variable interest entities to transfer their equity interests at nominal or
no value pursuant to these contractual arrangements, such transfer could be viewed as a gift and subject the PRC subsidiary to PRC income tax. Furthermore, the PRC
tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on the variable interest entities for the adjusted but unpaid taxes according to the applicable regulations.
Our financial position could be materially adversely affected if the variable interest entities’ tax liabilities increase or if they are required to pay late payment
fees and other penalties.
We may lose the ability to use and benefit from assets held by the variable interest entities that are material to the operation of our business if the entity
goes bankrupt or becomes subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.
The variable interest entities hold certain assets that are material to the operation of our business, including, among others, intellectual properties, hardware
and software. Shenzhen Fenqile holds our value-added telecommunication business license for our online consumer finance business. Under the contractual
arrangements, the variable interest entities may not, and the shareholders of the variable interest entities and Shenzhen Fenqile may not cause them to, in any manner,
sell, transfer, mortgage or dispose of their assets or their legal or beneficial interests in the business without our prior consent. However, in the event these shareholders
breach these contractual arrangements and voluntarily liquidate the variable interest entities, or the variable interest entities declare bankruptcy and all or part of their
assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, or are otherwise disposed of without our consent, we may be unable to continue some or all of our
business activities, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If the variable interest entities undergo a voluntary
or involuntary liquidation proceeding, the independent third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our
business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we exercise the option to acquire equity interest of the variable interest entities, the equity interest transfer may subject us to certain limitations and
substantial costs.
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Pursuant to the contractual arrangements, our WFOEs or their subsidiaries have the irrevocable and exclusive right to purchase all or any part of the relevant
equity interests in the variable interest entities from the variable interest entities’ shareholders at any time and from time to time in their absolute discretion to the extent
permitted by the PRC laws. This equity transfer may be subject to approvals from, filings with, or reporting to competent PRC authorities, such as the State
Administration for Market Regulation, or the SAMR (formerly named the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or the SAIC), and/or their local competent
branches. In addition, the equity transfer price may be subject to review and tax adjustment by the relevant tax authorities. The equity transfer price to be received by the
variable interest entities under the contractual arrangements may also be subject to enterprise income tax, and these amounts could be substantial.
There may be an impact on our company if our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities, their respective subsidiaries and
shareholders are not treated as domestic investment.
If the operation of our businesses conducted through the variable interest entities is subject to any restrictions pursuant to the 2021 Negative List or any
successor regulations, and the contractual arrangements are not treated as domestic investment, the contractual arrangements may be regarded as invalid and illegal. If
this were to occur, we would not be able to operate the relevant businesses through the contractual arrangements and would lose our rights to receive the economic
benefits of the variable interest entities. As a result, we would no longer consolidate the financial results of the variable interest entities into our financial results and we
would have to derecognize their assets and liabilities according to the relevant accounting standards. If we do not receive any compensation, we would recognize an
investment loss as a result of such derecognition.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of
operations.
Substantially all of our operations are located in China. Accordingly, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced
to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in China generally and by continued economic growth in China as a whole.
The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the amount of government involvement, level of
development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing the
utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of improved corporate governance in
business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China are still owned by the government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a
significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China’s economic
growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to
particular industries or companies.
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various
sectors of the economy. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these
measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be
adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations.
The growth rate of the Chinese economy has gradually slowed since 2010, and COVID-19 has had a significant adverse impact on China’s economic growth
in recent years. The macroeconomic slowdown in China from COVID-19 may weigh on the growth in the online and offline consumption market in the near future. Any
prolonged slowdown in the Chinese economy may reduce the demand for our products and services and materially and adversely affect our business and results of
operations.
Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of the PRC laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to us.
The PRC legal system is based on written statutes and prior court decisions have limited value as precedents. Since these laws and regulations are relatively
new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of
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many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties.
In March 2023, the NPC approved a plan to re-organize institutions under the State Council, and China would set up a national financial regulatory
administration directly under the State Council that would be in charge of regulating the financial industry except for the securities sector, and would deepen the reform
of its local financial regulatory mechanism. In addition, the PRC laws and regulations concerning the online consumer finance industry are developing and evolving.
Although we have taken measures to comply with the laws and regulations that are applicable to our business operations, including the regulatory principles raised by the
China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, or the CBIRC, and avoid conducting any noncompliant activities under the applicable laws and regulations, such
as illegal fund-raising, forming fund collection or providing guarantee to investors, the PRC government authority may promulgate new laws and regulations regulating
the online consumer finance industry in the future. We cannot assure you that our practice would not be deemed to violate any new PRC laws or regulations relating to
online consumer finance. Ongoing reform of the financial regulatory system and developments in the online consumer finance industry may lead to changes in PRC
laws, regulations and policies or in the interpretation and application of existing laws, regulations and policies that may limit or restrict online and offline consumption
platforms like us, which could materially and adversely affect our business and operations.
From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. However, since PRC administrative and court
authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of
administrative and court proceedings. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published in a
timely manner or at all) that may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation.
Such uncertainties, including uncertainty over the scope and effect of our contractual, property (including intellectual property) and procedural rights, could materially
and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.
We may be adversely affected by the complexity, uncertainties and changes in the PRC laws and regulations of internet-related businesses and
companies.
The PRC government extensively regulates the internet industry, including foreign ownership of, and the licensing and permit requirements pertaining to,
companies operating in the internet industry. These internet-related laws and regulations are relatively new and evolving, and their interpretation and enforcement
involve significant uncertainties. As a result, in certain circumstances it may be difficult to determine what actions or omissions may be deemed to be in violation of
applicable laws and regulations. We maintain contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities. Such corporate structure may subject us to sanctions and
compromise the enforceability of related contractual arrangements, which may result in significant disruption to our business.
The evolving PRC regulatory system for the internet industry may lead to the establishment of new regulatory agencies or the publishment of new
regulations. For example, in May 2011, the State Council announced the establishment of the CAC. The primary role of the CAC is to facilitate policy-making and
legislative development in this field, to direct and coordinate with the relevant departments in connection with online content administration and to deal with cross-
ministry regulatory matters relating to the internet industry.
The interpretation and application of existing PRC laws, regulations and policies and possible new laws, regulations or policies relating to the internet
industry have created substantial uncertainties regarding the legality of existing and future foreign investments in, and the businesses and activities of, internet
businesses in China, including our business. We cannot assure you that we have obtained all the permits or licenses required for conducting our business in China or will
be able to maintain our existing licenses or obtain new ones. If the PRC government considers that we were operating without the proper approvals, licenses or permits or
promulgates new laws and regulations that require additional approvals or licenses or imposes additional restrictions on the operation of any part of our business, it may
levy fines, confiscate our income, revoke our business licenses, and require us to discontinue our business or impose restrictions on the affected portion of our business.
Any of these actions may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. For details on the PRC laws and regulations which may affect our
business, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations.”
The PRC government’s significant oversight and discretion over our business operation could result in a material adverse change in our operations and
the value of our ADSs.
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We conduct our business primarily through our PRC subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries. Our operations in China are governed by
the PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government in constant reform has significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our business, and it may influence
our operations, which could result in a material adverse change in our operation, and our ordinary shares and ADSs may decline in value or become worthless. Also, the
PRC government has recently indicated an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based
issuers. Any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors. In addition, implementation of
industry-wide regulations directly targeting our operations could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline. Therefore, investors of our company and our
business face potential uncertainty from actions taken by the PRC government affecting our business.
Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our
current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.
On March 15, 2019, the NPC promulgated the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which became effective on January 1, 2020 and replace the trio of existing laws
regulating foreign investment in China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law and
the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The Foreign Investment Law embodies an expected
PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate
legal requirements for both foreign and domestic investments. Meanwhile, the Implementation Regulations on the Foreign Investment Law, which was promulgated by
the State Council in December 2019 and became effective on January 1, 2020, further clarified and elaborated the relevant provisions of the Foreign Investment Law.
However, there still exist uncertainties in relation to the interpretation and implementation of the Foreign Investment Law and its implementation regulations.
For instance, under the Foreign Investment Law, “foreign investment” refers to the investment activities directly or indirectly conducted by foreign individuals,
enterprises or other entities in China. Though it does not explicitly classify contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment, there is no assurance that foreign
investment via contractual arrangement would not be interpreted as a type of indirect foreign investment activities under the definition in the future. In addition, the
definition contains a catch-all provision which includes investments made by foreign investors through means stipulated in laws or administrative regulations or other
methods prescribed by the State Council. However, the Implementation Regulations on the Foreign Investment Law still remain silent on whether contractual
arrangements should be deemed as a form of foreign investment. Therefore, it still leaves leeway for future laws, administrative regulations or provisions promulgated
by the State Council to provide for contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment. In any of these cases, it will be uncertain whether our contractual
arrangements will be deemed to be in violation of the market access requirements for foreign investment under the PRC laws and regulations.
Furthermore, if future laws, administrative regulations or provisions prescribed by the State Council mandate further actions to be taken by companies with
respect to existing contractual arrangements, we may face substantial uncertainties as to whether we can complete such actions in a timely manner, or at all. In addition,
the Foreign Investment Law provides that foreign-invested enterprises established before the Foreign Investment Law came into effect may maintain their structure and
corporate governance within a five-year transition period, which means that we may be required to adjust the structure and corporate governance of certain of our PRC
subsidiaries when such transition period ends. Failure to take timely and appropriate measures to cope with any of these or similar regulatory compliance challenges
could materially and adversely affect our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.
Litigation and negative publicity surrounding China-based companies listed in the U.S. may result in increased regulatory scrutiny of us and negatively
impact the trading price of our ADSs.
We believe that litigation and negative publicity surrounding companies with operations in China that are listed in the U.S., from time to time, have
negatively impacted stock prices for such companies. Various equity-based research organizations may publish reports on China-based companies with negative
comments that could lead to negative publicity and special investigations on these companies. In case any similar scrutiny is targeted at us, regardless of its lack of merit,
it could result in a diversion of management resources and energy, potential costs to defend ourselves against rumors, decreases and volatility in the ADS trading price,
and increased directors and officers insurance premiums, and could have a material adverse effect upon our business, results of operations and financial condition.
It may be difficult for overseas regulators to conduct investigations or collect evidence within China.
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Shareholder claims or regulatory investigations that are common in jurisdictions outside China are difficult to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in
China. For example, in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to providing information needed for regulatory investigations or litigation initiated outside
China. Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with the securities regulatory authorities of another country or region to
implement cross-border supervision and administration, such cooperation with the securities regulatory authorities in the United States or other jurisdictions may not be
efficient in the absence of a mutual and practical cooperation mechanism.
Furthermore, according to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law, or Article 177, which became effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulator is
allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of the PRC, and without the consent by the Chinese securities regulatory
authorities and the other competent governmental agencies, no entity or individual may provide documents or materials related to securities business to any foreign
party. While detailed interpretation of or implementation rules under Article 177 have yet to be promulgated, the inability of an overseas securities regulator to directly
conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within China and the potential obstacles for information provision may further increase difficulties you face in
protecting your interests. See also “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to the American Depositary Shares—You may face difficulties in
protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law.”
We rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any
limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.
We are a holding company, and we rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries for our cash and financing requirements,
including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders and service any debt we may incur. If our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on
their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. In addition, the PRC tax
authorities may require our PRC subsidiaries to adjust their taxable income under the contractual arrangements it currently has in place with the variable interest entities
and their subsidiaries, in a manner that would materially and adversely affect their ability to pay dividends and other distributions to us.
Under the PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries, as wholly foreign-owned enterprises in China, may pay dividends only out of their respective
accumulated after-tax profits as determined in accordance with the PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise is required
to set aside at least 10% of its accumulated after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund certain statutory reserve funds, until the aggregate amount of such funds reaches
50% of its registered capital. At its discretion, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to
discretionary surplus funds. These statutory reserve funds and the discretionary surplus funds are not distributable as cash dividends.
In response to the persistent capital outflow and RMB’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar in the fourth quarter of 2016, the People’s Bank of China, or the
PBOC, and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, have implemented a series of capital control measures, including stricter vetting procedures for
China-based companies to remit foreign currency for overseas acquisitions, dividend payments and shareholder loan repayments. For instance, the PBOC issued the
Circular on Further Clarification of Relevant Matters Relating to Offshore RMB Loans Provided by Domestic Enterprises, or the PBOC Circular 306, in November
2016, which provides that offshore RMB loans provided by a domestic enterprise to offshore enterprises that it holds equity interests in shall not exceed 30% of the
owner’s equity in the latest audit report of such domestic enterprise. The PBOC Circular 306 may constrain our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to provide offshore loans to us.
The PRC government may continue to strengthen its capital controls and our PRC subsidiaries’ dividends and other distributions may be subjected to tighter scrutiny in
the future. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to
grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business. See also “—Risks Related to
Doing Business in China—If we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax
consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders or ADS holders.”
The PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in the PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency
conversion may delay or prevent us from making loans to our PRC subsidiaries and the consolidated variable interest entities or making additional capital
contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
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Any funds we transfer to our PRC subsidiaries, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, are subject to filing or registration with the
relevant governmental authorities in China. According to the relevant PRC regulations on foreign-invested enterprises in China, capital contributions to our PRC
subsidiaries are subject to certain information reporting requirements on foreign investors or the applicable foreign investment entities. See “Item 4. Information on the
Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment Restrictions.” In addition, (i) any foreign loan procured by our PRC
subsidiaries is required to be registered with SAFE, or its local branches, and (ii) each of our PRC subsidiaries may not procure loans which exceed the statutory limit.
Any medium or long-term loan to be provided by us to the variable interest entity must be recorded and registered by the NDRC, and SAFE or its local branches. We
may not complete such recording or registrations on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future capital contributions or foreign loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries. If
we fail to complete such recording or registration, our ability to use the proceeds of our initial public offering and to capitalize our PRC operations may be negatively
affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
In 2008, SAFE promulgated the Notice of the General Affairs Department of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on the Relevant Operating Issues
concerning the Improvement of the Administration of Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142,
which used to regulate the conversion by foreign-invested enterprises of foreign currency into Renminbi by restricting the usage of converted Renminbi.
In March 2015, SAFE promulgated the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming the Administrative Approach Regarding the
Settlement of the Foreign Exchange Capitals of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19. SAFE Circular 19 became effective as of June 1, 2015 and
superseded SAFE Circular 142 on the same date. SAFE Circular 19 launched a nationwide reform of the administration of the settlement of the foreign exchange
capitals of foreign-invested enterprises and allows foreign-invested enterprises to settle their foreign exchange capital at their discretion, but continues to prohibit
foreign-invested enterprises from using the Renminbi fund converted from their foreign exchange capitals for expenditures beyond their business scopes. In June 2016,
SAFE promulgated the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming and Standardizing the Administrative Provisions on Capital Account
Foreign Exchange Settlement, or SAFE Circular 16. SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 continue to prohibit foreign- invested enterprises from, among other
things, using the Renminbi fund converted from its foreign exchange capitals for expenditure beyond its business scope, securities investment (except for guarantee
products issued by bank), providing loans to non-affiliated enterprises or constructing or purchasing real estate not for self-use (except for real estate enterprises).
In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular Regarding Further Promotion of the Facilitation of Cross-Border Trade and Investment on October 23, 2019, or
SAFE Circular 28, pursuant to which all foreign-invested enterprises can make equity investments in the PRC with their capital funds in accordance with the law.
However, the relevant government authorities have broad discretion in interpreting the regulation, it is unclear whether SAFE will permit such capital funds to
be used for equity investments in the PRC in actual practice.
Due to the restrictions imposed on loans in foreign currencies extended to any PRC domestic companies, we are not likely to make such loans to the
subsidiaries of our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China and the consolidated variable interest entities, each a PRC domestic company. Meanwhile, we are not
likely to finance the activities of the consolidated variable interest entities by means of capital contributions given the restrictions on foreign investment in the businesses
that are currently conducted by the consolidated variable interest entities.
In light of the various requirements imposed by the PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies, we
cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or record-filings on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans to our
PRC subsidiaries or any consolidated variable interest entity or future capital contributions by us to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China. As a result,
uncertainties exist as to our ability to provide prompt financial support to our PRC subsidiaries or the consolidated variable interest entities when needed. If we fail to
complete such registrations or record-filings, our ability to use foreign currency, including the proceeds we received from our initial public offering, and to capitalize or
otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our
business.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the price of our ADSs.
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The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, is based on rates set by the PBOC. The Renminbi has fluctuated against the U.S.
dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. The value of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by changes in China’s political and
economic conditions and by China’s foreign exchange policies, among other things. We cannot assure you that Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly
in value against the U.S. dollar in the future. It is difficult to predict how market forces or the PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between
Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future.
Any significant appreciation or depreciation of Renminbi may materially and adversely affect our revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of,
and any dividends payable on, our ADSs in U.S. dollars. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive into Renminbi to pay our operating
expenses, appreciation of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the RMB amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, a
significant depreciation of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar may significantly reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent of our earnings, which in turn could adversely affect the
price of our ADSs.
Very limited hedging options are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging
transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability
and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be
magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may have a
material adverse effect on your investment.
Governmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability to utilize our operating revenue effectively and affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China.
We receive substantially all of our operating revenue in RMB. Under our current corporate structure, our company in the Cayman Islands relies on dividend payments
from our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account
items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by
complying with certain procedural requirements. Therefore, our PRC subsidiaries are able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to us without prior approval from
SAFE, subject to the condition that the remittance of such dividends outside of the PRC complies with certain procedures under PRC foreign exchange regulation, such
as the overseas investment registrations by the beneficial owners of our company who are PRC residents. But approval from or registration with appropriate government
authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans
denominated in foreign currencies.
In light of the substantial capital outflows of China in 2016 due to the weakening of Renminbi, the PRC government has imposed more restrictive foreign
exchange policies and stepped up scrutiny of major outbound capital movement. More restrictions and substantial vetting processes have been put in place by SAFE to
regulate cross-border transactions falling under the capital account. The PRC government may at its discretion further restrict access to foreign currencies in the future
for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands,
we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders, including holders of our ADSs.
Failure to make adequate contributions to various employee benefit plans and withhold individual income tax on employees’ salaries as required by the
PRC regulations may subject us to penalties.
Companies operating in China are required to participate in various government sponsored employee benefit plans, including certain social insurance, housing
provident funds and other welfare-oriented payment obligations, and contribute to the plans in amounts equal to certain percentages of salaries, including bonuses and
allowances, of our employees up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time at locations where we operate our businesses. The
requirement of employee benefit plans has not been implemented consistently by the local governments in China given the different levels of economic development in
different locations. Companies operating in China are also required to withhold individual income tax on employees’ salaries based on the actual salary of each employee
upon payment. We have not made adequate employee benefit payments or at all, have not registered with certain governmental authority to make social insurance and
housing provident funds contributions, and have engaged third-party human resources agencies to pay on our
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behalf for some of our employees. Neither have we fully withheld the individual income tax in accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations.
With respect to the underpaid employee benefits or failure to complete the social insurance registration and housing provident fund registration, we may be
required to make up the contributions for these plans as well as to pay late fees and fines or be subject to legal sanctions; with respect to the under withheld individual
income tax, we may be required to make up sufficient withholding and pay late fees and fines. If we are subject to late fees or fines in relation to the underpaid employee
benefits and under withheld individual income tax, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
The enforcement of the PRC Labor Contract Law and other labor-related regulations in the PRC may subject us to penalties or liabilities.
The PRC Labor Contract Law, which was enacted in 2008 and amended in 2012, introduced specific provisions related to fixed-term employment contracts,
part-time employment, probationary periods, consultation with labor unions and employee assemblies, employment without a written contract, dismissal of employees,
severance, and collective bargaining to enhance previous PRC labor laws. Under the Labor Contract Law, an employer is obligated to sign a non-fixed term labor
contract with any employee who has worked for the employer for ten consecutive years. Further, if an employee requests or agrees to renew a fixed-term labor contract
that has already been entered into twice consecutively, the resulting contract, with certain exceptions, must have non-fixed term, subject to certain exceptions. With
certain exceptions, an employer must pay severance to an employee where a labor contract is terminated or expires. In addition, the PRC governmental authorities have
continued to introduce various new labor-related regulations since the effectiveness of the Labor Contract Law.
These laws and regulations designed to enhance labor protection tend to increase our labor costs. In addition, as the interpretation and implementation of
these regulations are still evolving, our employment practices may not be at all times be deemed in compliance with the regulations. As a result, we could be subject to
penalties or incur significant liabilities in connection with labor disputes or investigations.
The M&A Rules and certain other PRC regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors,
which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in
2006 and amended in 2009, and some other regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements that could
make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex, including requirements in some instances that the Ministry of Commerce
be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise.
Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law requires that the anti-monopoly law enforcement agency shall be notified in advance of any concentration of undertaking
if certain thresholds are triggered. On February 7, 2021, the Anti-Monopoly Committee of the State Council published the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet
Platforms, which stipulates that any concentration of undertakings involving the variable interest entities shall fall within the scope of anti-monopoly review. If a
concentration of undertakings meets the criteria for declaration as stipulated by the State Council, an operator shall report such concentration of undertakings to the anti-
monopoly law enforcement agency under the State Council in advance. Therefore, our potential acquisitions of other entities that we may make in the future (whether by
ourselves, our subsidiaries or through the variable interest entities) and that meets the criteria for declaration may be required to be reported to and approved by the anti-
monopoly law enforcement agency, and we may be subject to penalties, including but not limited to a fine of no more than RMB500,000 if we fail to comply with such
requirement.
In addition, the security review rules issued by the Ministry of Commerce that became effective in September 2011 specify that mergers and acquisitions by
foreign investors that raise “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control over
domestic enterprises that raise “national security” concerns are subject to strict review by the Ministry of Commerce, and the rules prohibit any activities attempting to
bypass a security review, including by structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement.
In the future, we may grow our business by acquiring complementary businesses. Complying with the requirements of the above-mentioned regulations and
other relevant rules to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any
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required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the Ministry of Commerce or its local counterparts may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such
transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.
The PRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by the PRC residents may limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered
capital or distribute profits to us or otherwise expose us or our PRC resident beneficial owners to liability and penalties under the PRC laws.
SAFE promulgated the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on the Administration of Foreign Exchange Involved in Overseas Investment,
Financing and Return on Investment Conducted by Residents in China via Special-Purpose Companies, or SAFE Circular 37, in July 2014 that requires PRC residents or
entities to register with SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas
investment or financing. In addition, such PRC residents or entities must update their SAFE registrations when the offshore special purpose vehicle undergoes material
events relating to any change of basic information (including change of such PRC residents or entities, name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment
amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions.
SAFE Circular 37 was issued to replace the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC Residents Engaging in
Financing and Roundtrip Investments through Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 75. In February 2015, SAFE released the Notice of the State
Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Simplifying and Improving the Policies of Foreign Exchange Administration Applicable to Direct Investment, or SAFE
Circular 13, which has amended SAFE Circular 37 by requiring PRC residents or entities to register with qualified banks rather than SAFE or its local branch in
connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas investment or financing.
If our shareholders who are PRC residents or entities do not complete their registration as required, our PRC subsidiaries may be prohibited from distributing
their profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may be restricted in our ability to contribute additional capital to our
PRC subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with the SAFE registration described above could result in liability under the PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign
exchange restrictions.
Mr. Jay Wenjie Xiao, who directly or indirectly holds shares in our Cayman Islands holding company and who is known to us as being a PRC resident, has
completed the foreign exchange registrations in accordance with SAFE Circular 75 then in effect.
However, we may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC residents or entities holding direct or indirect interest in our company, nor can we compel
our beneficial owners to comply with the requirements of SAFE Circular 37. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders or beneficial owners who are
PRC residents or entities have complied with, and will in the future make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals required by, SAFE Circular 37. Failure by
such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE Circular 37, or failure by us to amend the foreign exchange registrations of our PRC subsidiaries, could
subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities and limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay
dividends to us or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
Any failure to comply with the PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock incentive plans may subject the PRC plan
participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.
Pursuant to SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who participate in stock incentive plans in overseas non-publicly-listed companies may submit applications to
SAFE or its local branches for the foreign exchange registration with respect to offshore special purpose vehicles. In the meantime, our directors, executive officers and
other employees who are PRC citizens, subject to limited exceptions, and who have been granted stock options by us, may follow the Notices on Issues Concerning the
Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly-Listed Company, promulgated by SAFE in 2012,
or SAFE Circular 7. Pursuant to the SAFE Circular 7, PRC citizens and non-PRC citizens who reside in China for a continuous period of no less than one year who
participate in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE through a domestic
qualified agent, which could be the PRC subsidiaries of such overseas listed company, and complete certain other procedures. In addition, an overseas entrusted
institution must be retained to handle matters in connection with the exercise or sale of stock options and the purchase or sale of shares and interests. We and our
directors, executive officers
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and other employees who are PRC citizens or who reside in the PRC for a continuous period of no less than one year and who have been granted stock options are
subject to these regulations.
Failure to complete the SAFE registrations may subject them to fines and legal sanctions, and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into
our PRC subsidiaries and limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to us, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business. We also face regulatory
uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional incentive plans for our directors, executive officers and employees under the PRC laws. See “Item 4.
Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Foreign Currency Exchange.”
The State Administration of Taxation, or SAT, has issued certain circulars concerning employee share incentives. Under these rules and regulations, our
employees working in China who exercise stock options or are granted restricted shares will be subject to PRC individual income tax. Our PRC subsidiaries have
obligations to file documents related to employee stock options or restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of those
employees who exercise their share options. If our employees fail to pay or we fail to withhold their income taxes according to relevant laws and regulations, we may
face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC governmental authorities. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—
Regulations Relating to Foreign Currency Exchange.”
If we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us
and our non-PRC shareholders or ADS holders.
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, enterprises that are registered in countries or regions outside the PRC but have their
“de facto management bodies” located within China may be considered as PRC resident enterprises and are therefore subject to PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of
25% on their worldwide income. For detailed discussions of applicable laws, regulations and implementation rules, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B.
Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Tax—Regulations Relating to Enterprise Income Tax.”
We believe none of our entities outside of China is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is
subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” As substantially
all of our management members are based in China, it remains unclear how the tax residency rule will apply to our case. If the PRC tax authorities determine that
LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. or any of our subsidiaries outside of China is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, then LexinFintech
Holdings Ltd. or such subsidiary could be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 25% on its worldwide income, which could materially reduce our net income. In addition, we
will also be subject to PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. Furthermore, if the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a PRC resident enterprise for
enterprise income tax purposes, dividends we distribute to non-PRC resident holders may be subject to PRC withholding tax, and gains realized on the sale or other
disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares may be subject to PRC tax, at a rate of 10% in the case of non-PRC enterprises or 20% in the case of non-PRC individuals
(in each case, subject to the provisions of any applicable tax treaty), if such gains are deemed to be from PRC sources.
It is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of our company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and
the PRC in the event that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares.
If the status of certain of our PRC subsidiaries and the variable interest entities as “High and New Technology Enterprises” or “Software Enterprises” is
revoked or expires, we may have to pay additional taxes or make up any previously unpaid taxes and may be subject to a higher tax rate, which would adversely
affect our results of operations.
The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law generally imposes a uniform income tax rate of 25% on all enterprises, but grants preferential treatment to “High and
New Technology Enterprises,” or HNTE(s), pursuant to which HNTEs are instead subject to an income tax rate of 15% when they meet the conditions on preferential
tax rate, subject to a requirement that they re-apply for HNTE status every three years. During this three-year period, an HNTE must conduct a qualification self-review
each year to ensure it meets the HNTE criteria, and will be subject to the regular 25% income tax rate for any year in which it does not meet the criteria. In December
2019, Shenzhen Lexin Software received confirmation from the relevant PRC government agencies that it qualified as an HNTE for the three years ended December 31,
2019, 2020, and 2021. In December 2022, Shenzhen Lexin Software successfully re-applied for a new HNTE qualification for the three years ending December 31,
2022, 2023, and 2024, in this regard, Shenzhen Lexin Software was subject to the income tax rate of 15% in
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2022. In December 2020, Shenzhen Dingsheng Computer Technology Co., Ltd., or Dingsheng Computer was qualified as an HNTE for the three years ending
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, but failed to satisfy the accreditation conditions concerning tax incentives of HNTE in 2022 and was subject to the income tax rate
of 25% in 2022 accordingly.
Pursuant to the Circular on Income Tax Policies for “Software Enterprises Encouraged by the State” announced on April 23, 2021, a “Software Enterprise
Encouraged by the State” is entitled to an income tax exemption for two years beginning with its first profitable year and a 50% reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the
subsequent three years. Shenzhen Lexin Information Service Co.,Ltd. was qualified as “Software Enterprise Encouraged by the State” from 2021. As a result, Shenzhen
Lexin Information Service Co.,Ltd. is entitled to an income tax exemption for the years of 2021 and 2022 and a preferential income tax rate of 12.5% from 2023 to 2025.
The “Software Enterprise Encouraged by the State” is subject to review by the relevant authorities every year.
Benefiting from Notice of Promoting High-Level Opening and High-Quality Development of Guangxi Beibu Gulf Economic Zone In The New Era, and
Announcement on The Continuation of The Western Development Enterprise Income Tax Policy, Beihai Aurora Information Technology Co., Ltd. and Beihai Turing
Technology Co., Ltd., which has changed its name to Beihai Lexin Information Technology Co., Ltd., are entitled for a preferential income tax rate of 15% for China’s
Western Development Strategy. In the meantime, the local tax bureau in Guangxi exempted 40% of the income based on the preferential income tax rate of 15% from
2018 to 2022. Therefore, Beihai Aurora Information Technology Co., Ltd. and Beihai Lexin Information Technology Co., Ltd. enjoyed a preferential income tax rate of
9% from 2018 to 2022 and will enjoy a rate of 15% from 2023 to 2030.
We may not be able to obtain certain benefits under relevant tax treaty on dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries to us through our Hong Kong
subsidiaries.
Pursuant to the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, if a non-resident enterprise has not set up an organization or establishment in the
PRC, or has set up an organization or establishment but the income derived has no actual connection with such organization or establishment, it will be subject to a
withholding tax on its PRC-sourced income at a rate of 10%. Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, or the Double Taxation Arrangement, the withholding tax rate in respect to the payment of dividends
by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong enterprise is reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly holds at least 25% of the PRC
enterprise. There are also other conditions for enjoying the reduced withholding tax rate according to other relevant tax rules and regulations. See “Item 4. Information
on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Tax—Regulations Relating to Dividend Withholding Tax.”
We cannot assure you that our determination regarding our qualification to enjoy the preferential tax treatment will not be challenged by the relevant PRC tax
authority that or we will be able to complete the necessary filings with the relevant PRC tax authority and enjoy the preferential withholding tax rate of 5% under the
Double Taxation Arrangement with respect to dividends to be paid by our PRC subsidiaries to our Hong Kong subsidiaries.
We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.
According to the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Several Issues Concerning the Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Property
Transfer by Non-Resident Enterprises, or Circular 7, promulgated by the State Administration of Taxation, or SAT, in February 2015, if a non-resident enterprise
transfers the equity interests of a PRC resident enterprise indirectly by transfer of the equity interests of an offshore holding company (other than a purchase and sale of
shares issued by a PRC resident enterprise in public securities market) without a reasonable commercial purpose, the PRC tax authorities have the power to reassess the
nature of the transaction and the indirect equity transfer will be treated as a direct transfer. As a result, the gain derived from such transfer, which means the equity
transfer price minus the cost of equity, will be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%.
Under the terms of Circular 7, the transfer which meets all of the following circumstances shall be directly deemed as having no reasonable commercial
purposes: (i) over 75% of the value of the equity interests of the offshore holding company are directly or indirectly derived from PRC taxable properties; (ii) at any
time during the year before the indirect transfer, over 90% of the total properties of the offshore holding company (excluding cash) are investments within PRC territory,
or in the year before the indirect transfer, over 90% of the offshore holding company’s revenue is directly or indirectly derived from PRC territory; (iii) the function
performed and risks assumed by the offshore holding company are
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insufficient to substantiate its corporate existence; or (iv) the foreign income tax imposed on the indirect transfer is lower than the PRC tax imposed on the direct transfer
of the PRC taxable properties. See “Item 4. Information on the Company —B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Tax—Regulations Relating to
Income Tax for Share Transfers.”
We face uncertainties as to the reporting and other implications of certain past and future transactions where PRC taxable assets are involved, such as
offshore restructuring, sale of the shares in our offshore subsidiaries or investments. Our company and our non-PRC resident investors may be subject to filing
obligations or taxed or subject to withholding obligations in such transactions, under Circular 7. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—People’s Republic
of China Taxation.” For transfer of shares in our company by investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises, our PRC subsidiaries may be requested to assist in the
filing under Circular 7. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Circular 7 or to request the relevant transferors from whom we
purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that our company should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Filing procedure with the CSRC shall be fulfilled and the approval of other PRC government authorities may be required in connection with our overseas
offerings under the PRC laws, and we cannot predict whether or for how long we will be able to complete the filing procedure with the CSRC and obtain such
approval if required.
The M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in 2006 and amended in 2009, requires an overseas special purpose vehicle formed for listing
purposes through acquisitions of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC persons or entities to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading
of such special purpose vehicle’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. The interpretation and application of the regulations remain unclear, and our overseas
offerings may ultimately require approval of the CSRC. If the CSRC approval is required, it is uncertain whether we can or how long it will take us to obtain the
approval and, even if we obtain such CSRC approval, the approval could be rescinded. Any failure to obtain or delay in obtaining the CSRC approval for any of our
overseas offerings, or a rescission of such approval if obtained by us, would subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities, which
could include fines and penalties on our operations in China, restrictions or limitations on our ability to pay dividends outside of China, and other forms of sanctions that
may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
On July 6, 2021, the relevant PRC government authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the
Law. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based
companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to deal with the risks and incidents faced by
China-based overseas-listed companies.
Approved by the State Council, the CSRC released new regulations for the filing-based administration of overseas securities offering and listing by domestic
companies on February 17, 2023. The regulations came into effect on March 31, 2023, which include the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering
and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Trial Measures, and five supporting guidelines. The Trial Measures stipulate that both direct and indirect overseas offering
and listing activities are subject to regulation. Specifically, where a domestic company seeks to indirectly offer and list securities in overseas markets, the issuer shall
designate a major domestic operating entity, which shall, as the domestic responsible entity, make the filing with the CSRC. Any overseas offering and listing made by
an issuer that meets both the following conditions will be determined as indirect: (i) 50% or more of the issuer's operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets
as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (ii) the main parts of the
issuer's business activities are conducted in the PRC, its main places of business are located in the PRC, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and
management are mostly PRC citizens or domiciled in the PRC. The determination as to whether or not an overseas offering and listing by domestic companies is indirect
shall be made on a substance over form basis.
According to the Trial Measures and the Officials from Relevant Department of CSRC Answered Reporter Question Regarding the Trial Measures, the
existing domestic companies that have completed overseas offering and listing before the effective date of the Trial Measures, or March 31, 2023, such as us, shall not
be required to perform filling procedures for the completed overseas issuance and listing. However, from the effective date of the regulation, any of our subsequent
securities offering in the same overseas market or subsequent securities offering and listing in other overseas markets in future shall be subject to the filing with the
CSRC within three working days after the offering is completed or after the relevant application is submitted overseas.
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If it is determined that any approval, filing or other administrative procedure from other PRC governmental authorities is required for any future offering or
listing, we cannot assure that we can obtain the required approval or accomplish the required filings or other regulatory procedures in a timely manner, or at all. If we fail
to fulfill filing procedure as stipulated by the Trial Measures or offers and lists securities in an overseas market in violation of the Trial Measures, the CSRC shall order
rectification, issue warnings to such domestic company, and impose a fine of between RMB1,000,000 and RMB10,000,000. Directly liable persons-in-charge and other
directly liable persons shall be warned and each imposed a fine of between RMB500,000 yuan and RMB5,000,000. Controlling shareholders and actual controllers that
organize or instruct the violations shall be imposed a fine of between RMB1,000,000 and RMB10,000,000. Directly liable persons-in-charge and other directly liable
persons shall be each imposed a fine of between RMB500,000 and RMB5,000,000.
If we fail to obtain the relevant approval or complete the filings and other relevant regulatory procedures of other PRC government authorities, we may face
sanctions, which may include fines and penalties on our operations in China, limitations on our operating privileges in China, restrictions on or prohibition of the
payments or remittance of dividends by our subsidiaries in China, or other actions that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities also may take actions requiring
us, or making it advisable for us, to halt our offerings before settlement and delivery of the shares offered. Consequently, if investors engage in market trading or other
activities in anticipation of and prior to settlement and delivery, they do so at the risk that settlement and delivery may not occur. Any uncertainties or negative publicity
regarding such approval requirement could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, reputation, and the trading price of our ADSs.
The PCAOB had historically been unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial statements and the
uncertainty of inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditor may deprive our investors with the benefits of such inspections.
Our auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report included elsewhere in this annual report, as an auditor of companies
that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular
inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Our auditor is located in mainland China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB had
historically been unable to conduct inspections and investigations completely before 2022. As a result, we and investors in the ADSs were deprived of the benefits of
such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China in the past has made it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of
our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the
PCAOB inspections. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB issued a report that vacated its December 16, 2021 determination and removed mainland China and Hong
Kong from the list of jurisdictions where it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms.
However, if the PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely accounting firms in mainland China
and Hong Kong, and we use an accounting firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit report on our financial statements filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, we and investors in our ADSs would be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections again, which could cause investors and
potential investors in the ADSs to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.
Our ADSs may be prohibited from trading in the United States under the HFCAA in the future if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate
completely auditors located in China. The delisting of the ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your
investment.
Pursuant to the HFCAA, if the SEC determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to
inspections by the PCAOB for two consecutive years, the SEC will prohibit our shares or ADSs from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-
counter trading market in the United States.
On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report to notify the SEC of its determination that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely
registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and our auditor was subject to that determination. In May 2022, the SEC
conclusively listed us as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA following the filing of our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended
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December 31, 2021. However, on August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed a Statement of Agreement with the CSRC and the Ministry of Finance to take the first step in
opening up the PCAOB to inspections and investigations of accounting firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB removed
mainland China and Hong Kong from the list of jurisdictions where it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms. For this reason,
we do not expect to be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA after we file this annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2022.
Each year, the PCAOB will determine whether it can inspect and investigate completely audit firms in mainland China and Hong Kong, among other
jurisdictions. If the PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely accounting firms in mainland China and Hong
Kong and we use an accounting firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit report on our financial statements filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, we would be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer following the filing of the annual report on Form 20-F for the relevant fiscal year. In
accordance with the HFCAA, our securities would be prohibited from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the
United States if we are identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for two consecutive years in the future.
If our shares and ADSs are prohibited from trading in the United States, there is no certainty that we will be able to list on a non-U.S. exchange or that a
market for our shares will develop outside of the United States A prohibition of being able to trade in the United States would substantially impair your ability to sell or
purchase our ADSs when you wish to do so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our ADSs. In addition,
such a prohibition would significantly affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which would have a material adverse impact on our business,
financial condition, and prospects.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
We have a limited operating history in China’s online and offline consumption market, an emerging and evolving industry, which makes it difficult to
evaluate our future prospects.
China’s online and offline consumption market in general, including the online consumer finance market, remains at a relatively preliminary stage of
development and may not develop at the anticipated growth rate. Online consumer finance is a new industry, and there are few established players with business models
that we can follow or build upon. In particular, there are a limited number of comparable online consumer finance platforms with e-commerce business. Potential users
and investors may not be familiar with this new industry and may have difficulty distinguishing our services from those of our competitors. Attracting and retaining
users, investors and institutional funding partners are critical to increasing the loan originations on our platform.
The emerging and evolving online and offline consumption market makes it difficult to effectively assess our future prospects. In addition, our business has
grown substantially in recent years, but our past growth rates may not be indicative of our future growth.
The regulatory framework for this industry is also evolving and may remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. It is possible that the PRC laws and
regulations may change in ways that do not favor our development. In particular, the PRC laws and regulations may impose more stringent requirements and regulatory
burdens relating to certain of our target users. If that happens, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We launched our online consumer finance platform Fenqile in 2013, and have a limited operating history. As our business develops, or in response to
competition, we have introduced, and may continue to introduce, new products and services or make adjustments to our existing products and services, or make
adjustments to our business model. In connection with the introduction of new products or in response to general economic conditions, we may impose more stringent
user qualifications to ensure the quality of loans on Fenqile, which may negatively affect the growth of our business. It is therefore difficult to effectively assess our
future prospects. You should consider our business and prospects in light of the risks and challenges we encounter or may encounter in this developing and rapidly
evolving market. These risks and challenges include our ability to, among other things:
•navigate an evolving regulatory environment;
•expand our user base for our various products and services;
•enhance our risk management capabilities;
•diversify our funding sources;
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•maintain and enhance our relationships with our other business partners, including merchandise suppliers, data providers and financial service providers that
participate on our platforms;
•improve our operational efficiency;
•continue to scale our technology infrastructure to support the growth of our platforms and higher transaction volume;
•broaden our product and service offerings;
•operate without being adversely affected by the negative publicity about the industry in general and our company in particular, if any;
•maintain the security of our platforms and the confidentiality of the information provided and utilized across our platforms;
•cultivate a vibrant consumer finance ecosystem;
•attract, retain and motivate talented employees to support our business growth;
•navigate microeconomic conditions and fluctuations; and
•defend ourselves in litigation, and against regulatory, intellectual property, privacy or other claims.
If our market does not develop as we expect, if we fail to educate potential users and funding sources about the value of our platforms and services, or if we
fail to address the needs of our target users, our reputation, business and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.
The laws and regulations governing the online consumer finance industry in China are developing and evolving rapidly, and our business operations
have been and may need to continue to be modified to ensure full compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We also cooperate with institutional funding
partners, whose compliance with the PRC laws and regulations may affect our business.
The online consumer financing industry in China is heavily regulated. Since mid-2015, the PRC government and relevant regulatory authorities have issued
various laws and regulations governing the online consumer finance industry, including, among others, the Guidelines on Promoting the Healthy Development of the
Internet Finance, or the Guidelines, the Notice on Regulating and Rectifying “Cash Loan” Business in December 2017, or the Circular 141, the Interim Measures for the
Administration of Commercial Banks on Online Lending issued in July 2020, and amended in June 2021 or the Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures, the
Notice on Further Regulating Commercial Banks Online Lending issued in February 2021, or the Circular 24, the Notice on Further Strengthening the Regulation and
Management Work of Internet Consumer Loan for College Students in February 2021, or the Notice on Internet Consumer Loan for College Students, the
Announcement No. 3 issued by the PBOC on March 2021, and the Notice of Strengthening the Administration of the Internet Loan Business of Commercial Banks and
Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Financial Services, or the Circular 14, issued by the CBIRC on July 12, 2022. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B.
Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Online Consumer Finance Services.”
As we rely primarily on our funding partners for our loan products, our collaboration with institutional funding partners has exposed us to and may continue
to expose us to additional regulatory uncertainties faced by such institutional funding partners whose businesses are highly regulated. To comply with such guidance, we
may need to adjust our business model and our institutional funding partners, such as banks and consumer finance companies, may need to adopt changes to the
cooperation model with their business partners, including us, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations. For example, the Circular 141 provides
a series of guidance on the “cash loan” business of financial institutions, including, among others, (i) requiring financial institutions that participate in the “cash loan”
business not to accept any credit enhancement services or other similar services from third parties without qualification to provide guarantee and to ensure that no third
parties will charge borrowers any interests or fees; (ii) requiring network microcredit companies to suspend the funding of micro loans with no specific consumption
scenario or designated use of loan proceeds, and (iii) prohibiting banking financial institutions from providing loans with no designated use of loan proceeds under
relevant PRC laws and regulations.
For another example, the Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures provide a series of guidance on the online lending business of commercial banks,
which stipulate that commercial banks shall manage and control the payment of loan and shall not outsource their core businesses (including the funding and settlement
of loans and the credit approval) to third-party institutions, unless the commercial banks extend loans jointly with a third-party institution that has obtained
governmental approval for operating lending business. In addition, the Circular 24 stipulates that Commercial banks shall strengthen their role as the responsible party
for risk control, independently manage internet loan risks, complete on their own the parts of the risk control process that have important influences on loan risk
assessment and loan risk control, and refrain from outsourcing key parts of their pre-loan, mid-loan or post-loan management to external parties.
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To ensure compliance with the requirements of the Circular 141, the Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures, the Circular 24 and other applicable laws
and regulations, we adjusted our practice to cease charging borrowers any interests or fees. Instead, we charged financial institutions a service fee. In certain
circumstances, financial institutions entrusted third-party payment service providers or banks whom we cooperated with to provide payment clearing services for our
online lending business; We currently conduct a part of the investor protection program through our own qualified financial guarantee companies and charge guarantee
fees directly to users. Due to the restriction on the outstanding guarantee liabilities of our own financing guarantee companies, we also cooperate with other third-party
financing guarantee companies or commercial insurance companies, which provide guarantee or insurance services for the users on our platform. We cannot assure you
that such changes in our business model would not materially and adversely affect our business and prospects, or that our efforts would ensure full compliance to the
Circular 141 and other applicable laws and regulations.
In addition, to comply with the requirement in the Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures that commercial banks must include a mandatary process for
the borrower to read the loan contract in the online loan application and set up reasonable mandatory reading time, we adjusted the user interface on our platform. In
March 2021, the PBOC released the Announcement No. 3 to require all lending institutions to display the annualized rate of each loan product prominently on the
website, mobile app, poster and any other channels where the product is marketed, and specify the annualized rate in the loan contract. In light of this, we further
updated the interface on our platform as requested by certain funding partners, but we cannot assure you that our display of information is in full compliance with such
requirements. We may need to make further changes to our platform to comply with potential additional requirements in the loan application process.
For another example, the Notice on Internet Consumer Loan for College Students sets forth several requirements on the banking financial institutions
participating in internet consumer loans for college students, including that the banking financial institutions shall strictly check credit qualifications and the identities of
college students and their use of loans, conduct comprehensive credit assessment, and receive the written confirmations from second sources of repayment (such as
parents, guardians, or other administrator of the college students) who acknowledge such internet consumer loan provided to such college student and agree that they
will guarantee the repayment of the loan. We need to comply with the policies of our funding partners on identifying certain restricted borrowers, including college
students. We rely on the external source of information and self-confirmation of our consumers to make the identification, the failure of which may negatively affect our
compliance efforts and subject us to liabilities. In addition, we may be required to incur additional costs on identifying college students among our potential users, or to
even further implement rectification measures to ensure the facilitation of loans to college students on our platform is terminated.
In addition, we cannot assure you that the business operations of our institutional funding partners currently are, or will continue to be, in compliance with
relevant PRC laws and regulations. In the event that our institutional funding partners do not operate their businesses in accordance with the relevant PRC laws and
regulations, they will be exposed to various regulatory risks, and as a result, our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects would be materially
and adversely affected. For example, the Implementation Measures of the PBOC for Protecting Rights and Interests of Financial Consumers, or the Measures for
Financial Consumer Protection, require that banks and payment institutions shall follow the principles of voluntariness, equality, fairness and good faith, and protect the
legitimate rights and interests of consumers of financial products and services when providing financial products or services to such consumers. The Measures for
Financial Consumer Protection also specify various requirements on banks and payment institutions to protect consumers’ financial information, including the
collection, disclosure, notification, use, management, storage and confidentiality of such information.
Furthermore, the Administrative Measures for the Protection of Consumers’ Rights and Interests by Banking and Insurance Institutions, or the Measures for
the Protection, requires banking and insurance institutions to establish and improve systems and mechanisms for the protection of consumer’s rights and interests,
including mechanisms for review, disclosure, consumer appropriateness management, traceability of sales practices, protection of consumers’ information, list-based
management of the partners, complaint handling, diversified resolution of conflicts and disputes, internal training, internal assessment, and internal audit, and has listed
the consumers’ rights that the banking and insurance institutions shall protect. In the event our funding partners violate the provisions in the measures, they could
become subject to penalties, including warnings, fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, and as a result, we may need to adjust our business
operations and our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects would be materially and adversely affected.
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Further, on December 31, 2021, the PBOC issued the Regulations for Local Financial Supervision and Administration (Draft), which emphasizes that a local
financial organization shall operate business within the area approved by the local financial regulatory authority, in adherence to the principle of serving the local area,
and shall not conduct business across provincial administrative area in principle. On December 31, 2021, the PBOC, the Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology, or the MIIT, the CAC, the CBIRC, the CSRC, the SAFE and the China National Intellectual Property Administration, or the CNIPA, jointly issued the
Administrative Measures for Online Marketing of Financial Products (Draft), or the Online Marketing Draft, which prohibits any institution or individual from
providing online marketing services for any illegal financial activities and provides for a code of conduct for marketing cooperation between financial institutions and
third party internet platform operators, which includes, among other things, a pre-assessment of qualifications and responsibilities of each party, necessary security
measures to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data transmission, and measures to prevent other institutions from accessing, intercepting, and storing relevant
data. As of the date of this annual report, these draft regulations have not been adopted, and there exist uncertainties as to the interpretation of such regulations and their
applicability to our business.
Moreover, the CBIRC issued the Circular 14 on July 12, 2022, which further requires commercial banks to regulate the cooperation of online loan business
with third-party institutions and enter into separate cooperation agreements in respect of joint capital contribution, information technology cooperation, and other
business cooperation, to clarify the rights and responsibilities of each party. This notice provides a transitional period for the existing online loan business of commercial
banks until June 30, 2023. These rules also apply by analogy to branches of foreign banks, trusts, consumer finance companies and auto finance companies. These rules
and regulations may require some of our funding partners to evaluate their cooperation entities and adjust their cooperation with us and we comply with the relevant
requirements of funding partners for their security assessment and compliance management, and will keep communicating with the funding partners and adjust our
relevant practice such as supplementing and improving the content of the cooperation agreement and internal policies at their requests in a timely manner. However, if
any failure to adjust our cooperation occurs, it may potentially have a material impact on the availability of our funding.
To comply with existing laws, regulations, rules and governmental policies relating to the online consumer finance industry, we have implemented and will
continue to implement various policies and procedures to conduct our business. As of the date of this annual report, we have not been subject to any material fines or
other penalties under any PRC laws or regulations, including those governing the online consumer finance industry in China. However, due to the lack of detailed rules
and the expectation that the relevant laws, regulations and rules may to continue to evolve, we cannot be certain that our existing practices would not be deemed to
violate any existing or future laws, regulations and rules. The laws and regulations governing the online consumer finance industry in the PRC are still at a nascent stage
and subject to further changes and interpretations. It is possible that new laws and regulations may be adopted, or that existing ones may be interpreted in other ways,
which could require us to further modify our business or operations. The cost to comply with such laws or regulations would force us to incur increased operating
expenses, and modifications of our business may have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If our business
practices or the business practices of our institutional funding partners are deemed to violate any PRC laws or regulations, our business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects would be materially and adversely affected.
Changes in the PRC regulations relating to interest rates and fees for online consumer finance platforms and microcredit lending could have a material
adverse effect on our business.
The interest rate permitted to be charged on loans originated on our platform is subject to evolving PRC laws and regulations. For example, in August 2015,
the PRC Supreme People’s Court issued the Provisions on Several Issues Concerning Laws Applicable to Trials of Private Lending Cases, or the Private Lending
Judicial Interpretations (2015 version), which provide that (i) when the private lending interest rate agreed between the borrower and lender does not exceed an annual
interest rate of 24%, the people’s court will uphold the interest rate charged by the lender, and (ii) when the private lending interest rate agreed between the borrower and
lender exceeds an annual interest rate of 36%, the portion in excess of 36% is void and the people’s court will uphold the borrower’s claim for return of the excess
portion to the borrower. For loans with annual interest rates between 24% and 36%, if the interest on the loans has already been paid, and so long as such payment has
not damaged the interest of the state, the community or any third parties, the courts will likely not enforce the borrower’s demand for the return of such interest payment.
Certain Opinions Regarding Further Strengthening the Financial Judgment Work issued by the Supreme People’s Court in August 2017, or the Opinions for
Financial Judgment Work, provide more detailed rules on the legal limits of interest and fees charged in connection with a loan and specify that if the borrower claims
that the interest, compound interest, default interest, liquidated damages and other fees alleged by the financial institution lender are obviously higher
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than the losses actually suffered by the financial institution lender and the damages in excess of the amount calculated at the 24% annual interest rate should be invalid,
such claims shall be upheld.
On August 20, 2020, the Supreme People’s Court implemented a revised judicial interpretation, or the Private Lending Judicial Interpretations (2020
version), to amend and replace the Private Lending Judicial Interpretations (2015 version), pursuant to which the cap for the private lending interest rate was lowered
such that any total annual interest rate (inclusive of any default rate, default penalty and any other fee) exceeding four times that of China’s benchmark one-year loan
prime rate (the “LPR”) as published on the 20th of each month will not be legally protected. For example, based on the LPR of 3.7% as published on January 21, 2022,
such cap was 14.8%. The Private Lending Judicial Interpretations (2020 version) shall apply to the first-instance cases involving private lending disputes accepted by the
people's courts after the implementation of such revised judicial interpretation.
While the Private Lending Judicial Interpretations (2020 version) stipulates that it does not apply to licensed financial institutions, the Supreme People’s
Court’s prior rulings were inconsistent as to whether microcredit companies would qualify as licensed financial institutions. In December 2020, the Supreme People’s
Court issued the Official Reply to Issues on the Application of the Interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court of New Private Lending, which confirms that the
interpretations shall not be applied to any disputes arising from the relevant financial business conducted by the microcredit companies, financing guarantee companies,
regional equity market, pawn enterprises, financial leasing companies, commercial factoring companies and local assets management companies that are supervised by
the local financial supervision governmental authorities.
To further clarify the exact way of calculating “total annual interest rate,” the PBOC issued the Announcement No. 3 on March 2021, which confirms that the
annualized rate of a loan should be calculated as the annualized ratio of total costs (to borrower) to outstanding principal amount. The costs include interest and other
fees and charges directly related to the loan. The amount of principal should be specified in the loan contract or other loan certificates. If the loan is repaid in
installments, the outstanding principal amount should be the balance after each repayment. The calculation of the annualized interest rate may be based on compound
interest or simple interest. The calculation based on compound interest is equivalent to that of the internal rate of return, and the simple-interest approach should be
specified as such.
Meanwhile, pursuant to Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures, commercial banks shall clearly require in relevant written cooperation agreements
that no cooperative institution, other than the insurance companies or institutions with guarantee qualifications, may charge borrowers any interest or fee in any form.
In addition, due to the fact that the laws and regulations are rapidly evolving, it is uncertain whether any new PRC laws, regulations or rules will be adopted
so that the interest and/or fees charged by licensed financial institutions or microcredit companies will be subject to the cap provided by any newly adopted laws or
regulations. If our microcredit company is subject to any newly adopted cap in the future, we may need to lower the pricing of loans funded by our microcredit company
or modify our business model. As of December 31, 2022, less than 0.2% of the outstanding loans that we facilitate are funded by our microcredit company.
Consequently, the PRC courts will not uphold our request to demand the payment of fees that exceed the limit from the borrower. If the borrower has already
paid the fees that exceed the limit, the borrower may request that we refund the portion exceeding the limit and the PRC courts may uphold such requests. To ensure
compliance with the caps, we may need to reduce the fees we charge to our institutional funding partners, subject to further negotiation with them. They may further
lower the APR of their loans from time to time if the cap of aggregated borrowing costs charged by licensed financial institutions is further lowered by any newly
adopted, or by the application of any existing, laws, regulations or ruling. If our funding partners or us are unable to comply with such regulatory requirements,
supervision or guidance or are deemed to be charging above the limits permitted by the relevant laws and regulations, we could be subject to orders of suspension,
cessation or rectification, cancellation of qualifications, or other penalties, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and our cooperation with our
funding partners could be materially and adversely affected.
If we are unable to retain existing users or attract new users, or if we fail to meet the financial needs of our users as they evolve and are therefore unable
to capture their long-term growth potential, our business and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.
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The volume of loans we originate has grown rapidly over the past few years. From our inception in August 2013 through December 31, 2022, we
cumulatively originated RMB863 billion (US$125 billion) in loans. In 2020, 2021 and 2022, we originated RMB177 billion, RMB214 billion and RMB205 billion
(US$29.7 billion) in loans, respectively, for approximately 12.9 million, 14.2 million and 9.7 million active users. We strategically focus on serving young generation
consumers in China between the ages of 23 and 40 and seek to capture their long-term growth potential. To maintain the high growth momentum of our platform, we
must continuously increase loan originations by retaining current users and attracting more users. If there is insufficient demand for our loan products, investors and
institutional funding partners may not be able to deploy their funds in a timely or efficient manner, and may seek alternative investment opportunities. If there are
insufficient commitments from institutional funding partners, users may not be able to obtain capital through our platform and may turn to other sources for their
borrowing needs. If we are unable to attract qualified users and sufficient commitments from institutional funding partners, we might not be able to increase our loan
originations and operating revenue as we expect, and our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.
In addition, the success of our business depends on our ability to continue to serve our users’ growing credit needs as their consumption requirements change
and their ability to repay loans increases with their increasing income. Moreover, we depend on repeat borrowing to cultivate user loyalty, accumulate user data and
credit history, grow with our users and offer them better products and services. Around 91% of all active users on our platform were repeat users who had made at least
one transaction on our platform before in the same year or in the previous year. If we fail to retain our existing users by offering products and services that cater to their
evolving consumption needs, or if we fail to maintain or increase repeat borrowing on our platform, we may not be able to capture their long-term growth potential, and
our business and results of operations may be adversely affected. In addition, through our Lehua Card, we attract customers by connecting their preferred payment tools
directly to their credit line with us, allowing them to draw down directly from their credit line when they make each individual purchase. If our connection with these
payment tools is founded to be not fully compliant with relevant PRC laws and regulations on consumer finance protection, or if our other efforts in retaining existing
users and attracting new users are challenged by other relevant existing or future laws and regulations or more strict enforcement, our ability to retain and attract users at
efficient cost level may be materially and adversely affected.
In 2021, we carried out changes to our online user acquisition model and introduced a more refined classification of our user cohorts to provide differentiated
credit lines, pricing and billing terms. We have also expanded our offline sales force to focus more on serving regional users and small and micro enterprise (SME)
owners. If the efforts in optimizing the online user acquisition model or the expansion of our offline sales team were to be unsuccessful, or efforts in creating synergy
between the two channels were to fail, or the impact was unable to justify the costs, our ability to acquire users and manage user acquisition cost may be materially and
adversely affected.
In addition, the Announcement No. 3 provides that all lending institutions are required to display the annualized rate of each loan product prominently on the
website or other channels where the product is marketed, which complements the Interim Measures for Administration of Internet Advertising, or the Internet
Advertising Interim Measures, stipulating requirements for publishing advertisements online and/or offline. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business
Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Internet Advertising and Marketing.” Although sufficient measures have been implemented by us to comply with
these laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that all advertisements we display fully comply with the regulatory requirements. For example, our qualification of
advertising or the authorization from our funding partners regarding our advertisements may be challenged, and the content of our advertisements is also subject to
review and censorship of the government. If the relevant laws and regulations on internet advertising are strictly implemented, we may take additional measures to
further modify the way we advertise and incur additional costs for consumer acquisition. Any failure to comply with such laws and regulations would materially and
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
If our current investor protection measures for institutional funding partners are deemed to violate the relevant laws and regulations, or if we are deemed
to have operated financial guarantee business by the PRC regulatory authorities, our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations would be
materially and adversely affected.
Certain investor protection measures shall be taken by us or our third-party service provider as required by the institutional funding partners. Historically, we
provided our institutional funding partners a deposit using our own funds at an amount equal to a percentage of the total loans funded by the institutional funding
partners and are required to replenish such deposit from time to time, in order to compensate them for the principal and interest repayment of loans in the event of a user
default.
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However, the Circular 141 requires financial institutions that participate in the “cash loan” business not to accept any credit enhancement services or other
similar services from third parties without qualification to provide guarantee and to ensure that no third parties will charge borrowers any interest or fees to borrowers.
The Circular 141 specifies the features of “cash loans” as not relying on consumption scenarios, with no specified use of loan proceeds, no qualification requirement on
the part of users and no security to the loans, among others. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to
Online Consumer Finance Services.” It is unclear whether our personal installment loans would be viewed as the “cash loans” specified in the Circular 141 and thus be
subject to the provisions thereunder. The Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures further clarify, among others, that the commercial banks and consumer finance
companies shall not accept any credit enhancement services directly or in disguised form, from third parties without qualification to provide guarantee, credit insurance
or guarantee insurance.
Meanwhile, our investor protection practice may also be deemed as providing guarantee services without proper qualification under the Regulations on the
Supervision and Administration of Financing Guarantee Companies, or the Financing Guarantee Regulations, which were promulgated by State Council on August 2,
2017 and became effective on October 1, 2017, and the Supplementary Provisions on the Supervision and Administration of Financing Guarantee Companies, or the
Financing Guarantee Supplementary Provisions, which were promulgated by the CBIRC, and eight other PRC regulatory agencies and became effective on October 9,
2019 and was amended in June 2021. Pursuant to these Financing Guarantee Regulations, “financing guarantee” refers to the activities in which guarantors provide
guarantee to the guaranteed parties as to the debt financing (including but not limited to the extension of loans or issuance of bonds), and “financing guarantee
companies” refer to companies legally established and operating financing guarantee business. According to the Financing Guarantee Regulations, the establishment of
financing guarantee companies shall be subject to the approval by the competent government authorities, and, unless otherwise stipulated by the state, no entity may
operate financing guarantee business without such approval. If any entity violates these regulations and operates financing guarantee business without approval, the
entity may be subject to various penalties, including but not limited to suspension of operation, confiscation of illegal gains, fines of up to RMB1,000,000 and criminal
liabilities.
In addition to the Financing Guarantee Regulations, the Financing Guarantee Supplementary Provisions further clarifies that institutions providing services
such as client recommendation and credit assessment to various institutional funding partners shall not render any financing guarantee services, directly or in disguised
form, without the competent approval. Otherwise, the penalties set forth in the Financing Guarantee Regulations may be imposed by the regulatory authorities, and the
existing business shall be properly settled. In case an institution intends to continue the financing guarantee business, certain financing guarantee companies shall be
established in accordance with the Financing Guarantee Regulations.
In an effort to ensure compliance with the requirements of those laws and regulations, we have proactively adjusted our practice and currently conduct a part
of the investor protection program through our own financial guarantee companies which are qualified to provide financing guarantee for the users on our platform and
charge guarantee fees directly to users. Due to the restriction on the outstanding guarantee liabilities of our own financing guarantee companies, we also cooperate with
other third-party financing guarantee companies or commercial insurance companies, which provide guarantee or insurance services for the users on our platform,
provided that for some of such cooperation, the variable interest entities without the financing guarantee qualification, has been required to provide the third-party
financing guarantee companies and/or the commercial insurance companies with a back-to-back guarantee or a deposit to compensate them in the event that such
financing guarantee company or commercial insurance companies performed its guarantee or insurance obligation upon the defaults of our users. We have further
adjusted our cooperation model with certain institutional funding partners by having them charge fees directly to users and pay a certain percentage of such fees to us.
Due to the lack of interpretation and implementation rules and the fact that the laws and regulations are rapidly evolving, we cannot assure you that our
current investor protection mechanisms on our platform will be in full compliance with Circular 141, Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures, Financing
Guarantee Regulations, the Financing Guarantee Supplementary Provisions or other existing and future laws and regulations. For example, due to a lack of further
interpretations, the exact definition and scope of “operating financing guarantee business” under the Financing Guarantee Regulations or “providing financing guarantee
services in disguised form” under the Financing Guarantee Supplementary Provisions are still unclear. It is uncertain whether we would be deemed to have operated
financing guarantee business or provided financing guarantee services in disguised form because of our current arrangements with institutional funding partners, third-
party financing guarantee companies or commercial insurance companies. Although such kind of investor protection mechanisms on our platform has not been explicitly
prohibited by Circular 141, it may be subject to change and uncertain interpretation of any applicable laws and regulations. If it is deemed to be in violation of any
applicable laws and regulations, we could be subject to penalties and/or be required to change our current business model and, as a result, our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects would be materially and adversely affected in the future.
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Moreover, if the assets of certain third-party guarantee companies were seized or implicated in legal or regulatory proceedings, and the loans we facilitated
were not repaid in time, the funding partners may not be able to recover their funds and cease their cooperation with us, and we may fail to recoup our deposit paid to
such third-party guarantee companies and lose our service fees. Should any of the foregoing occur, our competitive position as well as our results of operations would be
materially and adversely affected.
In addition, due to the restriction on the outstanding guarantee liabilities and the minimum assets ratio of a financing guarantee company set forth in
applicable PRC laws and regulations, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Financing Guarantee,”
we may not have sufficient capital to meet the required ratio and may be required to take measures such as increasing the registered capital of our own financial
guarantee companies. Although we do not expect any difficulties of the required governmental approval, we cannot assure you that these measures will be successful
and in the event that we do not have sufficient capital to meet the ratio requirement, our business prospects and results of operations would be adversely affected.
If our current collaboration with trust companies is deemed to violate the relevant laws and regulations, our business, financial condition and results of
operations would be materially and adversely affected.
We have established trusts in collaboration with trust companies. As agreed with the trust company, we are designated as the service provider for such trusts.
If a loan application is approved by us, the loans will be funded from the trusts to our users directly. Such trusts are funded from institutional funding partners and, in
certain circumstance, from our own capital, as a result of which we may be deemed as a lender or a provider of financial services by the PRC regulatory authorities, and
we may become subject to supervision and restrictions on lending under applicable laws and regulations. For example, the Circular 141 set forth that banking financial
institutions (including the trust companies) shall not extend loans jointly with any third-party institution which has not obtained approvals for the lending business, and
the Regulations on the Prevention and Disposition of Illegal Fund-raising Practices, promulgated by the State Council in January 2021, which took effect in May 2021,
prohibit granting loans without authorization in accordance with the law or in violation of the provisions of the State on financial administration. See “Item 4.
Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Online Consumer Finance Services.”
There are uncertainties as to the interpretation of relevant PRC laws and regulations and their applicability to our business. For example, if a regulatory
authority considers a trust funded from our own capital as involving the use of our own capital in lending, we may be deemed as a lender or a provider of financial
services. Funding loans without going through a network microcredit company or a trust may also render us to be deemed as a lender or a provider of financial services.
In the event that we are subject to or be deemed to violate such PRC laws and regulations, we may be subject to certain administrative penalties, including the
confiscation of illegal revenue, fines up to five times the amount of the illegal revenue and suspension of business operations. Furthermore, our current service fees and
various other fees charged to our users might be fully or partially deemed as interest, which shall be subject to the restrictions on interest rate as specified in applicable
rules on private lending. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Online Consumer Finance
Services.”
In addition, in case that certain risk warning events set forth in the trust agreements occur, including, among others, when the utilization rate of funds in the
trust has been less than a certain percentage for a period of time, the trust will no longer fund any loans and shall be dissolved in advance, which may materially and
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We may be required to segregate our own assets from the assets of our institutional funding partners and borrowers.
The Guidelines require that internet finance institutions segregate assets of their clients in a custodian bank from their own assets. However, other than the
Guidelines to Regulate Funds Custodian for Online Lending Intermediaries, there is no clear implementation of such requirement applicable to internet finance
institutions, and the scope of internet finance institutions that are subject to such assets segregation liabilities remains unclear.
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On our platform, we use our best efforts to separate our own assets from those assets of the institutional funding partners and the borrowers, including,
without limitation, by relying on clearing banks and payment companies for transferring funds between the institutional funding partners and borrowers. However, in
certain situations, the funds may be transferred between the institutional funding partners and borrowers through bank accounts under our names. Due to the lack of
clarity in the interpretation and implementation of the assets segregation requirements, we cannot assure you that our current arrangement would not be deemed as a
violation of the applicable laws and regulations, or that we would not be required to change our business operations in the future. In addition, the clearing banks and
payment companies we currently cooperate with are subject to changing local laws and regulations, and they may be required to change their cooperation arrangements
with us or cease such arrangements entirely. If any of the foregoing were to occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and
adversely affected.
Our business is subject to complex and evolving Chinese and international laws and regulations regarding cybersecurity, information security, privacy
and data protection. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and any failure or perceived failure to comply with these
laws and regulations could result in claims, changes to our business practices, negative publicity, legal proceedings, increased cost of operations, or declines in user
growth or engagement, or otherwise harm our business.
We are subject to complex and evolving statutory and regulatory requirements relating to cybersecurity, information security, privacy and data protection.
Regulatory authorities in China have enhanced data protection and cybersecurity regulatory requirements. These laws continue to develop, and the PRC government may
adopt other rules and restrictions in the future. Non-compliance could result in penalties or other significant legal liabilities.
The PRC Cybersecurity Law, which became effective in June 2017, created China’s first national-level data protection framework for “network operators.” It
is relatively new and subject to interpretations by the regulator. It requires, among others, that network operators take security measures to protect the network from
unauthorized interference, damage and unauthorized access and prevent data from being divulged, stolen or tampered with. Network operators are also required to
collect and use personal information in compliance with the principles of legitimacy, properness and necessity, and strictly within the scope of authorization by the
subject of personal information unless otherwise prescribed by laws or regulations. Significant capital, managerial and human resources are required to comply with
legal requirements, enhance information security and address any issues caused by security failures.
In addition, numerous regulations, guidelines and other measures have been and are expected to be adopted under the PRC Cybersecurity Law. For example,
the CAC, the NDRC, the MIIT, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’
Republic of China, or the MOFCOM, the PBOC, the SAMR, the National Radio and Television Administration, the CSRC, the National Administration of State Secrets
Protection and the State Cryptography Administration jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures in December 2021, which took effect in February 2022.
Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, critical information infrastructure operators and the data processing activities carries out online platform operators must
pass a cybersecurity review when purchasing network products and services which do or may affect national security; and online platform operators with personal
information of over one million users shall apply with the Cybersecurity Review Office for a cybersecurity review before going to list abroad. The cybersecurity review
will evaluate, among others, the risk of critical information infrastructure, core data, important data, or the risk of a large amount of personal information being
influenced, controlled or maliciously used by foreign governments after going public, and cyber information security risk. Given the Cybersecurity Review Measures
were recently promulgated, their interpretation, application and enforcement are subject to substantial uncertainties.
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On August 17, 2021, the PRC State Council promulgated the Security Protection Regulations for Critical Information Infrastructure, which became effective
on September 1, 2021. Pursuant to such regulations, “critical information infrastructure” shall mean any important network facilities or information systems of important
industries or fields such as public communication and information service, energy, communications, water conservation, finance, public services, e-government affairs
and national defense science, and any other important network facilities or information systems which may endanger national security, people’s livelihood and public
interest in case of damage, function loss or data leakage. In addition, relevant administration departments of each critical industry and sector, or Protection Departments,
shall be responsible for formulating eligibility criteria and determining the critical information infrastructure operator in the respective industry or field. The operators
shall be informed about the final determination as to whether they are categorized as critical information infrastructure operators. As of the date hereof, no detailed rules
or implementation has been issued by any Protection Departments, and we have not been informed as a critical information infrastructure operator by any governmental
authorities. As this regulation was newly issued and the governmental authorities, including Protection Departments, may further formulate detailed rules or
explanations with respect to the interpretation and implementation of this regulation, the exact scope of “critical information infrastructure operators” under the current
regulatory regime remains unclear, and the PRC governmental authorities may have wide discretion in the interpretation and enforcement of these laws. Therefore, it is
uncertain whether we would be deemed as a critical information infrastructure operator under the PRC law. It also remains uncertain whether the future regulatory
changes would impose additional restrictions on companies like us. If we are not able to comply with the cybersecurity and data privacy requirements in a timely
manner, or at all, we may be subject to government enforcement actions and investigations, fines, penalties, suspension of our non-compliant operations, or removal of
our app from the relevant application stores, among other sanctions, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. As of the date of
this annual report, we have not received any regulatory inquiry, notice, investigations, warning, or sanctions on cybersecurity review made by the CAC on such basis.
On July 7, 2022, the CAC published the Outbound Data Transfer Security Assessment Measures, which took effect on September 1, 2022 and specify that data
processors who intend to provide important data and personal information that are collected and generated in the operation within the territory of the PRC to overseas
shall be subject to security assessment with the CAC. Under the current Outbound Data Transfer Security Assessment Measures, an entity must apply for a CAC
security assessment if it processes personal information of over one million individuals and transfer personal information outbound, or if it has cumulatively transferred
personal information outbound of more than 100,000 individuals or sensitive personal information of more than 10,000 individuals since January 1 of the previous year.
The Outbound Data Transfer Security Assessment Measures further stipulate the process and requirements for the security assessment. However, it remains uncertain
how the PRC government authorities will regulate companies under such circumstances. This brings more uncertainties with respect to the application and enforcement
of the newly published measures, and we may be subject to such outbound data security assessment with the CAC. There may be a small amount of outbound transferred
personal information in our ordinary course of business and we have declared such security assessment for the outbound data transfer to CAC through the local
cyberspace administration at the provincial level. As of the date of this annual report, we are working with the CAC on the assessment. If we fail to obtain the approval
for the outbound data transfer, we may be subject to penalties and our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.
The PRC Personal Information Protection Law, or the PIPL, took effect in November 2021. The PIPL sets forth detailed rules on processing personal
information, clarifies the relevant rights of the individuals and the obligations of the personal information processors, and further strengthens the liabilities for illegal
process of personal information. In addition to other rules and principles of personal information processing, the PIPL specifically provides rules for processing sensitive
personal information. Sensitive personal information refers to personal information that, once leaked or illegally used, could easily lead to the infringement of human
dignity or harm to the personal or property safety of an individual, including biometric recognition, religious belief, specific identity, medical and health, financial
account, personal whereabouts and other information of an individual, as well as any personal information of minors under the age of 14. Only where there is a specific
purpose and sufficient necessity, and under circumstances where strict protection measures are taken, may personal information processors process sensitive personal
information. A personal information processor shall inform the individual of the necessity of processing such sensitive personal information and the impact thereof on
the individual’s rights and interests.
Some information we collect, such as personal identity number and location, may be deemed to be sensitive personal information under the PIPL. The PIPL
also strengthens the supervision of automatic decision making to protect the rights of individuals to obtain fair transaction terms and the supervision of mobile
applications. As uncertainties remain regarding the interpretation and implementation of the PIPL, we cannot assure you that we will comply with the PIPL in all
respects, or that regulatory authorities will not order us to rectify or terminate our current practice of collecting and processing sensitive personal information. We may
also become subject to fines and other penalties which may have material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.
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On November 14, 2021, the CAC published a discussion draft of the Regulations for the Administration of Cyber Data Security, or the Draft Cyber Data
Security Regulations, for public comments, which provides that data processors conducting the following activities shall apply for cybersecurity review: (i) merger,
reorganization or division of internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development or
public interest affects or may affect national security; (ii) listing abroad of data processors processing over one million users’ personal information; (iii) listing in Hong
Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. The Draft Cyber Data Security
Regulations also provide that operators of large internet platforms that set up headquarters, operation centers or R&D centers overseas shall report to the national
cyberspace administration and competent authorities. In addition, the Draft Cyber Data Security Regulations also require that data processors processing important data
or going public overseas shall conduct an annual data security self-assessment or entrust a data security service institution to do so, and submit the data security
assessment report of the previous year to the local branch of CAC before January 31 each year. As of the date of this annual report, this draft has not been formally
adopted. Substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the enactment timetable, final content, interpretation and implementation.
In addition, internet information in the PRC is regulated from a national security standpoint. According to the PRC National Security Law, institutions and
mechanisms for national security review and administration will be established to conduct national security review on key technologies and IT products and services that
affect or may affect national security. The PRC Data Security Law took effect in September 2021 and provides for a security review procedure for the data activities that
may affect national security. It also introduces a data classification and hierarchical protection system based on the importance of data in economic and social
development, as well as the degree of harm it will cause to national security, public interest, or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations when such
data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked, or illegally acquired or used. The appropriate level of protection measures is required to be taken for each respective category
of data. It is not clear under the Data Security Law what constitutes “important data” or “state critical data.” If we are deemed to collect “important data” or “state
critical data,” we may need to adopt internal reforms in order to comply with the Data Security Law.
While we take measures to comply with the applicable data privacy and protection laws and regulations, we cannot guarantee the effectiveness of the
measures undertaken by us and our business partners. The activities of third parties such as our customers and business partners are beyond our control. If our business
partners violate the PRC Cybersecurity Law and related laws and regulations, or fail to fully comply with the service agreements with us, or if any of our employees fails
to comply with our internal control measures and misuses the information, we may be subject to penalties. Although we have adopted measures to comply with the
requirements of the regulators to the best we can, we cannot guarantee that we will not be subject to more similar rectification requests from the governmental authorities
or that we will fully comply with all applicable rules and regulations at all times. Any failure or perceived failure to comply with all applicable data privacy and
protection laws and regulations, or any failure or perceived failure of our business partners to do so, or any failure or perceived failure of our employees to comply with
our internal control measures, may prevent us from using or providing certain network products and services, resulting in fines and other penalties such as suspension of
our related business, closure of our website and apps and suspension of new downloads of our apps, as well as subjecting us to negative publicity and legal proceedings
or regulatory actions and discouraging current and potential users and customers from using our services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and
results of operations.
If we are unable to effectively maintain the quality of our loan portfolio, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially
and adversely affected.
Our financial condition and results of operations are affected by our ability to effectively maintain the quality of our loan portfolio. There is no assurance that
the quality of our loan portfolio will remain at the current level or improve. In 2020, 2021 and 2022, we originated RMB177 billion, RMB214 billion and RMB205
billion (US$29.7 billion) in loans, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, our outstanding principal balance of loans was approximately RMB76.5
billion, RMB85.9 billion and RMB99.6 billion (US$14.4 billion), respectively. Our financing receivables, net amounted to RMB5,123 million, RMB4,014 million and
RMB6,858 million (US$994 million) as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Our 90 day+ delinquency ratio was 1.95%, 1.92% and 2.53% as of
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
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The quality of our loan portfolio may be negatively affected by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, among
others, the impact of the COVID-19, the slowdown and structural reform of the PRC economy, adverse development in general economic conditions, an increase in
unemployment rates among our target users, epidemics and natural disasters. The quality of our loan portfolio may also deteriorate if we are not able to manage credit
risks. In addition, we may experience an adverse change in user credit risk as we expand our user base and offer new product features and higher credit lines to users.
For example, while we have set certain requirements for the use of flexible repayment options, such as requiring minimum monthly repayments and keeping the user’s
credit line at the approved amount, the flexible repayment options may affect our loan delinquencies and charge-offs as the outstanding principal balance of the new
loan borrowed by a user using the flexible repayment options will be considered as current, as long as the user meets the payment schedule of the new loan agreed to by
the user and us. We may also experience an adverse change in user credit risk if our credit assessment and control process fail to effectively contain the credit exposures
of higher-risk users in using our existing or new credit products.
Moreover, our risk management system and policies are subject to change from time to time. We use our proprietary Hawkeye engine to assess credit risks of
our users. While we continually improve our risk management capabilities as we accumulate user data, the Hawkeye engine may inaccurately predict future credit losses
under certain circumstances. For instance, after initial credit lines are granted, a user’s risk profile may change due to a variety of factors, such as deteriorating financial
situations, and there is no assurance that such changes will be captured by the Hawkeye engine in a timely manner. The models and algorithms used by the Hawkeye
engine may contain errors, flaws or other deficiencies that may lead to inaccurate credit assessment, and the data provided by users and external data sources may be
incorrect or obsolete. If any of the foregoing were to occur in the future, our loan pricing and approval process could be negatively affected, resulting in misclassified
loans or incorrect approvals or denials of credit applications. Our risk management capabilities also rely upon our anti-fraud detection, risk modeling, and refined
operations of risk management, all of which involve certain risks in their effectiveness of managing the risk of our loan portfolio. We cannot assure you that our risk
management system and policies have been, or will be, effective in managing our credit risks and hence the asset quality of our loan portfolio.
If we are unable to effectively maintain and manage the quality of our loan portfolio due to any reason, the delinquency rates and the charge-offs of our loan
portfolio may increase. In some types of loans we facilitate, the service fees we would receive from institutional funding partners are related to the quality and
performance of the loans. If we fail to identify the risks in such loans, we may receive reduced service fees or even no service fees. Moreover, if the quality of our loan
portfolio were to deteriorate, institutional funding partners may be unwilling to offer favorable terms in our cooperation or even decide not to continue to cooperate with
us, and users may seek to revise the terms of their loans or reduce the use of our platform for borrowing. If any of the foregoing were to occur, our business, competitive
position, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We need adequate funding at a reasonable cost to successfully operate our business, and access to adequate funding at a reasonable cost cannot be
assured.
The growth and success of our operations depend on the availability of adequate funding to meet user demand for loans on our platform. We derive our
funding for our platform from a variety of sources and types of investors, including our institutional funding partners on our platform and investors of asset-backed
securities. We have obtained the majority of our funding from institutional funding partners since 2018. Our ability to diversify funding sources is subject to the
development of regulatory requirements. For example, the Circular 141 prohibits banking financial institutions from providing loans to persons without source of
income or investing in asset-backed securities with underlying assets consisting of “cash loans” or “campus loans.” If college students are deemed as persons without
source of income, the funding of loans to college students provided by financial institutions may need to be terminated. Although investors of asset-backed securities
were not our major source of funding in historical periods, to the extent we intend to increase funds obtained through asset-back securities, the foregoing requirement
would affect the amount of funding that we could obtain through this channel.
In addition, the Notice on Internet Consumer Loan for College Students issued in February 2021 sets forth several requirements on the banking financial
institutions participating in internet consumer loans for college students, including that the banking financial institutions shall strictly check credit qualifications and the
identities of college students and their use of loans, conduct comprehensive credit assessment, and receive the written confirmations from second sources of repayment
(such as parents, guardians, or other administrator of the college students) who acknowledge such internet consumer loan provided to such college student and agree that
they will guarantee the repayment of the loan. We have to comply with the policies of our funding partners on identifying certain restricted borrowers, including college
students. Therefore, we may be required to incur additional costs on identifying college students among our potential users, which will increase our cost of attracting and
retaining users.
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Moreover, to the extent there is insufficient funding from funding partners willing to accept the risk of default posed by potential users or the particular type
of funding could be matched to only certain group of our users due to restrictions imposed by current or existing laws or regulations, our platform will be unable to fund
certain loan originations. If adequate funds are not available to meet users’ demand for loans, loan originations on our platform may be significantly impacted. Also, to
the extent that risk-adjusted return requirements of our funding sources change, funding sources may choose not to fund loans originated on our platform.
