Noah Holdings Ltd.
Annual Report 2020

Plain-text annual report

Table of ContentsUNITED STATESSECURITY AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWashington, D.C. 20549FORM 20-F(Mark One)☐REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OR 12(G) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934OR☒ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.OR☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934OR☐SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934Date of event requiring this shell company reportFor the transition period from toCommission file number: 001-34936NOAH HOLDINGS LIMITED(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)Building 2, 1687 Changyang Road,Shanghai 200090, People’s Republic of China(Address of principal executive offices)Qing Pan, Chief Financial OfficerNoah Holdings LimitedBuilding 2, 1687 Changyang Road,Shanghai 200090, People’s Republic of ChinaPhone: (86) 21 8035 9221Facsimile: (86) 21 8035 9641(Name, Telephone, E-mail 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 Trading Symbol(s) Name of exchange on which registeredAmerican depositary shares, two of which representone Class A ordinary share, par value US$0.0005 per shareClass A ordinary shares, par value US$0.0005 per share* NOAHNew York Stock Exchange(Title of Each Class and Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered)* Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing on the New York Stock Exchange of the American depositary sharesSecurities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:NONETable of Contents(Title of Class)Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: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: 22,773,542 Class Aordinary shares issued, par value US$0.0005 per share, and 8,315,000 Class B ordinary shares issued, par value US$0.0005 per share.Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☒ Yes ☐ NoIf 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 Actof 1934. ☐ Yes ☒ NoIndicate 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 preceding12 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 ☐ NoIndicate 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 (§232.405of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ NoIndicate 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 “largeaccelerated 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 extendedtransition 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 afterApril 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 reportingunder 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. ☒ Yes ☐ NoIndicate 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 issuedby 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 tofollow: ☐ Item 17 ☐ Item 18If 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). ☐ 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 1934subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. ☐ Yes ☐ NoTable of ContentsiTABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION1FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS2PART I3Item 1.Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers3Item 2.Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable3Item 3.Key Information3Item 4.Information on the Company43Item 4A.Unresolved Staff Comments88Item 5.Operating and Financial Review and Prospects88Item 6.Directors, Senior Management and Employees117Item 7.Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions129Item 8.Financial Information131Item 9.The Offer and Listing133Item 10.Additional Information134Item 11.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk145Item 12.Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities146PART II148Item 13.Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies148Item 14.Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds148Item 15.Controls and Procedures148Item 16.Reserved150Item 16A.Audit Committee Financial Expert150Item 16B.Code of Ethics150Item 16C.Principal Accountant Fees and Services151Item 16D.Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees151Item 16E.Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers151Item 16F.Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant151Item 16G.Corporate Governance152Item 16H.Mine Safety Disclosure152PART III152Item 17.Financial Statements152Item 18.Financial Statements152Item 19.Exhibits152Table of Contents1INTRODUCTIONUnless otherwise indicated and except where the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report on Form 20-F to:●“active clients” for a given period refer to registered clients who obtain investment products distributed or provided by usduring that given period, excluding clients in our lending and other businesses segment;●“ADSs” refer to our American depositary shares, two of which represent one Class A ordinary share;●“assets under management” or “AUM” refers to the amount of capital commitments made by investors to the funds we providecontinuous management services without adjustment for any gain or loss from investment, for which we are entitled to receiverecurring service fees or performance-based income, except for public securities investments. For pubic securities investments,the “assets under management” or “AUM” refers to the net asset value of the investments we manage, for which we areentitled to receive recurring service fees and performance-based income;●“China” or the “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for the purpose of this annual report only, HongKong, Macau and Taiwan;●“Class A ordinary shares” refer to our Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.0005 per share;●“Class B ordinary shares” refer to our Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.0005 per share;●“high net worth individuals” refer to individuals with investable financial assets of no less than RMB6 million;●“investment products” refer to products we distribute to clients, such as public securities products, private equity products,credit products and insurance products;●“mass affluent individuals” refer to the high end of the mass market, or individuals with RMB500,000 to RMB6 million ofinvestable financial assets.●“NYSE” refers to the New York Stock Exchange;●“ordinary shares” refer to our ordinary shares, which include both Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, parvalue US$0.0005 per share;●“private funds” refer to investment funds which raise capital through non-public offerings of funds targeting qualifiedinvestors;●“registered clients” refer to clients who have finished our preliminary know-your-customer and anti-money laundering reviewprocess, but may or may not have purchased any products with us;●“RMB” or “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of China;●“transaction value” refers to the aggregate value of the investment products we distribute during a given period;●“variable interest entity” or “VIE” refers to our variable interest entities in which we do not have equity interests but whosefinancial results have been consolidated into our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP as if theywere our wholly-owned subsidiaries.Table of Contents2Unless the context indicates otherwise, each of “we,” “us,” “our company,” “our,” and “Noah” refer to Noah Holdings Limited, itssubsidiaries and variable interest entity and the variable interest entity’s subsidiaries. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB toU.S. dollars (“USD” or “US$”) are made at a rate of RMB6.5250 to US$1.00, the effective noon buying rate for December 31, 2020 as setforth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThis annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other thanstatements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including thoselisted under “Risk Factors,” may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed orimplied by the forward-looking statements.You can identify some of these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,”“aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statementslargely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financialcondition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include:●our goals and strategies;●our future business development, financial condition and results of operations;●the expected growth of the industries in which we operate;●our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of the products and services we distribute, manage or offer;●our expectations regarding keeping and strengthening our relationships with product providers;●relevant government policies and regulations relating to the industries in which we operate;●our ability to attract and retain qualified employees;●our ability to stay abreast of market trends and technological advances;●our plans to invest in research and development to enhance our product choices and service offerings;●competition in the industries in which we operate;●general economic and business conditions in China and internationally;●our ability to obtain certain licenses and permits necessary to operate and expand our businesses; and●our ability to effectively protect our intellectual property rights and not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.Table of Contents3These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that our expectations expressed inthese forward-looking statements are reasonable, our expectations may later be found to be incorrect. Our actual results could be materiallydifferent from our expectations. Other sections of this annual report include additional factors that could adversely impact our business andfinancial performance. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and itis not possible for our management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business orthe extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should thoroughly read this annual report and the documents that we refer to herein with the understanding that ouractual future results may be materially different from, or worse than, what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements bythese cautionary statements.PART IItem 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and AdvisersNot applicable.Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected TimetableNot applicable.Item 3. Key InformationA.Selected Financial DataSelected Consolidated Financial DataThe following selected consolidated financial information for the periods and as of the dates indicated should be read in conjunctionwith our consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in this annualreport.Table of Contents4Our selected consolidated financial data presented below for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and our balancesheet data as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere inthis annual report. Our audited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principlesin the U.S., or GAAP. Our selected consolidated financial data presented below for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and ourbalance sheet data as of December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 have been derived from our audited financial statements not included in thisannual report. Year Ended December 31,201620172018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB USD (in thousands except per share data)RevenuesTotal revenues 2,561,636 2,846,006 3,310,062 3,413,176 3,324,712 509,533Less: VAT related surcharges (48,064) (19,098) (20,454) (21,364) (18,886) (2,894)Net revenues 2,513,572 2,826,908 3,289,608 3,391,812 3,305,826 506,639Operating costs and expenses: Compensation and benefits (1,300,405) (1,407,372) (1,564,192) (1,610,770) (1,504,012) (230,499)Selling expenses (322,667) (320,462) (412,720) (331,346) (271,692) (41,639)General and administrative expenses (234,672) (246,785) (280,075) (296,492) (277,879) (42,587)Provision for credit losses 184 (2,093) 688 (130,723) (8,083) (1,239)Other operating expenses (151,088) (147,318) (169,368) (196,793) (99,040) (15,179)Government subsidies 162,365 74,156 62,583 89,278 113,356 17,373Total operating costs and expenses (1,846,283) (2,049,874) (2,363,084) (2,476,846) (2,047,350) (313,770)Income from operations: 667,289 777,034 926,524 914,966 1,258,476 192,869Other income (expenses): Interest income 39,539 45,020 69,841 89,099 67,317 10,317Interest expenses (19,289) (24,128) (10,028) (430) — —Investment income (loss) 48,537 67,343 48,616 (28,620) (86,369) (13,237)Settlement expenses — — — — (1,828,907) (280,292)Other income (expense) (2,531) 3,542 (23,356) (7,040) 4,164 638Total other income (expense) 66,256 91,777 85,073 53,009 (1,843,795) (282,574)Income (loss) before taxes and income from equity in affiliates 733,545 868,811 1,011,597 967,975 (585,319) (89,705)Income tax expense (157,997) (199,085) (222,320) (220,025) (258,460) (39,611)Income from equity in affiliates 22,343 92,136 14,469 115,809 100,257 15,365Net income (loss) 597,891 761,862 803,746 863,759 (743,522) (113,951)Less: net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests (40,602) (13,745) (7,551) 34,608 1,703 261Less: (loss) income attributable to redeemable non-controllinginterest of a subsidiary (5,336) 6,483 — — — —Less: deemed dividend on non-controlling interest of a subsidiary — 6,201 — — — —Net income(loss) attributable to Noah Holdings Limitedshareholders 643,829 762,923 811,297 829,151 (745,225) (114,212)Net income (loss) per share Basic 22.87 26.98 27.70 27.12 (24.02) (3.68)Diluted 22.08 25.90 26.67 26.84 (24.02) (3.68)Net income (loss) per ADS(1) Basic 11.44 13.49 13.85 13.56 (12.01) (1.84)Diluted 11.04 12.95 13.33 13.42 (12.01) (1.84)Weighted average number of shares used in computation: Basic 28,150,139 28,275,637 29,288,401 30,580,181 31,020,439 31,020,439Diluted 30,036,763 30,233,823 30,710,540 30,924,095 31,020,439 31,020,439Dividends declared per share — — — — — —Note:(1)Two ADSs represent one Class A ordinary share.Table of Contents5 Year Ended December 31,201620172018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB USD (in thousands)Consolidated Balance Sheet Data Cash and cash equivalents 2,982,510 1,906,753 2,704,091 4,387,345 5,005,211 767,082Investments in affiliates 539,177 968,622 1,375,110 1,272,261 1,264,685 193,821Total assets 5,956,489 6,494,854 8,014,264 9,802,604 9,399,586 1,440,548Total current liabilities 1,575,711 1,823,327 1,591,073 1,505,053 1,881,095 288,289Total liabilities 2,234,553 1,987,108 1,838,887 1,927,644 2,122,215 325,243Redeemable non-controlling interest of asubsidiary 330,664 — — — — —Total equity 3,391,272 4,507,746 6,175,377 7,874,960 7,277,371 1,115,305Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial MeasuresAdjusted net income attributable to Noah shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the income statement effectsof all forms of share-based compensation expenses, non-recurring settlement expenses and net of relevant tax impact. A reconciliation ofadjusted net income attributable to Noah shareholders from net income attributable to Noah shareholders, the most directly comparableGAAP measure, can be obtained by subtracting expenses for share-based compensations and non-recurring settlement expenses. All taxexpense impact of such adjustments would be also considered.The non-GAAP financial measure disclosed by us should not be considered a substitute for financial measures prepared inaccordance with GAAP. The financial results reported in accordance with GAAP and reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results shouldbe carefully evaluated. The non-GAAP financial measure used by us may be prepared differently from and, therefore, may not becomparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.When evaluating our operating performance in the periods presented, management reviewed non-GAAP net income resultsreflecting adjustments to exclude the impact of share-based compensation, non-recurring settlement expenses, and net of relevant tax impact.As such, we believe that the presentation of the non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Noah shareholders provides importantsupplemental information to investors regarding financial and business trends relating to our results of operations in a manner consistent withthat used by management. Pursuant to GAAP, we recognized significant amounts of expenses for all forms of share-based compensation andsettlement expenses (net of tax impact). To make our financial results comparable period by period, we utilize non-GAAP adjusted netincome to better understand our historical business operations.Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Results (unaudited) Year Ended December 31,201620172018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB USD (in thousands)Net income (loss) attributable to Noah Holdings Limitedshareholders 643,829 792,923 811,297 829,151 (745,225) (114,212)Add: share-based compensation 79,173 93,635 112,763 94,897 59,789 9,163Add: settlement expense — — — — 1,828,907 280,292Less: Tax effect of adjustments 15,492 19,185 22,348 22,346 13,821 2,117Adjusted net income attributable to Noah HoldingsLimited shareholders (non-GAAP) 707,510 837,373 901,712 901,702 1,129,650 173,126B.Capitalization and IndebtednessNot applicable.Table of Contents6C.Reasons for the Offer and Use of ProceedsNot applicable.D.Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our BusinessThe investment products that we distribute or manage involve various risks and any failure to identify or fully appreciate such risks maynegatively affect our reputation, client relationships, operations and prospects.We distribute and manage a variety of investment products, including onshore and offshore private equity and venture capitalproducts, public securities products, and other products. These products often have complex structures and involve default risks, interestrisks, liquidity risks, market risks, counterparty risks, fraud risks and other risks.Our success in distributing, managing and offering our products and services depends, in part, on our ability to successfully identifyand fully appreciate the risks associated with such products and services. Not only must we be cautious about these risks in designing anddeveloping our products and services, we must also accurately describe the risks associated with our products and services to, and evaluatethem for, our clients. Our risk management policies and procedures may not be fully effective in mitigating the risk exposure for all of ourclients in all market environments or covering all types of risks.If we fail to identify and fully appreciate the risks associated with the products and services we distribute, manage and offer, or failto disclose such risks to our clients, or if our clients suffer financial losses or other damages resulting from the investment products orservices we distribute, manage or offer, our reputation, client relationships, business and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.Our reputation and brand recognition are crucial to our business. Any harm to our reputation or failure to maintain, protect, promote orenhance our brand recognition may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.Our reputation and brand recognition, which depend on earning and maintaining the trust and confidence of our clients orprospective clients, are critical to our business. Our reputation and brand recognition are vulnerable to threats that are difficult or impossibleto control, and costly or impossible to remediate. Regulatory inquiries or investigations, lawsuits initiated by clients or other third parties,employee misconduct, perceptions of conflicts of interest and rumors, among others, could substantially damage our reputation, even if theyare baseless. Moreover, any misconduct or allegations of misconduct by our product managers of third-party funds we distribute could resultin negative media publicity and adversely affect our reputation and the confidence of our clients. See “Item 8. Financial Information—A.Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.” Furthermore, any negative media coverage about thefinancial service industry in general or product/service quality problems in the industry, may also negatively impact our reputation and brandrecognition. If we are unable to maintain a good reputation or further enhance our brand recognition, our ability to attract and retain clients,product partners and key employees could be harmed and, as a result, our business and revenues may be materially and adversely affected.Table of Contents7Poor investment portfolio performance may lead to a decrease in AUM and reduce revenues from and the profitability of our assetmanagement business.The determination of the investment portfolio under asset management and the investment amount varies by investment type and isbased upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of inherent and known risks associated with the respective asset class. The revenues ofour asset management business include performance-based fees, which are typically based on how much the returns on our managedaccounts exceed a certain threshold of return for each investor. We will not earn performance-based fees if our management’s judgment isincorrect and the investment portfolio does not generate cumulative performance that surpasses the relevant target thresholds or if a fundexperiences losses. Poor investment portfolio performance, either as a result of downturns in the market or economic conditions, includingbut not limited to changes in interest rates, inflation, terrorism, political uncertainty, our investment style and the particular investments thatwe make, may result in a decline in our revenues and income by causing (i) the net asset value of the assets under our management todecrease, which would result in lower recurring service fees to us, (ii) lower investment returns, resulting in a reduction of performance-based income to us, and (iii) increase in investor redemptions, which would in turn lead to fewer AUM and lower recurring service fees forus. If our future investment performance is perceived to worsen, the revenues and profitability of our asset management business will likelydecline and our ability to grow existing funds and raise new funds in the future will likely be impaired.We may not be able to continue to grow at our historical rate of growth, and if we fail to manage our growth effectively, our business maybe materially and adversely affected.We commenced our business in 2005 as a consulting services provider focusing on wealth management and have graduallytransitioned to a comprehensive integrated financial services group with wealth management, asset management, and lending and otherbusinesses. Over the last five years, we have experienced substantial growth, with our net revenues increasing at a compound annual growthrate, or CAGR, of 7.1% from 2016 to 2020. We cannot assure you that we will continue to grow at our historical rate of growth. It is difficultto predict whether the new investment products and services we continuously develop will be attractive to our clients and prospective clients.In addition, our growth has placed, and will continue to place, a significant strain on our management, personnel, systems and resources. Wemay not manage our growth effectively or accurately predict our future results of operations. As a result, our historical growth rate may notbe indicative of our future performance.Because a significant portion of the one-time commissions and recurring service fees we earn on the distribution of investment productsare based on commission and fee rates negotiated with investment product partners, any decrease in these commission and fee rates mayhave an adverse effect on our revenues, cash flow and results of operations.Substantially all of our recurring service fees and one-time commissions are paid by funds managed by our product partners, which are negotiated and vary from product to product. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, 84.7%. 81.4% and 82.4% of our total revenues were derived from recurring service fees and one-time commissions, respectively. Recurring service fees and one-time commission rates can fluctuate based on the prevailing political, economic, regulatory, taxation and competitive factors that affect the product partners. These factors, which are not within our control, include the capacity of product partners to place new business, profits of product partners, client demand and preference for investment products, the availability of comparable products from other product partners at a lower cost, the availability of alternative investment products to clients and the tax deductibility of commissions and fees. In addition, the historical volume of investment products that we distributed or managed may have a significant impact on our bargaining power with product partners in relation to the commission and fee rates for future products. Because we can neither determine, nor predict, the timing or extent of commission and fee rate changes with respect to the investment products, it is difficult for us to assess the effect of any of these changes on our operations. Therefore, any decrease in commission and fee rates may adversely affect our revenues, cash flow and results of operations.Table of Contents8The investment products we distribute are supplied by a limited number of product partners; and the renegotiation or termination of ourrelationships with such product partners could significantly impact our business.The investment products we distribute are supplied by a selected number of investment product partners, including private equityfirms, real estate fund managers, securities investment fund managers, mutual fund management companies, and insurance companies.Although our wealth management business has a broad coverage of most major asset managers and product partners in the market, due toour stringent screening process and rigorous risk management standards, a significant portion of the products distributed by us are sourcedfrom a limited number of product partners. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, our top three independent investment product partners accounted forapproximately 44.5%, 25.5% and 27.4% of the aggregate value of all the products we distributed through our wealth management business,respectively. Our relationships with our product partners or funds managed by our product partners are governed by distribution agreements.These agreements establish, among other things, the scope of our responsibility and our commission rates with respect to the distribution ofparticular products. These agreements typically are entered into on a product by product basis and expire at the expiration date of therelevant investment product. For any new investment products, new agreements need to be negotiated and entered into. If product partnersthat in the aggregate account for a significant portion of our business decide not to enter into contracts with us for their investment products,or the terms of our contracts with them become less beneficial to us, our business and operating results may be materially and adverselyaffected.The laws and regulations governing the industries of wealth management, asset management, lending and other services industries inChina are developing and subject to further changes.The relevant regulatory authorities, including the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, and the AssetManagement Association of China, or the AMAC, have released various laws and regulations governing the industries of wealthmanagement, asset management, lending and other services in China, including regulations over private equity products, privately-raisedsecurities investment funds, asset management plans managed by securities companies or mutual fund management companies, trustproducts and insurance products. However, these laws and regulations are subject to further changes and the PRC government has notadopted a unified regulatory framework yet.As for our asset management business, the CSRC is in charge of the supervision and regulation of private funds, including, withoutlimitation, private equity funds, venture capital funds, privately-raised securities investment funds and other forms of private funds. TheAMAC has promulgated a series of rules and measures regulating the registration of private funds, qualified investor standards, fund raising,investment advice service provided by third parties, structured asset management plan and private asset management plans investing into realestate development enterprises or projects and etc. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations inChina—Regulations on Private Funds.” In addition, the CSRC and AMAC may adopt further detailed regulations and implementing policiesthat govern private funds and private fund managers. These laws, rules and regulations could be highly complex, continuously evolving andcould change or be reinterpreted to be burdensome or difficult to comply with. Since fund management business is a significant part of ourasset management business, our asset management business is subject to such regulations on private funds and related implementation rulesthereof.Table of Contents9As the regulators of the wealth management and asset management industries in China are enhancing their supervision over theindustries, applicable laws and regulations may be adopted to address new issues that arise from time to time or to require additional licensesand permits. For example, on April 27, 2018, the People’s Bank of China, or the PBOC, China Banking and Insurance RegulatoryCommission, or the CBIRC, CSRC and State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or the SAFE, jointly released the Guidance Opinions onRegulating the Asset Management Business of Financial Institutions, or the Guidance Opinions, which prohibits the issuance of non-standardized credit products that contain maturity mismatch arrangements or any direct or indirect guarantee of return, and requires relevantinstitutions to follow detailed guidance with regards to the maximum volume of non-standardized credit products issued and minimumliquidity thresholds. The Guidance Opinions will apply to private funds in the absence of specific laws and regulations thereto. On July 20,2018, the PBOC issued the Circular on Further Clarifying Matters concerning the Guidance Opinions on Regulating the Asset ManagementBusiness of Financial Institutions. On October 22, 2018, the CSRC issued the Administrative Measures on Private Asset ManagementBusiness of Securities and Futures Institutions. Furthermore, according to the Instructions for the Filing of Privately-Raised InvestmentFunds (2019 Version), or the Filing Instructions, issued by the AMAC on December 23, 2019, the AMAC does not accept the filingapplication of private funds engaging in regular and operational private lending activities in form of entrustment loans, trust loans or othermeans. In line with our understanding and anticipation of the changing regulatory and market environment given the publication of the newrules including the Guidance Opinions and the Filing Instructions, we have strategically ceased offering substantially all of our creditproducts from the third quarter of 2019, which had a negative impact on our results of operations.Furthermore, on August 28, 2020, the CSRC issued the Supervision Measures on Sales Institutions of Publicly-Raised SecuritiesInvestment Fund, or the Supervision Measures, which came into effect in October 2020. The Supervision Measures provides thatindependent fund sales institutions, like Noah Upright, shall specialize in the distribution of publicly-raised securities investment funds andprivately-raised securities investment funds, except as otherwise provided by the CSRC. Following the enactment of the Supervisionmeasures, we ceased offering investment products that invest in private equity investments through Noah Upright, and collaborate with ourprivate equity product partners solely through our asset management business.As we develop our business, the products we manage or distribute might be subject to detailed regulations and implementingpolicies to be issued by the CSRC or AMAC in the future and we cannot assure you that our asset management or wealth managementbusiness will not be materially and adversely affected if any supervisory authority enhances its regulation over asset management plans.In addition, our subsidiaries, variable interest entity or its subsidiaries may need to obtain necessary approvals, licenses or permitsto carry out financial services from the central and/or local government, the governing rules of which are developing and might conflict witheach other. Any failure to obtain necessary approvals, licenses or permits may result in negative impact on our business. For example, ourlending service subsidiary, Noah Rongyitong (Wuhu) Microloan Co., Ltd., or Rongyitong, has been approved to carry out microloanbusiness by the local government of Anhui Province. The Guidance on the Pilot Establishment of Microloan Companies, or the MicroloanGuidance, jointly promulgated by the China Banking Regulatory and Commission, or the CBRC, which was merged into the CBIRC, andthe PBOC, requires that the capital contribution from one individual, entity or other association (including the capital from its affiliates) to amicroloan company may not exceed 10% of such company’s total registered capital. The Anhui local rule provides, however, that theshareholding percentage of the major founding shareholder shall not exceed 20% in principle, and the shareholding percentage of anothershareholder and its affiliates shall not exceed 10%. The Anhui financial bureau has approved our shareholding structure, namely, NoahGroup as a founding shareholder of Rongyitong holding 35% equity interests in it. We cannot assure you that whether we will be required totransfer a portion of our equity interests in Rongyitong to third parties to comply with relevant rules and regulations. If that were to occur,such transfer could affect our overall control of Rongyitong.Table of Contents10Furthermore, the Notice on Regulation and Renovation of the “Cash Loan” Business promulgated on December 1, 2017, or theCircular 141, requires microloan companies and other entities to charge synthetic fund costs, including the interest and fees paid by theborrowers, in compliance with the rules provided by the Supreme People’s Court, and such costs shall be within the legally allowedannualized interest rate for private lending. The Circular 141 and subsequent rules and regulations also provide that no institution or third-party agency shall collect loans by actual or threatened violence, intimidation, insult, defamation, harassment, disseminating privateinformation, or other ways that cause harm. In addition, the Opinions on Several Issues Concerning Handling Illegal Lending CriminalCases, or the Opinions on Illegal Lending, jointly promulgated by the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, theMinistry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Justice on July 23, 2019, provides rules on supervision of and punishment for illegal lending,such as debt-collection by means of violence. We cannot assure you whether the funding party, loan collection agencies or other serviceproviders we cooperate with charge extra fees from the borrower or conduct other behaviors in violation of the provisions of the relevantrules and regulations. The local authorities have broad discretion in interpreting, implementing and enforcing the applicable laws, rules,regulations and governmental policies, such as capital reserve ratio, the maximum amount of a single loan, limitation on operating territory,payment method of interest and fees, restrictions on financing and methods of debt collection. As a result, there are uncertainties in theinterpretation, implementation and enforcement of such laws, rules, regulations and governmental policies, and occasionally, we have todepend on verbal clarifications from local government authorities. Therefore, if the local regulatory authorities make unfavorableinterpretation or ruling against our microloan business model, or modify the local regulatory policies on microloan business in the future, ourlending service might be restricted and negatively impacted.Some of our clients may redeem their investments from time to time, which could reduce our fee revenues.Certain of the agreements we entered into with investors in relation to investment products distributed to them permit investors toredeem their investments with us at quarterly or annual intervals, after an initial “lock-up” period during which redemptions are restricted orpenalized. If the return on the assets under our management does not meet investors’ expectations, investors may elect to redeem theirinvestments and invest their assets elsewhere, including with our competitors. As our recurring service fee revenues correlate directly to theamount of our AUM, redemptions may cause our expected recurring service fee revenues to decrease. Similarly, the total balance ofinvestment products offered or distributed by us to our clients could decrease due to redemptions as well and impact our fees frominvestment products. Investors may decide to reallocate their capital away from us for a number of reasons, including poor relativeinvestment performance, changes in prevailing interest rates which make other investment options more attractive, changes in investorperception regarding our focus or alignment of interest, dissatisfaction with, changes in or a broadening of a fund’s investment strategy,changes in our reputation, and departures of, or changes in responsibilities of, key investment professionals. For these and other reasons, thepace of investor redemptions and the corresponding reduction in our AUM and total balance of investment products offered or distributed byus could accelerate. In addition, redemptions of the investment products that we manage could ultimately require us to liquidate fund assetsunder unfavorable circumstances, which may further harm our reputation and results of operations.Our lending services business is subject to credit risks, which could adversely affect our results of operations.There are inherent risks associated with the lending services provided by us, including credit risk which is the risk that borrowersmay not repay the outstanding loans balances. These borrowers are primarily individuals and generally have fewer financial resources interms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities and may have fewer financial resources to weather an economic downturn.Moreover, since the loans made by us are collateralized by real property or investment products we manage, any decrease in real estateprices or downturn in the investment performances could adversely affect the values of these collaterals, which may in turn have a negativeimpact on the ability of borrowers to repay their loans and further adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Conditionssuch as inflation, employment levels, local policy changes and other factors beyond our control may increase our credit risks, which mayresult in material adverse effects on our business and financial conditions.Table of Contents11Our business involves relatively new business models which may not be successful.Our business comprises various business lines, some of which are relatively new, such as our mutual fund product offerings. Although we intend to devote additional resources to expanding these businesses and develop and offer more innovative products and services to our clients, we have limited experience with these businesses and cannot assure you of their future success. If we fail to address the needs of our clients, adapt to rapidly-evolving market trends or continue to offer innovative products and services, we may fail to capture market demand. In addition, our new business lines will continue to encounter risks and difficulties that early-stage businesses frequently experience, including the potential failure to expand customer base in a cost-efficient manner, adequately manage risks and expenses, implement, adapt and modify our customer development strategies as needed, develop and maintain our competitive advantages and anticipate and adapt to changing economic, competitive and other market conditions in China’s financing industry. If we are unable to successfully develop our new business lines into profitable businesses, our business and revenues may be materially and adversely affected.We face significant competition in our businesses. If we are unable to compete effectively with our existing and potential competitors, wecould lose our market share and our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.The wealth management, asset management and lending and other services industries in China are all undergoing rapid changes andgrowth. We operate in a competitive environment and compete for clients on the basis of product offering and performance, client services,reputation and brand names. Our ability to compete in this environment is also affected by license requirements for the distribution ofinvestment products, the provision of asset management and certain lending and other services imposed on businesses operating in suchindustries. Our future success in each of these areas will depend in part on our ability to continue to maintain the relevant licenses andanticipate and meet market needs on a timely and cost-effective basis.In our wealth management business, we face competition primarily from other independent wealth management companies as wellas commercial banks and their wealth management subsidiaries, private banks and securities firms. In our asset management business, wealso face competition from other asset management service providers in the market, including managers of private equity funds, real estatefunds and public securities funds. In addition, our lending and other businesses face competition from a range of financial service providerswhich offer similar services in China. As part of China’s reform and opening policy, the Chinese government has further liberalized thefinancial sector in recent years, including lifting certain restrictions on the business scope of financial institutions such as foreign banks,securities companies and fund management companies, reducing quantitative entry conditions for foreign investors to invest in banking andinsurance institutions and carry out these businesses, relaxing the limits on foreign ownership of joint ventures in China’s financial sectorssuch as banking, securities investment fund management companies, securities and insurance companies. If such liberalization continues, wemay face additional competition in the industries in which we operate and our market share might be threatened or taken by foreigncompetitors or their joint ventures operating in the Chinese financial market.Many of our competitors have greater financial and marketing resources or larger customer base. For example, the PRC commercialbanks we compete with tend to enjoy significant competitive advantages due to their nationwide distribution networks, longer operatinghistories, larger client bases and settlement capabilities. Moreover, many product partners with whom we currently have relationships, suchas private equity investment firms, are also engaged in, or may in the future engage in, the distribution of third-party investment products andmay benefit from the integration of investment products with their other product offerings.Table of Contents12Our failure to respond to rapid product innovation in the financial industry in a timely and cost-effective manner may have an adverseeffect on our business and operating results.The financial industry is increasingly influenced by frequent new product and service introductions and evolving industry standards.We believe that our future success will depend on our ability to continue to anticipate product and service innovations and to offer additionalproducts and services that meet evolving standards on a timely and cost-effective basis. There is a risk that we may not successfully identifynew product and service opportunities or develop and introduce these opportunities in a timely and cost-effective manner. In addition,products and services that our competitors develop or introduce may render our products and services less competitive. As a result, ourfailure to respond to product and service innovation that may affect our industry in the future may have a material adverse effect on ourbusiness and results of operations.If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our resultsof operations or prevent fraud, and investor confidence and the market price of our ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.As a public company in the United States, we are subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-OxleyAct of 2002, or Section 404, requires that we include a report from management on the effectiveness of its internal control over financialreporting in our annual report on Form 20-F. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on theeffectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.Our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2020. Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our management’s assessment of our internal control over financial report and has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective in all material aspects.However, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, as these standards are modified,supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controlover financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. If we fail to maintain an effective internal control system, our financial statementscould contain material misstatements and we could fail to meet our reporting obligations, which would likely cause investors to loseconfidence in our reported financial information. This could in turn limit our access to capital markets, harm our results of operations, andlead to a decline in the trading price of our ADSs.Our business is sensitive to global economic conditions. A severe or prolonged downturn in the global or Chinese economy couldmaterially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.Any prolonged slowdown in the global or Chinese economy may have a negative impact on our business, results of operations andfinancial condition, and continued turbulence in the international markets may adversely affect our ability to access the capital markets tomeet potential liquidity needs.Table of Contents13Economic conditions in China are sensitive to global economic conditions. Since we derive the majority of our revenues from ouroperations in China, our business and prospects may be affected by economic conditions or changes in the financial markets in China. Ourrevenues ultimately depend on the appetite of high net worth individuals to invest in the financial products we distribute or manage, which inturn depend on their level of disposable income, perceived future earnings and willingness to invest. As there are still substantialuncertainties in the current and future conditions in the global and PRC economies, our clients may reduce or delay their investment in thefinancial markets in general, and defer or forgo the purchase of products we distribute or manage. We may have difficulty expanding ourclient base fast enough, or at all, to offset the impact of decreased investment by our existing clients. Additionally, we earn recurring servicefees on certain financial products over a period of time after the initial sale. Clients may redeem or terminate these products, ending theserecurring service fees. Moreover, insolvencies associated with an economic downturn could adversely affect our business through the loss offinancial product providers or clients or by hampering our ability to place business. Any prolonged slowdown in the global or China’seconomy may lead to reduced investment in the products we distribute or manage, which could materially and adversely affect our financialcondition and results of operations. Specifically, owners of small to medium enterprises and our other entrepreneur clients who facepressures in business operations and cash flow because of the COVID-19 outbreak might reduce their transaction volumes with us.Moreover, a slowdown in the global or Chinese economy or the recurrence of any financial disruptions may have a material andadverse impact on financings available to us. The weakness in the economy could erode investors’ confidence, which constitutes the basis ofthe equity markets. Any financial turmoil affecting the financial markets and banking system may significantly restrict our ability to obtainfinancing in the capital markets or from financial institutions on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Although we are uncertain aboutthe extent to which any global financial and economic crisis and slowdown of the PRC economy may impact our business, there is a risk thatour business, results of operations and prospects may be materially and adversely affected by any global economic downturn and theslowdown of the PRC economy.Our business is subject to the risks associated with international operations.International expansion is an important component of our growth strategy, with revenues from countries and regions outside ofChina representing 21.9% of our total revenues in 2020. We started conducting business in Hong Kong in 2012, expanded our business toTaiwan in 2014 and launched offices in Silicon Valley in 2016, Vancouver, Melbourne and New York in 2017 and Singapore in 2018.Expanding our business overseas exposes us to a number of risks, including:●our ability to select the appropriate geographical regions for international expansion;●difficulty in understanding local markets and culture and complying with unfamiliar laws and regulations;●unexpected legal or regulatory changes in local markets;●fluctuations in currency exchange rates;●difficulty in identifying appropriate partners and establishing and maintaining good cooperative relationships with them;●difficulty in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel;●potentially adverse tax consequences; and●increased costs associated with doing business in foreign jurisdictions.Table of Contents14We may face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics and other outbreaks, which could significantly disrupt our operations.Our business may be materially and adversely affected by natural disasters, health epidemics or other public safety concernsaffecting the PRC. For example, the outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19), first reported in December 2019, has spreadrapidly throughout the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “global pandemic”. Manybusinesses and social activities in China and other countries and regions have been seriously disrupted, including those of us, our suppliers,partners, clients and employees. The global outbreak has also caused market panic, which materially and negatively affected the globalfinancial markets. Such disruption and the potential slowdown of China’s and the world’s economy. In particular, We and our clients haveexperienced may continue to experience limitations to face-to-face meetings due to quarantine measures and travel bans adopted bygovernments to contain the spread of this outbreak. In 2020, we have experienced decrease in revenue generated from our overseasbusinesses and domestic value-added services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak maycontinue to adversely affect the macro-economic environment as well as our business, results of operations and financial condition remainsuncertain, and will depend on future developments, including the duration, severity and reach of the COVID-19 outbreak, and actions takento contain the outbreak or treat its impacts.Our headquarter is located in Shanghai, where most of our management and employees currently reside. Our relationship managers are based in 80 cities in China, and various offices overseas. Consequently, if any natural disasters, health epidemics or other public safety concerns were to affect Shanghai and other locations where our offices reside in, our operation may experience material disruptions, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our business operation could also be disrupted if any of our employees are suspected of having contracted any contagious disease or condition, since it could require our employees to be quarantined or our offices to be closed down and disinfected. All of these may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition in the near terms. Additionally, if the outbreak persists or escalates, we may be subject to further negative impact on our business operations or financial condition.Certain of the investment products we distribute or manage have real estate or real estate-related businesses as underlying assets. Theseproducts are subject to the risks inherent in the construction, development, ownership and operation of real estate, as well as risksassociated with regulatory and policy changes affecting the real estate industry in China.Certain investment products that we distribute or manage have real estate or real estate-related business in China as their underlyingassets. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, the total value of investment products that we distributed with real estate or real estate-related businesses asthe underlying assets accounted for 33.0%, 21.0% and 0.8% of the total value of all the products we distributed, respectively. Real estateinvestments as a percentage of our total AUM were9.9%, 10.3% and 8.3% in 2018, 2019 and 2020.Such products are subject to the risks inherent in the ownership and operation of real estate and real estate-related businesses andassets. These risks include those associated with the burdens of ownership of real property, general and local economic conditions, changesin supply of and demand for competing properties in an area, natural disasters, changes in government regulations, changes in real propertytax rates, changes in interest rates, the reduced availability of mortgage funds, which may render the sale or refinancing of properties difficultor impracticable, and other factors that are beyond our control.Table of Contents15In particular, the PRC real estate industry is subject to extensive governmental regulation and policy changes. The PRC governmentexerts considerable direct and indirect influence on the development of the PRC real estate sector by imposing various industry policies andother economic measures. Specifically, in the past few years, PRC governments at both national and local levels have adopted numerouspolicies to slow down the surge of real estate prices and to curb speculative buying through more stringent implementation of residentialprice control measures, some of which were subsequently cancelled when the market turned softer. Such measures may adversely impact thereal estate market, dissuade potential purchasers from making purchases, reduce transaction volume, cause a decline in selling prices, andprevent developers from raising capitals they need and increase developers’ costs to start new projects. In addition, we cannot assure you thatthe PRC government will not adopt new measures in the future that may result in lower growth rates in the real estate industry. Frequentchanges in government policies may also create uncertainty that could discourage investment in the real estate sector.In addition, the AMAC released the Rules on the Management of Private Asset Management Plan Filing by Securities and FuturesInstitutions No. 4, or the No. 4 Filing Rules, on February 13, 2017 to regulate investments in the real estate area by securities and futuresinstitutions. According to the No. 4 Filing Rules, the AMAC will not accept the filing application of private asset management plansinvesting into common residential real estate projects in “popular cities,” including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen,Hefei, Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Fuzhou, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Jinan and Chengdu, by way of various forms of debtfinancing determined by the AMAC. Furthermore, according to the Filing Instructions, AMAC will not accept the filing application ofprivate funds engaging in regular and operational private lending activities in form of entrustment loans, trust loans or other means. Thus,private funds are prohibited from investing in the real estate sector by way of pure debt investment. Although private funds are notprohibited from investing in the real estate sector by way of pure equity investment or combination of equity and debt investment yet, wecannot assure you, however, that the PRC government would promulgate other real estate related laws and policies that may adversely affectour business operations and financial condition.If we breach our fiduciary duties or other contractual obligations as the general partner or fund managers of the funds, our results ofoperations will be adversely impacted.Neither the principal nor the return of the products we distribute or manage is guaranteed by us. As such, we do not bear anyliabilities for any loss to the capital of the products, provided that (i) the distribution and management of the concerned products areconducted in the ordinary course of business; (ii) we have no fraud or gross negligence during the course of distribution and management,and have no intentional misconduct which will harm the interests of either the fund or the limited partners, and (iii) we have not conductedany other acts which are deemed to breach our fiduciary duty. Because we serve as the general partner or manager for the funds under ourasset management business, we have fiduciary duty to the limited partners or the investors. If we are deemed to breach our fiduciary duty,such as failure to establish or implement appropriate controls when handling and processing our clients’ cash investments, we may beexposed to risks and losses. We could also experience losses on our principal in a fund in the form of limited liability partnership for whichwe act as the general partner, as the general partner typically bears unlimited liabilities for the debts of a limited liability partnership.Furthermore, as PRC laws and regulations are silent on the legal segregation of losses or liabilities incurred by contract-based private fundsand assets of the fund manager, we cannot assure you that whether our assets will be subject to third-party claims arising from losses orliabilities incurred by contract-based private funds we manage. If the assets managed by us is subject to such claims, our future growth maybe materially and adversely affected.Misconduct of our relationship managers or other employees, including potential misuse of client funds, could harm our reputation orlead to regulatory sanctions or litigation costs.Misconduct of our relationship managers or other employees could result in violations of law, regulatory sanctions, litigation orserious reputational or financial harm, among other consequences. Misconduct may include but not limited to:●engaging in misrepresentation, negligence or fraudulent activities when distributing investment products or providing assetmanagement, lending or other services to clients;Table of Contents16●improperly using or disclosing confidential information of our clients, product partners or other parties;●concealing unauthorized or unsuccessful activities, resulting in unknown and unmanaged risks or losses;●accessing and misusing client funds, especially those maintained in segregated accounts for our contract-based private funds;or●other conducts not complying with laws and regulations or our internal policies or procedures.Our internal control system which supervises service quality and regulatory compliance may not always deter misconduct of ourrelationship managers or other employees, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect misconduct may not be effective in all cases.Any of the abovementioned misconduct could impair our ability to attract, serve and retain clients and may lead to significant legal liability,reputational harm and material adverse effects on our business, results of operations or financial condition.Our business is subject to risks related to complaints, claims, controversies, regulatory actions, arbitration and legal proceedings.We are subject to lawsuits, regulatory actions and other claims in the ordinary course of our business from time to time. Inparticular, we may face lawsuits, arbitrations or other claims brought by our clients who purchase investment products or services wedistribute, offer or provide which turn out to be unsuitable for any reason, such as misconduct by the managers of the third-party funds orproviders of the products that we have recommended or made available to our clients, or change of legal requirements or regulatoryenvironment. For example, certain credit funds managed by Gopher had invested in supply chain account receivables with respect to the saleof computer, consumer electronics and communication products by affiliates of Camsing International Holding Limited as underlyinginventible assets. Certain companies and individuals in connection with such supply chain account receivables were later suspected tocommit fraudulent activities. Gopher has received notices from court and arbitration tribunal concerning claims initiated by individual clientsas the fund manager. See “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—LegalProceedings.” for more information. We may also encounter claims alleging misrepresentation by our relationship managers or otheremployees. Moreover, we may not be able to comply with any new regulatory requirement in a timely manner or at all, and we may also besubject to regulatory actions and may encounter additional lawsuits, arbitrations or other claims from our investors. These risks may beheightened during periods when credit, equity or other financial markets are deteriorating in value or are volatile, or when clients or investorsare experiencing losses.Claims or actions brought against us may result in settlements, awards, injunctions, fines, claims and penalties or other resultsadverse to us, including harm to our reputation. Even if we are successful in defending against these actions, we may incur significantexpenses. Predicting the outcome of such matters is inherently difficult, particularly where claimants seek substantial or unspecifieddamages, or when legal or other proceedings are at an early stage. A substantial judgment, award, settlement, fine, or penalty may bematerially adverse to our results of operations and financial condition.Any failure to ensure cyber security or protection of our clients’ personal data or privacy could lead to legal liabilities, adversely affectour reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.Our services involve the exchange of information, including personal and financial information related to our clients in a variety ofelectronic and non-electronic means.Table of Contents17We face risks inherent in handling large volumes of data and protecting such data, particularly concerning transactions and otheractivities that take place on our platform, including but not limited to:●protecting the data on our system, including against attacks on our system by outside parties or fraudulent behaviors by ouremployees;●addressing concerns related to privacy and data-sharing, safety, security and other factors; and●complying with applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the collection, use, disclosure or security of personalinformation, including any requests from regulatory and government authorities relating to such data.There have been many media reports about different financial services companies, consumer-based companies, governmentalagencies and other organizations involving unauthorized disclosure of confidential information related to their clients or users in recentyears, as well as cyber-attacks involving the dissemination, theft and destruction of corporate information or other assets, which resulted inthird-party claims or actions against these companies. There have also been incidents where hackers have requested “ransom” payments inexchange for not disclosing customer information or for restoring access to information or systems.We are occasionally the target of attempted cyber-attacks, including denial-of-service attacks, and we continuously monitor anddevelop our systems to protect our technology infrastructure and data from misappropriation or corruption. We may face an increasingnumber of attempted cyber-attacks as we expand our mobile- and other Internet-based products and services, as well as our usage of mobiletechnologies and as we provide more of these services to a greater number of individual clients. In addition, in collaboration with third-partyvendors and their respective service providers, agents, exchanges, clearing houses and other financial institutions, we could be adverselyimpacted if any of them is subject to a successful cyber-attack or other information security event. These effects could include the loss ofaccess to information or services from the third party subject to the cyber-attack or other security breach, which could, in turn, interruptcertain of our businesses.Our efforts in enhancing the security of our systems and information may not be successful in anticipating, detecting orimplementing effective preventive measures against all cyber threats, especially because the techniques used are increasingly sophisticated,change frequently and are often not recognized until attacks are launched. Cyber-attacks can originate from a variety of sources. Any systemfailure or security breach or lapse that results in the leakage of user data could harm our reputation and brand and, consequently, ourbusiness, in addition to exposing us to potential legal liability. We rely on a complex network of process and software controls to protect theconfidentiality of data provided to us or stored on our systems. If we do not maintain adequate internal controls or fail to implement new orimproved controls as necessary, we may experience data misappropriation or breach of confidentiality. We could be subject to liability if weinappropriately disclose any client’s personal information, or if third parties are able to penetrate our network security or otherwise gainaccess to any client’s name, address, portfolio holdings, or other personal information stored by us. Any such event could subject us toclaims for identity theft or other similar fraud claims or claims for other misuses of personal information, such as unauthorized marketing orunauthorized access to personal information. In addition, such events would cause our clients to lose their trust and confidence in us, whichmay result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.In addition, as we provide investment product distribution services for product partners, we may have to share certain personalinformation of our investors with contracted product partners, such as names, addresses, phone numbers and transaction accounts. We havelimited control or influence over the security policies or measures adopted by such product partners. Any compromise or failure of theinformation security measures of these product partners could also have a material and adverse effect on our reputation, business, prospects,financial condition and results of operations.Table of Contents18The proper functioning of our technology platforms is essential to our business. Any significant failure in our information technologysystems could have a material adverse effect on our business and profitability.Our business is highly dependent on the ability of our information technology systems to timely process a large amount ofinformation relating to the investment products and services we provide to our clients. The proper functioning of our financial control,accounting, product database, client database, client service and other data processing systems, together with the communication systemsbetween our various service centers and our headquarters in Shanghai, is critical to our business and to our ability to compete effectively. Inparticular, we rely on our online service platforms, including our website www.noah-fund.com and our mobile applications, such as WeNoahand Fund Smile, to provide our clients with updated information about the products they purchased. Maintaining and improving ourtechnology infrastructure requires a significant level of investment. Any failure to maintain satisfactory performance, reliability, security andavailability of our network infrastructure could result in the unavailability or slowdown of our website or reduced order fulfillmentperformance and cause significant harm to our reputation and our ability to attract and maintain users. Server interruptions, breakdowns orsystem failures in the cities where we maintain our servers and system hardware, including failures that may be attributable to sustainedpower shutdowns, or other events within or outside our control, could reduce the volume of products sold and the attractiveness of productofferings on our platform. We maintain our backup system hardware and operate our back-end infrastructure, but such backup may not beeffective in addressing any of the foregoing problems. Our network systems are also vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, fire,flood, earthquake, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer hacking and similar events. Although we have not experienced anymajor system failures, any such future occurrences could reduce customer satisfaction, damage our reputation and may materially andadversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and business prospects, as well as our reputation.We may not be able to prevent unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could reduce demands for our products and services,adversely affect our revenues and harm our competitive position.We rely primarily on a combination of copyrights, trade secret, trademarks, competition laws and contractual arrangements toprotect our intellectual property rights. We cannot assure you that the steps we have taken or will take in the future to protect our intellectualproperty rights will be sufficient. Implementation of intellectual property-related laws in China has historically been deemed weak, primarilydue to the ambiguity in the PRC regulatory and enforcement environment. Accordingly, intellectual property rights and confidentialityprotection in China may not be as effective as those in the United States or other countries. Current or potential competitors may use ourintellectual property without authorization to develop products and services that are substantially equivalent or superior to ours, which couldreduce demands for our solutions and services, adversely affecting our operational results and harm our competitive position. Even if we areable to discover evidence of infringement or misappropriation, our recourse against such competitors may be limited or we may have topursue litigation, which could involve substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention from the operation of our business.We may face intellectual property infringement claims against us, which could be time-consuming and costly to defend and may result inthe loss of significant rights by us.Intellectual property litigation is expensive and time-consuming and could divert resources and management attention from theoperation of our business even if the claim is without merit. We cannot assure you that such infringement claims will not be asserted againstus in the future. If there is a successful claim of infringement, we may be required to alter our services, cease certain activities, paysubstantial royalties and damages to, and obtain one or more licenses from, third parties. We may not be able to obtain those licenses oncommercially acceptable terms, or at all. Any of those consequences could reduce our revenues, impair our client relationships and harm ourreputation.Table of Contents19Confidentiality agreements with employees, product partners and others may not adequately prevent disclosure of our trade secrets andother proprietary information.We require our employees, product partners and others to enter into confidentiality agreements in order to protect our trade secrets,other proprietary information and, most importantly, our client information. These agreements might not effectively prevent disclosure of ourtrade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information and might not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosureof such confidential information. In addition, others may independently discover trade secrets and proprietary information, and in such caseswe could not assert any trade secret rights against such parties. We may be subject to costly and time-consuming litigations to protect ordefend ourselves in these incidents, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.Our future success depends on our continuing efforts to retain our existing management team and other key employees as well as toattract, integrate and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel, and our business may be disrupted if our efforts are unsuccessful.Our future success depends heavily on the continued services of our current executive officers and senior management team. Wealso rely on the skills, experience and efforts of other key employees, including management, marketing, support, research and development,technical and services personnel. Qualified employees are in high demand across the financial service industries in China, and our futuresuccess depends on our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain highly skilled employees and the ability of our executive officers andother members of our senior management to work effectively as a team.If one or more of our executive officers or other key employees are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, wemay not be able to find replacements easily, which may disrupt our business operations. We do not have key personnel insurance in place. Ifany of our executive officers or other key employees joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose clients, know-how, key professionals and staff members. Each of our executive officers has entered into an employment agreement with us, which containsconfidentiality and non-competition provisions. However, if any dispute arises between our executive officers and us, we cannot assure youof the extent to which any of these agreements could be enforced in China, where these executive officers reside, because of the uncertaintiesof China’s legal system.If we fail to attract and retain qualified relationship managers, our business could suffer.We rely heavily on our relationship managers to develop and maintain relationships with our clients for our wealth managementbusiness. Our relationship managers serve as our day-to-day contacts with our clients and carry out a substantial portion of the client serviceswe deliver. Their professional competence and approachability are essential to establishing and maintaining our brand image. We rely on ourrelationship managers, in particular our elite relationship managers, to distribute investment products, from which we derive substantially allof our revenues. As we further grow our business and expand into new cities and regions, we have an increasing demand for high qualityrelationship managers. We have been actively recruiting and will continue to recruit qualified relationship managers to join our coveragenetwork. However, there is no assurance that we can recruit and retain sufficient high quality relationship managers to support our furthergrowth. In some of the regions where we have recently established or plan to establish service centers, the talent pool from which we canrecruit relationship managers is smaller than in national economic centers such as Shanghai and Beijing. Even if we could recruit sufficientrelationship managers, we may have to incur disproportional training and administrative expenses in order to prepare our local recruits fortheir job. If we are unable to attract, train and retain highly productive relationship managers, our business could be materially and adverselyaffected. Competition for relationship managers may also force us to increase the compensation of our relationship managers, which wouldincrease operating cost and reduce our profitability.Table of Contents20We have limited insurance coverage.Insurance companies in China currently do not offer as extensive an array of insurance products as insurance companies in moredeveloped economies. For example, while we are able to obtain professional indemnity insurance in Hong Kong for our operations locatedthere, such insurance offerings are rare in China. Other than casualty insurance on some of our assets, and directors, supervisors and seniorexecutives’ liability insurance, we do not have commercial insurance coverage on our other assets and we do not have insurance to cover ourbusiness or interruption of our business, litigation or product liability. We have determined that the costs of insuring for these risks and thedifficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical for us to have such insurance.Any uninsured occurrence of loss or damage to property, litigation or business disruption may result in our incurring substantial costs and thediversion of resources, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.A downgrade in our credit rating could restrict our access to, and negatively impact the terms of, current or future financings.Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings, or S&P, has given us an investment grade long-term credit rating. We cannot provide assurancethat our current rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by S&P if, in itsjudgment, circumstances so warrant. Any decision by S&P to downgrade our rating in the future, or any rating by other rating agenciesbelow our current S&P rating, particularly below investment grade, could restrict our access to, and negatively impact the terms andconditions of future financings. Specifically, if our rating is downgraded and we decide to conduct more financings, such as obtaining bankloans, our borrowing costs would increase. In addition, we may not be able to obtain favorable credit terms or lenders may require us toprovide collateral, letters of credit, or other forms of security, which would increase our operating costs.Risks Related to Our Corporate StructureIf the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our businesses in China do not comply withPRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries because of our corporate structure and contractualarrangements, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severepenalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.The PRC government regulates certain businesses through strict business licensing requirements and laws and regulations includingrestrictions on foreign investment. For instance, foreign investors are not allowed to own more than 50% equity interests in any PRCcompany engaging in value-added telecommunications services, or VATS, with certain exceptions relating to online retail and mobilecommerce; in addition, the primary foreign investor must also have experience and a good track record in providing VATS overseas. In ourasset management business, we act as the general partner of relevant funds which invest into other equity investment funds or investeecompanies. In order to comply with the PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in certain industries, such as VATS, the underlyingfund manager, fund or company will usually require that investors shall not be foreign-invested enterprises or the foreign capital percentageshall be limited to a specified ceiling.Table of Contents21Because we are an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are classified as a foreign enterprise under PRC lawsand regulations, and our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries are foreign-invested enterprises, or FIEs, or the subsidiaries of the FIEs. To complywith PRC laws and regulations, we rely on contractual arrangements with our consolidated variable interest entity, Shanghai NoahInvestment Management Co., Ltd., or Noah Investment, and its subsidiaries to operate a portion of our operations in China, including assetmanagement business. Our contractual arrangements with Noah Investment and its shareholders enable us to (1) have power to direct theactivities that most significantly affect the economic performance of Noah Investment; (2) receive substantially all of the economic benefitsfrom Noah Investment in consideration for the services provided by Shanghai Noah Investment (Group) Co., Ltd., or Noah Group; and (3)have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in Noah Investment when and to the extent permitted by PRC law, orrequest any existing shareholder of Noah Investment to transfer any or part of the equity interests in Noah Investment to another PRC personor entity designated by us at any time at our discretion. Because of these contractual arrangements, we are the primary beneficiary of NoahInvestment and hence treat it as our variable interest entity and consolidate its results of operations into ours. Our variable interest entity,Noah Investment, and its subsidiaries generated RMB714.5 million, RMB867.2 million and RMB978.6 million (US$150.0 million) in netrevenues in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, which contributed 21.7%, 25.6% and 29.6% of our total net revenues in the respective years.For further detail on these contractual arrangements, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure—ContractualArrangements.”One of the shareholders of Noah Investment ceased to be a PRC citizen in 2018. According to the provisions of the Regulations onMergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors (Revised in 2009), or the M&A Rules, issued by the Ministry ofCommerce, or the MOFCOM, on June 22, 2009, the change of nationality of a shareholder of a domestic company who is a natural personwill not cause the company to cease to be deemed a domestic company. However, if the funds for which we have been acting, or will act asthe general partner or fund manager invest into other equity investment funds or investee companies in China, it is possible that these fundsor investee companies may be recognized by PRC governmental authorities as having foreign ultimate beneficiaries. This may result inviolation of foreign investment restrictions by these funds or investee companies or limit our potential investment opportunities due torestrictions on foreign investments in certain industries in China, thus adversely affect our asset management business.We believe that our corporate structure and contractual arrangements does not result in a violation of the current applicable PRClaws and regulations. Our PRC legal counsel, based on its understanding of PRC laws and regulations, is of the opinion that each of thecontracts under the contractual arrangements among our wholly-owned PRC subsidiary, Noah Group, our consolidated variable interestentity, Noah Investment, and its shareholders, is valid, legal and binding in accordance with its terms. However, we have been furtheradvised by our PRC legal counsel that as there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws andregulations, and relevant regulatory measures concerning the foreign investment restrictions and administrative licenses and permits relatedto various underlying industries, there can be no assurance that the PRC government authorities or courts, or other authorities that regulatethe industries that our funds are directly or indirectly investing into, would agree that our corporate structure or any of the contracts under thecontractual arrangements comply with PRC licensing, registration or other regulatory requirements, with existing policies or withrequirements or policies that may be adopted in the future. PRC laws and regulations governing the legality, validity and enforceability ofthese contractual arrangements are uncertain and the relevant government authorities have broad discretion in interpreting these laws andregulations.If our corporate structure and contractual arrangements are deemed by relevant regulatory authorities to be illegal, either in wholeor in part, we may lose control of our consolidated variable interest entity and have to modify such structure to comply with regulatoryrequirements. However, there can be no assurance that we can achieve this without material disruption to our business. Further, if ourcorporate structure and contractual arrangements are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the relevantregulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations, including:●revoking our business and operating licenses;●levying fines on us;Table of Contents22●confiscating any of our income that they deem to be obtained through illegal operations;●shutting down our services;●discontinuing or restricting our operations in China;●imposing conditions or requirements with which we may not be able to comply;●requiring us to change our corporate structure and contractual arrangements;●restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds from overseas offering to finance our variable interest entity’s business andoperations; and●taking other regulatory or enforcement actions that could be harmful to our business.Furthermore, new PRC laws, rules and regulations may be introduced to impose additional requirements that may be applicable toour corporate structure and contractual arrangements. Occurrence of any of these events could materially and adversely affect our business,financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if the imposition of any of these penalties or requirement to restructure ourcorporate structure causes us to lose the rights to direct the activities of our consolidated variable interest entity or our right to receive itseconomic benefits, we would no longer be able to consolidate the financial results of our variable interest entity in our consolidated financialstatements.We rely on contractual arrangements with our variable interest entity and its shareholders for a portion of our China operations, whichmay not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control.As noted above, we rely on contractual arrangements with our variable interest entity, Noah Investment, and its shareholders tooperate a portion of our operations in China. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing uswith control over our consolidated variable interest entity. If our consolidated variable interest entity or its shareholders fail to perform theirrespective obligations under these contractual arrangements, our recourse to the assets held by our consolidated variable interest entity isindirect and we may have to incur substantial costs and expend significant resources to enforce such arrangements in reliance on legalremedies under PRC law. These remedies may not always be effective, particularly in light of uncertainties in the PRC legal system.Furthermore, in connection with litigation, arbitration or other judicial or dispute resolution proceedings, assets under the name of any ofrecord holder of equity interests in our consolidated variable interest entity, including such equity interests, may be put under court custody.As a consequence, we cannot be certain that the equity interests will be disposed pursuant to the contractual arrangement or ownership by therecord holder of the equity interests. All of these contractual arrangements are governed by PRC law and provide for the resolution ofdisputes through arbitration in the PRC. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC law and any disputeswould be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. Under the current contractual arrangements, as a legal matter, if our variableinterest entity or its shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to incursubstantial costs and expend additional resources to enforce such arrangements. We may also have to rely on legal remedies under PRC law,including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure you will be effective. However,the legal environment in the PRC is not as developed as in other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRClegal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements, which may make it difficult to exert effective control over ourvariable interest entity, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected.Table of Contents23Contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiary, Noah Group, our variable interest entity, Noah Investment, and NoahInvestment’s shareholders may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities, who may determine that we or our PRC variable interestentity and its subsidiaries owe additional taxes, which could substantially reduce our consolidated net income and the value of yourinvestment.Under applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit orchallenge by the PRC tax authorities. We are not able to determine whether the contractual arrangements we have entered into among ourPRC subsidiary, Noah Group, our variable interest entity, Noah Investment, and Noah Investment’s shareholders will be regarded by thePRC tax authorities as arm’s length transactions. We could face material and adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determinethat the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiary, Noah Group, our variable interest entity, Noah Investment, and NoahInvestment’s shareholders were not entered into on an arm’s length basis or resulted in an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicablePRC laws, rules and regulations, and adjust Noah Investment’s income in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricingadjustment could, among other things, result in a reduction, for PRC tax purposes, of expense deductions recorded by Noah Investment,which could in turn increase its respective tax liabilities. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose punitive interest on NoahInvestment for the adjusted but unpaid taxes at the rate of 5% over the basic Renminbi lending rate published by the People’s Bank of China,or the PBOC, according to applicable regulations. Although Noah Group did not generate any revenues from providing services to NoahInvestment in the past, if there are such revenues in the future and the PRC tax authorities decide to make transfer pricing adjustments onNoah Investment’s net income, our consolidated net income may be adversely affected.Because certain shareholders of our variable interest entity are our directors and executive officers, their fiduciary duties to us mayconflict with their respective roles in the variable interest entity. If any of the shareholders of our variable interest entity fails to act in thebest interests of our company or our shareholders, our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.Certain shareholders of Noah Investment, our variable interest entity, are our directors and executive officers, including Ms. JingboWang, our chairwoman and chief executive officer, Mr. Zhe Yin, our director, and Mr. Boquan He, our independent director. Conflicts ofinterest may arise between the dual roles of those individuals who are either our directors or executive officers and shareholders of ourvariable interest entity. The fiduciary duties owed by these directors and officers to our company under Cayman Islands law, including theirduties to act honestly, in good faith and in our best interests, may conflict with their roles as shareholders of our variable interest entity, aswhat is in the best interest of our variable interest entity may not be in the best interests of our company. In addition, these individuals maybreach or cause Noah Investment and its subsidiaries to breach or refuse to renew the existing contractual arrangements with us. We do nothave existing arrangements to address such potential conflicts of interest, other than to replace the current directors of our variable interestentity, either by exercising our option under the exclusive option agreement with Noah Investment’s shareholders to cause them to transferall of their equity ownership in Noah Investment to a PRC entity or individual designated by us, and this new shareholder of NoahInvestment could then appoint new directors of Noah Investment to replace the current directors, or cause our PRC subsidiary, Noah Group,in the capacity of the attorney-in-fact of Noah Investment’s shareholders to directly appoint new directors of Noah Investment to replacethese individuals.We rely on Noah Investment’s shareholders to comply with PRC law, which protects contracts and provides that directors andexecutive officers owe a duty of loyalty to our company and require them to avoid conflicts of interest and not to take advantage of theirpositions for personal gains. Although our independent directors or disinterested officers may take measures to prevent the parties with dualroles from making decisions that may favor themselves as shareholders of the variable interest entity, we cannot assure you that thesemeasures would be effective in all instances and that when conflicts arise, those individuals will act in the best interest of our company orthat conflicts will be resolved in our favor. The legal frameworks of China and the Cayman Islands do not provide guidance on resolvingconflicts in the event of a conflict with another corporate governance regime. If we cannot resolve any conflicts of interest or disputesbetween us and those individuals, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which may materially disrupt our business. There is alsosubstantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceeding.Table of Contents24We rely to a large extent on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financingrequirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us could have a material adverseeffect on our ability to conduct our business.We are a holding company, and we may rely to a large extent on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRCsubsidiaries for our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to ourshareholders and any debt we may incur. If our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing thedebt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may require us to adjustour taxable income under the contractual arrangements Noah Group currently has in place with our variable interest entity in a manner thatwould materially and adversely affect its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to us.In addition, our PRC subsidiaries and variable interest entity and its subsidiaries are required to maintain certain statutory reservesand may also allocate a portion of their after-tax profits to staff welfare and bonus funds, which in each case are not distributable as cashdividends except in the event of liquidation. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated entities to pay dividends ormake other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could bebeneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business.Our current corporate structure and business operations may be affected by the newly enacted Foreign Investment Law.On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress promulgated the Foreign Investment Law, which took effect on January 1,2020 and replaced the previous laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely, the PRC Equity Joint Venture Law, the PRCCooperative Joint Venture Law and the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law together with their implementation rules and ancillaryregulations. The Foreign Investment Law embodies an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regimein line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign anddomestic investments. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations in China—Regulation on ForeignInvestment.”The “variable interest entity” structure has been adopted by many PRC-based companies, including us, to obtain necessary licensesand permits in industries that are currently subject to foreign investment restrictions in China. However, substantial uncertainties still exist inrelation to the interpretation and implementation of current and future PRC laws and regulations, including the Foreign Investment Law,especially in regard to the permissibility of variable interest entity’s contractual arrangements. While the Foreign Investment Law does notcomment on the concept of “de facto control” and does not define contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment explicitly, it hasa catch-all provision under the definition of “foreign investment” to include investments made by foreign investors in China through meansstipulated by laws or administrative regulations or provisions to provide for contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment. Wecannot assure you that future laws and regulations will not provide for contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment. Therefore,there can be no assurance that our control over our variable interest entity through contractual arrangements will not be deemed as foreigninvestment in the future. In the event that any possible implementing regulations of the Foreign Investment Law or any other future laws,administrative regulations or provisions deem contractual arrangements as a type of foreign investment, when the funds that we act as thegeneral partner invest into other equity investment funds or companies in China (either directly or through the investments in other equityinvestment funds), there could be a risk that such funds or companies may be deemed as having foreign investment in their shareholdingstructure when governmental authorities review such funds or investee companies’ applications for certain approvals or licenses in industriesthat are subject to foreign investment restrictions. Any such future changes in applicable laws or regulations could reduce the investmentopportunities available to us.Table of Contents25PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of conversionof foreign currencies into Renminbi may delay or prevent us from using any offshore cash we may have to make loans to our PRCsubsidiaries and variable interest entity or to make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially andadversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.We are an offshore holding company conducting our operations in China through our PRC subsidiaries and variable interest entity.We may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and variable interest entity, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRCsubsidiaries.Any loans made by us to our PRC subsidiaries are subject to PRC regulations and foreign exchange loan registrations. For example,loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries to finance their activities cannot exceed statutory limits, i.e., the difference between its total amount ofinvestment and its registered capital, or certain amount calculated based on elements including capital or net assets and the cross-borderfinancing leverage ratio, or Macro-prudential Management Mode, under relevant PRC laws and the loans must be registered with the localcounterpart of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, or filed with SAFE in its information system. We may also provideloans to our consolidated variable interest entity or its subsidiaries or other domestic PRC entities under the Macro-prudential ManagementMode. According to the Circular of the People’s Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Adjusting the Macro-prudent Adjustment Parameter for Cross-border Financing issued on January 7, 2021, the limit for the total amount of foreign debt under theMacro-prudential Management Mode is adjusted to one time of their respective net assets. Moreover, any medium or long-term loan to beprovided by us to our consolidated variable interest entity or its subsidiaries or other domestic PRC entities must also be registered with theNational Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC. We may also decide to finance our PRC subsidiaries by means of capitalcontributions. These capital contributions must be recorded with the competent administration for market regulation.On March 30, 2015, SAFE issued the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming the Administrative Approach Regarding the Settlement of the Foreign Exchange Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19, which took effect and replaced previous regulations from June 1, 2015. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 19, up to 100% of foreign currency capital of a FIE may be converted into RMB capital according to the actual operation, and within the business scope, of the enterprise in its discretion. Although SAFE Circular 19 allows for the use of RMB converted from the foreign currency-denominated capital for equity investments in the PRC, the restrictions continue to apply as to FIEs’ use of the converted RMB for purposes beyond the business scope, for entrusted loans or for inter-company RMB loans. 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 relevant laws and regulations. As the SAFE Circular 28 is newly issued and 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.In light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshoreholding companies, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or the record-filings on atimely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries or our variable interest entity or with respect to future capitalcontributions by us to our PRC subsidiaries. If we fail to complete such registrations or record-filings, our ability to use any offshore cash wemay have, including the proceeds we receive from any future offshore offering of equity or debt securities, and to capitalize or otherwisefund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund andexpand our business.Table of Contents26Risks Related to Doing Business in ChinaThe audit report included in this annual report is prepared by an auditor who is not inspected by the Public Company AccountingOversight Board and, as such, our investors are deprived of the benefits of such inspection.Our independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report included in our annual report filed with the U.S.Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as auditors of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firmregistered with the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, is subject to laws of the United States pursuant towhich the PCAOB conducts regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Becauseour auditors are located in the PRC, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of theChinese authorities, our auditors are not currently inspected by the PCAOB.In May 2013, the PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation withthe China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, and the PRC Ministry of Finance, which establishes a cooperative frameworkbetween the parties for the production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations undertaken by the PCAOB, the CSRC orthe PRC Ministry of Finance in the United States and the PRC, respectively. The PCAOB continued to be in discussions with the CSRC andthe PRC Ministry of Finance to permit joint inspections in the PRC of audit firms that are registered with PCAOB and audit Chinesecompanies that trade on U.S. exchanges.On December 7, 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement highlighting continued challenged faced by the U.S.regulators in their oversight or financial statement audits of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China. However, it remainsunclear what further actions, if any, the SEC and the PCAOB will take to address the problem.On April 21, 2020, the SEC and the PCAOB issued another joint statement reiterating the greater risk that disclosures will beinsufficient in many emerging markets, including China, compared to those made by U.S. domestic companies. In discussing the specificissues related to the greater risk, the statement again highlights the PCAOB’s inability to inspect audit work paper and practices ofaccounting firms in China, with respect to their audit work of U.S. reporting companies. However, it remains unclear what further actions theSEC and PCAOB will take to address the problem.On June 4, 2020, the then U.S. President issued a memorandum ordering the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets, orthe PWG, to submit a report to the President within 60 days of the memorandum that includes recommendations for actions that can be takenby the executive branch and by the SEC or PCAOB on Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges and their audit firms, in an effortto protect investors in the United States.On August 6, 2020, the PWG released a report recommending that the SEC take steps to implement the five recommendationsoutlined in the report. In particular, to address companies from jurisdictions that do not provide the PCAOB with sufficient access to fulfillits statutory mandate, or NCJs, the PWG recommends enhanced listing standards on U.S. stock exchanges. This would require, as acondition to initial and continued exchange listing, PCAOB access to work papers of the principal audit firm for the audit of the listedcompany. Companies unable to satisfy this standard as a result of governmental restrictions on access to audit work papers and practices inNCJs may satisfy this standard by providing a co-audit from an audit firm with comparable resources and experience where the PCAOBdetermines it has sufficient access to audit work papers and practices to conduct an appropriate inspection of the co-audit firm. There iscurrently no legal process under which such a co-audit may be performed in China. The report permits the new listing standards to providefor a transition period until January 1, 2022 for listed companies. The measures in the PWG Report are presumably subject to the standardSEC rulemaking process before becoming effective. As we are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, if we fail to meet the new listingstandards before the deadline specified thereunder due to factors beyond our control, we could face possible de-listing from the New YorkStock Exchange, deregistration from the SEC, and other risks, which may materially and adversely affect, or effectively terminate, our ADStrading in the United States.Table of Contents27This lack of the PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures ofour independent registered public accounting firm. As a result, we and investors in our ordinary shares are deprived of the benefits of suchPCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate theeffectiveness of our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditorsoutside of China that are subject to the PCAOB inspections, which could cause investors and potential investors in our stock to loseconfidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.As part of a continued regulatory focus in the United States on access to audit and other information currently protected by nationallaw, in particular China’s, in June 2019, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced bills in both houses of the U.S. Congress, which ifpassed, would require the SEC to maintain a list of issuers for which PCAOB is not able to inspect or investigate an auditor report issued bya foreign public accounting firm. The proposed Ensuring Quality Information and Transparency for Abroad-Based Listings on ourExchanges (EQUITABLE) Act prescribes increased disclosure requirements for these issuers and, beginning in 2025, the delisting from U.S.national securities exchanges of issuers included on the SEC’s list for three consecutive years. On December 18, 2020, the president of theUnited States signed into law the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the HFCAA. In essence, the HFCAA requires the SEC toprohibit foreign companies from listing securities on U.S. securities exchanges if a company retains a foreign accounting firm that cannot beinspected by the PCAOB for three consecutive years, beginning in 2021. The HFCAA also requires companies on the list to certify that theyare not owned or controlled by a foreign government and make certain additional disclosures in their SEC filings, including disclosure ofwhether governmental entities in the applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction have a controlling financial interest in the issuer, the names of memberof the Communist Party of China on the board of directors of the issuer or the board of its operating entities and whether the issuer’s articlescontain a charter of the Communist Party of China. On March 24, 2021, the SEC adopted interim final rules relating to the implementationof certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the HFCAA. We will be required to comply with these rules if the SEC identifies usas having a “non-inspection” year under a process to be subsequently established by the SEC. The SEC is assessing how to implement otherrequirements of the HFCAA, including the listing and trading prohibition requirements described above. The enactment of the HFCAA andany additional rulemaking efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information in China could cause investor uncertainty foraffected issuers, including us, and the market price of our ADSs could be adversely affected, and we could be delisted if we are unable tocure the situation to meet the PCAOB inspection requirement in time. Furthermore, there has been recent media reports on deliberationswithin the U.S. government regarding potentially limiting or restricting China-based companies from accessing U.S. capital markets. If anysuch deliberations were to materialize, the resulting legislation may materially and adversely affect the stock performance of China-basedissuers listed in the United States.Proceedings instituted by the SEC against five PRC-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accountingfirm, could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.Starting in 2011 the Chinese affiliates of the “big four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accountingfirm, were affected by a conflict between U.S. and PRC law. Specifically, for certain U.S.-listed companies operating and audited inmainland China, the SEC and the PCAOB sought to obtain from the Chinese firms access to their audit work papers and related documents.The firms were, however, advised and directed that under PRC law, they could not respond directly to the U.S. regulators on those requests,and that requests by foreign regulators for access to such papers in China had to be channeled through the China Securities RegulatoryCommission, or the CSRC.Table of Contents28In late 2012, this impasse led the SEC to commence administrative proceedings under Rule 102(e) of its Rules of Practice and alsounder the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 against the Chinese accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm. Afirst instance trial of the proceedings in July 2013 in the SEC’s internal administrative court resulted in an adverse judgment against thefirms. The administrative law judge proposed penalties on the firms including a temporary suspension of their right to practice before theSEC, although that proposed penalty did not take effect pending review by the Commissioners of the SEC. On February 6, 2015, before areview by the Commissioner had taken place, the firms reached a settlement with the SEC. Under the settlement, the SEC accepts that futurerequests by the SEC for the production of documents will normally be made to the CSRC. The firms will receive matching Section 106requests, and are required to abide by a detailed set of procedures with respect to such requests, which in substance require them to facilitateproduction via the CSRC. If they fail to meet specified criteria, the SEC retains authority to impose a variety of additional remedial measureson the firms depending on the nature of the failure. Remedies for any future noncompliance could include, as appropriate, an automatic six-month bar on a single firm’s performance of certain audit work, commencement of a new proceeding against a firm, or in extreme cases theresumption of the current proceeding against all four firms. If additional remedial measures are imposed on the PRC-based “big four”accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, in administrative proceedings brought by the SEC allegingthe firms’ failure to meet specific criteria set by the SEC with respect to requests for the production of documents, we could be unable totimely file future financial statements in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.In the event that the SEC restarts the administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the UnitedStates with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operations in the PRC, which couldresult in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, including possibledelisting. Moreover, any negative news about any such future proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainty regardingChina-based, U.S.-listed companies and the market price of our ADSs may be adversely affected.If our independent registered public accounting firm was denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before the SEC and wewere unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our financialstatements could be determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such a determination could ultimatelylead to the delisting of our ADSs from New York Stock Exchange, or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduceor effectively terminate the trading of our ADSs in the United States.Fluctuations in exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on the value of your investment.The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by changes in China’s political and economicconditions and by China’s foreign exchange policies, among other things. In June 2010, the PRC government allowed the Renminbi toappreciate slowly against the U.S. dollar. However, starting from June 2015, the trend of appreciation changed and the Renminbi started todepreciate against the U.S. dollar gradually. In recent years, the exchange rate between Renminbi and U.S. dollar has fluctuated. It is difficultto predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar inthe future.Table of Contents29The majority of our sales contracts were denominated in Renminbi and majority of our costs and expenses are denominated inRenminbi, while a portion of our financial assets are denominated in U.S. dollars. Very limited hedging options are available in China toreduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, and we have not used any forward contracts or currency borrowings to hedge ourexposure to foreign currency risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness ofthese hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange lossesmay be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency. As a result, anysignificant revaluation of the Renminbi or the U.S. dollar may adversely affect our cash flows, earnings and financial position, and the valueof, and any dividends payable on, our ADSs. For example, an appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would makeany new RMB-denominated investments or expenditures more costly to us, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbifor such purposes. An appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would also result in foreign currency translation losses forfinancial reporting purposes when we translate our U.S. dollar-denominated financial assets into Renminbi, our reporting currency.Conversely, if we decide to convert Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares orADSs, for payment of interest expenses, for strategic acquisitions or investments or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S.dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on us.PRC foreign exchange control regulations restricting the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies may limit our ability to utilizeour revenues effectively and affect the value of your investment.The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, theremittance of currency out of China. We receive the majority of our revenues in Renminbi. Under our current corporate structure, we mayrely on dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under existing PRCforeign exchange control regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and trade andservice-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying withcertain procedural requirements. Therefore, our PRC subsidiaries are currently able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to us without priorapproval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from or registration with appropriategovernment authorities or designated banks is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China topay capital expenses, such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also at its discretionrestrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us fromobtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies toour shareholders, including holders of our ADSs.PRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident beneficial owners or our PRCsubsidiaries to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability toincrease its registered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect us.SAFE has promulgated several rules and regulations that require PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities to register with andobtain approval from SAFE or its local branches in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities, or the SAFE Rules.In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration on Domestic Residents’Offshore Investment, Financing and Round-Trip Investment via Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, which replaces the Circularon Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration on PRC Residents’ Financing and Round-Trip Investment via OffshoreSpecial Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 75. These SAFE Rules are applicable to our shareholders who are PRC individuals or PRCcorporate entities and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we make in the future.Table of Contents30Pursuant to SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents (including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities) who make direct or indirectinvestments in offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, are required to register such investments with SAFE or its local branches. Inaddition, any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV is required to update its registration with the local branch ofSAFE with respect to that SPV, to reflect any change of the basic information, such as any change relating to the PRC individual shareholder,name or operation period, or any material events, such as increase or decrease of capital contribution, share transfer or exchange, or mergeror division. In February 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policyon Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13. Pursuant to SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreigndirect investments and outbound direct investments, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, shall be filed with qualified banksinstead of SAFE. Qualified banks should examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE. However, due tothe inherent uncertainty in the implementation of regulations by the PRC government authorities, these SAFE registrations may not alwaysbe practically available under all circumstances prescribed in these regulations.We may not be fully informed of the identities of all our shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents, and we do nothave control over them and cannot compel them to comply with the SAFE Rules. Therefore, we cannot provide assurance that any applicableregistrations or any amendment under the SAFE Rules has been or will be completed in a timely manner, or at all. The failure or inability ofour existing or future shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents to register or amend their foreign exchange registrationsunder the SAFE Rules may subject such shareholders, beneficial owners or our PRC subsidiaries to fines and legal sanctions, or could resultin liability under PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions, including (i) the requirement by SAFE to return theforeign exchange remitted overseas or into the PRC within a period of time specified by SAFE, with a fine of up to 30% of the total amountof foreign exchange remitted overseas or into PRC and deemed to have been evasive or illegal and (ii) in circumstances involving seriousviolations, a fine of no less than 30% of and up to the total amount of remitted foreign exchange deemed evasive or illegal. Failure to registeror comply with relevant requirements may also restrict our cross-border investment activities or limit our ability to contribute additionalcapital to our PRC subsidiaries and limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends to us. These risks may have amaterial adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.Furthermore, as these foreign exchange, inbound investment and outbound investment related regulations and their interpretationand implementation have been constantly evolving, it is unclear how these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore orcross-border transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. We cannot predict howthese regulations will affect our business operations or future strategy. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent review andapproval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominatedborrowings, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRCdomestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessaryapprovals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability toimplement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.In addition, our offshore financing activities, such as the issuance of foreign debt, are also subject to PRC laws and regulations. Inaccordance with such laws and regulations, we may be required to complete filing and registration with the National Development andReform Commission prior to such activities. Failure to comply with the requirements may result in administrative hearing, warning,notification and other regulatory penalties and sanctions.Table of Contents31Failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration of share options held by our employees who are “domesticindividuals” may subject such employee or us to fines and legal or administrative sanctions.In January 2007, SAFE issued Implementing Rules for the Administrative Measures of Foreign Exchange Matters for Individuals,or the Individual Foreign Exchange Rule, which, among other things, specified approval requirements for certain capital account transactionssuch as a PRC citizen’s participation in the employee stock ownership plans or stock option plans of an overseas publicly-listed company.On February 15, 2012, SAFE issued the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic IndividualsParticipating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly-Listed Company, or the Stock Incentive Plan Rules, pursuant to which “domesticindividuals” (both PRC residents and non-PRC residents who reside in the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one year, excludingforeign diplomatic personnel and representatives of international organizations) participating in any stock incentive plan of an overseas-listedcompany are required, through qualified PRC agents (which could be the PRC subsidiary of such overseas-listed company), to register withSAFE and complete certain other procedures related to the stock incentive plan.We and our employees who are “domestic individuals” and have been granted share options, or the PRC optionees, became subjectto the Stock Incentive Plan Rules when our company became an overseas-listed company upon the completion of our initial public offering.We and our PRC optionees have completed the registration requirement under the Stock Incentive Plan Rules and intend to continue makingsuch registration on an on-going basis as new awards are granted. If we or our PRC optionees fail to comply with the Individual ForeignExchange Rule and the Stock Incentive Plan Rules, we and/or our PRC optionees may be subject to fines and other legal sanctions. We mayalso face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional option plans for our directors and employees under PRClaw. In addition, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, has issued a few circulars concerning employee stock options. Under thesecirculars, our employees working in China who exercise stock options will be subject to PRC individual income tax. Our PRC subsidiarieshave obligations to file documents related to employee stock options with relevant tax authorities and withhold individual income taxes ofthose employees who exercise their stock options. If our employees fail to pay and we fail to withhold their income taxes, we may facesanctions imposed by tax authorities or any other PRC government authorities. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding theinterpretation and implementation of the Individual Foreign Exchange Rule and the Stock Incentive Plan Rules. We cannot guarantee thatour current practices will comply with future interpretations of the Individual Foreign Exchange Rule and the Stock Incentive Plan Rule, andany failure to comply could subject us to fines and other legal sanctions.The dividends we receive from our PRC subsidiaries may be subject to PRC tax under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, which wouldhave a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we are classified as a PRC residententerprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders or ADS holders.Pursuant to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, dividends generated and payable by a FIE in China to its foreigninvestors are subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with Chinathat provides for a different withholding arrangement. We are a Cayman Islands holding company and the majority of our income may comefrom dividends we receive, directly or indirectly, from our wholly foreign-owned PRC subsidiaries. Since there is currently no such taxtreaty between China and the Cayman Islands, dividends we directly receive from our wholly foreign-owned PRC subsidiaries will generallybe subject to a 10% withholding tax.Table of Contents32In addition, under the Arrangement between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for theAvoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, where a Hong Kong residententerprise, which is considered a non-PRC tax resident enterprise, directly holds at least 25% of the equity interests in a PRC enterprise, thewithholding tax rate in respect to the payment of dividends by such PRC enterprise to such Hong Kong resident enterprise is reduced to 5%from a standard rate of 10%, subject to approval of the PRC local tax authority. Accordingly, our Hong Kong subsidiaries, such as NoahInsurance (Hong Kong) Limited, or Noah Insurance, are able to enjoy the 5% withholding tax rate for the dividends they receive from theirPRC subsidiaries in which they hold a more than 25% of the equity interests if they satisfy the conditions prescribed in relevant tax rules andregulations and obtain the approvals as required. However, if Noah Insurance is considered to be a non-beneficial owner for purposes of thetax arrangement, any dividends paid to it by our wholly foreign-owned PRC subsidiaries directly would not qualify for the preferentialdividend withholding tax rate of 5%, but rather would be subject to a rate of 10%.Furthermore, under the EIT Law and the Implementation Rules to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or EIT ImplementationRules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with its “de facto management body” within the PRC is considered a PRC residententerprise and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its global income at the rate of 25%. See “Item 4. Information on theCompany—B. Business Overview—Regulations in China—Regulations on Tax—PRC Enterprise Income Tax.” We do not believe that NoahHoldings Limited or any of its subsidiaries outside of China is a PRC resident enterprise for the year ended December 31, 2020, becauseneither we nor these subsidiaries are controlled by a PRC enterprise or PRC enterprise group, and because our records and these subsidiaries’records (including the resolutions of the respective boards of directors and the resolutions of the respective shareholders) are maintainedoutside the PRC. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertaintiesremain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” If the PRC tax authorities determine that Noah HoldingsLimited or any of its subsidiaries outside of China is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes, they would be subject to a 25% PRCenterprise income tax on their global income. In addition, if Noah Holdings Limited is considered a PRC resident enterprise for PRC taxpurposes, we may be required to withhold a 10% withholding tax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-PRC residententerprises, including the holders of our ADSs. Furthermore, non-PRC resident enterprise shareholders (including our ADS holders) may besubject 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 sourcedfrom within the PRC. It is unclear whether our non-PRC individual shareholders (including our ADS holders) would be subject to any PRCtax 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 anapplicable tax treaty. However, it is also unclear whether our non-PRC shareholders would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treatybetween their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that we are considered as a PRC resident enterprise. If we are required towithhold such PRC income tax under the EIT Law, your investment in our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs may be materially and adverselyaffected.Table of Contents33We face uncertainties with respect to the application of the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of Enterprise Income Tax forShare Transfers by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises.The SAT has issued several rules and notices to tighten the scrutiny over acquisition transactions in recent years, including theNotice on Certain Corporate Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of Properties by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, or SAT Circular 7,issued in February 2015. Pursuant to these rules and notices, if a non-PRC resident enterprise indirectly transfers PRC taxable properties,referring to properties of an establishment or a place in the PRC, real estate properties in the PRC or equity investments in a PRC taxresident enterprise, by disposition of equity interests in an overseas non-public holding company, without a reasonable commercial purposeand resulting in the avoidance of PRC enterprise income tax, such indirect transfer should be deemed as a direct transfer of PRC taxableproperties and gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to the PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%. SAT Circular 7has listed several factors to be taken into consideration by the tax authorities in determining whether an indirect transfer has a reasonablecommercial purpose. However, in spite of these factors, an indirect transfer satisfying all the following criteria shall be deemed to lackreasonable commercial purpose and be taxable under the PRC laws: (i) 75% or more of the equity value of the overseas enterprise beingtransferred is derived directly or indirectly from the PRC taxable properties; (ii) at any time during the one-year period before the indirecttransfer, 90% or more of the asset value of the overseas enterprise (excluding cash) is comprised directly or indirectly of investments in thePRC, or 90% or more of its income is derived directly or indirectly from the PRC; (iii) the functions performed and risks assumed by theoverseas enterprise and any of its subsidiaries that directly or indirectly hold the PRC taxable properties are limited and are insufficient toprove their economic substance; and (iv) the foreign tax payable on the gain derived from the indirect transfer of the PRC taxable propertiesis lower than the potential PRC tax on the direct transfer of such assets. Nevertheless, an indirect transfer falling into the scope of certainsafe harbors under SAT Circular 7 may not be subject to PRC tax. Such safe harbors include qualified group restructuring, secondary marketequity trading and tax treaty exemptions.On October 17, 2017, the SAT released the Public Notice Regarding Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident EnterpriseIncome Tax at Source, or SAT Public Notice 37, effective from December 1, 2018. SAT Public Notice 37 replaced a series of circulars andrevised the rules governing the administration of withholding tax on China-sourced income derived by nonresident enterprises. SAT PublicNotice 37 provided certain key changes to the current withholding regime including, such as (i) the withholding obligation for a non-residententerprise which is declaring a dividend arises on the day the payment is actually made rather than on the day of the resolution to declare thedividends; and (ii) the provision that a non-resident enterprise must self-report tax within seven days if its withholding agents fail to withholdor is removed.Under SAT Circular 7 and SAT Public Notice 37, the entities or individuals obligated to pay the transfer price to the transferor shallbe withholding agents and shall withhold the PRC tax from the transfer price. If a withholding agent fails to do so, the transferor shall reportto and pay the PRC tax to the PRC tax authorities. In case neither a withholding agent nor the transferor complies with the obligations underSAT Circular 7 and SAT Public Notice 37, in addition to imposing penalties such as late payment interest on the transferors, the tax authoritymay also hold a withholding agent liable and impose a penalty of 50% to 300% of the unpaid tax on the withholding agent, provided thatsuch penalty imposed on the withholding agent may be reduced or waived if the withholding agent has submitted the relevant materials inconnection with the indirect transfer to the PRC tax authorities in accordance with SAT Circular 7 and SAT Public Notice 37.Table of Contents34However, as there is a lack of clear statutory interpretation on the implementation of these rules and notices, there is no assurancethat the tax authorities will not apply SAT Circular 7 and SAT Public Notice 37 to previous investments by non-PRC resident investors in ourcompany or our pre-listing restructuring, if any of such transactions were determined by the tax authorities to lack reasonable commercialpurpose. As a result, we and our existing non-PRC resident investors may be at risk of being taxed under these rules and notices and may berequired to expend valuable resources to comply with or to establish that we should not be taxed under such rules and notices, which mayhave a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or such non-PRC resident investors’ investments in us. Wehave conducted and may conduct acquisitions involving corporate structures, and historically our shares were transferred by certain thenshareholders to our current shareholders. We cannot assure you that the PRC tax authorities will not, at their discretion, adjust any capitalgains and impose tax return filing obligations on us or require us to provide assistance for the investigation of PRC tax authorities withrespect thereto. Any PRC tax imposed on a transfer of our shares or any adjustment of such gains would cause us to incur additional costsand may have a negative impact on the value of your investment in us.The enforcement of the Labor Contract Law, Social Insurance Law and other labor-related regulations in the PRC may adversely affectour business and our results of operations.In June 2007, the National People’s Congress of China enacted the Labor Contract Law of the PRC, or the Labor Contract Law,which became effective in January 2008 and was subsequently amended in July 2013. The Labor Contract Law establishes more restrictionson and increases costs for employers to dismiss employees, including specific provisions related to fixed-term employment contracts,temporary employment, probation, consultation with the labor union and employee assembly, employment without a contract, dismissal ofemployees, compensation upon termination and overtime work and collective bargaining. According to the Labor Contract Law, an employeris obliged to sign a labor contract with unlimited term with an employee if the employer continues to hire the employee after the expirationof two consecutive fixed-term labor contracts, subject to certain conditions, or after the employee has worked for the employer for tenconsecutive years. The employer is also required to pay compensation to an employee if the employer terminates an unlimited-term laborcontract. Such compensation is also required when the employer refuses to renew a labor contract that has expired, unless it is the employeewho refuses to extend the expired contract. In addition, under the Regulations on Paid Annual Leave for Employees, which became effectivein January 2008, if we decide to lay off a large number of employees or otherwise change our employment or labor practices, the LaborContract Law may also limit our ability to effect these changes in a manner that we believe to be cost-effective or desirable, which couldadversely affect our business and results of operations.We cannot assure you that our employment practices do not or will not violate these labor-related laws and regulations. If we aredeemed to have been non-compliant with any such laws and regulations or to have failed to make adequate contributions to any socialinsurance schemes, we may be subject to penalties and negative publicity, and our business, results of operations and prospects may bematerially adversely affected.Risks Related to Our ADSsThe market price for our ADSs may continue to be volatile.The trading prices of our ADSs have been, and are likely to continue to be, volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factorsbeyond our control. The trading prices of our ADSs ranged from US$20.42 to US$48.39 in 2020. In addition, securities markets may fromtime to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations that may or may not relate to our operating performance, which may have amaterial and adverse effect on the market price of our ADSs. In particular, volatility in the PRC stock markets in the last few years hasresulted in some volatility in the trading prices of most PRC-based companies whose shares are traded in the United States. The market pricefor our ADSs is likely to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following:●regulatory developments in our target markets affecting us, our clients or our competitors;●announcements of studies and reports relating to the quality of our products and services or those of our competitors;Table of Contents35●changes in the performance or market valuations of other companies in the industries in which we operate;●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;●conditions in the industries in which we operate;●announcements by us or our competitors of new services, acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures or capitalcommitments;●addition or departure of our senior management;●fluctuations of exchange rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar;●release or expiry of transfer restrictions on our outstanding ordinary shares or ADSs; and●sales or perceived potential sales of additional ordinary shares or ADSs.In addition, the market prices for China-based companies listed in the United States have experienced volatility that might havebeen unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. The substantial declines in the market prices of the securities of China-basedcompanies may affect the attitudes of investors toward Chinese companies listed in the United States in general, which consequently mayimpact the market price of our ADSs, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, any negative news or perceptions aboutinappropriate corporate governance practices or corporate structure, fraudulent accounting or other matters of some China-based companiesmay also negatively affect the attitudes of investors towards China-based companies in general, including us, regardless of whether we haveengaged in any inappropriate activities.The global financial crisis and the ensuing economic recessions in many countries have contributed and may continue to contributeto extreme volatility in the global stock markets, such as the large declines in share prices in the United States, mainland China, Hong Kongand other jurisdictions at various times since 2008. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the prices of ourADSs, regardless of our operating performance.The volatility resulting from any of the above factors may affect the price at which you could sell the ADSs.Table of Contents36Our dual-class voting structure will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing anychange of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficialOur co-founders, Ms. Jingbo Wang and Mr. Zhe Yin, have considerable influence over important corporate matters. Our ordinaryshares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote and eachClass B ordinary share is entitled to four votes on all matters that are subject to shareholder vote. Each Class B ordinary share is convertibleinto one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof, while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinaryshares under any circumstances. Due to the disparate voting powers associated with our two classes of ordinary shares, as of March 31,2021, Ms. Jingbo Wang and Mr. Zhe Yin beneficially owned 28.3% of our share capital and controlled 61.0% of the aggregate voting powerof our company. As a result, Ms. Jingbo Wang and Mr. Zhe Yin have considerable influence over matters such as electing directors andapproving material mergers, acquisitions or other business combination transactions, and they may take actions that are not in the bestinterest of us or our other shareholders. This concentrated control will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could alsodiscourage others from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions, which could have the effect ofdepriving the holders of our Class A ordinary shares and our ADSs of the opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over the prevailingmarket price and could result in a reduction in the price of our ADSs.The dual-class structure of our ordinary shares may adversely affect the trading market for our ADSs.S&P Dow Jones and FTSE Russell have changed their eligibility criteria for inclusion of shares of public companies on certainindices, including the S&P 500, to exclude companies with multiple classes of shares and companies whose public shareholders hold nomore than 5% of total voting power from being added to such indices. In addition, several shareholder advisory firms have announced theiropposition to the use of multiple class structures. As a result, the dual class structure of our ordinary shares may prevent the inclusion of ourADSs representing Class A ordinary shares in such indices and may cause shareholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary aboutour corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to cause us to change our capital structure. Any such exclusion from indices couldresult in a less active trading market for our ADSs. Any actions or publications by shareholder advisory firms critical of our corporategovernance practices or capital structure could also adversely affect the value of our ADSs.Our board of directors, which has complete discretion as whether to distribute dividends, does not currently plan to pay any dividends.Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in our ADSs as a source of future dividend income.Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to our articles of association andCayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders by ordinary resolution may declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amountrecommended by our board of directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend on its shares out ofeither profit or share premium amount, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in our company beingunable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends,the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow,our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition,contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. We may not declare any dividend in the future, and evenif we do so, any future dividend may be less than those historically declared. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in our ADSs asa source of future dividend income. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any futureprice appreciation of our ADSs. There is no guarantee that our ADSs will appreciate in value or even maintain their current price.Table of Contents37Substantial future sales or perceived potential sales of our ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.Additional sales of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, couldcause the market price of our ADSs to decline. The remaining Class A ordinary shares outstanding are available for sale, subject to volumeand other restrictions as applicable under Rules 144 and 701 under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Act.Certain holders of our Class A ordinary shares have the right to 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 withoutrestriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration. Sales of these registered shares in the form ofADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change theirrecommendations regarding our ADSs, the market price for our ADSs and trading volume could decline.The trading market for our ADSs will be influenced by research or reports that industry or securities analysts publish about ourbusiness. If one or more analysts who cover us downgrade our ADSs, the market price for our ADSs would likely decline. If one or more ofthese analysts cease to cover us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn couldcause the market price or trading volume for our ADSs to decline.Our memorandum and articles of association contain provisions that could discourage a third party from seeking to obtain control of ourcompany, which could adversely affect the interests of holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs by limiting their opportunities tosell them at a premium.Our memorandum and articles of association contain certain provisions that could limit the ability of others to acquire control of ourcompany, including provisions that created a class of super-voting stock in the form of Class B ordinary shares and grant to our board ofdirectors the authority to establish and issue from time to time one or more series of preferred shares, and to designate the price, rights,preferences, privileges and restrictions of such preferred shares, without any further vote or action by our shareholders and to determine,with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series which may be greater than the rights of our Class A ordinaryshares. The provisions could have the effect of depriving holders of our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs of the opportunity to sell theirshares or ADSs at a premium over the prevailing market price by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company ina tender offer or similar transactions.You may not have the same voting rights as the holders of our Class A ordinary shares and may not receive voting materials in time to beable to exercise your right to vote.Except as described in this annual report and in the deposit agreement, holders of our ADSs will not be able to exercise votingrights attaching to the shares represented by our ADSs on an individual basis. Holders of our ADSs will appoint the depositary or itsnominee as their representative to exercise the voting rights attaching to the shares represented by the ADSs. You may not receive votingmaterials in time to instruct the depositary to vote, and it is possible that you, or persons who hold their ADSs through brokers, dealers orother third parties, will not have the opportunity to exercise a right to vote.Table of Contents38Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings and you may notreceive cash dividends if it is impractical to make them available to you.We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders and other parties, including rights to acquire our securities. Forinstance, in connection with the settlement of the Camsing Incident, we voluntarily made an ex gratia settlement offer to affected clients. Anaffected client accepting the offer shall receive restricted share units, or RSUs, which upon vesting will become Class A ordinary shares ofour company. The maximum number of Class A ordinary shares to be issued by our company to these settled clients would account forapproximately 11.2% of the total issued shares of our company as of December 31, 2020, and account for approximately 6.3% of the votingrights of our Company as of December 31, 2020. Such settlement plan will, and any future settlement plan may dilute your holdings in ourcompany.However, we cannot make rights available to you in the United States unless we register both the rights and the securities to whichthe rights relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. Under the deposit agreement, thedepositary will not make rights available to you unless both the rights and the underlying securities to be distributed to ADS holders areeither registered under the Securities Act or exempt from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file aregistration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declaredeffective and we may not be able to establish a necessary exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may beunable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.The depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on ourClass A ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportionto the number of Class A ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary may, at its discretion, decide that it is inequitable orimpractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, the depositary may determine that it is not practicable todistribute certain property through the mail, or that the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In thesecases, the depositary may decide not to distribute such property to you.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 fromtime 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 thedepositary deems it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under anyprovision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.You may have difficulty effecting service of process and enforcing judgments obtained against us, our directors and our management,and the ability of U.S. authorities to bring and enforce actions in the PRC may also be limited.We are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We conduct a substantial portion of ouroperations in the PRC and substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. In addition, a majority of our directors andofficers are nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for ourshareholders to effect service of process or bring an action against us or against them in the United States in the event that our shareholdersbelieve that their rights have been infringed under the securities laws of the United States or otherwise. Even if our shareholders aresuccessful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands, the PRC or other relevant jurisdiction may render ourshareholders unable to enforce a judgment against us or our directors and officers. In addition, the SEC, the U.S. Department of Justice andother U.S. authorities may also have difficulties in bringing and enforcing actions against us or our directors or officers in the PRC.Table of Contents39In addition, shareholder claims that are common in the United States, including securities law class actions and fraud claims, maybe difficult to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in the PRC. Under the PRC Civil Procedures Law, foreign shareholders may originateactions based on PRC law against a company in the PRC for disputes if they can establish sufficient nexus to the PRC for a PRC court tohave 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 suit. It will be, however, difficult for U.S. and other shareholdersto originate actions against us in the PRC in accordance with PRC laws because we are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islandsand it will be difficult for U.S. and other shareholders, only by virtue of holding our ADSs, to establish a connection to the PRC for a PRCcourt to have jurisdiction as required under the PRC Civil Procedures Law.It may be difficult for overseas regulators to conduct investigations or collect evidence within China.Shareholder claims or regulatory investigation that are common in the United States generally are difficult to pursue as a matter oflaw or practicality in China. For example, in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to providing information needed forregulatory investigations or litigation initiated outside China. Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperationmechanism 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 Unities States may not be efficient in the absence of mutual and practicalcooperation mechanisms. Furthermore, according to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law, or Article 177, which became effective in March2020, no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of thePRC. While detailed interpretations of or implementation rules under Article 177 have yet to be promulgated, the inability for an overseassecurities regulator to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within China may further increase difficulties you mayface in protecting your interests.You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through the U.S. federal courts may belimited because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law, we conduct the majority of our operations in China and all of ourdirectors and officers reside outside the United States.We have been advised by Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our counsel as to Cayman Islands law, that although there is nostatutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States (and the Cayman Islands are not a party to anytreaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments), the courts of the Cayman Islands will, at common law, recognizeand enforce a foreign money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without reexamination of the merits underlying thedispute based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay theliquidated sum for which judgment has been given provided certain conditions are met. For a foreign money judgment to be enforced in theCayman Islands, such judgment must be final and conclusive and for a liquidated sum, and must not be (i) in respect of taxes or a fine orpenalty or similar fiscal or revenue obligations, (ii) inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matter, (iii)impeachable on the grounds of fraud or (iv) obtained in a manner, nor be of a kind the enforcement of which is, contrary to natural justice orthe public policy of the Cayman Islands (awards of punitive or multiple damages may well be held to be contrary to public policy). ACayman Islands Court may stay enforcement proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.Our corporate affairs are governed by our Memorandum and Articles, as amended and restated from time to time, and by theCompanies Act and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take legal action against us and our directors,actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors are to a large extent governed by the common law of the CaymanIslands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands aswell as from English common law, which provides persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of ourshareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutesor judicial precedents in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the UnitedStates and provides significantly less protection to investors. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate ashareholder derivative action in U.S. federal courts.Table of Contents40In addition, as a company primarily operating in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles for U.S. authorities toobtaining information needed for investigations or litigations. Similar limitations apply to the pursuit of actions against individuals, includingofficers, directors and individual gatekeeps, who may have engaged in fraud or other wrongdoing. Moreover, local authorities often areconstrained in their ability to assist U.S. authorities and overseas investors more generally.As a result, our public shareholders and holders of our ADSs may have more difficulty in protecting their interests through actionsagainst us, our management, our directors or our major shareholders and limited remedies than would shareholders and limited remedies of acorporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States would have.If a United States person is treated as owning at least 10% of our ADSs or ordinary shares, such person may be subject to adverse United States federal income tax consequences. If a United States person is treated as owning (directly, indirectly or constructively) at least 10% of the value or voting power of ourADSs or ordinary shares, such person may be treated as a “United States shareholder” with respect to each “controlled foreign corporation,”or CFC, in our group. Because our group includes one or more United States subsidiaries that are classified as corporations for United Statesfederal income tax purposes, in certain circumstances we could be treated as a CFC and certain of our non-United States subsidiarycorporations could be treated as CFCs (regardless of whether or not we are treated as a CFC).A United States shareholder of a CFC may be required to annually report and include in its United States taxable income its pro ratashare of “Subpart F income,” “global intangible low-taxed income” and investments in United States property by CFCs, whether or not wemake any distributions. An individual who is a United States shareholder with respect to a CFC generally would not be allowed certain taxdeductions or foreign tax credits that would be allowed to a corporation that is a United States shareholder. A failure to comply with thesereporting obligations may subject a United States shareholder to significant monetary penalties and may prevent starting of the statute oflimitations with respect to such shareholder’s United States federal income tax return for the year for which reporting was due. We cannotprovide any assurance that we will monitor whether we are or any of our non-United States subsidiaries is treated as a CFC or whether anyinvestor is treated as a United States shareholder with respect to us or any of our CFC subsidiaries, or that we will furnish to any UnitedStates shareholders information that may be necessary to comply with the aforementioned reporting and tax paying obligations. A UnitedStates investor should consult its tax advisor regarding the potential application of these rules in its particular circumstances.There can be no assurance that we will not be a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which couldresult in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of our ADSs or ordinary shares.We will be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year if, applyingthe applicable look-through rules, either: (1) at least 75% of our gross income for such year is passive income or (2) at least 50% of the valueof our assets (generally determined based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such year is attributable to assets thatproduce passive income or are held for the production of passive income.Table of Contents41Based on the market price of our ADSs, the value of our assets and the nature and composition of our income and assets, we believethat we were a PFIC for our taxable year ended December 31, 2020. PFIC status for a taxable year is based on an annual determination thatcannot be made until the close of such taxable year and involves extensive factual investigation, including ascertaining the fair market valueof all of our assets on a quarterly basis and the character of each item of income that we earn during the relevant taxable year, and is subjectto uncertainty in several respects (including with respect to our treatment of our variable interest entities as being owned by us for UnitedStates federal income tax purposes). The determination of whether we will be a PFIC for any taxable year may also depend in part upon thevalue of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles not reflected on our balance sheet (which may depend upon the market price of ourADSs or ordinary shares from time to time, which may fluctuate significantly) and also may be affected by how, and how quickly, we spendour liquid assets and the cash we generate from our operations and raise in any offering. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we willnot be a PFIC for our current or any future taxable year. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, does not issue rulings with respect toPFIC status, and we cannot assure you that the IRS, or a court, will agree with any determination we make.Because we believe that we were a PFIC for our taxable year ended December 31, 2020, a U.S. Holder (as defined in “Item 10.Additional Information—E. Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”) could be subject to certain burdensome reportingrequirements and adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—U.S. Federal IncomeTax Considerations—Passive Foreign Investment Company.”The Common Reporting Standard could subject us to certain new information reporting and withholding requirements.The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or the OECD, has developed a Common Reporting Standard, or theCRS, and model competent authority agreement to enable the multilateral and automatic exchange of financial account information, whichwere adopted by many jurisdictions. Effective on January 1, 2017, CRS and its implementing legislations in China and Hong Kong requirefinancial institutions to identify and report the tax residency and account details of non-resident customers to the relevant authorities injurisdictions adhering to CRS. On September 6, 2018, the arrangements for the multilateral and automatic exchange of financial accountinformation between China and Hong Kong officially came into effect. Hong Kong and China conducted the first automatic exchange offinancial account information in September 2018, and many jurisdictions (including Hong Kong) have promised to implement themultilateral and automatic exchange of financial account information. While CRS was modeled on the U.S. Foreign Account TaxCompliance Act, or the FATCA, the scope, coverage and volume under CRS are significantly greater than that under FATCA, whichrequires non-U.S. institutions to report to the IRS if U.S. tax payers have an account with the non-U.S. financial institution and have met thestandard of the overseas financial assets. As the reporting requirement under CRS is burdensome, we cannot assure you that we will not beadversely affected by the information reporting and withholding requirements imposed by CRS and its implementing legislations in China,Hong Kong and other jurisdictions subject to CRS in which we conduct or may conduct business in the future.Table of Contents42We could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and anti-corruption laws in other applicablejurisdictions.As an NYSE listed company with operations in various countries, we are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977,or the FCPA, and other anti-corruption laws and regulations in applicable jurisdictions. The FCPA generally prohibits companies and theirintermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Companiessubject to the FCPA may be held liable for actions taken by partners or representatives. We may be subject to these and similar anti-corruption laws in other applicable jurisdictions. Failure to comply with legal requirements could expose us to civil and/or criminal penalties,including fines, prosecution and significant reputational damage, all of which could materially and adversely affect our business and resultsof operations, including our relationships with our clients, and our financial results. Compliance with the FCPA and other applicable anti-corruption laws and related regulations and policies imposes potentially significant costs and operational burdens on us. Moreover, thecompliance and monitoring mechanisms that we have in place, including our Code of Ethics and our anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy,may not adequately prevent or detect all possible violations under applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption legislation.We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certainprovisions applicable to United States domestic public companies.Because we are a foreign private issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, we areexempt 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 of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K withthe SEC;●the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a securityregistered under the Exchange Act;●the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities andliability 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 will be required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we intendto publish our results on a quarterly basis through press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the New York StockExchange. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, theinformation 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 withthe SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the same protections or information, which would be made availableto you, were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.Table of Contents43As a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporategovernance matters that differ significantly from New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards; these practices mayafford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with New York Stock Exchange corporate governancelisting standards.As a Cayman Islands company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we are subject to New York Stock Exchange corporategovernance listing standards. However, the New York Stock Exchange rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporategovernance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, maydiffer significantly from the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards. Shareholders of Cayman Islands exemptedcompanies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders ofthese companies. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, ourcorporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make itmore difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies fromother shareholders in connection with a proxy contest. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our homecountry, differ significantly from requirements for companies incorporated in other jurisdictions such as the United States. To the extent wechoose to follow home country practice with respect to corporate governance matters, our shareholders may be afforded less protection thanthey otherwise would under rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.Item 4. Information on the CompanyA.History and Development of the CompanyWe are a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider in China offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services onglobal investment and asset allocation primarily for high net worth investors.We are an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands with subsidiaries andaffiliated entities primarily in China. In August 2005, our founders started our business when Shanghai Noah Investment Management Co.,Ltd, or Noah Investment, was incorporated. We exercise effective control over Noah Investment and its subsidiaries through contractualarrangements. In 2007, Sequoia Capital China, a well-known venture capital firm based in China, invested in our business. In November2010, we were listed on the New York Stock Exchange as the first independent wealth management company from China.We commenced our asset management business in 2010 when Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries(collectively, “Gopher Asset Management” or “Gopher”) were established. The business scope of Gopher covers private equity and venturecapital investment, real estate investment, public securities investment, and multi-strategy investment. In 2012, Noah Upright FundDistribution Co., Ltd., or Noah Upright (formerly known as Noah Upright (Shanghai) Fund Investment Consulting Co. Ltd.), a whollyowned subsidiary of Noah, obtained the “No. 001” fund distribution license issued by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the“CSRC”) in China.We officially launched our overseas business expansion in February 2012. We first established Noah Holdings (Hong Kong)Limited, or Noah HK, and obtained Type 1 (Dealing in Securities), Type 4 (Advising on Securities), and Type 9 (Asset Management)licenses from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, Hong Kong SFC or the SFC, as well as an insurance broker license inHong Kong. Subsequently, we further expanded our overseas presence by launching offices in Silicon Valley, New York, Vancouver,Melbourne and Singapore. We have obtained and maintained family trust licenses in Hong Kong and Jersey Island, insurance brokeragelicenses in the United States and Canada, and the investment fund manager license, exempt market dealer license, and portfolio managerlicense in Canada, as well as Capital Market Services license in Singapore.Our principal executive offices are located at Building 2, 1687 Changyang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China and Building F,32 Qinhuangdao Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China. Our telephone number is (86) 21 8035-9221. Our registered office in the CaymanIslands is located at the offices of Maples Corporate Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, CaymanIslands.Table of Contents44B.Business OverviewFounded in 2005, we are a leading wealth and asset management service provider in China with a focus on global investment and asset allocation services for high net worth individuals and enterprises. Substantially all our RMB-denominated financial products are managed and distributed in China, and most of our foreign currency denominated products are managed and distributed through our Hong Kong subsidiary, Noah HK, which serves as our offshore booking center. With over 15 years of operating experience, we continue to distribute and manage financial products and provide comprehensivefinancial services to our high net worth and ultra high net worth clients globally, while at the same time constantly optimizing and improvingour risk and asset management procedures to strengthen our core competitiveness.Our Business ModelWe provide comprehensive financial services, including wealth management, asset management and lending and other services toour clients. In 2020, our wealth management business, asset management business, and lending and other businesses contributed to 71.6%,26.5% and 1.9% of our total net revenues, respectively.●Wealth management business. Through our licensed distribution channels, we offer various investment products, includingprimarily domestic and overseas public securities products and insurance products, on behalf of our third-party productpartners and Gopher, our asset management arm. We also provide customized value-added financial services to our clients,including investor education, trust services, corporate services and insurance brokerage services.●Asset management business. Through Gopher, our asset management arm, we manage our clients’ investments in privateequity, real estate, public securities, credit and multi-strategy investment products. Since the fourth quarter of 2020, Gopherraises capital directly for its private equity investments, while public securities products offered by Gopher remains distributedby our wealth management services.●Lending and other businesses. Starting from 2019, this segment mainly includes lending services whereby we make securedloans to creditworthy investors.We have an innovative business model tailored to the needs of high net worth individuals, characterized by (i) our unique ecosystemwith leading product partners, including fund managers and top PE/VC firms, (ii) a diversified product mix that contributes to a favorablerevenue structure with competitive profit margins and delivers successful investment results, and (iii) significant synergies and highoperating efficiency. We are a pioneer in China’s high net worth wealth management industry, and are the first wealth manager to have builtan ecosystem with leading fund managers and PE/VC firms in China. Leveraging our early-mover advantage, deep understanding of theindustry, strong execution capabilities and rigorous risk management, we have developed a comprehensive set of product offerings incollaboration with our product partners.Table of Contents45Set forth below is a diagram illustrating our unique ecosystem:We collaborate with leading product partners in both our wealth management and asset management businesses.●For our wealth management business, we distribute investment products provided by our product partners and Gopher. Duringthe three years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, we distributed most of such investment products through our wealthmanagement subsidiaries. Following the enactment of the Supervision Measures on Sales Institutions of Publicly-RaisedSecurities Investment Fund, or the Supervision Measures, in October 2020 which provides that independent fund salesinstitutions shall specialize in the distribution of funds that invest in public securities, we primarily distribute domestic andoverseas public securities products and insurance products through our wealth management subsidiaries.●For our asset management business, we, through Gopher, primarily establish FoFs or feeder funds that invest in funds managedby top PE/VC firms. In certain cases, the funds managed by Gopher and PE/VC firms may also co-invest directly into portfoliocompanies. Our long-term, in-depth, and in certain cases, exclusive collaborations with top PE/VC firms demonstrate ourextensive resources in the industry and recognition by leading industry players. Following the enactment of the SupervisionMeasures, which restrict our wealth management arm from distribution of private funds that invest in PE/VC products exceptas otherwise permitted by the CSRC, we have been able to collaborate with PE/VC firms solely through our strong assetmanagement business.Our ClientsWe primarily serve Chinese high net worth individuals who resides in China or overseas with total investable assets exceedingRMB6.0 million, and in recent years, have expanded our services to mass affluent individuals with relatively less investable assets. Inaddition to individual clients, we also strategically provide services to certain institutional clients, primarily entities affiliated with high networth individuals, such as their family offices. We have attracted a loyal and high quality high net worth client base, with approximately360,000 registered clients and 34,000 active clients (including mutual fund-only clients) as of December 31, 2020.Table of Contents46Our client base has experienced significant growth in recent years. The table below sets forth certain information regarding our clients as of or for the periods indicated.As of/for the year ended December 31, 2018 2019 2020Number of registered clients(1) 260,285 293,760 360,637Number of active clients (excluding mutual fund-only clients)(2) 13,628 14,538 12,161Number of active clients (including mutual fund-only clients)(2) * 31,495 34,213(1)Registered clients are clients who have completed a preliminary know-your-client and anti-money laundering review process, but mayor may not have purchased any products from us.(2)Our active clients (including mutual fund-only clients) for a given period refer to registered clients who purchase one or moreinvestment products distributed or provided by us during that given period, excluding clients in our lending and other businessessegment. The number of active clients (excluding mutual fund-only clients) further excludes clients who transacted only on our onlinemutual fund platform. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results—Key Performance Indicators—Number of Clients.”*Number of active clients (including mutual fund-only clients) for the year ended December 31, 2018 is not availableIn order to provide targeted and personalized services to our clients, we categorize our clients into five categories based on theirAUM with us, with the “Black Card clients” being the highest level. The table below sets forth the number of clients for each category:Number of registered clientsAs ofCriteriaMinimum AUM201820192020Black card US7 million (RMB50 million) 748 884 985Diamond US$1.4 million (RMB10 million) 4,264 4,450 4,513We have a loyal client base. Our repeat client rate, which represents the number of clients who have both (i) purchased investmentproducts from the Company in a given year and (ii) purchased two or more investment products in any year(s) (the purchases may be madein different years), as a percentage of the clients who have purchased investment products from the Company in that given year, was 89.5%in 2020.Client Onboard Process and Key Contractual TermsWhen a client opens an account with us, we require the client to complete preliminary know-your-client, or KYC, and anti-moneylaundering, or AML, review process, including submitting documents for proof of their identities and declaring source of funds forinvestments, for the account registration. We enter into a set of standard client service agreements with our clients at account opening. Suchclient service agreements set forth rights and obligations of our clients when using service provided by us and authorizes us to collect anduse certain personal information of our clients.They will also receive an investor right notification form setting forth their interest and risks in purchasing such products. Werequire our clients to complete a full set of KYC and AML procedures designed for the specific product, including the procedures evaluatingtheir levels of investable assets and risk tolerance.Table of Contents47Our Key Products and ServicesOur Wealth Management BusinessWe provide diversified investment products, customized asset allocation and value-added services to our clients inside and outsideof China for our wealth management business. Our dedicated relationship managers work with clients to build an asset allocation objectiveand a dynamic investment portfolio for each of them with the diversified investment products we offer, aiming to meet our clients’ financialplanning needs, minimizing their risks while generating attractive returns. Our high net worth clients benefit from our comprehensiveservices, expertise and capacities, including, among others, tax planning, investor education services and trust planning services. In 2018,2019 and 2020, net revenues contributed by our wealth management business were RMB2,306.0 million, RMB2,319.3 million andRMB2,366.3 million (US$362.6 million), respectively, representing 70.1%, 68.4% and 71.6% of our total net revenues, respectively.Revenue ModelFor our wealth management business, we generate revenues primarily from the offering of investment products and services to ourclients in four ways: (i) one-time commissions paid by funds managed by our product partners, (ii) recurring service fees paid by our productpartners or funds managed by them over the duration of the investment product, (iii) sharing of a portion of the performance-based incomeearned by product partners who manage the products, and (iv) revenues from comprehensive services we provide, especially the revenuesfrom our investor education business. We also earn one-time commissions from insurance companies by referring clients to purchaseinsurance products from them, and recognize revenues when the underlying insurance contracts become effective. We do not bear any lossfrom our clients’ investments nor do we provide guarantees of return with respect to the products we distribute, in accordance with theinvestment agreements with our clients.Set forth below is a diagram illustrating the business and revenue model of our wealth management business:Table of Contents48Investment Product OfferingsWe have a proven track record of consistently pioneering a broad array of innovative and high-quality investment product andservice offerings which provide comprehensive and tailored investment opportunities to meet the specific wealth management requirementsof our clients. During the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, our domestic and overseas wealth management productsprimarily consist of:●private equity products, including investments in (i) various private equity and venture capital funds sponsored by third partydomestic and international asset/fund management firms, (ii) real estate equity funds, and (iii) private equity and venturecapital funds managed by Gopher Asset Management, including FoFs, feeder funds, S funds and direct and co-investmentfunds. Following the enactment of Supervision Measures in the fourth quarter of 2020, we started distributing private equityproducts exclusively through Gopher, rather than through our wealth management business;●public securities products, the underlying assets of which are investments in publicly listed securities and bonds in thesecondary market. Our public securities products include primarily (i) secondary market equity products, which are privately-raised securities investment funds, and (ii) since 2019, mutual fund products, which are publicly-raised securities investmentfunds;●credit products, mainly including (i) consumer financing products, (ii) supply chain financing products and (iii) other privatecredit products, including private corporate credit products, mezzanine financing products linked to corporate merger andacquisitions and buyouts. We have stopped the offerings of substantially all credit products since the third quarter of 2019; and●other products we distribute or provide or manage but cannot be classified into any of the above product categories, such asinsurance and multi-strategy products.The table below sets out the aggregate transaction value of the different types of investment products that we distributed during theperiods indicated:Year Ended December 31,20182019 2020 (RMB in (RMB in (RMB in (US$ in Millions)% Millions)% Millions)Millions)%Product type Public securities products (1) 13,605 12.4 26,378 33.6 73,143 11,210 77.2Private equity products 18,864 17.1 14,279 18.2 17,876 2,740 18.9Credit products 75,498 68.6 34,316 43.7 616 94 0.6Other products 2,062 1.9 3,551 4.5 3,101 475 3.3All products 110,029 100.0 78,524 100.0 94,736 14,519 100.0(1)“Public securities products” refer to investment products that are based on publicly traded securities, including stocks and bonds. Priorto 2019, this category included only secondary market equity products. Starting in January 2019, we counted the transaction value ofmutual fund products in our total transaction value.Overseas Wealth ManagementIn addition to our well-established domestic and RMB-denominated product offerings, we also offer a variety of overseas productsdenominated in a variety of currencies to address the asset allocation needs of offshore capital of our clients. The diversification of ourinvestment product offerings distinguishes us from many of our competitors in China, who typically offer only one or two types of assetcategories and only have domestic and RMB-denominated product offerings. In 2020, the revenues from the Company’s overseas wealthmanagement products accounted for 21.9% of its total revenues.Table of Contents49Comprehensive ServicesIn addition to the investment products we provide to our clients, we develop and provide customized value-added financial andrelated services to our clients to better serve their needs.