In addition, our growth strategy involves offering our users competitively priced financial products and services. As the online and offline consumption
market is intensely competitive, we may attempt to further reduce our funding cost by modifying the investment products offered to our investors and the terms and
conditions of cooperation agreements with our funding partners. To the extent that our funding sources find the risk-adjusted returns with us less attractive, we may not
be able to obtain the requisite level of funding. As some of our funding partners require us to provide deposits and compensate them in case of default while others do
not require such deposits but offer us less favorable terms, we have to adjust our funding model from time to time to balance the amount of deposits paid to funding
sources and the commercial viability of funding terms. If our platform is unable to provide potential users with loans or fund the loans on a timely basis due to
insufficient funding or less favorable pricing compared to that of our competitors, it would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our expansion into offering our users higher credit lines, new loan products and financial services, and new product categories on our e-commerce
channel, and our expansion into serving an increased number of young generation consumers, may expose us to new challenges and more risks.
We have a limited operating history and have been rapidly expanding our products and services and our user base since our inception. For example, we
started to offer personal installment loans to our users in addition to installment purchase loans in 2014. In 2015, we began to offer flexible repayment options, which
allow users who meet our criteria to reschedule or postpone their current monthly payment. In recent years, we have expanded our product offerings to include a wide
range of products including apparel and footwear, bags, fashion accessories, household goods, cosmetics, personal care products, baby and maternity products, food and
beverages, and virtual goods. To serve our expanded user base and our users’ evolving credit needs, we continuously offer new credit products and offer our users
higher credit lines as they obtain higher incomes with greater ability to repay. In 2021, we launched the Maiya buy-now and pay-later service to allow shoppers to buy
products and pay them over time under different consumption scenarios. We may also further launch new initiatives from time to time to expand our products and
services offerings.
Expansion into new products and service categories involves new risks and challenges. Our lack of familiarity with these new product and service offerings
and lack of relevant user data may make it more difficult for us to anticipate user demand and preferences and manage credit risk. We may misjudge user demand,
resulting in inventory buildup and possible inventory write-down. It may also make it more difficult for us to inspect and control quality and ensure proper handling,
storage and delivery. We may experience higher return rates on new products, receive more customer complaints and become subject to costly product liability claims,
which would harm our brand and reputation as well as our financial performance. The expansion into new products and services could also subject us to legal,
operational, and reputational risks that are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that we will be able to recoup our investments.
In addition, as our user base shifts to consist of more young generation consumers, we may not able to accurately assess the credit risks of these new users
due to our lack of credit data and experience. Higher credit limit products may also carry more risks, and we may not be able to adequately address the default risk of
our loans originated under these higher credit limit products due to a lack of historical data. Serving a changing user base may also expose us to new challenges and
more risks. If we fail to execute our growth strategies, or if we fail to address the challenges and risks, our business and results of operations could be materially and
adversely affected.
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If our credit assessment and risk management model is ineffective, or the credit and other information that we receive from prospective users and third
parties is inaccurate and thus does not accurately reflect the user creditworthiness, the accuracy of our credit assessment and risk management will be adversely
affected.
Our ability to effectively segment users into appropriate risk profiles, attract and retain users, and to offer funding partners attractive risk-adjusted returns
depend on the effectiveness of our credit assessment and risk management model as well as accurate information on user creditworthiness. We rely on our proprietary
Hawkeye engine to assess credit risk of users. While we continuously improve our risk management capabilities by updating the algorithms, data processing and other
technology for the Hawkeye engine, if the model contains systematic technical or other errors, is ineffective in analyzing data, or contains other flaws, the accuracy of
our credit assessment and the effectiveness of our risk management will be adversely affected, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of
operations.
For our credit assessment, we obtain from prospective users and third parties’ certain information of the prospective users, which may not be complete,
accurate or reliable. Our credit assessment of a user may not reflect that particular user’s actual creditworthiness due to outdated, incomplete or inaccurate user
information. Additionally, once we have obtained a user’s information, the user may subsequently (i) become delinquent in the payment of an outstanding obligation;
(ii) default on a pre-existing debt obligation; (iii) take on additional debt; or (iv) experience other adverse financial events, making the information we previously
obtained inaccurate. We currently determine whether users have outstanding loans through consumer finance platforms using external databases at the time they obtain a
loan from us. We also compare a user’s name against our database on a regular basis. Once we detect that a user has multiple outstanding loans with substantial
aggregate balances and poses a high credit risk, we will place such user on a high-risk user list and closely monitor the user going forward.
However, there is no assurance that we have complete and accurate information relating to all of our users’ outstanding loans. For example, a user may
borrow money through our platform in order to pay off loans on other consumer finance platforms, and vice versa. If a user incurs additional debt before fully repaying
any loan that user takes out on our platform, the additional debt may impair the ability of that user to make payments on his or her loan with us and our funding sources,
ability to receive investment returns associated with such loan. In addition, the additional debt may adversely affect the user’s creditworthiness generally and could result
in the financial distress or insolvency of the user. To the extent that a user has other indebtedness and cannot repay all of his or her indebtedness, the user may choose to
make payments to other platforms instead of us. Such inaccurate or incomplete user information could affect the accuracy of our credit assessment and the effectiveness
of our risk management, which could in turn harm our reputation, and as a result, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If our existing and new loan products or financial services do not maintain or achieve sufficient market acceptance, our financial results and competitive
position will be harmed.
We have devoted significant resources to, and will continue to put an emphasis on, upgrading and marketing our existing loan products and enhancing their
market awareness. We also incur expenses and expend resources upfront to develop and market new loan products and financial services that incorporate additional
features, improve functionality or otherwise make our platform more attractive to users. New loan products and financial services must achieve high levels of market
acceptance in order for us to recoup our investments in developing and marketing them.
Our existing and new loan products and financial services could fail to attain sufficient market acceptance for many reasons, including:
•users may not find the terms of our loan products, such as the costs and credit limits, competitive or appealing;
•we may fail to predict market demand accurately and provide loan products and financial services that meet this demand in a timely fashion;
•users, investors and institutional funding partners using our platforms may not like, find useful or agree with, the changes we make;
•there may be defects, errors or failures on our platforms;
•there may be negative publicity about our loan products or financial services, or our platform’s performance or effectiveness;
•regulatory authorities may take the view that the new products, financial services or platform changes do not comply with the PRC laws, regulations or rules
applicable to us or our funding partners;
•regulations or rules applicable to us or our funding partners; and
•there may be competing products or services introduced or anticipated to be introduced by our competitors.
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If our existing and new loan products and services and investment products do not maintain or achieve adequate acceptance in the market, our competitive
position, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
Our current level of fee rates may decline in the future. Any material reduction in our fee rates could reduce our profitability.
We generate financial services income by charging fees from the users on our platform through our own guarantee companies and from third-party guarantee
companies, who in turn charge guarantee service fees to our users. We also generate financial services income by charging fees from financial institutions. These fee
rates may also be affected by a change over time in the mix of the types of products we provide to our users and partners, the macroeconomic factors, as well as the
competition in the online consumer finance industry. For example, the amount of facilitation and servicing fees on performance-based loans we charge from our funding
partners is increasing. As we receive a generally lower fee rate for such loans, it may decrease our profitability. In line with the general regulatory trends in enforcing a
lower maximum percentage on fees charged for financial services, we may have to further reduce our fee rates. Any material reduction in our fee rates could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If we fail to promote and maintain our brand in an effective and cost-efficient way, our business and results of operations may be harmed.
We believe that effectively developing and maintaining awareness of our brand is critical to attracting and retaining users. This in turn largely depends on the
effectiveness of our user acquisition strategy, our marketing efforts, our cooperation with institutional funding partners and the success of the channels we use to
promote our platform. If any of our current user acquisition strategies or marketing channels becomes less effective, more costly or no longer feasible, we may not be
able to attract new users in a cost-effective manner or convert potential users into active users.
Our efforts to build our brand have caused us to incur expenses, and it is likely that our future marketing efforts will require us to incur additional expenses.
These efforts may not result in increased operating revenue in the immediate future or any increases at all and, even if they do, any increases in operating revenue may
not offset the expenses incurred. If we fail to successfully promote and maintain our brand while incurring additional expenses, our results of operations and financial
condition would be adversely affected, and our ability to grow our business may be impaired.
Any negative publicity or user complaints with respect to us, the consumer finance industry in general and our third-party service providers may
materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The reputation of our brands is critical to our business and competitiveness. Any malicious or negative publicity or any publicized incidents in connection
with the use of our products or services, whether or not we are negligent or at fault, including but not limited to those relating to our management, business, compliance
with the law, financial condition or prospects and our business operations related to campus online lending, whether with or without merit, could severely compromise
our reputation and harm our business and operating results. Negative publicity associated with fabricated or malicious reports to the government authorities on our
products or services made by competitors or our users may also adversely affect our brand image and reputation and undermine our trust and credibility.
As China’s consumer finance industry is new and the regulatory framework for this industry is also evolving, negative publicity about this industry and the
market segment in which we operate may arise from time to time. Negative publicity about China’s consumer finance industry in general may also have a negative
impact on our reputation, regardless of whether or not we have engaged in any inappropriate activities. The PRC government has instituted specific rules, including the
Guidelines, Interim Measures, and the Circular 141, to develop a more transparent regulatory environment for the online consumer finance industry. Any players in
China’s online consumer finance industry who are not in compliance with these regulations may adversely impact the reputation of the industry as a whole.
Furthermore, any negative development or perception of the consumer finance industry as a whole, including campus lending, even if factually incorrect or
based on isolated incidents or as a result of conduct by other market players, could compromise our image, undermine our trust and credibility, and negatively impact
our ability to attract new users, investors and institutional funding partners. Other negative developments in the consumer finance industry, such as widespread user
defaults, fraudulent behavior, the closure of other online consumer finance platforms, or incidents indirectly resulting from the accumulation of large amounts of debt
and inability to repay by any particular user, may also lead to tightened regulatory scrutiny of the sector and limit the scope of permissible business activities that may be
conducted by
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market players in the consumer finance industry. For instance, since 2015, there has been a number of reports of business failures of, or accusations of fraud and unfair
dealing against, certain companies in the consumer finance industry in China.
In addition, any actual or claimed incidents related to extreme user behaviors or aggressive or illegal loan collection activities may harm our reputation, and if
users, investors or institutional funding partners associate us with other peers in the industry who have been implicated in such incidents, they may be less willing to
engage in borrowing or funding activities on our platform. In the ordinary course of our business, we may need to bring lawsuits against certain borrowers for delinquent
loans.
If courts do not support our claims, such legal proceedings may also negative impact our reputation and brand image. If any of the foregoing takes place, our
business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Fraudulent activities on our platforms or that target our users could negatively impact our operating results, brand and reputation.
We are subject to risks associated with fraudulent activities on our platforms as well as risks associated with handling user and investor information. Our
resources, technologies and fraud detection tools may be insufficient to accurately detect and prevent fraud. In addition, our young generation consumers may be more
susceptible to fraud due to their limited financial knowledge and experience in using financial services. They may not be well equipped to detect sophisticated fraudulent
schemes that directly target them. For instance, our users may be encouraged by third parties or organized criminal groups to incur personal installment loans on our
platform and transfer the proceeds to them, who have no intention to repay, ultimately resulting in default. Other scammers may pretend to be us, offer our users
fraudulent loans and charge fraudulent “service fees” to our users. We provide our users with education on financial planning and management, including on the concept
of credit, credit and personal information protection, fraud and identity theft prevention. However, we cannot assure you that these efforts will be effective in preventing
fraud.
While we have not historically experienced any significant incident of fraud that caused material losses to us, significant increases in fraudulent activities on
our platform would divert significant resources from us in cooperating for the investigations, and we may be ordered to compensate for the loss in the scams, which
could negatively impact our brand and reputation, increase our operational costs, result in losses to us and our funding sources, reduce loan originations on our platform
and lead us to take additional steps to reduce the risk of fraud and further increase our costs and expenses. High-profile fraudulent activity could also lead to regulatory
intervention and may divert our management’s time and attention and cause us to incur additional expenses and costs. If any of the foregoing were to occur, our
business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
If we fail to maintain cooperation with our funding partners or to maintain sufficient liquidity to originate loans to our users, our reputation, results of
operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.
Our institutional funding partners typically agree to provide funding to our users who meet their predetermined criteria, subject to their approval process.
These agreements have fixed terms ranging from one to two years. Some of these agreements have automatic renewal options upon expiration. In addition, while our
users’ loan requests are usually approved if they fall within the parameters set and agreed upon by us and our institutional funding partners, the funding institutions may
implement additional requirements in their approval process outside of our monitor and control. Thus, there is no assurance that our institutional funding partners could
provide reliable, sustainable and adequate funding to support the required liquidity, either because they could decline to fund user loans originated on our platform or
decline to renew or renegotiate their participation on our platform. Moreover, some institutional funding partners have required that in the event where the repayment of
loans by the borrower is overdue for a certain period of time, the funding partner would have the right to terminate the loan and is entitled to a compensation equal to the
amount of the outstanding principal and interests from the us or our affiliated guarantee companies. If we are unable to provide such compensation, the funding partner
may terminate the cooperation with us, which in turn may negatively affect the confidence of other funding partners in us. In such events, our liquidity, the availability
of our investor protection funds and our business prospects will be adversely and negatively affected.
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In addition, if the PRC laws and regulations impose more restrictions on cooperation with institutional funding partners, institutional funding partners may
become more selective in choosing cooperation partners, which may drive up the funding costs and the competition among online lending platforms to cooperate with a
limited number of institutional funding partners as well as other non-institutional funding sources. Furthermore, if the PRC laws and regulations are issued that prohibit
our cooperation with our institutional funding partners, including licensed financial institutions, microcredit lenders or other consumer finance platforms, our
cooperation with our funding partners may have to be terminated or suspended, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
We may not be able to sustain our historical growth rates.
We have experienced rapid growth since we commenced our online consumer finance business. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to
maintain our historical growth rates in future periods. Our revenue growth may slow, or our operating revenue may decline for a number of possible reasons, including
decreasing consumer spending, changes in regulations and government policies, increasing competition, slowing in the growth of China’s online consumer finance
industry, difficulties in delivery and fulfillment of online purchases, emergence of alternative business models, changes in government policies or general economic
conditions, and natural disasters or virus outbreaks. If our growth rate declines, investors’ perceptions of our business and business prospects may be adversely affected
and the market price of our ADSs could decline.
Our business is dependent on our ability to maintain relationships with our business partners and other third parties, and at the same time, we are subject
to risks associated with our business partners and other third parties.
We currently rely on a number of business partners and other third parties in various aspects of our business. For example, we source products from third-
party suppliers for our online direct sales. In particular, we have cooperated extensively with JD.com, from which we source a significant portion of products that we
offer on our e-commerce channel. We cannot assure you that our current suppliers will continue to sell products to us on commercially acceptable terms, or at all, after
the current agreement expires. In addition, if we fail to attract new suppliers to sell their products to us due to any reason, our business and growth prospects may be
materially and adversely affected.
In addition, we have third-party sellers on our Maiya and e-commerce platforms. We do not have as much control over the quality, storage and delivery of
products sold directly on our online marketplace as we do over the products that we sell directly ourselves. If any third-party seller does not control the quality of the
products that it sells on our Maiya and e-commerce platforms, or if it does not deliver the products or delivers them late or delivers products that are materially different
from its description of them, or if it sells certain products without licenses or permits as required by the relevant laws and regulations, we could face claims that we
should be held liable for any losses or face product liability claims. We may also incur liability or become subject to administrative penalties for counterfeit or
unauthorized products sold on our platforms, or for products sold on our platforms or content posted on our platforms that infringe on intellectual property rights, or for
other misconduct, including carrying out fictitious transactions or deleting unfavorable comments. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—
Regulations—Regulations Relating to E-Commerce” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Product
Quality and Consumer Rights Protection.”
In addition, we cooperate with a number of business partners and other third parties to fulfill and deliver our products to our users. For example, we use the
warehousing and delivery infrastructure of JD.com and SF Express for fulfilling user orders on our e-commerce channel. Our ability to process and fulfill orders
accurately and provide high-quality user service depends on the fulfillment infrastructure of our business partners and other third parties. Any interruptions to or failures
in their delivery and fulfillment services could prevent the timely or proper delivery of our products to users. Our business, financial condition and results of operations
may be adversely affected by any disruptions to their delivery and fulfillment services.
Furthermore, we work closely with certain third-party service providers, such as third-party payment platforms, custody and settlement service providers,
commercial data providers, and loan collection service providers, in conducting our business. If these third-party service providers fail to function properly, we cannot
assure you that we would be able to find an alternative in a timely and cost-efficient manner, or at all. Moreover, any aggressive practices or misconduct by any of our
third-party service providers, including third-party loan collection service providers, could damage our reputation and subject us to claims and investigations. If we are
unable to effectively monitor and regulate our third-party loan collection service providers, we may need to conduct more loan collection activities ourselves, which may
increase our costs, subject us to heightened reputational and legal risks and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Pursuing, establishing and maintaining relationships with business partners and other third parties, as well as integrating their data and services with our
system, require significant time and resources. Our current agreements with partners and other third parties generally do not prohibit them from working with our
competitors or from offering competing services. Our competitors may be more effective in providing incentives to our partners to favor our competitors’ products or
services. Certain types of partners may devote more resources to support their own businesses which compete with us. For example, JD Finance conducts consumer
finance business and is supported with the significant resources available from JD.com.
The smooth operation of our business also depends on the compliance by our business partners and other third parties with applicable laws and regulations.
Any negative publicity about business partners and other third parties, such as negative publicity about their loan collection practices and any failure by them to
adequately protect the information of our users and investors, to comply with applicable laws and regulations or to otherwise meet required quality and service
standards, could harm our reputation and further lead to decrease in the willingness of prospective borrowers. We may also be hold responsible for any misconduct of
their loan collection practice. If any of the foregoing were to occur, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Our reputation is
associated with these business partners and other third parties, and if any of the foregoing were to occur, our reputation may suffer.
Any lack of requisite approvals, licenses or permits applicable to our business may have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Our business is subject to governmental supervision and regulation by the relevant PRC governmental authorities. Together, these government authorities
promulgate and enforce regulations that cover many aspects of the operation of our business, including but not limited to the online retail, the online finance industries.
The PRC government extensively regulates the internet industry. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations.” As a result, in
certain circumstances it may be difficult to determine what actions or omissions may be deemed to be in violation of applicable laws and regulations.
We are required to obtain various licenses and permits from different regulatory authorities in order to distribute certain categories of products on our
website. We have made efforts to obtain all the applicable licenses and permits, but due to the large number and variety of products sold on our websites, we may not
always be able to do so, and we may be penalized by governmental authorities for selling products without proper licenses. As we increase our product selection, we
may also become subject to new or existing laws and regulations that did not affect us before. Furthermore, we do not directly own the websites or mobile internet
applications due to the restriction of foreign investment in businesses providing value-added telecommunication services in China, which may result in significantly
disruptions to our business, subject us to sanctions, compromise enforceability of related contractual arrangements, or have other harmful effects on us. We are also
required to obtain certain licenses and permits for our online consumer financing and microcredit services. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—The laws
and regulations governing the online consumer finance industry in China are developing and evolving rapidly, and our business operations have been and may need to
continue to be modified to ensure full compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We also cooperate with institutional funding partners, whose compliance with the
PRC laws and regulations may affect our business.”
Our online consumer finance platform, Fenqile, operated by Shenzhen Fenqile, has obtained certain value-added telecommunications service license for the
operation of domestic call center service in May 2022, which will remain valid until May 2027, and certain value-added telecommunications service license for online
data processing and transaction processing in July 2019, which will remain valid until July 2024. It is uncertain if the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries will
be required to obtain a separate operating license with respect to our mobile applications in addition to the value-added telecommunications business license. We cannot
assure you that we have obtained all the permits or licenses required for conducting our business in China or will be able to maintain our existing licenses or obtain new
ones. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment Restrictions.” If the PRC
government determines that we are operating without the proper approvals, licenses or permits or promulgates new laws and regulations that require additional approvals
or licenses or imposes additional restrictions on the operation of any part of our business, it has the power, among other things, to levy fines, confiscate our income,
revoke our business licenses, and require us to discontinue the relevant parts of our business or to impose restrictions on the affected portion of our business. Any of
these actions by the PRC government may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In addition, we engage in network microcredit business through Ji’an Fenqile Network Microcredit Co., Ltd., or Ji’an Microcredit, a subsidiary of Shenzhen
Fenqile, in Ji’an, Jiangxi Province, which obtained a network microcredit license from the relevant local authority. The microcredit license was updated in July 2021 and
will remain valid until July 2023.
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However, since the regulatory regime and practice with respect to network microcredit companies are evolving in recent years and subject to uncertainties, see “Item 4.
Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Microcredit,” we cannot assure you that we would not be subject to any
rectification requirements or administrative penalties due to any non-compliance, nor can we assure you that we will be able to satisfy rectification requirements, if any,
and maintain such license or renew the license.
For example, in November 2020, the CBIRC and PBOC released the Interim Measures for the Administration of Network Microcredit Companies Business
(Draft) to solicit public comments. The draft measures make it clear that a network microcredit business shall be carried out mainly in the provincial administrative areas
to which the entity is registered and shall not be cross-provincial without prior approval. The registered capital of a company operating a network microcredit business
within a province shall not be less than RMB1 billion and shall be a one-time paid-in monetary capital. The registered capital of a company operating a network
microcredit cross-provinces shall not be less than RMB5 billion and shall be a one-time paid-in monetary capital. The draft measures would establish a three-year
transition period, and those operating cross-provincial network microcredit businesses without approval will be phased-out. Although we believe that Ji’an Microcredit
is only a supplementary funding source and we do not intend to rely on it as a major source for funding, we cannot assure you that Ji’an Microcredit will be able to
maintain or renew its microcredit license if the draft measures are implemented.
If we are deemed to engage in a personal credit reporting business and violate any PRC laws or regulations governing personal credit reporting
businesses, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In particular, we are subject to
uncertainties surrounding the Measures for Credit Reporting Business, the interpretation and implementation of which may have an adverse impact on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
The PRC government has adopted several regulations governing personal credit reporting businesses. These regulations include the Regulation for the
Administration of Credit Reporting Industry, enacted by the State Council and became effective in March 2013, and the Management Rules on Credit Agencies, issued
by the PBOC, in the same year. According to the Regulation for the Administration of Credit Reporting Industry, “credit reporting business” means the activities of
collecting, organizing, storing and processing “credit information” of individuals and enterprises, as well as providing such information to others, and a “credit reporting
agency” refers to a duly established agency whose primary business is credit reporting. Enterprises or individuals engaging in personal credit reporting business shall
obtain a license from the PBOC. Enterprises or individuals shall not engage in personal credit reporting business without the approval by the PBOC. Entities engaged in
personal credit reporting business without such approval may be subject to penalties, including ban of business, confiscation of revenues related to personal credit
reporting business, imposition of fines of RMB50,000 to RMB500,000 or criminal liabilities.
In September 2021, the PBOC released the Measures for Credit Reporting Business, which took effect on January 1, 2022. The Measures for Credit
Reporting Business defines “credit information” as information that “serves the financial and economic activities and is used to determine the credit status of individuals
and enterprises, which refers to basic information, loan information and other relevant information collected in accordance with the law and other information originated
from analysis and evaluation of credit status of individuals and enterprises based on the foregoing information.” The Measures for Credit Reporting Business also
requires, among other things, that the credit reporting agency shall report to the PBOC the information processors that collaborate with such credit reporting agency with
respect to the collection, storing, processing and analyzing of the credit information. Separately, entities “actually providing credit reporting function services” in the
name of “credit information service, credit service, credit evaluation, credit rating, credit repair, etc.” are also subject to the Measures for Credit Reporting Business.
Any agency carrying out personal credit reporting business without the necessary permit should complete the rectification within 18 months after the implementation
date of the Measures for Credit Reporting Business.
As the Measures for Credit Reporting Business is relatively recent, significant uncertainties exist with respect to its interpretation and implementation. For
example, the Measures for Credit Reporting Business. Does not specify what constitutes “activities relating to credit reporting business.” It is also unclear what activities
may be deemed as “actually providing credit reporting services.” Further, the Measures for Credit Reporting Business does not provide a clear guidance or execution
rules on how and when these providers, if deemed to be conducting credit reporting business, could apply for required licenses or otherwise comply with the Measures
for Credit Reporting Business.
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In April 2021, The PBOC, the CBIRC, the CSRC and the SAFE invited a number of internet platform operators for a meeting to discuss the operations and
compliance of their internet finance business, including but not limited to conducting credit reporting business through authorized credit reporting agency. If we are
found to be carrying out credit reporting business or credit reporting function services by the PRC authorities, we may be required to obtain a personal credit reporting
business license or pursue other avenue to ensure compliance. We will closely monitor and assess the regulatory developments. In light of the significant uncertainties of
the Measures for Credit Reporting Business, we may incur significant costs and expenses in an effort to address its requirements and to make necessary changes to our
policies and practices, including obtaining an personal credit reporting business license or if we are deemed as an information processor, we may be required to
collaborate with a licensed credit reporting agency and to be reported to the PBOC with respect to the collection, storing, processing and analyzing of credit information.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with the Measures for Credit Reporting Business and other related laws and regulations in the future could have an
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, on July 7, 2021, the Credit Information System Bureau of PBOC further issued a notice, or the Notice Relating to Disconnecting Direct
Connection, to 13 internet platforms (not including us) requiring the internet platforms to achieve a complete “disconnected direct connection” in terms of personal
information with financial institutions, meaning that the direct flow of personal information from internet platforms that collect such information to financial institutions
is prohibited.
Although we are not one of the 13 internet platforms who received the Notice Relating to Disconnecting Connection, we have entered into a collaboration
agreement and have initially implemented a system interfacing with licensed credit reporting institution, trying to ensure the flow of personal information comply with
the Measures for Credit Reporting Business and the Notice Relating to Disconnecting Direct Connection to the largest extent. According to the Notice Relating to
Disconnecting Direct Connection, the Credit Reporting Measures and other related laws and regulations, any failure or perceived failure by us to meet the relevant
requirements may subject us to fine or criminal liability, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. However, as
neither clear guidance nor implementation rules with regard to the Measures for Credit Reporting Business has been issued and the acceptance criteria of the regulators
are uncertain, we will closely monitor the regulatory requirements and adjust the applicable measures in a timely manner to ensure that the flow of credit data be in
compliance with the Measures for Credit Reporting Business to the largest extent. However, we may incur significant costs and expenses to ensure compliance and to
make necessary changes to our internal policies and practices.
New laws and regulations may impose additional requirements and other obligations on our e-commerce business, which may materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to requirements of licenses and permits, the PRC laws and regulations also require e-commerce platform operators to take measures to protect
consumer rights. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to E-Commerce.” Failure to do so may subject
the e-commerce platform operators to rectification requirements and penalties. For example, the E-Commerce Law requires e-commerce platform operators to take
necessary actions if the merchants on the platform fail to display prominently on their home page the information contained in their business licenses or administrative
permits relating to their operations.
Moreover, under the E-Commerce Law, except for in certain circumstances, all e-commerce operators, including e-commerce platform operators and
merchants on these platforms, shall register with local branches of the SAMR, provide identity information of merchants on their platform to local branches of SAMR
and prompt any merchants failing to make such registrations to comply with the relevant registration requirements. We have required merchants on our platform to
complete such registrations. As a result of such requirements, we may lose existing merchants and fail to attract potential merchants who may not be willing to
cooperate with us in full compliance with the E-Commerce Law. In addition, the E-Commerce Law imposes a number of new obligations on e-commerce platform
operators, including the obligations to (i) ensure platforms’ security, including but not limited to protection of data privacy, (ii) ensure fair dealing and protect the
legitimate rights and interests of consumers on the platform, (iii) publicize transaction information preservation and transaction rules, and (iv) protect intellectual
properties.
In addition, the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Online Transactions which became effective on May 1, 2021 specify that online
transaction operators, as well as online platform operators, shall conduct their businesses in full compliance with the Anti-unfair Competition Law and other relevant
PRC laws and regulations, and shall not unfairly compete with other operators or disturb social and economic orders. Such unfair competition conducts include, but are
not limited to, carrying out any fictitious transactions and making up user evaluations. Furthermore, on November 22, 2022, the SAMR issued the Anti-unfair
Competition Law of the People’s Republic of China (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Anti-unfair Competition Law until December 22, 2022, which proposes the
following five new type of unfair competition in the data economy: (i) committing malicious transactions to impede or disrupt the normal operation of other
undertakings, (ii)
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taking advantage of data and algorithms, technologies, platform rules and so on to disrupt the fair competition order of the market by influencing user choices or
otherwise; setting links to its own commodities or services by means of keyword association, false operation options or otherwise, so as to cheat or mislead users to click
on such links; (iii) taking advantage of technical means, platform rules, etc. to improperly exclude or hinder the access to and transaction of the commodities or services
legally provided by other undertakings in violation of industry practices or technical specifications; (iv) improperly acquire or use the business data of other
undertakings; (v) making use of algorithms to implement unreasonable differential treatment or unreasonable restriction for transaction counterparties in terms of
transaction conditions by analyzing user preference, transaction habit and other characteristics.
We cannot assure you that our current business operations satisfy the obligations provided under the E-Commerce Law and the Measures for the Supervision
and Administration of Online Transactions in all respects. If the PRC governmental authorities determine that we are not in compliance with all the requirements
proposed under relevant laws and regulations, we may be subject to fines and/or other sanctions, which may have a material adverse impact on our business and results
of operations.
Our business has been and may continue to be materially adversely affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 in China.
Since the beginning of 2020, COVID-19 has become widespread in China and many other countries. Outbreaks of COVID-19 resulted in the temporary
closure of many corporate offices, retail stores and manufacturing facilities across China. Many of the initial quarantine measures within China have since been relaxed,
and we, together with our business partners, have gradually resumed normal operations since March 2020. However, restrictions have been re-imposed from time to time
thereafter in certain cities to combat sporadic outbreaks. Starting from the fourth quarter of 2020, a few waves of COVID-19 infections have emerged in various regions
of China, including the emergence of the Omicron variants affecting areas such as Xi’an, Jilin Province, and Shanghai in late 2021 and early 2022, and varying levels of
travel restrictions were reinstated. For example, travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine measures have been implemented in Shanghai since March 2022, affecting
our operations in the city.
As China began to adjust its COVID-19 prevention and control measures at the end of 2022, most of the travel restrictions and quarantine requirements were
lifted in December 2022. There were surges of cases in many cities during this time and early 2023 which caused temporary disruption to our operations. The extent to
which COVID-19 impacts our results of operations will depend on the future developments of the outbreak, including new information concerning the global severity of
and actions taken to contain the outbreak, which are highly uncertain and unpredictable. In addition, our results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent
that the outbreak harms the Chinese economy in general. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the
effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this annual report.
Increasing focus with respect to environmental, social and governance matters may impose additional costs on us or expose us to additional risks. Failure
to adapt to or comply with the evolving expectations and standards on environmental, social and governance matters from investors and the PRC government may
adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.
The PRC government and public advocacy groups have been increasingly focused on environment, social and governance, or ESG, issues in recent years,
making our business more sensitive to ESG issues and changes in governmental policies and laws and regulations associated with environment protection and other
ESG-related matters. Investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, investment funds, and other influential investors are also increasingly focused on ESG
practices and in recent years have placed increasing importance on the implications and social cost of their investments. Regardless of the industry, increased focus from
investors and the PRC government on ESG and similar matters may hinder access to capital, as investors may decide to reallocate capital or to not commit capital as a
result of their assessment of a company’s ESG practices. Any ESG concern or issue could increase our regulatory compliance costs. If we do not adapt to or comply with
the evolving expectations and standards on ESG matters from investors and the PRC government or are perceived to have not responded appropriately to the growing
concern for ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, we may suffer from reputational damage and the business, financial condition, and
the price of our ADSs could be adversely effected.
In recent years, we have donated to the pandemic-hit city of Wuhan for purchases of scarce medical supplies. We have also donated to Henan province in
central China, which was hit by heavy rains and flooding, to support relief efforts and help local communities resume normal life, work and production. In additional to
the philanthropic actions, we have been actively integrating social responsibility into its operations, products, and services. For our outstanding ESG efforts, we have
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received the Wealth and Society Corporate Commitment Certificate from The Asian Banker’s Global Wealth and Society Corporate Commitment Certification Program
2021.
Fluctuations in interest rates could negatively affect our business.
The profitability of our business depends on the interest rates at which our users are willing to borrow, and the interest rates at which our funding partners are
willing to lend. Specific benchmark rates may fluctuate as a result of changes in economic conditions and governmental policies. For example, the PBOC lowered its
benchmark lending rates in February 2020, April 2020, January 2022 and August 2022 as China’s economy continues to be threatened by the COVID-19 outbreak. If we
fail to respond to the fluctuations in interest rates in a timely manner and reprice our loan products, our loan products may become less attractive to our users. For
example, in a falling interest rate environment, potential users may seek lower priced loans from other channels if we do not lower the interest rates on our loan
products. Similarly, in a rising interest rate environment, potential investors may seek higher return investments from other channels if we do not increase the return on
our investment products. Moreover, if we are unable to reprice our loan products and investment products correspondingly, the spreads between the interest rates on our
loan products and the expected rates of return on our investment products may be reduced, and our profitability may be adversely affected.
We incurred net losses in the past and may incur net losses in the future.
We incurred net losses in the past while we had net incomes since 2017. We anticipate that our operating expenses will increase in the foreseeable future as
we seek to continue to grow our business, attract potential users, investors and partners, and further enhance and develop product and service offerings. These efforts
may prove more expensive than we currently anticipate, and we may not succeed in increasing our operating revenue sufficiently to offset these higher expenses. We
strategically focus on serving young generation consumers and seek to capture their long-term growth potential. To the extent we are unable to execute this strategy or if
we are unable to generate increased revenue on repeat users, we may not continue to generate net income. In addition, we historically had relatively low charge-off rates.
Our 90 day+ delinquency ratio was 1.95%, 1.92% and 2.53% as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022. If our charge-off rates were to increase in the future, we may
incur losses. We have also adopted, and may continue to adopt, accounting standards that affect our net income. If any of the foregoing occurs, we may incur net losses
again and may be unable to achieve or maintain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis for the foreseeable future.
Misconduct, errors and failure to perform by our employees could harm our business and reputation.
We are exposed to many types of operational risks, including the risk of misconduct and errors by our employees. Our business depends on our employees to
interact with users and investors, process large numbers of transactions and support the loan collection process, all of which involve the use and disclosure of personal
information. We could be materially and adversely affected if transactions were redirected, misappropriated or otherwise improperly executed, if personal information
was disclosed to unintended recipients, or if an operational breakdown or failure in the processing of transactions occurred, whether as a result of human error,
purposeful sabotage or fraudulent manipulation of our operations or systems. In addition, the manner in which we store and use certain personal information and interact
with users and investors is governed by various PRC laws. It is not always possible to identify and deter misconduct or errors by employees, and the precautions we take
to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses. If any of our employees take, convert or misuse funds,
documents or data or fail to follow protocol when interacting with users and investors, we could be liable for damages and subject to regulatory actions and penalties.
We could also be perceived to have facilitated or participated in the illegal misappropriation of funds, documents or data, or have failed to follow protocol, and therefore
be subject to civil or criminal liability.
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If our ability to collect delinquent loans is impaired, or if the collection efforts of our in-house team or third-party service providers are impaired, our
business and results of operations might be materially and adversely affected.
We have built a collection team with both in-house employees and third-party service providers to handle the collection of delinquent loans. If either our
employees or our third-party service providers’ collection methods, such as phone calls, text messages, in-person visits, legal letters and litigations and/or arbitrations,
are not effective and we fail to respond quickly and improve our collection methods, our delinquent loan collection rate may decrease. While we have implemented and
enforced policies and procedures relating to collection activities by us and third-party service providers, including initiating litigations and arbitrations against delinquent
users, if those collection methods were to be viewed by the users or regulatory authorities as harassments, threats or other illegal conducts, we may be subject to lawsuits
initiated by the users or prohibited by the regulatory authorities from using certain collection methods. If this were to happen and we fail to adopt alternative collection
methods in a timely manner or the alternative collection methods are proven to be ineffective, we might not be able to maintain our delinquent loan collection rate and
the funding sources’ confidence in our platform may be negatively impacted. If any of the foregoing takes place and impairs our ability to collect delinquent loans, the
loan originations on our platform will decrease, and our business and the results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Moreover, the current regulatory regime for debt collection in China remains unclear. Although we aim to ensure compliance of our collection efforts with the
relevant laws and regulations and we have established strict internal policies to prohibit aggressive practices, we cannot assure you that our collection team will not
engage in any misconduct as part of their collection efforts. Any such misconduct by our collection personnel or the perception that our collection practices are
considered to be aggressive and not compliant with the relevant laws and regulations in China may result in harm to our reputation and business, which could further
reduce our ability to collect payments from borrowers, the willingness of prospective customers to use our products or lead to fines and penalties imposed by the relevant
regulatory authorities, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
If we fail to keep up with technology advancements, our business, results of operations and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
We utilize AI and machine learning technology to operate and improve our credit assessment and risk management model, improve our operational
efficiency, and conduct targeted marketing. The success of our business will depend, in part, on our ability to adapt and respond effectively to the technology
advancements on a timely basis. The online consumer finance industry is rapidly evolving with continuous technological changes. If we are unable to develop and
improve our technological capabilities that keep pace with rapid technological and industry changes, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be
adversely affected. If new technologies emerge that are able to access credit and manage risk more effectively, such technologies could adversely impact our ability to
compete effectively more effectively. We must continue to invest substantial resources in research and development to enhance our technology. We may not be able to
execute our technological strategies successfully due to a variety of reasons such as technical difficulties, inaccurate predictions of industry trend and demand, or lack of
necessary resources. Failure to keep up with technological advancements may result in less attractive products and services and reduced credit assessment and risk
management abilities, which may in turn materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and prospects.
Uncertainties relating to the growth and profitability of the online retail industry in China in general, and the e-commerce industry in particular, could
adversely affect our operating revenue and business prospects.
Online direct sales on our e-commerce channel account for a significant portion of our total operating revenue. Our future results of operations will depend on
numerous factors affecting the development of the e-commerce industry in China, which may be beyond our control. These factors include:
•the growth of internet, broadband, personal computer and mobile penetration and usage in China, and the rate of any such growth;
•the level of trust and confidence of Chinese consumers in online shopping, as well as changes in user demographics and consumer tastes and preferences;
•the selection, price and popularity of products that we and our competitors offer online;
•whether alternative retail channels or business models that better address the needs of consumers emerge in China; and
•the development of fulfillment, payment and other ancillary services associated with online purchases.
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A decline in the popularity of online shopping in general, or any failure by us to adapt our website and improve the online shopping experience of our users
in response to trends and consumer requirements, may adversely affect our operating revenue and business prospects.
Furthermore, the e-commerce industry is subject to macroeconomic changes, and retail purchases tend to decline during recessionary periods. Many factors
outside of our control, including inflation and deflation, currency exchange rate fluctuation, volatility of stock and property markets, interest rates, tax rates, other
government policies, and unemployment rates, can adversely affect consumer confidence and spending, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our growth
and profitability. Unfavorable developments in domestic and international politics, including military conflicts, political turmoil and social instability, may also
adversely affect consumer confidence and reduce spending, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our growth and profitability.
Our delivery, return and exchange policies may materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
We have adopted user-friendly return and exchange policies. We may also be required by law to adopt new or amend existing return and exchange policies
from time to time. For example, pursuant to the PRC Consumer Rights and Interests Protection Law and the Interim Measures for Seven-day Unconditional Return of
Online Purchased Goods (2020 version), consumers are entitled to return goods purchased online within seven days upon receipt of such goods for no reason, subject to
certain exceptions. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview— Regulations—Regulations Relating to E-Commerce” and “Item 4. Information
on the Company—B. Business Overview— Regulations—Regulations Relating to Product Quality and Consumer Rights Protection.” These policies improve users’
shopping experience and promote user loyalty, which in turn help us acquire and retain users. However, these policies also subject us to additional costs and expenses
which we may not be able to recoup with increased revenue. Our ability to handle a large volume of returns is unproven. If our return and exchange policy is misused by
a significant number of users, our costs may increase significantly and our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. If we revise these policies to
reduce our costs and expenses, our users may be dissatisfied, which may result in a loss of existing users or failure to acquire new users at a desirable pace, and may
materially and adversely affect our results of operations as a result.
If we fail to compete effectively, our results of operations and market share could be harmed.
The online and offline consumption market is highly competitive and evolving in China. Our competitors operate with different business models, have
different cost structures or participate in different market segments. They may ultimately prove more successful or more adaptable to new regulatory, technological and
other developments. Some of our current and potential competitors have significantly more financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do, and may be
able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion, and support of their platforms.
Our competitors may also have longer operating histories, more extensive user or investor bases, larger amounts of data, greater brand recognition and
loyalty, and broader partner relationships than we do. Additionally, a current or potential competitor may acquire one or more of our existing competitors or form a
strategic alliance with one or more of our competitors. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and future
growth. In addition, our competitors may be better at developing new products, responding to new technologies, charging lower fees on loans and undertaking more
extensive marketing campaigns. When new competitors seek to enter our target market, or when existing market participants seek to increase their market share, they
sometimes undercut the pricing and/or terms prevalent in that market, which could adversely affect our market share or ability to exploit new market opportunities. Also,
since the online consumer finance industry in China is relatively new and fast evolving, potential investors and users may not fully understand how our platform works.
Our pricing and terms could deteriorate if we fail to act to meet these competitive challenges.
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In addition, in response to more stringent PRC laws and regulations regarding cash loans, more online lending platforms may expand their services and
products to scenario-based lending, including partnering with e-commerce platforms, which may drive up the competition among online lending platforms. Such
intensified competition may increase our operation costs and adversely affect our results of operations and profitability. Furthermore, to the extent that our competitors
are able to offer more attractive terms to our business partners, such business partners may choose to terminate their relationships with us. In addition, as our competitors
may implement certain procedures to reduce their fees in response to the current or potential PRC regulations on interest rates and fees charged by online lending
platforms, we may need to reduce our fees as well to comply with such regulations and to remain competitive in the online lending industry. If we are unable to compete
with our competitors, or if we are forced to charge lower fees due to competitive pressures, we could experience reduced revenues or our platforms could fail to achieve
market acceptance, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
On February 7, 2021, the Anti-monopoly Committee of the State Council officially promulgated the Guidelines to Anti-Monopoly in the Field of Internet
Platforms, or the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms. The Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms mainly covers five aspects, including general
provisions, monopoly agreements, abusing market dominance, concentration of undertakings, and abusing of administrative powers eliminating or restricting
competition. The Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms prohibit certain monopolistic acts of internet platforms so as to preserve market competition and
safeguard interests of users and undertakings participating in internet platform economy, including without limitation, prohibiting platforms with dominant position from
abusing their market dominance, such as discriminating customers in terms of pricing and other transactional conditions using big data and analytics, coercing
counterparties into exclusivity arrangements, using technology means to block competitors’ interface, favorable positioning in search results of goods displayed, using
bundle services to sell services or products, and compulsory collection of unnecessary user data.
As the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms were newly promulgated, it is uncertain to estimate its specific impact on our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects. We cannot assure you that our business operations comply with such regulations and authorities’ requirements in all
respects. If any non-compliance is raised by relevant authorities and determined against us, we may be subject to fines and other penalties and need to adjust some of our
business practice, which could be costly. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law amended in June 2022, promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC, requires that
transactions which are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified turnover thresholds must be cleared by the Ministry of Commerce before they can be
completed. Due to the enhanced implementation of the Anti-Monopoly Law, we may be under heightened regulatory scrutiny, which will increase our compliance costs
and subject us to heightened risks and challenges.
We have granted, and may continue to grant, low and nominally priced share options, restricted share units and other types of awards under our share
incentive plans, which may result in increased share-based compensation expenses.
Our performance is largely dependent on talented and highly-skilled individuals. Our future success depends on our continuing ability to identify, develop,
motivate, and retain highly-skilled personnel. We have adopted share incentive plans to provide additional incentives in the forms of low and nominally priced share
options, restricted share units and other types of awards to employees, directors and consultants. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B.
Compensation—Share Incentive Plans” for a detailed discussion. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, we recorded an aggregate of RMB198.8
million, RMB187.9 million and RMB156.3 million (US$22.7 million), respectively, in share-based compensation expenses. We believe the granting of share-based
awards is of significant importance to our ability to attract and retain key personnel and employees, and we will continue to grant share-based awards to employees in the
future. As a result, our expenses associated with share-based compensation may increase, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
If the total addressable market for our target user cohort is smaller than what we believe it is, our results of operations may be adversely affected, and our
business may suffer.
It is very difficult to estimate the total addressable market for our target user cohort due to factors such as market demand, the PRC regulations of the credit
industry, competition, general economic conditions and the relatively short history of the online consumer finance industry in China. We believe that our total
addressable market of users consists of new generation consumers. However, if there is less demand than we anticipate for loan products offered on our platform, it may
materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly due to the seasonality of our business and may not fully reflect the underlying performance of our
business.
We experience some seasonality in our business, reflecting a combination of seasonal demand for consumer loans and seasonality patterns associated with the
online retail industry. For example, we generally experience less user traffic and purchase orders during national holidays in China, particularly during the Chinese New
Year holiday season in the first quarter of each year. Furthermore, e-commerce companies in China hold special promotional campaigns on November 11 each year,
which improve our results for that quarter. The demand for our products and services is higher in March, April, September, October and November, which generally
corresponds to the start of school and our promotional activities around November 11. While our growth has somewhat masked this seasonality, our quarterly operating
results could be affected by such seasonality in the future.
Therefore, our quarterly results of operations, including our operating revenue, expenses, net loss or income and other key metrics, may vary significantly in
the future, and period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful. Accordingly, the results for any single quarter are not necessarily an
indication of future performance.
We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics and other outbreaks, which could significantly disrupt our operations.
In addition to the impact of COVID-19, our business could also be adversely affected by the effects of epidemics, including avian influenza, sever acute
respiratory syndrome (SARS), influenza A (H1N1), Ebola, Zika virus, H7N9 flu, avian flu or another pandemic. Any such occurrences could cause sever disruption to
our daily operations. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of epidemics in China and globally. Our business could also be adversely affected if our employees are
affected by health epidemics. In addition, our results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent that any health epidemic harms the Chinese economy in
general. Our headquarters are located in Shenzhen, where most of our directors and management and a significant portion of our employees currently reside. Most of
our in-house and outsourcing collection team, customer service team are located in Wuhan, Changsha and Nanchang. Most of our system hardware and back-up systems
are hosted in leased facilities located in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Beijing. Consequently, we are highly susceptible to factors adversely affecting Shenzhen, Wuhan,
Guangzhou and Beijing. If any of the abovementioned natural disasters, health epidemics or other outbreaks were to occur in Shenzhen, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Beijing, or
any other city where we have major operations in China, our operation may experience material disruptions, such as temporary closure of our offices and suspension of
services, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to obtain additional operating capital on favorable terms or at all.
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. We believe that our current cash, cash provided by operating activities
and funds available through our bank loans and credit facilities, will be sufficient to meet our current and anticipated needs for general corporate purposes for at least the
next 12 months. However, we need to make continued investments in facilities, hardware, software, technological systems and to retain talents to remain competitive.
Due to the unpredictable nature of the capital markets and our industry, we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital on terms favorable to us, or
at all, if and when required, especially if we experience disappointing operating results. If adequate capital is not available to us as required, our ability to fund our
operations, take advantage of unanticipated opportunities, develop or enhance our infrastructure or respond to competitive pressures could be significantly limited, which
would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In such event, there may also be significant doubt as to our ability to continue as a
going concern. If we do raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of our shareholders could be
significantly diluted. These newly issued securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing shareholders.
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If we cannot obtain sufficient cash when we need it, we may not be able to meet our payment obligations under our convertible notes.
In September 2019, we issued US$300 million principal amount of convertible senior notes to PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Limited. The convertible notes
will mature in seven years, bearing interest at a rate of 2.0% per annum. The notes will be convertible into fully paid Class A ordinary shares of the Company or ADSs at
a conversion price of US$14 per ADS at the holder’s option from the date that is six months after the issuance date. On March 13, 2023, we entered into an amendment
agreement with PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Limited regarding previous documents governing the notes. The notes shall be paid in full by April 2024 in 14 monthly
installments. The agreement has replaced the holder’s right to require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of the notes in September 2023.We may not have
sufficient funds to pay the notes or fulfill other obligations under the notes.
We derive most of our revenues from, and hold most of our assets through, our subsidiaries. As a result, we may rely in part upon distributions and advances
from our subsidiaries in order to help us meet our payment obligations under the notes and our other obligations. Our subsidiaries are distinct legal entities and do not
have any obligation, legal or otherwise, to provide us with distributions or advances. We may face tax or other adverse consequences, or legal limitations, on our ability
to obtain funds from these entities. In addition, our ability to obtain external financing in the future is subject to a variety of uncertainties, including:
•our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows;
•general market conditions for financing activities by internet companies; and
•economic, political and other conditions in the PRC and elsewhere.
If we are unable to obtain funding in a timely manner or on commercially acceptable terms, we may not be able to meet our payment obligations under our
convertible notes. If we fail to pay interest on the notes, we will be in default under the agreements governing the notes, which in turn may constitute a default under
existing and future agreements governing our indebtedness.
Any failure to protect the confidential information of our users, funding sources and other third parties or improper use of such data may subject us to
liabilities imposed by data privacy and protection laws and regulations, negatively impact our reputation, and discourage users from using our platform.
Our platform collects, stores and processes certain personal and other sensitive data from our users and funding sources. There are numerous laws governing
privacy and the storage, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of personally identifiable information and user data. Specifically, personally identifiable and other
confidential information is increasingly subject to legislation and regulations in numerous domestic and international jurisdictions. PRC government authorities have
enacted a series of laws and regulations relating to the protection of privacy and personal information, under which internet service providers and other network
operators are required to clearly indicate the purposes, methods and scope of any information collection and usage, to obtain appropriate user consent and to establish
user information protection systems with appropriate remedial measures. However, the regulatory framework for privacy protection in China and worldwide is still
evolving and likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We could be adversely affected if legislation or regulations in China are expanded to require changes
in business practices or privacy policies, or if the PRC governmental authorities interpret or implement their legislation or regulations in ways that negatively affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Meanwhile, in addition to laws, regulations and other applicable rules regarding privacy and privacy advocacy, industry associations or other private parties
may propose new and different privacy standards. Because the interpretation and application of privacy and data protection laws and privacy standards are still uncertain,
it is possible that these laws or privacy standards may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our practices. Any inability to adequately address
privacy concerns, even if unfounded, or to comply with applicable privacy or data protection laws, regulations and privacy standards, could result in additional cost and
liability to us, cause the App stores to remove our mobile applications, damage our reputation, inhibit the use of our platform and harm our business.
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For example, the PRC Cybersecurity Law, which took effect in June 2017, provides that personal information and important data collected and generated by
operators of critical information infrastructure in the course of their operations in the PRC should be stored in the PRC, and the law imposes heightened regulation and
additional security obligations on operators of critical information infrastructure. In addition, the SAMR and the Standardization Administration jointly issued the new
Standard of Information Security Technology—Personal Information Security Specification (GB/T 35273¬2020) in March 2020, which took effect in October 2020.
Pursuant to this standard, the personal data controller refers to entities or persons who are authorized to determine the purposes and means for processing personal
information. The personal data controller should collect information in accordance with the principles of legality, minimization and voluntariness and should also obtain
a consent from the information provider. In addition, the Data Security Law and the Personal Information Protection Law became effective on September 1, 2021 and on
November 1, 2021 respectively, and a draft of the Interim Provisions on the Protection and Management of Personal Information of Mobile Internet Applications was
published to solicit public comments on April 26, 2021. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to
Internet Information Security.”
We expect that these areas will receive greater attention and scrutiny from regulators and the public going forward, which could increase our compliance
costs and subject us to heightened risks and challenges associated with data security and protection. If we are unable to manage these risks, we could become subject to
penalties, including fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, and our reputation and results of operations could be materially and adversely
affected.
Further, we use certain data collected from external data sources to make credit assessment. In the event that the data collection and provision by any of our
external data sources is considered in violation of the personal information protection and data security laws and regulations, such as the PRC Cyber security Law, we
may not be able to use relevant data for our credit assessment and our business may be materially and adversely affected. For more details of credit assessment activities,
see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—If we are deemed to engage in a personal credit reporting business and
violate any PRC laws or regulations governing personal credit reporting businesses, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be
materially and adversely affected. In particular, we are subject to uncertainties surrounding the Measures for Credit Reporting Business, the interpretation and
implementation of which may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.”
Failure to prevent cybersecurity breaches will materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.
The massive data that we have processed and stored makes us or third-party service providers who host our servers a target and potentially vulnerable to
cyber-attacks, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, or similar disruptions. In addition, we store part of our data on third-party cloud computing platform
servers that are vulnerable to service breaks or cyber-attacks, the occurrence of which may result in data breach or loss. While we and/or the applicable third-party
service providers that we cooperate with have taken steps to protect the confidential information that we have access to, security measures, whether taken by us and/or by
third-party service providers with whom we cooperate with could be breached. Because techniques used to sabotage or obtain unauthorized access to systems change
frequently and generally are not recognized until they are launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate
preventative measures. Any accidental or willful security breaches or other unauthorized access to our platform could cause confidential user and investor information to
be stolen and used for criminal purposes. Security breaches or unauthorized access to third-party servers which results in leakage of personal data and user information
may also harm consumer trust in us and damages our brand reputation. Security breaches or unauthorized access to confidential information could also expose us to
liability related to the loss of the information, time-consuming and expensive litigation and negative publicity.
If security measures are breached because of any third-party action, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise, or if design flaws in our technology
infrastructure are exposed and exploited, our relationships with users and investors could be severely damaged, we could incur significant liability and our business and
operations could be adversely affected in addition to the increased operating costs we incur for data protection.
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In addition, we rely on the massive amount of data and user information that we have accumulated over time to conduct our business. In particular, we use
user information to make credit assessment of users through our Hawkeye engine. These data might be lost due to cyber-attacks, computer viruses, physical or electronic
break-ins, or similar disruptions. A noticeable trend in the laws, regulations and policies in China toward an increased level of data protection has also restricted our
access to user data in some ways as well as the third-party data providers’ ability to provide us with comprehensive data and user information. If the amount and quality
of the data we collect are negatively affected, the effectiveness of our risk management may be undermined, which may lead to higher charge-off rates and adversely
and materially affect our business and results of operations.
Any significant disruption in service on our platforms, our computer systems or third-party service providers’ systems, including events beyond our
control, could reduce the attractiveness of our platforms and result in a loss of users or investors.
In the event of a platform outage and physical data loss, our ability to perform our servicing obligations, process loan applications or make funds available on
our platforms would be materially and adversely affected. The satisfactory performance, reliability and availability of our platforms and our underlying network
infrastructure are critical to our operations, user service, reputation, and ability to retain existing and attract new users, investors and institutional funding partners. Much
of our system hardware is hosted in leased facilities located in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Beijing. We also rely significantly on our third-party service providers for the
operation of our platform. Our operations depend on our ability to protect our systems against damage or interruption from natural disasters, power or
telecommunications failures, air quality issues, environmental conditions, computer viruses, or attempts to harm our systems, criminal acts and similar events. If there is
a lapse in service or damage to our leased facilities in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Beijing, we could experience interruptions and delays in our service and may incur
additional expenses in arranging new facilities.
Any interruptions or delays in our service, whether as a result of third-party or our error, natural disasters, health pandemics such as the ongoing COVID-19
or security breaches, whether accidental or willful, could harm our relationships with our users, investors and institutional funding partners and our reputation. Our
disaster recovery plan has not been tested under actual disaster conditions, and we may not have sufficient capacity to recover all data and services in the event of an
outage. These factors could prevent us from processing or posting payments on loans, damage our brand and reputation, divert our employees’ attention, subject us to
liability and cause users, investors and institutional funding partners to abandon our platforms, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
We rely on App Stores to disseminate our mobile applications.
We offer our services mainly through our mobile applications. Our mobile applications are offered via App Stores operated by third parties, such as Apple’s
App Store, which could suspend or terminate users’ access to our mobile applications, increase access costs or change the terms of access in a way that makes our
applications more difficult to access. As a result, our ability to expand our user base may be adversely affected if potential users experience difficulties in or are
prevented from accessing our mobile applications. In the past, our mobile applications were taken down from certain third-party App Stores for a short period of time.
We cannot assure you that we will not experience incidents of similar nature in the future, and occurrence of such incidents may adversely affect our brand and
reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our platforms and internal systems rely on software that is highly technical, and if it contains undetected errors, our business could be adversely
affected.
Our platforms and internal systems rely on software that is highly technical and complex. In addition, our platform and internal systems depend on the ability
of such software to store, retrieve, process and manage immense amounts of data. The software on which we rely has contained, and may now or in the future contain,
undetected errors or bugs. Errors or other design defects within the software on which we rely may result in a negative experience for users and funding sources, delay
introductions of new features or enhancements, result in errors or compromise our ability to protect user or investor data or our intellectual property. Any errors, bugs or
defects discovered in the software on which we rely could result in harm to our reputation, loss of users or investors or liability for damages, any of which could
adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position.
We believe that trademarks, trade secrets, copyright and other intellectual property we use are critical to our business. We rely on a combination of trademark,
copyright and trade secret protection laws in China, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property and our brand.
Despite these measures, any of our intellectual property rights could be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or misappropriated, or such intellectual property may not
be sufficient to provide us with competitive advantages. For example, we regularly file applications to register our trademarks in China, but these applications may not
be successful and may be challenged by third parties. Meanwhile, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as those in
the U.S. or other countries for many reasons, including lack of procedural rules for discovery and evidence, and low damage awards. Implementation and enforcement of
China intellectual property laws have historically been deficient and ineffective. As a result, we may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property rights,
which could adversely affect our revenues and competitive position.
In addition, any unauthorized use of our intellectual property by third parties may adversely affect our revenues and our reputation. In particular, we may
have difficulty addressing the threats to our business associated with piracy of our content, particularly our original content. Our content may be potentially subject to
unauthorized consumer copying and illegal digital dissemination without an economic return to us. We adopt a variety of measures to mitigate risks associated with
piracy, including by litigation and through technology measures. We cannot assure that such measures will be effective.
In addition, while we typically require our employees who may be involved in the development of intellectual property to execute agreements assigning such
intellectual property to us, we may be unsuccessful in executing such an agreement with each party who in fact develops intellectual property that we regard as our own.
In addition, such agreements may be breached. Accordingly, we may be forced to bring claims against third parties, or defend claims that they may bring against us
related to the ownership of such intellectual property.
Furthermore, policing unauthorized use of proprietary technology is difficult and expensive, and we may need to resort to litigation to enforce or defend
intellectual property or to determine the enforceability, scope and validity of our proprietary rights or those of others. Such litigation and an adverse determination in any
such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. The experience and capabilities of China courts in handling
intellectual property litigation varies and outcomes are unpredictable.
We have been and may be subject to intellectual property infringement claims or other legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our
business, which may be expensive to defend and may disrupt our business and operations.
We cannot be certain that our operations or any aspects of our business do not or will not infringe upon or otherwise violate trademarks, patents, copyrights,
know-how or other intellectual property rights held by third parties. We may be from time to time in the future subject to legal proceedings and claims relating to the
intellectual property rights of others. Some of our trademarks applications have been challenged by third parties, and we may not be able to successfully register such
trademarks. In addition, there may be third-party trademarks, patents, copyrights, know-how or other intellectual property rights that are infringed upon by our products,
services or other aspects of our business without our awareness. Holders of such intellectual property rights may seek to enforce such intellectual property rights against
us in China, the United States or other jurisdictions. If any third-party infringement claims are brought against us, we may be forced to divert management’s time and
other resources from our business and operations to defend against these claims, regardless of their merits.
Additionally, the application and interpretation of China’s intellectual property right laws and the procedures and standards for granting trademarks, patents,
copyrights, know-how or other intellectual property rights in China are still evolving and are uncertain, and we cannot assure you that PRC courts or regulatory
authorities would agree with our analysis. If we were found to have violated the intellectual property rights of others, we may be subject to liability for our infringement
activities or may be prohibited from using such intellectual property, and we may incur licensing fees or be forced to develop alternatives of our own.
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In addition, from time to time, we may be subject to other legal proceedings and claims arising from our ordinary course of business. In September 2020, we
and certain of our officers and directors were named as defendants in two putative federal securities class actions, both of which were dismissed. See “Item 8. Financial
Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings” for more information. However, any adverse outcome of such cases in
the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows and reputation.
Defending litigations or other claims against us is costly and can impose a significant burden on our management and employees, and there can be no
assurances that favorable final outcomes will be obtained in all cases. Such claims, even if they do not result in liability, may harm our reputation. Any resulting liability
or expenses, or changes required to our platform to reduce the risk of future liability, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
prospects.
We may be held liable for information or content displayed on, retrieved from or linked to our mobile applications, which may materially and adversely
affect our business and operating results.
In addition to our website, we also offer consumer finance products on our mobile applications, which are regulated by the Regulations for Administration of
Mobile Internet Application Information Services, or the MIAIS Regulations, promulgated by the CAC, in June 2016, amended in June 2022 and became effective in
August 2022. Under the MIAIS Regulations, the provider of the mobile internet application shall have more and detailed obligations when owning or operating a mobile
internet application, including but not limited to making and disclosing management rules and platform conventions, guaranteeing cyber data security and personal
information protection and completing assessments of security in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. According to the MIAIS Regulations, the providers of
mobile applications shall not engage in any activity that is prohibited by laws and regulations, such as endangering national security, disrupting social order or infringing
on the legitimate rights and interests of others.
We have implemented internal control procedures screening the information and content on our mobile applications to ensure their compliance with the
MIAIS Regulations. However, we cannot assure you that all the information or content displayed on, retrieved from or linked to our mobile applications complies with
the requirements of the MIAIS Regulations at all times. If our mobile applications were found to be violating the MIAIS Regulations, we may be subject to relevant
penalties, including warning, service suspension or removal of our mobile applications from the relevant mobile application store, which may materially and adversely
affect our business and operating results.
Erroneous reports with respect to certain of our users have been sent to the credit reference center of the PBOC, which may result in reputational
damage to us.
Some of our institutional funding partners report delinquencies of our users to the credit reference center of the PBOC, which adversely affect such users’
credit profiles and abilities to obtain loans in the future. Due to errors in our interfaces with certain institutional funding partners, we have occasionally failed to inform
certain institutional funding partners about repayments made by users. As a result, such institutional funding partners believed that the users were delinquent on loan
repayments and therefore made erroneous reports to the credit reference center of the PBOC. Neither we nor the institutional funding partners are subject to legal
liabilities as long as the institutional funding partners inform the PBOC about the errors in a timely fashion after receiving complaints from the borrowers. Such errors in
reports have been isolated incidents and have not resulted in material adverse effect on our business as of the date of this annual report. We have started to request our
institutional funding partners to compare their records of delinquent borrowers with ours to avoid future errors. However, there can be no assurance that our institutional
funding partners will always cooperate with us or that such measures will be effective in preventing errors. If additional erroneous reports were made to the PBOC in the
future, we may suffer negative publicity and reputational damage, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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Any failure by us or our third-party service providers to comply with applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations could damage our
reputation.
According to the applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations as described in detains in “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business
Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Anti-Money Laundering,” internet finance service providers are required to comply with certain anti-money
laundering requirements, such as the establishment of a customer identification program, the monitoring and reporting of suspicious transactions, the preservation of
customer information and transaction records, the provision of assistance to the public security department and judicial authority in investigations and proceedings in
relation to anti-money laundering.
The PBOC released the Measures for Supervision and Administration of Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing of Financial Institutions in
April 2021, which became effective in August 2021. It provides that financial institutions, including internet microcredit companies, shall establish a self-assessment
system for anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing risks at the headquarters level, regularly or from time to time assess the anti-money laundering and anti-
terrorism financing risks, and report the self-assessment to the PBOC or its local branches within ten business days from the date of approval by the board of directors or
senior management. Financial institutions shall, in accordance with the provisions and in combination with the relevant requirements of the internal control system and
risk management mechanism, perform the obligations of customer due diligence, customer identity information and transaction records preservation, large amount
transaction and suspicious transaction reporting.
We have implemented various policies and procedures, including internal controls, collaborations with relevant regulatory authorities, and “know-your-
customer” procedures, for anti-money laundering purposes. We have also established access to the Anti-Money Laundering Internet Monitoring Platform to report large-
sum transactions and suspicious transactions thereon in accordance with the relevant requirements. In addition, we rely on our institutional funding partners and payment
processors, in particular the online payment companies that handle the transfer of funds between borrowers and lenders, to have their own appropriate anti-money
laundering policies and procedures in compliance with the PBOC requirements. Certain of our institutional funding partners and the online payment companies are
subject to anti-money laundering obligations under applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and are regulated in that respect by the PBOC.
However, there is no assurance that our anti-money laundering policies and procedures will protect us from being exploited for money laundering purposes or
that we will be deemed to be in compliance with applicable anti-money laundering implementing rules, if and when adopted. Moreover, if any of our third-party service
providers fail to comply with applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations, our reputation could suffer and we could become subject to regulatory intervention,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
From time to time we may evaluate and consummate strategic investments or acquisitions, which could require significant management attention, disrupt
our business and adversely affect our financial results.
We have made, and may evaluate and consider to make, strategic investments, combinations, acquisitions or alliances to further increase the value of our
platforms and better serve users, investors and institutional funding partners. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company
—Strategic Investments.”
The investments and acquired assets or businesses may not generate the financial results we expect. Moreover, these investments, as well as potential future
investments we may make, may require significant attention from our management, in particular to ensure that such changes do not disrupt any existing collaborations,
or affect our users’ opinion and perception of our products and services. The diversion of our management’s attention and any difficulties encountered during
integration could have a material adverse effect on our ability to manage our business. In addition, strategic investments, acquisitions or new business initiatives could
expose us to potential risks, including:
•risks associated with the assimilation of new operations, services, technologies and personnel;
•unforeseen or hidden liabilities;
•the diversion of resources from our existing businesses and technologies;
•the inability to generate sufficient revenues to offset the costs and expenses of the transaction; and
•the potential loss of, or harm to, relationships with employees and marketplace users as a result of the integration of new businesses or investment.
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Any failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past or future acquisitions and investments could cause us to fail to
realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions or investments, incur unanticipated liabilities and harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Furthermore, investments and acquisitions could result in the use of substantial amounts of cash, increased leverage, potentially dilutive issuances of equity
securities, goodwill impairment charges, amortization expenses for other intangible assets and exposure to potential liabilities of the acquired business, and the invested
or acquired assets or businesses may not generate the financial results we expect. For example, the private companies that we have invested in could be adversely
affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, which may lead to impairment in the fair values of our investments and in turn adversely affect our financial condition and
operating results. Moreover, the costs of identifying and consummating these transactions may be significant. In addition to obtaining the necessary corporate
governance approvals, we may also need to obtain approvals and licenses from relevant governmental authorities for the acquisitions to comply with applicable laws and
regulations, which could result in increased costs and delays.
The current tensions in international trade and rising political tensions, particularly between the United States and China, may adversely impact our
business.
Recently there have been heightened tensions in international economic relations, such as the one between the United States and China. The U.S. government
has recently imposed, and has recently proposed to impose additional, new, or higher tariffs on certain products imported from China to penalize China for what it
characterizes as unfair trade practices. China has responded by imposing, and proposing to impose additional, new, or higher tariffs on certain products imported from
the United States. Following mutual retaliatory actions for months, on January 15, 2020, the United States and China entered into the Economic and Trade Agreement
Between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China as a phase one trade deal, effective on February 14, 2020 and expired in December 2021. It is
uncertain whether and when the United States and China will enter into another trade deal in the future.
In addition, political tensions between the United States and China have escalated due to, among other things, trade disputes, the COVID-19 outbreak,
sanctions imposed by the U.S. Department of Treasury on certain officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the PRC central government, the
executive orders issued by the U.S. government in August 2020 that prohibit certain transactions with certain selected leading Chinese internet companies as well as
their products, and various restrictions related to the Chinese semiconductor industry imposed by the U.S. government. Against this backdrop, China has implemented,
and may further implement, measures in response to the changing trade policies, treaties, tariffs and sanctions and restrictions against Chinese companies initiated by the
U.S. government. Rising political tensions could reduce levels of trades, investments, technological exchanges, and other economic activities between the two major
economies. Such tensions between the United States and China, and any escalation thereof, may have a negative impact on the general, economic, political, and social
conditions in China and, in turn, adversely impacting our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may lose investor confidence in the reliability of our financial
statements.
The SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, adopted rules requiring every public companies to
include a management report on such company’s internal control over financial reporting in its annual report, which contains management’s assessment of the
effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. In addition, when a company meets the SEC’s criteria, an independent registered public
accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2022. However, if we fail to maintain
effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, our management may not be able to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial
reporting at a reasonable assurance level. Further, because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements on
a timely basis. For instance, in the preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial information for the second quarter of 2019, we uncovered certain
control deficiencies which led to accounting errors in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial information for the first quarter of 2019. The accounting errors
were corrected and disclosed in our earnings release for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 on Form 6-K. We have undertaken remedial measures to improve our quarter-
end closing procedures and addressed the relevant control deficiencies.
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Moreover, the process of designing and implementing an effective financial reporting system is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to
changes in our business and the economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a financial reporting system that satisfies our
reporting obligations. Our failure to discover and address any material weaknesses or deficiencies in the future may result in inaccuracies in our financial statements or
delay in the preparation of our financial statements. This could in turn result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements and negatively
impact the trading price of our ADSs. Ineffective internal control over financial reporting could also expose us to increased risk of fraud or misappropriations of
corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which our ADSs are listed, regulatory investigations or civil or criminal sanctions.
We are subject to changing laws and regulations regarding regulatory matters, corporate governance and public disclosure that have increased both our
costs and the risk of non-compliance.
We are subject to rules and regulations by various governing bodies, including, for example, the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is charged with
the protection of investors and the oversight of companies whose securities are publicly traded, and the various regulatory authorities in China and the Cayman Islands,
and to new and evolving regulatory measures under applicable law. Our efforts to comply with new and changing laws and regulations have resulted in and are likely to
continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance
activities.
Moreover, because these laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, their application in practice may evolve over time as new
guidance becomes available. This evolution may result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and additional costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to
our disclosure and governance practices. If we fail to address and comply with these regulations and any subsequent changes, we may be subject to penalty and our
business may be harmed.
Our business depends on the continued efforts of our senior management. If one or more of our key executives were unable or unwilling to continue in
their present positions, our business may be severely disrupted.
Our business operations depend on the continued services of our senior management, particularly the executive officers named in this annual report. While
we have provided different incentives to our management, we cannot assure you that we can continue to retain their services. If one or more of our key executives were
unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to replace them easily or at all, our future growth may be constrained, our business may be
severely disrupted and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected, and we may incur additional expenses to recruit, train
and retain qualified personnel. There is no assurance that any member of our management team will not join our competitors or form a competing business. If any
dispute arises between our current or former officers and us, we may have to incur substantial costs and expenses in order to enforce such agreements in China or we
may be unable to enforce them at all.
Competition for employees is intense, and we may not be able to attract and retain the qualified and skilled employees needed to support our business.
We believe our success depends on the efforts and talent of our employees, including risk management, software engineering, technology and product
development, financial and marketing personnel. Our future success depends on our continued ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain qualified and skilled
employees. Competition for highly skilled technical, risk management and financial personnel is extremely intense. We may not be able to hire and retain these
personnel at compensation levels consistent with our existing compensation and salary structure. Some of the companies with which we compete for experienced
employees have greater resources than we have and may be able to offer more attractive terms of employment.
In addition, we invest significant time and expenses in training our employees, which increases their value to competitors who may seek to recruit them. If we
fail to retain our employees, we could incur significant expenses in hiring and training new employees, and the quality of our services and our ability to serve users and
investors could diminish, resulting in a material adverse effect to our business.
Increases in labor costs in the PRC may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
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The economy in China has experienced increases in inflation and labor costs in recent years. As a result, average wages in the PRC are expected to continue
to increase. In addition, we are required by the PRC laws and regulations to pay various statutory employee benefits, including pension, housing provident fund, medical
insurance, on-the-job injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance to designated government agencies for the benefit of our employees. The
relevant government agencies may examine whether an employer has made adequate payments to the statutory employee benefits, and those employers who fail to make
adequate payments may be subject to late payment fees, fines and/or other penalties. We expect that our labor costs, including wages and employee benefits, will
continue to increase. Unless we are able to control our labor costs or pass on these increased labor costs to our users by increasing the fees of our services, our financial
condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
We may not have sufficient business insurance coverage.
Insurance companies in China currently do not offer as extensive an array of insurance products as insurance companies in more developed economies.
Currently, we do not have any business liability or disruption insurance to cover our operations. We have determined that the costs of insuring for these risks and the
difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical for us to have such insurance. Any uninsured business
disruptions may result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of resources, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial
condition.
A severe or prolonged downturn in the Chinese or global economy and changes in the level of consumer confidence could reduce the demand for
consumer loans and investments, which could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The consumer financing industry is sensitive to general economic changes that affect consumer confidence, and any slowing in growth rate or general or
perceived economic downturn in China may negatively impact our business. Many factors outside of our control, including inflation and deflation, interest rates,
volatility of equity and debt securities markets, taxation rates, employment and other government policies can adversely affect consumer confidence. The COVID-19
pandemic had a severe and negative impact on the Chinese and the global economy in 2020, 2021 and early 2022. Most of the travel restrictions and quarantine
requirements in China were lifted in December 2022. Whether the impact of COVID-19 will lead to a prolonged downturn in the economy is still unknown. Even before
the outbreak of COVID-19, the global macroeconomic environment was facing challenges, including the end of quantitative easing by the U.S. Federal Reserve, the
economic slowdown in the Eurozone since 2014, uncertainties over the impact of Brexit and the ongoing global trade disputes and tariffs. The growth of China’s
economy has slowed down since 2012 compared to the previous decade and the trend may continue. There is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the
monetary and fiscal policies adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world’s leading economies, including the United States and China. In
addition, there have also been concerns about the relationship between China and the United States, resulted from the current trade and political tension between the two
countries.
Economic conditions in China are sensitive to global economic conditions, as well as changes in domestic economic and political policies and the expected or
perceived overall economic growth rate in China. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the global or Chinese economy may materially and adversely affect our
business and financial condition.
We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and, as a result, may rely on exemptions from certain corporate
governance requirements that provide protection to shareholders of other companies.
We are a “controlled company” as defined under the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules because our founder, chairman of the board of directors and chief executive
officer, Mr. Jay Wenjie Xiao, owns more than 50% of our total voting power. For so long as we remain a controlled company under that definition, we are permitted to
elect to rely, and will rely, on certain exemptions from corporate governance rules, including an exemption from the rule that a majority of our board of directors must
be independent directors. As a result, you will not have the same protection afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to these corporate governance
requirements.
Risks Related to the American Depositary Shares
The market price for our ADSs may be volatile.
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Since our ADSs became listed on the Nasdaq on December 21, 2017, the trading price of our ADSs has ranged from US$1.26 to US$20.00. The trading
prices of ADSs are likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of broad market and industry factors, like
the performance and fluctuation in the market prices or the underperformance or deteriorating financial results of internet or other companies based in China that have
listed their securities in the United States in recent years. The trading performances of other Chinese companies’ securities, including Internet and e-commerce
companies, may affect the attitudes of investors toward Chinese companies listed in the United States, which consequently may impact the trading performance of the
ADSs, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, any negative news or perceptions about inadequate corporate governance practices or fraudulent
accounting, corporate structure or other matters of other Chinese companies may also negatively affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinese companies in general,
including us, regardless of whether we have conducted any inappropriate activities. In addition, securities markets may from time to time experience significant price
and volume fluctuations that are not related to our operating performance, such as the large decline in share prices in the United States, China and other jurisdictions in
2022, which may from time to time have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ADSs. In addition, the securities markets have from time to time
experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular industries or companies. For example, the actual and
perceived worldwide economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant drop in prices on global stock markets, and appears to have similarly had an
adverse impact on the market price of our ADSs.
In addition to the above factors, the price and trading volume of the ADSs may be highly volatile due to multiple factors, including the following:
•regulatory developments affecting us, our users, or our industry;
•conditions in the online consumer finance industry and the public perception of the legitimacy and ethics of certain business practices of our competitors or
other market players within the industry;
•announcements of studies and reports relating to the quality of our product and service offerings or those of our competitors;
•changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other online and offline consumption platforms;
•actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations and changes or revisions of our expected results;
•changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts;
•announcements by us or our competitors of new product and service offerings, acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
•additions to or departures of our senior management;
•detrimental negative publicity about us, our management or our industry;
•fluctuations of exchange rates between the RMB and the U.S. dollar;
•release or expiry of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding Class A ordinary shares or the ADSs; and
•sales or perceived potential sales of additional Class A ordinary shares or ADSs.
The trading market for our ADSs will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If
research analysts do not establish and maintain adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our ADSs or publish inaccurate or
unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our ADSs would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to
publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the market price or trading volume for our ADSs to decline.
We cannot guarantee that any share repurchase program will be fully consummated or that any share repurchase program will enhance our long-term
shareholder value, and share repurchases could increase the volatility of the price of our ADSs and diminish our cash reserves.
On March 16, 2022, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to US$50 million worth of our shares
(including ADSs) over the next twelve months through March 16, 2023. On November 17, 2022, our board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program,
under which we may repurchase up to US$20 million worth of our shares (including ADSs) over the next twelve months through November 17, 2023. Our share
repurchases could affect our ADS trading prices, increase their volatility, reduce our cash reserves and may be suspended or terminated at any time, which may result in
a decrease in the trading prices of our ADSs.
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Our dual-class share structure will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control
transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and the ADSs may view as beneficial.
We have a dual-class share structure such that our ordinary shares consists of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares with disparate voting
powers. Each Class A ordinary share shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote on all matters subject to vote at general meetings of the Company, and each Class B
ordinary share shall entitle the holder thereof to ten votes on all matters subject to vote at general meetings of the Company. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible
into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof, while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares in any event. As of
February 28, 2023, Mr. Jay Wenjie Xiao, the beneficial owner of our Class B ordinary shares, beneficially owns 77.2% of the aggregate voting power of our company.
As a result, Mr. Jay Wenjie Xiao will have considerable influence over matters such as electing directors and approving material mergers, acquisitions or other business
combination transactions. Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of any Class B ordinary share by a shareholder to any non-affiliates of such shareholder, or
upon a change of control of the shareholder who holds the Class B ordinary share, each of such Class B ordinary share shall be automatically and immediately converted
into one Class A ordinary share. If at any time Mr. Jay Wenjie Xiao and his affiliates collectively hold less than five percent (5%) of our issued and outstanding shares,
each Class B ordinary share will automatically be re-designated into one Class A ordinary share without any action being required by the holders of Class B ordinary
shares and whether or not the certificates representing such shares are surrendered to the Company or its transfer agent, and no Class B ordinary shares shall be issued by
us thereafter. The concentrated control associated with our dual-class share structure will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could also discourage
others from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions, which could have the effect of depriving the holders of our Class A ordinary
shares and the ADSs of the opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over the prevailing market price.
Moreover, S&P, Dow Jones and FTSE Russell have announced changes to their eligibility criteria for inclusion of shares of public companies on certain
indices, including the S&P 500, to exclude companies with multiple classes of shares and companies whose public shareholders hold no more than 5% of total voting
power from being added to such indices. In addition, several shareholder advisory firms have announced their opposition to the use of multiple class structures. As a
result, the dual class structure of our ordinary shares may prevent the inclusion of our ADSs representing Class A ordinary shares in such indices and may cause
shareholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary about our corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to cause us to change our capital structure. Any
such exclusion from indices could result in a less active trading market for our ADSs. Any actions or publications by shareholder advisory firms critical of our corporate
governance practices or capital structure could also adversely affect the value of our ADSs.
Because we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future, you must rely on price appreciation of our ADSs for return on your investment.
We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result,
we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in the ADSs as a source for any future dividend
income.
Our board of directors has discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain restrictions under Cayman Islands law, namely that our company
may only pay dividends either out of profits or share premium, and provided always that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in our company
being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no
dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends on our ordinary shares, the
timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and
surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiary, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our
board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our ADSs. There is no
guarantee that our ADSs will appreciate in value in the future or even maintain the price at which you purchased the ADSs. You may not realize a return on your
investment in our ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in our ADSs.
Techniques employed by short sellers may drive down the market price of the ADSs.
Short selling is the practice of selling securities that a seller does not own but rather has borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying identical
securities back at a later date to return to the lender. Short sellers hope to profit from a
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decline in the value of the securities between the sale of the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as short sellers expect to pay less in that
purchase than they received in the sale. As it is in short sellers’ interest for the price of the security to decline, many short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication
of, negative opinions and allegations regarding the relevant issuer and its business prospects in order to create negative market momentum and generate profits for
themselves after selling a security short. These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market.
We may be subject to short seller attacks from time to time. If we were to become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are
proven to be true or untrue, we may have to expend a significant amount of resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend ourselves. While we would strongly
defend against any such short seller attacks, we may be constrained in the manner in which we can proceed against the relevant short sellers by principles of freedom of
speech, applicable state law or issues of commercial confidentiality. Such a situation could be costly and time-consuming, and could divert management’s attention from
the day-to-day operations of our company. Even if such allegations are ultimately proven to be groundless, allegations against us could severely impact the market price
of our ADSs and our business operations.
Substantial future sales or perceived potential sales of the ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.
Sales of our ADSs in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of the ADSs to decline. As of February
28, 2023, we had 245,866,026 Class A ordinary shares outstanding, including 231,589,490 Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs. All of our ADSs will be freely
transferable without restriction or additional registration under the Securities Act. The remaining Class A ordinary shares outstanding will be available for sale subject to
volume and other restrictions as applicable under Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act. To the extent shares are sold into the market, the market price of the ADSs
could decline.
Certain holders of our Class A ordinary shares may cause us to register under the Securities Act the sale of their shares. Registration of these shares under the
Securities Act would result in ADSs representing these shares becoming freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness
of the registration. Sales of these registered shares in the form of ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.
We have adopted a 2017 Share Incentive Plan, or the 2017 Plan, under which we have the discretion to grant a broad range of equity-based awards to eligible
participants. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation.” We have registered certain ordinary shares that we may issue under this
equity compensation plan and intend to register all ordinary shares that we may issue under this equity compensation plan. Once we register these ordinary shares, they
can be freely sold in the public market in the form of ADSs upon issuance, subject to volume limitations applicable to affiliates and relevant lock-up agreements. If a
large number of our ordinary shares or securities convertible into our ordinary shares are sold in the public market in the form of ADSs after they become eligible for
sale, the sales could reduce the trading price of our ADSs and impede our ability to raise future capital. In addition, any ordinary shares that we issue under an equity
incentive plan would dilute the percentage ownership held by the investors who purchased ADSs.
The voting rights of holders of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement, and you may not be able to exercise your right to direct the voting
of the underlying Class A ordinary shares which are represented by your ADSs.
As a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are not obliged by the Companies Act to call shareholders’ annual general meetings. Our sixth amended and
restated memorandum and articles of association provide that we may (but are not obliged to) each year hold a general meeting as our annual general meeting. As a
holder of ADSs, you will not have any direct right to attend general meetings of our shareholders or to cast any votes at such meetings. You will only be able to exercise
the voting rights which attach to the underlying Class A ordinary shares which are represented by your ADSs indirectly by giving voting instructions to the depositary in
accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Under the deposit agreement, you may vote only by giving voting instructions to the depositary, as the holder
of the underlying Class A ordinary shares that are represented by your ADSs. If we ask for voting instructions, upon receipt of your voting instructions, the depositary
will endeavor to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs in accordance with your instructions. You will not be able to directly exercise
any right to vote with respect to the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs unless you withdraw the shares and become the registered holder of
such shares prior to the record date for the general meeting. Under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the minimum notice period
required to be given by our company to our registered shareholders for convening a general meeting is seven (7) calendar days. When a general meeting is convened, you
may not receive sufficient advance notice to enable you to withdraw the underlying Class A ordinary shares which are represented by your ADSs and become
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the registered holder of such Class A ordinary shares prior to the record date for the general meeting to allow you to attend the general meeting or to vote directly with
respect to any specific matter or resolution which is to be considered and voted upon at the general meeting. In addition, under our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association, for the purposes of determining those shareholders who are entitled to attend and vote at any general meeting, our directors may close our
register of members and/or fix in advance a record date for such meeting, and such closure of our register of members or the setting of such a record date may prevent
you from withdrawing the underlying Class A ordinary shares which are represented by your ADSs and becoming the registered holder of such shares prior to the record
date for the general meeting, so that you would not be able to attend the general meeting or to vote directly. Where any matter is to be put to a vote at a general meeting,
the depositary will endeavor to notify you of the upcoming vote and to deliver our voting materials to you if we ask it to. We cannot assure you that you will receive the
voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares which are represented by your ADSs. In addition,
the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for their manner of carrying out your voting instructions. This means that
you may not be able to exercise your right to direct the voting of the underlying Class A ordinary shares that are represented by your ADSs, and you may have no legal
remedy if the underlying Class A ordinary shares are not voted as you requested.
Except in limited circumstances, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to vote the Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs if you do not
give voting instructions, which could adversely affect your interests.
Under the deposit agreement for the ADSs, the depositary will give us (or our nominee) a discretionary proxy to vote the Class A ordinary shares underlying
your ADSs at any particular shareholders’ meetings if you do not timely and properly give voting instructions to the depositary as to how to vote the underlying Class A
ordinary shares represented by your ADSs at any particular shareholders’ meeting, unless:
•we have failed to timely provide the depositary with our notice of meeting and related voting materials;
•we have instructed the depositary that we do not wish a discretionary proxy to be given;
•we have informed the depositary that there is substantial opposition as to a matter to be voted on at the meeting; or
•a matter to be voted on at the meeting would have a material adverse impact on shareholders.
The effect of this discretionary proxy is that, if you fail to timely and properly give voting instructions to the depositary as to how to vote the underlying Class
A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs at any particular shareholders’ meeting, you cannot prevent the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your
ADSs from being voted at that meeting, absent the situations described above, and it may make it more difficult for shareholders to influence our management. Holders
of our Class A ordinary shares are not subject to this discretionary proxy.
The deposit agreement may be amended or terminated without your consent.
We and the depositary may amend the deposit agreement, and we may initiate termination of it, without your consent. If you continue to hold your ADSs
after an amendment to the deposit agreement, you agree to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended.
Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings.
We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make such rights available to
you in the United States unless we register both the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration
requirements is available. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not make rights available to you unless both the rights and the underlying securities to be
distributed to ADS holders are either registered under the Securities Act or exempt from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a
registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective and we may not be able to
establish a necessary exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings in the future and may
experience dilution in your holdings.
Conversion of our convertible notes may dilute the ownership interest of existing shareholders.
We issued US$300 million principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2026 in September 2019. The conversion of some or all of the notes may dilute
the ownership interests of existing shareholders. Any sales in the public
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market of the ADSs issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our ADSs. In addition, the existence of the notes may encourage
short selling by market participants because the conversion of the notes could depress the market price of our ADSs.
You may not receive dividends or other distributions on our Class A ordinary shares and you may not receive any value for them, if it is illegal or
impractical to make them available to you.
The depositary has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on our Class A ordinary shares or other deposited
securities underlying the ADSs, after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of Class A ordinary shares your
ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For
example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act but that are not
properly registered or distributed under an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary may also determine that it is not feasible to distribute certain property
through the mail. Additionally, the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may determine not to distribute
such property. We have no obligation to register under U.S. securities laws any ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or other securities received through such distributions. We
also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs. This means that you may
not receive distributions we make on our Class A ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you. These
restrictions may cause a material decline in the value of the ADSs.
You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time when it
deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of ADSs generally when
our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deems it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any
government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing actions in China against us or our
management named in the annual report based on foreign laws.
We are an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We conduct substantially all of our operations in China
and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, a majority of our directors and executive officers reside within China, and most of the assets of these
individuals are located within China. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these individuals, or
to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you believe your rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal
securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of the PRC may render you unable to
enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. However, the deposit agreement gives you the right to submit claims against us to
binding arbitration, and arbitration awards may be enforceable against us and our assets in China even when court judgments are not.
Our Cayman Islands legal counsel has advised us that the courts of the Cayman Islands are unlikely (i) to recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts
obtained against us or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities
laws of any state in the United States, and (ii) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands to impose liabilities against us or our directors or officers that are
predicated upon the federal securities laws of the United States or the securities laws of any state in the United States so far as the liabilities imposed by those provisions
are penal in nature. Our PRC legal counsel has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether PRC courts would (i) recognize or enforce judgments of United States
courts obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United
States, or (ii) entertain original actions brought in each respective jurisdiction against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws of the United
States or any state in the United States. See “Item 3. Key Information—Enforcement of Civil Liabilities” for details.
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There is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the federal or state courts of the United States (and the Cayman Islands are
not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments). A judgment obtained in such jurisdiction will be recognized and enforced in
the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any re-examination of the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment
debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment (i) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) imposes on the judgment debtor a
liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (iii) is final and conclusive, (iv) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, and (v) was not
obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. However, the Cayman
Islands courts are unlikely to enforce a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities law if such judgment is
determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands to give rise to obligations to make payments that are penal or punitive in nature. Because such a determination has not
yet been made by a court of the Cayman Islands, it is uncertain whether such civil liability judgments from U.S. courts would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands.
The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign
judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or
on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other forms of reciprocity with the United States that provide for the reciprocal
recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, the PRC courts will not enforce a foreign judgment against
us or our director and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of PRC laws or national sovereignty, security or public interest. As a result, it
is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States.
You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are
incorporated under Cayman Islands law.
We are an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum
and articles of association, the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action
against our directors, actions by our minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the
common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as
well as from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of
our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in
some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as
Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate laws than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have
standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.
Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records (apart from the
memorandum and articles of association, the register of mortgages and charges and special resolutions of shareholders) or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of
these companies. Our directors have discretion under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, to determine whether or not, and under what
conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult
for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder resolution or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a
proxy contest.
As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by our management,
members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States.
The memorandum and articles of association contains anti-takeover provisions that could discourage a third party from acquiring us and adversely affect
the rights of holders of our Class A ordinary shares and the ADSs.
Our sixth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contains certain provisions that could limit the ability of others to acquire control of
our company, including a provision that grants authority to our board of directors to establish and issue from time to time one or more series of preferred shares without
action by our shareholders and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series. These provisions could have the
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effect of depriving our shareholders and holders of the ADSs of the opportunity to sell their shares or ADSs at a premium over the prevailing market price by
discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transactions. In addition, our dual-class structure could discourage
others from pursuing any change of control transactions. See “—Our dual-class share structure will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage
others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and the ADSs may view as beneficial.”
Certain existing shareholders have substantial influence over our company and their interests may not be aligned with the interests of our other
shareholders.
As of February 28, 2023, our directors and officers collectively own an aggregate of 78.8% of the total voting power of our issued and outstanding ordinary
shares. As a result, they have substantial influence over our business, including significant corporate actions such as mergers, consolidations, election of directors and
other significant corporate actions.
They may take actions that are not in the best interest of us or our other shareholders. This concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a
change in control of our company, which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and
may reduce the price of our ADSs. These actions may be taken even if they are opposed by our other shareholders. In addition, the significant concentration of share
ownership may adversely affect the trading price of our ADSs due to investors’ perception that conflicts of interest may exist or arise. For more information regarding
our principal shareholders and their affiliated entities, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—E. Share Ownership.”
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to
U.S. domestic public companies.
Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the
United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:
•the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K;
•the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act;
•the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit
from trades made in a short period of time; and
•the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD.
We are required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we intend to publish our results on a
quarterly basis as press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Press releases relating to financial results and
material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive and
less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the same protections or information that
would be made available to you were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.
As an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance
matters that differ significantly from the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements; these practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if
we complied fully with the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.
There can be no assurance that we will not be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for United States federal income tax
purposes for any taxable year, which could subject United States investors in our ADSs or ordinary shares to significant adverse United States federal income tax
consequences.
We will be a “passive foreign investment company,” or “PFIC,” if, in any particular taxable year, either (a) 75% or more our gross income for such year
consists of certain types of “passive” income or (b) 50% or more of the value of our assets (generally determined on the basis of a quarterly average) during such year is
attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). Although the law in this regard is unclear, we intend to treat the
variable interest entities (including their subsidiaries) as being owned by us for United States federal income tax purposes, not only because we exercise effective control
over the operation of such entities but also because we are entitled to
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substantially all of their economic benefits, and, as a result, we consolidate their results of operations in our consolidated financial statements. A certain portion of our
financial services income and assets is treated as active solely for purpose of the PFIC determination. Any change in the composition of the loans originated on our
platform may affect the composition of our income for purposes of the PFIC determination. Assuming that we are the owner of the variable interest entities (including
their subsidiaries) for United States federal income tax purposes, and based upon our current income and assets, including goodwill and unbooked intangibles, we do not
believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2022.
While we do not believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2022 in the determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC
will depend in part upon the market price of our ADSs. In particular, recent decline in the market price of our ADSs significantly increased our risk of becoming a PFIC.
The market price of our ADSs may continue to decline and, consequently, we cannot assure you of our PFIC status for any taxable year. The determination of whether
we will be or become a PFIC will also depend, in part, on the nature and composition of our income and assets, which may be affected by how, and how quickly, we use
our liquid assets. If our revenue from activities that produce passive income significantly increases relative to our revenue from activities that produce non-passive
income, or if we determine not to deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes or if it were determined that we do not own the stock of the variable interest
entity for United States federal income tax purposes, our risk of being a PFIC may substantially increase. Because there are uncertainties in the application of the
relevant rules and PFIC status is a factual determination made annually after the close of each taxable year, there can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the
current taxable year or any future taxable year. In addition, it is possible that the IRS may challenge our classification of certain income and assets as non-passive, which
may result in our company being a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2022 or becoming a PFIC in one or more future taxable years.
If we are a PFIC in any taxable year, a U.S. holder (as defined in “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—United States Federal Income Taxation—
General”) may incur significantly increased United States federal income tax on gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares and on
the receipt of distributions on the ADSs or ordinary shares to the extent such gain or distribution is treated as an “excess distribution” under the United States federal
income tax rules and such holder may be subject to burdensome reporting requirements. Further, if we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. holder holds ADSs or
our ordinary shares, we will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such U.S. holder holds our ADSs or ordinary shares. For
more information see “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—United States Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations.”
We incur significant costs as a result of being a public company.
As a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and Nasdaq, impose various requirements on the corporate governance practices of public companies, including
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2020 relating to internal controls over financial reporting. These rules and regulations have increased and may continue to
increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. Our management is required to devote
substantial time and attention to our public company reporting obligations and other compliance matters. Our reporting and other compliance obligations as a public
company may place a strain on our management, operational and financial resources and systems for the foreseeable future.
In the past, shareholders of a public company often brought securities class action suits against the company following periods of instability in the market
price of that company’s securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and other resources from
our business and operations, which could harm our results of operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit. Any such class action suit,
whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may
be required to pay significant damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
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Item 4. Information on the Company
A. History and Development of the Company
We commenced our online consumer finance business and began to operate Fenqile in October 2013 through Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co.,
Ltd., or Shenzhen Fenqile. In October 2013, Beijing Lejiaxin Network Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Lejiaxin, was incorporated as an investment holding company
in the PRC and established its wholly owned subsidiary, Shenzhen Beizhipiji Technology Co., Ltd. or Beizhipiji in June 2014 to operate our online investment platform
Juzi Licai. In November 2013, Staging Finance Holding Ltd., or Staging Finance, was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands as our offshore holding
company, which then established our wholly owned subsidiary, Installment (HK) Investment Limited, or Installment HK, in Hong Kong. Beijing Shijitong Technology
Co., Ltd., or Beijing Shijitong was established in July 2014 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Installment HK in the PRC. In March 2017, we changed our name from
“Staging Finance Holding Ltd.” to “LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.”
Through Beijing Shijitong and Shenzhen Lexin Software, we obtained control over Beijing Lejiaxin, Shenzhen Xinjie, Shenzhen Fenqile, Qianhai Dingsheng
and Mengtian Technology, or collectively, the variable interest entities, based on a series of contractual arrangements. See “—C. Organizational Structure—Contractual
Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities.”
On December 21, 2017, our ADSs commenced trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “LX.” We raised from our initial public offering of approximately
US$108.4 million in net proceeds (including the net proceeds generated from the offering of additional 1,800,000 ADSs upon the underwriters’ exercise of their over-
allotment option in full) after deducting underwriting commissions and the offering expenses payable by us.
In September 2019, we issued and sold convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of US$300 million to PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Ltd. through
a private placement. The convertible notes will mature in seven years, bearing interest at a rate of 2.0% per annum. The notes will be convertible into fully paid Class A
ordinary shares of the Company or ADSs at a conversion price of US$14 per ADS at the holder’s option from the date that is six months after the issuance date. On
March 13, 2023, we entered into an amendment agreement with PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Limited regarding previous documents governing the notes. The notes
shall be paid in full by April 2024 in 14 monthly installments. The agreement has replaced the holder’s previous right to require us to repurchase all or any portion of the
notes with cash in September 2023.
In February 2020, we successfully bid for a plot of land in Shenzhen’s Nanshan district. Total purchase price for the acquisition of the land plot was
RMB1.032 billion. Pursuant to the terms of the bid, the Company was required to pay 50% of the total purchase price (minus the security deposit) immediately after the
signing of the definitive agreements, and the remaining 50% of the purchase price within one year after the signing. The Company made the first installment payment of
RMB516 million in February 2020, and the second installment payment of RMB516 million in February 2021. The land use rights are subject to certain agreed-upon
performance requirements and transfer restrictions.
Our principal executive offices are located at 27/F, CES Tower, No. 3099 Keyuan South Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057, the People’s Republic of
China. Our telephone number at this address is +86 755 3637 8888. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the offices of Maples Corporate Services
Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Law Debenture Corporate
Services Inc. located at 801 2nd Avenue, Suite 403, New York, NY 10017.
Strategic Investments
We have conducted strategic investments both domestically and abroad. Our investment activities in recent years include equity investments in companies
operating in the online consumer finance, insurance and other sub-sectors in the fintech space. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our
Business and Industry—From time to time we may evaluate and consummate strategic investments or acquisitions, which could require significant management
attention, disrupt our business and adversely affect our financial results.” We expect to continue to evaluate and pursue potential opportunities for strategic investments.
B. Business Overview
Overview
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We are a leading credit technology-empowered personal financial service enabler. Our mission is to use technology and risk management expertise to make
financing more accessible for young generation consumers. We strive to achieve this mission by connecting consumers with financial institutions, where we facilitate
through a unique model that includes online and offline channels, installment consumption platform, big data and AI-driven credit risk management capabilities, as well
as smart user and loan management systems. We also empower financial institutions by providing cutting-edge proprietary technology solutions to meet their needs for
financial digital transformation. Our core competencies include:
•Unique online and offline integrated user acquisition channels based on a keen insight of consumers behaviors;
•Distinctive ecosystem of consumer-oriented financial services and consumption offerings empowered by credit facilitation, installment consumption scenarios,
and tech-enabled solutions;
•Big data and technology-driven risk identification and management capabilities;
•Excellent operating capability leveraging on AI technology to categorize users into tiered groups and apply customized strategies to different groups;
•Stable funding source from a variety of financial institutions attributing to our long-term cooperation;
•Tech-driven innovation capabilities in Internet space;
•Early-mover advantages of data accumulation and analytics; and
•Young customer base with consumption potential.
We provide a wide array of consumer-oriented services, including credit facilitation service, tech-empowerment service, and installment e-commerce
platform service. Meanwhile, we provide diversified services to financial institutions including credit assessment and operation system upgrades and user acquisition
service utilizing state-of-the-art technologies including big data, advanced computing and artificial intelligence.
We strategically focused on serving the young generation of consumers in China between the ages of 23 and 40, who have high growth potential and prime
credit profiles. These customers, we believe, have untapped income potential and unsatisfied consumption demand that is temporarily mismatched with their income
levels, a strong desire to build up credit profiles and a call for satisfying user experience. In addition, we believe that the young generation consumers will grow and
become the primary consumption driver in China economy in the future. We aspire to become one of their most trustworthy consumer brands.
Our Services
We provide a range of products and services to promising, young and prime customers and diversified financial institutions based on our insights into
consumer behaviors and unique platform capabilities, including credit facilitation service, tech-empowerment service, and installment e-commerce platform service.
Credit facilitation service
Aiming to meet underserved consumers' credit needs, we apply AI-based matching technology on our Fenqile platform to match consumers having various
credit profiles with financial institutions, such as customer acquisition, preliminary credit screening, and loan collections to facilitate the transactions. The loan products
offered under our credit facilitation service are primarily funded by our funding partners including our consolidated trusts, asset-backed securitized debts and our
microcredit company. We also provide guarantee and insurance services to our borrowers through partnership with licensed third-party financial guarantee providers
and/or commercial insurance companies. We are required to provide back-to-back security or guarantee as indemnity to these third-parties in the event of default by our
borrowers.
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Tech-empowerment service
We offer a comprehensive set of tailored technology solutions at various stages of the credit facilitation process to match the diverse needs of our institution
partners, such as customer acquisition, credit assessment, operations and post-loan services. Our tech-empowerment service primarily includes profit-sharing model,
fintech upgrade model, and customer acquisition services. Our tech-empowerment service generated approximately 27% of total loan originations in 2022.
Profit-sharing model
Our profit-sharing model focuses on providing technology solutions to our financial institution partners throughout the entire credit facilitation process
between potential borrowers and the institutional funding partners, such as customer acquisition, credit assessment, and post-loan collection services. Under the profit-
sharing model, we take no or very limited credit risk on the borrowers' principals and interests and charge the financial institutions a service fee at a pre-set percentage of
the agreed-upon interests. As of December 31, 2022, we have worked with a total of 39 institutional funding partners under this model.
Fintech upgrade model
Levering our core competencies accumulated from nearly a decade of operations, we have built up our capabilities to offer services for financial institutions
throughout the full credit facilitation process, including channel co-building, product co-developing, joint risk management, full lifecycle operation, and client-based
services. We provide tailored services for various types of banks and satisfy their differentiated needs, work with them to build their digitalized credit service
capabilities, assist to develop core competencies for in-house products, and achieve business growth. We charge pre-set service fees for our technology services without
any credit risk.
Customer acquisition service model
In addition to providing user acquisition and matching, initial credit screening, and post-loan services to our institutional funding partners, we refer users on
our platform for whom we may temporarily not in an appropriate position to provide services to other third-party online lending platforms and charge service fees. Such
service is generally intended to provide more options for our users and serves as part of our full-suite products offerings.
Installment e-commerce platform service
Leveraging our core capabilities in financial payment, risk management and consumer insights, Our Fenqile platform provides services to merchants, large
brands and small and mid-sized enterprises, equipping them with an e-commerce platform to strengthen their consumer-based operations, while at the meantime offers
our young and promising consumers with superior shopping experience that is more convenient, more considerate and more flexible in payment.
With our competitive strengths, the Fenqile platform differentiates itself by offering flexible options such as zero down payment and installment purchases,
and thus improving the conversion rate of purchase and rewarding the merchants and brands a platform of high speed growth, attractive transcation volume, and
promising consumption potential.
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Our Users
Our target user base is focused on consumers in China between the ages of 23 and 40 with high growth potential and premium credit profiles. As of
December 31, 2022, the total number of our registered users reached 189 million, and users with credit line reached 40.0 million, among whom over 80% are aged
between 23 and 40 years old and over 65% were urban working population. We are committed to identifying the needs of our consumers for credit services at different
life stages and facilitate to provide financial services within their reach. Relying on our efficient risk management systems, we provide customized services and products
to our borrowers based on their credit needs and risk profiles through diversified financing channels. The number of our cumulative active users reached 29.4 million in
2022. As their consumer finance service provider, we grow alongside our users since they are young and win their recognition and loyalty over years of services. In
addition to credit services, we also help our users fulfill various consumption needs through our installment e-commerce platform. As of December 31, 2022, around
40% our active users have used more than one of our products.
Products for Users
We offer diversified and differentiated products and services to meet various demands from our users. Our products include installment loan products, Lehua
Card, and installment purchase products for personal consumption.
On Fenqile, we offer credit lines to qualified users for their various daily use. We gain insight about our users based on big data and AI technology to
adequately identify and meet their individual needs for financial products under different scenarios. We offer unsecured credit products in various amounts, maturity,
interest rates, and repayment methods for users’ selection.
When a user applies for a credit line for the first time, the amount of credit line we approve ranges from RMB5,000 to RMB50,000, and the aggregate amount
of personal installment loans borrowed by a single user may not exceed the credit line available to that user. Based on our continuous risk monitoring and assessment,
we may adjust the amount of the credit line, change the percentage of the credit line that may be applied toward personal installment loans, or revoke the credit line. We
may grant up to RMB200,000 of credit line to existing users who have established a good credit and repayment history with us.
Users approved for our credit line are eligible to apply for personal installment loans with credit terms generally ranging from 1 to 36 months. Users can have
multiple installment loans outstanding as long as the aggregated outstanding balance does not exceed the credit limit available. Users may use installment loans to obtain
cash or to finance purchases on our marketplace through our e-commerce channel.
We also offer scenario-based lending through Lehua Card, which can be connected directly to our users’ preferred payment solution providers, such as
Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay. Users can apply the use of the Lehua Card under any offline and online consumption scenario where Lehua Card is accepted,
allowing them to use their credit line for instant purchases or cash-advances.
We also operate an e-commerce platform where users can purchase in lump-sum or installment their favorite products, such as cell phones, electronics, trendy
apparels, cosmetics and daily necessities.
User Acquisition and Retention
To date, we have successfully accumulated a large user base and achieved deep market penetration among young generation consumers in China by providing
a consumption platform that integrates high-quality financial services, online and offline consumption scenarios, membership benefits, and superior user experience.
We acquire users primarily through four ways: (i) online advertising and related channels, including online platforms and Apps such as Douyin and WeChat;
(ii) organic traffic, which consists of internet traffic generated from our brand recognition, as well as MGM (member get member) ; (iii) our offline sales team who can
provide more firsthand detailed information of user and accurate credit assessment through offline market due diligence; and (iv) e-commerce platforms operated by us
and third parties.
In 2022, we put in place a complete RTA online user acquisition model, further improved the efficiency and accuracy of user identification by optimized
iteration of pre-lending and lending channel models, and significantly increased the conversion rate of user acquisition. In 2022, the number of our new prime users
grew by 32.1% on a year-over-year basis, and transaction volume per order grew by 67.4% over the same period.
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In 2022, we also continued to optimize our offline user acquisition channels and achieved, without incremental staffing for our offline team, 6.4% increase of
monthly user acquisition efficiency(based on monthly GMV per person) and growth of 33.7% in transaction volume per order compared to 2021.
Along with improving user acquisition ability and efficiency, we conducted a further refined credit rating system of our existing user cohorts through data and
model optimization, as a result we are able to improve identification of premium users and effectively explore and satisfy the needs of different user cohorts with
customized operating strategies, and significantly enhanced user satisfaction and retention. The GMV generated by our existing active users increased by 13.4% in 2022
year-over-year.
We also provide our users with a wide variety of products and superior user experience through our e-commerce platform, which significantly enhances our
user retention. We have further expanded and enriched the offerings in the existing categories and brands of products offered on the platform, such as cosmetic products,
trendy apparels, and daily necessities, enabling young customers to meet their increasing daily consumption needs on our e-commerce platform. In 2022, our total GMV
increased by 27.1% and transaction volume per order grew by 10.8% from 2021.
Our Institutional Customers and Partners
We benefit from our position of having diversified funding sources. We primarily finance the loans to users through funding provided by commercial banks,
consumer finance companies and other licensed financial institutions as well as through the establishment of consolidated trusts and issuance of asset-backed securities.
We refer to these funding sources collectively as our institutional funding partners. In 2022, institutional funding accounted for 100% of our newly funded loans.
We had cumulatively served over 140 funding partners as of December 31, 2022. The outstanding balance of funds provided by institutional funding partners
increased from RMB88.6 billion as of December 31, 2021 to RMB100.6 billion (US$14.6 billion) as of December 31, 2022.
We provide technology-driven services to our institutional funding partners, including efficient customer acquisition through online and offline channels,
credit screening, and post-loan services. We provide our institutional funding partners with extensive and real-time technology solutions through our seamlessly
integrated technology infrastructure, which help them rapidly expand the base of credible borrowers, increase the volume of credit assets and gain risk-adjusted returns
throughout the economic cycle.
We use our platform to refer qualified users to institutional funding partners based on their risk and return requirements. Our proprietary Wormhole system
connects our users and funding partners’ systems in real time, which minimizes manual review and approval process by the funding partners and allocates credit needs
to various funding sources with different risk-and-return parameters.
Armed with the long-standing cooperation with our institutional funding partners, a deep understanding of their needs and trust accumulated over the years,
we started to offer credit digitalization solutions in the second half of 2021 to become a trusted co-builder of their retail and credit digitalization, helping financial
institutions build up core competences of in-house products and facilitating their journey towards digitalization. We provide digitalized solutions throughout the credit
process of loan products, including channel co-building, product co-developing, joint risk management, whole life cycle operation and customer service. We are
committed to helping institutional funding partners boost their business by improving brand recognition, acquiring high-quality user assets, and managing risks more
effectively. As of December 31, 2022, we have provided fintech upgrade service to six of our institutional funding partners.
Our Unique Risk Management Capabilities
In 2022, we conducted full-scale upgrades of our risk management system to improve our core competitiveness in data, models, management systems, AI
and basic capabilities for optimized operations.
Data construction
We continued to build our “Internet+” big data credit system to make our own data ecosystem. With a combination of conducting internal research and
development and introducing external data, we accomplish data construction activities such as data collection and introduction, data mining and data derivation.
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Externally, we continued to expand the access to different data sources, especially we connected to the PBOC credit database, through that we strengthened
the capability in data mining and application, and built multi-dimensional user features including income, liabilities, assets, and risks to improve the accuracy of our user
credit profiles. We also continued to gain additional access to data sources through connections with more than ten data cooperation institutions, established a credit
assessment framework, created a multi-faceted data cooperation system, and improved the richness of our data.
Internally, we conduct thorough data mining of the information from our nearly 190 million users and our internal data and effectively integrated them with
external data to expand the breadth and depth of our database, thereby substantially increasing the richness of our data.
Model building
We continued to optimize the construction and development of model iterations, further improved their efficiency and accuracy, refined our model system,
and promoted construction of our value assessment framework.
For new users, we cooperated with more external institution partners to complete the joint modeling of RTA with more than 30 models, thus significantly
improving the efficiency and quality of user acquisition with a refined user operation model matrix. With constant improvement of user engagements and values in 2022,
the number of our new prime users grew by 32.1% from 2021, and transaction volume per order grew by 67.4% over the same period.
For existing users, we completed joint modeling of over ten data ecosystems, derived nearly 400,000 risk identification dimensions, and implemented new
core models for risk management, thus increasing our identification accuracy by more than 20% and putting in place a value assessment framework. To ensure
compliance and enhance customer experience in the post-lending stage, we established and improved the AI quality inspection model, complaint prediction model, and
blackmail identification model to reduce complaint rate and monitor asset quality.
Management system construction
We focused on streamlined operations with a priority on risk management by the systematic upgrade to exercise end-to-end risk management over business
operations.
We built a real-time user value stratification system to gradually optimize asset structure and increase the proportion of premium users. Meanwhile, we
continuously iterated the risk management model, core transaction model and other related risk management technological tools, and implemented a risk identification
fusion model that is more suitable for business processes to ensure accuracy of user identification, gradual elimination of high-risk users, and improvement of asset
quality. We also offered premium credit lines and pricing for top-quality users based on relevant adjustment strategies and exercised differentiated and optimized risk
strategies for various user cohorts.
We also built a real-time customer credit rating and monitoring mechanism to trigger the assessment mechanism and capture the most updated changes in
user’s interactive behaviors. We also implemented a more timely and accurate assessment and monitoring mechanism of user risks based on expanded data sources and
upgraded models.
Additionally, we continuously enhanced automatic tools for risk management to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business decision-making. For
example, in the post-lending stage, we established a refined operation system to profile overdue customers and established a post-loan strategy based on customer
segmentation, tool matching and collector matching to reduce labor costs and improve net profitability while ensuring recovery rate.
AI expansion
On artificial intelligence (AI) expansion, we continued to improve our diversified tools, such as big data mining, risk modeling, and post-loan management
with AI, achieving core breakthroughs in deep learning, intelligent analysis and intelligent final decision-making.
In addition to artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning, we also applied a decision engine in our modeling to evaluate user’s ability, willingness
and stability for repayment, which are processed through multiple layers to automatically extract the optimal combination. We also use AI in anti-fraud for automatic and
immediate alert, interception and analysis of function deployment to establish premium user behavior model and detect fraudulent transactions. We enhanced
implementation of intelligent technology in post-lending to create and improve intelligent tools.
Fundamental ability building
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We took various initiatives by innovating model fusion methodology, creating automated tools, and combining multi-dimensional models to improve
development efficiency and accuracy.
We created a number of efficient and industry-leading post-lending operation tools, including voice robots for multiple scenarios and intelligent business
inspection system. We improved the operational efficiency by leveraging outbound calling technology along with research on dialing strategies to develop proprietary
outbound calling tools for different modes and intelligent line routing systems.
On team building, we engaged leading consultants in the sector to provide training on risk control and management upgrade, optimized organizational
adaptability to ensure maximum staffing effectiveness, and actively built risk management talent pools and developed talent selection, training and enhancement
mechanisms to achieve strategic transformation and sustainable development.
Technology and Security
Technology has been our driving force and core competency. Our business success and growth of results of operations sit on our strong technological
capabilities and innovations. Our research and development expenses in 2022 amounted to RMB583.3 million (US$84.6 million), representing 5.9% of our operating
revenue in 2022 and a year-on-year increase of 6.2%. Our strong commitments to technology and research and development talents, as well as abundant investments in
research and development resources have empowered us to maintain our industry-leading technology capabilities, which have laid a solid foundation for our seamless
user experience, continuous improvement in operational efficiency, flawless information security of our platform, and various innovative initiatives.
Data Security Management and Dynamic Security Operation Capabilities
Having specified the scenarios of use, storage and transmission of data, our data security management features a protection and governance system for the
whole life cycle of data, comprising of data security and organization management, compliance management, and technological protection. We have recently upgraded
several core technologies to further strengthen our underlying data security capabilities, including data encryption and key management, data sharing system, data
classification, security risk assessment, data leakage prevention, database security audit, intrusion prevention and early warning and blocking, data asset leakage
monitoring, and data emergency response. These technologies bolster our capabilities in data security.
In 2022, we continued to direct efforts in data security and privacy protection. We launched a customized and innovative security product centered on traffic
identity as well as dynamic and adaptive access control. It meets the security access requirements in multiple scenarios by empowering the capabilities in terminal
dynamic environment detection, full-cycle business access, dynamic access control and multi-source trust assessment. We also introduced the “Assets Secure Operation
Platform” to sort out information, affiliation and risks of assets, effectively detect alerting signals, identify and manage risks, further optimized the process of asset
security management, and reduce potential assets loss. We offered the “Security Log Management Platform” to integrate collection, storage, analysis and management
of security logs to monitor, analyze, detect and respond to security vulnerabilities and abnormal behaviors.
Our continued efforts to improve our data security and privacy protection capabilities have been widely recognized. For example, we received the ISO/IEC
27701:2019 certification from BSI. Our Fenqile app was awarded the security certification from China Network Security Review Technology and Certification Center
(CCRC), indicating that our information security management system and privacy information management system fit international industry standards. Our continued
refinement in capacity building and operation of data security and privacy protection has delivered achievements and won national recognition.
Enhanced Disaster Recovery Capabilities
We have completed the construction of dual-active server rooms by the end of 2022, currently handling 15% of our daily traffic. This has greatly improved
the availability, fault tolerance, security and preparedness for potential disasters of our system, enabling prompt recovery of system-wide traffic within 30 minutes even
under extreme circumstances such as fire, power outage, earthquake and other natural disasters, ensuring service reliability, minimizing potential losses and increasing
client loyalty and trust.
Rapidly Improving Digital Base Capabilities
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Our digital base capabilities improved rapidly after two years of optimizing digital base capabilities in data classification management, real-time calculation,
real-time intelligent attribution decision, and visual data insights, which are proved by our capacities to provide real-time services to 180 million users and process tens
of billions of transactions notes. The upgrade of data and tool base continues to have an amplifying effect as our operations are predominately data-driven with self-
service analysis rate of business line up to more than 80%.
For client modelling, we increased the joint mining and modelling of internal and external data, significantly improved capabilities in refined user
identification with an increase in the rate of placing orders by 17% under experimental scenarios, expanding the boundary of client operation.
The construction of real-time event management system promotes rapid correlations between business index variation and internal/external operation or
system events lays a solid digital foundation for intelligent variation monitoring and attribution. Our current system covers 80% of intelligent attribution of events,
making variation response much more efficient.
We finetuned our tagging system by the end of 2022 with completed capacity building for automated quality and application metrics, achieving crowd insight
capability with only seconds of response time. We promoted tagging performance QPS by five times through architecture upgrade which, along with the integrated
application of new marketing system, made new strategy experiments increasing significantly.
Automated Risk Identification Capabilities and Simulation Capabilities for Optimal Decision Making
We put in place the automated risk identification system to better identify user risks. It provides fundamental, all-cycle automated modelling capability,
which is readily configurable to complete the entire process from data pre-processing, feature selection, model training and optimization, to final deployment
monitoring. The system also supports automated feature derivation to automatically generate features for structured and unstructured data using feature operators and
deep learning feature generative framework. The upper layer of the system is built with a user risk identification model incorporating data from multiple sources. This
model supports full automation of risk identification base on inputs of model scores (or variables) from dozens of different dimensions by automatic dimensional
filtering, intelligent boxing, automatic search for the optimal level classification boundary, and accurate output of user risk levels. The risk identification system enables
us to rapidly and efficiently identify users credit profiles based on different risk levels, develop differentiated credit product offerings and operating strategies to better
balance risk and returns, and improve profitability and stability of our operations.
We have adopted a series of efficient and intelligent technological measures in loan facilitation to ensure superiority and consistency of our matching in
complex environment. We have designed and developed a simulation system for the whole financing process to make optimal fund allocation decisions based on real-
world scenarios and data, enabling us to effectively and consistently manage risk and fundings to achieve better allocation through adaptive control of adjustable module
in real-time matching process. Additionally, the system promotes dynamic adjustments of allocation strategy taking into account of real-time circumstances to realize
optimal matching decision through accurate assessment of asset quality.
We have continuously increased investment in technology, redesigned full life-cycle modelling pool system by referencing the model management platform,
conducted model consolidation for full process control, and improved efficiency of model development and iteration. More of our models have emerged into the
application stage, and models such as for anti-churning and closing entered the experimental stage. Our marketing reach, offer satisfaction, and growth models have
been released for daily operations, further reducing operating costs and improving operational efficiency through accurate credit identification of customers. The value
of our technological capabilities, as conveyed through our tech-empowerment service, has reached to the point of creating a spillover effect in 2022: our core risk
management engine, big data processing and analytics system, automated user acquisition and reach management system, and the optimization of the we may not have
sufficientSaaS-based consolidation and containerized deployment technology collectively and comprehensively aided our financial institution partners to realize rapid
deployment, smart development and flexible application of these technologies, and thus contributed to the fast expansion of our tech-empowerment service.
Competition
The credit service market in China is well-developed and highly competitive. As a leading credit technology-empowered consumer financial service enabler
in China, we compete with major internet companies, traditional financial institutions, and other installment loan service providers with similar business matrix.
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Some participants in the internet industry have built up large user bases relying on their strengths in e-commerce platform scenarios and financial resources.
With the more active implementation of anti-monopoly policies in China, we expect the market landscape to change in favor of smaller players, with more opportunities
to develop their strength and gain market share in their specific market segments. We are strategically focused on the young generation consumers that are not fully
covered by traditional financial institutions. Our consumption scenarios, risk management efficiency and superior user experience are major and unique competitiveness
that we enjoy over banks and other platform operators.
Competition in installment e-commerce platform services is also intense but in more dimensions. We compete directly with dominant players in the internet
industry on such services. We may also compete in various sub-sectors with operators of payment services, local brands run by sophisticated international players, and
start-ups in BNPL business. Despite all these competition and challenges, our installment e-commerce platform is well-positioned to leverage our know-how and
technology capabilities to address customers’ demands, thereby bolstering our competitiveness.
Comparing to the two segments above, the market for tech-empowerment services is at an early stage of a more tech-intensive and capability-driven market.
There are players with business covering certain parts of services to financial institutions such as customer acquisition. Our tech-empowerment service is able to
compete favorably by leveraging technological capabilities and business experience accumulated in the credit service sector and providing services that better address
the demands of the financial institutions.
We believe that our ability to compete effectively for users, investors and funding partners depends on many factors, including the variety of product and
service offerings, user experience, effectiveness of risk management, risk-adjusted return, partnership with third parties, marketing efforts and brand strength.
Furthermore, as our business continues to grow, we face significant competition for highly-skilled personnel, including operation managers, engineers, product managers
and risk management personnel. The success of our growth strategy depends on our ability to retain existing personnel and attract additional talent.
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Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. We
have registered 123 patents in China and have applied for 262 additional patents with the PRC State Intellectual Property Office. We have registered 209 software
copyrights and 9 copyrights for artworks with the PRC National Copyright Administration. We have 172 registered domain names, including lexin.com,
lexinfintech.com, and fenqile.com. As of the date of this annual report, we had 472 registered trademarks, including our “
,” and “
,” “
” trademarks.
Insurance
We maintain property insurance policies covering certain equipment and other property that are essential to our business operations to safeguard against risks
and unexpected events. We also provide social security insurance including pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, on-the-
job injury insurance, and housing provident fund plans through a PRC government-mandated defined contribution plan for our employees. We do not maintain business
interruption insurance or general third-party liability insurance, nor do we maintain product liability insurance or key-man insurance. We consider our insurance
coverage to be sufficient for our business operations in China.
Seasonality
We experience some seasonality in our business, reflecting a combination of seasonal demand for consumer loans and seasonality patterns associated with the
online consumption. For example, we generally experience less user traffic and purchase orders during national holidays in China, particularly during the Chinese New
Year holiday season in the first quarter of each year. Furthermore, e-commerce companies in China hold special promotional campaigns in June or November each year,
which improve our results for that quarter. The demand for our products and services is higher in March, April, September, October and November, which generally
corresponds to the start of school and our promotional activities around those promotional campaigns. While our growth has somewhat masked this seasonality, our
quarterly operating results could be affected by such seasonality in the future. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and
Industry—Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly due to the seasonality of our business and may not fully reflect the underlying performance of our business.”
Regulations
This section sets forth a summary of the most significant rules and regulations that affect our business activities in China.
We are regulated by various government authorities, including, among others:
•the MIIT, regulating the telecommunications and telecommunications-related activities, including, but not limited to, the internet information services and
other value-added telecommunication services;
•the PBOC, as the central bank of China, regulating the formation and implementation of monetary policy, issuing the currency, supervising the commercial
banks and assisting the administration of the financing;
•the CBIRC, regulating financial institutions and promulgating the regulations related to the administration of financial institutions.
Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment Restrictions
The PRC Foreign Investment Law
The establishment, operation and management of corporate entities in the PRC, including foreign-invested companies, are subject to the Company Law of the
PRC, or the Company Law, which was issued by the Standing Committee of the NPC on December 29, 1993 and took effect on July 1, 1994. It was last amended on
October 26, 2018. Unless otherwise provided in the PRC Foreign Investment Law, the provisions of the Company Law shall prevail.
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In March 2019, the NPC passed the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which became effective in January 2020. The PRC Foreign Investment Law replaces the
Law on Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Ventures, the Laws on Sino-Foreign Contractual Joint Ventures and the Law on Foreign-Capital Enterprises to become the legal
foundation for foreign investment in the PRC. In December 2019, the State Council promulgated the Implementation Regulations on the Foreign Investment Law, which
became effective in January 2020 and further clarified and elaborated the relevant provisions of the Foreign Investment Law. The Foreign Investment Law and its
implementation regulations embody the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic investments, including, among other
things:
•Negative List. Investments in the PRC by foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises are regulated by the Catalogue of Encouraged Industries for
Foreign Investment (Edition 2022), or the 2022 Catalog, and the 2021 Negative List, was promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce and the NDRC in
December 2021 and became effective on in January 2022. The Foreign Investment Law reiterates and officially establishes the pre-access national treatment
plus negative list management system for foreign investment. The negative list, in a unified manner, lists the restrictive measures for the entry of foreign
investment. It further expands the scope of permitted industries by foreign investment by reducing the number of industries that fall within the negative list
where restrictions on the shareholding percentage or requirements on the composition of board or senior management still exists. In addition, industries such
as value-added telecommunication services (except e-commerce, domestic multi-party communications services, store-and-forward service and call center
service), including internet information services, are still restricted from foreign investment pursuant to the 2021 Negative List. We provide the value-added
telecommunication services that are restricted to foreign investment through the consolidated variable interest entities.
•Information Reporting System. The Foreign Investment Law provides that a foreign investment information reporting system shall apply to the foreign-
invested enterprises. In December 2019, the Ministry of Commerce and the SAMR jointly issued the Measures for Reporting of Foreign Investment
Information, or the Foreign Investment Information Measures, which became effective in January 2020 and superseded the Interim Administrative Measures
for the Record-filing of the Establishment and Modification of Foreign-invested Enterprises on the same date. Pursuant to the Foreign Investment Information
Measures, since January 1, 2020, foreign investors that carry out investment activities directly or indirectly in China and the relevant foreign-invested
enterprises shall, through the Enterprise Registration System and the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System operated by the SAMR,
disclose their investment information to the competent authorities by submitting reports related to the establishment, modification and cancelation of
corporations, and their annual reports.
•Transition Period. The Implementation Regulations on the Foreign Investment Law require that, among others, existing foreign-invested enterprises
established before the effectiveness of the Foreign Investment Law may choose to change their organizational forms or structures and go through the change
of registration procedures at any time prior to January 1, 2025. Otherwise, the relevant local branch of the SAMR shall not process other registration matters
applied for by the enterprise, and shall publicize relevant information of such enterprise.
In December 2020, the NDRC and the Ministry of Commerce promulgated Measures for Security Review of Foreign Investment, which became effective on
January 18, 2021. The Foreign Investment Security Review Mechanism, or the Security Review mechanism, in charge of organization, coordination and guidance of
foreign investment security review is thereunder established. A working mechanism office shall be established under the NDRC and led by the NDRC and the Ministry
of Commerce to undertake routine work on the security review of foreign investment. According to the Security Review Mechanism, foreign investment activities falling
in the scope such as important cultural products and services, important information technologies and internet products and services, important financial services, key
technologies and other important fields that concern state security while obtaining the actual control over the enterprises invested in, a foreign investor or a party
concerned in the PRC shall take the initiative to make a declaration to the working mechanism office prior to making the investment.
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For more details of the Foreign Investment Law, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—If the PRC
government deems that the contractual arrangements in relation to the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries do not comply with the PRC regulatory restrictions
on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe
penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.”
Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment in Value-Added Telecommunication Services
According to the Provisions on the Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises issued by the State Council in December 2001 and
amended in September 2008, February 2016, and April 2022 respectively, the ultimate capital contribution percentage held by foreign investors in a foreign-invested
value- added telecommunications enterprise shall not exceed 50% unless otherwise provided by the state. Furthermore, on March 29, 2022, the State Council issued the
Decision of the State Council to Amend and Repeal Certain Administrative Regulations, which amended the Provisions on the Administration of Foreign-Invested
Telecommunications Enterprises issued in 2001, the main foreign investors who are engaged in value-added telecommunications business will be no longer subject to
the requirement to demonstrate a good track record and operational experience in providing the services, and the amended rules simplify the application process for
telecommunication business operation permits and shorten the review period. The Circular of the MIIT on Liberalizing the Restrictions on Foreign Shareholding
Percentages in Online Data Processing and Transaction Processing Business (for-profit e-commerce business) promulgated by the MIIT, in June 2015, or Circular 196,
allow a foreign investor to own more than 50% of the total equity interest in an e-commerce business.
In July 2006, the Ministry of Information Industry (which was integrated into the MIIT with other governmental departments in March 2008), issued the
Notice of the Ministry of Information Industry on Strengthening the Administration over Foreign Investment in the Operation of Value-Added Telecommunications
Business, or the MIIT Notice. According to the MIIT Notice, a foreign investor in the telecommunications service industry must establish a foreign invested enterprise
and apply for a telecommunications service license. The MIIT Notice also requires that: (i) PRC domestic telecommunications enterprises must not, through any form,
lease, transfer or sell a telecommunications service license to a foreign investor, or provide resources, offices and working places, facilities or other assistance to support
illegal telecommunications services operations by a foreign investor; (ii) value-added telecommunications enterprises or their shareholders must directly own the domain
names and trademarks used in their daily operations; and (iii) each value-added telecommunications enterprise must have necessary facilities for its approved business
operations and maintain such facilities only in the regions covered by its license. The 2021 Negative List stipulates that the ultimate foreign equity ownership in a value-
added telecommunications service provider shall not exceed 50%, except for e-commerce business, domestic multi-party communications services business, store-and-
forward business and call center business which may be 100% owned by foreign investors.
On June 8, 2020, MIIT issued the Notice of Strengthening the Administration of Call Center Service, which provides that any entities engaging in call center
service shall obtain corresponding business permits as required by the relevant laws and regulations, and shall conduct the business subject to the Catalog of
Telecommunications Business.
In light of the above restrictions and requirements, we provide the value-added telecommunication services through the consolidated variable interest entities,
and such variable interest entities own the relevant domain names and registered trademarks and have the necessary personnel to operate the website.
Regulations relating to Internet Information Services
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Regulations relating to Value-added Telecommunication Service
The Telecommunications Regulations of PRC promulgated in September 2000 and amended in July 2014 and February 2016, respectively, by the State
Council and its related implementation rules, including the Catalog of Classification of Telecommunications Business issued and amended in June 2019 by the MIIT,
categorize various types of telecommunications and telecommunications-related activities into basic or value-added telecommunications services. The Administrative
Measures on Telecommunications Business Operating, promulgated by the MIIT in 2009 and most recently amended in July 2017, set forth more specific provisions
regarding the types of licenses required to operate value-added telecommunications services, the qualifications and procedures for obtaining such licenses and the
administration and supervision of such licenses. Under these regulations, a commercial operator of value-added telecommunications services must first obtain a license
for value-added telecommunications business, or value-added telecommunications service license, from the MIIT or its provincial level counterparts.
Administration of mobile internet application information services is strengthened through the Regulations for Administration of Mobile Internet Application
Information Services, or the MIAIS Regulations, issued in June 2016 and amended in June 2022, effective in August 2022. The MIAIS Regulations were enacted to
regulate application information services and application distribution services which engage in Internet application stores and others. App providers and application
distribution platforms are required to obtain relevant qualifications pursuant to PRC laws and regulations. The amended provisions also outline the requirements for
application providers, which include, among others, (i) verifying user identity information; (ii) obtaining an internet news and information services license or other
administrative licenses for information services; and (iii) establishing a mechanism for examining the content of the information. In particular, the amended provisions
stipulate the obligations in relation to cyber security, data security and personal information protection, emphasizing the necessity for personal information collection and
the fact that users shall not be denied the use of the basic function services of certain applications merely on account of their refusal to provide unnecessary personal
information.
Our online consumer finance platform, Fenqile, operated by Shenzhen Fenqile, has obtained (i) certain value-added telecommunications service license for
the operation of domestic call center service from MIIT in May 2022, which will remain valid until May 2027; and (ii) certain value-added telecommunications service
license for online data processing and transaction processing from the Guangdong Administration of Telecommunications in July 2019, which will remain valid until
July 2024. Mengtian Technology, one of the variable interest entities, has obtained certain value-added telecommunications service license for the operations of online
data processing and transaction processing and internet content service from the Guangdong Administration of Telecommunications in February 2022, which will
remain valid until January 2024. Furthermore, it is uncertain if the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries will be required to obtain a separate operating license
with respect to our mobile applications in addition to the value-added telecommunications business license.
Regulations Relating to Official Accounts of Internet Users
On September 7, 2017, the CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on the Information Services Provided through Official Accounts of Internet
Users, which became effective on October 8, 2017. It requires that providers review user information such as account information and qualifications for and scope of
services, categorize users, and file such information with the local cyberspace administrator; and further establish a database with respect to registered persons,
published content, the number of people subscribing to a given account, and the number of people reading the relevant articles published by the official user accounts,
and implement specific management systems for official user accounts to be filed with the CAC. On December 15, 2019, the CAC promulgated the Regulations on the
Ecological Governance of Network Information Content, effective from March 1, 2020, which specify the content scopes that are encouraged, prohibited or prevented
from producing, re-producing and publishing. The network information content service platforms should fulfill the main responsibility of content management and
establish an ecological governance mechanism of the network information, improve system for user registration, account management, information publishing review,
emergency response, and etc.
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On January 22, 2021, the CAC promulgated the amended Administrative Provisions on the Information Services Provided through Official Accounts of
Internet Users, effective from February 22, 2021, further clarifies that the providers shall assume primary responsibility for establishing, improving and strictly
implementing user registration, information content verification, emergency response, cyber security, data security, personal information protections, intellectual
properties protections, credit assessment and other administration system. The providers shall take measures such as compound verification to authenticate the
identification information of registered users based on mobile phone number, organization code, identity card number, etc., and the providers shall not serve users who
fail to provide their real identity information or make false registration. In addition, the providers shall mark the verified official accounts and publicize the content
category, the name of the operator, the registered operation address, the organization code, contact information and other registration information according to different
natures of the users. If any official accounts violate the laws and regulations, the providers shall take appropriate measures to stop any such violations, such as, notifying
the user to make corrections, restricting account functions, suspending information update, stopping advertising, closing or cancelling accounts, keep relevant records
and promptly report to the competent authorities.
Regulations Relating to Online Consumer Finance Services
Regulations Relating to Online Lending Business
The PRC laws and regulations governing our online lending business are developing and evolving.
The Guidelines, issued and effective on July 18, 2015, stipulates that direct lending on P2P online lending platforms falls within the scope of lending between
private citizens, and P2P online lending shall stick to its functions of serving as a platform to provide investors and financiers with information exchange, matching,
credit rating and other intermediary services. It emphasizes that, P2P online lending institutions shall specify their nature as information intermediaries, mainly provide
information services for the direct lending between borrowers and lenders, and shall neither provide credit enhancement services nor engage in illegal fund-raising. Also,
it outlines that the online lending business shall be regulated by the China Banking Regulatory Commission, which was merged into the CBIRC in 2018.
In December 2017, the Internet Finance Rectification Office and the Online Lending Rectification Office jointly issued the Circular 141, outlining general
requirements on the “cash loan” business conducted by network microcredit companies, banking financial institutions and online lending information intermediaries.
The Circular 141 specifies the features of “cash loans” as not relying on consumption scenarios, with no specified use of loan proceeds, with no qualification
requirement on users, and unsecured. The Circular 141 sets forth several general requirements with respect to “cash loan” business, including, without limitation: (i) no
organizations or individuals may conduct the lending business without obtaining approvals for the lending business; (ii) the aggregated borrowing costs of borrowers
charged by institutions in the forms of interest and various fees should be annualized and subject to the limit on interest rate of private lending set forth in the judicial
interpretations issued by the Supreme People’s Court; (iii) all relevant institutions shall follow the “know-your-customer” principle and prudentially assess and determine
the borrower’s eligibility, credit limit and cooling-off period. Loans to any borrower without income sources are prohibited; and (iv) all relevant institutions shall
enhance the internal risk control and prudentially use the “data-driven” risk management model.
The Circular 141 also sets forth several requirements on banking financial institutions participating in “cash loan” business, including, among other things, (i)
such banking financial institutions shall not extend loans jointly with any third-party institution which has not obtained approvals for the lending business, or fund such
institution for the purpose of extending loans in any form; (ii) with respect to the loan business conducted in cooperation with third-party institutions, such banking
financial institutions shall not outsource the core business (including the credit assessment and risk control), and shall not accept any credit enhancement service
whether or not in a disguised form (including the commitment to taking default risks) provided by any third-party institutions with no guarantee qualification and (iii)
such banking financial institutions must require and ensure that the third-party institutions shall not collect any interests or fees from the borrowers.
Any violation of the Circular 141 may result in penalties, including but not limited to suspension of operation, orders to make rectification, condemnation,
revocation of license, order to cease business operation, and criminal liabilities.
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In July 2020, the CBIRC implemented the Commercial Banks Online Lending Measure to formulate the regulation regime for online lending business
conducted by commercial banks, which was amended in June 2021. For example, the Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures require that a commercial bank shall
not grant an individual with a credit line more than RMB200,000 and the term of the personal credit loan extended under such credit shall not exceed one year in the
case of repayment of the principal due in a lump sum. Meanwhile, reading of the loan contract by a borrower shall be mandatory in the loan application process and
reasonable time limit shall be set therefor.
In addition, the Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures set several rules for commercial banks to collaborate with external institutions on online
lending, including: (i) commercial banks shall conduct pre-admission assessments on cooperative external institutions and manage such external institutions by a name
list; (ii) commercial banks shall not accept any credit enhancement services directly or in disguised form, from third parties without qualification to provide guarantee,
credit insurance or guarantee insurance; (iii) the cooperative external institutions (except for an insurance company or an institution with guarantee qualification) shall
not charge any interest or expense to the borrower in any form; (iv) commercial banks shall independently conduct the credit approval, contract execution and other core
risk control business; (v) the collaboration agreement between the commercial banks and the cooperative external institutions shall be executed in writing and specify
the cooperation scope, data confidentiality, transitional arrangement for change or termination of the matters under cooperation, and the commitment of the external
institutions for cooperating with the commercial bank in accepting the inspection by the banking regulatory authorities; and (vi) the commercial banks shall fully
disclose, in conspicuous place of relevant page, the information of the cooperative external institutions, the information of the cooperative product, as well as rights and
responsibilities of the commercial bank and the cooperative external institutions.
The Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures set forth a transitional period of these measures, which is two years from the date on which the
Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures is implemented. The business newly increased in the transitional period shall comply with the requirement therein, and a
plan to rectify the online lending business within such transitional period shall be formulated and submitted to the banking regulatory authority within one month from
the implementation date. The Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures shall also apply as reference to the online lending business conducted by consumer finance
companies and auto finance companies (except for the above-mentioned requirements on the terms of personal credit loan).
In February 2021, the CBIRC issued the Circular 24, which sets forth several requirements on the online lending business of the commercial banks,
including: (i) the commercial banks shall conduct the risk control measures independently and the core credit assessment and risk control business are prohibited to be
outsourced; (ii) except for the commercial banks which have no actual business sites, mainly conduct online business and meet other requirements stipulated by the
CBIRC, local commercial banks shall conduct online lending within the jurisdiction where such commercial banks are registered; and (iii) with respect to the online loan
business conducted in cooperation with third-party institutions, the capital contribution of cooperative institutions shall not be less than 30% in a single loan. The online
lending business of branches of foreign banks, trust companies, consumer finance companies and auto finance companies shall be subject to the Circular 24 and the
Commercial Banks Online Lending Measures.
In July 2022, the CBIRC issued the Circular 14, which further requires commercial banks to strengthen their risk control and regulate the cooperation with
third-party institutions in online loan business, including: (i) commercial banks shall enter into separate cooperation agreements in respect of joint capital contribution,
information technology cooperation and other business cooperation, respectively, for clarifying rights and responsibilities of each party; (ii) commercial banks shall
fulfill the primary responsibility in respect of loan administration. If internet loans involve cooperation with cooperative institutions in, for example, marketing, payment
and settlement, and information technology, commercial banks shall strengthen the management of core risk control links, and shall not lower risk control standards due
to business cooperation; (iii) commercial banks shall strengthen information and data management, and the written agreements signed by a commercial bank with a
cooperative institution shall clearly specify the specific requirements for submission of relevant information. This notice provides a transitional period for the existing
online loan business of commercial banks until June 30, 2023. These rules also apply to branches of foreign banks, trusts, consumer finance companies and auto finance
companies.
Regulations Relating to Loan Interest
The Civil Code of PRC, which was promulgated by the NPC in May 2020 and became effective in January 2021, requires that the interest rates charged under
a loan agreement must not violate applicable provisions of the PRC laws and regulations and the interest shall not be deducted from the proceeds of the loan in advance,
and if the interest is deducted from the proceeds in advance, the loan shall be repaid and the interest shall be calculated based on the actual loan amount.
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In accordance with the Provisions on Several Issues Concerning Laws Applicable to Trials of Private Lending Cases issued by the Supreme People’s Court in
August 2015 and effective in September 2015, or the 2015 Private Lending Judicial Interpretations, agreements between a lender and a borrower on loans with annual
interest rates below 24% are valid and enforceable. With respect to loans with annual interest rates between 24% and 36%, if the interest on the loans has already been
paid to the lender, and so long as such payment has not damaged the interest of the state, the community or any third parties, the courts will likely turn down the
borrower’s request to demand the return of the interest payment. If the annual interest rate of a private loan is higher than 36%, the obligations to pay interest payment in
excess of the maximum interest rate allowed will be invalidated.
In December 2020, the Supreme People’s Court issued the Decision on Amending the Provisions of the Supreme People’s Court on Several Issues the
Application of Law in the Trial of Private Lending Cases (2nd Revisions in the year of 2020), or the Private Lending Judicial Interpretation Amendment, which
amended several provisions of the 2015 Judicial Interpretation including the upper limit of judicial protection for private lending interest rates. The Judicial Interpretation
Amendment provides that where the lender requests the borrower to pay interest in accordance with the interest rate agreed upon in the agreement, the people’s court
shall support such request, except where the interest rate agreed by both parties exceeds four times of the one-year Loan Prime Rate at the time of the establishment of
the agreement, or the Quadruple LPR Limit. The one-year Loan Prime Rate refers to the one-year loan market quoted interest rate issued by the National Bank Interbank
Funding Center which was authorized by the PBOC, on the 20th of each month since August 20, 2019. According to the Judicial Interpretation Amendment, the upper
limit of interest rates of 24% and 36% provided in the 2015 Private Lending Judicial Interpretation, are replaced by the Quadruple LPR Limit. Moreover, if the lender
and the borrower agree on both the overdue interest rate and the liquidated damages or other fees, the lender may choose to claim any or all of them, but the portion in
total exceeding the Quadruple LPR Limit shall not be supported by the people’s court.
In addition, the Supreme People’s Court issued the Official Reply to Issues on the Application of the Interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court of New
Private Lending, or the Official Reply on the Application of Interpretations of New Private Lending, in December 2020, and it became effective in January 2021. The
Official Reply on the Application of Interpretations of New Private Lending confirms that any disputes arising from the relevant financial business conducted by the
microcredit companies, financing guarantee companies, regional equity market, Pawn Enterprises, financial leasing companies, commercial factoring companies and
local assets management companies that are supervised by the local financial supervision governmental authorities, shall not apply to the Interpretations of the Supreme
People’s Court of New Private Lending.
In March 2021, the PBOC releases the Announcement No. 3, or the Announcement, to ensure orderly competition in the loan market and protect the
legitimate rights and interests of financial consumers, all loan products are required to expressly list their annualized interest rates, specifically: (i) all lending institutions
are required to display the annualized rate of each loan product prominently on the website, mobile app, poster, and any other channels where the product is marketed,
and specify the annualized rate in the loan contract. Daily and monthly interest rates may also be displayed if necessary, but not more prominently than the annualized
interest rates; (ii) lending institutions include but are not limited to depository financial institutions, automobile finance companies, consumer finance companies, micro-
lending companies, and internet platforms that advertise or display loan services; (iii) the annualized rate of a loan should be calculated as the annualized ratio of total
costs (to borrower) to outstanding principal amount. The costs include interest and other fees and charges directly related to the loan. The amount of principal should be
specified in the loan contract or other loan certificates. If the loan is repaid in installments, the outstanding principal amount should be the balance after each repayment;
and (iv) the calculation of the annualized interest rate may be based on compound interest or simple interest. The calculation based on compound interest is equivalent to
that of the internal rate of return, and the simple-interest approach should be specified as such.
Regulations Relating to Campus Online Lending
In April 2017, the CBIRC issued the Guidelines on Prevention and Control of the Risks in Banking Industry, to emphasize the relevant requirements on the
campus online lending business provided in the Rectification of Campus Online Lending Notice, which include the prohibitions of: (i) marketing to individuals unable to
repay loans; (ii) providing online lending service to college students under the age of eighteen; (iii) conducting false and fraudulent advertising and promotion; or (iv)
providing usurious loans in disguised forms.
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In May 2017, the CBIRC, MOE and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security issued the Notice on Further Strengthening the Regulation and
Management Work of Campus Online Lending Business, or the CBIRC Circular 26, which provides that (i) the commercial banks and the policy banks may research
and develop financial products and provide loans that provide general assistance to college students and support them in areas such as learning and training, consumption
and entrepreneurship, and provide customized and quality financial services to college students with reasonable credit limits and interest rates; (ii) any entity established
without approval of the relevant banking regulatory authority shall not provide any credit services to college students so as to eliminate fraud, usurious loans or violent
loan collections; and (iii) all campus online lending business conducted by the online lending information intermediaries shall be suspended and the outstanding balance
of campus online lending loans shall be gradually reduced until reaching a zero balance.
In February 2021, the CBIRC, the PBOC, the Ministry of Education, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and the Ministry of Public
Security jointly issued the Notice on Internet Consumer Loan for College Students. The Notice on Internet Consumer Loan for College Students provides that the
microcredit companies are prohibited to provide internet consumer loans to college students. In addition, it sets forth several requirements on the banking financial
institutions participating in internet consumer loans for college students, including without limitation: (i) the banking financial institutions and its cooperative institution
shall not conduct online precision marketing aimed at college students, and shall complete necessary filings and reports with relevant authorities before offline
promotion in campus; (ii) the banking financial institutions shall strictly check credit qualifications and the identities of college students and their use of loans, conduct
comprehensive credit assessment, and receive the written confirm from the second repayment sources (such as parents, guardians, or other administrator of the college
students) that they agree such internet consumer loan provided to such college student and they will guarantee the repayment of such internet consumer loan; and (iii) all
credit information of internet consumer loan for college students shall be submitted to the financial credit information database in a timely, complete and accurate
manner, and college students who do not agree to submit such credit information shall not be extended the loan.
Regulations Relating to Illegal Fund-Raising and Unapproved Loan Facilitation
Raising funds by entities or individuals from the general public must be conducted in strict compliance with applicable PRC laws and regulations to avoid
administrative and criminal liabilities. The Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning the Penalty on Illegal Fund-Raising issued by the General Office of the State Council in
July 2007, explicitly prohibit illegal public fund-raising. The main features of illegal public fund-raising include: (i) illegally soliciting and raising funds from the
general public by means of issuing stocks, bonds, lotteries or other securities without obtaining the approval of relevant authorities, (ii) promising a return of interest or
profits or investment returns in cash, properties or other forms within a specified period of time and (iii) using a legitimate form to disguise the unlawful purpose.
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To further clarify the criminal charges and punishments relating to illegal public fund-raising, the Supreme People’s Court promulgated the Judicial
Interpretations to Issues Concerning Applications of Laws for Trial of Criminal Cases on Illegal Fund-Raising which came into force in January 2011 and was revised in
March 2022, or the Illegal Fund-Raising Judicial Interpretations. The Illegal Fund-Raising Judicial Interpretations provide that a public fund-raising will constitute a
criminal offense related to “illegally soliciting deposits from the public” under the PRC Criminal Law, if it meets all of the following four criteria: (i) the fund-raising
without the legal permit of the relevant authorities or is concealed under the guise of legitimate acts; (ii) the fundraising employs general solicitation or advertising such
as the Internet, social media, promotion meetings, leafleting and messaging service advertising; (iii) the fundraiser promises to repay, after a specified period of time, the
capital and interests, or investment returns in cash, properties in kind and other forms; and (iv) the fund-raising targets at the general public as opposed to specific
individuals. An illegal fund-raising activity will be fined or prosecuted in the event that it constitutes a criminal offense. Pursuant to the Illegal Fund-Raising Judicial
Interpretations, an offender will be subject to criminal liabilities, if it illegally solicits deposits from the general public or illegally solicits deposits in disguised form (i)
in an amount exceeding RMB1,000,000, (ii) with over 150 fund-raising targets involved, or (iii) with the direct economic loss caused to fund-raising targets exceeding
RMB500,000. Also, an offender will be subject to criminal liabilities if it illegally solicits deposits from the general public or illegally solicits deposits in disguised form
in an amount exceeding RMB500,000 or with the direct economic loss caused to fund-raising targets exceeding RMB250,000 and concurrently falls under the following
circumstances (i) where it/he has been criminally prosecuted for illegal fund-raising, (ii) where it/he has been had been subject to administrative punishment for illegal
fund-raising within two (2) years, or (iii) where there is adverse social impact or other serious consequences.
In January 2019, the Supreme People’s Court, Supreme People’s Procuratorate and Ministry of Public Security issued the Opinions on Handling Criminal
Cases of Illegal Fund-raising, which further clarified, among other things, that the PRC financial administration laws and regulations shall be considered as the basis for
determining the illegality of illegal fund-raising.
To further clarify the criminal liability and punishments relating to illegal loan facilitation, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate,
the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Justice jointly issued the Opinions on Several Issues Concerning Handling Criminal Cases involving Illegal Loan
Lending, or the Illegal Loan Lending Opinions, in July 2019, which became effective in October 2019. Pursuant to the Illegal Loan Lending Opinions, anyone who
illegally offers loans to unspecific targets (including entities and individuals) in the society for profit-making purposes without the approval by the regulatory authorities
or beyond its business scope ten times or more within two years, which disturbs the financial market order and involves serious circumstances, shall be convicted of the
crime of illegal business operation and punished accordingly in accordance with the PRC Criminal Law. The Illegal Loan Lending Opinions also clarified that, to
involve “serios circumstances,” the illegal lendings shall fulfill the condition that the actual annual interest rate exceeds 36%, provided that the introduction fee,
consulting fee, management fee, overdue interest and liquidated damages shall be included in the calculation of actual annual interest rate.
On August 1, 2019, the General Office of the State Council issued and promulgated the Guidance on Promoting the Healthy Development of the Platform
Economy, which provides that the market-access management and supervision of financial services provided through online platforms in the finance sector are regulated
by the laws, regulations and other relevant rules. In addition, entities conducting financial information intermediaries services and transaction-matching services are
subject to the market-access management pursuant to relevant laws.
The Regulations on the Prevention and Disposition of Illegal Fund-raising Practices promulgated by the State Council in January 2021, which took effect in
May 2021, prohibits illegal fund-raising practices in any form.
The funding of loans by us going through the trusts may render us to be deemed as a lender or a provider of financial services by the PRC regulatory
authorities, and we may be subject to supervision and restrictions on lending under such PRC laws and regulations.
Regulations Relating to Microcredit
The Guidance on the Pilot Establishment of Microcredit Companies jointly promulgated by the CBIRC and the PBOC in May 2008 allows provincial
governments to approve the establishment of microcredit companies on a test basis. Based on this guidance, many provincial governments in China, including that of
Jiangxi Province, promulgated local implementation rules on the administration of microcredit companies. For example, Jiangxi Financial Service Office, the regulatory
authority for microcredit companies in Jiangxi Province, promulgated Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Microcredit Companies in Jiangxi Province in
March 2022, to impose the management duties upon the
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relevant regulatory authorities and to specify more detailed requirements on the microcredit companies, in accordance with which, among other requirements, (i) the
microfinance companies are prohibited from engaging in deposit taking activities from the public and illegal fund-raising; (ii) the modification of certain company
registration issues shall be subject to the approval by the relevant regulatory authorities; and (iii) the registered capital of a microfinance company shall not be less than
RMB30 million, while the registered capital of a microfinance company applying for carrying out small loan businesses or establishing branches outside the place of
registration (only within the administrative region of Jiangxi Province) shall not be less than RMB50 million.
In addition, Jiangxi Financial Service Office further issued the Guidelines for the Supervision and Administration of Network Microcredit Companies of
Jiangxi Province (for Trial Implementation) in September 2016, or Jiangxi Network Microcredit Companies Guidelines, to provide more specific rules on the
supervision and administration of network microcredit companies in Jiangxi Province, pursuant to which, among other things, the network microcredit company could
raise funds through transferring credit asset and asset-backed securitization with the approval of the regulatory authority, apart from the capital contributions paid by its
shareholders and loans from no more than two banking financial institutions. In addition, Jiangxi Network Microcredit Companies Guidelines require that (i) the
network microcredit company shall primarily conduct its microcredit loan business through the internet, and that the working capital used in the microcredit loan
business through the internet shall be no less than 70% of the aggregate working capital of such network microcredit company, and (ii) the aggregate loan balance
within the municipality where such network microcredit company is located shall be no less than 30% of the aggregate loan balance of the network microcredit
company.
In November 2017, the Internet Finance Rectification Office issued the Notice on the Immediate Suspension of Approvals for the Establishment of Network
Microcredit Companies, which became effective immediately and provides that the relevant regulatory authorities of microcredit companies at all levels shall suspend
the approval of the establishment of network microcredit companies and the approval of any microcredit business conducted across provincial lines.
On December 1, 2017, the Internet Finance Rectification Office and the Online Lending Rectification Office jointly issued the Circular 141, which
emphasizes the suspension of approving new network microcredit companies and further imposes measures to strengthen the regulation of network microcredit
companies. Such measures include, among others, that the network microcredit companies shall not provide campus loans, and should suspend the funding of network
micro-loans with no specific scenario or designated use of loan proceeds, gradually reduce the volume of the existing business relating to such loans and take
rectification measures in a period to be separately specified by authorities.
On December 8, 2017, the Online Lending Rectification Office promulgated the Rectification Implementation Plans of Network Microcredit Companies to
further detail the requirements on network microcredit companies. Pursuant to the Rectification Implementation Plans of Network Microcredit Companies, “network
micro-loans” are defined as micro-loans provided through the internet by network microcredit companies controlled by internet enterprise. The features of network
micro-loans include online borrower acquisition, credit assessment based on the online information collected from the business operation and internet consumption, as
well as online loan application, approval and funding.
Consistent with the Guidance on the Pilot Establishment of Microcredit Companies and the Circular 141, the Rectification Implementation Plans of Network
Microcredit Companies emphasize several aspects where inspection and rectification measures must be carried out for the network micro-loans industry, which include,
among others, (i) the network microcredit companies shall be approved by the competent authorities in accordance with the applicable regulations promulgated by the
State Council, and the approved network microcredit companies in violation of any regulatory requirements shall be re-examined; (ii) qualification requirements to
conduct network micro-loan business (including the qualification of sponsor shareholders, the sources of borrowers, the internet scenario and the digital risk-
management technology); (iii) whether the qualification and funding source of the shareholders of network microcredit companies are in compliance with the applicable
laws and regulations; (iv) whether the “integrated actual interest” (namely the aggregated borrowing costs charged to borrowers in the form of interest and various fees)
are annualized and subject to the limit on interest rate of private lending set forth in the judicial interpretations issued by the Supreme People’s Court and, whether any
interest, handling fee, management fee or deposit are deducted from the principal of loans provided to the borrowers in advance; (v) whether campus loans, or network
micro-loans with no specific scenario or designated use of loan proceeds are granted; (vi) with respect to the loan business conducted in cooperation with third-party
institutions, whether the network microcredit companies outsource the core business (including the credit assessment and risk control), or accept any credit enhancement
service (whether or not in a disguised form) provided by any third-party institutions with no guarantee qualification; or whether any applicable third-party institution
collects any interests or fees from the borrowers; and (vii) entities that conduct network micro-loans business without relevant approval or license for lending business.
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The Rectification Implementation Plans of Network Microcredit Companies also set forth that all related institutions shall be subject to inspection and
investigation before the end of January 2018. Depending on the results, different measures shall be taken before the end of March 2018: (i) for institutions holding
network microcredit licenses but do not meet the qualification requirements to conduct network micro-loan business, their network microcredit licenses shall be revoked
and such institutions will be prohibited from conducting loan business outside the administrative jurisdiction of their respective approving authorities; (ii) for institutions
holding network microcredit licenses that meet the qualification requirements to conduct network micro-loan business but were found not in compliance with other
requirements, such as the requirements on the integrated actual interest rate, the scope of loan and the cooperation with third-party institutions, such institutions shall
take rectification measures in a period separately specified by authorities, and in the event that the rectification does not meet the authorities’ requirements, such
institutions shall be subject to several sanctions, including revocation of license and orders to cease business operation.
In September 2020, the CBIRC issued the Notice on Strengthening the Supervision and Management of Microcredit Companies, or Circular 86. Circular 86
aims to regulate the operation of microcredit companies, prevent and resolve relevant risks, promote the healthy growth of the microcredit industry. Circular 86
stipulates the following requirements with respect to the microcredit companies, including without limitation: (i) the financing balance of the microcredit company
funding by bank loans, shareholder loans and other nonstandard financing instruments shall not exceed such company’s net assets; (ii) the financing balance of the
microcredit company funding by issuance of bonds, asset securitization products and other instruments of standardized debt assets shall not exceed four times of its net
assets; (iii) the balance of loans offered to one borrower shall not exceed 10% of the net assets of the microcredit company, and the balance of loans offered to one
borrower and such borrower’s related parties shall not exceed 15% of the net assets of the microcredit company; (iv) microcredit companies are prohibited from upfront
deduction of interest, commission fees, management fees or deposits from loans by microcredit companies before they are released to the borrowers, and if microcredit
companies has deducted any upfront fees in violation of rules and regulations, the borrower will only need to repay the actual loan amount after the exclusion of the
interests and fees deducted, and the loan’s interest rate shall be calculated accordingly; (v) microcredit companies shall conduct business in the administrative area at the
county level where the company is domiciled in principle, except as otherwise provided for the operation of online microcredit business; and (vi) the microcredit
companies and third-party loan collection agencies entrusted shall not collect loans by violence, threats of violence, or other ways that intentionally cause harm, infringe
personal freedom, illegally occupy property, or interfere with day-to-day life through insulting, slandering, harassing, or disseminating private personal information, or
other illegal methods. The local financial regulatory authorities may further lower the ratio caps in (i) and (ii) in accordance with regulatory requirements.
The Interim Measures for the Administration of Network Microcredit Companies Business (Draft), or the Draft Network Microcredit Measures, was released
by the CBIRC and PBOC in November 2020 to solicit public comments. The Draft Network Microcredit Measures makes it clear that a network microcredit business
shall be carried out mainly in the provincial administrative areas to which the entity is registered and shall not be cross-provincial without prior approval. The registered
capital of a company operating a network microcredit business shall not be less than RMB1 billion and shall be a one-time paid-in monetary capital. The Draft Network
Microcredit Measures would expressly prohibit loans from being used to invest in bonds, stocks, financial derivatives, or asset management products to purchase houses
or to repay mortgage loans. The Draft Network Microcredit Measures would establish a three-year transition period, and those operating cross-provincial network
microcredit businesses without approval will be phased-out.
We engage in network microcredit businesses through Ji’an Microcredit, a subsidiary of Shenzhen Fenqile, in Ji’an, Jiangxi Province, which obtained a
network microcredit license from the relevant local authority. The microcredit license was updated in July 2021 and will remain valid until July 2023.
Regulations Relating to Financing Guarantee
In March 2010, the CBIRC, the NDRC, the MIIT, the Ministry of Commerce, the PBOC, the SAIC and the Ministry of Finance of PRC promulgated the
Tentative Administrative Measures for Financing Guarantee Companies. The Tentative Administrative Measures for Financing Guarantee Companies require an entity
or individual to obtain a prior approval from the relevant regulatory body to engage in the financing guarantee business, and defines “financing guarantee” as an activity
whereby the guarantor and the creditor, such as a financial institution in the banking sector, agree that the guarantor shall bear the guarantee obligations in the event that
the secured party fails to perform its financing debt owed to the creditor.
In August 2017, the State Council promulgated the Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Financing Guarantee Companies, or the Financing
Guarantee Regulations, which became effective on October 1, 2017. The Financing Guarantee Regulations define “financing guarantee” as a guarantee provided for the
debt financing (including but not limited to the extension of loans or issuance of bonds), and set out that the establishment of a financing guarantee company or
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engagement in the financing guarantee business without approval may result in several penalties, including but not limited to banning, an order to cease business
operation, confiscation of illegal gains, fines of up to RMB1,000,000 and criminal liabilities. The Financing Guarantee Regulations also set forth that the outstanding
guarantee liabilities of a financing guarantee company shall not exceed ten times of its net assets, and that the outstanding guarantee liabilities of a financing guarantee
company vis-à-vis the same guaranteed party shall not exceed 10% of the net assets of the financing guarantee company, while the outstanding guarantee liabilities of a
financing guarantee company vis-à-vis the same guaranteed party and its affiliated parties shall not exceed 15% of its net assets.
In April 2018, seven PRC regulatory agencies including the CBIRC, the NDRC and the MIIT, jointly issued four supporting documents, or the CBIRC
Circular 1, including Administration Measures for the Permits to Conduct Financing Guarantee Business, Measures for the Calculation of Outstanding Financing
Guarantee Liabilities, Administration Measures for the Assets Ratio of Financing Guarantee Companies, and Guidelines to the Cooperation by and between the Banking
Financial Institutions and Financing.
Guarantee Companies, to set forth implementation measures of the Financing Guarantee Regulations. These measures cover various aspects of business
operations of financing guarantee companies, including certain limits on outstanding guarantee liabilities and liability-to-asset ratio, and the requirements on cooperation
model with the banking financial institutions.
On October 9, 2019, the CBIRC and other eight PRC regulatory agencies promulgated the Supplementary Provisions on the Supervision and Administration
of Financing Guarantee Companies, or the Financing Guarantee Supplementary Provisions. The Financing Guarantee Supplementary Provisions provides that, among
others, institutions providing services such as client recommendation and credit assessment to various institutional funding partners shall not render any financing
guarantee service, whether directly or in disguised form, without the necessary approval. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our
Business and Industry—If our current investor protection measures for institutional funding partners are deemed to violate the relevant laws and regulations, or if we are
deemed to have operated financial guarantee business by the PRC regulatory authorities, our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations would be
materially and adversely affected.”
In July 2020, the CBIRC issued the Guidelines for Off-Site Supervision of Financing Guarantee Companies, or the Off-Site Supervision Guidelines, which
took effect in September 2020. The Off-Site Supervision Guidelines stipulate the guidelines for the competent regulatory authorities to continuously analyze and
evaluate the risk of financing guarantee companies and the financing guarantee industry, by way of collecting report data and other internal and external data of the
financing guarantee companies and by carrying out corresponding measures. Pursuant to the Off-Site Supervision Guidelines, financing guarantee companies shall
establish and implement an off-site supervision information report system and submit related data and non-data information in accordance with the requirements of the
competent regulatory authorities. The Off-Site Supervision Guidelines note that the corporate governance, internal control, risk management capabilities, guarantee
business, associated guarantee risks, asset quality, liquidity indicators and investment conditions of financing guarantee companies shall be the key areas for the off-site
supervision.
Shenzhen Lexin Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd., one of subsidiaries of Shenzhen Fenqile, through which we provide the guarantee to our borrowers on our e-
commerce channel for the loan provided by our institutional funding partners on our platform, has obtained the license to conduct financing guarantee business in
September 2017. The license was re-issued in November 2019, and the paid-in capital set forth therein is equal to RMB1.0 billion. Meanwhile, Ganjiang New Area
Mengtian Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd., a subsidiary newly established by Mengtian Technology, has obtained the license to conduct financing guarantee business in
October 2019. The license was re-issued in August 2021, and the registered capital set forth therein is equal to RMB530 million.
In December 2021, the PBOC issued the Regulations for Local Financial Supervision and Administration (Draft) to solicit public opinions, which clarifies the
responsibilities of local financial regulatory authorities and outlines the principles for regulating illegal financial activities of local financial organizations, including but
not limited to micro-loan companies and financing guarantee companies.
Regulations Relating to Commercial Factoring
The Notice on the Pilot Launch of Commercial Factoring, issued by the Ministry of Commerce in 2012, approves the pilot launch of commercial factoring in
the Shanghai Pudong New Area and the Tianjin Binhai New Area. The Ministry of Commerce also issued another notice to expand the list of pilot areas to include the
Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Sunan Modern Construction Demonstration Zone and Suzhou Industrial Park. In 2015, the Ministry of Commerce issued the
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Opinions on Supporting the Innovative Development of Pilot Free Trade Zones, which approved the pilot commercial factoring businesses in all the free trade zones.
Under these notices issued by the Ministry of Commerce and local implementing rules, commercial factoring companies may be established in these areas upon the
approval of the local counterpart of the Ministry of Commerce or other competent authorities.
On May 8, 2018, the Ministry of Commerce issued the Notice of Matters concerning the Adjustments to the Duties of Administration of Financial Leasing
Companies, Commercial Factoring Companies and Pawnshops, according to which the Ministry of Commerce has transferred the duties of developing business
operation and supervision rules for commercial factoring companies to the CBIRC effective on April 20, 2018. In October 2019, the CBIRC issued the Notice on
Strengthening the Supervision and Administration over Commercial Factoring Enterprises. This notice clarifies the commercial factoring business as to the following
services provided by a commercial factoring enterprise to the supplier that transfers its account receivable based on the real transaction to the commercial factoring
enterprise: (i) factoring financing; (ii) maintenance of the sales breakdown (ledger); (iii) collection of account receivables; and (iv) non-commercial bad debt guarantee.
Commercial factoring enterprises may concurrently engage in client credit investigation and evaluation and the consulting services relating to commercial factoring. A
commercial factoring enterprise may not engage in the following activities or businesses: (i) taking or taking in a disguised manner the deposits from the public; (ii)
obtaining funds through online lending information intermediaries, local trading places in various types, asset management institutions, private investment fund or any
other institutions; (iii) borrowing or borrowing in a disguised manner funds from other commercial factoring enterprises; (iv) offering loans or offering loans as
entrusted; (v) specially engaging in or carrying out as entrusted a collection business or debt repayment demand business irrelevant to commercial factoring; and (vi)
carrying out a factoring financing business based on an illegal underlying transaction contract, consignment contract, account receivable with unclear ownership or the
right to demand payment arising out instrument or other negotiable securities.
The Guiding Opinions on Promoting the New Development Pattern of Financial Services, issued by Shenzhen Branch of CBIRC, the Shenzhen Central Sub-
branch of PBC and Shenzhen Local Financial Supervision and Administration in November 2021, highlights that the equity management of local financial organizations
such as microcredit companies, financing guarantee companies, financing leasing companies and commercial factoring companies shall follow the principles of good
qualification, reasonable structure and regulatory behaviors. The regulatory authorities shall strictly review the qualification of the shareholders of such companies,
regulate the change of shareholders and the increase and decrease of the capital, and strengthen the penetration management of the shareholders and actual controllers of
such local financial organizations.
Regulations Relating to Credit Reporting Business
The PRC government has adopted several regulations governing personal credit reporting businesses. These regulations include the Regulation for the
Administration of Credit Reporting Industry, enacted by the State Council and became effective in March 2013, and the Management Rules on Credit Agencies, issued
by the PBOC, in the same year.
The Regulation for the Administration of Credit Reporting Industry defines “credit reporting business” and “credit reporting agency” for the first time.
According to the Regulation for the Administration of Credit Reporting Industry, “credit reporting business” means the activities of collecting, organizing, storing and
processing “credit-related information” of individuals and enterprises, as well as providing such information to others, and a “credit reporting agency” refers to a duly
established agency whose primary business is credit reporting. Besides, the Regulation for the Administration of Credit Reporting Industry and the Management Rules
on Credit Agencies stipulate that the establishment of a credit reporting agency to engage in personal credit reporting business shall be subject to the approval of the
PBOC, and the requirements for such establishment. The requirements for such establishment include: (i) its major shareholders have a good reputation and do not have
any record of major violation of law or non-compliance in the past three years; (ii) its registered capital shall not be less than RMB50 million; (iii) it has the facilities,
equipment, systems and measures for the protection of information security which comply with the provisions of the PBOC; (iv) the proposed candidates for directors,
supervisors and senior management personnel shall be familiar with the laws and regulations relating to credit reporting business, shall possess the work experience and
management capabilities in the credit reporting business required for performance of their duties, shall not have any record of major violation or non-compliance during
the past three years, and shall have obtained the appointment qualifications approved by the PBOC; (v) it has a proper organizational structure; (vi) it has proper internal
control systems for business operation, information security management, compliance management, etc.; (vii) its individual credit information system shall satisfy the
standard of National Information System Security Level Protection Level 2 or above; and (viii) it satisfies any other prudential requirements stipulated by the PBOC.
Entities engaged in personal credit reporting business without such approval may be subject to penalties, including ban of business, confiscation of revenues related to
personal credit reporting business, fines of RMB50,000 to RMB500,000 or criminal liabilities. The Regulation for the Administration of Credit Reporting Industry also
requires entities to ensure the security of personal information by setting
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business rules for personal credit reporting business, prohibiting collecting certain personal information (e.g., religion, finger print), and providing rights for the
individuals with respect to their personal information (e.g., inquiry, objection, complaint).
The Management Rules on Credit Agencies enacted by the PBOC is based on the Regulation for the Administration of Credit Reporting Industry, and further
detailing the rules with respect to the administration for the credit reporting agency, including the rules to establish, change, deregister a credit reporting agency, the rules
for the daily operation of a credit reporting agency, etc.
In September 2021, the PBOC released the Measures for Credit Reporting Business, which took effect in January 2022. The Measures for Credit Reporting
Business defines “credit information” as information that “serves the financial and economic activities and is used to determine individuals and enterprises credit status,
which refers to basic information, loan information and other relevant information collected in accordance with the law and other information originated from analysis
and evaluation of individuals and enterprises’ credit status based on the foregoing information.” It applies to entities that carry out credit reporting business and
“activities relating to credit reporting business” in China. Separately, entities “actually providing credit reporting services” in the name of “credit information service,
credit service, credit evaluation, credit rating, credit repair and etc.” are also subject to the Measures for Credit Reporting Business. The Measures for Credit Reporting
Business provides rules on credit reporting business and credit reporting agencies, including that (i) the credit reporting agencies shall collect credit information
following the “minimum and necessary” principle and must not collect credit information by unlawful means, (ii) information user shall not abuse credit information,
and shall use credit information for legal and legitimate purpose , (iii) credit reporting agencies shall take measures to ensure the credit information security, and
establish emergency and report system for incidents, (iv) the database of the domestic credit reporting agencies shall be set up in the territory of the PRC, (v) credit
reporting agencies shall comply with related laws and regulations when providing credit information to the overseas, and (vi) the credit reporting agency shall report to
the PBOC the information processors who collaborate with such credit reporting agency with respect to the collection, storing, processing and analyzing credit
information. Any agency carrying out personal credit reporting without the necessary permit should complete the compliance rectification within 18 months after the
implementation date of the Measures for Credit Reporting Business.
In addition, on July 7, 2021, the Credit Information System Bureau of PBOC further issued a notice, or the Notice Relating to Disconnecting Direct
Connection, to 13 internet platforms (not including us), requiring the internet platforms to achieve a complete “disconnected direct connection” in terms of personal
information with financial institutions, meaning that the direct flow of personal information from internet platforms that collect such information to financial institutions
is prohibited, and each internet platform which has been informed is required to formulate a rectification plan accordingly. Although the 13 internet platforms do not
include us, we have taken several adjustment measures to maintain compliance with the Measures for Credit Reporting Business and the Notice Relating to
Disconnecting Direct Connection.
Regulations Relating to Internet Information Security
The NPC has enacted legislation that prohibits the use of the internet that breaches the public security, disseminates socially destabilizing content or leaks
state secrets. Breach of public security includes breach of national security and infringement on legal rights and interests of the state, society or citizens. Socially
destabilizing content includes any content that incites defiance or violations of the PRC laws or regulations or subversion of the PRC government or its political system,
spreads socially disruptive rumors or involves cult activities, superstition, obscenities, pornography, gambling or violence. State secrets are defined broadly to include
information concerning PRC national defense, state affairs and other matters as determined by the PRC authorities.
Pursuant to applicable regulations, ICP operators must complete mandatory security filing procedures and regularly update information security and
monitoring systems for their websites with local public security authorities, and must also report any public dissemination of prohibited content.
In December 2015, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the Anti-Terrorism Law of the PRC, or the Anti-Terrorism Law, which took effect on
January 1, 2016 and was amended on April 27, 2018. According to the Anti-Terrorism Law, telecommunication service operators or internet service providers shall (i)
carry out pertinent anti-terrorism publicity and education to society; (ii) provide technical interfaces, decryption and other technical support and assistance for the
competent departments to prevent and investigate terrorist activities; (iii) implement network security and information monitoring systems as well as safety and technical
prevention measures to avoid the dissemination of terrorism information, delete the terrorism information, immediately halt its dissemination, keep relevant records and
report to the competent departments once the terrorism information is discovered; and (iv) examine customer identities before providing services. Any violation of the
Anti-Terrorism Law may result in severe penalties, including substantial fines.
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In November 2016, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the Cybersecurity Law of the PRC, or the PRC Cybersecurity Law, which took effect
on June 1, 2017. In accordance with the PRC Cybersecurity Law, network operators must comply with applicable laws and regulations and fulfill their obligations to
safeguard network security in conducting business and providing services. Network service providers must take technical and other necessary measures as required by
laws, regulations and mandatory requirements to safeguard the operation of networks, respond to network security effectively, prevent illegal and criminal activities, and
maintain the integrity, confidentiality and usability of network data.
For the further purposes of regulating data processing activities, safeguarding data security, promoting data development and utilization, protecting the lawful
rights and interests of individuals and organizations, and maintaining national sovereignty, security, and development interests, on June 10, 2021, the Standing
Committee of the NPC published the Data Security Law of the People’s Republic of China, which took effect on September 1, 2021. The Data Security Law requires
data processing, which includes the collection, storage, use, processing, transmission, provision, publication of data, to be conducted in a legitimate and proper manner.
The Data Security Law provides for data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals carrying out data activities. The Data Security Law also introduces a
data classification and hierarchical protection system based on the importance of data in economic and social development, and the degree of harm it may cause to
national security, public interest, or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations if such data are tampered with, destroyed, leaked, illegally acquired or
illegally used. The appropriate level of protection measures is required to be taken for each respective category of data. For example, a processor of important data is
required to designate the personnel and the management body responsible for data security, carry out risk assessments of its data processing activities and file the risk
assessment reports with the competent authorities. State core data, i.e. data having a bearing on national security, the lifelines of national economy, people’s key
livelihood and major public interest, shall be subject to stricter management system. Moreover, the Data Security Law provides a national security review procedure for
those data activities which affect or may affect national security and imposes export restrictions on certain data and information. In addition, the Data Security Law also
provides that any organization or individual within the territory of the PRC shall not provide any foreign judicial body and law enforcement body with any data without
the approval of the competent PRC governmental authorities. As the Data Security Law was recently promulgated, we may be required to make further adjustments to
our business practices to comply with this law, as well as any adjustments that may be required by the Personal Information Protection Law.
On July 6, 2021, certain PRC regulatory authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities, which, among others,
provides for improving relevant laws and regulations on data security, cross-border data transmission, and confidential information management. It provided that efforts
will be made to revise the regulations on strengthening the confidentiality and file management relating to the offering and listing of securities overseas, to implement
the responsibility on information security of overseas listed companies, and to strengthen the standardized management of cross-border information provision
mechanisms and procedures.
On December 28, 2021, the CAC, the NDRC, the MIIT, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry
of Commerce, the PBOC, the NRTA, the CSRC, the National Administration of State Secrets Protection and the National Cryptography Administration jointly issued
the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which took effect on February 15, 2022. The scope of review under the Cybersecurity Review Measures extends to critical
information infrastructure operators that intend to purchase internet products and services and data processing operators engaging in data processing activities, which
affect or may affect national security. According to Article 7 of the Cybersecurity Review Measures, operators who possess personal information of over a million users
shall apply to the Cybersecurity Review Office for cybersecurity reviews before listing in a foreign country. Besides, the Cybersecurity Review Measures also provides
that if the relevant authorities consider that certain network products and services, or data processing activities affect or may affect national security, the authorities may
initiate a cybersecurity review even if the operators do not have an obligation to report for a cybersecurity review under such circumstances. The Cybersecurity Review
Measures also elaborates the factors to be considered when assessing the national security risks of the relevant activities, including among others, risks of core data,
important data or a large amount of personal information being stolen, leaked, destroyed, and illegally used or exited the country, risks of critical information
infrastructure, core data, important data or a large amount of personal information data being affected, controlled and maliciously used by foreign governments after a
foreign listing and risks of cyber information security.
On November 14, 2021, the CAC released the Regulations on the Cyber Data Security (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Regulations, and will accept public
comments until December 13, 2021. The Draft Regulations provide that data processors refer to individuals or organizations that autonomously determine the purpose
and the manner of processing data. In accordance with the Draft Regulations, data processors shall apply for a cybersecurity review for the following activities: (i)
merger, reorganization or division of Internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources
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related to national security, economic development or public interest to the extent that affects or may affect national security; (ii) listing abroad of data processors which
process over one million users’ personal information; (iii) listing in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that
affect or may affect national security. Besides, data processors that are listed overseas shall carry out an annual data security assessment. The Draft Measures and the
Draft Regulations remain unclear on whether the relevant requirements will be applicable to companies that have been listed in the United States. We cannot predict the
impact of the Draft Measures and the Draft Regulations, if any, at this stage, and we will closely monitor and assess any development in the rule-making process. If the
enacted versions of the Draft Measures and the Draft Regulations mandate clearance of cybersecurity review and other specific actions to be completed by China-based
companies listed on a U.S. stock exchange, we will face uncertainties as to whether such clearance can be timely obtained, or at all. In addition, if a final version of the
Draft Regulations is adopted, we may be subject to review when conducting data processing activities and annual data security assessment and may face challenges in
addressing its requirements and make necessary changes to our internal policies and practices in data processing. Based on the foregoing, our PRC legal counsel does
not expect that, as of the date of this annual report, current applicable PRC laws on cybersecurity would have a material adverse impact on our business.
On July 30, 2021, the State Council issued the Regulations on Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, or the Regulations. Pursuant to the
Regulations, critical information infrastructure shall mean the important network facilities or information systems of key industries or fields such as public
communication and information service, energy, transportation, water conservation, finance, public services, e-government affairs and national defense science, and
important network facilities or information systems which may endanger national security, people’s livelihood and public interest once there occur damage,
malfunctioning or data leakage to them. The Regulations provide that no individual or organization may carry out any illegal activity of intruding into, interfering with,
or sabotaging any critical information infrastructures, or endanger the security of any critical information infrastructures. The Regulations also require that critical
information infrastructure operators shall establish a cybersecurity protection system and accountability system, and that the main responsible person of a critical
information infrastructure operator shall take full responsibility for the security protection of the critical information infrastructures operated by it. In addition, relevant
administration departments of each important industry and sector shall be responsible for formulating the rule of critical information infrastructure determination
applicable to their respective industry or sector, and determine the critical information infrastructure operators in their industry or sector.
On July 12, 2021, the MIIT and two other authorities jointly issued the Provisions on the Administration of Security Vulnerabilities of Network Products, or
the Provisions. The Provisions state that, all organization or individual shall not abuse the security vulnerabilities of network products to engage in activities that
endanger network security, or to illegally collect, sell, or publish the information on such security vulnerabilities. Anyone who is aware of the aforesaid offences shall
not provide technical support, advertising, payment settlement and other assistance to the relevant offenders. According to the Provisions, network product providers,
network operators, and platforms collecting network product security vulnerabilities shall establish and improve channels for receiving network product security
vulnerability information and keep such channels available, and retain network product security vulnerability information reception logs for at least six months. The
Provisions also bans provision of undisclosed vulnerabilities to overseas organizations or individuals other than to the product providers.
On July 7, 2022, the CAC issued the Outbound Data Transfer Security Assessment Measures, which took effect on September 1, 2022 and specify that data
processors who intend to provide important data and personal information that are collected and generated in the operation within the territory of the PRC to overseas
shall be subject to security assessment with the CAC. Under the current Outbound Data Transfer Security Assessment Measures, an entity must apply for a CAC
security assessment if it processes personal information of over one million individuals and outbound transfers personal information, or if it has cumulatively outbound
transferred personal information of more than 100,000 individuals or sensitive personal information of more than 10,000 individuals since January 1 of the previous
year. Furthermore, any entity who plans to transfer important data outside of China shall apply to a CAC security assessment. In addition, the Outbound Data
Transfer Security Assessment Measures sets forth a 6-month grace period, any entity or data controller may within 6 months upon the effective date of this
measures (i.e., before February 28, 2023), take corrective actions and apply to the CAC security assessment.
On August 20, 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the Personal Information Protection Law, which integrates the scattered rules with
respect to personal information rights and privacy protection and took effect on November 1, 2021. The Personal Information Protection Law requires, among others,
that (i) the processing of personal information should have a clear and reasonable purpose which should be directly related to the processing purpose and should be
conducted in a method that has the minimum impact on personal rights and interests, and (ii) the collection of personal information should be limited to the minimum
scope as necessary to achieve the processing purpose and avoid the excessive collection of personal information. Personal information processors shall adopt necessary
measures to safeguard
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the security of the personal information they handle. The offending entities could be ordered to correct, or to suspend or terminate the provision of services, and face
confiscation of illegal income, fines or other penalties.
On July 6, 2021, the Standing Committee of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Congress issued the Data Regulations of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, or the
Shenzhen Data Regulations, which took effective on January 1, 2022. The Shenzhen Data Regulations further clarify the responsibilities of local regulatory authorities
in Shenzhen regarding data protection and administration, and provide, among others, more detailed provisions in relation to recommendation of personalized products
or services based on user portraits, use of biometric data.
In addition, the State Secrecy Bureau has issued provisions authorizing the blocking of access to any website it deems to be leaking state secrets or failing to
comply with the relevant legislation regarding the protection of state secrets during online information distribution. Specifically, internet companies in the PRC with
bulletin boards, chat rooms or similar services must apply for specific approval prior to operating such services.
Furthermore, the Provisions on Technological Measures for Internet Security Protection, promulgated by the Ministry of Public Security and became
effective in March 2006, require all ICP operators to keep records of certain information about its users (including user registration information, log-in and log-out time,
IP address, content and time of posts by users) for at least 60 days and submit the above information as required by laws and regulations. The Decision on Strengthening
Network Information Protection, or the Network Information Protection Decision, which was promulgated by the NPC in December 2012, states that ICP operators must
request identity information from users when ICP operators provide information publication services to the users. If ICP operators come across prohibited information,
they must immediately cease the transmission of such information, delete the information, keep relevant records, and report to relevant government authorities.
On October 21, 2019, the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the PRC jointly issued the Interpretations on Certain Issues
Regarding the Applicable of Law in the Handling of Criminal Case Involving Illegal Use of Information Networks and Assisting Committing Internet Crimes, which
came into effect on November 1, 2019, and further clarified the meaning of Internet service provider and the severe situations of the relevant crimes.
Regulations Relating to Personal Information and Privacy Protection
The PRC Constitution states that the PRC law protects the freedom and privacy of communications of citizens and prohibits infringement of these rights. In
recent years, PRC government authorities have enacted legislation on internet use to protect personal information from any unauthorized disclosure. The Network
Information Protection Decision provides that electronic information that identifies a citizen or involves privacy of any citizen is protected by law and must not be
unlawfully collected or provided to others. ICP operators collecting or using personal electronic information of citizens must specify the purposes, manners and scopes of
information collection and uses, obtain consent of the relevant citizens, and keep the collected personal information confidential. ICP operators are prohibited from
disclosing, tampering with, damaging, selling or illegally providing others with, collected personal information. ICP operators are required to take technical and other
measures to prevent the collected personal information from any unauthorized disclosure, damage or loss. The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services
prohibit an ICP operator from insulting or slandering a third party or infringing upon the lawful rights and interests of a third party.
According to the Provisions on Protection of Personal Information of Telecommunication and Internet Users, which was promulgated by MIIT and became
effective in September 2013, telecommunication business operators and ICP operators are responsible for the security of the personal information of users they collect or
use in the course of their provision of services. Without obtaining the consent from the users, telecommunication business operators and ICP operators may not collect or
use the users’ personal information. The personal information collected or used in the course of provision of services by the telecommunication business operators or ICP
operators must be kept in strict confidence, and may not be divulged, tampered with or damaged, and may not be sold or illegally provided to others. The ICP operators
are required to take certain measures to prevent any divulgence of, damage to, tampering with or loss of users’ personal information.
In accordance with the Cyber Security Law, network operators are required to collect and use personal information in compliance with the principles of
legitimacy, properness and necessity, and strictly within the scope of authorization by the subject of personal information unless otherwise prescribed by laws or
regulations. In the event of any unauthorized disclosure, damage or loss of collected personal information, network operators must take immediate remedial measures,
notify the affected users and report the incidents to the relevant authorities in a timely manner. If any user knows that a network operator illegally collects and uses his or
her personal information in violation of laws, regulations or any agreement
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with the user, or the collected and stored personal information is inaccurate or wrong, the user has the right to request the network operator to delete or correct the
relevant collected personal information.
The relevant telecommunications authorities are further authorized to order ICP operators to rectify unauthorized disclosure. ICP operators are subject to legal
liability, including warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses or filings, closing of the relevant websites, administrative punishment, criminal
liabilities, or civil liabilities, if they violate relevant provisions on internet privacy. Pursuant to the Ninth Amendment to the Criminal Law issued by the Standing
Committee of the NPC in August 2015 and becoming effective in November 2015, the standards of crime of infringing citizens’ personal information were amended
accordingly and the criminal culpability of unlawful collection, transaction, and provision of personal information has been reinforced. In addition, any ICP provider that
fails to fulfill the obligations related to internet information security administration as required by applicable laws and refuses to rectify upon orders, will be subject to
criminal liability for (i) any dissemination of illegal information in large scale; (ii) any severe effect due to the leakage of the client’s information; (iii) any serious loss of
evidence of criminal activities; or (iv) other severe situations, and any individual or entity that (x) sells or provides personal information to others unlawfully, or (y)
steals or illegally obtains any personal information, will be subject to criminal liability in severe situations.
In addition, the Interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the PRC on Several Issues Concerning the
Application of Law in Handling Criminal Cases of Infringing Personal Information, effective in June 2017, have clarified certain standards for the conviction and
sentencing in relation to personal information infringement. The PRC government has the power and authority to order ICP operators to turn over personal information if
an internet user posts any prohibited content or engages in illegal activities on the internet. The Civil Code further provides in a stand-alone chapter of right of
personality and reiterate that the personal information of a natural person shall be protected by the law. Any organization or individual shall legitimately obtain such
personal information of others in due course on a need-to-know basis and ensure the safety and privacy of such information, and refrain from excessively handling or
using such information.
With respect to the security of information collected and used by mobile apps, pursuant to the Announcement of Conducting Special Supervision against the
Illegal Collection and Use of Personal Information by Apps, which was issued on January 23, 2019, app operators should collect and use personal information in
compliance with the Cyber Security Law and should be responsible for the security of personal information obtained from users and take effective measures to
strengthen the personal information protection. Furthermore, app operators should not force their users to make authorization by means of bundling, suspending
installation or in other default forms and should not collect personal information in violation of laws, regulations or breach of user agreements. Such regulatory
requirements were emphasized by the Notice on the Special Rectification of Apps Infringing upon User’s Personal Rights and Interests, which was issued by MIIT on
October 31, 2019.
On November 28, 2019, the CAC, the MIIT, the Ministry of Public Security and the SAMR jointly issued the Methods of Identifying Illegal Acts of Apps to
Collect and Use Personal Information. This regulation further illustrates certain commonly-seen illegal practices of apps operators in terms of personal information
protection, including “failure to publicize rules for collecting and using personal information,” “failure to expressly state the purpose, manner and scope of collecting and
using personal information,” “collection and use of personal information without consent of users of such App,” “collecting personal information irrelevant to the
services provided by such app in violation of the principle of necessity,” “provision of personal information to others without users’ consent,” “failure to provide the
function of deleting or correcting personal information as required by laws” and “failure to publish information such as methods for complaints and reporting.” Among
others, any of the following acts of an app operator will constitute “collection and use of personal information without consent of users”: (i) collecting an user’s personal
information or activating the permission for collecting any user’s personal information without obtaining such user’s consent; (ii) collecting personal information or
activating the permission for collecting the personal information of any user who explicitly refuses such collection, or repeatedly seeking for user’s consent such that the
user’s normal use of such app is disturbed; (iii) any user’s personal information which has been actually collected by the app operator or the permission for collecting
any user’s personal information activated by the app operator is beyond the scope of personal information which such user authorizes such app operator to collect; (iv)
seeking for any user’s consent in a non-explicit manner; (v) modifying any user’s settings for activating the permission for collecting any personal information without
such user’s consent; (vi) using users’ personal information and any algorithms to directionally push any information, without providing the option of non-directed
pushing such information; (vii) misleading users to permit collecting their personal information or activating the permission for collecting such users’ personal
information by improper methods such as fraud and deception; (viii) failing to provide users with the means and methods to withdraw their permission of collecting
personal information; and (ix) collecting and using personal information in violation of the rules for collecting and using personal information promulgated by such app
operator.
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On August 22, 2019, the CAC promulgated the Children Information Protection Provisions, which took effect on October 1, 2019, requiring that before
collecting, using, transferring or disclosing the personal information of a child, the Internet service operator should inform the child’s guardians in a noticeable and clear
manner and obtain their consent. Meanwhile, internet service operators should take measures like encryption when storing children’s personal information. On March
12, 2021, the CAC and three other authorities jointly issued the Rules on the Scope of Necessary Personal Information for Common Types of Mobile Internet
Applications. The Rules specifies the scope of necessary personal information to be collected each for a variety of common mobile internet applications, such as maps
and navigation apps, online ride-hailing apps, instant messaging apps, online community apps. Operators of such apps shall not refuse to provide basic services to users
on the ground of users’ refusal to provide their personal non-essential information. On April 26, 2021, the MIIT issued the Interim Administrative Provisions on
Personal Information Protection in Internet Mobile Applications (Draft for Comment). The draft of the Interim Administrative Provisions on Personal Information
Protection in Internet Mobile Applications sets forth two principles of collection and utilization of personal information, namely “explicit consent” and “minimum
necessity.”
On August 20, 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC adopted the Personal Information Protection Law which took effect on November 1, 2021. The
Personal Information Protection Law integrated provisions from several rules with respect to personal information rights and privacy protection. According to the
Personal Information Protection Law, personal information refers to information related to identified or identifiable natural persons which is recorded by electronic or
other means (excluding the anonymized information). In addition, it imposes further obligations on a personal information processor that provides for important internet
platform services and has large amount of users and complicated business activities, including establishing a sound compliance system for personal information
protection in accordance with the provisions of the State and setting up an independent agency mainly composed of external members to supervise personal information
protection, formulating platform rules specifying the standards for the processing of personal information by product or service providers on the platform and the
obligations to protect personal information following the principles of openness, fairness and impartiality, termination of provision of services for product or service
providers on the platform whose personal information processing activities are in material violation of laws and regulations, and issuing personal information protection
social responsibilities reports regularly. The entities failing to comply could be ordered to correct, or suspend or terminate the provision of services, and face confiscation
of illegal income, fines or other penalties.
Regulations Relating to Anti-Money Laundering
The PRC Anti-money Laundering Law, which became effective in January 2007, sets forth the principal anti-money laundering requirements applicable to
financial institutions as well as non-financial institutions with anti-money laundering obligations, including the adoption of precautionary and supervisory measures,
establishment of various systems for client identification, retention of clients identification information and transactions records, and reports on large transactions and
suspicious transactions. According to the PRC Anti-money Laundering Law, financial institutions subject to the PRC Anti-money Laundering Law include banks, credit
unions, trust investment companies, stock brokerage companies, futures brokerage companies, insurance companies and other financial institutions as listed and
published by the State Council, while the list of the non-financial institutions with anti-money laundering obligations will be published by the State Council. However,
the State Council has not promulgated a list of the non-financial institutions subject to anti-money laundering obligations.
The Guidelines jointly released by ten PRC regulatory agencies in July 2015, purport, among other things, to require the internet finance industry, to comply
with certain anti-money laundering requirements, including establishing a user identification program, monitoring and reporting of suspicious transactions, preserving
user information and transaction records, and providing assistance to the public security department and judicial authority in investigations and proceedings in relation to
anti-money laundering matters. The PBOC will formulate implementation rules to further specify the anti-money laundering obligations of the internet finance industry.
In October 2018, the PBOC and the CSRC jointly released the Administrative Measures for Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing of
Internet Financial Institutions (for Trial Implementation), or the Anti-Money Laundering Measures for Internet Financial Institutions, which became effective in January
2019. The Anti-Money Laundering Measures for Internet Financial Institutions provides that the institutions engaging in internet finance business, including online
payment, online lending, and online lending information intermediary business, shall be subject to the obligation of anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing,
and further refined and detailed requirements of verifying client identity, reporting suspicious transactions, keeping identity data and transaction records, and other anti-
money laundering obligations. The Interim Measures also stipulated the anti-money laundering obligations of an online lending intermediary therein.
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In April 2021, the Measures for Supervision and Administration of Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing of Financial Institutions, or the
Anti-Money Laundering Measures for Financial Institutions, was released by the PBOC officially and will take effect on August 1, 2021. According to the Anti-Money
Laundering Measures for Financial Institutions, the following financial institutions duly established within the PRC territory are clearly required by the PBOC to fulfill
anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing related obligations: (i) developmental financial institution, policy banks, commercial banks, rural cooperative banks,
rural credit cooperatives and village/township banks; (ii) securities companies, futures companies and fund management companies; (iii) insurance companies and
insurance asset management companies; (iv) trust companies, financial asset management companies, finance companies of enterprise groups, financial leasing
companies, auto finance companies, consumer finance companies, currency brokerage companies, loan companies and wealth management subsidiaries of commercial
banks; and (v) other financial institutions that shall perform their obligations of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing as determined and announced by
the PBOC. Besides, such obligations also apply to the non-bank payment institutions, banks card organization, fund clearing center, microcredit companies engaging in
the internet microcredit lending business and the institutions engaging exchange business, funds sales business, insurance agency and brokers business. The PBOC and
its branches shall carry out the supervision and administration of the financial institutions’ work with regard to the anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing
pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations. The Anti-Money Laundering Measures for Financial Institutions require the financial institutions to draft and improve the
anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing internal control policy, evaluate the anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing risks, establish the risks
management mechanism according to its risks conditions and operation scale, construct anti-money laundering information system, and set up or appoint institutions
equipped with qualified staff, to perform its anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing obligations.
On June 1, 2021, the PBOC released the Anti-Money Laundering Law (Draft for Comment), or the Draft Anti-Money Laundering Law, expanded the
definition of Anti-Money Laundering to money laundering activities that in concealing and covering up by various means the source and nature of the proceeds and
revenues from any crimes instead of just limited to seven kinds of crimes in the 2007 version Anti-Money Laundering Law. The Draft Anti-Money Laundering Law also
broadened the scope of financial institutions and the special non-financial institutions subject to the performance of the duties of anti-money laundering.
We have implemented various policies and procedures, such as internal controls and “know-your-customer” procedures, for anti-money laundering purposes.
Regulations on Financial Consumers Protection
The Measures for Financial Consumer Protection promulgated by the PBOC on September 15, 2020 came into force on November 1, 2020. Pursuant to the
Measures for Financial Consumer Protection, the non-bank payment institution shall adopt a series of internal management measures to protect the rights and interests of
financial consumers, including optimizing rules and policies as well as establishing a sound working mechanism and formulating an effective internal control system for
protecting the rights and interests of financial consumers. Furthermore, it clearly states that financial information of consumers shall be used for the purpose in
compliance with laws and regulations and agreed by both parties and kept in strict confidential, and no leakage or illegal disclosure to other parties shall be allowed, and
institutions are required to set up a management system for the usage of financial information of consumers and implement technologies and other measures as
necessary to properly maintain and store the financial information of consumers collected.
On December 26, 2022, the CBIRC issued the Measures for the Protection, which was effective on March 1, 2023. It requires banking and insurance
institutions to establish and improve systems and mechanisms for the protection of consumer’s rights and interests, including mechanisms for review, disclosure,
consumer appropriateness management, traceability of sales practices, protection of consumers’ information, list-based management of the partners, complaint handling,
diversified resolution of conflicts and disputes, internal training, internal assessment and internal audit. It also lists the following consumers’ rights that the banking and
insurance institutions shall protect: (i) right to know; (ii) right to choices on their own; (iii) right to a fair transaction; (iv) right to property safety; (v) right to lawful
claim; (vi) right to education; (vii) right to respect; and (viii) right to information security. Further, the CBIRC and its local offices may take regulatory measures against
the institutions if any problem regarding consumer protection was inspected, and may impose administrative punishment in case of violation of the administrative
measures.
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Regulations Relating to E-Commerce
Certain laws and regulations are promulgated in recent years to specifically regulate the e-commerce industry in PRC. In January 2014, the SAIC adopted the
Online Transactions Measures, which impose certain stringent requirements and obligations on online trading or service operators as well as the marketplace platform
providers. For example, the marketplace platform providers are obligated to examine the legal status of each third-party merchant selling products or services on the
platform and display on a prominent location on the web page of such merchant the information stated in the merchant’s business licenses or a link to such business
license. Where the marketplace platform providers also act as online distributors, these marketplace platform providers must make a clear distinction between their
online direct sales and sales of third-party merchant products. Moreover, consumers are generally entitled to return the products sold by an online trading operator within
seven days upon the receipt thereof and are not required to provide reasons for such return. In addition, the Online Transactions Measures specifies that online
distributors or related service operators, as well as marketplace platform providers, shall conduct their businesses in full compliance with the Anti-unfair Competition
Law and other relevant PRC laws and regulations, and shall not unfairly compete with other operators or disturb social and economic orders, including but not limited to
carrying out any fictitious transactions and deleting any unfavorable comments.
In April 23, 2019, the NPC Standing Committee implemented a newly amended Anti-unfair Competition Law of the PRC. It further emphasized that a
business operator shall not engage in any false or misleading publicity for its products, or fictitious transactions to defraud or mislead consumers. Violation of these
provisions may subject the relevant business operators to various penalties, including an order from the relevant governmental authorities to cease illegal acts, with
payment of a fine ranging from RMB200,000 to RMB1 million, or in the case of a severe violation, revocation of business licenses and payment of a fine ranging from
RMB1 million to RMB2 million.
In August 2018, the NPC Standing Committee promulgated the PRC E-Commerce Law, or the E-Commerce Law, which became effective in January 2019.
The E-Commerce Law proposes a series of requirements on e-commerce operators, including individuals and entities carrying out business online, e-commerce platform
operators and merchants within the platform. For example, the E-Commerce Law requires e-commerce operators to respect and equally protect consumers’ legitimate
rights and provide options to consumers without targeting their personal characteristics, and also requires e-commerce operators to clearly point out to consumers their
tie-in sales in which additional services or products are added by merchants to a purchase, and not to assume consumers’ consent to such tie-in sales by default.
Moreover, the E-Commerce Law requires e-commerce operators, including individuals and entities carrying out business online, e-commerce platform operators and
merchants on these platforms, to display prominently on their home page the information contained in their business licenses or administrative permits relating to their
operating businesses; failure to take necessary actions against merchants on the e-commerce platforms that are not in compliance with such requirements may subject the
e-commerce platform operators to rectification within a specified period and a fine between RMB20,000 and RMB100,000.
The E-Commerce Law also sets forth certain requirements and/or obligations particularly applicable to the e-commerce platform operators, including, among
other things:
•Requirements relating to credit evaluation. The e-commerce platform operators are required to establish a credit evaluation system and publicize the credit
evaluation rules, and provide consumers with ways to evaluate products sold or services provided within the platform.
•Requirements relating to transaction rules. The e-commerce platform operators shall develop and continuously publish or make publicly available,
prominently on its homepage, a link to its platform service agreement and transaction rules, specifying the rights and obligations of relevant parties with
respect to joining and leaving the platform, quality assurance and protection of consumer rights and personal information, and to ensure convenience and
complete access to reading and downloading such service agreement and transaction rules by merchants and consumers.
•Liability of the e-commerce platform operators. The e-commerce platform operators who fail to take necessary actions when they know or should have
known that the merchants within the platform infringe upon others’ intellectual property rights or the products or services provided by the merchants do not
meet the requirements for personal and property security, or otherwise infringe upon consumers’ legitimate rights, will be imposed a joint liability with the
merchants; with respect to the products or services affecting consumers’ life and health, the e-commerce platform operators will bear relevant responsibilities
if they fail to review the qualifications of merchants or fail to safeguard the interests of the consumers.
On October 23, 2020, the Interim Measures for Seven-day Unconditional Return of Online Purchased Goods (2020 version) was issued by the SAMR and
took in effect on the same day, which emphasizes that online goods sellers shall
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lawfully perform their duties of ensuring the consumers to exercise the rights of “Seven-day Unconditional Return of Purchased Goods” and the provider of an online
trading platform shall guide and urge the online goods sellers who use the platform to perform such duties, as well as conduct supervisions and inspections and provide
technical support.
On March 15, 2021, the Administrative Regulations on Internet Transactions were released by the SAMR and took into effective on May 1, 2021, which are
the supplementary rules to the E-Commerce Law and repealed the Online Transactions Measures. Pursuant to the Administrative Regulations on Internet Transactions,
any online business operator who conducts online sales or provides service through online social networking platforms or online live-broadcasting platforms, should
comply with both the E-Commerce Law and the Administrative Regulations on Internet Transactions. We are subject to these measures as a result of our online direct
sales and online marketplace.
On December 31, 2021, the CAC, the MIIT, the Ministry of Public Security and the SAMR jointly issued the Administration Provisions on Algorithmic
Recommendation of Internet Information Services, which became effective on March 1, 2022. The provisions provide that algorithmic recommendation service
providers shall (i) fulfill their responsibilities for algorithm security, (ii) establish and improve management systems for algorithm mechanism examination, ethical
vetting in technology, user registration, information release vetting, protection of data security and personal information, anti- telecommunications and internet fraud,
security assessment and monitoring, emergency response to security incidents, etc., and (iii) formulate and disclose relevant rules for algorithm recommendation
services, and be equipped with professional staff and technical support appropriate to the scale of the algorithm recommendation service.
On March 16, 2022, the Supreme People’s Court promulgated the Interpretation of the Supreme People’s Court on Several Issues Concerning the Application
of the Law of the People’s Republic of China against Unfair Competition and took effect on March 20, 2022, which further interpreted confusing acts, false commercial
promotions, internet unfair competition behavior and other issues. In addition, on November 22, 2022, the SAMR issued the Draft Anti-unfair Competition Law until
December 22, 2022, which proposes the following five new type of unfair competition in the data economy: (i) committing malicious transactions to impede or disrupt
the normal operation of other undertakings; (ii) taking advantage of data and algorithms, technologies, platform rules and so on to disrupt the fair competition order of
the market by influencing user choices or otherwise; setting links to its own commodities or services by means of keyword association, false operation options or
otherwise, so as to cheat or mislead users to click on such links; (iii) taking advantage of technical means, platform rules, etc. to improperly exclude or hinder the access
to and transaction of the commodities or services legally provided by other undertakings in violation of industry practices or technical specifications; (iv) improperly
acquire or use the business data of other undertakings; (v) making use of algorithms to implement unreasonable differential treatment or unreasonable restriction for
transaction counterparties in terms of transaction conditions by analyzing user preference, transaction habit and other characteristics.
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Regulations Relating to Internet Advertising and Marketing
In April 2015, the NPC Standing Committee promulgated the PRC Advertising Law, or the Advertising Law, which was amended on October 26, 2018 and
April 29, 2021 respectively. Pursuant to the Advertising Law, the contents of advertisements shall be authentic and legal, expressed in healthy form, and shall not
contain any information that is false or confusing. Violation of these provisions may result in penalties, including fines, orders to cease dissemination of the
advertisements and orders to eliminate impact within the corresponding scope.
The Internet Advertising Interim Measures were adopted by the SAIC and became effective in September 2016. The Internet Advertising Interim Measures
regulate internet advertisement, which are defined as commercial advertisements that directly or indirectly promote goods or services through websites, web pages,
internet applications or other internet media in various forms, including texts, pictures, audio clips and videos. According to the Internet Advertising Interim Measures,
internet advertisers are responsible for the authenticity of the content of advertisements. The identity, administrative license, cited information and other certificates that
advertisers are required to obtain in publishing internet advertisements shall be true and valid. Internet advertisements shall be distinguishable and prominently marked
as “advertisements” in order to enable consumers to identify them as advertisements. Publishing and circulating advertisements through the internet shall not affect the
normal use of the internet by users. It is not allowed to induce users to click on the content of advertisements by any fraudulent means, or to attach advertisements or
advertising links in emails without users’ permission. The Internet Advertising Interim Measures also impose several restrictions on the forms of advertisements and
activities used in advertising.
In addition, the SAMR issued the Measures for Administration of Internet Advertising (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Internet Advertising Measures for
public comments until December 25, 2021, which highlights that if the internet broadcast constitutes commercial advertisements, the relevant operators and marketers
shall be subject to the Draft Internet Advertising Measures, and any advertisements for medical treatment, drugs, formula foods or medical devices for special medical
purposes or health foods are prohibited to be published by the internet broadcast.
The Circular of the PBOC, the CBIRC, the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Regulating
Financial Marketing Campaigns, or the Circular 316, which was promulgated on December 20, 2019 and became effective on January 25, 2020, regulates that market
players who have not obtained the corresponding qualification for the financial business may not carry out marketing related to such financial business, except that
information release platforms and the media are entrusted by the financial product operators or financial service providers CSRC that have obtained the qualification for
the financial business with the financial marketing in accordance with the law. According to the Announcement No. 3 issued by PBOC, all lending institutions are
required to display the annualized rate of each loan product prominently on the website, mobile app, poster, and any other channels where the product is marketed, and
specify the annualized rate in the loan contract. The calculation of the annualized interest rate may be based on compound interest or simple interest. The calculation
based on compound interest is equivalent to that of the internal rate of return, and the simple-interest approach should be specified as such.
In December 2021, the Online Marketing Draft was released to solicit public opinions, which applies to financial institutions and third-party Internet platform
operators entrusted by financial institutions to carry out online marketing of financial products. The Online Marketing Draft outlined the basic principles and guidance
for online marketing of financial products.
Regulations Relating to Product Quality and Consumer Rights Protection
Pursuant to the Product Quality Law of PRC promulgated by the NPC Standing Committee in February 1993, and as amended in July 2000, August 2009 and
December 2018 respectively, or the Product Quality Law, a seller must establish and practice a check-for-acceptance system for replenishment of its stock, and examine
the quality certificates and other marks and must also adopt measures to keep the products for sale in good quality. Violation of the Product Quality Law could result in
various penalties, including the imposition of fines, suspension of business operations, revocation of business licenses or criminal liabilities. Where a defective product
causes physical injury to a person or damage to another person’s property, the victim may claim compensation from the manufacturer or from the seller of the product. If
the seller pays compensation and it is the manufacturer that should bear the liability, the seller has a right of recourse against the manufacturer. Similarly, if the
manufacturer pays compensation and it is the seller that should bear the liability, the manufacturer has a right of recourse against the seller.
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The PRC Consumer Rights and Interests Protection Law, as amended and effective as of March 15, 2014, the Administrative Regulations on Internet
Transactions and the E-Commerce Law, have provided stringent requirements and obligations on business operators, including internet business operators and platform
service providers. For example, consumers are entitled to return goods purchased online, subject to certain exceptions, within seven days upon receipt of such goods
without stating a reason for such return. To ensure that sellers and service providers comply with these laws and regulations, the platform operators are required to
implement rules governing transactions on the platform, monitor the information posted by sellers and service providers, and report any violations by such sellers or
service providers to the relevant authorities. In addition, online marketplace platform providers may, pursuant to the relevant PRC consumer protection laws, be exposed
to liabilities if the lawful rights and interests of consumers are infringed upon in connection with consumers’ purchase of goods or acceptance of services on online
marketplace platforms and the online marketplace platform providers fail to provide consumers with the contact information of the seller or manufacturer. In addition,
online marketplace platform providers may be jointly and severally liable with sellers and manufacturers if they are aware or should be aware that any seller or
manufacturer is using the online platform to infringe upon the lawful rights and interests of consumers and fail to take measures necessary to prevent or stop such
activity.
The Civil Code of PRC provides that:
(i) in the event of damage arising from a defective product, the infringed party may seek compensation from either the manufacturer or seller of the said
product. If the product defect is caused by the manufacturer, the seller shall be entitled to seek reimbursement from the manufacturer upon compensation. If the product
defect is caused through the fault of the seller, the manufacturer shall be entitled to seek reimbursement from the seller upon compensation;
(ii) if the product defect is caused through the fault of a third party, including, inter alia, the transporter or the party providing storage, and results in damage
to others, the seller of the said product shall be entitled to seek reimbursement from the third party upon compensation;
(iii) if a defective product endangers the personal or property safety of others, the infringed party shall be entitle to request that the manufacturer or seller
assume tort liability through, inter alia, stop infringement, removal of obstacle and elimination of danger;
(iv) if a defect is found in a product after it has been put into circulation, the manufacturer and the seller shall take remedial measures in a timely manner
including, inter alia, alerts and recalls. In the event of damage is enlarged due to a failure to take remedial measures in a timely manner or inadequate remedial measures,
they shall bear tort liability. Where a recall measure is taken pursuant to the preceding sentences, the manufacturer and the seller shall bear the necessary expenses
incurred by the infringed party resulted therefrom; and
(v) in the event of death or serious damage to health arising from a product that is manufactured or sold when it is known to be defective or failure to take
effective remedial measures pursuant to the preceding sentences, the infringed party shall be entitled to claim corresponding punitive compensation.
We are subject to these laws and regulations as an online supplier of commodities and a provider of an online marketplace platform.
Regulations on Anti-Monopoly Matters Related to Internet Platform Companies
The PRC Anti-Monopoly Law, which was amended on 24 June 2022 and took effect on August 1, 2022, prohibits monopolistic conducts such as entering into
monopoly agreements, abusing market dominance, and undertaking concentrations that may have the effect of eliminating or restricting competition. The PRC Anti-
Monopoly Law requires that operators may not use data and algorithms, technology, capital advantages and platform rules to engage in monopolistic behaviors
prohibited by this law. Furthermore, this law stipulates for increasing the fines for illegal concentration of business operators to “no more than ten percent of its
preceding year’s sales revenue if the concentration of business operator has or may have an effect of excluding or limiting competition; or a fine of up to RMB5 million
if the concentration of business operator does not have an effect of excluding or limiting competition,” and also requires the relevant authority to investigate transaction
where there is evidence that the concentration has or may have the effect of eliminating or restricting competition, even if such concentration does not reach the filing
threshold.
On February 7, 2021, the Anti-Monopoly Commission of the State Council officially promulgated the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms. The
guidelines prohibit certain monopolistic conducts of internet platforms to
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protect market competition, safeguard interests of users and operators who participate in internet platform economics, including without limitation, prohibiting platforms
with dominant position from abusing their market dominance (such as discriminating customers in terms of pricing and other transactional conditions using big data and
analytics, coercing counterparties into exclusivity arrangements, using technology methods to block competitors’ interface, tying or attaching unreasonable trading
conditions, compulsory collection of unnecessary user data). In addition, the guidelines also reinforce the requirement of antitrust merger review for internet platform
related transactions to safeguard market competition.
On August 17, 2021, the SAMR issued the Provisions on Prohibition of Unfair Competition on the Internet (Draft for Comments), which prohibits business
operators from using data, algorithms and other technical means to commit traffic hijacking, interference, malicious incompatibility and other improprieties to influence
user choices or hinder or damage the normal operation of network products or services offered by other business operators. In addition, on November 15, 2021, the
SAMR published the Overseas Anti-monopoly Compliance Guidelines for Enterprises, which provides that both PRC enterprises that conduct business and operation
overseas and PRC enterprises that conduct business and operations in China and may have certain impacts on overseas markets may face risks on anti-monopoly in other
jurisdictions, in particular for those that conduct import and export trade, overseas investments, acquisition, transfer or license of intellectual properties and tendering and
bidding activities.
Regulations Relating to Outsourcing Services
In recent years, the PRC government has expressed its support for outsourcing services provided by non-governmental companies.
The Guidelines for Management of Outsourcing Risks of Banking Financial Institutions, or the Outsourcing Risk Guidelines, issued and effective on June 4,
2010, requires banks engaging in outsourcing to establish outsourcing risk management guidelines and incorporate these guidelines into their overall risk management
systems. The Outsourcing Risk Guidelines, which generally regulates outsourcing by banks, defines “outsourcing” as an act whereby a banking financial institution
commissions some business activities originally handled by itself to a service provider for sustained operations and such service provider may be an independent third
party, a subsidiary, an affiliated company, or a related party established in or outside China by the parent company of the banking financial institution or its affiliates.
On December 30, 2021, the CBIRC issued the Measures for the Regulation of IT Outsourcing Risks of Banking and Insurance Institutions, or the IT
Outsourcing Regulation Measures, which replaced the Guidelines for Regulating Information Technology Outsourcing Risks of Banking Financial Institutions issued on
February 16, 2013, the Circular on Strengthening the Management of Risks Incurred during Offsite and Centralized Information Technology Outsourcing of Banking
Financial Institutions issued on July 1, 2014 and the Notice of the General Office of the China Banking Regulatory Commission of the Launch of the Regulatory
Assessment of the Offsite Centralized Information Technology Outsourcing of Banking Financial Institutions issued on December 2, 2014. The IT Outsourcing
Regulation Measures has incorporated insurance group (holding) companies, insurance companies, insurance asset management companies and financial asset
management companies into the scope of its supervision. The measures clearly stipulate that banking and insurance institutions shall not outsource their responsibilities
as the subject of IT management and network security, and shall specify the IT functions that cannot be outsourced, including IT strategic management, IT risk
management, IT internal audit and other functions related to the core competitiveness of IT. Also, The IT Outsourcing Regulation Measures highlights that when
implementing IT outsourcing, the banking and insurance institutions shall include “safeguarding network and information security and strengthening the protection of
important data and personal information” as one of the principles. In addition, the banking and insurance institutions shall carry out hierarchical management of IT
outsourcing activities and relevant service providers and take differentiated management and control measures for important outsourcing and general outsourcing
according to the IT Outsourcing Regulation Measures.
In addition, on November 11, 2022, the CBIRC issued a draft of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Banking Regulation (Exposure Draft for
Revision), or the Draft of Law of Banking Regulation, for public comments. the Draft of Law of Banking Regulation defines “banking financial institutions” as policy
banks, commercial banks, rural credit cooperatives, financial asset management companies, trust companies, finance companies of enterprise groups, financial leasing
companies, auto finance companies, consumer finance companies, money brokerage companies, wealth management companies, financial asset investment companies
and other financial institutions established within the territory of the PRC with the approval of the banking regulatory authorities. The CBIRC shall be responsible for
regulating banking financial institutions. The Draft of Law of Banking Regulation stipulate that third-party agencies in the banking sector that provide information
technology services to banking financial institutions shall comply with relevant provisions of the State and the banking regulatory agency under the State Council on
information technology business of banking financial institutions, and
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the CBIRC shall have the power to take the measures to carry out on-site inspection over the organizations that provide information technology services.
Regulations Relating to Intellectual Property Rights
The PRC has adopted comprehensive legislation governing intellectual property rights, including copyrights, patents, trademarks and domain names.
Copyright. Copyright in the PRC, including copyrighted software, is principally protected under the Copyright Law of the PRC, promulgated in February
2010 and taking effect in April 2010, or the Copyright Law, and related rules and regulations. A revised Copyright Law was published in November 2020 and became
effective in June 2021. Under the Copyright Law, the term of protection for copyrighted software is 50 years.
Patent. The Patent Law of the PRC, promulgated in December 2008 and effective since October 2009, or the Patent Law, provides for patentable inventions,
utility models and designs. A revised patent Law was published in October 2020 and became effective in June 2021. An invention or utility model for which patents may
be granted shall have novelty, creativity and practical applicability. The State Intellectual Property Office under the State Council is responsible for examining and
approving patent applications.
Trademark. The Trademark Law of the PRC, promulgated in April 2019 and effective since November 2019, or the Trademark Law, and the rules
implemented thereunder protect registered trademarks. The PRC Trademark Office of the CNIPA is responsible for the registration and administration of trademarks
throughout the PRC. The Trademark Law has adopted a “first-to-file” principle with respect to trademark registration. In addition, on January 13, 2023, the CNIPA
issued the Draft Revision to the Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the Draft of Trademark Law, for public comments. The Draft of Trademark Law
stipulate that: (i) an application for registration is applied may not be identical to a prior trademark for the same kind of commodity that the applicant has applied for
earlier, has been registered, or has been deregistered, revoked or invalidated by public notice within one year before the date of application; (ii) Applicants shall not
apply for trademark registration in bad faith; (iii) A trademark registrant shall, within the 12-month period from expiry of every five-year period with effect from the date
of approval of trademark registration, explain to the CNIPA the use of the said trademark on the approved commodities or a proper reason for non-use of the said
trademark.
Domain Name. Domain names are protected under the Measures for the Administration of the Internet Domain Names promulgated by the MIIT in August
2017 and effective since November 2017 or the Domain Names Measures. The MIIT is the major regulatory body responsible for the administration of the PRC internet
domain names. The Domain Names Measures has adopted a “first-to-file” principle with respect to the registration of domain names.
We have registered 123 patents in China, and have applied for 262 additional patents with the PRC State Intellectual Property Office. We have registered 209
software copyrights and 9 copyrights for artworks with the PRC National Copyright Administration. We have 172 registered domain names, including lexin.com,
lexinfintech.com and fenqile.com. As of the date of this annual report, we had 472 registered trademarks, including our “
,” and “
,” “
” trademarks.
Regulations Relating to Labor
Regulations on Labor Contract
The main PRC employment laws and regulations applicable to us include the Labor Law of the PRC, or the Labor Law, the Labor Contract Law of the PRC,
or the Labor Contract Law, the Implementing Regulations on the Labor Contract Law of the PRC and other relevant laws and regulations.
The Labor Law was issued by the NPC Standing Committee on July 5, 1994, took effect on January 1, 1995, and was last amended on December 29, 2018.
Under this law, employers should enter into employment contracts with their employees based on the principles of equality, consent and agreement through consultation.
Wages will be paid based on the policy of performance, equal pay for equal work, lowest wage protection and special labor protection for female worker and juvenile
workers. The Labor Law also requires employers to establish and effectively implement a system of ensuring occupational safety and health, educate employees on
occupational safety and health, preventing work-related accidents and reducing occupational hazards. Employers are also required to pay their employees’ social
insurance premiums.
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The Labor Contract Law was issued by the NPC Standing Committee on June 29, 2007, amended on December 28, 2012 and took effect on July 1, 2013.
Under this law and its implementing regulations, enterprises established in the PRC must enter into employment agreements with their employees to provide for the term
of employment, job duties, work time, holidays and statutory payments, labor protection, working condition and occupational hazard prevention and protection and
other essential contents. Both employers and employees will duly perform their duties. The Labor Contract Law also provides for the scenario of rescission and
termination. Except for certain situations explicitly stipulated in the Labor Contract Law that are not subject to economic compensation, economic compensation shall be
paid to the employee by the employer for the rescission or termination of the employment agreement.
Regulations on Social Insurance and Housing Provident Funds
Pursuant to the Social Insurance Law of the PRC, which was promulgated by the NPC Standing Committee on October 28, 2010, effective on July 1, 2011
and last amended on December 29, 2018, the PRC established social insurance systems such as basic pension insurance, basic medical insurance, work-related injury
insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance. Employers are required to contribute, on behalf of their employees, to a number of social security funds,
including funds for basic pension insurance, unemployment insurance, basic medical insurance, work-related injury insurance and maternity insurance. Employers must
apply for completion of social security registration with the local social security agency within 30 days from the date of incorporation with their business license,
registration certificate or corporation seal. Employers that fail to complete social security registration will be ordered by the social security administrative authorities to
make correction within a stipulated period; where correction is not made within the stipulated period, the employers will be subject to fines ranging from one to three
times the amount of the payable social security premiums, and the person(s)-in-charge who is/are directly accountable and other directly accountable personnel will be
subject to fines ranging from RMB500 to RMB3,000. If an employer does not pay the full amount of social insurance premiums as scheduled, the social insurance
premium collection institution will order it to make the payment or make up the difference within the stipulated period and impose a daily surcharge equivalent to 0.05%
of the overdue payment from the date on which the payment is overdue. If payment is not made within the stipulated period, the relevant administration department will
impose a fine from one to three times the amount of overdue payment.
According to the Several Provisions on Implementing the Social Insurance Law of the PRC, or the Provisions, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources
and Social Security of the PRC on June 29, 2011 and effective on July 1, 2011, insurance premiums that should be paid by employees will be withheld and paid by the
employers. Where an employer fails to withhold and pay the premiums in accordance with the Provisions, the social insurance premium collection institution will order
the employer to remit within the prescribed time and impose a daily surcharge equivalent to 0.05% of the overdue payment from the date of default as late payment
penalty. Employers may not require employees to pay late payment penalties.
Pursuant to the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Provident Funds, issued by the State Council on April 3, 1999 and last amended on March 24,
2019, employers must complete housing provident funds registration with local housing fund administration centers and open housing fund accounts for their employees
in the bank. Employers must, within 30 days from their date of establishment, go through housing provident funds registration with local housing fund administration
centers and complete housing provident fund account establishment procedures for employees with the examination and approval documents of the housing provident
fund management center within 20 days from completion of registration. Employers are required to pay and deposit housing funds on behalf of their employees in full
and in a timely manner, and any employer that fails to open such bank account or contribute housing funds may be fined and ordered to make payment within a
prescribed time limit. If the employer still fails to do so, the housing fund administration center may apply to the court for enforcement of the unpaid amount.
Pursuant to the Notice of the General Office of the State Council on Promulgation of the Pilot Program for Implementing Consolidation of Maternity
Insurance and Basic Medical Insurance for Employees and Opinions of the General Office of the State Council on Comprehensively Promoting the Implementation of
the Combination of Maternity Insurance and Basic Medical Insurance for Employees issued on January 19, 2017 and March 6, 2019, maternity insurance and basic
medical insurance for employees will be consolidated. On July 20, 2018, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General
Office of the State Council of the PRC issued the Reform Plan of the State Tax and Local Tax Collection Administration System, or the Reform Plan. Under the Reform
Plan, beginning January 1, 2019, tax authorities are responsible for the collection of social insurance contributions in the PRC.
Pursuant to the Interim Measures for Participation in Social Insurance by Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Residents in the Mainland, which was promulgated
by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on November 29, 2019,
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effective on January 1, 2020, employers registered in the mainland China shall contribute basic pension insurance, basic medical insurance, work-related injury
insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents who are employed or recruited by them.
Regulations Relating to Tax
Regulations Relating to Enterprise Income Tax
PRC enterprise income tax is calculated based on taxable income, which is determined under (i) the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, implemented in
January 2008 and amended by the NPC in December 2018 and (ii) the implementation rules to the Enterprise Income Tax Law promulgated by the State Council in
January 2008 and amended in April 2019. The Enterprise Income Tax Law imposes a uniform enterprise income tax rate of 25% on all resident enterprises in the PRC,
including foreign-invested enterprises and domestic enterprises but, grants preferential treatment to HNTEs, and qualified “Software Enterprises.” HNTEs are instead
subject to an income tax rate of 15%, subject to the requirement that they re-apply for HNTE status every three years. During each year of this three-year period, an
HNTE must conduct a qualification self-review to ensure it meets the HNTE criteria, or be subject to the regular 25% income tax rate for any year in which it does not
meet the criteria. A qualified “Software Enterprise” is entitled to an income tax exemption for two years beginning with its first profitable year and a 50% reduction to a
rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years. According to the Circular on Income Tax Policies for Further Encouraging the Development of Software and Integrated
Circuit Industries, or the Circular 27, which was effective in January 2011, key software enterprises included in the state planning that have not benefited from the
preferential treatment of tax exemption in the current year may be subject to enterprise income tax at a reduced rate of 10%. However, in December 2020, the
Announcement on the Enterprise Income Tax Policies for Promoting the High-quality Development of the Integrated Circuit Industry and the Software Industry was
released, which replaced the above-mentioned provision in the Circular 27. It provides that a key software enterprises encouraged by the state shall be exempt from the
enterprise income tax from the first to the fifth year from the year when such enterprise makes profits and be subject to the enterprise income tax levied at the reduced
rate of 10% for subsequent years. In April 2021, the Announcement on Income Tax Policies for “Software Enterprises Encouraged by the State” was released, a
“Software Enterprise Encouraged by the State” is entitled to an income tax exemption for two years beginning with its first profitable year and a 50% reduction to a rate
of 12.5% for the subsequent three years. However, these enterprises shall go through record-filing with the tax authority at the time of final settlement each year and be
subject to the examination of the development and reform authority and the industry and information technology authority.
In addition, according to the Enterprise Income Tax Law, enterprises registered in countries or regions outside the PRC but have their “de facto management
bodies” located within China may be considered to be PRC resident enterprises and are therefore subject to PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on their
worldwide income. Though the implementation rules of the Enterprise Income Tax Law define “de facto management bodies” as “establishments that carry out
substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel, accounting, and properties of an enterprise,” the only
detailed guidance currently available for the definition of “de facto management body” as well as the determination and administration of tax residency status of
offshore-incorporated enterprises are set forth in the Notice Regarding the Determination of Chinese-Controlled Overseas Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident
Enterprises on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies promulgated by the SAT, in April 2009, or Circular 82, and the Administrative Measures for Enterprise
Income Tax of Chinese-Controlled Overseas Incorporated Resident Enterprises (Trial Version) issued by the SAT in July 2011, or Bulletin No. 45, which provides
guidance on the administration as well as the determination of the tax residency status of a Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise, defined as an enterprise
that is incorporated under the laws of a foreign country or territory and that has a PRC company or PRC corporate group as its primary controlling shareholder.
According to Circular 82, a Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise will be regarded as a PRC resident enterprise by virtue of having its “de facto
management body” in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its global income only if all of the following conditions are met:
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•the primary location of the day-to-day operational management and the places where they perform their duties are in the PRC;
•decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval of organizations or personnel in the PRC;
•the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals and board and shareholder resolutions are located or maintained in the PRC;
and
•50% or more of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC.
Bulletin No. 45 further clarifies certain issues related to the determination of tax resident status and competent tax authorities. It also specifies that when
provided with a copy of Recognition of Residential Status from a resident Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise, a payer does not need to withhold
income tax when paying certain PRC-sourced income such as dividends, interest and royalties to such Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise.
Regulations Relating to Income Tax for Share Transfers
According to the Circular 7 promulgated by the SAT in February 2015 as amended in December 2017, if a non-resident enterprise transfers the equity
interests of a PRC resident enterprise indirectly by transfer of the equity interests of an offshore holding company (other than a purchase and sale of shares issued by a
PRC resident enterprise in public securities market) without a reasonable commercial purpose, the PRC tax authorities have the power to reassess the nature of the
transaction and the indirect equity transfer will be treated as a direct transfer. As a result, the gain derived from such transfer, which means the equity transfer price less
the cost of equity, will be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%. Under the terms of Circular 7, the transfer which meets all of the following
circumstances shall be directly deemed as having no reasonable commercial purposes: (i) over 75% of the value of the equity interests of the offshore holding company
are directly or indirectly derived from PRC taxable properties; (ii) at any time during the year before the indirect transfer, over 90% of the total properties of the offshore
holding company are investments within PRC territory, or in the year before the indirect transfer, over 90% of the offshore holding company’s revenue is directly or
indirectly derived from PRC territory; (iii) the function performed and risks assumed by the offshore holding company are insufficient to substantiate its corporate
existence; or (iv) the foreign income tax imposed on the indirect transfer is lower than the PRC tax imposed on the direct transfer of the PRC taxable properties.
In October, 2017, SAT issued Bulletin of SAT on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or the Bulletin 37,
which, among others, repeals certain rules stipulated in Circular 7 on December 1, 2017. The Bulletin 37 further details and clarifies the tax withholding methods in
respect of income of non-resident enterprises.
There is uncertainty as to the application of Circular 7. Circular 7 may be determined by the PRC tax authorities to be applicable to our prior private equity
financing transactions that involved non-resident investors, if any of such transactions are determined by the tax authorities to lack reasonable commercial purpose. As a
result, we and our non-resident investors in such transactions may become at risk of being taxed under Circular 7, and we may be required to expend valuable resources
to comply with Circular 7 or to establish that we should not be taxed under the general anti-avoidance rule of the Enterprise Income Tax Law, which may have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Regulations Relating to Dividend Withholding Tax
Pursuant to the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, if a non-resident enterprise has not set up an organization or establishment in the
PRC, or has set up an organization or establishment but the income derived has no actual connection with such organization or establishment, it will be subject to a
withholding tax on its PRC-sourced income at a rate of 10%. Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, the withholding tax rate in respect to the payment of dividends by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong
enterprise is reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly holds at least 25% of the PRC enterprise.
Pursuant to the Notice of the SAT on the Issues concerning the Application of the Dividend Clauses of Tax Agreements, or Circular 81, promulgated by the
SAT in February 2009, a Hong Kong resident enterprise must meet the following conditions, among others, in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax: (i) it should
be a company as provided in the tax treaty; (ii) it must directly own the required percentage of equity interests and voting rights in the PRC resident enterprise; and (iii) it
must have directly owned such percentage in the PRC resident enterprise throughout the 12 months
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prior to receiving the dividends. In August 2015, the SAT promulgated the Administrative Measures for Non-Resident Taxpayers to Enjoy Treatments under Tax
Treaties, or Circular 60, which became effective in November 2015 and was amended in June 2018. Circular 60 provides that non-resident enterprises are not required to
obtain pre-approval from the relevant tax authority in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax rate. Instead, nonresident enterprises and their withholding agents may,
by self-assessment and on confirmation that the prescribed criteria to enjoy the tax treaty benefits are met, directly apply the reduced withholding tax rate, and file
necessary forms and supporting documents when performing tax filings, which will be subject to post-tax filing examinations by the relevant tax authorities.
In February 2018, the SAT promulgated the Notice on Issues Related to the “Beneficial Owner” in Tax Treaties, according to which when determining the
applicant’s status as the “beneficial owner” regarding tax treatments in connection with dividends in the tax treaties, several factors, including without limitation, whether
the applicant is obligated to pay more than 50% of its income in twelve months to residents in a third-party country or region, whether the business operated by the
applicant constitutes the actual business activities, and whether the counterparty country or region to the tax treaties does not levy any tax or grant tax exemption on
relevant incomes or levies tax at an extremely low rate, will be taken into account, and it will be analyzed according to the actual circumstances of the specific cases.
In October 2019, the SAT promulgated the Administrative Measures for Non-Resident Taxpayers to Enjoy Treatments under Tax Treaties, or Circular 35.
Circular 35 became effective and superseded Circular 60 in January 2020. Compared to Circular 60, Circular 35 provides that the nonresident enterprises and their
withholding agents are not required to submit the supporting documents for tax treaty benefits when performing tax filings. Instead, nonresident enterprises and their
withholding agents may retain such supporting documents themselves for the post-tax filing examinations by the relevant tax authorities.
Accordingly, Installment (HK) Investment Limited, our Hong Kong subsidiary, may be able to enjoy the 5% withholding tax rate for the dividends they
receive from our PRC subsidiaries, if it satisfies the conditions prescribed under Circular 81 and other relevant tax rules and regulations. However, according to Circular
81, if the relevant tax authorities consider the transactions or arrangements we have are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment, the relevant tax
authorities may adjust the favorable withholding tax in the future.
Regulations Relating to Value-added Tax
All entities and individuals engaged in the sale of goods, provision of processing, repairs and replacement services, and the importation of goods within the
territory of the PRC must pay value-added tax, or VAT, in accordance with the Provisional Regulations on Value-added Tax of the PRC and its implementation rules.
The Provisional Regulations on VAT were issued by the State Council in 1993 and last amended on November 19, 2017. The regulations applicable to VAT were further
amended by the Notice of Adjustment of VAT Rates, issued on April 4, 2018, and by the Notice of Strengthening Reform of VAT Policies issued on March 20, 2019
and effective on April 1, 2019. VAT payable is calculated as “output VAT” minus “input VAT.” The rate of VAT varies from 3% to 13% depending on the product
type.
Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange
Regulations Relating to Foreign Currency Exchange
The principal regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Foreign Exchange Control,
promulgated by the State Council as amended in August 2008. Under these regulations, the Renminbi is freely convertible for current account items, including the trade
and service-related foreign exchange transactions and other current exchange transactions, but not for capital account items, such as direct investments, loans,
repatriation of investments and investments in securities, unless the prior approval of SAFE is obtained and prior registration with SAFE is made.
The Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Improving and Adjusting the Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Direct
Investments promulgated by SAFE in November 2012 and most recently amended in December 2019 substantially amends and simplifies the current foreign exchange
procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts, such as pre-establishment expense accounts, foreign exchange
capital accounts and guarantee accounts, the reinvestment of Renminbi proceeds by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and
dividends by a foreign-invested enterprise to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same
entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible previously.
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In addition, according to the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Issuing the Provisions on the Foreign Exchange Administration of
Domestic Direct Investment of Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents promulgated by SAFE in May 2013 and most recently amended in December 2019, the
administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process
foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.
In March 2015, SAFE released the SAFE Circular 19, which became effective in June 2015 and was amended in December 2019. SAFE Circular 19 made
certain adjustments to some regulatory requirements on the settlement of foreign exchange capital of foreign-invested enterprises. It also annulled the Notice of the
General Affairs Department of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on the Relevant Operating Issues concerning the Improvement of the Administration of
Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142, and the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign
Exchange on the Pilot Reform of the Administrative Approach Regarding the Settlement of the Foreign Exchange Capitals of Foreign-Invested Enterprises in Certain
Areas, and lifted some foreign exchange restrictions under SAFE Circular 142. However, SAFE Circular 19 continues to prohibit foreign-invested enterprises from,
among other things, using a Renminbi fund converted from its foreign exchange capitals for expenditure beyond its business scope, providing entrusted loans or
repaying loans between non-financial enterprises.
In June 2016, SAFE issued the SAFE Circular 16, which became effective on the same day. Compared to SAFE Circular 19, SAFE Circular 16 provides that,
in addition to foreign exchange capital, foreign debt funds and proceeds remitted from foreign listings should also be subject to the discretional foreign exchange
settlement. In addition, it also lifted the restriction, that foreign exchange capital under the capital accounts and the corresponding Renminbi capital obtained from
foreign exchange settlement should not be used for repaying the inter-enterprise borrowings (including advances by the third party) or repaying bank loans in Renminbi
that have been sub-lent to the third party.
In January 2017, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Improving Reform of Foreign Exchange Administration and Optimizing Genuineness and
Compliance Verification, or SAFE Circular 3, which stipulates several capital control measures with respect to the outbound remittance of profit from domestic entities
to offshore entities, including (i) under the principle of genuine transaction, banks shall check board resolutions regarding profit distribution, the original version of tax
filing records and audited financial statements; and (ii) domestic entities shall hold income to account for previous years’ losses before remitting profits. Moreover,
pursuant to SAFE Circular 3, domestic entities shall make detailed explanations of the sources of capital and utilization arrangements, and provide board resolutions,
contracts and other proof when completing the registration procedures in connection with an outbound investment.
Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange Registration Management of Foreign Investment
On July 4, 2014, the SAFE promulgated the Notice on Relevant Issues Relating to Domestic Residents’ Investment and Financing and Round-Trip
Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, for the purpose of simplifying the approval process and for the promotion of the cross-border
investment. SAFE Circular 37 supersedes the Notice on Relevant Issues on the Foreign Exchange Administration of Raising Funds through Overseas Special Purpose
Vehicle and Investing Back in China by Domestic Residents, and revises and regulates the relevant matters involving foreign exchange registration for round-trip
investment. Under SAFE Circular 37, (i) PRC residents (including PRC entities and PRC individuals) must register with the local branch of the SAFE before he or she
contributes assets or equity interest in an overseas special purpose vehicle that is directly established or indirectly controlled by the PRC resident for the purpose of
conducting investment or financing; and (ii) following the initial registration, PRC residents must update their SAFE registration when the offshore special purpose
vehicle undergoes material events relating to any change of basic information, including change of such PRC citizens or residents’ name, operation term, increases or
decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions.
Regulations Relating to PRC Residents Participating in Share Incentive Plans of Offshore Listed Companies
On February 15, 2012, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange promulgated the Notice on Foreign Exchange Administration of PRC Residents
Participating in Share Incentive Plans of Offshore Listed Companies. Individuals participating in any stock incentive plan of any overseas publicly listed company who
are Chinese citizens or foreign citizens who reside in mainland China for a continuous period of not less than one year, subject to a few exceptions, are required to
register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange or its local branches and complete certain other procedures. These plan participants must also retain an
overseas entrusted institution to handle matters in connection with their exercise of stock options, the purchase and sale of corresponding stock or interests and fund
transfers. In addition, the agent in China is
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required to further amend the registration as required by State Administration of Foreign Exchange with respect to the stock incentive plan if there is any material change
to the stock incentive plan, the mainland Chinese agent or the overseas entrusted institution or other material changes. The Chinese agents must, on behalf of the PRC
residents who have the right to exercise the employee share options, apply to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange or its local branches for an annual quota for
the payment of foreign currencies in connection with the PRC residents’ exercise of the employee share options. The foreign exchange proceeds received by the PRC
residents from the sale of shares under the stock incentive plans granted and dividends distributed by the overseas listed companies must be remitted into the bank
accounts in China opened by the Chinese agents before distribution to such PRC residents.
Regulations on M&A Rules
On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including MOFCOM, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State
Council, the SAT, the SAMR, the CSRC and SAFE, issued the M&A Rules, which took into effect on September 8, 2006 and were amended on June 22, 2009. Foreign
investors are subject to the M&A Rules when they purchase equity interest of a domestic company or subscribe for the increased capital of a domestic company that
changes a domestic company into a foreign-invested enterprise; or when the foreign investors establish a foreign-invested enterprise in the PRC, purchase the assets of a
domestic company and operate the assets via such foreign-invested enterprise; or when the foreign investors purchase the assets of a domestic company, establish a
foreign-invested enterprise by injecting such assets and operate the assets. The M&A Rules also provide that if a PRC entity or individual plans to merge or acquire its
related PRC entity through an overseas company legitimately incorporated or controlled by such entity or individual, such a merger or acquisition shall be subject to
examination and approval by MOFCOM.
On July 6, 2021, the relevant PRC government authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the
Law. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based
companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to deal with the risks and incidents faced by
China-based overseas-listed companies.
On December 27, 2021, the NDRC and the MOC jointly issued the 2021 Negative List, which became effective on January 1, 2022. Pursuant to such Special
Administrative Measures, if a domestic company engaging in the prohibited business stipulated in the 2021 Negative List seeks an overseas offering and listing, it shall
obtain the approval from the competent governmental authorities. Besides, the foreign investors of the company shall not be involved in the company’s operation and
management, and their shareholding percentage shall be subject, mutatis mutandis, to the relevant regulations on the domestic securities investments by foreign
investors.
Approved by the State Council, CSRC released new regulations for the filing-based administration of overseas securities offering and listing by domestic
companies on February 17, 2023. The regulations come into effect on March 31, 2023, which including the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities
Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies or the Trial Measures, and 5 supporting guidelines. The Trial Measures stipulates that both direct and indirect overseas
offering and listing activities are subject to regulation, and clearly defines the circumstances where provisions for direct and indirect overseas offering and listing by
domestic companies apply.
Specifically, where a domestic company seeks to indirectly offer and list securities in overseas markets, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating
entity, which shall, as the domestic responsible entity, file with the CSRC. Any overseas offering and listing made by an issuer that meets both the following conditions
will be determined as indirect: (i) 50% or more of the issuer's operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial
statements for the most recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (ii) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in the
PRC, or its main places of business are located in the PRC, or the senior managers in charge of its business operation and management are mostly PRC citizens or
domiciled in the PRC. The determination as to whether or not an overseas offering and listing by domestic companies is indirect, shall be made on a substance over form
basis. According to the Trail Measures, No overseas offering and listing shall be made under any of the following circumstances: (i) where such securities offering and
listing is explicitly prohibited by provisions in laws, administrative regulations and relevant state rules; (ii) where the intended securities offering and listing may
endanger national security as reviewed and determined by competent authorities under the State Council in accordance with law; (iii) where the domestic company
intending to make the securities offering and listing, or its controlling shareholders and the actual controller, have committed crimes such as corruption, bribery,
embezzlement, misappropriation of property or undermining the order of the socialist market economy during the latest three years; (iv) where the domestic company
intending to make the securities offering and listing is suspected of committing crimes or major violations of laws and
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regulations, and is under investigation according to law, and no conclusion has yet been made thereof; (v) where there are material ownership disputes over equity held
by the domestic company’s controlling shareholder or by other shareholders that are controlled by the controlling shareholder and/or actual controller.
According to the Trial Measures, Initial public offerings or listings in overseas markets, or subsequent securities offerings and listings of an issuer in other
overseas markets than where it has offered and listed, shall be filed with the CSRC within 3 working days after the relevant application is submitted overseas.
Subsequent securities offerings of an issuer in the same overseas market where it has previously offered and listed securities shall be filed with the CSRC within 3
working days after the offering is completed. A domestic company that seeks to directly or indirectly list its domestic assets in overseas markets through single or
multiple acquisitions, share swaps, transfers of shares or other means, shall fulfil the filing procedure with the CSRC within 3 working days the relevant application is
submitted overseas or the first public disclosure of the specifics of the transaction is made by the listed company. Where a domestic company fails to fulfill filing
procedure as stipulated by the Trial Measures or offers and lists securities in an overseas market in violation of the Trial Measures, the CSRC shall order rectification,
issue warnings to such domestic company, and impose a fine of between RMB 1,000,000 yuan and RMB 10,000,000 yuan. Directly liable persons-in-charge and other
directly liable persons shall be warned and each imposed a fine of between RMB 500,000 yuan and RMB 5,000,000 yuan. Controlling shareholders and actual
controllers of the domestic company that organize or instruct the violations shall be imposed a fine of RMB 1,000,000 yuan and RMB 10,000,000 yuan. Directly liable
persons-in-charge and other directly liable persons shall be each imposed a fine of between RMB 500,000 yuan and RMB 5,000,000 yuan.
In order to support domestic companies overseas securities offering and listing pursuant to laws and regulations, as a supplement to the Trial Measures, the
CSRC, Ministry of Finance of PRC, National Administration of State Secrets Protection and National Archives Administration of China, have jointly revised the
Provisions on Strengthening Confidentiality and Archives Administration for Overseas Securities Offering and Listing (Announcement No.29 [2009] of the CSRC,
hereinafter referred to as the Provisions). The revised Provisions is issued under the title the Provisions on Strengthening Confidentiality and Archives Administration of
Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, and will come into effect on 31 March 2023 with the Trial Measures. The revised Provisions expands
its application to cover both direct and indirect overseas offering and listing, and requires that a domestic company that plans to, either directly or through its overseas
listed entity, publicly disclose or provide to relevant individuals or entities including securities companies, securities service providers and overseas regulators, any
documents and materials that (i)contain state secrets or working secrets of government agencies shall first obtain approval from competent authorities according to law,
and file with the secrecy administrative department at the same level; or (ii) if leaked, will be detrimental to national security or public interest, shall strictly fulfill
relevant procedures stipulated by applicable national regulations. In addition, the domestic company, securities companies and securities service providers shall first
obtain approval from the CSRC or other competent Chinese authorities before cooperating with the inspection and investigation by the overseas securities regulator or
competent overseas authority, or providing documents and materials requested in such inspection and investigation.
Regulations on Technology Export Control
On November 7, 2016, the Standing Committee of the NPC issued the Foreign Trade Law, and it provides that foreign trade operators engaged in export of
technologies shall report with the relevant governmental authorities. Pursuant to the Foreign Trade Law, where technologies exported are prohibited, or restricted but
were exported without governmental permission, relevant authorities will impose penalties in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations, or will order the
operators to conduct rectification, confiscate their illegal income, and impose fine of one to five times of the illegal income. If there is no illegal income or the amount of
illegal income is less than RMB10,000, a fine ranging from RMB10,000 to RMB50,000 will be imposed.
On November 29, 2020, the State Council released the Regulations on the Administration of the Import and Export of Technology (2020 vision). The
Regulations stipulate the definition of technology export, which refers to the transfer of technology from China to foreign countries by means of trade, investment or
economic and technical cooperation. According to the Regulations, the relevant departments may establish a catalog of technologies that are restricted or prohibited
from export, and the export of technologies in the “prohibited” part of the catalog is prohibited. For technologies in the “restricted” part of the catalog, approval from the
government is required before the parties conduct substantive negotiations and sign a contract on the export, and an export license must be obtained before the export
can be made.
On August 28, 2020, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Science and Technology jointly issued the Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or
Restricted from Export by China, or the Catalogue, which has replaced its previous version issued in 2001. The main purpose of the Catalogue is to regulate the export
of technologies, promote technological
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improvement and expand economic and technological exchanges with foreign countries while safeguarding national economic security. According to the Catalogue, for
technologies which are categorized as the restricted export technology, an export license is required before export.
C. Organizational Structure
The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our principal subsidiaries, variable interest entities and subsidiaries of the variable interest
entities as of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F.
(1)The shareholders of Shenzhen Xinjie include Jay Wenjie Xiao (95%) and Wenbin Li (5%). Jay Wenjie Xiao is our chief executive officer and chairman of our board
of directors, and Wenbin Li is a non-executive PRC employee.
(2)The shareholders of Shenzhen Fenqile include Shenzhen Xinjie (68.7027%) and Jay Wenjie Xiao (31.2973%).
(3)The shareholders of Beijing Lejiaxin include Jay Wenjie Xiao (99.87%) and Jared Yi Wu (0.13%). Jared Yi Wu is our president and director.
(4)The shareholders of Qianhai Dingsheng include Kris Qian Qiao (60%), our counsel, and Jianwei Wei (30%), a non-executive PRC employee, and Shenzhen Xinjie
(10%).
(5)The shareholders of Mengtian Technology include Jay Wenjie Xiao (62.5%), Xiaoting Zhou (17.5%), Kris Qian Qiao (7.5%), Jianwei Wei (7.5%) and Shan Xu
(5%), Xiaoting Zhou and Shan Xu are all our non-executive PRC employee.
(6)99% of the equity interest of Shenzhen Lexin Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd. is directly held by Lexin Software, and the remaining 1% is held by Upside Limited, one
of our subsidiaries.
(7)The shareholders of Beihai Super Egg include Tao Yang (50%) and Chao Han (50%), and Tao Yang and Chao Han are all our non-executive PRC employees.
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Contractual Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities
LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. is not a Chinese operating company but a Cayman Islands holding company with no equity ownership in the variable interest
entities and their subsidiaries. We conduct our operations in China through (i) our PRC subsidiaries, and (ii) the variable interest entities, with which we have maintained
contractual arrangements, and their subsidiaries. The PRC laws and regulations impose restrictions on foreign ownership and investment in internet-based businesses
such as distribution of online information and other value-added telecommunications services. Accordingly, we operate these businesses in China through the variable
interest entities, and rely on contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their nominee shareholders. Such structure provides
investors with exposure to foreign investment in China-based companies where the PRC laws and regulations prohibit or restrict direct foreign investment in operating
companies in certain sectors. To comply with the PRC laws and regulations, we have entered into a series of contractual arrangements, mainly through Beijing Shijitong,
Shenzhen Lexin Software and Beihai Green Lemon, with the variable interest entities and the shareholders of the variable interest entities to obtain effective control over
the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries.
We currently conduct our business through the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries based on these contractual arrangements, which allow us to:
•exercise effective control over the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries;
•receive substantially all of the economic benefits from the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries; and
•have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in the variable interest entities and when and to the extent permitted by the PRC law.
As a result of these contractual arrangements, we have become the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entities under U.S. GAAP. We have
consolidated the financial results of the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The following is a summary of the currently effective contractual arrangements between our wholly owned PRC subsidiary, Beijing Shijitong, certain of the
variable interest entities and their nominee shareholders. The contractual arrangements between (i) our wholly owned PRC subsidiary, Shenzhen Lexin Software, and
the variable interest entity, Mengtian Technology, and its shareholders and (ii) our wholly owned PRC subsidiary, Beihai Green Lemon and the variable interest entity,
Beihai Super Egg, and its shareholders are of substantially the same terms and conditions.
Agreements that Allow Us to Receive Economic Benefits from the Variable Interest Entities
Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreements. Beijing Shijitong entered into exclusive business cooperation agreements with each of the variable interest
entities. Pursuant to these agreements, Beijing Shijitong or its designated party has the exclusive right to provide the variable interest entities with comprehensive
business support, technical support and consulting services. Without Beijing Shijitong’s prior written consent, the variable interest entities shall not accept any consulting
and/or services covered by these agreements from any third party. The variable interest entities agree to pay service fees in an amount determined by Beijing Shijitong
based on respective profit calculated as revenue minus cost agreed and recognized by Beijing Shijitong of the variable interest entities for the relevant period on a yearly
basis or other service fees for specific services as required and as otherwise agreed by both parties. Beijing Shijitong owns the intellectual property rights arising out of
the services performed under these agreements. Unless Beijing Shijitong terminates these agreements or pursuant to other provisions of these agreements, these
agreements will remain effective indefinitely. These agreements can be terminated by Beijing Shijitong through a 30-day advance written notice, the variable interest
entities have no right to unilaterally terminate these agreements.
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Agreements that Provide Us with Effective Control over the Variable Interest Entities
Power of Attorney. Through a series of power of attorney, each nominee shareholder of the variable interest entities irrevocably authorizes Beijing Shijitong
or any person(s) designated by Beijing Shijitong to act as its attorney-in- fact to exercise all of such shareholder’s voting and other rights associated with the
shareholder’s equity interest in the variable interest entities, including but not limited to, the right to attend shareholder meetings on behalf of such shareholder, the right
to appoint legal representatives, directors, supervisors and chief executive officers and other senior management, and the right to sell, transfer, pledge and dispose of all
or a portion of the shares held by such shareholder. The power of attorney is irrevocable and remains in force continuously upon execution.
Equity Pledge Agreements. Beijing Shijitong has entered into an equity pledge agreement with each nominee shareholder of the variable interest entities.
Pursuant to these equity pledge agreements, each shareholder of the variable interest entities has pledged all of his, her or its respective equity interest in the variable
interest entities to Beijing Shijitong to guarantee the performance by such nominee shareholder and the variable interest entities of their respective obligations under the
exclusive business cooperation agreements, the power of attorney, the loan agreement, the exclusive option agreements, and any amendment, supplement or restatement
to such agreements. If the variable interest entities or any of their nominee shareholders breach any obligations under these agreements, Beijing Shijitong, as pledgee,
will be entitled to dispose of the pledged equity and have priority to be compensated by the proceeds from the disposal of the pledged equity. Each of the nominee
shareholders of the variable interest entities agrees that before his, her or its obligations under the contractual arrangements are discharged, he, she or it will not dispose
of the pledged equity interests, create or allow any encumbrance on the pledged equity interests, which may result in the change of the pledged equity that may have
adverse effects on the pledgee’s rights under these agreements without the prior written consent of Beijing Shijitong. These equity pledge agreements will remain
effective until the variable interest entities and their nominee shareholders discharge all their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements. As of the date of
this annual report, the equity pledged between each shareholder of the variable interest entities and Beijing Shijitong has been registered with the local PRC authorities.
Agreements that Provide Us with the Option to Purchase the Equity Interest in the Variable Interest Entities
Exclusive Option Agreements. Beijing Shijitong has entered into the exclusive option agreements with the variable interest entities. Pursuant to these
exclusive option agreements, the nominee shareholders of the variable interest entities have irrevocably granted Beijing Shijitong or any third party designated by
Beijing Shijitong an exclusive option to purchase all or part of their respective equity interests in the variable interest entities. The purchase price shall be the lowest price
permitted by law. Without Beijing Shijitong’s prior written consent, the variable interest entities shall not, among other things, amend their articles of association,
increase or decrease the registered capital, sell, dispose of or set any encumbrance on their assets, business or revenue, enter into any material contract outside the
ordinary course of business, merge with any other persons or make any investments, distribute dividends or enter into any transactions which have material adverse
effects on their business. The shareholders of the variable interest entities also jointly and severally undertake that they will not transfer, gift or otherwise dispose of their
respective equity interests in the variable interest entities to any third party or create or allow any encumbrance on their equity interests within the term of these
agreements. These agreements will remain effective until Beijing Shijitong and/or any third party designated by Beijing Shijitong has acquired all equity interests of the
variable interest entities from their respective nominee shareholders.
Loan Agreements. Pursuant to the loan agreement between Beijing Shijitong and the shareholders of Qianhai Dingsheng, the loan agreements between
Beijing Shijitong and the shareholders of Shenzhen Xinjie, the loan agreements between Beijing Shijitong and the shareholders of Shenzhen Fenqile, the loan agreement
between Beijing Shijitong and the shareholders of Beijing Lejiaxin. Beijing Shijitong made certain loans to the nominee shareholders of certain variable interest entities
solely for the purpose of operating their respective businesses. Pursuant to these loan agreements, the nominee shareholders can only repay the loans by the transfer of all
their equity interests in the applicable variable interest entities to Beijing Shijitong and Shenzhen Lexin Software (as applicable) or its designated person(s) pursuant to
their respective exclusive option agreements. The nominee shareholders must pay all of the proceeds from transfer of such equity interests to Beijing Shijitong (as
applicable). In the event that nominee shareholders transfer their equity interests to Beijing Shijitong (as applicable) or its designated person(s) with a price equivalent to
or less than the amount of the principal, the loans will be interest free. If the price is higher than the amount of the principal, the excess amount will be paid to Beijing
Shijitong (as applicable) as the loan interest. The loans must be repaid immediately when permitted by the PRC laws at Beijing Shijitong’s request. The term of all loans
are ten years and will be extended automatically for another ten years on each expiration.
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In the opinion of Shihui Partners, our PRC counsel: the ownership structures of the variable interest entities currently do not result in any violation of
applicable PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their shareholders,
are governed by the PRC laws or regulations and are currently valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with applicable PRC laws or regulations currently in effect,
and do not result in any violation of applicable PRC laws or regulations currently in effect. However, Shihui Partners has also advised us that there are substantial
uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations and there can be no assurance that the PRC government will
ultimately take a view that is consistent with the opinion of our PRC counsel. In particular, in March 2019, the NPC passed the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which
became effective as of January 1, 2020. For the effect of the PRC Foreign Investment Law on us. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our
Corporate Structure” and “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign
Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.”
However, the contractual arrangements may not be as effective as ownership of the variable interest entities, and we may incur substantial costs to enforce the
terms of the arrangements. In addition, the legality and enforceability of the contractual agreements between our PRC subsidiaries, the variable interest entities, and their
nominee shareholders, as a whole, have not been tested in a court of law in China as of the date of this annual report. As such, the VIEs structure involves unique risks to
investors of our Cayman Islands holding company. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—We rely on contractual
arrangements with the variable interest entities and their shareholders, for a significant portion of our business operations, which may not be as effective as ownership in
directing the activities” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—Any failure by the variable interest entities or their
respective shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material adverse effect on our business.”
There are also substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules regarding the status
of the rights of our Cayman Islands holding company with respect to its contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and its nominee shareholders. It is
uncertain whether any new PRC laws or regulations relating to variable interest entity structures will be adopted or if adopted, what they would provide. If we or any of
the variable interest entities is found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or
approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take action in dealing with such violations or failures. See “Item 3. Key Information—
D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—If the PRC government deems that the contractual arrangements in relation to the variable interest entities
and their subsidiaries do not comply with the PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of
existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations,” and “Item 3. Key
Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of the PRC laws and regulations could
limit the legal protections available to us.”
Our corporate structure is subject to risks associated with our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities. If the PRC government deems that
our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities do not comply with the PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if
these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change or are interpreted differently in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to
relinquish our interests in those operations. Our holding company, our PRC subsidiaries and the variable interest entities, and investors of our company face uncertainty
about potential future actions by the PRC government that could affect the enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and,
consequently, significantly affect the financial performance of the variable interest entities and our company as a whole. The PRC regulatory authorities could disallow
the VIEs structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
For a detailed description of the risks associated with our corporate structure, please refer to risks disclosed under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks
Related to Our Corporate Structure.”
D. Property, Plant and Equipment
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Our corporate headquarters is located in Shenzhen, China, where we lease office space with an area of approximately 16,220 square meters as of the date of
this annual report. For our user services, data verification services and collection services, we lease office space in six cities in China, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan,
Nanchang, Changsha and Ji’an, with aggregate area of approximately 24,772 square meters. We also lease office space in various locations in the PRC, with an
aggregate area of approximately 8,796 square meters. We lease our premises from unrelated third parties under operating lease agreements. The lease terms vary from 1
year to 5 years. Our servers are primarily hosted at internet data centers owned by major domestic internet data center providers. We believe that our existing facilities
are generally adequate to meet our current needs, but we expect to seek additional space as needed to accommodate future growth.
In February 2020, we successfully bid for a plot of land of 2,911.25 square meters in Shenzhen’s Nanshan district and entered into a land use purchase
agreement with the municipal government. Total purchase price for the acquisition of the land plot is RMB1.032 billion. We expect to use this land to our continued
growth and expansion, as we plan to build our new headquarters in this new location.
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited consolidated
financial statements and the related notes included in this annual report on Form 20-F. This report contains forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking
Information.” In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information provided under the caption “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” in this
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annual report on Form 20-F. We caution you that our businesses and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties.
A. Operating Results
Overview
We are a leading online and offline consumption platform and a technology-driven service provider in China. Established in 2013, we leverage our profound
understanding of consumers in China and the valuable experience of partnering with hundreds of financial institutions over the years, as well as our advanced
technological capabilities, to connect fast-growing new generation consumers and SME owners with well-established national and regional funding partners.
We have expanded the scale of our platform rapidly since our inception. From our inception in August 2013 through the end of 2022, we cumulatively
originated RMB863 billion (US$125 billion) in loans. In 2020, 2021 and 2022, we originated RMB177 billion, RMB214 billion and RMB205 billion (US$29.7 billion)
in loans, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, our outstanding principal balance of loans was approximately RMB76.5 billion, RMB85.9 billion and
RMB99.6 billion (US$14.4 billion), respectively. The weighted average tenor of loans originated on our platform in 2021 and 2022 was approximately 11.1 months and
13.1 months, respectively.
Key Operating Metrics
We regularly monitor a number of metrics in order to measure our current performance and project our future performance. These metrics aid us in
developing and refining our growth strategies and making strategic decisions:
Outstanding principal balance (in millions)
Outstanding principal balance by accounting treatment:
Outstanding principal balance of on-balance sheet loans (in millions)
Outstanding principal balance of off-balance sheet loans (in millions)
Originations (in millions)
Number of active users who used our loan products (in thousands)
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As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
76,480
85,930
99,618
14,443
5,652
70,828
176,679
12,927
4,341
81,589
213,807
14,167
6,952
92,666
204,585
9,694
1,008
13,435
29,662
—
Outstanding principal balance. Outstanding principal balance represents the total amount of principal outstanding for loans originated on our platform at the
end of the period. The accounting treatment with respect to outstanding principal balance of loans on our consolidated balance sheets varies, depending primarily on
whether we are considered as the primary obligor in the lending relationship. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies-
Presentation for on- and off-balance sheet loans.”
Originations. Originations represent the total principal amount of the loans we originate during the period. Our users have the option to postpone or
reschedule their monthly repayment. For originations, the principal amount postponed or rescheduled is calculated as a new loan principal amount. We treat off-balance
sheet loans as part of our originations.
Number of active users and new active users using our loan products. We define an active user as a user who uses our loan products at least once during the
relevant period. A new active user during a period is an active user during the period who did not use our loan products prior to the beginning of this period.
On- and Off-Balance Sheet Treatment of Loans
We access an array of diversified funding sources to ensure that we have scalable and stable funding. The accounting treatment of assets, liabilities and
revenues arising from the loans we originate varies, depending primarily on whether we are considered as the primary obligor in the lending relationship.
We generate financing receivables from providing loans to users. The loans generated from our platform or mobile application are primarily funded by the
following funding sources: (1) institutional funding partners; (2) the issuance of asset-backed securitized debts, and (3) historically, individual investors on Juzi Licai,
the balance of which had been reduced to zero by December 2020. Depending on the arrangements among us, the borrowers and the funding sources, the underlying
loans are accounted for as “on-balance sheet loans” or “off-balance sheet loans,” where applicable.
With respect to the loans funded by individual investors through Juzi Licai after our business model adjustments on April 24, 2018, and the loans funded by
certain institutional funding partners, such as certain third-party commercial banks, we have determined that we are not the primary obligor in the lending relationship
and thus do not record financing receivables from such loans. For certain off-balance sheet loans, we are obligated to compensate some institutional funding partners for
the principal and interest repayment of loans in the event of a user default. These financial guarantee contracts are accounted for as guarantee liabilities under ASC 460,
Guarantees, provided that the scope exception under ASC 815-10-15-58 is met. We also provide full interest repayment to certain institutional funding partners
according to the terms of the loan in the event that a user makes an early repayment of the loan. We account for our contracts with these institutional funding partners as
a derivative under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which is recognized on our consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities. Other institutional
funding partners do not require us to provide any guarantee pursuant to the loans facilitated. For individual investors on Juzi Licai, we set up an investor protection
program called the risk safeguard scheme on April 24, 2018, replacing the quality assurance program. We concluded that we are the primary obligor in providing the
guarantee services in relation to the risk safeguard scheme and records our obligations in accordance with ASC 460, Guarantees. The balance of risk safeguard fund is
recorded as “restricted cash” on our consolidated balance sheets. We earned loan facilitation and servicing fees from our platform users and individual investors on Juzi
Licai. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies-Presentation for on- and off-balance sheet loans.”
General Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Our results of operations are affected by general factors driving the online consumer finance industry in China.
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Regulatory environment in China
The online consumer finance industry in China is heavily regulated. Since mid-2015, relevant regulatory authorities have issued various laws and regulations
governing the online consumer finance industry. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations.” It is expected that the online
consumer finance market may be subject to closer scrutiny from regulators with more detailed rules and regulations to be introduced. We modified our operations
recently to comply with relevant PRC laws and regulations. For example, in response to certain requirements under the Circular 141, we have made an adjustment to our
cooperation model with institutional funding partners and currently conduct a part of our cooperation with these institutional funding partners through our own financial
guarantee companies qualified to provide financing guarantees for the users on our platform and to charge fees for the relevant guarantee services. Due to the restriction
on the outstanding guarantee liabilities of our own financing guarantee companies, we also cooperate with other third-party financing guarantee companies or
commercial insurance companies, which provide guarantee or insurance services for the users on our platform, provided that for some of such cooperation, the variable
interest entities without the financing guarantee qualification, has been required to provide the third-party financing guarantee companies and/or the commercial
insurance companies with a back-to-back guarantee or a deposit to compensate them in the event that such financing guarantee company or commercial insurance
companies performed its guarantee or insurance obligation upon the defaults of our users. In the future, we may be required to make further adjustment in our operations
to comply with any relevant future PRC laws and regulations regarding the online consumer finance industry. These changes would have a material impact on our future
financial results. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—If our current investor protection measures for
institutional funding partners are deemed to violate the relevant laws and regulations, or if we are deemed to have operated financial guarantee business by the PRC
regulatory authorities, our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.”
On the other hand, we have closely tracked the development and implementation of new rules and regulations that are likely to affect us. Tighter regulations
may increase overall compliance costs of market players, promote more commercially reasonable and sensible credit products, enhance the competitive edge of
established market players, and encourage consolidations within the industry. We believe these requirements have created entry barriers for many market players in
China and further differentiated us from our competitors. We will continue to ensure timely compliance with existing and new laws and regulations applicable to our
business. We believe that our ability to ensure timely and full compliance with these rules and regulations will improve our competitive position in the online consumer
finance industry in China.
Economic and market conditions
While we believe we will continue to offer attractive value propositions to users and funding sources in changing economic environments, changes in the
overall economic conditions may impact our business in several ways, including demand for our products, credit performance and funding costs.
The demand from our users and funding sources for our loan products is dependent upon interest rates offered and the return earned relative to other
comparable or substitute products. For example, a significant interest rate increase could cause potential users to defer seeking loans as they wait for rates to settle.
Additionally, if weakness in the economy occurs and actual or expected default rates increase, investors and institutional funding partners may delay or reduce their
funding of loans on our platform. Furthermore, although we have access to diversified funding sources, in the event of an insufficient amount of liquidity in the financial
markets, it may be difficult for us to obtain sufficient funding from our institutional funding partners at a reasonable cost.
In a strong economic climate, demand for our products and services may increase as consumer spending increases. In addition, additional potential users may
qualify for a higher credit limit based on our credit assessment. Traditional lenders may also approve loans for a higher percentage of our potential users. Young
professionals may receive higher and more stable salaries or other income, which may result in lower loan losses. In a weakening economic climate or recession, the
opposite may occur. In particular, demand for our products and services may be materially and adversely impacted by severe and prolonged economic downturns as a
result of the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 and other factors. Sudden changes in economic conditions as a result of the COVID-19 or other factors are likely to affect
our actual loan losses. These effects may be partly mitigated by the fact each loan borrowed by our users is relatively small, which should be less affected by adverse
economic conditions than if the principal amount of each loan were larger.
127
Key Specific Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Major specific factors affecting our results of operations include the following:
Ability to attract and retain users
Our ability to grow depends on the addition of new users and increasing business from existing users. The number of active users grew from approximately
12.9 million in 2020 to approximately 14.2 million in 2021, and was approximately 9.7 million in 2022. Since 2021, we further optimized our customer acquisition
model by enhancing segmentation and providing differentiated credit lines, pricing and billing terms. We anticipate that our future growth will continue to depend in part
on attracting new users, including our ability to manage both online and offline acquisition channels, and to develop and improve our management of different customer
cohorts.
In addition, we believe the repeat transactions of our existing users will be important to our future growth. We believe our ability to retain our users is
primarily dependent on our ability to address the credit needs of our targeted user cohort, the superior user experience on our platform and the competitiveness of loan
pricing. The extent to which we generate repeat business from our users will be an important factor in our continued revenue growth.
Ability to satisfy our users’ growing financial needs
Creating value by satisfying our users’ growing financial needs will be an important component of our future performance. We seek to grow with our users
and capture their long-term growth potential by effectively managing the mix of our product and service offerings to cater to their evolving consumption needs. In
addition, as young generation consumers build up their credit history with us and move up in the workforce, we offer them higher credit lines and the ability to borrow
personal installment loans to obtain cash up to a higher limit, in anticipation of their expanding consumption requirements.
128
Ability to access diversified and scalable funding
The growth of our business is also dependent on our ability to ensure that we have access to diversified funding sources and secure scalable and stable
funding to meet our users’ needs. With our access to multiple funding sources and the ability to adjust allocation of funding needs to different sources, we are not
dependent on any particular type of funding source, and we are able to withstand seasonality and fluctuations in the supply and costs of funding. In 2022, we cooperated
with 18 new funding partners and as of December 31, 2022, we had cumulatively served over 140 funding partners, including commercial banks, consumer finance
companies, and other licensed financial institutions, with many of which we developed long-term, stable business relationships. Since 2016, we have also offered six
public and private asset-backed securitization programs. These diversification efforts have ensured adequate funding for our products and services so far, while the
sustainable, reliable and scalable sources remain critical to our growth.
Ability to effectively manage risk
As one of the first companies in providing internet consumer finance services in China, we also have industry-leading experience and boast a wealth of
consumer insights. We adopt an advanced and customized credit risk management approach driven by our proprietary Hawkeye credit assessment engine and strong risk
management culture. We put great emphasis in improving our fraud detection capabilities, the accuracy of our credit assessment model and the collection effectiveness
through the combination of our big-data analytical capabilities and the increasing amount of data we accumulate through our operations. The effectiveness of our risk
management system also depends on our ability to collect delinquent loans. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and
Industry—If our ability to collect delinquent loans is impaired, or if the collection efforts of our in-house team or third-party service providers are impaired, our business
and results of operations might be materially and adversely affected.”
Loan Performance Data
We define 30 day+ and 90 day+ delinquency ratio as outstanding principal balance of on- and off-balance sheet loans that was over 30 and 90 calendar days
past due as a percentage of the total outstanding principal balance of on- and off-balance sheet loans on our platform as of a specific date. Loans that are delinquent for
180 days or more are charged off and are not included in the delinquency rate calculation. The 30 day+ delinquency ratio was 3.40%, 3.99% and 4.62% as of December
31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 and 90 day+ delinquency ratio was 1.95%, 1.92% and 2.53% as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
We also define vintage charge-off rates as, with respect to on- and off-balance set loans originated during a specified time period, which we refer to as a
“vintage,” the total outstanding principal balance of loans that are charged off during a specified period, divided by the total initial principal of the loans originated in
such vintage.
129
The following chart displays our historical vintage charge-off rates as of December 31, 2022 for each vintage of a three-month period from January 1, 2015
to June 30, 2022.
With the negative impact of COVID-19 on the general economic environment as well as on our collection efforts, we experienced an increase in both 90 day+
delinquency rates and charge-off rates from 2020 to 2022.
130
Key Components of Our Results of Operations
Operating revenue
Our operating revenue consist of credit facilitation service, tech-empowerment service and installment e-commerce platform service. Among the three types
of services (i.e., credit facilitation service, tech-empowerment service and installment e-commerce platform service) we provide, the revenue from our credit facilitation
service is recognized as credit facilitation service income, the revenue from our installment e-commerce platform service is primarily recognized as installment e-
commerce platform service income, and the revenue from our tech-empowerment service is primarily recognized as tech-empowerment service income and, to a lesser
extent, membership services and other services income under the installment e-commerce platform service income category.
2020
2021
For the Year Ended December 31,
RMB
%
RMB
%
(in thousands, except for percentages)
RMB
2022
US$
%
Credit facilitation service income
(1)
Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented
Guarantee income
Financing income
(1)
Tech-empowerment service income
Installment e-commerce platform service income
Total operating revenue
(1)
(1)
Note:
7,525,581
3,786,996
2,319,693
1,418,892
2,186,746
1,932,928
11,645,255
64.6
32.5
19.9
12.2
18.8
16.6
100.0
6,955,810
4,448,344
774,544
1,732,922
2,762,995
1,661,720
11,380,525
61.1
39.1
6.8
15.2
24.3
14.6
100.0
5,963,803
2,486,527
1,453,180
2,024,096
1,845,943
2,056,065
9,865,811
864,670
360,513
210,691
293,466
267,637
298,101
1,430,408
60.4
25.2
14.7
20.5
18.7
20.8
100.0
(1) Starting from 2022, we report our revenue streams in three categories - Credit facilitation service income, Tech-empowerment service income, and Installment e-commerce platform service
income, to provide more relevant and updated information. We also revised the revenue presentation in comparative periods to conform to the current classification.
In providing Installment e-commerce platform service, we provide platform and services for merchants, shopping malls, and brands to conduct sales and marketing, with the goal to drive transaction
volume, for which we charge a service fee. Revenue earned from the Installment e-commerce platform service is recognized as new consumption-driven, location-based services before the change of
presentation.
In providing Tech-empowerment service, we offer a comprehensive set of services to our customers that enable them to increase revenues, manage financial risks, improve operating efficiency,
improve service quality, enhance collections, and reduce overall costs. Revenue earned from platform-based services, membership services and other services is reported as one combined financial
statement line item under “Technology-driven platform services.” The membership fees and other services revenue were previously reported as “Membership services” and “Other services” within
“Online direct sales and services income” before the change of presentation.
The revenue earned from credit-oriented services is recognized under Credit facilitation service income, which includes “Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented,” “Guarantee income” and
“Financing income.” Financing income was previously reported as “Interest and financial services income and other revenues” before the change of presentation.
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Installment e-commerce platform service. We generate Installment e-commerce platform service income from our e-commerce platform. We engage in the
online direct sales along with our Installment e-commerce platform service, which is recorded on a gross basis, and we also earned commissions from third-party sellers
made on our online marketplace through our e-commerce platform.
Credit facilitation service income
•Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented. With respect to off-balance sheet loans where we provide guarantee services, we take all credit risks of
borrowers in respect of off-balance sheet loans through the relevant guarantee arrangements, and generate loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented
under credit-oriented model for provision of intermediary services to both the users and the funding partners, including loan facilitation and matching,
account maintenance, collection, and payment processing services and financing guarantee services, if any.
•Guarantee income. The guarantee liabilities accounted for under ASC 460 are released from the underlying risk, i.e., as the underlying loan is repaid by the
borrower or when the lender is compensated in the event of a borrower’s default and recognized as guarantee income.
•Financing income. We generate financing income from on-balance sheet loans, which are funded by establishment of the consolidated Trusts and issuance
of asset‑backed securitized debts, as well as loans funded by our own microcredit company.
Tech-empowerment service
We generate tech-empowerment service income from profit sharing model, customer acquisition service model, fintech upgrade model as well as
membership services. We offer a comprehensive set of technology-driven platform services to our financial institution customers and partners that enable them to
increase revenues, manage financial risks, improve operating efficiency, improve service quality, enhance collections, and reduce overall costs. We charge primarily a
service fee for our offerings.
Operating cost
Cost of sales
Funding cost
Processing and servicing cost
Provision for financing and interest receivables
Provision for contract assets and receivables
Provision for contingent liabilities of guarantee
Total operating cost
For the Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
RMB
%
RMB
%
RMB
2022
US$
(in thousands, except for percentages)
1,907,508
589,837
1,413,212
779,235
441,805
2,880,590
8,012,187
23.8
7.4
17.6
9.7
5.5
36.0
100.0
1,759,956
457,615
1,858,901
401,104
531,237
622,438
5,631,251
31.3
8.1
33.0
7.1
9.4
11.1
100.0
2,066,804
518,069
1,875,292
437,477
465,188
1,468,265
6,831,095
299,658
75,113
271,892
63,428
67,446
212,878
990,415
%
30.3
7.6
27.5
6.4
6.8
21.5
100.0
132
Cost of sales. Our cost of sales consists of the purchase price of the products, shipping charges and handling costs, as well as inventory write-downs, which
were not significant in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Funding cost. Our funding cost consists of interest expenses paid to institutional funding partners under on-balance sheet loan and amortization of deferred
debt issuance cost incurred in connection with obtaining these debts, such as origination fees and legal fees.
Processing and servicing cost. Our processing and servicing cost consist primarily of vendor costs related to credit assessment, user and system support,
payment processing services and collection services associated with originating, facilitating and servicing loans, and related payroll cost for personnel engaged in
processing and servicing activities.
Provision for financing receivables. We evaluate the creditworthiness and collectability of our on-balance sheet loan portfolio on a pooled basis. The
provision for financing receivables represents an estimate of the losses inherent in our on-balance sheet loan portfolio.
Provision for contract assets and receivables. We evaluate the collectability of our contract assets and receivables related to loan facilitation and servicing
fees. The provision for contract assets and receivables primarily represents an estimate of the losses inherent in our off-balance sheet loan portfolio.
Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities. After the adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, a separate contingent liability in full amount determined
using current expected credit losses (“CECL”) lifetime methodology is accounted for in addition to and separately from the guarantee liabilities accounted for under
ASC 460, and relevant credit losses are recorded as “Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities.”
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing expenses
Research and development expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total operating expenses
2020
RMB
%
1,274,402
474,265
451,284
2,199,951
57.9
21.6
20.5
100.0
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
RMB
%
(in thousands, except for percentages)
1,658,904
549,286
470,661
61.9
20.5
17.6
RMB
2,678,851
100.0
133
2022
US$
%
62.4
21.6
16.0
100.0
244,366
84,565
62,572
391,503
1,685,438
583,260
431,571
2,700,269
Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising costs and payroll and related share-based compensation expenses for
personnel engaged in marketing and business development activities. Advertising costs consist primarily of costs of online advertising and offline promotional activities.
Research and development. Research and development expenses consist primarily of payroll and related share-based compensation expenses for IT
professionals involved in developing our technology platform and website, depreciation of server and other equipment, bandwidth and data center costs.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses consist of payroll and related share-based compensation expenses for employees engaged
in general corporate functions, including finance, legal and human resources, costs associated with use of facilities and equipment, such as depreciation expenses, rental
and other general corporate related expenses.
Taxation
Cayman Islands
We are an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon
profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. The Cayman Islands does not impose a withholding tax on
payments of dividends to shareholders. There are no taxes likely to be material to us levied by the Government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may
be applicable on instruments executed in or, after execution, brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands.
Hong Kong
Our subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to Hong Kong profit tax at a rate of 16.5%. No Hong Kong profit tax has been levied as we did not
have assessable profit that was earned in or derived from the Hong Kong subsidiaries during the periods presented. Hong Kong does not impose a withholding tax on
dividends. Commencing from the year of assessment of 2018, the first HK$2 million of profits earned by the Company’s subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong will be
taxed at half the current tax rate (i.e., 8.25%) while the remaining profits will continue to be taxed at the existing 16.5% tax rate.
China
Generally, our PRC subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries, which are considered PRC resident enterprises under PRC tax law, are
subject to enterprise income tax on their worldwide taxable income as determined under PRC tax laws and accounting standards at a rate of 25%, if they are not eligible
for any preferential tax treatment. However, an HNTE is instead subject to an income tax rate of 15%, subject to a requirement that they re-apply for HNTE status every
three years. During this three-year period, an HNTE must conduct a qualification self-review each year to ensure it meets the HNTE criteria, and will be subject to the
regular 25% income tax rate for any year in which it does not meet the criteria. In December 2019, Shenzhen Lexin Software received confirmation from the relevant
PRC government agencies that it qualified as an HNTE for the three years ending December 31, 2019, 2020, and 2021. In December 2022, Shenzhen Lexin Software
obtained a new qualification as HNTE for the three years ending December 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024, in this regard, Shenzhen Lexin Software was subject to 15%
income tax rate in 2022. In December 2020, Dingsheng Computer was qualified as an HNTE for the three years ending December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, but failed
to satisfy the accreditation conditions concerning tax incentives of HNTE in 2022 and was subject to the income tax rate of 25% in 2022 accordingly. Pursuant to the
Circular on Income Tax Policies for “Software Enterprises Encouraged by the State” announced on 23 April 2021, a “Software Enterprise Encouraged by the State” is
entitled to an income tax exemption for two years beginning with its first profitable year and a 50% reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years.
Shenzhen Lexin Information Service Co.,Ltd. was qualified as “Software Enterprises Encouraged by the State” from 2021. As a result, Shenzhen Lexin Information
Service Co.,Ltd. is entitled to an income tax exemption for the years of 2021 and 2022 and a preferential income tax rate of 12.5% from 2023 to 2025. The “Software
Enterprise Encouraged by the State” is subject to review by the relevant authorities every year.
134
Benefiting from Notice of Promoting High-Level Opening and High-Quality Development of Guangxi Beibu Gulf Economic Zone In The New Era, and
Announcement on The Continuation of The Western Development Enterprise Income Tax Policy, Beihai Aurora Information Technology Co., Ltd. and Beihai Turing
Technology Co., Ltd., which has changed its name to Beihai Lexin Information Technology Co., Ltd., are entitled for a preferential income tax rate of 15% for China’s
Western Development Strategy, in the meantime, the local tax bureau in Guangxi exempted 40% of the income based on 15% from 2018 to 2022. Therefore, Beihai
Aurora and Beihai Lexin Information Technology Co., Ltd. applied a preferential income tax rate of 9% from 2018 to 2022 and 15% from 2023 to 2030.
Our online direct sales revenue from sales of electronic products, home appliance products and general merchandise products had been subject to a 17%
value-added tax until May 1, 2018, when the rate was adjusted to 16%. The tax rate was further adjusted to 13% from April 1, 2019. Our financial services income from
services to our customers in the PRC is subject to a 6% value-added tax.
Dividends paid by our wholly foreign-owned subsidiary in China to our intermediary holding company in Hong Kong will be subject to a withholding tax
rate of 10%, unless the relevant Hong Kong entity satisfies all the requirements under the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income with respect to Taxes on Income and Capital and receives approval from the
relevant tax authority. If our Hong Kong subsidiary satisfies all the requirements under the tax arrangement and receives approval from the relevant tax authority, then
the dividends paid to the Hong Kong subsidiary would be subject to withholding tax at the standard rate of 5%. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks
Related to Doing Business in China—We rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements
we may have, and any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our
business.”
If our holding company in the Cayman Islands or any of our subsidiaries outside of China were deemed to be a “resident enterprise” under the PRC
Enterprise Income Tax Law, it would be subject to enterprise income tax on its worldwide income at a rate of 25%. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—
Risks Related to Doing Business in China—If we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable
tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders or ADS holders.”
We do not intend to have any of the PRC subsidiaries or the VIEs distribute any undistributed profits of such subsidiaries or the VIEs to their direct overseas
parent companies, but rather intend that such profits will be permanently reinvested by such subsidiaries and the VIEs for their PRC operations. Accordingly, no income
tax was accrued on the undistributed earnings of our PRC subsidiaries, the variable interest entities or their subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
135
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated. The period-to-period comparisons of results of
operations should not be relied upon as indicative of future performance.
Selected Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Operating revenue:
Credit facilitation service income
Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented-credit oriented
Guarantee income
Financing income
Tech-empowerment service income
Installment e-commerce platform service income
Total operating revenue
Operating cost:
Cost of sales
Funding cost
Processing and servicing cost
Provision for financing receivables
Provision for contract assets and receivables
Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities
Total operating cost
Gross profit
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing expenses
Research and development expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total operating expenses
Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives and loans
at fair value
Interest expense, net
Investment loss
Other, net
Income before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net income
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the
Company
For the Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
RMB
%
RMB
%
RMB
2022
US$
%
(in thousands, except for per share and per ADS data)
7,525,581
3,786,996
2,319,693
1,418,892
2,186,746
1,932,928
11,645,255
(1,907,508 )
(589,837 )
(1,413,212 )
(779,235 )
(441,805 )
(2,880,590 )
(8,012,187 )
3,633,068
(1,274,402
)
(474,265 )
(451,284 )
(2,199,951 )
(754,724 )
(77,542 )
(61,271 )
146,029
685,609
(90,629 )
594,980
—
64.6
32.5
19.9
12.2
18.8
16.6
100.0
-16.4
-5.1
-12.1
-6.7
-3.8
-24.7
-68.8
31.2
-10.9
-4.1
-3.9
-18.9
-6.5
-0.7
-0.5
1.3
5.9
-0.8
5.1
—
6,955,810
4,448,344
774,544
1,732,922
2,762,995
1,661,720
11,380,525
(1,759,956 )
(457,615 )
(1,858,901 )
(401,104 )
(531,237 )
(622,438 )
(5,631,251 )
5,749,274
(1,658,904
)
(549,286 )
(470,661 )
(2,678,851 )
(347,084 )
(63,125 )
(4,160 )
113,480
2,769,534
(435,418 )
2,334,116
193
61.1
39.1
6.8
15.2
24.3
14.6
100.0
-15.5
-4.0
-16.3
-3.5
-4.7
-5.5
-49.5
50.5
-14.6
-4.8
-4.1
-23.5
-3.0
-0.6
—
1.0
24.3
-3.8
20.5
—
5,963,803
2,486,527
1,453,180
2,024,096
1,845,943
2,056,065
9,865,811
(2,066,804 )
(518,069 )
(1,875,292 )
(437,477 )
(465,188 )
(1,468,265 )
(6,831,095 )
3,034,716
(1,685,438
)
(583,260 )
(431,571 )
(2,700,269 )
722,381
(55,636 )
(33,944 )
61,321
1,028,569
(202,640 )
825,929
6,177
864,670
360,513
210,691
293,466
267,637
298,101
1,430,408
(299,658 )
(75,113 )
(271,892 )
(63,428 )
(67,446 )
(212,878 )
(990,415 )
439,993
)
(244,366
(84,565 )
(62,572 )
(391,503 )
104,735
(8,066 )
(4,921 )
8,891
149,129
(29,380 )
119,749
896
60.4
25.2
14.7
20.5
18.7
20.8
100.0
-20.9
-5.3
-19.0
-4.4
-4.7
-14.9
-69.2
30.8
-17.1
-5.9
-4.4
-27.4
7.3
-0.6
-0.3
0.6
10.4
-2.1
8.4
0.1
594,980
5.1
2,333,923
20.5
819,752
118,853
8.3
(1)Share-based compensation expenses are allocated to processing and servicing cost and operating expense items as follows:
Processing and servicing cost
Sales and marketing expenses
Research and development expenses
General and administrative expenses
For the Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
RMB
%
RMB
%
RMB
2022
US$
%
(in thousands, except for percentages)
11,391
32,486
46,116
108,832
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.9
9,968
30,508
39,413
107,995
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.9
5,179
23,142
30,386
97,613
751
3,355
4,406
14,153
0.1
0.2
0.3
1.0
136
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021
Operating revenue
Operating revenue decreased by 13.3% from RMB11,381 million in 2021 to RMB9,866 million (US$1,430 million) in 2022. This decrease in operating
revenues was primarily attributable to a decrease in credit facilitation service income and in tech-empowerment service income, partially offset by an increase in
guarantee income, financing income and installment e-commerce platform service income for the year.
Installment e-commerce platform service. Installment e-commerce platform service income increased by 23.7% from RMB1,662 million in 2021 to
RMB2,056 million (US$298 million) in 2022. The increase was primarily driven by the increase in transaction volume in 2022.
Credit facilitation service income. Credit facilitation service income decreased by 14.3% from RMB6,956 million in 2021 to RMB5,964 million (US$865
million) in 2022. The change was primarily due to the decrease of loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented, partially offset by the increase of guarantee income
financing income.
•Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented. Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented decreased by 44.1% from RMB4,448 million in 2021
to RMB2,487 million (US$361 million) in 2022. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease of APR.
•Guarantee income. Guarantee income increased by 87.6% from RMB775 million in 2021 to RMB1,453 million (US$211 million) in 2022. The increase was
primarily driven by the increase of loan origination and the increase of outstanding balances of the off-balance sheet loans funded by certain institutional
funding partners, which are accounted for under ASC 460, Guarantees.
•Financing income. Financing income increased by 16.8% from RMB1,733 million in 2021 to RMB2,024 million (US$293 million) in 2022, the increase was
primarily driven by the increase in the origination of on-balance sheet loans in 2022.
Tech-empowerment service income. Tech-empowerment service income decreased by 33.2% from RMB2,763 million in 2021 to RMB1,846 million (US$268
million) in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease from profit-sharing model service within tech-empowerment service in 2022.
Operating cost
Operating cost increased by 21.3% from RMB5,631 million in 2021 to RMB6,831 million (US$990 million) in 2022, primarily as a result of the increases in
cost of sales, funding cost, provision for financing receivables and provision for contingent guarantee liabilities, partially offset by the increases in provision for contract
assets and receivables.
Cost of sales. Cost of sales increased by 17.4% from RMB1,760 million in 2021 to RMB2,067 million (US$300 million) in 2022, which was consistent with
the increase of installment e-commerce platform service income.
Funding cost. Funding cost increased by 13.2% from RMB458 million in 2021 to RMB518 million (US$75.1 million) in 2022, which was consistent with the
increase of the funding debts to fund the on-balance sheet loans.
Processing and servicing cost. Processing and servicing costs was RMB1,875 million(US$272 million) in 2022, as compared with RMB1,859 million in
2021.
Provision for financing receivables. Provision for financing receivables increased by 9.1% from RMB401 million in 2021 to RMB437 million (US$63.4
million) in 2022. The credit losses have reflected the most recent performance in relation to our on-balance sheet loans and we have continued to implement prudent
credit assessment and risk management policies and procedures.
Provision for contract assets and receivables. Provision for contract assets and receivables decreased by 12.4% from RMB531 million in 2021 to RMB465
million (US$67.4 million) in 2022. The decrease was primarily driven by the decrease of loan facilitations and servicing fees in 2022.
137
Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities. Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities increased by 136% from RMB622 million to RMB1,468 million
(US$213 million) in 2022. The increase was primarily due to the increase of loan origination of the off-balance sheet loans funded by certain institutional funding
partners, which are accounted for under ASC 460, Guarantees.
Gross profit
Gross profit decreased by 47.2% from RMB5,749 million in 2021 to RMB3,035million (US$440 million) in 2022. Our gross margin decreased from 50.5%
in 2021 to 30.8% in 2022. The decrease in the gross profit is primarily due to the decrease in credit facilitation service income, and tech-empowerment service income
and the increase in provision for contingent guarantee liabilities and cost of sales, partially offset by the increase in installment e-commerce platform service income.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses was RMB 2,700 million (US$392 million) in 2022, as compared with RMB2,679 million in 2021.
Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expenses was RMB1,685 million (US$244million) in 2022, as compared with RMB1,659 million in 2021.
Research and development. Research and development expenses increased by 6.2% from RMB549 million in 2021 to RMB583 million (US$84.6 million) in
2022. This increase was primarily due to an increase in salaries and personnel related costs.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased by 8.3% from RMB471 million in 2021 to RMB432 million (US$62.6
million) in 2022, as a result of the Company’s expense control measures.
Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives and loans at fair value
Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives and loans at fair value was a gain of RMB722 million (US$105 million) in 2022, as compared to a loss
of RMB347 million in 2021. The change in fair value was primarily driven by the fair value gains realized as a result of the release of guarantee obligation, along with
the re-measurement of the expected loss rates and changes in the balances of the underlying outstanding off-balance sheet loans as of December 31, 2022.
138
Income tax expense
Income tax expense for 2022 was RMB203 million (US$29.4 million), as compared to income tax expense of RMB435 million in 2021. The decrease of the
income tax expense was consistent with the decrease of the taxable income in 2022.
Net income
As a result of the foregoing, our net income decreased significantly by 64.6% from RMB2,334 million in 2021 to RMB826 million (US$120 million) in 2022.
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
Operating revenue
Operating revenue decreased slightly by 2.3% from RMB11,645 million in 2020 to RMB11,381 million in 2021. This decrease in operating revenues was
primarily attributable to a decrease in credit facilitation service income and installment e-commerce platform service, partially offset by an increase in tech-
empowerment service for the year.
Credit facilitation service income. Credit facilitation service income decreased by 7.6% from RMB7,526 million in 2020 to RMB6,956 million in 2021. The
change was primarily due to the decrease of guarantee income, partially offset by the increase of loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented income and
financing income.
•Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented. Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented increased by 17.5% from RMB3,787 million in 2020
to RMB4,448 million in 2021. This increase was primarily due to the increase in off-balance sheet loans originated under credit-oriented model as a result of
the business growth, with the expansion of partnerships with institutional funding partners.
•Guarantee income. Guarantee income decreased by 66.6% from RMB2,320 million in 2020 to RMB775 million in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to
the significant decrease of loan origination and outstanding balances of the off-balance sheet loans funded by certain institutional funding partners in 2021,
which are accounted for under ASC 460, Guarantees.
•Financing income. Financing income increased by 22.1% from RMB1,419 million in 2020 to RMB1,733 million in 2021, which was consistent with the
business growth in 2021.
Tech-empowerment service income. Tech-empowerment service increased by 26.1% from RMB2,187 million in 2020 to RMB2,763 million in 2021. This
increase was primarily contributed by the increase of services fee from both profit-sharing model and customer acquisition service model.
Installment e-commerce platform service. Installment e-commerce platform service decreased by 14.0% from RMB1,933 million in 2020 to RMB1,662
million in 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by the decrease in transaction volume in 2021.
Operating cost
Operating cost decreased by 29.7% from RMB8,012 million in 2020 to RMB5,631 million in 2021, primarily as a result of the decreases in cost of sales,
funding cost, provision for financing receivables and provision for contingent guarantee liabilities, partially offset by the increases in processing and servicing cost and
provision for contract assets and receivables.
Cost of sales. Cost of sales decreased by 7.7% from RMB1,908 million in 2020 to RMB1,760 million in 2021, which was consistent with the decrease of
installment e-commerce platform service income.
Funding cost. Funding cost decreased by 22.4% from RMB590 million in 2020 to RMB458 million in 2021, which was consistent with the decrease of the
funding debts to fund the on-balance sheet loans.
139
Processing and servicing cost. Processing and servicing cost increased by 31.5% from RMB1,413 million in 2020 to RMB1,859 million in 2021. This
increase was primarily due to an increase in fees to third-party payment platforms, an increase in risk management and collection expenses, an increase in credit
assessment cost, and an increase in salaries and personnel related costs.
Provision for financing receivables. Provision for financing receivables decreased by 48.5% from RMB779 million in 2020 to RMB401 million in 2021. The
credit losses have reflected the most recent performance in relation to our on-balance sheet loans and we have continued to implement prudent credit assessment and
risk management policies and procedures.
Provision for contract assets and receivables. Provision for contract assets and receivables increased by 20.2% from RMB442 million in 2020 to RMB531
million in 2021. This increase was mainly due to the significant increase in off-balance sheet loans originated as a result of the business growth.
Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities. Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities decrease by 78.4% from RMB2,881 million to RMB622 million
in 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the significant decrease of loan origination of the off-balance sheet loans funded by certain institutional funding partners,
which are accounted for under ASC 460, Guarantees.
Gross profit
Gross profit increased by 58.2% from RMB3,633 million in 2020 to RMB5,749 million in 2021. Our gross margin increased from 31.2% in 2020 to 50.5% in
2021. The increase in the gross profit is primarily due to the increase in tech-empowerment service, loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented, and financing
income, and the significant decrease of provision for contingent guarantee liabilities and provision for financing receivables, partially offset by the decrease in guarantee
income and the increase in processing and servicing cost.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased by 21.8% from RMB2,200 million in 2020 to RMB2,679 million in 2021, primarily due to the increases in all three categories
of operating expenses.
Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased by 30.2% from RMB1,274 million in 2020 to RMB1,659 million in 2021. This increase was
primarily due to an increase of RMB230 million in online advertising cost and in salaries and personnel related costs.
Research and development. Research and development expenses increased by 15.8% from RMB474 million in 2020 to RMB549 million in 2021. This
increase was primarily due to an increase of RMB56 million in salaries and personnel related costs.
Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives and loans at fair value
Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives and loans at fair value was a loss of RMB347 million in 2021, as compared to a loss of RMB755
million in 2020. The changes in fair value was primarily due to the re- measurement of the expected loss rates and changes in the balances of the underlying outstanding
off-balance sheet loans at the balance sheet date.
140
Income tax expense
Income tax expense for 2021 was RMB435 million, as compared to income tax expense of RMB90.6 million in 2020. The increase of the income tax expense
was consistent with the increase of the taxable income from 2020.
Net income
As a result of the foregoing, our net income increased significantly by 292% from RMB595 million in 2020 to RMB2,334 million in 2021.
Changes in Financial Position
The following table sets forth selected information from our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2022. This information should be read
together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report.
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash-current
Restricted term deposit and short-term investments
Short-term financing receivables, net
(1)
(1)
(1)
Short-term contract assets and receivables, net
Deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies
Restricted cash-non-current
Long-term financing receivables, net
Long-term contract assets and receivables, net
Long‑term investments
Other assets
TOTAL ASSETS
Liabilities:
Short‑term borrowings
Short‑term funding debts
Deferred guarantee income
Contingent guarantee liabilities
(1)
Convertible notes-current
Long-term borrowings
Long‑term funding debts
Convertible notes-non-current
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Total shareholders’ equity
141
2021
RMB
As of December 31,
RMB
(in thousands)
2022
US$
2,664,132
1,305,435
1,745,898
3,826,488
4,486,649
1,378,489
149,247
241,127
346,234
469,064
826,883
21,026,194
1,799,741
3,101,381
419,843
928,840
—
—
696,852
1,882,689
12,958,385
8,067,809
1,494,150
1,267,512
1,331,858
6,397,920
3,894,175
2,249,022
168,521
460,325
605,051
348,376
1,048,301
22,770,703
1,168,046
4,385,253
894,858
882,107
2,063,545
150,430
1,334,105
—
14,121,952
8,648,751
216,631
183,772
193,101
927,611
564,602
326,078
24,433
66,741
87,724
50,510
151,989
3,301,440
169,351
635,802
129,742
127,893
299,186
21,810
193,427
—
2,047,489
1,253,951
(1) Starting from the fourth quarter of 2022, we updated the presentation of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, to provide more relevant and clear information.
We also revised the presentation in comparative periods to conform to the current classification.
Accrued interest receivable is included in Short-term financing receivables.
Guarantee receivables and Contract assets and service fees receivable are combined as Contract assets and receivables.
Cash and cash equivalents
Our cash and cash equivalents decreased by 29.1% from RMB2,664 million as of December 31, 2021 to RMB1,494 million (US$217 million) as of
December 31, 2022, primarily due to net cash out by investment activities.
Restricted cash - current
Restricted cash mainly represents (i) cash received from users but not yet repaid to funding parties or received from funding parties but not yet remitted to
users, which is not available to fund our general liquidity needs; and (ii) security deposits set aside for our partnering commercial banks in case of users’ defaults; and
(iii) cash received via consolidated trust and ABS that has not been distributed.
Our current restricted cash decreased by 2.9% from RMB1,305 million as of December 31, 2021 to RMB1,268 million (US$184 million) as of December 31,
2022, primarily due to a decrease in the security deposits placed with and set aside for our partnering commercial banks in case of users' defaults.
Short-term financing receivables, net
Our net short-term financing receivables, net increased by 67.2% from RMB3,826 million as of December 31, 2021 to RMB6,398 million (US$928 million)
as of December 31, 2022, primarily due to the increase associated with on-balance sheet loans originated on our platform in 2022.
Deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies
We engaged third-party licensed insurance companies and guarantee companies to provide assurance to some institutional funding partners, and are required
to prepay certain amount of deposit as back-to-back guarantee to these insurance companies and guarantee companies in 2021. Such prepayment in the bank accounts of
these insurance companies and guarantee companies is recorded as deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies. Deposits to insurance companies and
guarantee companies increased by 63.2% from RMB1,378 million as of December 31, 2021 to RMB2,249 million (US$326 million) as of December 31, 2022. This
increase is primarily due to the increase in underlying loans.
Short-term and long-term contract assets and receivables, net
The contract assets and receivables remained relatively stable at RMB4,499 million (US$652 million) as of December 31, 2022, compared to RMB4,833
million as of December 31, 2021.
142
Long-term investments
Long-term investments decreased by 25.7% from RMB469 million as of December 31, 2021 to RMB348 million (US$50.5 million) as of December 31,
2022, primarily due to the disposal of investments in 2022.
Other assets
Other assets increased by 26.8% from RMB827 million as of December 31, 2021 to RMB1,048 million (US$152 million) as of December 31, 2022,
primarily due to an increase in other long-term receivable.
Long-term financing receivables, net
Our net long-term financing receivables increased by 90.9% from RMB241 million as of December 31, 2021 to RMB460 million (US$66.7 million) as of
December 31, 2022, primarily due to the increase of our average tenor of the on-balance sheet loans balance.
Short-term borrowings
Short-term borrowings decrease by 35.1% from RMB1.8 billion as of December 31, 2021 to RMB1.2 billion (US$169 million) as of December 31, 2022,
primary due to repayment of borrowings.
Short-term and long-term funding debts
Short-term funding debts increased by 41.4% from RMB3,101 million as of December 31, 2021 to RMB4,385 million (US$636 million) as of December 31,
2022, and long-term funding debts increased by 91.4% from RMB697 million as of December 31, 2021 to RMB1,334 million (US$193 million) as of December 31,
2022, primarily due to the increase in on-balance sheet loans originated in 2022.
Deferred guarantee income
Our deferred guarantee income increased by 113% from RMB420 million as of December 31, 2021 to RMB895 million (US$130 million) as of December
31, 2022, due to the increase of loan origination of the off-balance sheet loans funded by certain institutional funding partners, which are accounted for under ASC 460,
Guarantees.
Accruals and other current liabilities
Accruals and other current liabilities decreased by 21.6% from RMB3,899 million as of December 31, 2021 to RMB3,057 million (US$443 million) as of
December 31, 2022, primarily due to the decrease in guarantee derivative liabilities.
Convertible notes
Convertible notes represented the US$300 million convertible senior notes we issued through a private placement in September 2019. The notes will mature
in seven years due by September 16, 2026, bearing interest at a rate of 2.0% per annum. On March 13, 2023, we entered into an amendment agreement with the holder
regarding previous documents governing the notes. The notes shall be paid in full by April 2024 in 14 monthly installments. The agreement has replaced the holder’s
right to require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of the notes in September 2023.
Inflation
Since our inception, inflation in China has not materially affected our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the year-
over-year percent changes in the consumer price index for December 2020, 2021 and 2022 were increases of 0.2%, 1.5% and 1.8%, respectively. Although we have not
been materially affected by inflation in the past, we may be affected if China experiences higher rates of inflation in the future.
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
143
To date, we have financed our operations primarily through cash generated by operating activities, the funding provided by institutional funding partners, the
issuance of preferred shares in private placements, and issuance of convertible notes and asset-backed securities. In December 2017, we completed our initial public
offering in which we issued and sold an aggregate of 12,000,000 ADSs, representing 24,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, resulting in net proceeds to us of
approximately US$93.7 million. In January 2018, as a result of the underwriters’ exercise of their over-allotment option in full, we issued and sold an additional of
1,800,000 ADSs, representing 3,600,000 Class A ordinary shares, resulting in net proceeds of approximately US$14.7 million. In September 2019, we issued and sold
convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of US$300 million to PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Ltd. through a private placement. As of December 31, 2020,
2021 and 2022, we had RMB1,564 million, RMB2,664 million and RMB1,494 million (US$217 million), respectively, in cash and cash equivalents. Our cash and cash
equivalents solely consist of demand deposits placed with banks or other financial institutions. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and our anticipated
cash flows from operations and financing activities will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital requirements, capital expenditures and repayment need of
debt becoming due or convertibles potentially put to the company for the next 12 months from the date of this annual report on Form 20-F. We may, however, need
additional capital in the future to fund our continued operations. If we determine that our cash requirements exceed the amount of cash and cash equivalents we have on
hand at the time, we may seek to issue equity or debt securities or obtain credit facilities. The issuance and sale of additional equity or convertible loans would result in
further dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed obligations and could result in operating covenants that might restrict
our operations. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—A severe or prolonged downturn in the Chinese or global economy and changes in the level of consumer confidence could
reduce the demand for consumer loans and investments, which could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.”
Although we consolidate the results of the variable interest entities, we only have access to cash balances or future earnings of the consolidated variable
interest entities through our contractual arrangements with them. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements
with the Variable Interest Entities.” For restrictions and limitations on liquidity and capital resources as a result of our corporate structure, see “—Holding Company
Structure.”
As a Cayman Islands exempted company and offshore holding company, we are permitted under the PRC laws and regulations to provide funding to our
wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China only through loans or capital contributions, subject to the approval of government authorities and limits on the amount of
capital contributions and loans. In addition, our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China may provide Renminbi funding to their respective subsidiaries through
capital contributions and loans, and to the consolidated variable interest entities only through loans. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to
Our Corporate Structure—The PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in the PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of
currency conversion may delay or prevent us from making loans to our PRC subsidiaries and the consolidated variable interest entities or making additional capital
contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.” and “Item 14. Material
Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.”
Funding debts
Liabilities to institutional funding partners. As part of our arrangement with institutional funding partners, we typically agree on an aggregate amount of
funds to be provided, the maximum credit limit given to an individual customer, the maximum borrowing term and an annualized interest rate. These liabilities mature
between January 2023 and December 2024, and had weighted average interest rates of 9.3%, 9.2% and 9.3%, as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. As
of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, institutional funding partners funded an aggregate amount of RMB5,092 million, RMB3,540 million and RMB6,372 million
(US$924 million), in our outstanding financing receivables, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, financing receivables amounting to RMB1,193 million
and RMB734 million (US$106 million) were pledged as collaterals, respectively. The decrease in pledged collaterals in 2022 was due to the decrease in the amount of
funds provided by certain institutional funding partners.
Liabilities to individual investors on Juzi Licai. Historically, we offered individual investors on Juzi Licai various investment programs. As of December 31,
2019, the terms of those programs were all within 24 months with weighted average interest rate of 7.7%. Since December 2020, the outstanding financing receivables
of individual investors amounted to nil.
144
The following table summarizes our outstanding funding debts on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively:
Short-term:
Liabilities to institutional funding partners
Total short-term funding debts
Long-term:
Liabilities to institutional funding partners
Total long-term funding debts
As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
4,685,935
4,685,935
825,814
825,814
(in thousands)
3,101,381
3,101,381
696,852
696,852
4,385,253
4,385,253
1,334,105
1,334,105
635,802
635,802
193,427
193,427
The following table summarizes the remaining contractual maturity dates of our funding debts on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022
and associated interest payments.
Liabilities to institutional funding partners
Total funding debts
(1)
Interest payments
Total interest payments
(1)Interest payments for funding debts with variable interest rates are calculated using the interest rate as of December 31, 2022.
4,385,253
4,385,253
569,492
569,492
1,334,105
1,334,105
75,178
75,178
Convertible notes
1-12
months
12-24
months
(RMB in thousands)
Total
5,719,358
5,719,358
644,670
644,670
In September 2019, we issued and sold convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of US$300 million to PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Ltd. through
a private placement. The convertible notes have a term of seven years and bear interest at a rate of 2.0% per annum. The holder of the convertible notes has the right to
require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of the convertible notes on the fourth anniversary of the issuance date. The convertible notes are convertible in whole
or in part into fully paid Class A Ordinary Shares or ADSs at the holder’s option from the date that is six months after the issuance date to the third business day before
the maturity date (i.e., September 16, 2026), at a conversion price of US$14 per ADS. On March 13, 2023, we entered into an amendment agreement with PAGAC
Lemongrass Holding I Limited regarding previous documents governing the notes. The notes shall be paid in full by April 2024 in 14 monthly installments. The
agreement has replaced the holder’s right to require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of the notes in September 2023.We may not have sufficient funds to pay
the notes or fulfill other obligations under the notes.
The amount of interest expense recognized for the year ended December 31, 2022 totaled RMB46.9 million (US$7.0 million). The carrying value of this
convertible notes as of December 31, 2022 was RMB2.0 billion (US$296 million).
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the years presented:
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year
Effect on the cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year due to the adoption of ASC 326
(Note 2(g))
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year
145
For the Year Ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
(211,019 )
(2,136,429 )
1,233,011
(27,970 )
(1,142,407 )
3,985,626
(3,313 )
2,839,906
(in thousands)
2,667,419
414,615
(1,779,534 )
(23,592 )
1,278,908
2,839,906
—
4,118,814
98,844
(2,409,037 )
1,111,669
9,893
(1,188,631 )
4,118,814
—
2,930,183
14,329
(349,276 )
161,177
1,434
(172,336 )
597,172
—
424,836
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB98.8 million (US$14.3 million) in 2022. In 2022, the difference between net cash used in operating
activities and our net income of RMB826 million (US$120 million) mainly resulted from provision for contingent guarantee liabilities of RMB1,468 million (US$213
million), provision for contract assets and receivables of RMB465 million (US$67.4 million), provision for financing and interest receivables of RMB437 million
(US$63.4 million),net gain of change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives of RMB614 million (US$89.0 million), net gain of change in fair value of loans at
fair value of RMB109 million (US$15.7 million), share-based compensation expenses of RMB156 million (US$22.7 million), depreciation and amortization of
RMB94.9 million (US$13.8 million). Changes in operating assets and liabilities mainly included an increase in deposits to insurance companies and guarantee
companies of RMB871 million (US$126 million), an increase in other assets of RMB276 million (US$40.0 million), an increase in financing receivables related to
online direct sales of RMB399 million (US$57.9 million), a decrease in contingent guarantee liabilities of RMB1515 million (US$220 million), and a decrease in
accruals and other current liabilities of RMB214 million (US$31.1 million), partially offset by an increase in deferred guarantee income of RMB475 million (US$68.9
million).
Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB2,667 million in 2021. In 2021, the difference between net cash used in operating activities and our net
income of RMB2,334 million mainly resulted from provision for contingent guarantee liabilities of RMB622 million, provision for contract assets and receivables of
RMB531 million, net change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives of RMB459 million, provision for financing receivables of RMB401 million, deferred
income tax of RMB396 million, share-based compensation expenses of RMB188 million, net change in fair value of loans at fair value of RMB112 million, and
depreciation and amortization of RMB91 million. Changes in operating assets and liabilities mainly included an increase in deposits to insurance companies and
guarantee companies of RMB312 million, an increase in contract assets and receivables of RMB181 million, an increase in other assets of RMB140 million, a decrease
in contingent guarantee liabilities of RMB1,432 million, and a decrease in deferred guarantee income of RMB275 million, partially offset by an increase in accruals and
other current liabilities of RMB538 million, a decrease in financing receivables related to online direct sales of RMB206 million, and an increase in other long-term
liabilities of RMB110 million. The decrease in contingent guarantee liabilities primarily due to the decrease of loan origination of the off-balance sheet loans funded by
certain institutional funding partners, which are accounted for under ASC 460. The increase in contract assets and receivables and guarantee receivables was mainly due
to the increase in off-balance sheet loans originated as a result of the continuing growth of our business.
Net cash used in operating activities was RMB211 million in 2020. In 2020, the difference between net cash used in operating activities and our net income
of RMB595 million mainly resulted from provision for contingent guarantee liabilities of RMB2,881 million, provision for financing receivables of RMB779 million,
net change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives of RMB707 million, provision for contract assets and receivables of RMB442 million, share-based
compensation expenses of RMB199 million, foreign exchange gain of RMB85.2 million, investment-related impairment of RMB69.2 million, amortization of the right-
of-use assets of RMB53.9 million, depreciation and amortization of RMB53.4 million, and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Changes in operating assets and
liabilities mainly included an increase in contract assets and receivables of RMB751 million, a decrease in deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies of
RMB185 million, an increase in accruals and other current liabilities of RMB736 million, an increase in land use rights of RMB1.0 billion, an increase in other assets of
RMB74.9 million, a decrease in funds payable to Individual Investors of RMB619 million, a decrease in prepayments and other current assets of RMB273 million, a
decrease in financing receivables related to online direct sales of RMB260 million, a decrease in inventories of RMB60.0 million, a decrease in accounts payable of
RMB159 million, a decrease in deferred guarantee income of RMB787 million and a decrease in contingent guarantee liabilities of RMB3,566 million. The increase in
contract assets and receivables was mainly due to the increase in off-balance sheet loans originated as a result of the continuing growth of our business and loan
facilitation and servicing fees recognized earlier in life of a contract as a result of the adoption of ASC 606. The change in contingent guarantee liabilities was primarily
due to provision for contingent guarantee liabilities recognized earlier in life of a contract as a result of the adoption of ASC 326.
Investing Activities
146
Net cash used in investing activities was RMB2,409 million (US$349 million) in 2022, which was primarily attributable to financing receivables originated
and purchased (excluding receivables related to online direct sales) of RMB20,239 million (US$2,934 million), investments in loans at fair value of RMB4,297 million
(US$623 million) and placement of restricted term deposit and short-term investments of RMB1,260 million (US$183 million), partially offset by principal collection on
financing receivables and recoveries (excluding receivables related to online direct sales) of RMB17,374 million (US$2,519 million), collection of principals of loans at
fair value RMB4,305 million (US$624 million), and withdrawal of restricted term deposit and short-term investments of RMB1,764 million (US$256 million).
Net cash provided by investing activities was RMB415 million in 2021, which was primarily attributable to principal collection on financing receivables and
recoveries (excluding receivables related to online direct sales) of RMB18,942 million, collection of principals of loans at fair value of RMB4,052 million and withdraw
of restricted term deposit and short-term investments of RMB2,504 million, partially offset of financing receivables originated (excluding receivables related to online
direct sales) of RMB18,421 million, investments in loans at fair value or RMB3,852 million, placement of restricted term deposit and short-term investments of
RMB2,467 million, cash paid on loans to third parties of RMB292 million and purchases of property, equipment and software of RMB122 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was RMB2,136 million in 2020, which was primarily attributable to financing receivables originated and purchased
(excluding receivables related to online direct sales) of RMB23,194 million, placement of restricted term deposit and short-term investments of RMB1,832 million,
investments in loans at fair value of RMB7,067 million and cash paid on long‑term investments of RMB97.2 million, partially offset by principal collection on financing
receivables and recoveries (excluding receivables related to online direct sales) of RMB21,447 million, collection of principals of loans at fair value of RMB6,639
million and withdrawal of restricted term deposit and short-term investments of RMB2,015 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB1,112 million (US$161 million) in 2022, which was primarily attributable to proceeds from funding debts
of RMB19,837 million (US$2,876 million) and proceeds from borrowings of RMB1,385 million (US$201 million), partially offset by principle payments on funding
debts of RMB17,930 million (US$2,600 million) and principle payments on borrowings of RMB1,868 million (US$271 million).
Net cash used in financing activities was RMB1,780 million in 2021, which was primarily attributable to principal payments on funding debts of RMB19,981
million and principal payments on borrowings of RMB2,331 million, partially offset by proceeds from funding debts of RMB18,222 million and proceeds from
borrowings of RMB2,304 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB1,233 million in 2020, which was primarily attributable to proceeds from funding debts of RMB20,546
million, proceeds from borrowings of RMB2,004 million and proceeds from non-controlling shareholders of RMB40.0 million, which were partially offset by principal
payments on funding debts of RMB19,211 million and principal payments on borrowings of RMB2,155 million.
Material Cash Requirements
Our material cash requirements as of December 31, 2022 and any subsequent interim period primarily include capital expenditures and contractual
obligations, including funding debts, convertible notes, short-term borrowings, operating lease obligations, and commitment to purchase delinquent loans.
Capital Expenditures
We incurred capital expenditures of RMB86.6 million, RMB122 million and RMB149 million (US$21.6 million) in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. In
these periods, our capital expenditures were mainly used for purchases of property, equipment and software, and in construction of our new headquarters located in
Shenzhen. Our capital expenditures for 2023 are expected to be approximately RMB122 million, including RMB91.0 million payment in construction of our new
headquarters located in Shenzhen, and RMB31.2 million in expansion and enhancement of our information technology infrastructure. We will continue to incur capital
expenditures to meet the expected growth of our business.
147
In February 2020, we have successfully bid for a plot of land in Shenzhen’s Nanshan district to support our continued growth. The total purchase price for the
acquisition of the land use right is RMB1.032 billion. We have made the first installment payment of RMB516 million in February 2020, and made the remaining
RMB516 million payment in February 2021.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations, including interest payments, as of December 31, 2022:
Contractual Obligations:
Debts obligations
Funding debts
Convertible notes
Borrowings
Operating lease obligations
Commitment to purchase delinquent loan
Total
Total
Less than
1 year
Payment Due by Period
1— 2 years
2 — 3 years
(RMB in thousands)
More than
3 years
6,364,028
2,131,168
1,372,245
167,664
697,230
10,732,335
4,954,745
2,131,168
1,220,583
52,093
697,230
9,055,819
1,409,283
—
—
43,473
—
1,452,756
—
—
—
42,772
—
42,772
—
—
151,662
29,326
—
180,988
Other than those shown above, we did not have any significant capital and other commitments, guarantees as of December 31, 2022. We intend to fund our
existing and future material cash requirements with our existing cash balance. We will continue to make cash commitments, including capital expenditures, to support the
growth of our business.
On March 13, 2023, we entered into an amendment agreement with PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Limited regarding previous documents governing the
notes. The notes shall be paid in full by April 2024 in 14 monthly installments.
148
The agreement has replaced the holder’s right to require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of the notes in September 2023.We may not have sufficient funds to
pay the notes or fulfill other obligations under the notes.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We provide services in connection with off-balance sheet loans, including account maintenance, collection and payment processing from user and
distributions to certain institutional funding partners. Prior to November 2019, we were obligated to compensate the funding partners for the principal and interest
repayment of loans in the event of a user default. We also provide full interest repayment according to the terms of the loan in the event that a user makes an early
repayment of the loan to the funding partners. Therefore, we effectively provide guarantees to the funding partners against the credit risk and prepayment risk. See
“Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies-Guarantee derivatives.” Since November 2019, we ceased to compensate interest
repayment under the original terms of the loans to institutional funding partners in the event that borrowers repay their loans early. Therefore, according to relevant
financial guarantee contracts with certain institutional funding partners, the guarantee provided by us is solely for the purpose of reimbursing them in the event that the
borrowers fail to satisfy their required payment obligations. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies-Guarantee
receivables and liabilities.”
Other than the above, we have not entered into any other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. We have not entered into
any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholder’s equity or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to
such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing,
hedging or product development services with us.
Holding Company Structure
LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. is a holding company with no material operations of its own. We conduct our operations primarily through (i) our PRC
subsidiaries and (ii) the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries in China. As a result, LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.’s ability to pay dividends depends upon
dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries. If our existing PRC subsidiaries or any newly formed ones incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments
governing their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends to us. In addition, our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China are permitted to pay dividends to us
only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with the PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under the PRC laws, each of our
subsidiaries, the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries in China is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund certain
statutory reserve funds until such reserve funds reach 50% of its registered capital. In addition, our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China and the variable interest
entity may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to a discretionary surplus fund at their discretion. The statutory reserve funds and
the discretionary funds are not distributable as cash dividends. Remittance of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned company out of China is subject to examination by
the banks designated by SAFE. Our PRC subsidiaries have not paid dividends and will not be able to pay dividends until they generate accumulated profits and meet the
requirements for statutory reserve funds.
C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Technology” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—
Intellectual Property.”
D. Trend Information
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the year ended
December 31, 2022 that are reasonably likely to have a material and adverse effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that
would cause the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future results of operations or financial condition.
149
E. Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires our management to make estimates that affect the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting periods. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition or results of operations
would be affected. We base our estimates on our own historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable after taking account of our
circumstances and expectations for the future based on available information. We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis.
We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (i) the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at
the time the accounting estimate was made, and (ii) changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period or use of different estimates that we
reasonably could have used in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. There are other items within our
financial statements that require estimation but are not deemed critical, as defined above. Changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material
impact on our financial statements. For a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies and related judgments, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements – Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies.”
Allowance for credit losses
The allowance for credit losses represents our estimate of expected credit losses on the financial assets measured at amortized cost and financial guarantees
not accounted for as derivatives for off-balance sheet loans. The lifetime expected credit losses on these financial assets and contingent guarantee liabilities are
determined using a pooled basis within respective credit risk classification levels of the underlying customers, taking into consideration the historical credit loss
experience, the current credit quality of the portfolio and application of macroeconomic forecasts.
The allowance for credit losses is based on our significant judgment regarding:
•Probability of default. The expected probability of payment and time to default, which include assumptions about macroeconomic factors and recent
performance; and
•Loss given default. The percentage of the expected balance due at default that is not recoverable. The loss given default takes into account the expected future
recoveries.
The macroeconomic factors used in estimation include variables that have historically been key drivers of increases and decreases in credit losses, such as
CPI and M2. M2 is a measurement of broad money supply including cash and deposits, which is published by People’s Bank of China on a routine basis.
Changes in the probability of default and loss given default assumptions would affect the allowance for credit losses. The effect of the indicated
increase/decrease in the assumptions for the consolidated statements of operations is as follows (in RMB thousands):
Assumption
Probability of default (lifetime)
Loss given default
Relative Change in Basis Point
+/- 100 bps
+/- 100 bps
Increase/(Decrease)
17,914 / (17,914)
35,994 / (35,994)
150
Fair value measurement of financial guarantee derivatives
Financial guarantee derivatives provided for off-balance sheet loans are recorded at fair value at the inception of the off-balance sheet loans and are
subsequently remeasured at fair value on an ongoing basis. The estimated fair value of the financial guarantee derivatives is determined based on a discounted cash flow
model, with reference to the estimates of expected loss rates and margins on cost of guarantee services.
Our estimate of fair value is based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual
results may differ from estimates. The significant assumptions in the determination of the fair value of financial guarantee derivatives include the expected loss rates for
off-balance sheet loans and margins on cost of guarantee services. Changes in the assumptions may have a significant impact on the fair value of financial guarantee
derivatives. The effect of the indicated increase/decrease in the assumption of the expected loss rates for off-balance sheet loans for the consolidated statements of
operations is as follows (in RMB thousands):
Assumption
Weighted average cumulative loss rate (i)
Relative Change in Basis Point
+/- 100 bps
Increase/(Decrease)
44,353 / (44,353)
(i) Expressed as a percentage of the original principal balance of the loans.
Revenue recognition for loan facilitation and servicing fees
We provide intermediary services to the borrowers and funding partners as the lenders. The intermediary services provided include (i) loan facilitation and
matching services, (ii) post-origination services (i.e. account maintenance, collection, and payment processing), and (iii) a financial guarantee, if any. We identify loan
facilitation and matching services and post-origination services as distinct and separate performance obligations. A financial guarantee is recorded at fair value at
inception of each loan. The total transaction price is first allocated to the financial guarantee based on the estimated fair value of the guarantee liability at the loan
inception, the remaining consideration is allocated to each of the performance obligations based on relative standalone selling price, and include variable consideration in
the estimated transaction price when it is probable that significant reversal of revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with variable
consideration is subsequently resolved. Revenues from loan facilitation and matching services are recognized at point-in-time upon the successful matching of the loans,
and revenues from post-origination services are recognized ratably over the terms of the loans. Revenue from loan facilitation and servicing fees-performance based is
recognized at predetermined revenue sharing rates based on the repayment collected from the borrowers by funding partners. Such revenue sharing rates are determined
based on the performance of the underlying off-balance sheet loans.
151
Significant judgment is applied in allocation of transaction prices for each distinct performance obligation and in determination of variable considerations. We
primarily use the expected cost plus a margin approach to determine the standalone selling price. A number of key factors were considered for the estimation of
standalone selling price, including the estimated cost of providing the services and the estimated margins. The variable consideration of loan facilitation and servicing
fees-performance based is estimated using the expected value method, i.e, based on revenue sharing rates and estimated repayment amount collectible from the
borrowers by funding partners, taking into consideration of the expected loss rates of the underlying off-balance sheet loans. The increase in the expected loss rates of the
underlying off-balance sheet loans will result in the decrease in revenue recognized. We update our estimate on a quarterly basis, and any adjustments to the estimate are
recognized as adjustments to revenue using the cumulative catch-up method. The revenue recognition is sensitive to our estimates in these factors. Changes in our
estimates of these factors may have a significant impact on the revenue recognized.
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A. Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors as of the date of this annual report.
Directors and Executive Officers
Age
Position/Title
Jay Wenjie Xiao
Jared Yi Wu
James Xigui Zheng
Shirley Yunwen Yang
Jason Ming Zhao
Erwin Yong Lu
Suining Xiao
Wei Wu
Xiaoguang Wu
Neng Wang
Annabelle Yu Long
39 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
43 President and Director
57 Chief Financial Officer and Director
52 Chief Human Resources Officer
47 Chief Marketing Officer
48 Chief Technology Officer
75 Director
58
47
49
50
Independent Director
Independent Director
Independent Director
Independent Director
152
Mr. Jay Wenjie Xiao is our founder and has served as our chief executive officer and director since our inception. Mr. Xiao has served as chairman of the
board since December 2017. Mr. Xiao has over 10 years of experience in the online finance industry. Prior to founding our company, Mr. Xiao served as product
manager in the infrastructure platform department of Tenpay, a leading online payment platform in China owned by Tencent, and was responsible for product
development and operations. Mr. Xiao received his bachelor’s degree in design from Nanchang Hangkong University in 2005.
Mr. Jared Yi Wu has served as our president since May 2016 and as our director since November 2017. Prior to joining us, Mr. Wu served at Tencent for 9
years. From 2013 to 2016, Mr. Wu served as general manager of WeChat Pay, an integrated feature in Tencent’s WeChat. From 2007 to 2013, Mr. Wu served first as the
director of product development at Tenpay and then as its deputy general manager. Mr. Wu received his master’s degree in computing and internet systems from King’s
College London in 2003 and his bachelor’s degree in automation from South China University Technology in 2002. He obtained his EMBA degree from China Europe
International Business School.
Mr. James Xigui Zheng has served as our chief financial officer and director since January 2023. Prior to joining us, Mr. Zheng served as the chief financial
officer of Lufax Holding Ltd (NYSE: LU) from December 2017 to May 2022. He has served as the chief financial officer of Shanghai Lufax Information Technology
Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Shanghai Lujiazui International Financial Asset Exchange Co., Ltd.) from August 2014 to December 2017. Mr. Zheng served as a senior
consultant at Accenture (formerly known as Andersen Consulting) from 1992 to 1994. From 1994 to 2000, Mr. Zheng held various positions at U S West Inc. MediaOne
(now part of Comcast) and U S West Communications (now part of CenturyLink). Mr. Zheng joined eBay Inc. in May 2000 where he served various senior management
positions, including chief financial officer and chief operation officer of eBay China from August 2003 to July 2005 and the chief operating officer of PayPal China from
July 2005 to August 2007. Mr. Zheng served as the president of Beijing Kaituo Tianji Information Technology Limited Company from August 2007 to March 2010. He
subsequently joined Shanghai Fosun Hi-tech (Group) Co., Ltd. where he was the deputy chief financial officer of the group from May 2010 to August 2012, the chief
executive officer of JOY.CN from August 2012 to September 2013 and the managing director of Fosun Capital from September 2013 to August 2014. Mr. Zheng
obtained his MBA degree from the University of Denver in June 1992. He is a certified public accountant in the State of Colorado.
Ms. Shirley Yunwen Yang has served as our chief human resources officer since February 2019. Ms. Yang has over 15 years of experience in various senior
human resources positions. Prior to joining us, she served as an Assistant General Manager at Tencent’s Interactive Entertainment Group in charge of human resources
for overseas business. Prior to that, she held senior human resources executive positions at major multinational companies including Walmart. Other than the Chinese
mainland, she also has overseas working experience in North America and Hong Kong. Ms. Yang holds a college degree from Ningbo University and an MBA degree
from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Mr. Jason Ming Zhao has served as our chief marketing officer since February 2020. Mr. Zhao joined Lexin in February 2017, and was our vice president in
charge of public relations and marketing. Prior to joining Lexin, Mr. Zhao was responsible for public relations at Qihoo 360, where he was also the assistant president for
360 mobile phones. Mr. Zhao has led many notable communications campaigns in China, including initiating and implementing entertainment and sports marketing
strategies for Qihoo 360. From 2010 to 2012, Mr. Zhao served as public relations lead at Youku (NYSE: YOKU), where he was responsible for brand promotion and
public communications. During his time at Youku, Mr. Zhao led the strategic communications work for Youku’s IPO on the NYSE and Youku’s acquisition of Tudou.
Mr. Zhao holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Peking University.
Mr. Erwin Yong Lu has served as our chief technology officer since February 2021. Mr. Lu has over 20 years of experience in the technology sector and has
held various senior positions. Prior to joining us, Mr. Lu served as the chief information officer of Ping An Life Insurance. Prior to that, he served as the chief technology
officer and vice president for SINA mobile, a leading online media company in China. From 2016 to 2017, he was the chief technology officer of 51Talk (NYSE:COE),
a leading online education platform in China. He also worked from 2014 to 2016 as the general manager of the advertisement division at Weibo Corporation, a Nasdaq
listed leading Chinese social media company. From 2012 to 2014, Mr. Lu worked at Facebook in Seattle as a software engineer. Before that, Mr. Lu worked at
Microsoft in Seattle from 2003 to 2012 as a senior software engineer. Mr. Lu received his master’s degree in computer science from the University of Denver in 2003
and a master’s degree in chemistry from Zhejiang University in 1998. Mr. Lu is also a named contributor in five IT patents in the United States.
153
Mr. Suining Xiao has served as our director since September 2019. Mr. Xiao is a partner of PAG and chairman of PAG in China. Prior to joining PAG in
2013, Mr. Xiao served as the chairman of Ping An Bank from 2010 to 2012 and was a director and president of the Shenzhen Development Bank from 2007 to 2010.
Prior to joining the Shenzhen Development Bank, Mr. Xiao spent 17 years at the Bank of Communications where he held numerous senior management positions,
including as the president of the Bank of Communications Shenzhen Branch. Mr. Xiao also served as Independent Non-executive Director of Nan Hai Corporation
Limited (HKSE:680) and Sino-i Technology Limited (HKSE:250). Mr. Xiao earned a college degree in business management from the Yunnan Economic Management
Cadre College in 1987.
Mr. Wei Wu has served as our independent director since December 2017. Mr. Wu served as chief financial officer of HyalRoute Communication Group
Limited from December 2017 to March 2022. Mr. Wu has over 17 years of experience in the investment banking industry. Mr. Wu held several senior positions at
leading investment banks. He served as managing director from 2010 to 2017 and as executive director from 2008 to 2010 at Nomura International (Hong Kong)
Limited, leading the coverage of TMT sector and general industrial sectors in China. From 2007 to 2008, Mr. Wu served as senior vice president at Lehman Brothers in
Hong Kong. Mr. Wu received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Peking University in 1988 and his MBA degree from Harvard Business School in 2000.
Mr. Xiaoguang Wu has served as our director since March 2018 and has become our independent director since August 2018. In June 2015, Mr. Wu
established Welight Capital as a Founder. He was named as senior management adviser of Tencent in June 2015. Mr. Wu joined Tencent (SEHK: 00700) in 1999, and
was a member of the founding team. He led the development and product planning for Tencent’s core product, QQ, and served as project manager for the QQ research
and development team. He also served as general manager of Tencent’s IM product division and the internet business division. From 2012 to 2014, Mr. Wu served as
chief executive officer of Tencent’s e-commerce unit. Mr. Wu has extensive experience in product research and development, product planning, product operations and
marketing internet products. He received his B.S. degree from Nanjing University in 1996, and an EMBA degree from China Europe International Business School in
2008.
Dr. Neng Wang has served as our independent director since March 2018. Dr. Wang has been Chong Khoon Lin Professor of Real Estate at Columbia
Business School since July 2007, and a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research since 2009. He has widely published in leading economics,
finance, and business journals. Among other awards and honors, he has won a Smith-Breeden Distinguished Paper Prize awarded by the Journal of Finance, and the
Bettis Distinguished Scholar Award from Carey School of Business, Arizona State University. He was an editor in the Finance area at the Management Science and is
currently an associate editor at the Journal of Finance, among others. Dr. Wang received a B.S. in physical chemistry from Nanjing University, China in 1992, an M.S.
in chemistry from California Institute of Technology in 1995, an M.A. in international relations from the University of California, San Diego in 1997, and a Ph.D. in
finance from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University in 2002.
Ms. Annabelle Yu Long has served as our independent director since August 2020. Ms. Long currently serves as the Founding and Managing Partner of BAI
Capital. She also serves as a member of Bertelsmann Group Management Committee and the governor of China Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.
Formerly, Ms. Long was the chief executive officer of Bertelsmann China Corporate Center and the managing partner of Bertelsmann Asia Investments. Prior to that,
she was a Principal at Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments. She joined the international media, services, and education company via the Bertelsmann Entrepreneurs
Program in 2005. Ms. Long is a member of the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders Advisory Council and its Global Agenda Council on the Future of
Media, Entertainment & Information and was a member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council from May 2015 to May 2021. Ms. Long serves
as an independent director on the board of directors of Tapestry Inc. (NYSE: TPR, its portfolio includes Coach, Stuart Weitzman and Kate Spade), Nio Inc. (NYSE:
NIO, HKEX: 9866, SGX: NIO) and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. Ms. Long received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from
the University of Electronic Science and Technology in China and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
B. Compensation
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, we paid an aggregate of approximately RMB26.9 million (US$3.9 million) in cash to our executive officers
and an aggregate of approximately RMB1.6 million (US$229 thousand) in cash to our non-executive directors. We have not set aside or accrued any amount to provide
pension, retirement or other similar benefits to our executive officers and directors. Our PRC subsidiaries and the variable interest entity are required by law to make
contributions equal to certain percentages of each employee’s salary for his or her pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance,
on-the-job injury insurance, and housing fund plans through a PRC government-mandated defined contribution plan.
154
Share Incentive Plans
2014 Plan
In September 2014, our board of directors approved the Share Incentive Plan, or the 2014 Plan, to promote our success and the interests of our shareholders
by providing a means through which we may grant equity-based incentives to attract, motivate, retain and reward certain officers, employees, directors and other eligible
persons and to further link the interests of recipients with those of our shareholders generally. Under the 2014 Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Class A
Ordinary Shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the Share Incentive Plan is 35,456,559. Upon the adoption of the 2017 Plan as described below, we
no longer grant any awards under the 2014 Plan and all future awards will be granted under the 2017 Plan. However, the outstanding awards under the 2014 Plan will not
be affected.
The following paragraphs describe the principal terms of the 2014 Plan.
Types of Awards. The Share Incentive Plan permits the awards of option grants and share awards, including restricted share awards.
Plan Administration. Our board of directors or a committee of one or more members of the board of directors, or the plan administrator, will administer the
Share Incentive Plan. The committee or the full board of directors, as applicable, will determine the eligibility and participants to receive awards, the type and number of
awards to be granted to each participant, and the terms and conditions of each award grant.
Award Agreement. Generally, options and other awards granted under the plan are evidenced by an award agreement providing for the number of ordinary
shares subject to the award, and the terms and conditions of the award, which must be consistent with the Share Incentive Plan.
Eligibility. We may grant awards only to those persons that the plan administrator determines to be eligible persons, which may include our officers,
employees, directors of our company, or directors, individual consultants or advisors of the affiliates of our company.
Vesting Schedule. In general, the plan administrator determines the vesting schedule, which is specified in the relevant award agreement.
Transfer Restrictions. Awards may not be transferred in any manner by the recipient other than to us, to immediate family, by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, or to a designated legal representative upon disability of the recipient.
Termination and Amendment of the Share Incentive Plan. Unless terminated earlier, the Share Incentive Plan has a term of ten years. Our board of directors
has the authority to amend or terminate the plan. However, no such action may adversely affect in any material way any awards previously granted unless agreed by the
recipient.
2017 Plan
In October 2017, we adopted our 2017 Share Incentive Plan, or the 2017 Plan, which allows us to offer a variety of share-based incentive awards to
employees, officers, directors and individual consultants who render services to us. The plan permits the grant of three types of awards: options, restricted shares and
restricted share units. The maximum number of our shares that may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2017 Plan is 22,859,634, plus an annual increase on the
first day of each fiscal year of the Company during the ten-year term of the 2017 Plan commencing with the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019, by an amount equal to
1.0% of the total number of shares issued and outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year. The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the
2017 Plan:
Plan Administration. Our board of directors, or a committee designated by our board of directors, will administer the plan. The committee or the full board of
directors, as appropriate, will determine the provisions and terms and conditions of each option grant.
Award Agreements. Options and other awards granted under the plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms, conditions and
limitations for each grant, which may include the term of the award and the provisions applicable in the event of the grantee’s employment or service terminates. The
exercise price of granted options may be amended or adjusted in the absolute discretion of our board of directors, or a committee designated by our board of directors,
without the approval of our shareholders or the recipients of the options.
155
Eligibility. We may grant awards to employees, directors and consultants of our company or any of our affiliates, which include our parent company,
subsidiaries and any entities in which our parent company or a subsidiary of our company holds a substantial ownership interest.
Vesting Schedule. In general, the plan administrator determines the vesting schedule, which is specified in the relevant award agreement.
Acceleration of Awards upon Change in Control. If a change-of-control corporate transaction occurs, the plan administrator may, in its sole discretion,
provide for (i) all awards outstanding to terminate at a specific time in the future and give each participant the right to exercise the vested portion of such awards during a
specific period of time, or (ii) the purchase of any award for an amount of cash equal to the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of such award, or (iii)
the replacement of such award with other rights or property selected by the plan administrator in its sole discretion, or (iv) payment of award in cash based on the value
of ordinary shares on the date of the change-of-control corporate transaction plus reasonable interest.
Term of the Options. The term of each option grant shall be stated in the award agreement, provided that the term shall not exceed ten years from the date of
the grant.
Transfer Restrictions. Subject to certain exceptions, awards may not be transferred by the recipient, except as otherwise provided by applicable laws or the
award agreement.
Termination of the Plan. Unless terminated earlier, the plan will terminate automatically in 2027. Our board of directors has the authority to amend or
terminate the plan subject to shareholder approval to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law. However, no such action may impair the rights of any award
recipient unless agreed by the recipient.
The following table summarizes, as of the date of this annual report, the outstanding options and restricted share units granted under the 2014 Plan and the
2017 Plan to our directors and executive officers.
Name
Jay Wenjie Xiao
Jared Yi Wu
James Xigui Zheng
Shirley Yunwen Yang
Jason Ming Zhao
Erwin Yong Lu
Suining Xiao
Wei Wu
Xiaoguang Wu
Neng Wang
Annabelle Yu Long
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
Ordinary Shares
Underlying Options or
Restricted Share Units
Awarded
Exercise
Price
(US$/Share)
Date of Grant
Date of Expiration
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
* (1)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
—
*
* (1)
* (1)
* (1)
* (1)
6,653,336
0.5
0.5
1.51
0.0001
0.5
0.5
1.51
—
0.5
0.5
0.5
1.51
0.0001
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
1.51
0.5
0.5
1.51
—
0.0001
—
—
—
—
October 25, 2019
January 15, 2021
March 3, 2023
June 30, 2016
October 25, 2019
January 15, 2021
March 3, 2023
January 31, 2023
October 25, 2019
January 15, 2021
January 18, 2022
March 3, 2023
November 8, 2017
October 25, 2019
January 15, 2021
January 15, 2021
January 18, 2022
March 3, 2023
March 18, 2021
January 18, 2022
March 3, 2023
—
November 8, 2017
March 29, 2022
March 29, 2022
March 29, 2022
August 18, 2020
October 25, 2029
January 15, 2031
March 3, 2033
June 30, 2026
October 25, 2029
January 15, 2031
March 3, 2033
—
October 25, 2029
January 15, 2031
January 18, 2032
March 3, 2033
November 8, 2027
October 25, 2029
January 15, 2031
January 15, 2031
January 18, 2032
March 3, 2033
March 18, 2031
January 18, 2032
March 3, 2033
—
November 8, 2027
—
—
—
—
* Upon exercising of all options that are exercisable with 60 days after the date of this annual report and vesting of all restricted shares unites that are to be vested within 60 days after the date of this
annual report, would beneficially own less than 1% of our total outstanding shares.
(1)Represents restricted share units.
156
C. Board Practices
Board of Directors
Our board of directors consists of eight directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in our company to qualify to serve as a director. A director
who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction with our company is required to declare the
nature of his interest at a meeting of our directors. A director may vote in respect of any contract or transaction, proposed contract or transaction notwithstanding that he
may be interested therein, and if he does so his vote shall be counted and he may be counted in the quorum at any meeting of our directors at which any such contract or
transaction or proposed contract or transaction is considered. The directors may exercise all the powers of our company to raise or borrow money, to mortgage or charge
its undertaking, property, assets (present and future) and uncalled capital or any part thereof, and to issue debentures, debenture stock, bonds or other securities, whether
outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of our company or of any third party. None of our non-executive directors has a service contract with
us that provides for benefits upon termination of service.
Committees of the Board of Directors
We have three committees under the board of directors: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance
committee. We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions are described below.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee consists of Mr. Wei Wu, Dr. Neng Wang, and Ms. Annabelle Yu Long. Mr. Wei Wu is the chairman of our audit committee. We have
determined that Mr. Wei Wu, Dr. Neng Wang, and Ms. Annabelle Yu Long satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605(c) (2) of the Listing Rules of the
Nasdaq Stock Market and Rule 10 A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and
the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things:
•appointing the independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors;
•reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response;
•discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors;
•reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting and internal control policies and procedures and any steps taken to monitor and control major
financial risk exposures;
•reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions;
•meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent auditors; and
•monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper
compliance.
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee consists of Mr. Wei Wu and Dr. Neng Wang. Mr. Wei Wu is the chairman of our compensation committee. We have
determined Mr. Wei Wu and Dr. Neng Wang satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Listing Rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. The
compensation committee assists the board in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and
executive officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which his compensation is deliberated. The compensation committee
is responsible for, among other things:
•reviewing and approving, or recommending to the board for its approval, the compensation for our chief executive officer and other executive officers;
•reviewing and recommending to the board for determination with respect to the compensation of our non-employee directors;
•reviewing periodically and approving any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements; and
157
•selecting compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser only after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that person’s independence from
management.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Mr. Xiaoguang Wu, Mr. Wei Wu and Dr. Neng Wang. Mr. Xiaoguang Wu is the chairman
of our nominating and corporate governance committee. Mr. Xiaoguang Wu, Mr. Wei Wu and Dr. Neng Wang satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605(a)
(2) of the Listing Rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the board of directors in selecting individuals qualified
to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for,
among other things:
•selecting and recommending nominees for election by the shareholders or appointment by the board;
•reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board with regards to characteristics such as independence, knowledge, skills, experience
and diversity;
•making recommendations on the frequency and structure of board meetings and monitoring the functioning of the committees of the board; and
•advising the board periodically with regards to significant developments in the law and practice of corporate governance as well as our compliance with
applicable laws and regulations, and making recommendations to the board on all matters of corporate governance and on any remedial action to be taken.
Terms of Directors and Executive Officers
Our directors may be appointed by a resolution of our board of directors, or by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. A director may be appointed on
terms that the director shall automatically retire from office (unless he has sooner vacated office) at the next or a subsequent annual general meeting or upon any
specified event or after any specified period in a written agreement between our company and the director, if any; but no such term shall be implied in the absence of
express provision. Each director whose term of office expires shall be eligible for re-election at a meeting of the shareholders or re-appointment by the board of
directors. A director may be removed from office by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders. A director will cease to be a director if, among other things, the director
(i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; (ii) dies or is found by our company to be or becomes of unsound mind, (iii) resigns
his office by notice in writing to the company, (iv) without special leave of absence from our board, is absent from three consecutive board meetings and our directors
resolve that his office be vacated or (v) is removed from office pursuant to any other provision of our sixth amended and restated articles of association. Our officers are
elected by and serve at the discretion of our board of directors.
Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our senior executive officers. Under these agreements, each of our executive officers is employed
for a specified time period. We may terminate employment for cause, at any time, without advance notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the executive officer, such
as conviction or plea of guilty to a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, negligent or dishonest acts to our detriment, or misconduct or a failure to perform
agreed duties. We may also terminate an executive officer’s employment without cause upon three-month advance written notice. In such case of termination by us, we
will provide severance payments to the executive officer as expressly required by applicable law of the jurisdiction where the executive officer is based. The executive
officer may resign at any time with a three-month advance written notice.
Each executive officer has agreed to hold, both during and after the termination or expiry of his or her employment agreement, in strict confidence and not to
use, except as required in the performance of his or her duties in connection with the employment or pursuant to applicable law, any of our confidential information or
trade secrets, any confidential information or trade secrets of our clients or prospective clients, or the confidential or proprietary information of any third party received
by us and for which we have confidential obligations. The executive officers have also agreed to disclose in confidence to us all inventions, designs and trade secrets
which they conceive, develop or reduce to practice during the executive officer’s employment with us and to assign all right, title and interest in them to us, and assist us
in obtaining and enforcing patents, copyrights and other legal rights for these inventions, designs and trade secrets.
158
In addition, each executive officer has agreed to be bound by non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions during the term of his or her employment and
typically for one year following the last date of employment. Specifically, each executive officer has agreed not to (i) approach our suppliers, clients, customers or
contacts or other persons or entities introduced to the executive officer in his or her capacity as a representative of us for the purpose of doing business with such persons
or entities that will harm our business relationships with these persons or entities; (ii) assume employment with or provide services to any of our competitors, or engage,
whether as principal, partner, licensor or otherwise, any of our competitors, without our express consent; or (iii) seek directly or indirectly, to solicit the services of any
of our employees who is employed by us on or after the date of the executive officer’s termination, or in the year preceding such termination, without our express
consent.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. Under these agreements, we may agree to indemnify our
directors and executive officers against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by such persons in connection with claims made by reason of their being a director or
officer of our company.
Board Diversity
Board Diversity Matrix (As of February 28, 2023)
Country of Principal Executive Offices:
Foreign Private Issuer
Disclose Prohibited Under Home Country Law
Total Number of Directors
Part I: Gender Identity
Directors
Part II: Demographic Background
Underrepresented Individual in Home Country Jurisdiction
LGBTQ+
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background
D. Employees
Female
1
Male
7
People's Republic of China
Yes
No
8
Non-Binary Did Not Disclose Gender
—
—
—
—
—
The following table sets forth the numbers of our employees categorized by function as of December 31, 2022.
Functions:
Installment e-commerce and Operations
Risk management
Research and development
Sales and marketing
General and administrative
Total number of employees
159
As of December 31, 2022
Number
% of Total
Employees
125
387
602
2,514
244
3,872
3.2
10.0
15.5
64.9
6.4
100
As required by laws and regulations in China, we participate in various employee social security plans that are organized by municipal and provincial
governments, including, among others, pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, on-the-job injury insurance, and housing
fund plans through a PRC government-mandated defined contribution plan. We are required under PRC laws to make contributions to employee benefit plans at
specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of our employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time.
We typically enter into standard employment and confidentiality agreements with our senior management and core personnel. We maintain a good working
relationship with our employees, and we have not experienced any material labor disputes. None of our employees are represented by labor unions.
E. Share Ownership
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our shares as of February 28, 2023 by:
•each of our current directors and executive officers; and
•each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our shares.
The calculations in the table below are based on 326,055,189 ordinary shares outstanding as of February 28, 2023, comprising of (i) 245,866,026 Class A
ordinary shares, excluding the 10,471,814 Class A ordinary shares issued to the depositary bank for bulk issuance of ADSs reserved for future issuances upon the
exercise or vesting of awards granted under the Share Incentive Plan and the 2017 Share Incentive Plan, and (ii) 80,189,163 Class B ordinary shares.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a
person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including through the exercise of
any option, warrant or other right or the conversion of any other security. These shares, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any
other person. Ordinary shares held by a shareholder are determined in accordance with our register of members.
See “—B. Compensation” for more details on options and restricted shares granted to our directors and executive officers.
160
Directors and Executive Officers**:
Jay Wenjie Xiao(1)
Jared Yi Wu(2)
James Xigui Zheng
Shirley Yunwen Yang
Jason Ming Zhao
Ervin Yong Lu
Suining Xiao(3)
Wei Wu(4)
Xiaoguang Wu(5)
Dr. Neng Wang(6)
Annabelle Yu Long(7)
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
Principal Shareholders:
Installment Payment Investment Inc.(8)
K2 Partners entities(9)
Class A
Ordinary
Shares
Class B
Ordinary
Shares
Percentage
of total
ordinary
shares on an
as-converted
basis †
Percentage
of aggregate
voting
power††
7,032,284
15,872,080
*
*
*
*
—
*
*
*
*
25,137,086
6,798,950
39,527,554
80,189,163
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
80,189,163
80,189,163
—
26.7
4.9
*
*
*
*
—
*
*
*
*
32.1
26.7
12.1
77.2
1.5
*
*
*
*
—
*
*
*
*
78.8
77.2
3.8
* Aggregate number of shares accounts for less than 1% of our total outstanding ordinary shares and aggregate voting power.
** Except for Suining Xiao, Wei Wu, Xiaoguang Wu, Dr. Neng Wang, and Annabelle Yu Long, the business address for our directors and executive officers is 27/ F CES Tower, No. 3099 Keyuan
South Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057, the People’s Republic of China.
† For each person and group included in this column, percentage ownership is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person or group by the sum of the total
number of shares outstanding as of February 28, 2023 and the number of shares such person or group has the right to acquire upon exercise of option, warrant or other right within 60 days after
February 28, 2023. The total number of ordinary shares outstanding as of February 28, 2023 is 326,055,189.
†† For each person and group included in this column, percentage of voting power is calculated by dividing the voting power beneficially owned by such person or group by the voting power of all
of our Class A and Class B ordinary shares as a single class. Each holder of Class A ordinary shares is
161
entitled to one vote per share and each holder of our Class B ordinary shares is entitled to ten votes per share on all matters submitted to them for vote. Our Class B ordinary shares are
convertible at any time by the holder thereof into Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis.
(1)Represents 3,399,475 ADSs, equivalent to 6,798,950 Class A ordinary shares, and 80,189,163 Class B ordinary shares held by The JX Chen Family Trust through Installment Payment Investment
Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, as of February 28, 2023, and 233,334 Class A ordinary shares issuable to Mr. Wenjie Xiao upon exercise of options granted
to him within 60 days after February 28, 2023. The registered office address of Installment Payment Investment Inc. is Start Chambers, Wickham’s Cay II, P.O. Box 2221, Road Town, Tortola,
British Virgin Islands. The beneficiaries of The JX Chen Family Trust are Mr. Jay Wenjie Xiao and his family and therefore, Mr. Xiao may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares held by
Installment Payment Investment Inc. through the Trust.
(2)Represents 15,138,746 Class A ordinary shares beneficially held by Mr. Yi Wu and 733,334 Class A ordinary shares issuable to Mr. Yi Wu upon exercise of options granted to him within 60 days
after February 28, 2023.
(3)The business address of Mr. Suining Xiao is Room 2604, Hantang Building, Oversea Chinese Town, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518053, the People’s Republic of China.
(4)The business address of Mr. Wei Wu is Flat E, 9/F, Tower 5, The Visionary, 1 Ying Hong Street, Tung Chung, Lantau Island, Hong Kong.
(5)The business address of Mr. Xiaoguang Wu is Flat 49A, Tower 6, Phase 4, Bel-Air On The Peak, South Island, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
(6)The business address of Dr. Neng Wang is Kravis 1102, 665 W 130th St, New York, NY 10027, USA.
(7)The business address of Ms. Annabelle Yu Long is Unit 1610, 16/F, West Tower, Genesis Beijing, 8 Xinyuan South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027, the People’s Republic of China.
(8)Represents 6,798,950 Class A ordinary shares and 80,189,163 Class B ordinary shares beneficially owned by Mr. Jay Wenjie Xiao through The JX Chen Family Trust. See note (1) above.
(9)Represents 39,527,554 Class A ordinary shares held by KPartners Limited and other K2 entities, including 29,468,844 Class A ordinary shares held by K2 Partners II Limited, as reported on
Schedule 13D/A filed by KPartners Limited and K2 Partners II Limited, among others, on December 18, 2020. The registered office address of KPartners Limited is Osiris International Cayman
Limited of Suite #4-210, Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue, Po Box 32311, Grand Cayman KY1-1209, Cayman Islands. The registered office address of K2 Partners II Limited is Room C,
20/F, Lucky Plaza, 315-321, Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per
share, while holders of Class B ordinary shares are entitled to ten votes per share. We issued Class A ordinary shares represented by the ADSs in our initial public
offering.
As of February 28, 2023, 326,055,189 of our ordinary shares were issued and outstanding. To our knowledge, a total of 286,430,940 Class A ordinary shares,
representing approximately 75.2% of our total issued ordinary shares, were held by one record shareholder in the United States, which is The Bank of New York Mellon,
the depositary of our ADS program. The number of beneficial owners of our ADSs in the United States is likely to be much larger than the number of record holders of
our ordinary shares in the United States.
Except for the above, we are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.
F. Disclosure of a Registrant's Action to Recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation
Not applicable.
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A. Major Shareholders
Please refer to “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—E. Share Ownership.”
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B. Related Party Transactions
Contractual Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities and Their Shareholders
PRC laws and regulations currently restrict foreign ownership and investment in value-added telecommunications services in China. As a result, we operate
our relevant business through the variable interest entities and their subsidiaries based on a series of contractual arrangements. For a description of these contractual
arrangements, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the Variable Interest Entities.”
Transactions with Individual Directors and Officers
Certain individual directors and officers and/or his immediate family members participate in our investment programs offered to individual investors by the
Company. As of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, we had RMB61.9 million, RMB15.0 million and nil due to these related parties in connection with their
investment. We believe that the terms of the transaction agreements with the related parties are comparable to those at arm’s-length transactions with third-party
individual investors.
Transactions with Ji’an Aojuxun, Ji’an Aoxinlian and Aileyou
Ji'an Aojuxun Information Consulting Service Co., Ltd (“Ji’an Aojuxun”) and Ji’an Aoxinlian Information Consulting Service Co., Ltd (“Ji’an Aoxinlian”),
which provide collection services to the Company, are controlled by the immediate family member of the Group's senior management.
The transactions with the two entities for the year ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 were RMB28.6 million, RMB20.5 million and RMB16.2 million
(US$2.3 million), respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the amounts due to Ji'an Aoxinlian and Ji’an Aojuxun were RMB4.8 million and nil, respectively. As of
December 31, 2022, the amounts due to Ji'an Aoxinlian and Ji’an Aojuxun were RMB4.7 million (US$0.7 million) and nil, respectively.
Shenzhen Aileyou Information Technology Co., Ltd.(“Aileyou”) is an equity investment of the Group. The transaction with Aileyou for the year ended
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 were RMB2.1 million, RMB7.7 million and RMB0.6 million, respectively. The amounts due to Aileyou as of December 31, 2021
and 2022 were RMB3.3 million and nil, respectively.
In June 2022, we have fully disposed all our shareholding in Aileyou, and which was no longer a related party of us after the disposal.
Loan Agreement with L.P.
L.P. Technology Holdings Limited (“L.P”) is an equity investment of the Group. In 2021 and 2022, we entered into loan agreements with L.P. and agreed to
provide loan to facilitate L.P.'s business operations. These loans carry a fixed rate of interest which approximated the market interest rate at the inception of the loans.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the amounts due from L.P. was RMB6.1 million and RMB6.6 million (US$1.0 million), respectively.
Shareholders Agreement
We entered into our amended and restated shareholders agreement on October 21, 2017 with our then-existing shareholders. The shareholders agreement
provides for certain preferential rights, including board representation rights, right of participation, co-sale rights and preemptive rights. Except for the registration rights,
all the preferential rights terminated upon the completion of our initial public offering. We have granted certain demand registration rigts, piggyback registration rights
and F-3 registration rights to holders of our registrable securities. These registration rights ceased to be in effect after December 21, 2022, the fifth anniversary of our
initial public offering.
Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation.”
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Share Incentive Plans
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation.”
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
Item 8. Financial Information
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
We have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report.
Legal Proceedings
We may from time to time be subject to various legal or administrative claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Litigation or any
other legal or administrative proceeding, regardless of the outcome, is likely to result in substantial cost and diversion of our resources, including our management’s
time and attention.
In September 2020, we and certain of our officers and directors were named as defendants in two putative federal securities class actions captioned In re
LexinFintech Holdings, LTD Sec. Litig., No. 3:20-cv-01562-SI (U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, First Amended Complaint filed on September 18, 2020)
(the “Oregon Action”) and Ernesto Vela v. LexinFintech Holdings, Ltd. et al., No. 1:20-cv-12606 (U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Complaint filed on
September 11, 2020) (the “New Jersey Action). Both actions alleged that the defendants made misstatements and omissions regarding our business, operations and
financial performance in violation of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. On November 9, 2020, plaintiffs in the New Jersey Action voluntarily dismissed their
complaint. In November 2021, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss the complaint in the Oregon Action, and in December 2021, the parties filed a joint
stipulation whereby Plaintiffs agreed to voluntarily dismiss their complaint. For risks and uncertainties relating to legal proceedings, please see “Item 3. Key Information
—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We have been and may be subject to intellectual property infringement claims or other legal
proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our business, which may be expensive to defend and may disrupt our business and operations.”
Dividend Policy
Our board of directors has discretion on whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain restrictions under Cayman Islands law, namely that our company
may only pay dividends either out of profits or share premium account, and provided always that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in our
company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend,
but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends on our ordinary shares, the
form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions
and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
We do not have any present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of
our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We may rely on dividends from our subsidiaries in China for our cash requirements, including any
payment of dividends to our shareholders. The PRC regulations may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. See “Item 10. Additional
Information—E. Taxation—People’s Republic of China Taxation.”
If we pay any dividends on our ordinary shares, we will pay those dividends which are payable in respect of the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs to the
depositary, as the registered holder of such ordinary shares, and the depositary then will pay such amounts to the ADS holders in proportion to the ordinary shares
underlying the ADSs held by such ADS holders, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. See “Item 12.
164
Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities—American Depositary Shares.” Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.
B. Significant Changes
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial
statements included in this annual report.
Item 9. Offer and Listing
A. Offering and Listing Details
Our ADSs, each representing two Class A ordinary shares, have been listed on The Nasdaq Global Market since December 21, 2017 and on The Nasdaq
Global Select Market since March 3, 2021. The ADSs trade under the symbol “LX.”
B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
The ADSs have been listed on Nasdaq since December 21, 2017 under the symbol “LX.”
D. Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E. Dilution
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
Item 10. Additional Information
A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
The following are summaries of material provisions of our sixth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, as well as the Companies
Act (As Revised) insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares.
Registered Office and Objects
Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the offices of Maples Corporate Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman,
KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Law Debenture Corporate Services Inc. The objects of our company are unrestricted
and we have the full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by the law of the Cayman Islands.
Board of Directors
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Board of Directors.”
165
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares. Our ordinary shares are issued in registered form and are issued when registered in our register of members. Our shareholders who are non-
residents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and vote their shares. We may not issue bearer shares.
Dividends. The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors. In addition, our shareholders may
by an ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Under Cayman Islands law, our company may
declare and pay a dividend only out of funds legally available therefor, namely out of either profits or our share premium account, provided that in no circumstances
may we pay a dividend if this would result in our company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business.
Voting Rights. In respect of all matters subject to a shareholders’ vote on a poll, each Class A ordinary share shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote on all
matters subject to vote at general meetings of the Company, and each Class B ordinary share shall entitle the holder thereof to ten votes on all matters subject to vote at
general meetings of the Company. Voting at any shareholders’ meeting is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by the chairman of such
meeting or any shareholder holding not less than 10% of the votes attaching to the total ordinary shares present in person or by proxy.
A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of one or more shareholders present or by proxy, holding shares which represent, in aggregate, not
less than one-third of the votes attaching to the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in our company entitled to vote at general meetings. Shareholders may be present
in person or by proxy or, if the shareholder is a legal entity, by its duly authorized representative. Shareholders’ meetings may be convened by the Chairman or a
majority of our board of directors on its own initiative or upon a request to the directors by shareholders holding shares which represent, in aggregate, not less than one-
third of all votes attaching to all issued and outstanding ordinary shares in our company entitled to vote at general meetings. Advance notice of at least seven calendar
days is required for the convening of our annual general shareholders’ meeting and any other general shareholders’ meeting.
An ordinary resolution to be passed at a meeting by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attached to the ordinary
shares cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy at a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no
less than two-thirds of the votes attached to the ordinary shares cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy at a general meeting.
Both ordinary resolutions and special resolutions may also be passed by a unanimous written resolution signed by all the shareholders of our company, as permitted by
the Companies Act and our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. A special resolution will be required for important matters such as a change
of name or making changes to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. Holders of the ordinary shares may, among other things, divide or
combine their shares by ordinary resolution.
Conversion of Class B Ordinary Shares. Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of any Class B ordinary shares by the holder to any non-affiliates
of such holder, each of such Class B ordinary share will be automatically and immediately converted into one Class A ordinary share. If at any time Mr. Jay Wenjie Xiao
and his affiliates collectively hold less than five percent (5%) of our issued and outstanding shares, each Class B ordinary share will automatically be re-designated into
one Class A ordinary share, and no Class B ordinary shares shall be issued by us thereafter.
Transfer of Ordinary Shares. Subject to the restrictions set out below, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her ordinary shares by an
instrument of transfer in writing and in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board of directors.
Our board of directors may, in its absolute discretion, decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully paid up or on which we have a
lien. Our board of directors may also decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless:
•the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the ordinary shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our board of
directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;
•the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of shares;
•the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required;
166
•in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the ordinary share is to be transferred does not exceed four; and
•a fee of such maximum sum as the Nasdaq Global Select Market may determine to be payable or such lesser sum as our board of directors may from time to
time require is paid to us in respect thereof.
If our directors refuse to register a transfer they shall, within three calendar months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged with us, send
to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.
The registration of transfers may, after compliance with any notice required of the Nasdaq Global Select Market, be suspended and the register closed at such
times and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine, provided always, that the registration of transfers shall not be suspended nor the
register closed for more than 30 calendar days in any year as our board may determine.
Liquidation. On a winding up of our company, if the assets available for distribution among our shareholders shall be more than sufficient to repay the whole
of the share capital at the commencement of the winding up, the surplus will be distributed among our shareholders in proportion to the par value of the ordinary shares
held by them at the commencement of the winding up, subject to a deduction from those ordinary shares in respect of which there are monies due, of all monies payable
to our company for unpaid calls or otherwise. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay the whole of the share capital, the assets will be distributed
so that the losses are borne by our shareholders in proportion to the par value of the ordinary shares held by them. We are an exempted company with “limited liability”
incorporated under the Companies Act, and under the Companies Act, the liability of our members is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares respectively
held by them. Our amended and restated memorandum of association contains a declaration that the liability of our members is so limited.
Calls on Shares and Forfeiture of Shares. Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their
ordinary shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 calendar days prior to the specified time and place of payment. The shares that have been called upon
and remain unpaid are subject to forfeiture.
Redemption, Repurchase and Surrender of Ordinary Shares. We may issue shares on terms that such shares are subject to redemption, at our option or at the
option of the holders thereof, on such terms and in such manner as may be determined, before the issue of such shares, by our board of directors or by a special
resolution of our shareholders. Our company may also repurchase any of our shares provided that the manner and terms of such purchase have been approved by our
board of directors or by ordinary resolution of our shareholders, or are otherwise authorized by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.
Under the Companies Act, the redemption or repurchase of any share may be paid out of our company’s profits or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for
the purpose of such redemption or repurchase, or out of capital (including a share premium account and capital redemption reserve) if the company can, immediately
following such payment, pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, under the Companies Act no such share may be redeemed or
repurchased (i) unless it is fully paid up, (ii) if such redemption or repurchase would result in there being no shares outstanding, or (iii) if the company has commenced
liquidation. In addition, our company may accept the surrender of any fully paid share for no consideration.
Variations of Rights of Shares. If at any time, our share capital is divided into different classes of shares, all or any of the special rights attached to any class of
shares may be materially adversely varied with the consent in writing of the holders of all of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of an ordinary resolution
passed by a majority of the votes cast at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class
issued with preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be materially adversely
varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with or subsequent to such existing class of shares. In addition, the rights of the holders of shares shall
not be deemed to be
167
materially adversely varied by the creation or issue of shares with preferred or other rights including, without limitation, the creation of shares with enhanced or
weighted voting rights.
Issuance of Additional Shares. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association authorizes our board of directors to issue additional Class
A ordinary shares from time to time as our board of directors shall determine, to the extent of available authorized but unissued shares.
Our sixth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association also authorizes our board of directors to establish from time to time one or more
series of preferred shares and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series, including:
•the designation of the series;
•the number of shares of the series;
•the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights; and
•the rights and terms of redemption and liquidation preferences.
Our board of directors may issue preferred shares without approval from our shareholders to the extent authorized but unissued. Issuance of these shares may
dilute the voting power of holders of Class A ordinary shares.
Inspection of Books and Records. Holders of our Class A ordinary shares will have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of
our list of shareholders or our corporate records (save for our memorandum and articles of association, our register of mortgages and charges and special resolutions of
our shareholders). However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements.
Anti-Takeover Provisions. Some provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change
of control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including provisions that:
•authorize our board of directors to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to designate the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of
such preferred shares without any further vote or action by our shareholders; and
•limit the ability of shareholders to requisition and convene general meetings of shareholders.
However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our sixth amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company.
General Meetings of Shareholders and Shareholder Proposals. Our shareholders’ general meetings may be held in such place within or outside the Cayman
Islands as our board of directors considers appropriate.
As a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are not obliged by the Companies Act to call shareholders’ annual general meetings. Our sixth amended and
restated memorandum and articles of association provide that we may (but are not obliged to) in each year hold a general meeting as our annual general meeting.
Shareholders’ annual general meetings and any other general meetings of our shareholders may be convened by a majority of our board of directors or our
chairman. Advance notice of at least seven calendar days is required for the convening of our annual general shareholders’ meeting and any other general meeting of our
shareholders. A quorum required for a general meeting of shareholders consists of one or more shareholders present in person or by proxy, or, if a corporation or other
non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative, representing not less than one-third of all votes attaching to all issued and outstanding ordinary shares in our
company entitled to vote at general meetings.
Cayman Islands law provides shareholders with only limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right to put
any proposal before a general meeting.
However, these rights may be provided in a company’s articles of association. Our sixth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
allows our shareholders holding shares representing in aggregate not less than one-third of the votes attaching to the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of our
company entitled to vote at general meetings, to requisition an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders, in which case our directors are obliged to call such
meeting and to put the resolutions so requisitioned to a vote at such meeting; however, our amended and restated
168
memorandum and articles of association does not provide our shareholders with any right to put any proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general
meetings not called by such shareholders.
Appointment and Removal of Directors
Unless otherwise determined by our company in general meeting, our sixth amended and restated articles of association provide that our board will consist of
not less than three directors. There are no provisions relating to retirement of directors upon reaching any age limit.
The directors have the power to appoint any person as a director either to fill a casual vacancy on the board or as an addition to the existing board. Our
shareholders may also appoint any person to be a director by way of ordinary resolution.
A director may be removed with or without cause by ordinary resolution.
In addition, the office of any director shall be vacated if the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors, (ii)
dies or is found to be or becomes of unsound mind, (iii) resigns his office by notice in writing to our company, or (iv) without special leave of absence from our board, is
absent from three consecutive board meetings and our board resolves that his office be vacated.
Proceedings of Board of Directors
Our sixth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that our business is to be managed and conducted by our board of directors.
The quorum necessary for board meetings may be fixed by the board and, unless so fixed at another number, will be a majority of the directors.
Our sixth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that the board may exercise all the powers of our company to borrow
money, to mortgage or charge all or any part of the undertaking, property and uncalled capital of our company and to issue debentures and other securities whether
outright, or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of our company or of any third party.
Changes in Capital
Our shareholders may from time to time by ordinary resolution:
•increase our share capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of such classes and amount, as the resolution shall prescribe;
•consolidate and divide all or any of our share capital into shares of a larger amount than our existing shares;
•sub-divide our existing shares, or any of them into shares of a smaller amount, provided that in the subdivision the proportion between the amount paid and
the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in case of the share from which the reduced share is derived; or
•cancel any shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person and diminish the amount of our
share capital by the amount of the shares so canceled.
Our shareholders may by special resolution, subject to confirmation by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands on an application by our company for an order
confirming such reduction, reduce our share capital or any capital redemption reserve in any manner permitted by law.
Exempted Company. We are an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the Companies Act. The Companies Act distinguishes between
ordinary resident companies and exempted companies. Any company that is registered in the Cayman Islands but conducts business mainly outside of the Cayman
Islands may apply to be registered as an exempted company. The requirements for an exempted company are essentially the same as for an ordinary company except
that an exempted company:
•does not have to file an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies;
•is not required to open its register of members for inspection;
•does not have to hold an annual general meeting;
•may issue shares with no par value;
•may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20 years in the first instance);
•may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands;
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•may register as a limited duration company; and
•may register as a segregated portfolio company.
“Limited liability” means that the liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on that shareholder’s shares of the company
(except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstances in
which a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil).
Register of Members. Under Cayman Islands law, we must keep a register of members and there should be entered therein:
•the names and addresses of the members, together with a statement of the shares held by each member, and such statement shall confirm (i) the amount paid
or agreed to be considered as paid, on the shares of each member, (ii) the number and category of shares held by each member, and (iii) whether each
relevant category of shares held by a member carries voting rights under the articles of association of the company, and, if so, whether such voting rights are
conditional;
•the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and
•the date on which any person ceased to be a member.
Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members of our company is prima facie evidence of the matters set out therein (i.e. the register of members will
raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted) and a member registered in the register of members should be deemed as a matter of Cayman
Islands law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members. Upon the closing of our initial public offering, our company’s register of
members were immediately updated to record and give effect to the issue of Class A ordinary shares by us to the Depositary (or its nominee) as the depositary. Once our
register of members has been updated, the shareholders recorded in the register of members will be deemed to have legal title to the shares set against their name in the
register of members.
If the name of any person is incorrectly entered in or omitted from our register of members, or if there is any default or unnecessary delay in entering on the
register the fact of any person having ceased to be a member of our company, the person or member aggrieved (or any member of our company or our company itself)
may apply to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands for an order that the register be rectified, and the Court may either refuse such application or it may, if satisfied of
the justice of the case, make an order for the rectification of the register.
C. Material Contracts
We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in “Item 4. Information on the
Company” or elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.
D. Exchange Controls
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations Relating to Foreign Currency Exchange.”
E. Taxation
The following summary of the material Cayman Islands, PRC and United States federal income tax consequences of an investment in the ADSs or ordinary
shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this annual report, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not deal
with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under United States state and local tax laws or
under the tax laws of jurisdictions other than the Cayman Islands, the People’s Republic of China and the United States.
Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the
nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties
which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or, after execution, brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not
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party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the
Cayman Islands.
Payments of dividends and capital in respect of the ADSs and ordinary shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will
be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of the Shares, nor will gains derived from the disposal of the shares be subject to Cayman Islands
income or corporation tax.
People’s Republic of China Taxation
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with a “de facto management body”
within the PRC is considered a resident enterprise and will be subject to the enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on its global income. The implementation rules
define the term “de facto management body” as the body that exercises full and substantial control over and overall management of the business, productions, personnel,
accounts and properties of an enterprise. In April 2009, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, issued a circular, known as Circular 82, which provides
certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de facto management body” of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China.
Although this circular only applies to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or
foreigners, the criteria set forth in the circular may reflect the SAT’s general position on how the “de facto management body” test should be applied in determining the
tax resident status of all offshore enterprises. According to Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group
will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having its “de facto management body” in China only if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the primary
location of the day-to-day operational management is in the PRC; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial and human resource matters are made or are subject
to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and board and shareholder
resolutions, are located or maintained in the PRC; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC.
We do not believe that LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. meets all of the conditions above. LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. is a company incorporated outside the
PRC. As a holding company, its key assets are its ownership interests in its subsidiaries, and its key assets are located, and its records (including the resolutions of its
board of directors and the resolutions of its shareholders) are maintained, outside the PRC. For the same reasons, we believe our other entities outside of China are not
PRC resident enterprises either. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with
respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” There can be no assurance that the PRC government will ultimately take a view that is consistent
with ours.
However, if the PRC tax authorities determine that LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. is a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we may be
required to withhold a 10% withholding tax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-resident enterprises, including the holders of our ADSs. Such 10%
tax rate could be reduced by applicable tax treaties or similar arrangements between China and the jurisdiction of our shareholders. For example, for shareholders
eligible for the benefits of the tax treaty between Mainland of China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the tax rate is reduced to 5% for dividends if
relevant conditions are met. In addition, non-resident enterprise shareholders (including our ADS holders) may be subject to a 10% PRC tax on gains realized on the sale
or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares, if such income is treated as sourced from within the PRC. It is unclear whether our non-PRC individual shareholders
(including our ADS holders) would be subject to any PRC tax on dividends or gains obtained by such non-PRC individual shareholders in the event we are determined
to be a PRC resident enterprise. If any PRC tax were to apply to such dividends or gains, it would generally apply at a rate of 20% unless a reduced rate is available
under an applicable tax treaty. However, it is also unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. would be able to claim the benefits of any tax
treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. is treated as a PRC resident enterprise.
The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law generally imposes a uniform income tax rate of 25% on all enterprises, but grants preferential treatment to HNTEs, and
qualified “Software Enterprises.” HNTEs are instead subject to an income tax rate of 15%, subject to a requirement that they re-apply for HNTE status every three years.
During this three-year period, an HNTE must conduct a qualification self-review each year to ensure it meets the HNTE criteria, and will be subject to the regular 25%
income tax rate for any year in which it does not meet the criteria. A qualified “Software Enterprise” is entitled to an income tax exemption for two years beginning with
its first profitable year and a 50% reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years. According to the Announcement on the Enterprise Income Tax Policies for
Promoting the High-quality Development of the Integrated Circuit Industry and the Software Industry, key software enterprises encouraged by the state shall be exempt
from the enterprise income tax from the first to the fifth year from the year when such enterprise makes profits, and be subject to the enterprise income tax levied at the
reduced rate of 10% for subsequent years. In April 2021, the
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Announcement on Income Tax Policies for “Software Enterprise Encouraged by the State” was released, a “Software Enterprise Encouraged by the State” is entitled to
an income tax exemption for two years beginning with its first profitable year and a 50% reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years. However, these
enterprises shall go through record-filing with the tax authority at the time of final settlement each year and be subject to the examination of the development and reform
authority and the industry and information technology authority.
Provided that our Cayman Islands holding company, LexinFintech Holdings Ltd., is not deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise, holders of our ADSs and
ordinary shares who are not PRC residents will not be subject to PRC income tax on dividends distributed by us or gains realized from the sale or other disposition of
our shares or ADSs. However, under Circular 7, if a non-resident enterprise transfers the equity interests of a PRC resident enterprise indirectly by transfer of the equity
interests of an offshore holding company (other than a purchase and sale of shares issued by a PRC resident enterprise in public securities market) without a reasonable
commercial purpose, the PRC tax authorities have the power to reassess the nature of the transaction and the indirect equity transfer will be treated as a direct transfer.
As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferor obligated to withhold the applicable taxes,
currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. We and our non-PRC resident investors may be at risk of being required to file
a return and being taxed under Circular 7, and we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Circular 7, or to establish that we should not be taxed
under these circulars. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We face uncertainty with respect to indirect
transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.”
United States Federal Income Taxation
The following discussion is a summary of United States federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the ownership and disposition of our ADSs
or ordinary shares by a U.S. holder (as defined below) that acquires our ADSs in our initial public offering and holds our ADSs or ordinary shares as “capital assets”
(generally, property held for investment) under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). This discussion is based upon existing
United States federal income tax law, which is subject to differing interpretations and may be changed, possibly with retroactive effect. There can be no assurance that
the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or a court will not take a contrary position. This discussion does not address all aspects of United States federal income taxation
that may be important to particular investors in light of their individual circumstances, including investors subject to special tax rules (for example, certain financial
institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, traders in securities that have elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, partnerships and
their partners, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, and tax-exempt organizations (including private foundations)), investors who are not U.S.
holders, United States expatriates, investors who own (directly, indirectly, or constructively) 10% or more of our stock (by vote or value), investors that will hold their
ADSs or ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale, or other integrated transaction for United States federal income tax purposes, or
investors that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized
below. In addition, this discussion does not discuss any non-United States, alternative minimum tax, state, or local tax or any non-income tax (such as the United States
federal gift or estate tax) considerations, or the Medicare tax on net investment income. Each U.S. holder is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the United States
federal, state, local, and non-United States income and other tax considerations of an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares.
General
For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of our ADSs or ordinary shares that is, for United States federal income tax purposes, (i)
an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes)
created in, or organized under the laws of, the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to United
States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust (A) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and
which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that has otherwise elected to be treated as a
United States person under applicable United States Treasury regulations.
If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of our ADSs or
ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships
holding our ADSs or ordinary shares and partners in such partnerships are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the particular United States federal income tax
consequences of an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares.
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For United States federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder of ADSs will generally be treated as the beneficial owner of the underlying shares represented
by the ADSs. The remainder of this discussion assumes that a U.S. holder of our ADSs will be treated as the beneficial owner of the underlying shares represented by the
ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of ordinary shares for ADSs will generally not be subject to United States federal income tax.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
A non-United States corporation, such as our company, will be a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) for United States federal income tax
purposes, if, in any particular taxable year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of “passive” income or (ii) 50% or more of
the value of its assets (generally determined on the basis of a quarterly average) during such year is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of
passive income. Cash is categorized as a passive asset and the company’s goodwill and other unbooked intangibles associated with active business activities may
generally be classified as active assets. Passive income generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of
passive assets.
We will be treated as owning a proportionate share of the assets and earning a proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own,
directly or indirectly, at least 25% (by value) of the stock. Although the law in this regard is unclear, we intend to treat the variable interest entities (including their
subsidiaries) as being owned by us for United States federal income tax purposes, and we treat them that way, not only because we exercise effective control over the
operation of such entities but also because we are entitled to substantially all of their economic benefits, and, as a result, we consolidate their results of operations in our
consolidated financial statements. A certain portion of our financial services income is treated as active income solely for purposes of the PFIC determination. Any
change in the composition of the loans originated on our platform may affect the composition of our income for purposes of the PFIC determination. Assuming that we
are the owner of the variable interest entities (including their subsidiaries) for United States federal income tax purposes, and based upon our current income and assets,
including goodwill and unbooked intangibles, we do not believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2022.
While we do not believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2022, no assurance can be given with respect to our PFIC status for
the current taxable year or any future taxable years because the determination of whether we are or will become a PFIC will depend in part upon the value of our
goodwill and other unbooked intangibles (which will depend upon the market price of our ADSs from time to time, which may be volatile). In particular, recent decline
in the market price of our ADSs significantly increased our risk of becoming a PFIC. Among other matters, if our market capitalization continues to decline, we may be
or become a PFIC for the current or future taxable years. It is also possible that the IRS may challenge our classification of certain income or assets as non-passive,
which may result in our company being or becoming a PFIC for the current or one or more future taxable years.
The determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC will also depend, in part, on the nature and composition of our income and assets, which may be
affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets. If our revenue from activities that produce passive income significantly increases relative to our revenue
from activities that produce non-passive income, or if we determine not to deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes or if we were treated as not owning the
variable interest entities for United States federal income tax purposes, our risk of being classified as a PFIC may substantially increase. Because there are uncertainties
in the application of the relevant rules and our PFIC status for any taxable year is a factual determination that can be made only after the close of a taxable year, there
can be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable year. If we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. holder holds our
ADSs or ordinary shares, we will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such U.S. holder holds our ADSs or ordinary shares.
The discussion below under “Dividends” and “Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Ordinary Shares” is written on the basis that we will not be or become a
PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes. The United States federal income tax rules that apply if we are a PFIC for the current taxable year or any subsequent
taxable year are generally discussed below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”
Dividends
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Any cash distributions paid on our ADSs or ordinary shares (including the amount of any tax withheld) out of our current or accumulated earnings and
profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles, will generally be includible in the gross income of a U.S. holder as dividend income on the day
actually or constructively received by the U.S. holder, in the case of ordinary shares, or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs. Because we do not intend to determine
our earnings and profits on the basis of United States federal income tax principles, we will generally report any distribution paid as a dividend for United States federal
income tax purposes. Dividends received on the ADSs or ordinary shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations.
Individuals and other non-corporate recipients of dividend income from a “qualified foreign corporation” will generally be subject to tax at a reduced United
States federal income tax rate rather than the marginal tax rates generally applicable to ordinary income provided that certain holding period and other requirements are
met. A non-United States corporation will generally be considered to be a qualified foreign corporation (i) with respect to any dividend it pays on stock (or ADSs in
respect of such stock) which is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, or (ii) if it is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax
treaty with the United States which the Secretary of Treasury of the United States determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and which includes an
exchange of information program. Our ADSs are readily tradable on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which is an established securities market in the United States.
There can be no assurance that our ADSs will continue to be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in later years. Since we do not expect that
our ordinary shares will be listed on established securities markets, we do not believe that dividends that we pay on our ordinary shares that are not backed by ADSs
currently meet the conditions required for the reduced tax rate. However, in the event we are deemed to be a resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax
Law, we may be eligible for the benefits of the United States-PRC income tax treaty (the “Treaty,” which the U.S. Treasury Department has determined is satisfactory
for this purpose) and in that case, we would be treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid on our ordinary shares as well as our ADSs. Each
non-corporate U.S. holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income for any
dividends we pay with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares.
Dividends will generally be treated as income from foreign sources for United States foreign tax credit purposes and will generally constitute passive
category income. In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC “resident enterprise” under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, a U.S. holder may be subject to PRC
withholding taxes on dividends paid on our ADSs or ordinary shares. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—People’s Republic of China Taxation.” In
that case, a U.S. holder may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit in respect of any foreign withholding taxes imposed on
dividends received on ADSs or ordinary shares. A U.S. holder who does not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for foreign tax withheld may instead claim a deduction,
for United States federal income tax purposes, in respect of such withholdings, but only for a year in which such U.S. holder elects to do so for all creditable foreign
income taxes. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. U.S. holders are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax
credit under their particular circumstances.
Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Ordinary Shares
A U.S. holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference
between the amount realized upon the disposition and the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such ADSs or ordinary shares. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if
the ADSs or ordinary shares have been held for more than one year and will generally be United States source gain or loss for United States foreign tax credit purposes.
Long-term capital gains of individuals and other non-corporate U.S. holders generally are eligible for a reduced rate of taxation. The deductibility of a capital loss may
be subject to limitations.
In the event that we are treated as a PRC “resident enterprise” under the Enterprise Income Tax Law and gain from the disposition of the ADSs or ordinary
shares is subject to tax in the PRC, a U.S. holder that is eligible for the benefits of the Treaty may elect to treat the gain as PRC source income. Pursuant to recently
issued Treasury Regulations, however, if a U.S. Holder is not eligible for the benefits of the Treaty or does not elect to apply the Treaty, then such holder may not be able
to claim a foreign tax credit arising from any PRC tax imposed on the disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares. U.S. holders are advised to consult their tax advisors
regarding the tax consequences if a foreign tax is imposed on a disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares, including the availability of the foreign tax credit or
deduction under their particular circumstances, its eligibility for benefits under the Treaty and the potential impact of the recently issued Treasury Regulations.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
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If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder holds our ADSs or ordinary shares, and unless the U.S. holder makes a mark-to-market
election (as described below), the U.S. holder will generally be subject to special tax rules that have a penalizing effect, regardless of whether we remain a PFIC, for
subsequent taxable years, on (i) any excess distribution that we make to the U.S. holder (which generally means any distribution paid during a taxable year to a U.S.
holder that is greater than 125% of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. holder’s holding period for the ADSs
or ordinary shares), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition, including, under certain circumstances, a pledge, of ADSs or ordinary shares. Under the
PFIC rules:
•such excess distribution and/or gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. holder’s holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares;
•such amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable years in the U.S. holder’s holding period prior to the first taxable year in which we are a
PFIC, or pre-PFIC year, will be taxable as ordinary income;
•such amount allocated to each prior taxable year, other than a pre-PFIC year, will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for that year; and
•an interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the tax attributable to each prior taxable year, other than a pre-PFIC year.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder holds our ADSs or ordinary shares and any of our non-United States subsidiaries is also a
PFIC, such U.S. holder would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC for purposes of the application of these rules.
U.S. holders are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries.
As an alternative to the foregoing rules, a U.S. holder of “marketable stock” in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election with respect to our ADSs,
provided that the ADSs are regularly traded on a qualified exchange or other market, as defined in applicable United States Treasury regulations. Our ADSs, but not our
ordinary shares, are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which is qualified securities exchange for this purpose. We anticipate that our ADSs would qualify as
being regularly traded, but no assurances may be given in this regard. Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that a PFIC may own,
a U.S. holder who makes a mark-to-market election with respect to our ADSs will generally continue to be subject to the foregoing rules with respect to such U.S.
holder’s indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes.
If a U.S. holder makes a mark-to-market election with respect to our ADSs, the U.S. holder will generally (i) include as ordinary income for each taxable year
that we are a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of ADSs held at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such ADSs and (ii) deduct as an
ordinary loss the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of the ADSs over the fair market value of such ADSs held at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of
the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. The U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ADSs would be adjusted to reflect
any income or loss resulting from the mark-to-market election. Further, in each year that we are a PFIC any gain recognized upon the sale or other disposition of the
ADSs will be treated as ordinary income and loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the
mark-to-market election. If a U.S. holder makes a mark-to-market election it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent
taxable years unless the ADSs are no longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. It should also be noted that it
is intended that only the ADSs and not the ordinary shares will be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Consequently, if a U.S. holder holds ordinary shares that
are not represented by ADSs, such holder will generally not be eligible to make a mark-to-market election if we are or were to become a PFIC.
If a U.S. holder makes a mark-to-market election in respect of a PFIC and such corporation ceases to be a PFIC, the U.S. holder will not be required to take
into account the mark-to-market gain or loss described above during any period that such corporation is not a PFIC.
We do not intend to provide information necessary for U.S. holders to make qualified electing fund elections, which, if available, would result in tax treatment
different from (and generally less adverse than) the general tax treatment for PFICs described above.
If a U.S. holder owns our ADSs or ordinary shares during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, such holder would generally be required to file an annual IRS
Form 8621. Each U.S. holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the potential tax consequences to such holder if we are or become a PFIC, including the
possibility of making a mark-to-market election.
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F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G. Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
We are subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private issuers, and are required to file
reports and other information with the SEC. Specifically, we are required to file annually an annual report on Form 20-F within four months after the end of each fiscal
year, which is December 31. All information filed with the SEC can be obtained over the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of documents, upon payment of a duplicating
fee, by writing to the SEC. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports
and proxy statements, and officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section
16 of the Exchange Act.
We will furnish the Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of the ADSs, with our annual reports, which will include a review of operations and annual
audited consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, and all notices of shareholders’ meetings and other reports and communications that
are made generally available to our shareholders. The depositary will make such notices, reports and communications available to holders of ADSs and, upon our
request, will mail to all record holders of ADSs the information contained in any notice of a shareholders’ meeting received by the depositary from us.
In accordance with Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5250(d), we will post this annual report on Form 20-F on our website at http://ir.lexin.com. In addition, we
will provide hardcopies of our annual report free of charge to shareholders and ADS holders upon request.
I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
We have not been exposed to material risks due to changes in market interest rates, and we have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our
interest risk exposure.
The fluctuation of interest rates may affect the demand for loan services on our platform. For example, a decrease in interest rates may cause potential users
to seek lower-priced loans from other channels. A high interest rate environment may lead to an increase in competing investment options and dampen investors’ desire
to invest on our platform. We do not expect that the fluctuation of interest rates will have a material impact on our financial condition. However, we cannot provide
assurance that we will not be exposed to material risks due to changes in market interest rate in the future. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks
Related to Our Business and Industry—Fluctuations in interest rates could negatively affect our business.”
176
Foreign Exchange Risk
All of our revenues and substantially all of our expenses are denominated in RMB. Our exposure to foreign exchange risk primarily relates to cash and cash
equivalent denominated in U.S. dollars. We do not believe that we currently have any significant direct foreign exchange risk and have not used any derivative financial
instruments to hedge exposure to such risk. Although our exposure to foreign exchange risks should be limited in general, the value of your investment in our ADSs will
be affected by the exchange rate between U.S. dollar and RMB because the value of our business is effectively denominated in RMB, while our ADSs will be traded in
U.S. dollars.
The conversion of RMB into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, is based on rates set by the PBOC. Since June 2010, RMB has fluctuated against the
U.S. dollar, at certain times significantly and unpredictably. With the development of the foreign exchange market progressing towards interest rate liberalization and
Renminbi internationalization and economic uncertainties in both China and the world, the PRC government may in the future announce further changes to the exchange
rate system and we cannot assure you that the Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the future. It is difficult to
predict how market forces or PRC or government policy may impact the exchange rate between the RMB and the U.S. dollar in the future.
To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into RMB for our operations, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect
on the RMB amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on
our ordinary shares or ADSs or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amounts
available to us.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities
A. Debt Securities
Not applicable.
B. Warrants and Rights
Not applicable.
C. Other Securities
Not applicable.
D. American Depositary Shares
Fees and Charges Our ADS Holders May Have to Pay
The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, will register and deliver American Depositary shares, also referred to as ADSs. Each ADS will represent two
Class A ordinary shares (or a right to receive two Class A ordinary shares) deposited with The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, as custodian for
the depositary in Hong Kong. Each ADS will also represent any other securities, cash or other property which may be held by the depositary. The deposited Class A
ordinary shares together with any other securities, cash or other property held by the depositary are referred to as the deposited securities. The depositary’s principal
executive office is located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286.
Persons depositing or withdrawing Class A ordinary
shares or ADS holders must pay:
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)
$0.05 (or less) per ADS
Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of
Class A ordinary shares or rights or other property
For:
Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the
deposit agreement terminates
Any cash distribution to ADS holders
177
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to
you had been Class A ordinary shares and the Class A ordinary shares
holders had been deposited for issuance of ADSs
$0.05 (or less) per ADS per calendar year
Registration or transfer fees
Expenses of the depositary
Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities
(including rights) that are distributed by the depositary to ADS
Depositary services
Transfer and registration of Class A ordinary shares on our share register to
or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or
withdraw Class A ordinary shares
Cable and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit
agreement)
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has
to pay on any ADSs or Class A ordinary shares underlying ADSs, such as
stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the
deposited securities
Fees and Other Payments Made by the Depositary to Us
Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
As necessary
As necessary
The depositary has agreed to reimburse us annually for our expenses incurred in connection with investor relationship programs and any other program
related to our ADS facility and the travel expense of our key personnel in connection with such programs. The depositary has also agreed to provide additional payments
to us based on the applicable performance indicators relating to our ADS facility. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse us,
but the amount of reimbursement available to us is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors. For 2022, we expected to receive
approximately US$1.2 million (after tax) reimbursement from the depositary for our expenses incurred in connection with investor relationship programs related to the
ADS facility.
178
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders
See “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Ordinary Shares” for a description of the rights of securities holders,
which remain unchanged.
Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13 a-1 5 (e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report, as required by Rule 13 a-1
5 (b) under the Exchange Act.
Based upon that evaluation, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring
that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file and furnish under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported,
within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the
Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13 a-15(f) under the
Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records
that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of our company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of our company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection
of the unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Our management
evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, as required by Rule 13 a-15(c) of the Exchange Act, based on
criteria established in the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2022.
179
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any
evaluation of effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 as stated in
its report, which appears on page F-2 of this annual report on Form 20-F.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report on Form 20-F that have
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Wei Wu, an independent director (under the standards set forth in Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5605(c) (2) and
Rule 10 A-3 under the Exchange Act) and chairman of our audit committee, is an audit committee financial expert.
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
Our board of directors adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers, employees and advisors in October 2017. We have
posted a copy of our code of business conduct and ethics on our website at http://ir.lexin.com.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by
PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, our principal external auditor, and other firms in the PwC Network for the periods indicated.
(1)
Audit fees
(2)
Tax fees
Other service fees
(3)
For the year ended December 31,
2021
2022
US $
US $
US $
2,630,602
85,828
308,285
US $
US $
US $
2,448,442
142,812
125,964
(1)“Audit fees” means the aggregate fees incurred in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal auditor for the audit or review of
our annual financial statements or quarterly financial information and review of documents filed with the SEC. In 2021 and 2022, the audit refers to financial statement
audit and audit pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(2) “Tax fees” means the aggregate fees incurred in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal auditor for tax compliance, tax
advice, and tax planning.
(3)“Other service fees” means the aggregate fees incurred in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal auditor and other firms in
the PwC Network, such as consulting services.
The policy of our audit committee or our board of directors is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong
Tian LLP, including audit services, audit related services, tax services and other services as described above.
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not applicable.
180
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
On March 16, 2022, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which we may repurchase up to US$50 million of our ADSs or
ordinary shares over the twelve-month period through March 16, 2023 (the "March 2022 Program"). The March 2022 Program was publicly announced on March 16,
2022.
On November 17, 2022, our board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program, under which we could purchase up to an additional US$20
million of our shares/ADSs over the next twelve-month period through November 17, 2023 (the "November 2022 Program"). The November 2022 Program was publicly
announced on November 17, 2022.
As of March 31, 2023, we had repurchased a total of approximately 22 million ADSs under the March 2022 Program. The table below is a summary of the
shares repurchased by us from March 16, 2022 to March 31, 2023. All shares were repurchased in the open market pursuant to the March 2022 Program.
Period
Total Number of ADSs
Purchased
Average Price Paid Per
ADS (US$)
Total Number of ADSs Purchased
as Part of Publicly Announced Plan
Maximum Dollar Value of ADSs
that May Yet be Purchased
Under the Plan
March 16 to March 31, 2022
April 1 to April 30, 2022
May 1 to May 31, 2022
June 1 to June 30, 2022
July 1 to July 31, 2022
August 1 to August 31, 2022
September 1 to September 30, 2022
October 1 to October 31, 2022
November 1 to November 30, 2022
December 1 to December 31, 2022
1,398,881
4,354,136
396,262
7,075,381
3,238,744
1,538,277
1,902,479
1,871,588
385,924
23,146
2.8594
2.5262
2.1030
2.1017
2.1301
2.0160
1.8464
1.5876
1.6033
1.6983
1,398,881
4,354,136
396,262
7,075,381
3,238,744
1,538,277
1,902,479
1,871,588
385,924
23,146
46,000,004
35,000,461
34,167,129
19,296,728
12,397,896
9,296,732
5,783,993
2,812,657
2,193,900
2,154,592
As of March 31, 2023, we had yet to repurchase ADSs under the November 2022 Program.
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
Not applicable.
181
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
As a Cayman Islands exempted company listed on Nasdaq, we are subject to the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. However, Nasdaq rules
permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands,
which is our home country, may differ significantly from the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. See “Item 3. Key Information— D. Risk Factors— Risks
Related to the American Depositary Shares—We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from
certain provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.”
Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands counsel, has provided a letter to the Nasdaq Stock Market certifying that under Cayman Islands
law, we are not required to hold annual shareholders meetings every year. We followed and intend to continue to follow our home country practice in lieu of the
requirement to hold an annual meeting of shareholders no later than one year after the end of a fiscal year under Nasdaq Rule 5620(a).
In addition, as a “controlled company” as defined under the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules, we are permitted to elect to rely, and are currently relying, on certain
exemptions from corporate governance rules. Currently, the majority of our board of directors are not independent directors. As a result, you do not have the same
protection afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to these corporate governance requirements. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks
Related to Our Business and Industry—We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and, as a result, may rely on exemptions
from certain corporate governance requirements that provide protection to shareholders of other companies.”
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 16I. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
In May 2022, LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. was conclusively listed by the SEC as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA following the filing of
our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Our auditor, a registered public accounting firm that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or
investigate completely in 2021 because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction, issued the audit report for us for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2021. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB removed mainland China and Hong Kong from the list of jurisdictions where it is unable to inspect or investigate completely
registered public accounting firms. For this reason, we do not expect to be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA after we file this annual
report.
As of the date of this annual report, to our knowledge, (i) no governmental entities in the Cayman Islands or in China own shares of LexinFintech Holdings
Ltd. or any of the variable interest entities in China, (ii) the governmental entities in China does not have a controlling financial interest in our company or any of the
variable interest entities, (iii) none of the members of the board of directors of our company or our operating entities, including the variable interest entities, is an official
of the Chinese Communist Party, and (iv) none of the currently effective memorandum and articles of association (or equivalent organizing document) of our company
or the variable interest entities contains any charter of the Chinese Communist Party.
182
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
Item 18. Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements of LexinFintech Holdings Ltd., its subsidiaries and the consolidated affiliated entities are included at the end of this
annual report.
Item 19. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
1.1
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
4.1
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
Sixth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our registration
statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-221509), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
Description of Document
Registrant’s Specimen American Depositary Receipt (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-
221509), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
Registrant’s Specimen Certificate for Ordinary Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-
221509), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
Deposit Agreement dated December 20, 2017 among the Registrant, the depositary and holder of the American Depositary Receipts (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.3 of our registration statement on Form S-8 (file no. 333-225322) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May
31, 2018)
Fourth Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement dated October 21, 2017 between the Registrant and other parties thereto (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.4 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-221509), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 13, 2017)
Description of American Depositary Shares of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.5 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
The 2017 Share Incentive Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-
221509) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and its directors and executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our
registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-221509), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13,
2017)
Employment Agreement between the Registrant and its executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our registration statement on
Form F-1 (file no. 333-221509), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
English translation of Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Fenqile Network
Technology Co., Ltd. dated November 4, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-
221509), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
English translation of Exclusive Option Agreement among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co., Ltd.
and shareholders of Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co. Ltd. dated April 10, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the annual report
on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
English translation of Equity Pledge Agreement among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co., Ltd. and
shareholders of Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co., Ltd.
183
dated April 10, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
April 30, 2020)
4.8
4.9
English translation of the Power of Attorney Agreement between Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Shenzhen Fenqile
Network Technology Co., Ltd. dated April 10, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
English translation of Loan Agreement among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. and shareholders of Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co.,
Ltd. dated May 29, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 30, 2019)
4.10
English translation of Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. and Beijing Lejiaxin Network
Technology Co., Ltd. dated July 18, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-221509),
as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
4.11
English translation of Exclusive Option Agreement among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Lejiaxin Network Technology Co., Ltd.
and shareholders of Beijing Lejiaxin Network Technology Co., Ltd. dated April 10, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the annual
report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
4.12
English translation of Equity Pledge Agreement among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. Beijing Lejiaxin Network Technology Co., Ltd. and
shareholders of Beijing Lejiaxin Network Technology Co., Ltd. dated April 10, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the annual report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
4.13
English translation of the Power of Attorney Agreement between Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. and the shareholders of Beijing Lejiaxin
Network Technology Co., Ltd. dated April 10, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
4.14
English translation of Loan Agreement among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. and shareholders of Beijing Lejiaxin Network Technology Co.,
Ltd. dated April 10, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 30, 2020)
4.15
English translation of Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Xinjie Investment
Co., Ltd. dated December 22, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-221509), as
amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
4.16
English translation of Exclusive Option Agreement among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Xinjie Investment Co., Ltd. and
shareholders of Shenzhen Xinjie Investment Co., Ltd. dated March 10, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of our registration statement
on Form F-1 (file no. 333-221509), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
English translation of Equity Pledge Agreement among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Xinjie Investment Co., Ltd. and shareholders
of Shenzhen Xinjie Investment Co., Ltd. dated June 1, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2019)
English translation of Power of Attorney by the shareholders of Shenzhen Xinjie Investment Co., Ltd. dated June 1, 2018 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.18 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2019)
English translation of Loan Agreements among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. and shareholders of Shenzhen Xinjie Investment Co. Ltd. dated
May 10, 2017 and June 1, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 30, 2019)
English translation of Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Qianhai Dingsheng
Asset Management Co., Ltd. dated January 13, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no.
333-221509), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
184
4.21
English translation of Exclusive Option Agreement among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Qianhai Dingsheng Asset Management
Co., Ltd. and shareholders of Shenzhen Qianhai Dingsheng Asset Management Co., Ltd. dated March 9, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.19 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-221509), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
November 13, 2017)
4.22
English translation of Equity Pledge Agreement among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Qianhai Dingsheng Asset Management Co.,
Ltd. and shareholders of Shenzhen Qianhai Dingsheng Asset Management Co., Ltd. dated March 9, 2017, and its Supplementary Agreement dated
April 13, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-221509), as amended, initially filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
4.23
4.24
English translation of Power of Attorney by the shareholders of Shenzhen Qianhai Dingsheng Asset Management Co., Ltd. dated March 9, 2017
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-221509), as amended, initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
English translation of Loan Agreement among Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. and shareholders of Qianhai Dingsheng Asset Management Co.,
Ltd. dated April 13, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-221509), as amended,
initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
4.25
English translation of Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Shenzhen Lexin Software Technology Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Mengtian
Technology Co., Ltd. dated August 27, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.25 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 30, 2019)
4.26
4.27
English translation of Exclusive Option Agreement among Shenzhen Lexin Software Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Mengtian Technology Co., Ltd.
and shareholders of Shenzhen Mengtian Technology Co., Ltd. dated April 15, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.26 to the annual report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
English translation of Equity Pledge Agreement among Shenzhen Lexin Software Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Mengtian Technology Co., Ltd. and
shareholders of Shenzhen Mengtian Technology Co., Ltd. dated April 15, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 to the annual report on Form
20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
4.28
English translation of Power of Attorney Agreement between Shenzhen Lexin Software Technology Co. Ltd. and the shareholders of Shenzhen
Mengtian Technology Co., Ltd. dated January 25, 2019 and April 15, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.28 to the annual report on Form 20-
F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
4.29
English translation of Loan Agreement among Shenzhen Lexin Software Technology Co., Ltd. and shareholders of Shenzhen Mengtian Technology
Co., Ltd. dated April 15, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.29 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 30, 2020)
4.30
English translation of Agreement of Long-Term Sales of Goods between Shenzhen Fenqile Trading Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Jingdong Trading Co.,
Ltd. dated May 1 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of our registration statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333221509), as amended,
initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
4.31
4.32
4.33
Convertible Note Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Ltd. dated September 11, 2019 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.31 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.31 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
Registration Rights Agreement between the Registrant and PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Ltd. dated September 16, 2019 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.32 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
English translation of Headquarter Project Development Supervision Agreement between Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co., Ltd. and
Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Government dated February 25, 2020
185
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.33 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
4.34
English summary of Nanshan Land Usage Rights Purchase Agreement between Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co., Ltd. and the Planning and
Natural Resources Administration of Shenzhen dated February 26, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.34 to the annual report on Form 20-F
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2020)
4.35
English translation of Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement between Beihai Green Lemon Technology Co., Ltd. and Beihai Super Egg E-
Commerce Co., Ltd. dated June 26, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.35 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 29, 2021)
4.36
English translation of Exclusive Option Agreement among Beihai Green Lemon Technology Co., Ltd., Beihai Super Egg E-Commerce Co., Ltd. and
shareholders of Beihai Super Egg E-Commerce Co., Ltd. dated November 4, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.36 to the annual report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2022)
4.37
English translation of Equity Pledge Agreement among Beihai Green Lemon Technology Co., Ltd., Beihai Super Egg E-Commerce Co., Ltd. and
shareholders of Beihai Super Egg E-Commerce Co., Ltd. dated November 4, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.37 to the annual report on
Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2022)
4.38
English translation of Power of Attorney Agreement between Beihai Green Lemon Technology Co., Ltd. and shareholders of Beihai Super Egg E-
Commerce Co., Ltd. dated November 4, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.38 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on April 29, 2022)
4.39
English translation of Loan Agreement among Beihai Green Lemon Technology Co., Ltd. and shareholders of Beihai Super Egg E-Commerce Co.,
Ltd. dated November 4, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.39 to the annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 29, 2022)
4.40*†
Repurchase Agreement between the Registrant and PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Limited dated March 13, 2023
8.1*
11.1
12.1*
12.2*
13.1**
13.2**
15.1*
15.2*
List of Principal Subsidiaries and Consolidated Affiliated Entities
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333221509) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2017)
Certification by Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm
Consent of Shihui Partners
101.INS*
Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104*
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
* Filed herewith
** Furnished herewith
† Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Rule 406 under the Securities Act.
186
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing its annual report on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the
undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
SIGNATURES
Date:
April 26, 2023
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
By:
Name:
Title:
/s/ Jay Wenjie Xiao
Jay Wenjie Xiao
Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board
187
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 1424)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-1
Page
F-2
F-6
F-8
F-9
F-10
F-11
F-13
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and
2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2022, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the
Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31,
2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022 in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for credit losses on certain financial instruments
in 2020.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
appearing under Item 15. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over
financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and
are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial
reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements,
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the
amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
F-2
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial
reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness
to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or
required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii)
involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the
consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit
matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Revenue recognition for loan facilitation and servicing fees
As described in Note 2(l) to the consolidated financial statements, revenues from loan facilitation and servicing fees were RMB4,102 million for the year ended
December 31, 2022. The Company has assessed and concluded that loan facilitation and matching services and post-origination services are distinct and separate
performance obligations. A financial guarantee is recorded at fair value at inception of each loan. The remaining consideration is allocated to each of the performance
obligations based on relative standalone selling price. Revenues from loan facilitation and matching services are recognized at point-in-time upon the successful
matching of the loans, and revenues from post-origination services are recognized ratably over the terms of the loans. Revenue from loan facilitation and servicing fees-
performance based is recognized under “Tech-empowerment service income” at predetermined revenue sharing rates based on the repayment collected from the
borrowers by funding partners. Such revenue sharing rates are determined based on the performance of the underlying off-balance sheet loans.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to revenue recognition for loan facilitation and servicing fees is a critical audit
matter are the significant judgment by management in the allocation of transaction prices and determination of variable considerations. This in turn led to a high degree
of auditor judgment, subjectivity and audit effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence relating to management’s determination of the fair value of the
financial guarantee, the relative standalone selling prices of the loan facilitation and matching services and post-origination services, as well as the estimated variable
considerations. The audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial
statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the revenue recognition process, including controls relating to the determination of
the fair value of the financial guarantee, the relative standalone selling prices, and the estimated variable considerations. These procedures also included, among others:
(i) testing management’s process for developing the fair value of the financial guarantee, including testing the appropriateness and mathematical accuracy of the fair
value calculation; (ii) testing the completeness, accuracy, and relevance of data used in the calculation; and (iii) evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions
used by management related to: (a) the expected loss rates at loan inception and (b) the expected margins on cost of guarantee services. These procedures also included:
(i) testing management’s process for developing the estimated standalone selling prices and determining variable considerations; (ii) evaluating the reasonableness of
significant assumptions used by management related to: (a) the estimated cost of providing the services and the estimated margins, and (b) the expected loss rates of the
underlying off-balance sheet loans. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the Company’s model and significant
assumptions to determine the fair value of the financial guarantee at loan inception and the variable consideration of expected loss rates for underlying off-balance sheet
loans.
F-3
Expected credit losses on financial assets and contingent guarantee liabilities
As described in Notes 2(g), 2(i), 3 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has financial assets and financial guarantees provided for off-balance
sheet loans that are subject to credit losses. The current expected credit losses (“CECL”) methodology also applies to the off-balance sheet credit exposures of financial
guarantees not accounted for as derivatives. As of December 31, 2022, allowance for credit losses related to financing receivables, contract assets and service fees
receivable, and guarantee receivables were RMB197 million, RMB206 million and RMB63 million, respectively; the contingent guarantee liabilities provided for off-
balance sheet loans were RMB882 million. The lifetime expected credit losses on these financial assets and contingent guarantee liabilities are determined using a
pooled basis within respective credit risk classification levels of the underlying customers, taking into consideration the historical credit loss experience, the current
credit quality of the portfolio and application of macroeconomic forecasts.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to expected credit losses on financial assets and contingent guarantee liabilities is
a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management in the determination of the expected loss rates on the financial assets and contingent guarantee
liabilities. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and audit effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence relating to
management’s determination of expected credit losses. The audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial
statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the determination of expected credit losses. These procedures also included, among
others: (i) testing management’s process for estimating the expected credit losses, including evaluating the appropriateness of the models and methodology; (ii) testing
the completeness and accuracy of data used in the models, including historical data and current data at the measurement date of the respective financial assets and
contingent guarantee liabilities in estimating the expected loss rates at the date of the consolidated financial statements; and (iii) evaluating the reasonableness of
significant assumptions used by management related to the default rates, the lifetime recovery and application of macroeconomic forecasts with the consideration of
changes in future economics and market environment. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the appropriateness of
management’s methodology and significant assumptions to determine the expected loss rates.
Fair value measurement of financial guarantee derivatives
As described in Note 2(k), 9 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements, guarantee derivative liabilities provided for off-balance sheet loans were RMB861 million
as of December 31, 2022. Financial guarantee derivatives are recorded at fair value at the inception of the off-balance sheet loans and are subsequently remeasured at
fair value on an ongoing basis. The estimated fair value of the financial guarantee derivatives is determined by the Company based on a discounted cash flow model,
with reference to the estimates of expected loss rates and margins on cost of guarantee services.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to fair value measurement of financial guarantee derivatives is a critical audit
matter are the significant judgment by management in the determination of the fair value of financial guarantee derivatives as of the date of the consolidated financial
statements. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and audit effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence relating to
management’s determination of the fair value of the financial guarantee derivatives, including estimates of the expected loss rates and margins on cost of guarantee
services as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. The audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial
statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the determination of fair value of financial guarantee derivatives. These procedures
also included, among others: (i) testing management’s process for estimating the fair value of the financial guarantee derivatives, including evaluating the
appropriateness of the models and methodology; (ii) testing the completeness and accuracy of data used in the models, including historical data and current data in
estimating the expected loss rates at the date of the consolidated financial statements; and (iii) evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions used by
management related to the expected loss rates and margins on cost of guarantee services. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in
evaluating the appropriateness of management’s methodology and significant assumptions to determine the expected loss rates.
F-4
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP
Beijing, the People’s Republic of China
April 26, 2023
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.
F-5
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
2021
RMB
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
US$
Note 2(e)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Restricted term deposit
Short-term investments
Short-term financing receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB308,708 and RMB184,187 as of
December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively
Short-term contract assets and receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB208,267 and
RMB216,850 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively
Deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies
Prepayments and other current assets
Amounts due from related parties
Inventories, net
Total Current Assets
Non-current Assets
Restricted cash
Long-term financing receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB19,523 and RMB13,220 as of
December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively
Long-term contract assets and receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB39,034 and RMB52,742 as
of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively
Property, equipment and software, net
Land use rights, net
Long‑term investments
Deferred tax assets
Other assets
Total Non-current Assets
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Accounts payable (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs of RMB15,705 and RMB25,970 as of
December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Amounts due to related parties(including amounts of the consolidated VIEs of RMB23,102 and RMB4,669 as
of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Short‑term borrowings(including amounts of the consolidated VIEs of RMB1,735,931 and RMB1,138,046 as of
December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Short‑term funding debts (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs of RMB3,101,381 and
RMB4,385,253 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Deferred guarantee income (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs of RMB419,843 and RMB781,633 as
of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Contingent guarantee liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs of RMB928,840 and
RMB770,495 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Accruals and other current liabilities(including amounts of the consolidated VIEs of RMB3,393,092 and
RMB2,550,969 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Convertible notes
Total Current Liabilities
F-6
2,664,132
1,305,435
1,745,898
—
3,826,488
4,486,649
1,378,489
1,194,120
6,337
47,816
16,655,364
149,247
241,127
346,234
195,330
966,067
469,064
1,176,878
826,883
4,370,830
21,026,194
15,705
23,102
1,799,741
3,101,381
419,843
928,840
3,898,508
—
10,187,120
1,494,150
1,267,512
1,061,858
270,000
6,397,920
3,894,175
2,249,022
1,086,952
6,602
53,917
17,782,108
168,521
460,325
605,051
284,593
931,667
348,376
1,141,761
1,048,301
4,988,595
22,770,703
25,970
4,669
1,168,046
4,385,253
894,858
882,107
3,057,469
2,063,545
12,481,917
216,631
183,772
153,955
39,146
927,611
564,602
326,078
157,593
957
7,817
2,578,162
24,433
66,741
87,724
41,262
135,079
50,510
165,540
151,989
723,278
3,301,440
3,765
677
169,351
635,802
129,742
127,893
443,291
299,186
1,809,707
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
Non-current Liabilities
Long-term borrowings(including amounts of the consolidated VIEs of nil and RMB150,430 as of December 31,
2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Long‑term funding debts (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs of RMB696,852 and RMB1,334,105 as
of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Deferred tax liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs of RMB53,630 and RMB52,065 as of
December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Convertible notes
Other long-term liabilities(including amounts of the consolidated VIEs of RMB92,256 and RMB65,788 as of
December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
Total Non-current Liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Shareholders’ equity:
Class A Ordinary Shares ($0.0001 par value per share; 1,889,352,801 shares authorized, 286,430,946 shares
issued, 273,270,100 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021; 1,889,352,801 shares authorized,
300,707,476 shares issued,245,264,614 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2022)
Class B Ordinary Shares ($0.0001 par value per share; 110,647,199 shares authorized, 94,465,693 shares issued
and outstanding as of December 31, 2021; 110,647,199 shares authorized,80,189,163 shares issued and
outstanding as of December 31, 2022)
Treasury stock (nil and 44,369,636 shares as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively)
Additional paid-in capital
Statutory reserves
Accumulated other comprehensive gain/(loss)
Retained earnings
Non-controlling interests
Total shareholders’ equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
2021
RMB
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
US$
Note 2(e)
—
696,852
54,335
1,882,689
137,389
2,771,265
12,958,385
150,430
1,334,105
52,559
—
102,941
1,640,035
14,121,952
21,810
193,427
7,620
—
14,925
237,782
2,047,489
180
191
29
57
—
2,918,993
901,322
11,273
4,195,791
40,193
8,067,809
21,026,194
47
(328,764 )
3,081,254
1,022,592
(20,842
)
4,894,273
—
8,648,751
22,770,703
8
(47,666 )
446,740
148,262
(3,022 )
709,600
—
1,253,951
3,301,440
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
2020
RMB
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
RMB
RMB
2022
US$
Note 2(e)
Operating revenue:
Credit facilitation service income
Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented
Guarantee income
Financing income
Tech-empowerment service income
Installment e-commerce platform service income (including
commission fee from a related party of RMB2,087, RMB7,731 and
RMB631 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022,
respectively)
Total operating revenue
Operating cost
Cost of sales
Funding cost
Processing and servicing cost (including collection service fee from
related parties of RMB28,645, RMB20,493 and RMB16,177 for the
years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively)
Provision for financing receivables
Provision for contract assets and receivables
Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities
Total operating cost
Gross profit
Operating expenses：：
Sales and marketing expenses
Research and development expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total operating expenses
Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives, net
Change in fair value of loans at fair value
Interest expense, net
Investment loss
Others, net
Income before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net income
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company
Net income per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders
of the Company
Basic
Diluted
Net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of the
Company
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Share‑based compensation expenses included in:
7,525,581
3,786,996
2,319,693
1,418,892
2,186,746
1,932,928
11,645,255
(1,907,508 )
(589,837 )
(1,413,212 )
(779,235 )
(441,805 )
(2,880,590 )
(8,012,187 )
3,633,068
(1,274,402 )
(474,265 )
(451,284 )
(2,199,951 )
(707,442 )
(47,282 )
(77,542 )
(61,271 )
146,029
685,609
(90,629 )
594,980
—
594,980
1.63
1.56
3.26
3.13
6,955,810
4,448,344
774,544
1,732,922
2,762,995
1,661,720
11,380,525
(1,759,956 )
(457,615 )
(1,858,901 )
(401,104 )
(531,237 )
(622,438 )
(5,631,251 )
5,749,274
(1,658,904 )
(549,286 )
(470,661 )
(2,678,851 )
(458,846 )
111,762
(63,125 )
(4,160 )
113,480
2,769,534
(435,418 )
2,334,116
193
2,333,923
6.33
5.73
12.67
11.46
5,963,803
2,486,527
1,453,180
2,024,096
1,845,943
2,056,065
9,865,811
(2,066,804 )
(518,069 )
(1,875,292 )
(437,477 )
(465,188 )
(1,468,265 )
(6,831,095 )
3,034,716
(1,685,438 )
(583,260 )
(431,571 )
(2,700,269 )
613,873
108,508
(55,636 )
(33,944 )
61,321
1,028,569
(202,640 )
825,929
6,177
819,752
2.36
2.21
4.71
4.41
864,670
360,513
210,691
293,466
267,637
298,101
1,430,408
(299,658 )
(75,113 )
(271,892 )
(63,428 )
(67,446 )
(212,878 )
(990,415 )
439,993
(244,366 )
(84,565 )
(62,572 )
(391,503 )
89,003
15,732
(8,066 )
(4,921 )
8,891
149,129
(29,380 )
119,749
896
118,853
0.34
0.32
0.68
0.64
364,733,164
411,229,810
368,460,867
414,992,716
348,048,245
392,756,821
348,048,245
392,756,821
Processing and servicing cost
Sales and marketing expenses
Research and development expenses
General and administrative expenses
11,391
9,968
32,486
46,116
108,832
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
30,508
39,413
107,995
5,179
23,142
30,386
97,613
751
3,355
4,406
14,153
F-8
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
Total comprehensive income
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income attributable to ordinary shareholders
For the Year Ended December 31,
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
Note 2(e)
594,980
2,334,116
825,929
119,749
10,596
605,576
—
605,576
7,965
2,342,081
193
2,341,888
(32,115 )
793,814
6,177
787,637
(4,656 )
115,093
896
114,197
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
Class A Ordinary
Shares
Class B Ordinary
Shares
Treasury stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Statutory
Reserves
Accumula
ted Other
Comprehe
nsive
(loss)/inco
me
Retained
Earnings
Non-
control
ling
interes
ts
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Shares
Amount
Balances at December 31, 2019
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
policies
Net income
Share-based compensation expenses
Exercise of share-based awards
Redesignation of Class B Ordinary Shares
into Class A Ordinary Shares
Appropriation to statutory reserves
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net
of tax
Establishment of a partially held subsidiary
Balances at December 31, 2020
Net income
Share-based compensation expenses
Exercise of share-based awards
Redesignation of Class B Ordinary Shares
into Class A Ordinary Shares
Appropriation to statutory reserves
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net
of tax
Balances at December 31, 2021
Net income
Share-based compensation expenses
Exercise of share-based awards
Redesignation of Class B Ordinary Shares
into Class A Ordinary Shares
Appropriation to statutory reserves
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net
of tax
Treasury Repurchases
Transaction with non-controlling
shareholders
Disposal of a subsidiary
Balances at December 31, 2022
Shares
258,690
,272
—
—
—
4,666,6
56
4,000,0
00
—
Amo
unt
17
0
—
—
—
Amo
unt
Shares
100,72
7,057
61
—
—
—
—
—
—
3
—
—
3
—
(4,000,
000 )
—
(3 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
267,356
,928
—
—
3,651,8
08
2,261,3
64
—
—
17
6
—
—
—
96,727,
057
—
—
—
58
—
—
3
—
—
1
—
(2,261,
364 )
—
(1 )
—
—
273,270
,100
—
18
0
—
94,465,
693
—
57
—
—
2,087,6
20
14,276,
530
—
—
(44,369,
—
—
1
10
—
—
—
—
—
—
(14,27
6,530 )
—
—
(1
0 )
—
—
—
—
636 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
44,369,
636
—
—
—
—
—
—
245,264
,614
—
19
1
—
80,189,
163
—
47
—
44,369,
636
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(328,764 )
—
—
2,519,886
352,313
(7,288 )
—
—
198,825
5,295
—
—
—
—
2,724,006
—
187,884
—
—
—
—
—
296,921
—
—
649,234
—
—
7,103
—
—
—
—
—
252,088
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
10,596
—
3,308
—
—
—
—
—
7,965
3,734,397
(1,918,50
—
6,599,539
0 )
594,980
—
—
—
—
(1,918,500 )
594,980
198,825
—
—
5,298
—
(296,921 )
—
—
—
—
2,113,956
2,333,923
-
—
40,0
00
40,0
00
193
—
—
—
—
(252,088 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
10,596
40,000
5,530,738
2,334,116
187,884
7,106
—
—
7,965
8,067,809
825,929
156,320
2,918,993
901,322
11,273
4,195,791
40,1
93
6,17
—
156,320
2,695
—
—
—
—
3,246
—
—
—
—
—
121,270
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
819,752
—
7
—
—
—
2,696
—
(121,270 )
—
—
—
—
(32,115 )
—
—
(32,115 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(5,63
4 )
(40,7
36 )
(328,764 )
(2,388 )
(40,736 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-10
(328,764 )
3,081,254
1,022,592
(20,842 )
4,894,273
—
8,648,751
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts
Share-based compensation expenses
Amortization of the right-of-use assets
Depreciation and amortization
Provision for financing and interest receivables
Provision for contract assets and receivables
Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities
Change in inventory provision
Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives, net
Change in fair value of loans at fair value
Deferred income tax
Investment-related impairment
(Gain)/loss on disposal of long-term investments
Fair value changes of long-term investments
Share of results of equity investees
Fair value changes of other assets
Foreign exchange gain
Gain on disposal of loans at fair value and financing receivables
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Financing receivables related to online direct sales
Prepayments and other current assets
Deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies
Amounts due from related parties
Contract assets and receivables
Other long-term liabilities
Inventories
Other assets
Accounts payable
Amounts due to related parties
Deferred guarantee income
Contingent guarantee liabilities
Other payable to Individual Investors
Land use rights
Accruals and other current liabilities (1)
Net cash (used in)/ provided by operating activities
(1)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash proceed for disposal of loans at fair value and financing receivables
Cash paid on long-term investments
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries
Cash paid on acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from disposal of investmenets and refund of prepayment on long-
term investments
Purchases of property, equipment and software
Financing receivables originated and purchased (excluding receivables related
to online direct sales)
Principal collection on financing receivables and recoveries (excluding
receivables related to online direct sales)
Investments in loans at fair value
Collection of loans at fair value
Placement of restricted term deposit and short-term investments
Withdrawal of restricted term deposit and short-term investments
Loans to third parties
Net cash (used in)/ provided by investing activities
2020
RMB
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
RMB
RMB
2022
US$
Note 2(e)
594,980
2,334,116
825,929
119,749
6,911
198,825
53,860
53,433
779,235
441,805
2,880,590
(394 )
707,442
47,282
(503,520
)
69,156
(8,553 )
(19,071 )
9,032
10,707
(85,245 )
—
260,470
272,813
184,722
(941 )
(750,504 )
(177 )
60,005
(74,898 )
(158,876 )
(3,333 )
(787,232 )
(3,566,157 )
(618,749 )
(1,000,467 )
735,830
(211,019 )
—
(97,200 )
—
—
39,698
(86,573 )
6,446
187,884
54,552
90,751
401,104
531,237
622,438
46
458,846
(111,762 )
(396,257
)
—
1,984
—
3,967
(1,791 )
(12,666 )
(2,532 )
205,551
74,320
(312,208 )
(5,396 )
(180,564 )
109,722
(692 )
(140,492 )
(27,256 )
1,408
(274,739 )
(1,432,385 )
(56,365 )
—
538,152
2,667,419
43,272
(38,657 )
—
—
65,537
(121,533 )
6,717
156,320
53,199
94,941
437,477
465,188
1,468,265
(468 )
(613,873 )
(108,508 )
33,341
36,930
(7,067 )
—
4,081
—
28,397
—
(399,288 )
183,623
(870,533 )
(265 )
(128,116 )
(34,448 )
(5,633 )
(276,182 )
12,759
(4,233 )
475,015
(1,514,998 )
(5,560 )
—
(214,166 )
98,844
35,527
—
43,956
7,958
4,000
(148,816 )
974
22,664
7,713
13,765
63,428
67,446
212,878
(68 )
(89,003 )
(15,732 )
4,834
5,354
(1,025 )
—
592
—
4,117
—
(57,892 )
26,623
(126,216 )
(38 )
(18,575 )
(4,994 )
(817 )
(40,043 )
1,850
(614 )
68,871
(219,654 )
(806 )
—
(31,052 )
14,329
5,151
—
6,373
1,154
580
(21,576 )
(23,193,607 )
(18,420,894 )
(20,238,725 )
(2,934,339 )
18,942,385
(3,851,997 )
4,051,776
(2,467,239 )
2,504,282
(292,317 )
414,615
17,374,379
(4,296,611 )
4,305,417
(1,260,246 )
1,764,124
—
(2,409,037 )
2,519,048
(622,950 )
624,227
(182,718 )
255,774
—
(349,276 )
21,447,154
(7,067,271 )
6,638,596
(1,831,869 )
2,014,643
—
(2,136,429 )
F-11
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(In thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings
Principal payments on borrowings
Proceeds from funding debts
Principal payments on funding debts
Repurchase of treasury stock
Proceeds from non-controlling shareholder
Exercise of share-based awards
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year
Including:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Restricted cash at beginning of the year
Effect on the cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year due to the
adoption of ASC 326 (Note 2(g))
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year
Including:
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
Restricted cash at the end of the year
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information
Cash paid for interest expense of borrowings and convertible notes
Cash paid for income tax expense
Cash paid for land use rights
(1)
2020
RMB
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
RMB
RMB
2022
US$
Note 2(e)
2,003,977
(2,154,605 )
20,546,221
(19,210,552 )
—
40,000
7,970
1,233,011
(27,970 )
(1,142,407 )
3,985,626
2,085,234
1,900,392
(3,313 )
2,839,906
1,563,755
1,276,151
120,125
300,232
516,000
2,304,068
(2,331,390 )
18,221,528
(19,980,864 )
—
—
7,124
(1,779,534 )
(23,592 )
1,278,908
2,839,906
1,563,755
1,276,151
—
4,118,814
2,664,132
1,454,682
96,837
522,915
516,000
1,384,530
(1,868,010 )
19,836,846
(17,929,921 )
(326,942 )
12,424
2,742
1,111,669
9,893
(1,188,631 )
4,118,814
2,664,132
1,454,682
—
2,930,183
1,494,150
1,436,033
80,411
614,404
—
200,738
(270,836 )
2,876,072
(2,599,594 )
(47,402 )
1,801
398
161,177
1,434
(172,336 )
597,172
386,263
210,909
—
424,836
216,631
208,205
11,658
89,080
—
(1) In 2020, the Group obtained the land use rights from local authorities with a cash consideration of RMB1.0 billion. The Group has made the first installment payment
of RMB516.0 million in February 2020, and the second installment payment of RMB516.0 million in February 2021.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-12
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. (“Lexin” or the “Company”), formerly known as Staging Finance Holding Ltd., was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on
November 22, 2013. The Company is a holding company and conducts its business mainly through its subsidiaries, the consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”)
and the subsidiaries of the consolidated VIEs (collectively referred to as the “Group”). The Group is engaged in matching consumers with credit needs to its financial
institution partners through its proprietary platform (“Platform”), www.fenqile.com, and its mobile application (“APP”) to young generation consumers (“Borrowers”)
in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”).
The Group primarily finances the loans to Borrowers with proceeds from third-party commercial banks, consumer finance companies, our microcredit
company and other licensed financial institutions (collectively “Institutional Funding Partners”). The Group also finances the loans through the establishment of
consolidated trusts (“Trusts”) and issuance of asset-backed securitized debts.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s principal subsidiaries, the consolidated VIEs and subsidiaries of the consolidated VIEs are as follows:
Subsidiaries
Installment (HK) Investment Limited (“Installment HK”)
Date of
Incorporation/
Establishment
Place of
Incorporation/
Establishment
December 9, 2013
Hong Kong, PRC
Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Shijitong”)
July 1, 2014
Beijing, PRC
Shenzhen Lexin Software Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Lexin Software”)
Shenzhen Lexin Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Lexin Financing
Guarantee”)
The VIEs
Beijing Lejiaxin Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Lejiaxin”)
Shenzhen Xinjie Investment Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Xinjie”)
Shenzhen Qianhai Dingsheng Data Technology Co., Ltd. (“Qianhai
Dingsheng”)
Shenzhen Mengtian Technology Co., Ltd. (“Mengtian
Technology”)
Beihai Super Egg E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (“Beihai Super Egg”)
Subsidiaries of the VIEs
March 1, 2017
Shenzhen, PRC
September 14, 2017
Shenzhen, PRC
October 25, 2013
December 22, 2015
Beijing, PRC
Shenzhen, PRC
January 13, 2016
Shenzhen, PRC
August 9, 2016
Shenzhen, PRC
May 31, 2018
Beihai, PRC
Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Fenqile”)
August 15, 2013
Shenzhen, PRC
Shenzhen Beizhipiji Technology Co., Ltd. ("Beizhipiji")
June 26, 2014
Shenzhen, PRC
Ji’an Fenqile Network Microcredit Co., Ltd. (“Ji’an Microcredit”)
Shenzhen Fenqile Trading Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Fenqile Trading”)
Shenzhen Dingsheng Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (“Dingsheng Computer”)
Beihai Aurora Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beihai Aurora”)
Beihai Lexin Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beihai Lexin Information”)
Ganjiang New Area Mengtian Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd.
December 2, 2016
December 30, 2016
March 23, 2017
June 19, 2018
June 11, 2018
October 24, 2019
Ji’an, PRC
Shenzhen, PRC
Shenzhen, PRC
Beihai, PRC
Beihai, PRC
Ganjiang, PRC
History of the Group and Basis of Presentation
Percentage
of Direct
or Indirect
Economic
Interest
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Principal Activities
Investment holding
Technical support and consulting
services
Software development
Financing guarantee services
Investment holding
Investment holding
Financial technology services
Software development
Investment holding
Online direct sales and online
consumer finance
Online investment platform
Online consumer credit
Online direct sales
Financial technology services
Financial technology services
Financial technology services
Financing guarantee services
The Group commenced operations through Shenzhen Fenqile in August 2013. Beijing Lejiaxin was incorporated in October 2013 and established its wholly
owned subsidiary Beizhipiji (former name “Qianhai Juzi”) in June 2014 in order to launch the Group’s online investment platform Juzi Licai, which offers Investment
Programs to the Individual Investors.
F-13
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
In November 2013, the Company was incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands to be an offshore holding company for the Group. To comply with
the PRC laws and regulations which prohibit or restrict foreign ownership of Internet content, the Company obtained control over Shenzhen Fenqile and Beijing
Lejiaxin through Beijing Shijitong by entering into a series of contractual arrangements with Shenzhen Fenqile, Beijing Lejiaxin and their nominee shareholders in July
2014. As a result, Shenzhen Fenqile and Beijing Lejiaxin became the consolidated VIEs through the contractual arrangements. The nominee shareholders are defined as
legal owners of an entity; however, the rights of the shareholders have been transferred to the Company through contractual arrangements.
The Company obtained control over Shenzhen Xinjie and Qianhai Dingsheng through Beijing Shijitong in December 2015 and January 2016 respectively by
entering into a series of contractual arrangements with Shenzhen Xinjie, Qianhai Dingsheng and their nominee shareholders. As a result, Shenzhen Xinjie and Qianhai
Dingsheng became the consolidated VIEs through the contractual arrangements. Shenzhen Fenqile then became one of the subsidiaries of Shenzhen Xinjie.
In August 2018, Mengtian Technology, which previously was a subsidiary of one of the consolidated VIEs, became a consolidated VIE by entering into a
series of contractual arrangements with its nominee shareholders and Shenzhen Lexin Software.
Management concluded that the Company is entitled to substantially all of the economic benefits from the VIEs and is obligated to absorb all of their
expected losses. As such, the Company is the ultimate primary beneficiary of the VIEs and shall consolidate the financial results of these VIEs and their subsidiaries in
the Group’s consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 2(b) to the consolidated financial statements for the basis of consolidation.
Initial Public Offering
On December 26, 2017, the Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) on the NASDAQ Global Market in the United States of America. In this
offering, 12,000,000 American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), representing 24,000,000 Class A ordinary shares (“Class A Ordinary Shares”), were issued and sold to the
public at a price of US$9.00 per ADS.
In January 2018, the underwriters of the Company’s IPO exercised the options to purchase an additional 1,800,000 ADSs, representing 3,600,000 Class A
Ordinary Shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, of the Company to cover over-allotments in full. The net proceeds in connection with 1,800,000 ADSs received by the
Company was RMB95.1 million (US$14.7 million), which represents a total gross capital raise of RMB105.2 million (US$16.2 million) less underwriting discounts and
commissions and offering expenses in the aggregate amount of RMB10.1 million (US$1.5 million).
F-14
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a)Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America (“U.S. GAAP”). Significant accounting policies followed by the Group in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements are
summarized below.
Presentation updates
Starting from 2022, the Group report revenue streams in three categories - Credit facilitation service income, Tech-empowerment service income, and
Installment e-commerce platform service income, to provide more relevant and updated information. The Group also revised the revenue presentation in comparative
periods to conform to the current classification.
In providing Installment e-commerce platform service, the Group provide platform and services for merchants, shopping malls, and brands to conduct sales
and marketing, for which the Group charge a service fee. Revenue earned from the online direct sales and services is recognized under “Installment e-commerce
platform service income”, which was previously reported as “Online direct sales” and “Other services” within “Online direct sales and services income” before the
change of presentation. Revenue earned from platform-based services, membership services and other services is reported as one combined financial statement line item
under “Tech-empowerment service income.” The membership fees and other services revenue were previously reported as “Membership services” and “Other services”
within “Online direct sales and services income” before the change of presentation. The revenue earned from credit-oriented services is recognized under Credit
facilitation service income, which includes “Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented,” “Guarantee income” and “Financing income.” Financing income was
previously reported as “Interest and financial services income and other revenues” before the change of presentation.
Starting from 2022, the Group updated the presentation of Consolidated Balance Sheets, to provide more relevant and clear information. The Group also
revised the presentation in comparative periods to conform to the current classification. Accrued interest receivable is included in Short-term financing
receivables.Guarantee receivables and Contract assets and service fees receivable are combined as Contract assets and receivables.
Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Loan at fair value are combined as Prepayments and other current assets.
Accrued interest payable and Accrued expenses and other current liabilities are combined as Accruals and other current liabilities.
(b)Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, the VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs for which the
Company is the primary beneficiary.
Subsidiaries are those entities in which the Company, directly or indirectly, controls more than one half of the voting power or has the power to govern the
financial and operating policies, to appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board of directors, or to cast a majority of votes at the meeting of directors.
A consolidated VIE is an entity in which the Company, or its subsidiaries, through contractual arrangements, has the power to direct the activities that most
significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, bears the risks of and enjoys the rewards normally associated with ownership of the entity, and therefore the
Company or its subsidiaries is the primary beneficiary of the entity.
All transactions and balances among the Company, its subsidiaries, the VIEs and subsidiaries of the VIEs have been eliminated upon consolidation.
VIE Companies (excluding the consolidated Trusts and asset-backed securitized debts as discussed in Note 2(f))
F-15
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(i)Contractual agreements with the VIEs
The following is a summary of the contractual agreements (collectively, “Contractual Agreements”) that the Company’s relevant PRC subsidiaries entered
into with the VIEs and their nominee shareholders. Through the Contractual Agreements, the VIEs are effectively controlled by the Company.
Exclusive Option Agreements. Pursuant to the Exclusive Option Agreements, the nominee shareholders of the VIEs have irrevocably granted the Group’s
relevant PRC subsidiaries an exclusive option to purchase all or part of their respective equity interests in the VIEs. The purchase price shall be the lowest price
permitted by law. Without prior written consent of the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries, the VIEs shall not, among other things, amend their articles of association,
increase or decrease the registered capital, sell, dispose of or set any encumbrance on their assets and equity interests in the VIEs, business or revenue, enter into any
material contract outside the ordinary course of business, merge with any other persons or make any investments, distribute dividends, or enter into any transactions
which have material adverse effects on their business. These agreements will remain effective until the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries and/or any third party
designated by the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries have acquired all equity interests of the VIEs from their respective nominee shareholders.
Power of Attorney. Pursuant to the Power of Attorney, each nominee shareholder of the VIEs irrevocably authorizes the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries to
act as its attorney‑in‑fact to exercise all of such shareholder’s voting and other rights associated with the shareholder’s equity interests in the VIEs, including but not
limited to, the right to attend shareholder meetings on behalf of such shareholder, the right to appoint legal representatives, directors, supervisors and chief executive
officers and other senior management, and the right to sell, transfer, pledge and dispose of all or a portion of the shares held by such shareholder. The power of attorney
is irrevocable and remains in force continuously upon execution.
Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreements. Pursuant to these Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreements, the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries have the
exclusive right to provide the VIEs with comprehensive business support, technical support and consulting services. Without prior written consent of the Group’s
relevant PRC subsidiaries, the VIEs shall not accept any services covered by these agreements from any third party. The VIEs agree to pay service fees in an amount
determined by the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries based on respective profits calculated as operating revenue minus operating cost of the VIEs for the relevant period
on a yearly basis or other service fees for specific services as required and as otherwise agreed by both parties. The Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries own the
intellectual property rights arising out of the services performed under these agreements. Unless the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries terminate these agreements or
pursuant to other provisions of these agreements, these agreements will remain effective indefinitely. These agreements can be terminated by the Group’s relevant PRC
subsidiaries through a 30‑day advance written notice, the VIEs have no right to unilaterally terminate these agreements.
Loan Agreements. Pursuant to the relevant loan agreements, the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries have granted loans to the relevant nominee shareholders
of the VIEs solely for the purpose of providing funds necessary for capital injection into the VIEs to operate their respective businesses. Pursuant to these loan
agreements, the nominee shareholders can only repay the loans by the transfer of all their equity interests in the VIEs to the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries. The
nominee shareholders of the VIEs must pay all of the proceeds from transfer of such equity interests to the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries. In the event that the
nominee shareholders transfer their equity interests to the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries or their designated person(s) with a price equivalent to or less than the
amount of the principal, the loans will be interest free. If the price is higher than the amount of the principal, the excess amount will be paid to the Group’s relevant PRC
subsidiaries as the loan interest. The loans must be repaid immediately when permitted by PRC laws at the request of the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries. Term of
both loans is ten years and will be extended automatically for another ten years on each expiration.
F-16
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Equity Pledge Agreements. Pursuant to these Equity Pledge Agreements, each nominee shareholder of the VIEs has pledged all of his, her or its respective
equity interests in the VIEs to the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries to guarantee the performance by such nominee shareholder and the VIEs of their respective
obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreements, the Power of Attorney, the Loan Agreements, where applicable, and the Exclusive Business Cooperation
Agreements, and any amendment, supplement or restatement to such agreements. If the VIEs or any of their nominee shareholders breach any obligations under these
agreements, the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries, as pledgee, will be entitled to dispose of the pledged equity and have priority to be compensated by the proceeds
from the disposal of the pledged equity. Each of the nominee shareholders of the VIEs agrees that before his, her or its obligations under the Contractual Agreements are
discharged, he, she or it will not dispose of the pledged equity interests, create or allow any encumbrance on the pledged equity interests, which may result in the change
of the pledged equity that may have adverse effects on the pledgee’s rights under these agreements without the prior written consent of the Group’s relevant PRC
subsidiaries. These Equity Pledge Agreements will remain effective until the VIEs and their nominee shareholders discharge all their respective obligations under the
Contractual Agreements.
(ii)Risks in relation to the VIE structure
Under the Contractual Agreements with the VIEs, the Company has the power to direct activities of the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries and can have assets
transferred out of the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries. Therefore, the Company considers itself the ultimate primary beneficiary of the VIEs and there is no asset of the
VIEs that can only be used to settle obligations of the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries except for registered capitals and PRC statutory reserves of the consolidated VIEs
amounting to RMB4,866 million as of December 31, 2022. Since the VIEs are incorporated as limited liability companies under the PRC Company Law, creditors of
the VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company. There is currently no contractual arrangement that would require the Company to provide additional
financial support to the VIEs. However, as the Company is conducting certain businesses mainly through the consolidated VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries, the Company
may provide such support on a discretionary basis in the future, which could expose the Company to a loss.
In the opinion of the Company’s management, the contractual arrangements among its subsidiaries, the VIEs and their respective nominee shareholders are in
compliance with current PRC laws and are legally binding and enforceable. However, uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of the PRC laws, regulations
and policies could limit the Company’s ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. As a result, the Company may be unable to consolidate the VIEs and the VIEs’
subsidiaries in the consolidated financial statements.
In March 2019, the Foreign Investment Law was approved by the National People’s Congress on March 15, 2019, effective on January 1, 2020. In December
2019, the State Council promulgated the Implementation Regulations on the Foreign Investment Law, effective on January 1, 2020, and further clarified and elaborated
the relevant provisions of the Foreign Investment Law. Given that there still exist uncertainties in relation to the interpretation and implementation of the Foreign
Investment Law and its implementation regulations, the possibility that the VIEs will be deemed as foreign-invested enterprise and subject to relevant restrictions in the
future shall not be excluded.
The Company’s ability to control the VIEs also depends on the power of attorney the Group’s relevant PRC subsidiaries have to vote on all matters requiring
shareholders’ approvals in the VIEs. As noted above, the Company believes this power of attorney is legally binding and enforceable but may not be as effective as
direct equity ownership. In addition, if the Group’s corporate structure or the contractual arrangements with the VIEs were found to be in violation of any existing PRC
laws and regulations, the PRC regulatory authorities could, within their respective jurisdictions:
•revoke the Group’s business and operating licenses;
•require the Group to discontinue or restrict its operations;
•restrict the Group’s right to collect revenues;
•block the Group’s websites;
•require the Group to restructure its operations, re‑apply for the necessary licenses or relocate the Group’s businesses, staff and assets;
F-17
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
•impose additional conditions or requirements with which the Group may not be able to comply; or
•take other regulatory or enforcement actions against the Group that could be harmful to the Group’s business.
The imposition of any of these restrictions or actions may result in a material adverse effect on the Group’s ability to conduct its business. In addition, if the
imposition of any of these restrictions causes the Group to lose the right to direct the activities of the VIEs or the right to receive their economic benefits, the Group
would no longer be able to consolidate the financial statements of the VIEs. In the opinion of management, the likelihood of losing the benefits in respect of the Group’s
current ownership structure or the contractual arrangements with its VIEs is remote.
All of the consolidated VIEs are incorporated and operated in the PRC, which are effectively controlled by the Company through a series of contractual
agreements entered into among the Company’s relevant PRC subsidiaries, the VIEs and their nominee shareholders. The Company believes the possibility that it will no
longer be able to control and consolidate the VIEs as a result of the aforementioned risks and uncertainties are remote.
Summary of Financial Information of the Consolidated VIEs
The following table sets forth the assets, liabilities, results of operations and changes in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of the VIEs and their
subsidiaries taken as a whole, which were included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. The financial information of the consolidated trusts and asset-
backed securities (“ABS”) were also included in the following table, as the consolidated VIE companies are considered the primary beneficiary of these trusts and ABS
plans:
(1)
Consolidating Schedule of Financial Position
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Restricted term deposit and short-term investments
Financing receivables, net
Amounts due from Group companies
Deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies
Contract assets and receivables, net
Property, equipment and software, net
Land use rights, net and right of use assets
Long‑term investments
Other assets
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Amounts due to Group companies
Borrowings
Funding debts
Deferred guarantee income
Contingent guarantee liabilities
Other liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Total equity attributable to owners of the company
Non-controlling interests
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(1)
As of December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
2,132,402
1,423,233
424,678
4,014,102
58,050
1,378,489
4,661,403
129,769
1,096,579
448,886
2,928,359
18,695,950
6,452,376
1,735,931
3,798,233
419,843
928,840
3,593,686
16,928,909
1,726,848
40,193
1,767,041
18,695,950
1,273,823
718,675
119,678
6,756,760
106,977
2,214,771
4,151,340
213,610
1,029,258
331,560
2,919,516
19,835,968
6,285,111
1,288,476
5,719,358
781,633
770,495
2,699,461
17,544,534
2,291,434
—
2,291,434
19,835,968
F-18
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(2)
(2)
Condensed Consolidating Schedule of Results of Operations
Operating revenue:
Third-party revenues
Inter-group revenues
Total Operating revenue
Operating cost:
Third-party costs
Inter-group costs
Total operating cost
Gross profit
Operating expense:
Third-party expenses
Inter-group expenses
Total operating expenses
Others
Income/(Loss) before income tax
Income tax (expenses)/benefits
Net income/(loss)
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company
(2)
Net cash used in operating activities
Net cash (used in)/provided by transactions with external parties
Net cash used in transactions with inter-group entities for technical service charges and others
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
(3)
(4)
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties
Net cash (used in)/provided by funds to Group companies
Transfer of Shenzhen Lexin Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd from VIE to subsidiary
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties
Net cash provided by funds from Group companies
Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year
Cumulative effect due to the adoption of ASC 326 (Note 2(e))
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year
(6)
(5)
F-19
2020
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
(RMB in thousands)
2022
11,579,992
449
11,580,441
(7,959,095 )
(21,817 )
(7,980,912 )
3,599,529
(1,360,975 )
(2,387,176 )
(3,748,151 )
(798,733 )
(947,355 )
131,242
(816,113 )
—
(816,113 )
11,091,978
11,429
11,103,407
(5,520,994 )
(1,636 )
(5,522,630 )
5,580,777
(1,689,151 )
(3,047,627 )
(4,736,778 )
(369,200 )
474,799
(142,201 )
332,598
193
332,405
9,297,734
329
9,298,063
(6,484,657 )
(36 )
(6,484,693 )
2,813,370
(1,764,902 )
(1,629,811 )
(3,394,713 )
617,568
36,225
(13,950 )
22,275
6,177
16,098
2020
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
(RMB in thousands)
2022
(1,750,611 )
670,707
(2,421,318 )
(2,190,303 )
(2,389,743 )
199,440
—
3,720,373
1,203,610
2,516,763
(220,541 )
2,797,805
(2,326 )
2,574,938
(298,268 )
3,839,254
(4,137,522 )
622,696
472,228
150,468
—
656,269
(1,775,038 )
2,431,307
980,697
2,574,938
—
3,555,635
537,019
2,063,827
(1,526,808 )
(2,062,379 )
(2,586,207 )
(61,831 )
585,659
(37,777 )
1,469,679
(1,507,456 )
(1,563,137 )
3,555,635
—
1,992,498
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(1)The amounts due from Group companies represent the funds provided by the consolidated VIEs to WFOEs, and the operating receivables resulting from the provision
of goods and services to WFOEs;
The amounts due to Group companies represent the funds provided by group companies to the consolidated VIEs, and the operating payables resulting from the technical
service fees charged by WFOEs.
(2)The inter-group revenues and inter-group costs recognized by the consolidated VIEs were related to the goods and services between the consolidated VIEs and
WFOEs;
The inter-group expenses incurred by the consolidated VIEs represent the technical service fees charged by WFOEs.
(3)For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, cash paid by the VIEs to WFOEs for technical service fees were RMB2,422 million, RMB4,140 million and
RMB1,540 million, respectively. Cash received by the VIEs to WFOEs for the provision of goods and services were RMB0.7 million, RMB2.5 million and RMB13.0
million, respectively.
(4)Net cash (used in)/provided by funds to Group companies represent the funds provided by the consolidated VIEs to WFOEs, and the collections from the WFOEs for
the funds previously provided by the consolidated VIEs. The funds provided to/repayments received from Group companies are presented on a net basis in investing
activities.
(5)In 2022, the consolidated VIE, Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co., Ltd., transferred all its equity interest in Shenzhen Lexin Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd to
primary beneficiary of the VIEs, Shenzhen Lexin Software Technology Co., Ltd. The total consideration for the transfer of equity shares is RMB586 million.
(6)Net cash (used in)/provided by funds from Group companies represent the funds provided by WFOEs to the consolidated VIEs. The funds received from/repayments
made to Group companies are presented on a net basis in financing activities.
(c)Use of estimates
The preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements is in conformity with the U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of financial statement and reported
revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Significant accounting estimates include, but are not limited to (i) revenue recognition; (ii) allowance for credit
losses on the financial assets measured at amortized cost and financial guarantees and (iii) initial recognition and subsequent measurement of guarantee derivatives at
fair value. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.
(d)Functional currency and foreign currency translation
The Group uses Renminbi (“RMB”) as its reporting currency. The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong is
United States dollars (“US$”) and the functional currencies of the PRC entities in the Group are RMB.
In the consolidated financial statements, the financial information of the Company and its subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong have been translated into
RMB at the exchange rates quoted by the People’s Bank of China (the “PBOC”). Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates on the balance sheet date,
equity amounts are translated at historical exchange rates, and revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated using the average rate for the period. Translation
adjustments arising from these are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments, and are shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income on
the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity and a component of other comprehensive income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
Income.
F-20
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange
rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are remeasured at the
applicable rates of exchange in effect at that date. Foreign currency exchange gain or loss resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from remeasurement at
period‑end is recognized in “Others, net” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Foreign currency translation adjustments included in the Group’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31,
2020, 2021 and 2022 were gain of RMB10.6 million, gain of RMB8.0 million and loss of RMB32.1 million respectively.
(e)Convenience translation
Translations of balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows from RMB into US$ as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 are solely for the convenience of the readers and were
calculated at the rate of US$1.00=RMB6.8972, representing the noon buying rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board on December
30, 2022. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into US$ at that rate on December 31, 2022, or at
any other rate.
(f)Presentation for on- and off-balance sheet loans
The Group finances the loans with the proceeds from various funding partners, which primarily include: (1) the Institutional Funding Partners; (2) the
Individual Investors on Juzi Licai; (3) third-party investors of the consolidated Trusts and asset‑backed securitized debts. Depending on the arrangements among the
Group, the Borrowers and the funding partners, the underlying loans are accounted for as “on-balance sheet loans” or “off-balance sheet loans,” where applicable.
On‑balance sheet loans
(a) Loans funded by individual investors on Juzi Licai under the Old Model (as defined hereinafter) or certain
Institutional Funding Partners
For loans funded by the proceeds from the Group's own online investment platform Juzi Licai under the Old Model (as defined hereinafter), which offered the
Individual Investors various Investment Programs with different terms and estimated rates of return, or from certain Institutional Funding Partners, the Group's roles
included: (1) collecting the investment principal from the Individual Investors or Institutional Funding Partners and lending the funds to Borrowers, (2) collecting
monthly repayment from the Borrowers and repaying the Individual Investors or Institutional Funding Partners according to the terms (i.e. interest rate and scheduled
repayment dates) of respective Investment Programs or agreements (“Investment Agreements”) between the Individual Investors or Institutional Funding Partners and
the Group.
F-21
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Group noted that the terms of the underlying loan agreements between the Individual Investors or Institutional Funding Partners and the Borrowers
(“Underlying Loan Agreements”) did not necessarily match the terms of the Investment Programs or Agreements. The mismatch was mainly due to the fact that some
Individual Investors or Institutional Funding Partners may invest in the programs that had shorter investment periods than the terms of the Underlying Loan Agreements.
Depending on the types of Investment Programs the Individual Investors choose or the Investment Agreements the Institutional Funding Partners entered into with the
Group, the investing periods could be as short as one week and as long as twenty-fourth months. Pursuant to the Investment Programs or Agreements, the Individual
Investors or Institutional Funding Partners agreed on a rate of return with the Group which was normally lower than the coupon interest rate stipulated in the Underlying
Loan Agreement, given the shorter periods of those Investment Programs or Agreements. The Group considered the terms of the Investment Programs or Agreements,
which drove the return of the investments, and concluded the Group had liabilities to the Individual Investors or Institutional Funding Partners when the funds from the
Investment Programs or Agreements were received. Accordingly, the Group was considered as the primary obligor to the Individual Investors or Institutional Funding
Partners in the lending relationship and therefore recorded the liabilities to the Individual Investors or Institutional Funding Partners as “Funding Debts” (Note 2(h)) on
its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The underlying loans were recorded as “Financing receivables, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Since December 2020, loans funded by the Individual Investors on Juzi Licai under the Old Model were nil.
(b) Loans funded by establishment of the consolidated Trusts and issuance of asset‑backed securitized debts
The Group establishes business relationships with Trusts from time to time. Pursuant to applicable arrangements, the Group invested in the financing
receivables using funds from the consolidated Trusts. The Trusts are administered by third-party trust companies, which act as the trustees, with funds contributed by the
Group and/or the third-party investors for the purposes of providing returns to the beneficiary of the Trusts. Since these Trusts only invest in financing receivables
generated from the Group’s Platform and APP, the Group has power to direct the activities of the Trusts. The Group has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to
receive benefits from the Trusts that could potentially be significant to the Trusts. As a result, the Trusts are considered consolidated VIEs of the Group under
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation.
The Group also issues private asset-backed securities (“ABS”) to diversify its funding sources. The Group is considered the primary beneficiary of these ABS
plans as it has power to direct the activities that most significantly impact economic performance of the ABS plans, and consolidated the ABS plans in the consolidated
financial statements under ASC 810, Consolidation.
Therefore, loans funded by the consolidated Trusts and asset-backed securitized debts remain at the Group and are recorded as “Financing receivables, net”
on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The proceeds received from third‑party investors of the consolidated Trusts and asset-backed securitized debts are recorded as
“Funding Debts” (Note 2(h)). Cash received via consolidated Trusts that has not yet been distributed is recorded as “Restricted cash.”
Off‑balance sheet loans
(a)Loans funded by certain Institutional Funding Partners such as third-party commercial banks or consumer finance companies
F-22
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For loans funded by the proceeds from certain Institutional Funding Partners such as third-party commercial banks or consumer finance companies, each
underlying loan and Borrower has to be approved by the third-party commercial banks or consumer finance companies individually. Once the loan is approved by and
originated by the third-party commercial bank or consumer finance company, the fund is provided by the third-party commercial bank or consumer finance company to
the Borrower and a lending relationship between the Borrower and the third-party commercial bank or consumer finance company is established through a loan
agreement. Effectively, the Group offers loan facilitation and matching services to the Borrowers who have credit needs and the commercial banks or consumer finance
companies who originate loans directly to Borrowers referred by the Group. The Group continues to provide account maintenance and payment processing services to
the Borrowers over the term of the loan agreement. Under this scenario, the Group determines that it is not the legal lender or borrower in the loan origination and
repayment process. Accordingly, the Group does not record financing receivables arising from these loans nor Funding Debts to the Institutional Funding Partners.
(b)Loans funded by the Individual Investors on Juzi Licai under the New Model (as defined hereinafter)
In late April 2018, the Group made some adjustments to its business model for new loans funded by the Individual Investors on Juzi Licai (the “New Model,”
and the “Old Model” referred to the business model of Juzi Licai before such adjustments). Under the New Model, the Group’s roles included: (1) matching the
borrowing requests from the Borrowers with the Individual Investors on Juzi Licai, (2) processing monthly repayment from the Borrowers according to the terms of the
Underlying Loan Agreements through third-party custodian bank accounts, and (3) providing ongoing management services to the Individual Investors over the terms of
respective Investment Programs.
F-23
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Under the New Model, the Group acted as an intermediary between the Borrower and the Individual Investors. Pursuant to the Underlying Loan Agreement
and the Investment Programs, the Individual Investors were entitled to all the interests generated from the underlying loans. Such interests were not generated until the
lending relationship has been established between the Borrowers and the Individual Investors as the lenders, upon entering into the Underlying Loan Agreements. The
existing Individual Investor cannot exit from any lending relationship of outstanding loan unless the underlying loan was fully repaid or the outstanding loan principal
with the remaining term was successfully re-matched with other Individual Investors. The Group provided ongoing matching and re-matching services to the Individual
Investors over the terms of respective Investment Programs while it did not have any obligations to ensure such successful re-matching.
The Group considered the terms of the Underlying Loan Agreements and the Investment Programs under the New Model and concluded that the Group was
not the legal lender or borrower in the loan origination and repayment process. Accordingly, the Group did not record financing receivables arising from these loans nor
Funding Debts to the Individual Investors.
The balances of funds payable to Individual Investors represented the investment funds received from the Individual Investors on Juzi Licai under the New
Model but not yet matched with and transferred to the Borrowers due to the settlement time lag.
The Company has ceased facilitating new loans with funding from individual investors on Juzi Licai since November 2019 and cleared the outstanding
balance of loans invested by individual investors in December 2020. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, loans funded by the Individual Investors on Juzi Licai and the
balance of funds payable to Individual Investors were nil.
Measurement of financing receivables
Financing receivables are measured at amortized cost and reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at outstanding principal adjusted for any charge‑offs,
the allowance for credit losses, and net deferred origination fees on originated financing receivables. The Group recognizes financing income over the terms of the
financing receivables using the effective interest rate method. Refer to Note 2(m) for details. For financing receivables initially generated from online sales with
installment payment terms on the Group’s Platform or APP, if they are subsequently funded by on-balance sheet loans, the Group considers that the financing
receivables are not settled or extinguished, and therefore continues to account for these financing receivables according to the installment payment terms. If the financing
receivables are subsequently funded by off-balance sheet loans, the Group considers that these financing receivables are settled and extinguished with the proceeds from
the off-balance sheet loans as facilitated by the Group.
Accrued interest income on financing receivables is calculated based on the contractual interest rate of the loan and recorded as financing income as earned.
Financing receivables are placed on non‑accrual status upon reaching 90 days past due. When a financing receivable is placed on non‑accrual status, the Group stops
accruing interest and reverses all accrued but unpaid interest as of such date.
The Group considers a financing receivable to be delinquent when a monthly payment is one day past due. When the Group determines it is probable that it
will be unable to collect unpaid principal amount on the receivable, the remaining unpaid principal balance is charged off against the allowance for credit losses.
Generally, charge‑offs occur after the 180th day of delinquency. Financing income for non-accrual financing receivables is recognized on a cash basis. Cash receipt of
non‑accrual financing receivables would be first applied to any unpaid principal, late payment fees, if any, before recognizing financing income. The Group does not
resume accrual of interest after a loan has been placed on non-accrual status.
F-24
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(g)Allowance for credit losses
The Group mainly has the following types of financial assets that are subject to credit losses of the customers: financing receivables, contract assets and
receivables.
Effective January 1, 2020, the Group adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326):
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This guidance replaces the existing “incurred loss” methodology, and introduces a forward-looking expected
loss approach referred to as a current expected credit losses (“CECL”) methodology. Under the incurred loss methodology, credit losses are recognized only when the
losses are probable of having been incurred. The CECL methodology requires that the full amount of expected credit losses for the lifetime be recorded at the time the
financial asset is originated or acquired, and adjusted for changes in expected lifetime credit losses subsequently, which requires earlier recognition of credit losses. The
lifetime expected credit losses are determined using a pooled basis within respective credit risk classification levels of the underlying customers, taking into
consideration the historical credit loss experience, the current credit quality of the portfolio and application of macroeconomic forecasts.
The Group’s CECL model and methodologies are based on the likelihood of customers defaulting (i.e., Probability of Default, or PD) and the resulting losses
of customers’ defaults (i.e. Loss Given Default, or LGD) and Exposure at Default (“EAD”), or CECL=PD*LGD*EAD. The Group considers the PD with its historical
information of customers’ payment behaviors and loan performance, and further adjusts for the impacts from observed industry experience. PDs are based on respective
internal risk grades assigned to each of the customers by the Group. LGD is determined based on historical information of the extent of loss on a defaulted exposure.
EAD is calculated based on the amounts the Group expected to be owed at the time of default, over the term of the loans. The Group also incorporates the forward-
looking information in the CECL, taking into account a range of forecasts of macroeconomic conditions over the expected life of the loans. The macroeconomic factors
used in model include variables that have historically been key drivers of increases and decreases in credit losses, such as Consumer Price Index and M2 (a
measurement of broad money supply including cash and deposits, which is published by People's Bank of China on a routine basis). The expected life of each loan is
determined based on the contractual term. The allowance for credit losses also includes management overlays which allow management to reflect the uncertain nature of
economic forecasting and account for model imprecision and concentration risk.
The CECL methodology is applicable to estimation of credit losses of financial assets measured at amortized cost, primarily including financing receivables,
contract assets and receivables of the Group. As a result upon initial adoption on January 1, 2020, the Group recognized the cumulative effect as a decrease of
approximately RMB0.3 billion to the opening balances of retained earnings, and an increase of the corresponding amount to the credit allowance of financial assets
measured at amortized cost, which is primarily driven by the longer estimated periods of underlying loans under the CECL lifetime methodology compared to incurred
loss methodology before the adoption of the new standard.
The CECL methodology also applies to certain off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as financial guarantees not accounted for as derivatives. The financial
guarantees provided for the Group’s off-balance sheet loans accounted for under ASC 460 are in the scope of ASC 326 and subject to the CECL methodology. After the
adoption, the expected credit losses (the contingent aspect) of the guarantee shall be accounted for in addition to and separately from the guarantee liability (the
noncontingent aspect) accounted for under ASC 460. The initial adoption resulted in a recognition of a separate contingent liability in full amount, in addition to
financial guarantee liabilities measured under ASC 460. Further, the contingent liability is determined using CECL lifetime methodology compared to incurred loss
methodology before the adoption. Consequently, the Company recognized the cumulative effect as a decrease of approximately RMB2.0 billion to the opening balances
of retained earnings. The carrying amount of financial guarantee liabilities under ASC 460 upon the initial adoption has continued to be reduced by recording a credit to
net income as the guarantor is released from the guaranteed risk in accordance with ASC 460, but no longer subject to the recording of an excess contingent lability
under ASC 450.
The financial impacts described above totaled approximately RMB2.3 billion along with the associated deferred tax impact of approximately RMB0.4 billion.
As a result, the Group recognized the cumulative effect of approximately RMB1.9 billion, net of tax, as a decrease to the opening balances of retained earnings on
January 1, 2020.
F-25
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table sets forth the cumulative effect of the changes on the Group’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2020 due to the adoption of
ASC 326:
(RMB in thousands)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Restricted term deposit
Financing receivables, net
Accrued interest receivable, net
Guarantee receivables, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies
Contract assets and service fees receivable, net
Other assets
Long-term investments
Liabilities
(1)
Guarantee liabilities
Deferred guarantee income
Contingent guarantee liabilities
(1)
(1)
Total impact to allowance for credit losses
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Total retained earnings impact
As of
December 31,
2019
Adjustments
due to the
adoption of
ASC 326
As of
January 1,
2020
2,085,234
1,900,392
1,966,643
4,411,488
54,284
1,464,977
1,324,924
1,251,003
3,454,851
454,421
511,605
(2)
(1,726,368)
—
—
157,138
(309,646 )
(1,465 )
(1,848 )
(1,921 )
(229,661 )
(1,681 )
(40,388 )
(12,077 )
(3,060 )
(26,045 )
(2,466 )
(3,588 )
(2)
(2)
1,726,368
(1,481,814)
(2,214,128)
(2,293,774 )
78,803
296,471
(1,918,500 )
2,083,769
1,898,544
1,964,722
4,181,827
52,603
1,424,589
1,312,847
1,247,943
3,428,806
451,955
508,017
—
(1,481,814 )
(2,214,128 )
235,941
(13,175 )
(1) Before the adoption of ASC 326, the guarantee liabilities subsequent to initial recognition were measured at the greater of the amount determined based on ASC 460
and the amount determined under ASC 450. An excess liability was recorded when the aggregate contingent liabilities under ASC 450 exceeded the balance of
guarantee liabilities determined under ASC 460.
After the adoption of ASC 326, a contingent liability in full amount determined using CECL lifetime methodology of the guarantee (i.e., the contingent aspect recorded
as “Contingent guarantee liabilities”) shall be accounted for in addition to and separately from the guarantee liability (i.e., the noncontingent aspect recorded as
“Deferred guarantee income”) accounted for under ASC 460.
(2) As of December 31, 2019, the Group determined that the aggregate contingent liabilities under ASC 450 (RMB1,726.4 million) exceeded the balance of guarantee
liabilities (RMB1,481.8 million) under ASC 460 and recorded an excess liability of RMB244.6 million. As a result of the adoption, RMB1,481.8 million of guarantee
liabilities previously under ASC 460 was recorded as “Deferred guarantee income,” and RMB2,214.1 million of contingent guarantee liabilities is determined using
CECL lifetime methodology compared to incurred loss methodology before the adoption.
(h)Funding debts
For the proceeds received from the funding partners, including the third-party investors of the consolidated Trusts and asset-backed securitized debts, and
certain Institutional Funding Partners, to fund the Group’s on-balance sheet loans, the Group records them as funding debts (“Funding Debts”) on its Consolidated
Balance Sheets. Accrued interest payable is calculated based on the contractual interest rates of funding debts and convertible notes.
(i)Guarantee receivables and liabilities
For the off-balance sheet loans funded by certain Institutional Funding Partners, the Group provides deposits and replenish such deposits from time to time to
the Institutional funding partners by directly compensating them for principal
F-26
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
and interest payment in the event of the Borrowers’ defaults, which are accounted for as guarantee liabilities under ASC 460, Guarantees.
Starting from 2019, the Group started to cooperate with third-party insurance companies and guarantee companies that directly provide guarantee services to
certain Institutional Funding Partners, and no longer replenished the deposits made to these Institutional Funding Partners. According to relevant financial guarantee
arrangements, third-party insurance companies and guarantee companies will provide the principal and interest payment to these Institutional Funding Partners, in case
of Borrowers’ defaults. However, the Group is required to provide deposits and replenish such deposits from time to time to the bank accounts of these insurance
companies and guarantee companies, in the event that such insurance companies and guarantee companies perform their guarantee obligations upon the Borrowers’
defaults. Effectively, the Group provides back-to-back guarantee to the insurance companies and guarantee companies and takes on all of the credit risk of the
Borrowers. These financial guarantee contracts are accounted for as guarantee liabilities under ASC 460, Guarantees, provided that the scope exception under ASC 815-
10-15-58 is met.
For the off-balance sheet loans funded by certain other Institutional Funding Partners, these Institutional Funding Partners retain the credit exposure of the
loans facilitated by the Group and do not require the Group to provide any guarantee pursuant to relevant arrangements. Therefore, the Group does not record guarantee
receivables nor guarantee liabilities for the off-balance sheet loans funded by these Institutional Funding Partners.
As discussed in Note 2(g) above, the financial guarantees provided for the Group’s off-balance sheet loans accounted for under ASC 460 are in the scope of
ASC 326 and subject to the CECL methodology.
After the adoption of ASC 326, the estimated fair value of the guarantee liabilities at inception of the loans continues to be determined based on a discounted
cash flow model, but with reference to estimates of expected loss rates using CECL lifetime methodology. Subsequent to initial recognition, the guarantee liabilities
continue to be reduced by recording a credit to net income as the guarantor is released from the guaranteed risk over the terms of the underlying loans, as “Guarantee
income” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The expected credit losses of the guarantee (the contingent aspect recorded as “Contingent guarantee liabilities”) are accounted for in addition to and
separately from the guarantee liability (the noncontingent aspect recorded as “Deferred guarantee income”) accounted for under ASC 460. The contingent guarantee
liabilities are determined using CECL lifetime methodology, compared to incurred loss methodology before the adoption, and recognized in full amount at loan
inceptions. At each reporting date, the Group measures the contingent guarantee liabilities of the underlying loans, on a portfolio basis, and the relevant credit losses of
guarantee are recorded as “Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following table sets forth the activities of the Group’s obligations associated with the deferred guarantee income for the years ended December 31, 2020,
2021 and 2022 after the adoption of ASC 326:
Opening balances
Cumulative effect due to the adoption of ASC 326 (Note 2(g))
Fair value of deferred guarantee income at inception of new loans
Release of deferred guarantee income
Ending balances
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2020
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2021
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2022
-
1,481,814
1,532,461
(2,319,693 )
694,582
(RMB in thousands)
694,582
-
499,805
(774,544 )
419,843
419,843
-
1,928,195
(1,453,180 )
894,858
F-27
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table sets forth the activities of the Group’s obligations associated with the contingent guarantee liabilities for the year ended December 31,
2020, 2021 and 2022 after the adoption of ASC 326:
Opening balances
Cumulative effect due to the adoption of ASC 326 (Note 2(g))
Provision for contingent liabilities of guarantee
Net cash payout
Ending balances
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2020
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2021
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2022
—
2,214,128
2,880,590
(3,355,931 )
1,738,787
(RMB in thousands)
1,738,787
—
622,438
(1,432,385 )
928,840
928,840
—
1,468,265
(1,514,998 )
882,107
F-28
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(j)Loans at fair value
From time to time, the Group acquires the installment of loans when they are one day past due, or purchases the entire loans with certain monthly repayments
that are past due over certain days consecutively or cumulatively, from certain funding partners, according to the relevant cooperation agreements with respective
funding partners.
For those loans the Group acquired or purchased from the relevant funding partners, the Group accounts for them using fair value option pursuant to ASC
825, Financial Instruments, and records them on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Loans at fair value.”
As the loans acquired or purchased are not traded in an active market with readily observable prices, the Group estimates the fair value of loans acquired or
purchased from funding partners using a discounted cash flow valuation methodology by discounting the estimated future net cash flows using an appropriate discount
rate. The future net cash flows are estimated based on the contractual cash flows, taking into consideration of estimated future credit recoveries of the loans upon
acquisition or purchase. Changes in fair value of loans are reported net and recorded in “Change in fair value of loans at fair value” on the Consolidated Statements of
Operations.
(k)Guarantee derivatives
In order to determine the accounting treatment of the guarantee, the Group considered the criteria of scope exception under ASC 815‑10‑15‑58. In order to
qualify for this scope exception, the financial guarantee contracts must meet all three of the following criteria: (a) provide for payments to be made solely to reimburse
the guaranteed party for failure of the debtor to satisfy its required payment obligations either at prescriptive payment dates or accelerated payment dates as a result of
the occurrence of an event of default or notice of acceleration being made to the debtor by the creditor; (b) payment be made only if the debtor’s obligation to make
payments as a result of conditions as described in (a) is past due; and (c) the guaranteed party is, as a precondition in the contract for receiving payment of any claim
under the guarantee, exposed to the risk of non‑payment both at inception and throughout its term either through direct legal ownership or through a back‑to‑back
arrangement.
For the financial guarantee provided by the Group that does not meet the scope exception under ASC 815‑10‑15‑58, the Group accounts for the financial
guarantee contracts with these Institutional Funding Partners as derivatives under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and records them on the Consolidated Balance
Sheets as either assets or liabilities at fair value.
Derivative assets and liabilities within the scope of ASC 815 are required to be recorded at fair value at inception and remeasured at fair value on an ongoing
basis in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. Therefore, the financial guarantee derivatives will be subsequently marked to market at the end of each
reporting period with gains and losses recognized as change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives. The estimated fair value of the financial guarantee
derivatives is determined by the Group based on a discounted cash flow model, with reference to estimates of cumulative loss rates and margins on cost of guarantee
services.
(l)Revenue recognition
F-29
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Group considered relevant accounting guidance and concluded that arrangements for its on-balance sheet loans and guarantee services provided for its
off-balance sheet loans are out of scope of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Therefore, “Financing income” and “Guarantee income” included in
“Credit facilitation service income” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables and ASC 460,
Guarantees, respectively. Other revenue streams are accounted for in accordance with ASC 606.
Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity
expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services, net of value-added tax. The Group identifies its contracts with customers and all performance obligations
within those contracts. The Group then determines the transaction price and allocates the transaction price to the performance obligations within the Group’s contracts
with customers, recognizing revenue when, or as, the Group satisfies its performance obligations. For considerations with original payment terms greater than 12
months, the Group determines a significant financing component exists in the arrangements. The discount rate, which reflects the credit risk of the customers, is used in
adjusting the consideration at inception for revenue recognition. Interest income resulting from a significant financing component is recorded as “Financing income” on
the Group’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Disaggregation of revenues within the scope of ASC 606
The following table presents the Group’s operating revenue within the scope of ASC 606 disaggregated by revenue sources:
Installment e-commerce platform service income
Installment e-commerce platform service income
Other services
Total installment e-commerce platform service income
Credit facilitation service income
Loan facilitation and matching servicing fees-credit oriented
Post-origination servicing fees-credit oriented
Investment Program management service fees-credit oriented
Total credit facilitation service income
Tech-empowerment service income
Loan facilitation and matching servicing fees- performance based
Post-origination servicing fees- performance based
Loan facilitation and servicing fees- volume based
Membership services
Other services
Total tech-empowerment service income
Total revenue from loan facilitation and servicing fees
Total operating revenue within the scope of ASC 606
2020
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
(RMB in thousands)
2022
1,900,835
32,093
1,932,928
2,628,941
1,087,567
70,488
3,786,996
1,656,998
273,837
106,007
113,107
36,797
2,186,746
5,823,838
7,906,670
1,661,156
564
1,661,720
3,120,892
1,327,452
—
4,448,344
1,727,794
561,658
279,902
107,901
85,740
2,762,995
7,017,698
8,873,059
1,997,838
58,227
2,056,065
1,404,507
1,082,020
—
2,486,527
935,234
427,404
252,460
82,256
148,589
1,845,943
4,101,625
6,388,535
The following table presents the Group’s operating revenue within the scope of ASC 606 disaggregated by timing of revenue recognition:
Revenues recognized at point-in-time
Revenues recognized over time
Total operating revenue within scope of ASC 606
F-30
2020
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
(RMB in thousands)
2022
6,361,671
1,544,999
7,906,670
6,876,048
1,997,011
8,873,059
4,796,855
1,591,680
6,388,535
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Group’s revenue recognition policies under ASC 606 are as follows:
Installment e-commerce platform service
Online direct sales
The Group engages in the online direct sales of electronic products, and to a lesser extent, home appliance products and general merchandise products with
installment payment terms mainly through its retail website www.fenqile.com and its APP.
The income from online direct sales is recognized at point-in-time when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the customers, which
generally occurs upon the acceptance of the goods or services by the customers. For arrangements where the Group controls the goods or services before they are
transferred to the customers as a principal, as it is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the goods or services, is subject to inventory risk, and has
discretion in establishing prices, revenues are recorded on a gross basis. Otherwise, revenues are recorded on a net basis. The goods or services are generally sold with a
right of return, which is accounted for as variable consideration when determining the amount of revenue to recognize. Return allowances are estimated based on
historical experiences and insignificant for all of the periods presented.
For these transactions, the Group generates financing receivables due from the Borrowers who place orders. The online direct sales revenues and related
financing receivables are accounted for as sales of products or services to the Borrowers with extended payment terms and recorded at present value of the contractual
cash flows when the Group’s performance obligations are satisfied.
The financing receivables initially generated from online direct sales may be subsequently funded with the proceeds from on- or off-balance sheet loans as
discussed in Note 2(f).
Other services
The Group also operates an online marketplace that enable third party sellers to sell their products to customers with installment payment terms. The Group
charges the third party sellers a fixed rate commission fee based on the sales amount for the services rendered. Revenues are recognized at point-in-time when the
underlying transactions are completed, i.e., upon acceptance of the underlying goods or services by the Borrowers. In accordance with ASC 606-10-55-39, the Group
recognizes the commission fees as revenues from the third party sellers on a net basis, as the Group is acting as an agent and does not have general inventory risk or does
not have discretion to establish prices. For these transactions whereby the Group pays to the third party sellers on behalf of the Borrowers, the Group generates financing
receivables due from the Borrowers, which may be subsequently funded with the proceeds from on- or off-balance sheet loans as discussed in Note 2(f).
Credit facilitation service and tech-empowerment service income
Loan facilitation and servicing fees
With respect to the off‑balance sheet loans, the Group does not record financing receivables arising from these loans nor funding debts to the funding
partners. The Group earns loan facilitation and servicing fees and records them under “Credit facilitation service income,” “Tech-empowerment service income” based
on respective arrangements, as applicable.
Revenues from loan facilitation and matching and post-origination services-overall
The Group provides intermediary services to the Borrowers and funding partners as the lenders. The intermediary services provided include (i) loan
facilitation and matching services, (ii) post-origination services (i.e. account maintenance, collection, and payment processing), and (iii) a financial guarantee, if any. The
Group has assessed all these services and concludes that loan facilitation and matching services and post-origination services are distinct and therefore are separate
performance obligations. The financial guarantee, if any, is within the scope of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging or ASC
F-31
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
460, Guarantees, where applicable, and recorded at fair value at inception of the loans. The remaining consideration is allocated to each of the performance obligations
based on relative standalone selling price of each of the services being provided to customers. The Group primarily uses the expected cost plus a margin approach to
determine the relative standalone selling price as a result of the adoption of ASC 606.
The transaction price is the amount of consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised services to its
customers, net of value-added tax. The transaction price includes variable service fees which is estimated using the expected value method and is limited to the amount of
variable consideration that is probable not to be reversed in future periods. The Group assesses whether the estimate of variable consideration is constrained.
Revenues from loan facilitation and matching services are recognized at point-in-time upon the successful matching of the borrowing requests from the
Borrowers with the funding partners as the lenders. Revenues from post-origination services are recognized ratably over the terms of the underlying loans as this
performance obligation is satisfied over time.
For the off-balance sheet loans funded by certain Institutional Funding Partners, where the Group also provides guarantee services, revenue from loan
facilitation and matching and post-origination services under this business model is recorded as “Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented” and “Post-
origination servicing fees-credit oriented” respectively under “Credit facilitation service income.” Revenue from guarantee services is recorded as “Guarantee income”
under ASC 460 (Note 2(f)) under Credit facilitation service income.
For the off-balance sheet loans funded by certain other Institutional Funding Partners, where the Group does not provide guarantee services and takes no
credit risks of Borrowers in respect of principal and interests due to the lenders, the Group charges the service fees for loan facilitation and servicing at predetermined
rates based on the performance of the underlying off-balance sheet loans. Revenue from loan facilitation and matching and post-origination services under this business
model is recorded as “Loan facilitation and matching service fees-performance based” and “Post-origination service fees-performance based” under “Tech-
empowerment service income.”
The Group refer users on our platform for whom the group may temporarily not in an appropriate position to provide services to other third-party online
lending platforms and charges a referral fee based on the loan origination volume, cost per-click or other criteria. Revenue from loan facilitation and matching under this
business model is recognized as “Loan facilitation and servicing fees-volume based” under “Tech-empowerment service income” upon loan origination, each click or
other performance obligation is satisfied.
Revenues from Investment Program management services
The Group provides ongoing management services to the individual investors pursuant to the investment programs on Juzi Licai, including (i) initial matching
of the investment funds from the Individual Investors and (ii) continuous re-matching of the monthly repayment from the Borrowers with any new borrowing requests to
generate investment returns for the Individual Investors over the terms of the Investment Programs.
The customers (i.e. the Individual Investors) simultaneously receive and consume the benefits provided by the Group’s performance throughout the terms of
the Investment Programs. The Group concludes that the ongoing management services is a distinct service being provided over the time in accordance with ASC 606,
therefore the revenues from Investment Program management services are recognized under “Credit-oriented services income” over the terms of the Investment
Programs, using a straight-line method. The Group considers the options to the Individual Investors to renew the contract term of Investment Programs to purchase
additional future services with a lower service fee rate, if any, as a material right to customers therefore is a separate performance obligation. The transaction price
allocated to such options are deferred to be recognized as revenues when the relevant future services are transferred or when the options expire. The remaining
consideration is allocated to each of the performance obligations based on relative standalone selling price of each of the
F-32
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
services being provided to customers. The Group determines the relative standalone selling price of such options primarily based on historical data of the discounts that
the customers obtain from exercising such options.
Membership services
The Group offers membership packages to the subscribing members with access to benefits of sales of products and services on the Group’s Platform and
APP that represent a single stand-ready obligation, in exchange for upfront premium membership fees. The receipt of premium membership fees is initially recorded as
“Deferred service fees” included in “Accruals and other current liabilities” and membership fees are recognized ratably over the terms of the membership packages as the
Group’s performance obligation is satisfied over time under “Tech-empowerment service income.”
Other services under tech-empowerment service income
The Group also engages in other business, which consists primarily of fintech upgrade model and other technical consulting services. Revenues generated by
the Group from these businesses are recorded under “Tech-empowerment service income” when performance obligation is satisfied.
Financing income
The Group generates financing income from its financing receivables, which comprises of interest income and others.
Interest income is recognized over the terms of financing receivables using the effective interest method. Direct origination costs include costs directly
attributable to originating financing receivables, including vendor costs and personnel costs directly related to the time spent by those individuals performing activities
related to the origination of financing receivables. Considering the credit risk characteristics of the Borrowers as well as the relatively small amount of each individual
financing receivable, the Group determined that direct origination costs incurred for originating individual financing receivables are insignificant and expensed as
incurred and recorded in “Processing and servicing cost” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest income is not recorded when reasonable doubt exists as
to the full, timely collection of interest or principal.
Other revenues include fees collected for prepayment and late payment for on‑balance sheet loans, which are calculated as certain percentages of interest over
the prepaid principal loan amount in case of prepayment or certain percentages of past due amounts in case of late payment.
Customer incentives
In order to incentivize the individual customers to use the Platform and APP, the Group primarily provides two major types of incentive coupons: cash
coupons that have a stated discount amount that reduces the selling price of a future purchase of product and repayment coupons that have a stated discount amount that
reduce a future installment repayment. Both cash coupons and repayment coupons are given for free at the Group’s discretion, which are not linked to any transactions
or previous transactions from the Platform and APP when they are given. In accordance with ASC 606-10-32-27, cash coupons and repayment coupons are accounted
for as a reduction of revenue of the Group upon the future purchase or application by the customers. The amount of cash coupons and repayment coupons recognized as a
reduction of revenue was RMB196 million, RMB200 million and RMB122 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
The Group offers a referral code incentive in cash to existing Borrowers for promoting its Platform and APP. Referral code incentives are granted to existing
Borrowers for each new Borrower who successfully signs up on the Platform and APP using the existing Borrowers’ referral codes and has been granted a credit line.
Referral code incentives, amounting to RMB17.1 million, RMB27.3 million, and 11.9 million were recorded as sales and marketing expenses on the Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively.
Contract balances
F-33
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Group classifies its right to consideration in exchange for products or services transferred to a customer as either a receivable or a contract asset. A
receivable is a right to consideration that is unconditional as compared to a contract asset which is a right to consideration that is conditional upon factors other than the
passage of time. Generally, the amount of revenue recognized from loan facilitation and matching services and Investment Program management services exceeds the
amount billed to customers following the predetermined payment schedules at inception of the loans. The Group does not have an unconditional right to such exceeding
amount. Service fees receivable represent the considerations for which the Group has satisfied its performance obligations and has the unconditional right to
consideration. At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether there is any indicator of impairment to the contract assets and receivables. An impairment loss, if any,
is recorded as “Provision for contract assets and receivables” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Contract liabilities relate to unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of each reporting period and consist of cash payment received in advance from
customers in membership services and post-origination services, which is recorded as “Deferred service fees” included in “Accruals and other current liabilities” on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of revenue recognized that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the years were RMB52.0 million
and RMB26.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Remaining performance obligations
The remaining performance obligation disclosure provides the aggregate amount of the transaction price yet to be recognized as of the end of the reporting
period and an explanation as to when the Group expects to recognize these amounts in revenue. Additionally, as a practical expedient, the Group does not include
contracts that have an original duration of one year or less.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations related to customer
contracts that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied was RMB903 million and RMB312 million, respectively. Given the profile of contract terms, substantially all of the
remaining performance obligation is expected to be recognized as revenue over the next three years.
Practical expedients
The Group has used the following practical expedients as allowed under ASC 606:
The remaining performance obligation has not been disclosed when the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original duration of one year
or less.
The Group expenses sales commissions as incurred when the amortization period is one year or less. Sales commission expenses are recorded within “Sales
and marketing expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
F-34
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(m)Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand, demand deposits placed with banks or other financial institutions, which are unrestricted to withdrawal or
use. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the Group did not have any cash equivalents.
(n)Restricted cash
Restricted cash mainly represents: (i) cash received from the Borrowers but not yet been repaid to the funding partners or received from the funding partners
but not yet been distributed to the Borrowers which is not available to fund the general liquidity needs of the Group; and (ii) security deposits set aside for partnering
commercial banks in case of Borrowers’ defaults; and (iii) cash received via consolidated trust and ABS that has not been distributed.
(o)Restricted term deposit and short-term investments
Restricted term deposit include (i) time deposits securing the Group’s borrowings from financial institutions, and (ii) time deposits placed with and set aside
for partnering commercial banks as Institutional Funding Partners in case of Borrowers' defaults.
Short-term investments represent bank time deposits and structured deposit which are certain deposits with variable interest rates and principal guaranteed
with certain financial institutions. Their original maturities are of greater than three months but less than one year. In accordance with ASC 825, Financial Instruments,
for structured deposit with the interest rate indexed to performance of underlying assets, the Group elected the fair value method at the date of initial recognition and
carried these investments at fair value. Changes in the fair value are reflected by the market value of the investment.
F-35
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(p)Inventories, net
Inventories, consisting of products available for sale, are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost of inventory is determined using the moving
average cost method for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less
reasonably predictable costs of disposal and transportation. Adjustments are recorded to write down the cost of inventory to the net realizable value due to slow-moving
merchandise and damaged goods, which is dependent upon factors such as historical and forecasted consumer demand, and promotional environment. The Group takes
ownership, risks and rewards of the products purchased. Write-downs are recorded in cost of revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December
31, 2021 and 2022, all inventory balances were products available for sale.
The Group also provides fulfillment-related services in connection with the Group’s online marketplace, with revenue from the related commission fee
recognized under “Installment e-commerce platform service income. Third-party sellers maintain ownership of their inventories and therefore these products are not
included in the Group’s inventories.
(q)Long-term investments
The Group’s long-term investments consist of equity investments in privately held companies accounted for using the measurement alternative, equity
investments accounted for using the equity method and a debt investment in forms of a loan.
Equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative
The Group measures long-term equity investments, other than equity method investments, at fair value through earnings. For those investments over which
the Group does not have significant influence and without readily determinable fair value, the Group elected to record these investments at cost, less impairment, and
plus or minus subsequent adjustments for observable price changes. Under this measurement alternative, changes in the carrying value of the equity investments are
required to be made whenever there are observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. The Group makes
reasonable efforts to identify price changes that are known or that can reasonably be known. The Group also makes a qualitative assessment of whether these
investments are impaired at each reporting date. If a qualitative assessment indicates that the investment is impaired, the Group has to estimate the investment’s fair
value in accordance with the principles of ASC 820. If the fair value is less than the investment’s carrying value, the Group has to recognize an impairment loss equal to
the difference between the carrying value and fair value under “Investment loss” on its Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Equity investments accounted for using the equity method
The Group applies the equity method of accounting to account for its equity investments, according to ASC 323 Investment-Equity Method and Joint
Ventures, over which it has significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control. Under the equity method, the Group initially records
the investments at cost and the difference between the cost of the equity investee and the fair value of the underlying equity in the net assets of the equity investee is
recognized as equity method goodwill, which is included in the equity method investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Group subsequently adjusts the
carrying amount of the investments to recognize its proportionate share of each equity investee's net income or loss into earnings and cash distributions from investees, if
any, after the date of investment. The Group evaluates the equity method investments for impairment under ASC 323. An impairment loss on the equity method
investment is recognized in earnings under “Investment-related impairment” when the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary.
Debt investment
F-36
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The loan held for long-term investment is carried at outstanding principal adjusted for any write-offs, and allowance for loan losses, any deferred fees or cost,
and any unamortized premiums or discounts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Group records the interest income associated with the debt investment using
effective interest rate method on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The allowance for credit losses was recognized that reflects the Group’s best estimate of the
amounts that will not be collected.
(r)Property, equipment and software, net
Property, equipment and software, net are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment, if any. Depreciation and amortization is
computed using the straight‑line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Construction in progress represents buildings and related premises under
construction, which is stated at actual construction cost less any impairment loss. Construction in progress is transferred to the respective category of property and
equipment when completed and ready for its intended use. Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred and asset improvements are capitalized. The cost
and related accumulated depreciation of assets disposed of or retired are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected under “Others, net” on its
Consolidated Statements of Operations. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
Category
Computers and equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvement
Software
(s)Land use rights, net
Estimated Useful Lives
3 years
4 ‑ 5 years
Over the shorter of the expected life of leasehold improvement or the lease term
3 ‑ 10 years
Land use rights represent the land use rights obtained for the purpose of constructing offices, which was amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the
land use right period, approximately 30 years.
(t)Impairment of long‑lived assets
Long‑lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (such as a significant adverse change to market conditions that
will impact the future use of the assets) indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable or that the useful life is shorter than the Group had
originally estimated. When these events occur, the Group evaluates the impairment for the long‑lived assets by comparing the carrying value of the assets to an estimate
of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash
flows is less than the carrying value of the assets, the Group recognizes an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying value of the assets over the fair value of
the assets.
(u)Fair value measurements
Financial instruments
Accounting guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair
value, the Group considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when
pricing the asset or liability.
Accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable
inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the
fair value measurement. Accounting guidance establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
F-37
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
•Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability
such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical asset or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or
infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model‑derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or
corroborated by, observable market data.
•Level 3 applies to asset or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair
value of the assets or liabilities.
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, amounts due from related parties, accounts payable, and amounts due to related parties
approximates fair value because of their short‑term nature. Financing receivables are measured at amortized cost. Funding debts and accrued interest payable are carried
at amortized cost. The carrying amount of the financing receivables, funding debts, and accrued interest payable approximates their respective fair value as the interest
rates applied reflect the current quoted market yield for comparable financial instruments.
For the off‑balance sheet loans funded by certain Institutional Funding Partners, the Group accounts for financial guarantee provided at fair value. The Group
uses significant unobservable inputs to measure the fair value of these guarantee liabilities. The Group considers unobservable inputs to be significant, if, by their
exclusion, the estimated fair value of a Level 3 asset or liability would be impacted by a significant percentage change, or based on qualitative factors such as the nature
of the instrument and significance of the unobservable inputs relative to other inputs used within the valuation.
The Group’s restricted term deposit and short-term investments are measured at fair value. The fair value is determined based on the prevailing interest rates
for similar products in the market (Level 2).
The Group elected the fair value option for the loans acquired or purchased from the relevant funding partners starting from the second quarter of 2020. The
Group uses significant unobservable inputs to measure the fair value of these loans (Level 3).
Fair value measurements on a non-recurring basis
The Group measures certain financial assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis only if an impairment charge were to be recognized. The Group’s long-
term equity investments are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis under measurement alternative, if an impairment loss is charged or fair value adjustment is
made for an observable price change in an orderly transaction for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. The Group’s non‑financial assets, such as property,
equipment and software, would be measured at fair value only if they were determined to be impaired.
(v)Cost of sales
Cost of sales consists of purchase price of the products, shipping charges and handling costs, as well as write‑downs of inventory. Shipping charges to receive
products from suppliers are included in the inventories, and recognized as cost of sales upon sale of the products to customers. For each of the periods presented,
write‑downs of inventory were insignificant.
(w)Funding cost
Funding cost consists of interest expense the Group pays to funding partners, including certain Institutional Funding Partners and third-party investors of the
consolidated Trusts and the asset backed securitized debts, to fund its on-balance sheet loans, certain fees and amortization of deferred debt issuance costs incurred in
connection with obtaining these debts, such as origination fees and legal fees.
(x)Processing and servicing cost
F-38
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Processing and servicing cost consists primarily of vendor costs related to credit assessment, customer and system support, payment processing services and
collection services associated with originating, facilitating and servicing the loans.
F-39
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(y)Sales and marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising costs and payroll and related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing and business
development activities. Advertising costs, which consist primarily costs of online advertising and offline outdoor promotion activities, are expensed as incurred and are
included within sales and marketing expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, advertising costs
totaled RMB791 million, RMB1,000 million and RMB900 million, respectively.
(z)Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of payroll and related expenses for IT professionals involved in developing technology platform and
website, server and other equipment depreciation, bandwidth and data center costs. All research and development costs have been expensed as incurred as the costs
qualifying for capitalization have been insignificant.
(aa)General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses consist of payroll and related expenses for employees involved in general corporate functions, including finance, legal
and human resources; costs associated with use of facilities and equipment, such as depreciation expenses, rental and other general corporate related expenses.
(bb)Leases
On January 1, 2019, the Group adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Under ASC Topic 842(leases), the Group determines if an arrangement is or
contains a lease at inception. Right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at lease commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over
the lease terms. The Group considers only payments that are fixed and determinable at the time of lease commencement.
The Group leases certain office premises under non‑cancelable leases, which expire at various dates through August 2026. As of December 31, 2022, the
Group’s operating leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of 3.4 years and a weighted average discount rate of 4.91%.
Future minimum lease payments under non‑cancelable operating leases agreements are as follows:
2022
2023
2024
2025 and thereafter
Total future lease payments
Impact of discounting remaining lease payments
Total lease liabilities
- Short-term portion
- Long-term portion
F-40
For the Year ended December 31, 2022
RMB in thousands
52,093
43,473
42,772
29,326
167,664
(13,976 )
153,688
50,747
102,941
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Operating lease cost for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 was RMB57.9 million, RMB59.7 million and RMB53.2 million, respectively,
which excluded cost of leasing contracts with original terms less than 12 months. Short-term lease cost for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 was
RMB3.9 million, RMB6.4 million and RMB13.1 million, respectively. Supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases was as follows:
Cash payments for operating leases
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
(cc)Share‑based compensation
For the Year ended
December 31, 2022
RMB in thousands
56,347
15,535
Share-based awards granted to the Group’s employees and non-employees, directors and non-employee directors, such as stock options and restricted share
units, are measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the awards in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. Share-based compensation,
net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized as expenses on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period.
F-41
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The modification of the terms or conditions of the existing shared-based award is treated as an exchange of the original award for a new award. The
incremental compensation expenses are equal to the excess of the fair value of the modified award immediately after the modification over the fair value of the original
award immediately before the modification. For stock options already vested as of the modification date, the Group immediately recognized the incremental value as
compensation expenses. For stock options still unvested as of the modification date, the incremental compensation expenses are recognized over the remaining service
period of these stock options.
Stock options and restricted share units granted generally vest over four years.
The exercise price of each granted stock option is determined by the closing price of the Company’s ordinary share on the grant date. Therefore, the Company
utilizes the binomial option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options granted after the IPO. The fair value of each granted restricted share unit is
determined by the closing price of the Company’s ordinary share on the grant date.
Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Group uses historical data
to estimate forfeitures of share-based awards and records share-based compensation expenses only for those awards that are expected to vest.
(dd)Taxation
Income tax
Current income tax is provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant tax jurisdictions.
Deferred income tax is provided using assets and liabilities method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future
tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the
basis of the differences between financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are
expected to reverse.
Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that these assets are more‑likely‑than‑not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Group considers
all positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of projected future taxable income and results of recent operation. The Group records a valuation allowance
to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more‑likely‑than‑not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will
not be realized.
Uncertain tax positions
To assess uncertain tax positions, the Group applies a more‑likely‑than‑not threshold and a two‑step approach for the tax position measurement and financial
statement recognition. Under the two‑step approach, the first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence
indicates that it is more‑likely‑than‑not that the position will be sustained, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to
measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. The Group classifies interest and penalties related to
income tax matters, if any, in income tax expense.
(ff)Net income per share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to ordinary shareholders. Net income per ordinary share are computed on Class A
Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares together, because both classes have the same dividend rights in the Company’s undistributed net income.
F-42
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary and
dilutive ordinary equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Ordinary equivalent shares consist of ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible notes
using the if-converted method, and ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and vesting of restricted share units, using the treasury stock
method. Ordinary equivalent shares are not included in the denominator of the diluted income per share calculation when inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.
(gg)Segment reporting
The Group engages primarily in online direct sales services and online consumer finance services for its customers in the PRC. The Group does not
distinguish between markets or business lines for the purpose of internal reports. The Group does not distinguish revenues, costs and expenses between business lines in
its internal reporting, and reports costs and expenses by nature as a whole. The Group’s chief operating decision maker, who has been identified as the Chief Executive
Officer, reviews the consolidated results when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group as a whole and hence, the Group has
only one segment. As most of the Group’s long lived assets are all located in the PRC and all the Group’s revenues are derived from the PRC, no geographical segments
are presented.
(hh)Statutory reserves
The Company’s subsidiaries, the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries established in the PRC are required to make appropriations to certain non‑distributable
reserve funds.
In accordance with the laws applicable to the Foreign Investment Enterprises (“FIEs”) established in the PRC, the Group’s subsidiaries registered as wholly
foreign‑owned enterprises (“WFOEs”) have to make appropriations from its annual after‑tax profits as determined under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in
the PRC (“PRC GAAP”) to reserve funds including general reserve fund, enterprise expansion fund and staff bonus and welfare fund. The appropriation to the general
reserve fund must be at least 10% of the annual after‑tax profits calculated in accordance with PRC GAAP. Appropriation is not required if the general reserve fund has
reached 50% of the registered capital of the company. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff bonus and welfare fund are made at the respective
company’s discretion.
In addition, in accordance with the PRC Company Laws, the consolidated VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries, registered as Chinese domestic companies, must
make appropriations from their annual after‑tax profits as determined under PRC GAAP to non‑distributable reserve funds including statutory surplus fund and
discretionary surplus fund. The appropriation to the statutory surplus fund must be 10% of the annual after‑tax profits as determined under PRC GAAP. Appropriation is
not required if the statutory surplus fund has reached 50% of the registered capital of the company. Appropriation to the discretionary surplus fund is made at the
respective company’s discretion.
The use of the general reserve fund, enterprise expansion fund, statutory surplus fund and discretionary surplus fund are restricted to offsetting of losses or
increasing of the registered capital of the respective company. The staff bonus and welfare fund is a liability in nature and is restricted to fund payments of special bonus
to employees and for the collective welfare of all employees. None of these reserves are allowed to be transferred to the company in terms of cash dividends, loans or
advances, nor can they be distributed except under liquidation.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, profit appropriation to general reserve fund and statutory surplus fund for the Group’s entities
incorporated in the PRC was approximately RMB297 million and RMB252 million and RMB121 million respectively.
(ii)Significant risks and uncertainties
Foreign currency risk
F-43
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB into foreign currencies. The Group’s cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and
restricted term deposit and short-term investments denominated in RMB that are subject to such government controls amounted to RMB5,119.0 million and
RMB3,158.5 million as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The value of RMB is subject to changes in the central government policies and to
international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the PRC foreign exchange trading system market. In the PRC, certain foreign
exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the PBOC. Remittances in currencies other
than RMB by the Group in the PRC must be processed through PBOC or other Chinese foreign exchange regulatory bodies which require certain supporting
documentation in order to process the remittance.
Operation and compliance risk
In August 2017, the State Council promulgated the Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Financing Guarantee Companies, or the Financing
Guarantee Regulations, effective October 1, 2017. In October 2019, the CBIRC and other eight PRC regulatory agencies promulgated the Supplementary Provisions on
the Supervision and Administration of Financing Guarantee Companies, or the Financing Guarantee Supplementary Provisions. The Financing Guarantee
Supplementary Provisions provides that, among others, institutions providing services such as client recommendation and credit assessment to various institutional
funding partners shall not render any financing guarantee service, whether directly or in disguised form, without the necessary approval. Otherwise, the penalties set
forth in the Financing Guarantee Regulations may be imposed by the regulatory authorities, and the Group’s existing business shall be properly settled.
Due to a lack of further interpretations, the exact definition and scope of “operating financing guarantee business” under the Financing Guarantee
Regulations or “providing financing guarantee services in disguised form” under the Financing Guarantee Supplementary Provisions are still unclear. The Group
provided various investor protection measures to Institutional Funding Partners through different kinds of arrangements, including direct deposits, and back-to-back
guarantees to the insurance companies and guarantee companies. It is uncertain whether these or certain of these arrangements would be deemed to have operated
financing guarantee business or provided financing guarantee services in disguised form. If such arrangements were deemed to be in violation of any applicable laws and
regulations, the Group could be subject to penalties and/or be required to change its current business model, and as a result, the Group’s business, financial condition,
and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
In an effort to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Group has currently conducted part of the investor protection measures through its
own financial guarantee companies, which are qualified to provide financing guarantee services. The Group is continuously making efforts to adjust its business model
and practice to mitigate the relevant compliance risk.
Concentration of credit risk
Credit risk is one of the most significant risks for the Group’s loans businesses. The Group records provision for credit losses based on its estimated probable
losses against its financing receivables. Apart from the financing receivables, financial instruments that potentially expose the Group to significant concentration of
credit risk primarily included in the financial statement line items of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, restricted term deposit and short-term investments,
prepayments and other current assets, guarantee receivables, service fees receivable and contract assets, and deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies.
The Group holds its cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted term deposit and short-term investments at reputable financial institutions in the PRC and at
international financial institutions with high ratings from internationally recognized rating agencies. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 98% of the Group’s cash
and cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted term deposit and short-term investments were held in the financial institutions in the PRC and the remaining cash and
cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted term deposit and short-term investments were held in financial institutions outside the PRC. Financing receivables,
service fees receivable and contract assets are typically unsecured and are derived from revenues earned from customers in the PRC. The risk with respect to these
receivables and contract assets are mitigated by credit evaluations the Group performs on its Borrowers and the Group’s ongoing monitoring process of outstanding
balances.
Concentration of customers, suppliers, and funding partners
F-44
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
There was no revenue from customers which individually represented greater than 10% of the total operating revenue for any of the periods presented. There
were no financing receivables or contract assets and receivables due from customers of the Group that individually accounted for greater than 10% of the Group’s
carrying amount of financing receivables and contract assets and receivables as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
There were three, two and nil inventory suppliers accounted for more than 10% of the Group’s total purchases for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021
and 2022, respectively. Three and four suppliers accounted for more than 10% of the Group’s accounts payable as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively, as
follows:
Inventory supplier A
Inventory supplier B
Inventory supplier C
Inventory supplier D
Inventory supplier E
Inventory supplier F
* Less than 10%.
As of December 31,
2021
2022
* —
16.6 % —
* —
-
16.6 %
11.9 %
28.9 %
23.4 %
%
17.5
11.6 %
-
*
There was one funding partner, including Individual Investor or Institutional Funding Partner, that accounted for more than 10% of the Group’s total funding
cost for the years ended December 31, 2020. There was two Institutional Funding Partners that accounted for more than 10% of the Group’s total funding cost for the
year ended December 31, 2021 and 2022. Institutional Funding Partners accounted for more than 10% of the Group’s funding debts as of December 31, 2021 and 2022
respectively as follows:
Institutional Funding Partner A
Institutional Funding Partner B
Institutional Funding Partner C
* Less than 10%.
As of December 31,
2021
2022
16.3 %
23.0 %
*
16.9 %
*
16.5 %
There was one and no Institutional Funding Partner that accounted for more than 10% of the Group’s origination of off-balance sheet loans for the year ended
December 31, 2021 and 2022.
F-45
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2021, two guarantee companies accounted for more than 10% of the Group’s deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies.
As of December 31, 2022, one guarantee companies accounted for more than 10% of the Group’s deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies.
Guarantee Company A
Guarantee Company B
Guarantee Company C
* Less than 10%.
Impact of COVID-19
As of December 31,
2021
2022
*
16.8 %
16.4 %
23.4 %
*
*
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted overall economic conditions in China. The business and operations of the Group in early 2020 were
adversely affected, including but not limited to negative impact to the growth of loan originations and operating revenues, and additional credit losses for receivables and
financial guarantees caused by increased credit risk. The pandemic also resulted in the impairment to the Group’s long-term investments due to the lower-than-expected
financial performance. Starting from the fourth quarter of 2020, a few waves of COVID-19 infections emerged in various regions of China in late 2021 and early 2022.
As China began to adjust its COVID-19 prevention and control measures at the end of 2022, most of the travel restrictions and quarantine requirements were lifted in
December 2022. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our business and the related financial impact will depend on future developments of the COVID-19 pandemic,
including new information concerning the global severity of and actions taken to contain the outbreak, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict.
F-46
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Group has assessed various accounting estimates and other matters, including credit losses for financial assets, long-term investments, share-based
compensation, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and revenue recognition. China began to modify its zero-COVID policy at the end of 2022. There is
uncertainty around whether the impact of COVID-19 will lead to a prolonged downturn in the economy and the possibility of adverse effects on the Group’s business.
The Group will continue to monitor for potential credit risk as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.
(jj)Recent accounting pronouncements
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—
Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)—Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. The ASU simplifies accounting
for convertible instruments by removing major separation models required under current GAAP. Consequently, more convertible debt instruments will be reported as a
single liability instrument with no separate accounting for embedded conversion features. The ASU removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity
contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception, which will permit more equity contracts to qualify for the exception. The ASU also simplifies the diluted net
income per share calculation in certain areas. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those
fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted, but no earlier than fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The
Group adopted this new standard effective January 1, 2022 with no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-04, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt — Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50),
Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) to clarify and reduce diversity
in an issuer’s accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity classified written call options (for example, warrants) that remain equity classified after
modification or exchange. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods
within those fiscal years. An entity should apply the amendments prospectively to modifications or exchanges occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments.
The Group adopted this new standard effective January 1, 2022 with no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from
Contracts with Customers (ASU 2021-08), which clarifies that an acquirer of a business should recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a
business combination in accordance with Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new amendments are effective for us are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments should be applied prospectively to business combinations
occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments, with early adoption permitted. The Group is currently evaluating this standard but do not expect that it will
have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March, 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures,
which eliminates the accounting guidance for TDRs in ASC 310-40, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors. ASU 2022-02 also requires an issuer to
disclose current-period gross writeoffs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, Financial
Instruments—Credit Losses—Measured at Amortized Cost. The amendments in ASU 2022-02 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022,
including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively, with one possible exception. The
Group is currently evaluating this standard but do not expect that it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
F-47
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale
Restrictions. The update clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and,
therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The update also clarifies that an entity cannot, as a separate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale
restriction. The update also requires certain additional disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions. The amendments in this update are
effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2024 on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not
yet been issued or made available for issuance. The Group is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial
statements.
3. FINANCING RECEIVABLES, NET
Financing receivables, net as of December 31, 2021 and 2022 consisted of the followings:
Short-term:
Short-term financing receivables
Accrued interest receivable
Allowance for credit losses
Total short-term financing receivables, net
Long-term:
Long-term financing receivables
Allowance for credit losses
Total long-term financing receivables, net
As of December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
4,080,316
54,880
(308,708 )
3,826,488
260,650
(19,523 )
241,127
6,478,949
103,158
(184,187 )
6,397,920
473,545
(13,220 )
460,325
These balances represent short‑term and long‑term financing receivables generated from loans transacted on the Group’s Platform and APP with an original
term generally up to three years and do not have collateral.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, loans that were charged-off in accordance with the Group’s standard charge-off policy were RMB3,594 million and
RMB4,162 million, respectively. The Group determined it was probable that the Group will be unable to collect the unpaid principal amounts on those loans.
The following table summarizes the balances of financing receivables by due date as of December 31, 2021 and 2022:
Due in months
0 - 12
13 - 24
25 - 36
Thereafter
Total financing receivables (excluding accrued interest receivable)
F-48
As of December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
4,080,316
229,900
22,615
8,135
4,340,966
6,478,949
370,652
59,217
43,676
6,952,494
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The activities in the allowance for credit losses of financing receivables for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively, consisted of the
following:
Beginning balances
Cumulative effect due to the adoption of ASC 326 (Note 2(g))
Provision for credit losses
Charge-offs
Recoveries from prior charge-offs
Ending balances
For the year ended
December 31,
2021
(RMB in thousands)
(529,162 )
—
(401,104 )
912,260
(310,225 )
(328,231 )
2020
(373,545 )
(229,661 )
(779,235 )
1,078,705
(225,426 )
(529,162 )
2022
(328,231 )
—
(437,477 )
791,046
(222,745 )
(197,407 )
Aging analysis of past due financing receivables as of December 31, 2021 and 2022 are as follows:
RMB in thousands
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2022
1 - 29
Days
Past Due
30 - 59
Days
Past Due
60 - 89
Days
Past Due
90 - 179
Days
Past Due
180 Days
or Greater
Past Due
Total
Past Due
Current
Total
139,503
151,784
39,346
98,289
29,103
81,652
76,694
209,738
—
—
284,646
541,463
4,056,320
6,411,031
4,340,966
6,952,494
Financing receivables amounting to RMB76.7 million and RMB210 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively, were in non‑accrual status.
Financing income for non‑accrual financing receivables is recognized on a cash basis. Cash receipt of non‑accrual financing receivables would be first applied to any
unpaid principal, late payment fees, if any, before recognizing financing income. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, interest and late payment fees
earned from non‑accrual financing receivables were RMB78.8 million, RMB136 million and RMB107 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, financing receivables amounting to RMB1,193 million and RMB734 million have been pledged as collaterals pursuant
to investment agreements with certain Institutional Funding Partners (Note 10).
Credit Quality Indicators
The following table provides information on delinquency, which is the primary credit quality indicator for financing receivables. The amortized cost of loans
was presented by year of origination for five origination years and beyond, as of December 31, 2022:
1 - 29
Days
Past Due
30 - 59
Days
Past Due
60 - 89
Days
Past Due
Loans originated in
90 - 179
Days
Past Due
180 Days
or Greater
Past Due
—
4
292
5,143
146,345
151,784
—
7
131
3,475
94,676
98,289
—
7
145
3,607
77,893
81,652
—
70
500
17,413
191,755
209,738
RMB in thousands
2018 and before
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total
Total
Past Due
—
88
1,068
29,638
510,669
541,463
—
—
—
—
—
—
Current
Total
—
12
13,083
148,911
6,249,025
6,411,031
—
100
14,151
178,549
6,759,694
6,952,494
F-49
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. CONTRACT ASSETS AND RECEIVABLES, NET
The following table provides information about the Group’s contract assets and receivables and guarantee receivables with its customers:
Short-term:
Contract assets
Allowance for credit losses of contract assets
Contract assets, net
Service fees receivable
Allowance for credit losses of service fees receivable
Service fees receivable, net
Guarantee receivables
Allowance for credit losses of guarantee receivables
Guarantee receivables, net
Long-term:
Contract assets
Allowance for credit losses of contract assets
Contract assets, net
Guarantee receivables
Allowance for credit losses of guarantee receivables
Guarantee receivables, net
As of December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
3,121,477
(79,375 )
3,042,102
1,008,484
(107,886 )
900,598
564,955
(21,006 )
543,949
279,645
(34,973 )
244,672
105,623
(4,061 )
101,562
2,507,733
(97,712 )
2,410,021
631,641
(68,292 )
563,349
971,651
(50,846 )
920,805
422,307
(40,248 )
382,059
235,486
(12,494 )
222,992
The activities in the allowance for credit losses of contract assets and receivables for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively,
consisted of the following:
Beginning balances
Cumulative effect due to the adoption of ASC 326 (Note 2(g))
Provisions
Charge-offs
Recoveries from prior charge-offs
Ending balances
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
2022
2020
(148,322 )
(66,433 )
(441,805 )
529,380
(33,162 )
(160,342 )
(RMB in thousands)
(160,342 )
—
(531,237 )
523,613
(79,335 )
(247,301 )
(247,301 )
—
(461,774 )
561,988
(122,505 )
(269,592 )
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the balance of contract assets and receivables past due were RMB412 million and RMB257 million, respectively. 86%
of contract assets and receivables balance as of December 31, 2022 were originated in 2022.
5. PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
F-50
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Receivables from third-party payment service providers (i)
Deposits to Institutional Funding Partners (ii)
Prepayment to inventory suppliers
Prepaid input value-added tax
Staff advances
Rental deposits and other current assets
Loans at fair value(iii)
Total prepayments and other current assets
As of December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
628,611
208,409
33,976
20,504
8,071
41,579
252,970
1,194,120
377,928
212,199
55,958
37,089
8,344
42,762
352,672
1,086,952
(i)The Group opened accounts with third‑party payment service providers mainly to facilitate collection and transfer of the funds, interest and service fees from/to the
Borrowers and Institutional Funding Partners. The balance of receivables from third‑party payment service providers represents amounts temporarily held in these
accounts.
(ii)The balances represent deposits made to the Institutional Funding Partners to directly satisfy the principal and interest payment obligations in case of Borrowers’
defaults.
(iii)The Group elected the fair value option for the loans acquired or purchased from the relevant funding partners starting from the second quarter of 2020. As
described in Note 2(j), the Group uses significant unobservable inputs to measure the fair value of these loans.
6. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE, NET
Computers and equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvement
Software
Construction in progress
Total property, equipment and software
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
Total property, equipment and software, net
As of December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
163,057
18,979
61,577
83,518
59,441
386,572
(191,242 )
195,330
204,314
19,311
66,618
93,309
149,777
533,329
(248,736 )
284,593
Depreciation and amortization expenses on property, equipment and software for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2021 and 2022 were RMB53.4 million,
RMB56.4 million and RMB60.5 million, respectively.
7. LAND USE RIGHTS, NET
Gross carrying amount
Accumulated amortization
Impairment
Net carrying amount
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
1,032,000
(65,933 )
—
966,067
1,032,000
(100,333 )
—
931,667
Land use rights represent the land use rights acquired for the purpose of constructing offices. In 2020, the Group obtained the land use rights from local
authorities with a cash consideration of RMB1.0 billion, which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the land use right period, approximately 30
years. The Group has made the first installment payment of RMB516.0 million in February 2020, and the second installment payment of RMB516.0 million in February
2021. Amortization expense related to land use rights for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2022 were both RMB34.4 million. The land use rights were pledged for
the long-term borrowing of the Group. Refer to Note 11. Borrowings.
As of December 31, 2022, amortization expenses for future periods are estimated to be as follows:
F-51
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2022
(RMB in thousands)
34,400
34,400
34,400
34,400
34,400
759,667
931,667
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Thereafter
Total expected amortization expenses
8. LONG‑TERM INVESTMENTS
Equity investments
Equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative
The Group's equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair value are accounted for using the measurement alternative. As of December 31,
2021 and 2022, the carrying value of the Group’s equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative was RMB213 million and RMB213 million,
respectively.
For the year ended 2020, the Group recorded RMB19.1 million of unrealized upward adjustment of fair value of equity investment respectively, for the
observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. In 2021, the Group disposed the shares held in a company in
India and realized all the previous upward adjustment. The Cumulative unrealized upward adjustments of fair value of equity investments as of December 31, 2021 and
2022 was nil.
In 2020, the Group recognized RMB69.2 million impairment related to investments without readily determinable fair value due to the lower-than-expected
financial performance, and no other downward adjustment was related to investments without readily determinable fair value. In 2021 and 2022, no impairment charges
was recorded related to investments without readily determinable fair value. As of December 31, 2022, the cumulative impairment charges to the equity investment
accounted for using the measurement alternative method was RMB84.4 million.
The following table summarizes the movement of the carrying value of the Group’s equity investments accounted for using the measurement alternative for
the year ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022:
Long-term investment at the beginning of the year
Addition
Disposal
Unrealized upward adjustments
Impairment
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Long-term investment at the end of the year
As of December 31,
2020
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
344,362
—
(23,310 )
19,059
(69,156 )
(6,804 )
264,151
264,151
16,700
(67,475 )
—
—
(676 )
212,700
212,700
—
—
—
—
—
212,700
Equity investments accounted for using the equity method
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the carrying value of the Group’s equity investments accounted for using the equity method were RMB101 million and
RMB16.8 million, respectively.
In 2020, the Group further invested in the joint venture in Indonesia with a cash consideration of RMB15.0 million. In addition, the Group invested in three
joint ventures in China over which it can exercise significant influence but does not control with a cash consideration of RMB88.0 million. In 2021, the Group further
invested in the joint venture in Indonesia
F-52
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
with a cash consideration of RMB3.0 million. In 2022, the Group disposed the investment in two joint ventures in China, which resulted in the decrease of RMB80.0
million in equity investments from December 31, 2021.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, the Group recorded investment loss of RMB9.0 million, RMB4.0 million and RMB4.1 million
respectively in “Investment loss,” as a result of its proportionate share of equity investees’ net losses.
Debt investment
The debt investment is in the form of an interest-bearing loan to an investee, acquired by the Group in September 2018, with a principal of RMB120 million
that matures in July 2026. The coupon rate of the loan acquired by the Group is a floating rate linked to the benchmark rate of the People’s Bank of China. The loan was
to provide the initial operating fund to the investee.
For the years ended December 31, 2022, the Group recorded expected credit loss of RMB36.9 million and presented it in “Investment loss.” As of December
31, 2021 and 2022, the Group’s loan receivable recorded at amortized cost were RMB156 million and RMB119 million.
The interest income in relation to this loan receivable were nil for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
Recurring
The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as
of December 31, 2021 and 2022:
December 31, 2021
Assets
Restricted term deposit
Loans at fair value
Total assets
Liabilities
Guarantee derivative liabilities
Total liabilities
December 31, 2022
Assets
Restricted term deposit
Short-term investments
Loans at fair value
Total assets
Liabilities
Guarantee derivative liabilities
Total liabilities
Level 1
Inputs
Level 2
Inputs
Level 3
Inputs
Balances at
Fair Value
(RMB in thousands)
—
—
—
—
—
1,745,898
—
1,745,898
—
252,970
252,970
1,745,898
252,970
1,998,868
—
—
1,473,853
1,473,853
1,473,853
1,473,853
Level 1
Inputs
Level 2
Inputs
Level 3
Inputs
Balances at
Fair Value
(RMB in thousands)
—
—
—
—
—
1,061,858
270,000
—
1,331,858
—
—
—
352,672
352,672
861,304
861,304
1,061,858
270,000
352,672
1,684,530
861,304
861,304
The fair value of the Group’s restricted term deposit and short-term investments is determined based on the prevailing interest rates for similar products in the
market (Level 2). For the off‑balance sheet loans funded by certain Institutional Funding Partners, as the Group’s financial guarantee provided does not trade in an active
market with readily observable quoted prices, the Group uses significant unobservable inputs to measure the fair value of these guarantee derivative assets or liabilities
(Level 3). For the off-balance sheet loans acquired or purchased by the Group that are not
F-53
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
traded in an active market with readily observable prices, the Group uses discounted cash flow methodology involving significant unobservable inputs to measure the
fair value of these loans (Level 3).
Transfers into or out of fair value hierarchy classifications are made if the significant inputs used in the financial models measuring the fair value of the assets
and liabilities became unobservable or observable in the current marketplace. These transfers are considered to be effective as of the beginning of the period in which
they occur. The Group did not transfer any assets or liabilities in or out of Level 2 and Level 3 during each of the periods presented.
Significant Unobservable Inputs
The Group uses a discounted cash flows model to estimate fair value of the guarantee derivative assets or liabilities, and fair value of loans acquired or
purchased. The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used for the Group’s Level 3 fair value measurement as of
December 31, 2021 and 2022:
Financial
Instrument
Guarantee derivatives
Loans at fair value
Unobservable
Input
Minimum
Maximum
Weighted-
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Weighted-
Average
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2022
Range of Inputs
(i)
Cumulative loss rates
Margins on cost of
guarantee services
Expected future recovery
rates
(ii)
5.6 %
12.2 %
7.8 %
1.3 %
12.1 %
7.8 %
10.0 %
10.0 %
10.0 %
10.0 %
10.0 %
10.0 %
4.3 %
4.3 %
4.3 %
4.8 %
4.8 %
4.8 %
(i)Expressed as a percentage of the original principal balance of the loans.
(ii)Expressed as a percentage of the principal balance of the loans acquired/purchased.
The following table summarizes the activities related to fair value of the guarantee derivatives:
Fair value of guarantee derivative liabilities/(assets) at beginning of the year (Level 3)
Cash collection
Net cash payout
Change in fair value(i)
Fair value of guarantee derivative liabilities at end of the year (Level 3)
2020
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
(RMB in thousands)
2022
(280,998 )
1,107,646
(1,281,477 )
707,442
252,613
252,613
3,107,316
(2,344,922 )
458,846
1,473,853
1,473,853
4,436,911
(4,435,587 )
(613,873 )
861,304
(i)Recognized as “Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives, net” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
F-54
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table summarizes the activities related to fair value of the loans acquired or purchased:
Fair value of loans acquired/purchased at beginning of the year (Level 3)
Fair value at inception of loans acquired/purchased
Cash collection
Change in fair value(i)
Disposal
Fair value of loans acquired/purchased at end of the year (Level 3)
(i)Recognized as “Change in fair value of loans at fair value” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Significant Recurring Level 3 Fair Value Liability Input Sensitivity
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands, except for percentages)
381,393
3,851,997
(4,051,776 )
111,762
(40,406 )
252,970
252,970
4,296,611
(4,305,417 )
108,508
—
352,672
Changes in certain of the unobservable inputs noted above may have a significant impact on the fair value of the guarantee derivative assets and liabilities.
The following table summarizes the effect adverse changes in estimate would have on the fair value of the guarantee derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31,
2021 and 2022, respectively, given hypothetical changes in the cumulative loss rates:
Weighted average cumulative loss rates(i)
Increase/(decrease) in fair value of guarantee derivative liabilities if the cumulative loss rates:
Increase by 10% (ii)
Decrease by 10% (ii)
(i)Expressed as a percentage of the original principal balance of the loans.
(ii)Expressed as a percentage of the original cumulative loss rates.
As of December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands, except for percentages)
7.8 %
7.8 %
362,221
(362,221 )
443,526
(443,526 )
Changes in certain of the unobservable inputs noted above may have a significant impact on the fair value of the loans at fair value. The following table
summarizes the effect adverse changes in estimate would have on the fair value of the loans at fair value as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, given hypothetical changes
in the expected future recovery rates:
Weighted average expected future recovery rates(i)
Increase/(decrease) in fair value of loans at fair value if the expected future recovery
rates:
Increase by 10% (ii)
Decrease by 10% (ii)
(i)Expressed as a percentage of the principal balance of the loans acquired/purchased.
(ii)Expressed as a percentage of the original expected future recovery rates.
F-55
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands, except for percentages)
4.3 %
25,297
(25,297 )
4.8 %
35,267
(35,267 )
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Other financial instruments
The followings are other financial instruments not measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but for which the fair value is estimated for
disclosure purposes.
Cash and cash equivalents, current restricted cash, short-term investments, amounts due from related parties, deposits to insurance companies and guarantee
companies, short-term financing receivables and short-term contract assets and receivables are financial assets with carrying amounts that approximate fair value due to
their short-term nature. Accounts payable, amounts due to related parties, short‑term borrowings, short‑term funding debts and convertible notes are financial liabilities
with carrying amounts that approximate fair value because of their short-term nature.
Non‑recurring
The Group measures certain financial assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis only if an impairment charge were to be recognized. The Group’s long-
term equity investments are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis under measurement alternative, if an impairment loss is charged or fair value adjustment is
made for an observable price change in an orderly transaction for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. The related inputs used are classified as Level 3 fair
value measurement.
The Group’s non‑financial assets, such as property, equipment and software, would be measured at fair value only if they were determined to be impaired.
10. FUNDING DEBTS
The following table summarizes the Group’s outstanding funding debts as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively:
Short-term:
Liabilities to funding partners
Total short-term funding debts
Long-term:
Liabilities to funding partners
Total long-term funding debts
As of December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
3,101,381
3,101,381
696,852
696,852
4,385,253
4,385,253
1,334,105
1,334,105
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022, the following significant activities took place related to the Group’s funding partners:
Liabilities to Individual Investors on Juzi Licai with respect to on-balance sheet loans
The Group finances its on-balance sheet loans using the proceeds from Individual Investors on Juzi Licai by offering various investment programs. As of
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, Individual Investors on Juzi Licai funded an aggregate amount of nil in outstanding financing receivables originated by the Group.
Liabilities to funding partners
The Group finances its on-balance sheet loans using the proceeds from funding partners, including the third-party investors of the consolidated Trusts and
asset-backed securitized debts, and certain Institutional Funding Partners.
Those liabilities to funding partners were bearing weighted average interest rates of 9.2% and 9.3% as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively. As of
December 31, 2021 and 2022, funding partners funded an aggregate amount of RMB3,540 million and RMB6,372 million in outstanding financing receivables
originated by the Group, respectively. As of
F-56
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 2021 and 2022, financing receivables amounting to RMB1,193 million and RMB734 million were pledged as collaterals to secure the underlying loans
funded by funding partners, respectively. Refer to note 21. Commitments and Contingencies for maturities of funding debts.
11. BORROWINGS
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the Group had short-term borrowings primarily from banks with weighted average interest rates of approximately 3.8%
and 3.6% per annum, respectively. The group also had long-term borrowing from banks with average interest rate of 4.3% per annum as of December 31, 2022. Such
borrowings are all denominated in RMB. Except for the long-term borrowing designated to support the construction in process, all of the borrowings are designated to
support the Group’s general operation and could not be used to fund the Group’s financing receivables.
The Group’s certain short-term borrowings, amounting to RMB1,497 million and RMB953 million, as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively, are
collateralized by a pledge of the Group’s time deposits. The Group’s long-term borrowings, amounting to nil and RMB150 million as December 31, 2021 and 2022, are
collateralized by a pledge of the Group’s land use right.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the outstanding balance of short-term borrowings was secured by RMB1,671 million and RMB1,062 million time
deposits of the Group pledged as collateral, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding balance of long-term borrowings was secured by the Group's land
use right.
12. ACCRUALS AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Guarantee derivative liabilities at fair value (Note 9)
Tax payable
Accrued payroll and welfare
Funds payable to Institutional Funding Partners (i)
Accrued risk management fees
Accrued marketing expenses
Payable to third‑party sellers
Accrued professional fees and outsourcing fees
Short-term leasing liabilities
Deferred service fees
Other payable to Individual Investors on Juzi Licai
Security deposits from third‑party sellers
Accrued interest payable
Deferred interest and financial services income and others
Other accrued expenses
Total accurals and other current liabilities
As of December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
1,473,853
975,396
408,828
425,763
197,665
61,193
47,114
68,002
53,644
26,737
30,477
16,435
24,851
9,880
78,670
3,898,508
861,304
746,563
400,886
382,545
186,331
130,937
88,686
61,604
50,747
31,112
24,916
13,928
12,354
4,420
61,136
3,057,469
(i)The payable balances mainly include repayment received from Borrowers but not yet transferred to accounts of Institutional Funding Partners due to the settlement
time lag.
F-57
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
The table below sets forth major related parties of the Group and their relationships with the Group:
Entity or individual name
Ji'an Aoxinlian Information Consulting Service Co., Ltd.(“Ji'an Aoxinlian”)
Ji'an Aojuxun Information Consulting Service Co., Ltd.(“Ji'an Aojuxun”)
Shenzhen Aileyou Information Technology Co., Ltd.(Aileyou)*
L.P. Technology Holdings Limited (“L.P.”)
Individual Director or Officer
Relationship with the Group
Ji’an Aoxinlian is controlled by the immediate family member of the Group's senior management.
Ji’an Aojuxun is controlled by the immediate family member of the Group's senior management.
Aileyou is an equity investment of the Group.
L.P. is an equity investment of the Group.
Directors or officers of the Group.
*In June 2022, the Company has fully disposed all its shareholding in Aileyou, and which was no longer a related party of the Company after the disposal.
(a)The Group entered into the following significant related party transactions:
(i)Provision of services to related parties
Provision of services to Aileyou
Total
(ii)Purchase of goods and services from related parties
Purchases of goods and services from Ji'an Aoxinlian
Purchases of goods and services from Ji'an Aojuxun
Total
(b)The Group had the following significant related party balances:
(i)Amounts due from related parties
2020
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
(RMB in thousands)
7,731
7,731
2,087
2,087
2022
631
631
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
2022
(RMB in thousands)
20,658
7,987
28,645
20,493
—
20,493
16,177
—
16,177
Due from L.P. by the Group*
Total
*The amount represents the funds provided by the Group to L.P., primarily including loan of US$940,000.
(ii)Amounts due to related parties
Due to Ji'an Aoxinlian by the Group
Due to individual Director or Officer and his/her immediate family members under investment programs offered by the
Group *
Due to Aileyou by the Group
Total
F-58
As of December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
6,109
6,109
6,602
6,602
As of December 31,
2021
2022
(RMB in thousands)
4,790
15,027
3,285
23,102
4,669
-
-
4,669
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
* Certain individual directors and officers and/or his immediate family members participate in the investment programs offered to individual investors by the Company.
The amount due to these related parties represent their investment.
The Group believes that the terms of the transactions with the related parties are comparable to the terms of arm’s‑length transactions with third‑party vendors
and Individual Investors.
14. TAXATION
a) Value‑added tax (“VAT”)
During the periods presented, the Group is subject to 13% VAT, when applicable, for online direct sales revenues from sales of electronic products, home
appliance products and general merchandise products, and 6% for premium membership fees, third-party sellers’ commission fees, and financial services income earned
from rendering services to its customers in the PRC.
The Group is also subject to surcharges on VAT payments according to PRC tax law.
b) Income tax
Cayman Islands
The Company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to tax on either income or
capital gain. Additionally, the Cayman Islands does not impose a withholding tax on payments of dividends to shareholders.
Hong Kong
Under the current Hong Kong Inland Revenue Ordinance, the Company’s subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to 16.5% income tax on their
taxable income generated from operations in Hong Kong. Additionally, payments of dividends by the subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong to the Company are not
subject to any Hong Kong withholding tax. Commencing from the year of assessment of 2018, the first HK$2 million of profits earned by the Company’s subsidiaries
incorporated in Hong Kong will be taxed at half the current tax rate (i.e. 8.25%) while the remaining profits will continue to be taxed at the existing 16.5% tax rate.
PRC
The Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) Law generally applies a statutory income tax rate of 25% to all enterprises but grants preferential tax treatment to
qualified HNTEs and Software Enterprises.
Shenzhen Lexin Software qualified as Software Enterprises and is entitled to an income tax exemption for the years of 2017 and 2018, a preferential income
tax rate of 10% for 2019, and is entitled to a preferential income tax rate of 12.5% for 2020 and 2021. It qualifies as HNTE from 2022 to 2024, and is entitled to a
preferential income tax rate of 15% from 2022 to 2024. The relevant documents should be retained for future examination purpose.
Dingsheng Computer qualified as an HNTE for the three years ending December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, but failed to satisfy the accreditation conditions
concerning tax incentives of HNTE in 2022. Thus it was entitled to a preferential income tax rate of 15% for 2020 and 2021, and subjected to the income tax rate of 25%
in 2022.
Beihai Aurora and Beihai Lexin Information are entitled for a preferential income tax rate of 15% for China’s Western Development Strategy, in the
meantime, the local tax bureau in Guangxi exempted 40% of the income based on
F-59
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15% from 2018 to 2022. Therefore, Beihai Aurora and Beihai Lexin Information applied a preferential income tax rate of 9% from 2018 to 2022, and 15% from 2023 to
2030. The relevant documents should be retained for future examination purpose.
Shenzhen Lexin Information qualified as “Software Enterprises Encouraged by the State” from 2021. As a result, Shenzhen Lexin Information Service
Co.,Ltd. is entitled to an income tax exemption for the years of 2021 and 2022 and a preferential income tax rate of 12.5% from 2023 to 2025. The “Software
Enterprises Encouraged by the State” is subject to review by the relevant authorities every year.
The Group’s other PRC subsidiaries, the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries are subject to the statutory income tax rate of 25%.
PRC Withholding Tax on Dividends
Under the EIT Law enacted by the National People’s Congress of PRC on March 16, 2007 and its implementation rules which became effective on January 1,
2008, dividends generated after January 1, 2008 and payable by FIEs in the PRC to its foreign investors who are non‑resident enterprises are subject to a 10%
withholding tax, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with the PRC that provides for a different withholding arrangement.
Under the taxation arrangement between the PRC and Hong Kong, a qualified Hong Kong tax resident which is the “beneficial owner” and directly holds 25% or more of
the equity interest in a PRC resident enterprise is entitled to a reduced withholding tax rate of 5%. The Cayman Islands, where the Company was incorporated, does not
have a tax treaty with the PRC.
The EIT Law includes a provision specifying that legal entities organized outside of the PRC will be considered resident enterprises for the PRC income tax
purposes if the place of effective management or control of the entity is within the PRC. The implementation rules to the EIT Law provide that non‑resident legal entities
will be considered as PRC resident enterprises if substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel, accounting,
properties, etc., occurs within the PRC. Despite the present uncertainties resulting from the limited PRC tax guidance on the issue, the Group does not believe that the
Group’s entities organized outside of the PRC should be treated as resident enterprises for the PRC income tax purposes. If the PRC tax authorities subsequently
determine that the Company and its subsidiaries registered outside the PRC should be deemed as resident enterprises, the Company and its subsidiaries registered
outside the PRC will be subject to the PRC income tax, at a rate of 25%. The components of the Group’s income before income tax expense for the years ended
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 are as follows:
Income before income tax expense
Income/(Loss) from non-China operations
Income from China operations
Income tax expense applicable to China operations
Income tax expense applicable to non-China operations
Total income tax expense
Effective tax rate for China operations
Effective tax rate for the Group
F-60
2020
2022
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
(RMB in thousands, except for percentages)
685,609
15,143
670,466
90,629
—
90,629
13.5 %
13.2 %
2,769,534
(30,047 )
2,799,581
428,267
7,151
435,418
15.3 %
15.7 %
1,028,569
(94,806 )
1,123,375
202,466
174
202,640
18.0 %
19.7 %
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Group did not incur any interest and penalties related to potential underpaid income tax expenses.
Composition of income tax expense for the Group
The following table sets forth current and deferred portion of income tax expense of the Company’s China subsidiaries, the VIEs, and subsidiaries of the
VIEs:
Current income tax expense
Deferred income tax expense
Income tax expense
2020
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
(RMB in thousands)
2022
594,149
(503,520 )
90,629
831,675
(396,257 )
435,418
169,299
33,341
202,640
The following table sets forth reconciliation between the statutory enterprise income tax (“EIT”) rate and the effective tax rate for the Group:
For the Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
2022
Statutory EIT rate
Change of tax position*
Effect of tax holidays
Effect of non-deductible expenses
Effect of research and development tax credit
Changes in valuation allowance
Tax rate difference from statutory rate in other jurisdictions and others
Effective tax rates for the Group
25.0 %
(2.4 )%
(9.6 )%
7.9 %
(6.8 )%
(0.3 )%
(0.6 )%
13.2 %
25.0 %
—
(10.8 )%
3.0 %
(2.1 )%
0.1 %
0.5 %
15.7 %
25.0 %
—
(6.8 )%
4.7 %
(6.1 )%
0.6 %
2.3 %
19.7 %
* In the third quarter of 2020, RMB16.2 million income tax provision relating to 2019 was reversed as one subsidiary of the Group was certified to be qualified for using a preferential tax rate of 10%
for 2019 annual tax clearance in this quarter.
The following table sets forth the effect of tax holiday related to the Group:
2020
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
(In thousands, except per share amount)
2022
Tax holiday effect
Basic net income per share effect
Diluted net income per share effect
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities
66,110
0.18
0.16
299,578
0.81
0.72
69,827
0.20
0.18
Deferred income tax expense reflects the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The components of the deferred tax assets are as follows:
F-61
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Deferred tax assets
- Deferred guarantee income and other accrued expenses
- Contingent guarantee liabilities
- Provision for credit losses
- Advertising expenses in excess of deduction limit
- Net operating loss carryforwards
Less: valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets
Net deferred tax assets
The components of the deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
Deferred tax liabilities
-Contract assets and service fees receivable
-Guarantee receivables
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities
Movement of valuation allowance
Balance at beginning of the year
Additions
Reversals
Balance at end of the year
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
2022
832,412
232,210
646,460
178
21,919
(6,756 )
1,726,423
1,176,878
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
2022
523,752
80,128
603,880
54,335
807,224
220,527
948,177
5,683
43,237
(13,038 )
2,011,810
1,141,761
636,659
285,949
922,608
52,559
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
2022
(6,662 )
(2,243 )
4,476
(4,429 )
(4,429 )
(2,659 )
332
(6,756 )
(6,756 )
(6,783 )
501
(13,038 )
Valuation allowance is provided against deferred tax assets when the Group determines that it is more‑likely‑than‑not that the deferred tax assets will not be
utilized in the future. The Group considers positive and negative evidence to determine whether some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be
more‑likely‑than‑not realized. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of recent losses and forecasts of future profitability.
These assumptions require significant judgment and the forecasts of future taxable income are consistent with the plans and estimates the Group is using to manage the
underlying businesses. The statutory income tax rate of 25% or applicable preferential income tax rates were applied when calculating deferred tax assets.
The Group evaluates a variety of factors including the successful experiences in pre-tax deduction of provision for credit losses in previous years’ annual tax
filings, and concluded that the deferred tax assets arose from provision for credit losses are more-likely-than-not to be realized. Therefore, no valuation allowance was
provided for the provision for credit losses as of December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the Group had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately RMB107 million and RMB175 million, respectively,
which arose from the Group’s certain subsidiaries, the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries established in the PRC. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, deferred tax assets
arose from the net operating loss carryforwards amounted to RMB41.9 million and RMB48.4 million was provided for full valuation allowance respectively, while the
remaining RMB65.3 million and RMB126 million is expected to be utilized prior to expiration considering future taxable income for respective entities. As of
December 31, 2022, the net operating loss carryforwards of RMB6.1 million, RMB8.4 million, RMB23.4 million, RMB47.6 million and RMB89.1 will expire in 2023,
2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027, respectively, if not utilized.
F-62
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Company intends to indefinitely reinvest all the undistributed earnings of the Company’s subsidiaries in China. The Group does not intend to have any of
its PRC subsidiaries distribute any undistributed profits of such subsidiaries to their direct overseas parent companies, but rather intends that such profits will be
permanently reinvested by such subsidiaries for their PRC operations. As of December 31, 2022, the unrecognized tax liabilities related to undistributed profits from the
PRC subsidiaries was RMB590 million.
The Company has not accrued any tax for the outside basis difference represented by the accumulated undistributed profits of the consolidated VIEs, with the
unrecognized tax liabilities amounted to RMB153 million at December 31, 2022 as, after review, it was determined that relevant tax laws and regulations provide for
tax-free transfer of such amounts to the Company’s PRC subsidiaries. Moreover, the Company has the intent and ability to indefinitely reinvest such accumulated profits
for expansion of its PRC business, in line with its strategic goals.
Uncertain Tax Position
The Group did not identify any significant unrecognized tax benefits for each of the periods presented. The Group did not incur any interest related to
unrecognized tax benefits, did not recognize any penalties as income tax expense and also does not anticipate any significant change in unrecognized tax benefits within
12 months from December 31, 2022.
15. CONVERTIBLE NOTES
In September 2019, the Company issued and sold convertible notes (the “Notes”) in an aggregate principal amount of US$300.0 million to PAG, a leading
Asia-focused private equity firm, through a private placement. The Notes will mature in seven years, bearing interest at a rate of 2.0% per annum. The Notes are
convertible in whole or in part into fully paid Class A Ordinary Shares or ADSs at the holder’s option from the date that is six months after the issuance date to the third
business day before the maturity date (i.e., September 16, 2026), at an initial conversion price of US$7.0 per Class A Ordinary Share or US$14.0 per ADS. The holder of
the Notes may require the Company to repurchase all or part of their Notes in cash on September 16, 2023 or in the event of certain fundamental changes at a repurchase
price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The net proceeds to the Company from the issuance of the Notes were US$293.0 million (RMB2,041million), net of debt discount of US$3.6 million
(RMB25.1 million) and issuance costs of US$3.4 million (RMB23.7million). The debt discount and issuance costs of the Notes were amortized to interest expense over
the contractual life to the maturity date. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022, the interest expense related to the Notes was RMB44.9 million and RMB46.9
million, respectively.
The Group accounted for the Notes as a single instrument as “Convertible notes” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The debt discount and issuance costs
were recorded as an adjustment to the carrying value of the Notes and are amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method. As of December 31, 2021
and 2022, the principal amount of the debt were RMB1,913 million and RMB2,089 million, and unamortized debt discount and issuance costs were RMB30.0 million
and RMB25.8 million, respectively.
16. ORDINARY SHARES
In November 2013, the Company was formed as a limited liability company in the Cayman Islands with issuance of 125,000,000 ordinary shares at a par
value of US$0.0001 each. In July 2014, the Company became the holding company of the Group pursuant to the reorganization described in Note 1.
On December 26, 2017, the Company completed its IPO on the NASDAQ Global Market. In this offering, 12,000,000 ADSs, representing 24,000,000 Class
A Ordinary Shares, were issued and sold to the public at a price of US$9.00 per ADS. The aggregate proceeds received by the Company from the IPO, net of issuance
costs, were approximately RMB651 million ($100 million).
Immediately prior to the completion of the IPO, the Company adopted a dual-class share structure, consisting of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B
Ordinary Shares, par value US$0.0001 per share. All of the issued and outstanding
F-63
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Pre-IPO Class A Ordinary Shares were automatically re-designated into Class B Ordinary Shares on a one-for-one basis, and all of the issued and outstanding Pre-IPO
Preferred Shares were automatically converted and redesignated into Class A Ordinary Shares on a one-for-one basis. Holders of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B
Ordinary Shares have the same rights except that the holders of Class A Ordinary Shares are entitled to one vote per share in respect of matters requiring the votes of
shareholders, while holders of Class B Ordinary Shares are entitled to ten votes per share. Each Class B Ordinary Share is convertible into one Class A Ordinary Share at
any time by the holder thereof. Class A Ordinary Shares are not convertible into Class B Ordinary Shares under any circumstances. The Group concluded that the
adoption of dual-class share structure did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2018, the underwriters of the Company’s IPO exercised the options to purchase an additional 1,800,000 ADSs, representing 3,600,000 Class A
Ordinary Shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, of the Company to cover over-allotments in full. The proceeds in connection with 1,800,000 ADSs received by the
Company was RMB95.1 million (US$14.7 million).
In June 2018, 27,000,000 shares of Class A Ordinary Shares were issued to the Company’s depositary bank for bulk issuance of ADSs reserved for future
issuances upon the exercise or vesting of awards under the Group’s share-based incentive plans. As of December 31, 2020, 1,578,904 shares out of 27,000,000 shares of
Class A Ordinary Shares respectively were deemed issued but not outstanding as they have not been transferred to grantees.
In June 2021, 15,000,000 shares of Class A Ordinary Shares were issued to the Company’s depositary bank for bulk issuance of ADSs reserved for future
issuances upon the exercise or vesting of awards under the Group’s share-based incentive plans, totaling the shares for bulk issuance of ADSs to 42,000,000. As of
December 31, 2021 and 2022, 13,160,846 shares and 11,073,226 shares out of 42,000,000 shares of Class A Ordinary Shares respectively were deemed issued but not
outstanding as they have not been transferred to grantees.
On March 16, 2022, the Company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company could repurchase up to an aggregate
of US$50 million of its shares/ADSs over the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had repurchased approximately 22 million ADSs for
approximately US$48 million under this repurchase program aggregately.
On November 17, 2022, the Company’s board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which the Company could purchase up to an
aggregate of US$20 million of its shares/ADSs over the next twelve months.
17. NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic net income per share is the amount of net income available to each share of ordinary shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income
per share is the amount of net income available to each share of ordinary shares outstanding during the reporting period adjusted to include the effect of potentially
dilutive ordinary shares. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company had potential ordinary shares, including stock options granted, outstanding restricted
share units and ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of the Notes. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, stock options to purchase ordinary
shares and restricted share units that were anti‑dilutive and excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share were11,398,012 shares, 9,826,578 shares, and
21,959,786 shares, on a weighted average basis, respectively.
F-64
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share for the periods indicated:
2020
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
(RMB in thousands, except for share and per
share data)
2022
Basic net income per share calculation:
Numerator:
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders
594,980
2,333,923
819,752
Denominator:
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding—basic
Net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders—basic
Diluted net income per share calculation:
Numerator:
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders
Interest expense associated with convertible notes reversed
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders for calculating diluted net income
per share
Denominator:
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding—basic
Ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options using the treasury
stock method
Ordinary shares issuable upon the vesting of outstanding restricted share units using the
treasury stock method
Ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible notes using the if—converted
method
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding—diluted
Net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders—diluted
364,733,164
1.63
368,460,867
6.33
348,048,245
2.36
594,980
47,781
2,333,923
44,865
819,752
46,903
642,761
2,378,788
866,655
364,733,164
368,460,867
348,048,245
3,255,913
3,381,510
1,792,478
383,590
293,196
58,955
42,857,143
411,229,810
1.56
42,857,143
414,992,716
5.73
42,857,143
392,756,821
2.21
F-65
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
Full‑time employees of the Group in the PRC are entitled to welfare benefits including pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance,
maternity insurance, on‑the‑job injury insurance, and housing fund plans through a PRC government‑mandated defined contribution plan. Chinese labor regulations
require that the Group makes contributions to the government for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries, up to a maximum amount
specified by the local government. The Group has no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions.
Total contributions by the Group for such employee benefits were RMB85.9 million, RMB146.1 million and RMB181.7million, for the years ended
December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
19. STATUTORY RESERVES AND RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
In accordance with the PRC laws and regulations, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries registered as wholly foreign‑owned enterprise are required to make
appropriation to certain reserve funds, namely general reserve fund, enterprise expansion fund, and staff bonus and welfare fund, all of which are appropriated from the
subsidiaries’ annual after‑tax profits as reported under PRC GAAP. The appropriation must be at least 10% of the annual after‑tax profits to the general reserve fund
until such reserve fund has reached 50% of the subsidiaries’ registered capital.
Additionally, in accordance with the PRC Company Laws, a domestic company is required to provide statutory surplus fund at least 10% of its annual
after‑tax profits as reported under PRC GAAP until such statutory surplus fund has reached 50% of its registered capital. A domestic company is also required to
provide discretionary surplus fund, at the discretion of the board of directors, from its annual after‑tax profits as reported under PRC GAAP. The aforementioned reserve
funds can only be used for specific purposes and are not distributable as cash dividends.
As a result of the PRC laws and regulations and the requirement that distributions by the PRC entity can only be paid out of distributable profits computed in
accordance with PRC GAAP, the PRC entity is restricted from transferring a portion of its net assets to the Company. Amounts restricted include paid‑in capital,
additional paid‑in capital and statutory reserves of the Company’s PRC entities. As of December 31, 2021 and 2022, the restricted net assets of the Group’s relevant
PRC entities amounted to RMB4,190 million, and RMB5,001 million, respectively. The restricted net assets of the Group’s relevant PRC entities accounted for 57.8%
of the consolidated net assets as of December 31, 2022. As a result of the above restrictions, parent company only condensed financial information is disclosed in Note
23.
20. SHARE‑BASED COMPENSATION
Share‑based compensation was recognized in operating cost and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 as follows:
Processing and servicing cost
Sales and marketing expenses
Research and development expenses
General and administrative expenses
Total share‑based compensation expenses
2020
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
(RMB in thousands)
2022
11,391
32,486
46,116
108,832
198,825
9,968
30,508
39,413
107,995
187,884
5,179
23,142
30,386
97,613
156,320
The Group recognizes share-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the vesting term of the awards. All the share-based
awards granted by the Group are service conditions only. There was no income tax benefit recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for share‑based
compensation and the Group did not capitalize any of the share‑based compensation as part of the cost of any asset in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and
2022.
In October 2017, the Group adopted its 2017 Share Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”), which permits the grant of stock options, restricted shares, and restricted
share units of the Company to employees, directors and other eligible persons of the
F-66
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Company and its affiliates. Under the 2017 Plan, the maximum number of Class A Ordinary Shares that may be issued pursuant to all awards is 22,859,634 shares, plus
an annual increase on the first day of each fiscal year of the Company during the ten-year term of the 2017 Plan commencing with the fiscal year beginning January 1,
2019, by an amount equal to 1.0% of the total number of shares issued and outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year. Option awards are
granted with an exercise price determined by the board of directors. Those option awards generally vest over a period of four years and expire in ten years.
The following table sets forth a summary of the number of shares available for issuance:
December 31, 2019
Additions
Granted
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2020
Additions
Granted
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2021
Additions
Granted
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2022
F-67
Shares Available
(In thousands)
8,399
3,594
(3,005 )
2,539
11,527
3,641
(13,736 )
5,201
6,633
3,677
(9,219 )
6,249
7,340
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Stock options
1) Stock options granted to employees, directors and non-employee directors
The following table sets forth the summary of activities for stock options granted to employees, directors and non-employee directors:
December 31, 2019
Granted*
Exercised
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2020
Granted*
Exercised
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2021
Granted*
Exercised
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2022
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2022
Exercisable as of December 31, 2022
* No stock options were granted to non-employee directors for the years presented.
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
Options
Outstanding
(In thousands)
US$
(In years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(RMB in
thousands)
16,241
2,829
(3,140 )
(2,270 )
13,660
13,489
(2,426 )
(4,594 )
20,129
8,639
(890 )
(6,016 )
21,862
19,819
8,072
1.7386
0.5000
0.2399
2.1589
1.7569
0.5000
0.4529
3.2215
0.7227
0.5000
0.3817
0.6138
0.6894
0.6964
1.0128
8.22
589,871
7.87
189,072
8.43
155,018
7.89
7.86
6.75
69,878
63,438
26,661
The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted to employees, directors and non-employee directors for the years ended December 31,
2020, 2021 and 2022 was RMB25.5, RMB23.0 and RMB4.8 per share, respectively.
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 was RMB90.4 million, RMB78.5 million and
RMB5.1 million, respectively. The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the stock
options.
For the years ended December 31,2020, 2021 and 2022, total share-based compensation expenses recognized for stock options granted to employees,
directors and non-employee directors were RMB143.5 million, RMB147.0 million and RMB127.0 million, respectively.
In August 2018, the Company modified the exercise price of 6,263,000 stock options granted under 2017 Plan to US$5.15. The incremental compensation
expenses of RMB16.9 million was equal to the excess of the fair value of the modified award immediately after the modification over the fair value of the original award
immediately before the modification.
F-68
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022, the unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to non‑vested stock options granted to the Group’s
employees, directors and non-employee directors was RMB158.8 million. Total unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average
period of 2.1 years and may be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures. Prior to completion of the IPO, the exercise price of each granted stock option was
US$0.0001, the Company used intrinsic value (approximately the fair value of each of the Company’s ordinary share) on the grant date to estimate the fair value of the
stock options granted. After the IPO, the exercise price of each granted stock option is determined by the closing price of the Company’s ordinary share on the grant
date, therefore, the estimated fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the binomial option-pricing model with the following
assumptions:
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate (per annum)
Exercise multiples
Expected dividend yield
Expected term (in years)
Fair value of the underlying shares on the date of grants (US$)
2) Stock options granted to non‑employees
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
2022
2020
45.25%~48.26%
0.67%~0.88%
2
—
10
46.68%~47.79%
1.11%~1.64%
1.5~2.5
—
10
3.15~4.15
1.91~6.31
47.26%~47.52%
2.41%~4.07%
1.5
—
10
0.32~1.48
The following table sets forth the summary of activities for stock options granted to non‑employees:
December 31, 2019
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2020
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2021
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2022
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2022
Exercisable as of December 31, 2022
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
Options
Outstanding
(In thousands)
US$
(In years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(RMB in
thousands)
410
—
—
—
410
—
(160 )
—
250
—
—
—
250
250
250
0.0001
—
—
—
0.0001
—
0.0001
—
0.0001
—
—
—
0.0001
0.0001
0.0001
7.58
—
—
—
6.58
—
—
—
5.58
4.58
4.58
4.58
19,864
—
—
—
8,962
—
—
—
3,076
1,654
1,654
1,654
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, total share-based compensation expenses recognized for stock options granted to non-employees
were RMB3.2 million, RMB1.7 million and nil, respectively.
As of December 31, 2022, the unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to non‑vested stock options granted to the Group’s
non‑employees was nil. There is no unrecognized compensation cost to be recognized and to be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.
F-69
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Restricted share units
The following table sets forth the summary of activities for restricted share units granted to employees, directors and non-employee directors:
December 31, 2019
Granted*
Vested
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2020
Granted*
Vested
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2021
Granted*
Vested
Cancelled/forfeited
December 31, 2022
Shares
Outstanding
(In thousands)
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
US$
5,994
176
(1,527 )
(989 )
3,654
247
(1,226 )
(607 )
2,068
580
(1,037 )
(233 )
1,378
5.39
4.27
5.43
5.57
5.27
3.21
5.35
5.12
5.02
0.93
5.18
5.02
3.17
* No restricted share units were granted to non-employee directors for the years presented.
The fair value and intrinsic value of restricted share units vested for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022 was RMB69.9 million, RMB24.2
million and RMB23.1 million, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, total share‑based compensation expenses recognized for restricted share units were RMB52.1
million, RMB39.2 million and RMB29.3 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2022, the unrecognized compensation cost, related to unvested restricted share units was RMB1.5 million. Total unrecognized
compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.
F-70
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
21. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Debt obligations
The Group’s debt obligations are associated with 1) the funding debts and interest payable to Individual Investors on Juzi Licai and other funding partners; 2)
the borrowings to support the Group’s general operations; 3) the convertible notes issued by the Company in September 2019; and 4) the commitment to purchase
delinquent loans from certain Institutional Funding Partners.
The expected repayment amount of the debt obligations are as follows:
Funding debts obligations
Liabilities to other funding partners
Interest payments (i)
Total funding debts obligations
Long–term borrowings
Short–term borrowings
Interest payments (i)
Total borrowings obligations
Convertible notes
Interest payments (i)
Total convertible notes obligations
Commitment to purchase delinquent loans (ii)
Total purchase obligations
1 – 12
months
13 – 24
months
25 – 36
months
(RMB in thousands)
more than
36 months
Total
4,385,253
569,492
4,954,745
—
1,168,046
52,537
1,220,583
2,089,380
41,788
2,131,168
697,230
697,230
1,334,105
75,178
1,409,283
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
150,430
—
1,232
151,662
—
—
—
—
—
5,719,358
644,670
6,364,028
150,430
1,168,046
53,769
1,372,245
2,089,380
41,788
2,131,168
697,230
697,230
(i)Interest payments with variable interest rates are calculated using the interest rate as of December 31, 2022.
(ii)With respect to the arrangements with certain Institutional Funding Partners, the Group is required to purchase the off-balance sheet loans funded by those
Institutional Funding Partners when the loans become delinquent for a certain period of time consecutively or cumulatively. Commitment to purchase delinquent loans
represents the Group’s noncancelable obligations to purchase those delinquent loans which is yet to be sold by those Institutional Funding Partners as of December 31,
2022.
Litigations
From time to time, the Group may be subject to various legal or administrative claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.
Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and the Group’s view of these matters may change in the future. The Group records a liability when it is both
probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Group reviews the need for any such liability on a regular basis.
The Group has not recorded any liabilities in this regard as of December 31, 2021 and 2022.
22. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On March 13, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment agreement with PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Limited (the “Holder”) regarding previous
documents governing the convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of US$300 million sold to the Holder in September 2019 (the “Notes”). The Notes shall be
paid in full by April 2024 in 14 monthly installments. The agreement has replaced the Holder’s right to require the Company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of
the Notes in September 2023. The Notes remain convertible into fully paid Class A ordinary shares of the Company or ADSs at a conversion price of US$14 per ADS at
the Holder’s option.
No other events or transactions have occurred between year-end and the date of these Consolidated Financial Statements which may significantly affect the
Entity’s financial position or results of operations as of December 31, 2022.
F-71
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
23. PARENT COMPANY ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The condensed financial information of the Company has been prepared in accordance with SEC Regulation S‑X Rule 5‑04 and Rule 12‑04, using the same
accounting policies as set out in the Group’s consolidated financial statements, except that the Company uses the equity method to account for investments in its
subsidiaries, the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries.
The subsidiaries did not pay any dividend to the Company for the years presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures generally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed and omitted. The footnote disclosures contain supplemental information relating to
the operations of the Company, as such, these statements are not the general‑purpose financial statements of the reporting entity and should be read in conjunction with
the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Group.
The Company did not have significant capital and other commitments or guarantees as of December 31, 2021 and 2022, except for those which have been
separately disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.
Condensed Balance Sheets (In thousands, except for share and per share data)
2021
RMB
As of December 31,
2022
RMB
US$
Note 2(e)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Amounts due from subsidiaries
Prepayments and other current assets
Total current assets
Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Other assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Amounts due to subsidiaries, the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries
Accrued interest payable
Accruals and other current liabilities
Convertible notes
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Convertible notes
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 21)
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Class A Ordinary Shares ($0.0001 par value per share; 1,889,352,801 shares
authorized, 286,430,946 shares issued, 273,270,100 shares outstanding as of December
31, 2021; 1,889,352,801 shares authorized, 300,707,476 shares
issued,245,264,614 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2022)
Class B Ordinary Shares ($0.0001 par value per share; 110,647,199 shares authorized,
94,465,693 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021;
110,647,199 shares authorized,80,189,163 shares issued and outstanding as of
December 31, 2022)
Treasury Stock
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Retained earnings
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
F-72
1,845
354,241
28,427
384,513
9,563,708
215
9,563,923
9,948,436
17,887
8,735
11,509
—
38,131
1,882,689
1,882,689
1,920,820
1,517
335,934
8,314
345,765
10,741,234
235
10,741,469
11,087,234
357,042
9,385
8,511
2,063,545
2,438,483
—
—
2,438,483
220
48,706
1,205
50,131
1,557,333
34
1,557,367
1,607,498
51,766
1,361
1,234
299,186
353,547
—
—
353,547
180
191
29
57
—
2,918,993
11,273
5,097,113
8,027,616
9,948,436
47
(328,764 )
3,081,254
(20,842 )
5,916,865
8,648,751
11,087,234
8
(47,666 )
446,740
(3,022 )
857,862
1,253,951
1,607,498
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (In thousands)
Operating expenses:
General and administrative expenses
Total operating expenses
Interest expense, net
Share of income from subsidiaries
Investment income/(loss)
Others, net
Income before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders
Other comprehensive income：：
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
Total comprehensive income attributable to ordinary shareholders
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands)
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash paid on long–term investments
Cash paid on acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from disposal of long-term investments
Cash paid on loans to third parties
Net cash used in funds to Group companies
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of treasury stock
Borrowings under loan from Group companies
Exercise of share–based awards
Net cash provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year
Effect on the cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year due to the adoption
of ASC 326 (Note 2(g))
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year
Basis of presentation
2020
RMB
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
Note 2(e)
(15,707 )
(15,707 )
(47,783 )
626,877
27,624
3,969
594,980
—
594,980
10,596
605,576
(19,109 )
(15,082 )
(19,109 )
(44,865 )
2,395,789
(1,980 )
11,239
2,341,074
(7,151 )
2,333,923
7,965
2,341,888
(15,082 )
(46,912 )
872,049
—
9,697
819,752
—
819,752
(32,115 )
787,637
(2,186 )
(2,186 )
(6,802 )
126,435
—
1,406
118,853
—
118,853
(4,656 )
114,197
2020
RMB
For the Year Ended December 31,
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
(53,626 )
14,196
(51,139 )
—
—
27,754
—
(107,446 )
(79,692 )
—
—
7,970
7,970
(13,607 )
(138,955 )
139,917
(116 )
846
(18,868 )
—
65,537
(22,317 )
(15,263 )
9,089
—
—
7,124
7,124
(29,410 )
999
846
—
1,845
—
(676 )
—
—
36,817
36,141
(326,942 )
323,446
2,742
(754 )
15,424
(328 )
1,845
—
1,517
US$
Note 2(e)
(7,415 )
—
—
(98 )
—
—
5,338
5,240
—
(47,402 )
46,895
398
(109 )
2,236
(48 )
268
—
220
The Company’s accounting policies are the same as the Group’s accounting policies with the exception of the accounting for the investments in subsidiaries.
For the Company only condensed financial information, the Company records its investments in subsidiaries under the equity method of accounting as
prescribed in ASC 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Such assets are presented on the Condensed Balance Sheets as “Investments in subsidiaries”
and shares in the subsidiaries are presented as “Share of income from subsidiaries” on the Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The parent
company only condensed financial information should be read in conjunction with the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
F-73
Execution Version
Exhibit-4.40
THE SYMBOL “[***]” OR “[REDACTED]” DENOTES PLACES WHERE CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM
THE EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH (i) NOT MATERIAL, AND (ii) IS THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR
CONFIDENTIAL
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT
This REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into on March 13, 2023, by and between:
(1) LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. (乐信控股有限公司), a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”); and
(2) PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Holder”).
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings given to them in the Note Purchase
Agreement or the Note (each as defined below).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Note Purchase Agreement dated September 11, 2019 between the Company and the Holder
(the “Note Purchase Agreement”), the Company issued to the Holder a convertible senior note dated September 16, 2019 in the principal
amount of US$300,000,000 (the “Note”). As of the date hereof, 100% of the principal amount (US$300,000,000) remains outstanding
under the Note.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5.1 of the Note, the Holder has the right to require the Company to repurchase for cash on
September 16, 2023 (the “Original Repurchase Date”), all or any portion (if the portion to be repurchased is an integral of US$1,000) of
the Note at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Note to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the Original Repurchase Date (such right, the “Repurchase Option”).
WHEREAS, in lieu of exercising the Repurchase Option on the Original Repurchase Date, the parties hereto desire to enter into
this Agreement to provide for, among other things, the repurchase of the Note in installments on terms as set out herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above, the mutual promises and covenants set forth herein and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be
legally bound, agree as follows:
Section 1.1Repurchase of Note. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Note, the Company hereby agrees to
repurchase the Note in 14 monthly installments (each a “Repurchase Installment”) starting on March 15, 2023 and on the 15th day of
each of the 13 months immediately thereafter (each such date of repurchase, a “Repurchase Date”), in accordance with the following:
ARTICLE I
REPURCHASE
(a)on the first Repurchase Date (i.e., March 15, 2023), the Company shall repurchase a portion of the outstanding
principal amount of the Note in an amount determined by the Company in its discretion but no less than the Projected Repurchased
Amount for that Repurchase Date, at the price equal to 100% of the principal amount being repurchased, together with all interest
accrued on the outstanding principal amount of the Note (including the principal amount being repurchased on the first Repurchase
Date) from September 30, 2022 to the first Repurchase Date, at a rate of 2.0% per annum (the “Original Rate”);
(b)on each of the six succeeding Repurchase Dates starting from April 15, 2023, the Company shall (i) repurchase a
portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Note in an amount determined by the Company in its discretion (which amount may
be zero) such that the Aggregate Repurchased Amount as of that Repurchase Date shall be no less than the Required Aggregate
Repurchased Amount as of that Repurchase Date, at the price equal to 100% of the principal amount being repurchased, and (ii) pay all
interest accrued on the remaining outstanding principal amount of the Note (including the principal amount being repurchased on that
Repurchase Date) from the immediately preceding Repurchase Date to the current Repurchase Date, at the Original Rate;
(c)on each of the six succeeding Repurchase Dates starting from October 15, 2023, the Company shall (i) repurchase a
portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Note in an amount determined by the Company in its discretion (which amount may
be zero) such that the Aggregate Repurchased Amount as of that Repurchase Date shall be no less than the Required Aggregate
Repurchased Amount as of that Repurchase Date, at the price equal to 100% of the principal amount being repurchased, and (ii) pay all
interest accrued on the remaining outstanding principal amount of the Note (including the principal amount being repurchased on that
Repurchase Date) from the immediately preceding Repurchase Date to the current Repurchase Date, at a rate of 10.0% per annum (the
“Adjusted Rate”); and
(d)by the last Repurchase Date (i.e., April 15, 2024), the Company shall repurchase the remaining portion of the
principal amount of the Note, if any, at the price equal to 100% of the principal amount being repurchased, and pay all interest accrued
on the remaining outstanding principal amount of the Note (including the principal amount being repurchased on the last Repurchase
Date) from the immediately preceding Repurchase Date to the last Repurchase Date, at the Adjusted Rate; such that as of the last
Repurchase Date, the entire Note, together with all interest accrued thereon, shall have been fully repurchased and paid by the Company;
provided, in the case of (a), (b) and (c) above, that if the Company fails to notify the Holder of the principal amount to be repurchased on
any Repurchase Date in accordance with Section 1.3(a), the principal amount to be repurchased on such Repurchase Date shall be
determined in accordance with the last sentence of Section 1.3(a).
(e)As used in this Agreement, (i) the “Aggregate Repurchased Amount” as of a Repurchase Date means the aggregate
amount of repurchased portion of the principal amount of the Note, being the sum of the principal amounts of all Repurchase
Installments paid by the Company on or prior to that Repurchase Date; (ii) the “Projected Repurchased Amount” for a Repurchase Date
means the U.S. dollar amount set forth in Schedule I attached hereto under the heading “Projected Repurchased Amount By Installment”
and next to that Repurchase Date; and (iii) the “Required Aggregate Repurchased Amount” as of a
2
Repurchase Date means the U.S. dollar amount set forth in Schedule I attached hereto under the heading “Required Aggregate
Repurchased Amount” and next to that Repurchase Date.
Section 1.2Calculation of Interest. Interest payable under this Agreement shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year
composed of twelve 30-day months and, for partial months, on the basis of actual days elapsed over a 30-day month.
Section 1.3Amount and Rate of Repurchase.
(a)If the principal amount of the Note to be repurchased as determined by the Company in its discretion pursuant to
Section 1.1 for a Repurchase Date deviates from the Projected Repurchased Amount for that Repurchase Date, the Company shall notify
the Holder of that determined amount by delivery of a written notice at least five (5) days prior to that Repurchase Date. If the Company
fails to provide such written notice in accordance with the foregoing sentence, the principal amount to be repurchased on that Repurchase
Date shall be the Projected Repurchase Amount for that Repurchase Date.
15, 2023 (the “Rate Adjustment Date”), and will accrue interest at the Adjusted Rate after the Rate Adjustment Date.
(b)The outstanding principal amount of the Note will accrue interest at the Original Rate prior to and until September
(c)The Company shall not be obligated to make interest payment under the Note on each Interest Payment Date for so
long as it performs the obligations under this Agreement. The Company shall not be obligated to make repurchase on the Original
Repurchase Date under Section 5.1 of the Note. Once the Note is fully repurchased and all amounts payable under this Agreement are
irrevocably paid by the Company in full, in each case in accordance with this Agreement, the Company and the Holder will cease to have
any further obligations under the Note or the other Transaction Documents.
(d)[Redacted]
(i)such repurchase will make the Aggregate Repurchased Amount US$135,000,000 as of May 15, 2023;
(ii)on May 15, 2023, the Company shall pay to the Holder (A) US$85,000,000, being the principal amount the
Company determined to repurchase, plus (B) interest accrued, at the Original Rate, on the Note (including on the
principal amount referred to in (A)) from April 15, 2023 to May 15, 2023;
Section 1.4Method of Payment. All amounts payable under this Agreement shall be paid to the Holder in U.S. dollars, in
immediately available funds on the date that any such payment becomes payable hereunder. The Company shall make such payments to
the Holder by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account that the Holder may designate from time to time; provided that
any such designation (or change of designation) shall have been notified in writing to the Company at least three Business Days prior to
the relevant payment date. If any such payment date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the required payment will be made on the
next succeeding Business Day together with interest accrued at the applicable rate set forth in Section 1.1 during the period of delay.
3
Section 1.5Event of Default; Default Interest.
(a)Any failure by the Company to (i) make any payment for the repurchase of any principal amount of the Note
required to be repurchased on any Repurchase Date in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) make payment of any
interest payable on any Repurchase Date in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement if such failure to pay interest continues for
a period of 30 days, shall be an “Event of Default” as defined in, and for purposes of, the Note.
(b)For the avoidance of doubt, if on or after the date hereof, the Note becomes due and payable pursuant to Section 2.5
of the Note, then the interest accrued up to the date on which the Note becomes due and payable pursuant to Section 2.5 of the Note (the
“Acceleration Date”) shall be calculated at the Original Rate for any period prior to and until the Rate Adjustment Date and the Adjusted
Rate for any period after the Rate Adjustment Date.
(c)Any amounts that are payable but not punctually paid by the Company in accordance with this Agreement
(including any principal or interest due but not paid on the Acceleration Date), shall accrue interest from the relevant due date at the rate
per annum equal to (i) for any period prior to and until the Rate Adjustment Date, the Original Rate plus two percent, or (ii) for any
period after the Rate Adjustment Date, the Adjusted Rate plus two percent, in each case subject to the enforceability thereof under
applicable Law.
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 2.1Representation and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to the Holder that:
(a)Organization and Qualification. The Company is an exempted company with limited liability duly incorporated,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Company has the requisite power and authority to own,
lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as currently being conducted, and is duly qualified or licensed to do business
in all material respects in each jurisdiction in which the property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted
by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary.
(b)Authorization; Enforcement; Validity. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this
Agreement, including the payment of any Repurchase Installment, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the
part of the Company. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company, and, assuming the due authorization,
execution and delivery by the Holder, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against it in
accordance with its terms, subject to any bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of
general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights, and specific performance, injunctive relief, other equitable remedies and
general equity principles.
(c)No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, including the payment
of any Repurchase Installment, will not (i) result in a violation of the Memorandum and Articles, (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default
(or an
4
event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment,
acceleration or cancellation of, any Contract to which the Company is a party, or (iii) result in a violation of any Law applicable to the
Company or by which any property or asset thereof is bound. There are no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened
Proceedings against the Company that seek to restrain or enjoin the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement.
(d)Consents. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, including the payment of
any Repurchase Installment, do not and will not require any consent, approval, authorization or other order of, action by, filing with, or
notification to, any Governmental Entity or any other Person, except for filings that may be required to be made with the SEC (e.g., a
Form 6-K).
Section 2.2Representations and Warranties of the Holder. The Holder represents and warrants to the Company that:
Islands, and has the requisite power and authority to carry on its business as currently being conducted.
(a)Organization. The Holder is duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman
(b)Authorization; Enforcement; Validity. The Holder has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by the Holder of this
Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Holder. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by the Holder, and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company, constitutes a legal,
valid and binding obligation of the Holder, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to any bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights, and
specific performance, injunctive relief, other equitable remedies and general equity principles.
(c)No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by the Holder of this Agreement will not (i) result in a
violation of the organizational or constitutional documents of the Holder, (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with
notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or
cancellation of, any Contract to which the Holder is a party, or (iii) result in a violation of any Law applicable to the Holder. There are
no pending or, to the Holder’s knowledge, threatened Proceedings against the Holder that seek to restrain or enjoin the execution,
delivery or performance of this Agreement.
(d)Consents. The execution, delivery and performance by the Holder of this Agreement do not and will not require
any consent, approval, authorization or other order of, action by, filing with, or notification to, any Governmental Entity or any other
Person, except for filings that may be required to be made with the SEC.
ARTICLE III
CERTAIN AGREEMENTS
Section 3.1Conversion. For the avoidance of doubt, the Holder shall continue to be entitled to convert all or any portion of the
outstanding principal amount of the Note into ADSs or Class A Shares in accordance with Article 3 of the Note, until such time as all or
such portion of the Note is repurchased by the Company. The converted portion of the
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outstanding principal amount shall be deducted from the remaining Repurchase Installments and the Required Aggregate Repurchased
Amount in Schedule I attached hereto on a pro rata basis.
Section 3.2Board Representation. The Holder shall have the right to designate one individual to be appointed as the PAG
Director as stated in Section 4.2 of the Note Purchase Agreement (or, at the Holder’s option, as an observer of the Board) so long as the
Holder satisfies the beneficial ownership threshold set forth in Section 4.2 of the Note Purchase Agreement. The Company shall take all
necessary or desirable actions as may be required under applicable Law and the Memorandum and Articles to give effect to such
appointment. In the event that the Holder no longer satisfies such beneficial ownership threshold set forth in Section 4.2 of the Note
Purchase Agreement and no Event of Default has occurred, the Company may, at its sole discretion, deliver a written request for the
resignation of the PAG Director, and the Holder shall cause the PAG Director to promptly resign from the Board upon such request.
Section 3.3Information Rights. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Note Purchase Agreement, the Holder shall at
all times have the rights set forth in Section 4.4 of the Note Purchase Agreement until no principal amount of the Note is outstanding and
all interest accrued on the Note have been paid in full in accordance with this Agreement.
Section 3.4Further Assurances. The parties hereto shall cooperate with each other and, generally, do such other reasonable acts
and things in good faith as may be necessary to effectuate the intents and purposes of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions
hereof and compliance with applicable Law.
ARTICLE IV
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 4.1Confidentiality. Except as required by applicable Law, the existence, status and provisions of this Agreement, the
status and content of any discussion between the Company and the Holder, and any information exchanged between the parties and their
respective Affiliates and representatives in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, will be kept
confidential by the parties and will not be disclosed by any of them to any third party without the prior written consent of the other party,
unless such information is or becomes known to the recipient from a source other than the parties, or is or becomes publicly known;
provided that any party may disclose such information to (a) its Affiliates, partners, financing providers and any officer, director,
employee, adviser, accountant or representative of such party or its Affiliates, partners or financing providers, on a need-to-know and
confidential basis, and (b) to any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over such party or its Affiliates.
Section 4.2Governing Law; Dispute Resolution.
regard to principles of conflict of laws thereunder.
(a)This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without
(b)Any dispute, controversy, difference or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including its existence,
validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination hereof or any dispute regarding non-contractual obligations arising out of or
relating to it, shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration administered by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
under the HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules in
6
force when the notice of arbitration is submitted. The law of this arbitration clause shall be Hong Kong law. The seat of arbitration shall
be Hong Kong.
courts of competent jurisdiction before the constitution of the arbitral tribunal.
(c)It shall not be incompatible with this arbitration agreement for any party to seek interim or conservatory relief from
Section 4.3Notices. All notices and other communications given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed
to have been duly given: (a) upon receipt, when delivered personally; (b) one Business Day after deposit with an internationally
recognized overnight courier service; or (c) when sent by email if sent during normal business hours (i.e., 9am to 6pm Hong Kong time)
or if not, then on the next Business Day, in each case properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses of the parties
for such communications are:
If to the Company:
LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. (乐信控股有限公司)
Address: 27/F CES Tower
No. 3099 Keyuan South Road
Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518052
The People’s Republic of China
Email: ********
Attention: ********
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Address: c/o 42/F Edinburgh Tower, The Landmark
15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Email: ********
Attention: ********
If to the Holder:
PAGAC Lemongrass Holding I Limited
Address: 33/F, Three Pacific Place
1 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong
Email: ********
Attention: ********
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
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Fenwick & West LLP
Address: Unit 908, 9th Floor, Kerry Parkside Office
No. 1155 Fang Dian Road
Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201204
The People’s Republic of China
Email: ********
Attention: ********
A party may change or supplement the addresses given above by giving the other party written notice thereof in the manner set forth
above.
Section 4.4Successors and Assigns; No Third Party Beneficiaries.
(a)Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests, or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any party
hereto without the prior written consent of the other party; provided, however, that the Holder may assign any of its rights, interests or
obligations hereunder to (A) any of its Affiliates, or (B) the transferee in connection with any transfer of the Note in accordance with
Section 11.5 of the Note, in each case without the consent of and with written notice to the Company.
(b)This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assigns. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or
shall confer upon any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever.
Section 4.5Amendment; Waiver.
Company and the Holder.
(a)This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by a written instrument duly executed by the
(b)The observance of any provision in this Agreement may be waived only by the written consent of the party against
whom such waiver is to be effective. No failure or delay on the part of any party to exercise any right hereunder shall operate as waiver
thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by any party of any right preclude any other or future exercise thereof or the exercise of
any other right.
Section 4.6Entire Agreement.
(a)This Agreement, the Note Purchase Agreement, the Note and the other Transaction Documents, together with all
the schedules and exhibits hereto and thereto and the certificates and other written instruments delivered in connection therewith from
time to time on and following the date hereof, constitute and contain the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject
matters hereof and thereof and supersedes any and all prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, understandings, duties or
obligations between the parties with respect to such subject matters.
8
(b)This Agreement shall constitute an amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement pursuant to Section 7.9 thereof and
an amendment to the Note pursuant to Section 11.4 thereof. To the extent there is any conflict or inconsistency between any provision of
this Agreement and any provision of the Note Purchase Agreement, the Note or any other Transaction Document, provisions of this
Agreement shall prevail.
other Transaction Documents and the rights and remedies of the Holder thereunder shall remain in full force and effect.
(c)Except to the extent modified or supplemented by this Agreement, the Note Purchase Agreement, the Note and the
Section 4.7Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, then such provision shall be
construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable and to provide for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby on substantially the same terms as originally set forth herein, and if no feasible interpretation would save such
provision, it shall be severed from the remainder of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect unless the severed
provision is essential to the rights or benefits intended by the parties. In such event, the parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts
to negotiate, in good faith, a substitute, valid and enforceable provision or agreement, which most nearly effects the parties’ intent in
entering into this Agreement.
Section 4.8Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same document. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic
mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other
transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective
for all purposes.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused their respective signature page to this Agreement to be duly executed
on the date first written above.
LEXINFINTECH HOLDINGS LTD.
乐信控股有限公司)
(乐信控股有限公司
By: /s/ Jay Wenjie Xiao__________________
Name: Jay Wenjie Xiao
Title: Chief Executive Officer
[Signature Page to Repurchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused their respective signature page to this Agreement to be duly executed
on the date first written above.
PAGAC LEMONGRASS HOLDING I LIMITED
By: /s/ David Jaemin Kim________________
Name: David Jaemin Kim
Title: Authorized Signatory
[Signature Page to Repurchase Agreement]
Schedule I
[Redacted]
Principal Subsidiaries, Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Subsidiaries of Consolidated Affiliated Entities
Exhibit 8.1
i.Principal Subsidiaries:
Installment (HK) Investment Limited, a Hong Kong company
Beijing Shijitong Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Shenzhen Lexin Software Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC company
ii.Consolidated Affiliated Entities:
Shenzhen Xinjie Investment Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Beijing Lejiaxin Network Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Shenzhen Qianhai Dingsheng Data Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Shenzhen Mengtian Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Beihai Super Egg E-Commerce Co., Ltd., a PRC company
iii.Subsidiaries of Consolidated Affiliated Entities:
Shenzhen Fenqile Network Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Ji’an Fenqile Network Microcredit Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Shenzhen Fenqile Trading Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Shenzhen Lexin Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Shenzhen Qianhai Juzi Information Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Shenzhen Dingsheng Computer Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Beihai Aurora Technology Co., Ltd., a PRC company
Exhibit 12.1
Certification by the Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Jay Wenjie Xiao, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange
Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that
material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period
in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over
financial reporting.
Date: April 26, 2023
By:
/s/ Jay Wenjie Xiao
Name:
Title:
Jay Wenjie Xiao
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 12.2
Certification by the Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, James Xigui Zheng, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange
Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that
material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period
in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over
financial reporting.
Date: April 26, 2023
By:
/s/ James Xigui Zheng
Name:
Title:
James Xigui Zheng
Chief Financial Officer
Certification by the Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 13.1
In connection with the Annual Report of LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jay Wenjie Xiao, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: April 26, 2023
By:
/s/ Jay Wenjie Xiao
Name:
Title:
Jay Wenjie Xiao
Chief Executive Officer
Certification by the Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 13.2
In connection with the Annual Report of LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, James Xigui Zheng, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: April 26, 2023
By:
/s/ James Xigui Zheng
Name:
Title:
James Xigui Zheng
Chief Financial Officer
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Exhibit 15.1
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-225322) of LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. of our report dated
April 26, 2023 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 20-F.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP
Beijing, the People’s Republic of China
April 26, 2023
April 26, 2023
To: LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. (乐信控股有限公司
乐信控股有限公司) (the “Company”)
27/F, CES Tower, No. 3099 Keyuan South Road
Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057
The People’s Republic of China
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We hereby consent to the reference of our name under the headings “Item 3. Key Information—A. Selected financial data—
Permissions Required from the PRC Authorities for Our Operations” “Item 3. Key Information—A. Selected financial data—
Enforcement of Civil Liabilities—PRC” “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure” “Item
3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to the American Depositary Shares—You may experience difficulties in effecting
service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing actions in China against us or our management named in the annual
report based on foreign laws” “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations” and “Item 4. Information on
the Company—C. Organizational Structure” in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the
“Annual Report”), which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on the date hereof, and further consent
to the incorporation by reference into the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-225322) pertaining to the Company’s Share
Incentive Plan, as amended, and 2017 Share Incentive Plan. We also consent to the filing of this consent letter with the SEC as an exhibit
to the Annual Report.
In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under
Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in each case, as amended, or the regulations
promulgated thereunder.
Yours faithfully,
/s/ SHIHUI PARTNERS
SHIHUI PARTNERS