●Investor Education: We primarily provide our investor education services through our subsidiary Enoch Education Training (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., or Enoch Education, offering various types of training programs to our individual clients and their families. These programs include wealth planning, market insights, and overseas tours and entrepreneurship camps. We charge attendees fees for these events primarily based on the duration (which typically last up to one year) and location of each program. Since its establishment, Enoch Education has organized more than 400 training sessions, which have attracted more than 10,000 investors. We believe that Enoch Education is an important tool for building our business as it raises the financial sophistication of our clients, enables us to deepen our relationships with them, and broadens the clients’ investment knowledge, all of which are believed to further enhance their loyalty and willingness to invest with us, especially for long-duration products●Trust Services: We offer trust services through Ark Trust (Hong Kong) Limited, or Ark Trust, which we founded in 2014 andis the first family trust service company registered overseas among the independent wealth management companies in China.Ark Trust provides a full range of services to our high net worth clients, including family trust and fiduciary services,employee stock ownership plans, charitable trust services, offshore corporate services, and wealth planning services. Wecurrently offer international trust services in Hong Kong, Jersey and Singapore, which are all major centers for offshore trustservices.●Corporate Services: We provide corporate services to assist our clients’ businesses on various aspects such as governmentregistration, tax planning and back office leasing. We believe that through these corporate services, we are able to furtherexpand the range of our services and deepen the relationship with our existing clients.Our Asset Management BusinessTo further address the asset allocation needs of our clients, we started our asset management business in 2010 under the brand nameGopher Asset Management. Gopher manages investments with underlying assets in China and overseas denominated in Renminbi or othercurrencies. Our AUM were RMB169.2 billion, RMB170.2 billion and RMB152.8 billion (US$23.4 billion), respectively, as of December 31,2018, 2019 and 2020.Revenue ModelWe generate revenues from our asset management business primarily in the form of (i) one-time commissions from funds managedby Gopher when the investment product was distributed directly by Gopher, (ii) recurring service fees paid by funds managed by Gopherover the duration of the investment products and (iii) performance-based income from funds for which we serve as the fund managers.Table of Contents50Set forth below is a diagram illustrating the business and revenue model of our asset management business:Given that over 60% of Gopher’s AUM as of December 31, 2020 consisted of private equity investments which generally have along duration with no contractual redemption rights or high redemption costs, we believe that the recurring service fees we earn arerelatively predictable and sustainable.Investment StructureGopher establishes fund vehicles, or the Gopher Funds, as investment vehicles to raise capital from clients and manage theinvestments. The investment portfolio of Gopher Funds includes primarily (i) private equity investments, including equity investments intoprivate companies and commitments in private equity funds, (ii) public securities investments, including direct investments in publicsecurities and commitments in money market funds, mutual funds and secondary market equity funds, and (iii) real estate investments,typically in the form of equity of private companies holding such investments.Table of Contents51We act as the fund manager and/or general partner for the Gopher Funds and collect management fees and performance-basedincome. We also invest in certain Gopher Funds as general partners, and our equity interests in each individual fund are normally less than3%. The following table sets forth the typical structure of a Gopher Fund:Product OfferingsAs a multi-asset management service provider, Gopher invests in different categories of assets, including:●private equity investments, including investments in the leading private equity funds in China and overseas through FoFs,feeder funds and S funds, as well as direct investments (including co-investments with our investment partners) in sectors suchas TMT, financial services and healthcare. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the AUM of Gopher’s private equityinvestments was RMB113.0 billion (US$17.3 billion), covering 67 Gopher PE/VC FoFs, and directly or indirectly throughthese funds, invested in more than 5,000 companies.Table of Contents52FoFs. In 2010, we established the first market-oriented FoF by private capital in China. Our asset management business hashistorically focused primarily on investments in FoFs, whereby the Gopher Funds invest in one or more third-party managedfunds, which directly or indirectly invest in portfolio companies or other investment portfolios, including public securities. Thegraph below illustrates the portfolio structure of a simple FoFs. Major Gopher PE/VC FoFs typically involve several layers ofFoFs and/or feeder funds structure. Under such structure, multiple Gopher Funds are set up as intermediate investmentvehicles, which are managed by Gopher for the purpose of asset and ownership segregation.Feeder funds. We also manage feeder funds that invest in certain single third-party managed funds. Such third-party managedfunds usually have multiple feeder funds as capital sources. Following the enactment of the Supervision Measures, we leverageprimarily feeder funds to raise capital for our PE/VC investment partners. The graph below illustrates the investment structureof the Company’s feeder funds which invest in single third-party managed funds.Table of Contents53S funds. In May 2013, we introduced the first S fund to high net worth investors in China. The S funds explore investmentopportunities by investing in pre-existing limited partner commitments in the private equity secondary market, which allowsprivate equity investors to sell their investments in private equity funds. S funds typically invest in more diversified investmentportfolios than primary PE funds, and typically deploy capital faster and have a shorter investment term than other privateequity investments ranging from 2 years to 3 years. The graph below illustrates the portfolio structure of our S funds.●Real estate investments, including funds investing in residential as well as commercial real estate properties such as officebuildings and shopping malls, in the form of both credit and equity investments. As of December 31, 2020, our real estateinvestments included two office buildings in Shanghai through direct equity investment, including Gopher Aroma Plaza andGopher Garden Place. Our real estate investments as of December 31, 2020 also included three rental apartment projects in theUnited States.●Public securities investments, mainly including privately-raised secondary market equity FoF and manager of managers, orMoM, investments, as well as direct investments in listed companies. Gopher also launched bond funds in 2019. For themanager of managers approach, we as the fund manager chooses third-party fund managers for certain investment programs ofthe Gopher Funds and monitors their performances. The third-party fund managers specialize in utilizing different investmentstrategies to achieve different levels of risk adjusted returns among market volatilities. A combination of their efforts seeks toprovide positive total return with low risk and volatility over the long term. These third-party fund managers receive anincentive service fee.●Credit and multi-strategy investments. Our credit investments primarily include funds investing in consumer financing, supplychain financing, auto-financing, and other alternative credit related underlying products. Starting from the third quarter in2019, we stopped investing in credit products and started to redeem all outstanding non-standardized credit fund products. Ourmulti-strategy investments primarily include multi-asset portfolios and family office accounts. We use asset allocationprinciples to build multi-asset portfolios and multi or single family office accounts.For a discussion of the change of our wealth management product mix during the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and2020, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results—Key Performance Indicators—AUM.”Table of Contents54Overseas Asset ManagementIn response to our clients’ increasing demands for overseas investment opportunities, we have cooperated with more overseaspartners and increased the number of non-RMB-denominated funds of funds offered. We have built a global Gopher platform to identify andsource non-RMB-denominated investment products for onshore and offshore Chinese high net worth individuals, with our Hong Kong officefocusing on global investments, Silicon Valley office focusing on technology-related venture capital funds and direct investmentopportunities, and New York office focusing on US real estate investments. As of December 31, 2020, the overseas AUM of Gopher AssetManagement reached RMB25.2 billion (US$3.9 billion), representing 16.5% of the total AUM for our asset management.Our Portfolio CompaniesA substantial amount of the investment products we offer and distribute are investments into equity or debt of companies. Inparticular, our Gopher Funds strive to invest into companies with great growth potential through private equity investments to generateattractive investment returns. Over the years, our Gopher Funds have invested in many portfolio companies that have achieved outstandingperformance, which demonstrates our strong asset management capabilities. As of December 31, 2020, Gopher’s AUM included 67 GopherPE/VC FoFs, which in aggregate invest in 289 funds managed by third parties, and directly or indirectly through these funds, invested inmore than 5,000 companies, many of which had achieved substantial growth. As of December 31, 2020, more than 360 companies Gopherinvested in have successfully become listed companies and more than 120 companies have grown into unicorn companies with a valuationover US$1.0 billion.Our Product Partners and Investment PartnersWe have established extensive business relationships with reputable product partners and investment partners both in China andglobally, in connection with our distribution of investment products. Our product partners and investment partners are typically the issuers ormanagers of investment products. The product partners and investment partners with which we partner encompass a variety of institutionsand companies, mainly including private equity/venture capital firms and public securities fund managers, real estate fundmanagers/developers, and securities investment fund managers. We distribute wealth management products provided by these productpartners directly, and for our asset management business, our Gopher Funds invest into the investment products provided by our investmentpartners, whereby we offer limited partnership commitments to our Gopher Funds as asset management products to our clients. In certainoccasions, our Gopher Funds also co-invest with our investment partners into portfolio companies directly. From 2018 to 2020, wecollaborated with over 170 product partners and investment partners in aggregate. A certain partner can either act as a product partner for ourwealth management business or an investment partner for our asset management business.We have a strong presence in distributing private equity wealth management products, and has built collaborative relationships with15 out of the top 20 VC fund managers as named in the “2019 Annual List of Chinese Venture Capital Investment Institutions” in October2019 by CV Info, one of China’s leading third-party private equity information providers, and 10 of the top 20 international PE firms asnamed in “Private Equity International’s PEI 300 list” for 2020.In addition to leading PE/VC firms, we also collaborate with other financial institutions to provide a variety of investment products.Specifically, we currently collaborate with major secondary market equity fund managers, such as Perseverance Asset Management andGreenwoods, as one of their exclusive distribution channels for public securities. Our onshore mutual fund platform, “Fund Smile”, currentlyworks with 18 out of the top 20 non-money market funds in China.Table of Contents55Key contractual terms with product partners for our wealth management businessWe enter into service agreements with the product partners for the majority of the products we distribute through our wealthmanagement business. These service agreements usually expire upon the redemption of the underlying investment products. Under theseagreements, we typically undertake to provide the counterparty with services relating to our clients’ purchase of the relevant products. Suchservices generally include providing our clients with information on the relevant products, evaluating the financial condition and risk profilesof those clients who desire to purchase the relevant products, educating them on the transaction documentation as well as furnishing otherassistance to facilitate their communications with the product partners.Under our service agreements with respect to our fund products distributed through our wealth management business, we alsoundertake to assist the product partners to maintain investor relationships by providing our clients who have purchased the relevant productswith various post-investment services, including investor communications assistance and periodic portfolio management reports..Key contractual terms with investment partners for our asset management businessAs for the product partners we collaborate within our asset management business through FoF investments, our Gopher Fund investin the funds set up and managed by the investment partners. Our investment partner set up fund vehicles to raise capital, which subsequentlyinvest into asset portfolios. In connection with such investment, Gopher Fund enters into a limited partnership agreement as a limited partnerof the fund and the investment partner as the general partner of the fund. In accordance with the limited partnership agreements, ourinvestment partner actively manages the investment on behalf of Gopher Fund and other limited partners. Gopher Fund is obligated toprovide capital to the fund in due course. The limited partnership agreements set forth the duration and redemption terms of the fund.In case of co-investment with our investment partners, Gopher Fund and the fund managed by our investment partners both investin the investment portfolio directly. For such investments, we generally enter into a set of agreements in connection with such investmentsincluding share purchase agreement and shareholders’ agreements to protect the interest of our clients and us.Product Development and SelectionWe have a rigorous product development and selection process is key to our business. In light of the tightened regulatoryenvironment in China in recent years, we have been further enhancing our comprehensive risk management system.Product Development and Selection PhilosophyOur product development team focuses on meeting the evolving demands of clients by balancing the investment return, investmentrisk, and liquidity of the products we offer. For our wealth management business, our team is primarily responsible for selection of wealthmanagement products to be distributed by our wealth management segment, whereby for our asset management business, our team strives todevelop and structure the investment products offered by Gopher. Our product selection efforts are guided by our comprehensive research,which provides a top-down review on our overall tactical asset allocation strategy at least semi-annually, based on which our product teamdevelops strategies in each asset class.We strive to provide a variety of wealth management products to our clients. Based on our research, we strategically select productsthat captures current investment opportunities, as well as products of stable long-term performance. We believe such product mix allows ourinvestors to customize their investment portfolio based on their risk appetite and return expectations.Table of Contents56As for our asset management business, Gopher’s investment philosophy focuses on identifying and capturing opportunities fromemerging trends in the market, evaluating a wide range of assets and investment opportunities from numerous investment partners, andconstructing investment portfolios through vigorous due diligence process. Moreover, we seek to minimize volatility of the performance ofour investments by investing in a wide range of asset classes and investment structures which enhances the sustainability of our revenuestreams under various economic circumstances.Product Development and Selection ProcessEach product offered to our clients, including the wealth management products we distribute and asset management products weoffer, must go through a strictly implemented product screening procedure as indicated in the diagram below:Our product development and selection process involves three key stages: project screening, project evaluation and risk control. In-house experts and professionals, including high-level management team members from our legal department, risk management department,compliance department and product department will gather periodically to carefully screen and evaluate each product we offer and distribute.●In the project screening stage, our professionals select the potential product or the proposed investment portfolio from a broaddatabase of investment products and review our internal due diligence findings to determine whether the product may besuitable for investment and/or distribution to our clients. A prospective product or investment needs to be approved by at leasta majority of the members participating in the project screening meeting before the product or investment moves onto the nextstage.Table of Contents57-For wealth management products, we have adopted an effective screening mechanism that analyzes and evaluates theproposed investment product or portfolio both qualitatively and quantitatively. To facilitate the screening of the fundproducts, we maintain a whitelist of fund product providers that we update on real-time basis. Our wealth management armconducts independent assessment of investment products developed by Gopher.-For each proposed investment under our asset management business, in particular private equity direct or co-investments,we will designate a dedicated project team to conduct preliminary due diligence on the potential investment target. Afterconducting the preliminary review, the project team submits an investment analysis and due diligence memorandum on theinvestment targets, focusing on investment overview and recommendation, market opportunities, investment strategies,investment return analysis, eligible investors, key risks and risk control solutions, among other considerations. Ifnecessary, we will also engage qualified third-party services providers such as independent auditors and law firms toconduct independent research and analysis on our proposed investment portfolio.●In the project evaluation stage, our professionals analyze the legal structure, financial statistics and other aspects of the productand evaluate the potential returns to our clients and the risks of the investment.●In the risk control stage, our core management team meets to fully evaluate the risk of the product and determine whetherappropriate risk management is in place for the investment in the portfolio and/or distribution of the product. After approvedby the risk control meeting, the product will be reviewed by our in-house risk analysts before it is officially launched.We have also established a complete risk management system for our daily operations. On the product provider side, we havepolicies and procedures regarding, among other things, periodically reviewed product ratings, anti-bribery control, as well as post investmentportfolio monitor and alert system. See “—Risk Management and Internal Control.”In particular, we rigorously monitor the performance of our asset management products on a real-time basis. We have established asystematic post-investment monitoring mechanism to track the performance of funds we manage and to establish a long-term relationshipwith the fund managers whose funds we invested in. We have built a proprietary system, the GIMSP, which tracks the profiles andperformance of all invested funds and underlying projects and consolidates such information in our internal database. This enables us tounderstand investment trends and develop the corresponding strategies in an innovative way. See “—Our Technologies.”Product DistributionWe have established a dedicated client services team for our wealth management business and asset management business. Throughthe licensed distribution channels of our wealth management business, we offer various investment products such as public securitiesinvestments and insurance products on behalf of third-party product partners and Gopher. In addition, Gopher’s direct sales team raisescapital for the private equity products directly.Table of Contents58Our integrated client service team adopts the “Noah Triangle” solution to provide efficient professional services to our clients.Depending on their skillset, knowledge and capacity, our relationship managers can serve in one or more of the following roles: (i) accountrepresentatives who are primarily client relationship managers for originating and maintaining client relationships, (ii) solutionrepresentatives who primarily provide detailed and more technical advice regarding our investment products, and (iii) fulfillmentrepresentatives who primarily serve investment execution, administration and other back-office functions.Our account representatives work closely with our clients to understand their asset allocation needs and preferences. When anaccount representative notices a client’s investment need, he or she will work with a solution manager, a seasoned investment professionalwith comprehensive knowledge of various types of products, to provide customized investment strategy and product recommendations. If theclient is interested, our fulfillment representative will assist the client with the procedures and documentation of the investment process, andlater on delivers portfolio management reports to the client after the investment. The “Noah Triangle” solution is a three-dimensional serviceteam in which members support each other by timely responding to the needs of our clients. We believe this “Noah Triangle” solutionenables us to serve our clients more efficiently and professionally.Our sales and marketing efforts are designed to attract and retain clients and build brand awareness and reputation. We focus onmaintaining long-term relationships with our clients through regular, personalized interaction to build trust with our clients and enhance andsustain their loyalty. We strive to provide unbiased, trustworthy and client-centric advice to our clients based on their individual investmentpreferences and risk appetites. We also believe that the various other value-added services we offer to our clients, such as tax planning,investor education services and trust planning, further enhance the loyalty of our clients.Table of Contents59Wealth ManagementNoah Upright, our primary distribution channel, is among the first independent financial service companies in China which hasobtained the fund distribution license from the CSRC. Furthermore, to meet our clients’ needs for global investment opportunities, we haveestablished offices in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Silicon Valley, New York, Vancouver, Melbourne and Singapore. The following table sets forthour overseas licenses in relation to our wealth management business held by us as of December 31, 2020:Location Licenses Hong KongType 1 (Dealing in Securities), Type 4 (Advising on Securities), Type 9 (Assetmanagement), family trust license, insurance brokerage licenseJersey IslandsFamily trust licenseUnited StatesInsurance brokerage licenseCanadaInsurance brokerage licenseBritish Columbia, CanadaInvestment fund manager license, exempt market dealer license, and portfoliomanager licenseSingaporeCapital market service license, trust business licenseWe distribute wealth management products on behalf of third-party product partners and Gopher, primarily through our network ofrelationship managers, and we use an array of marketing channels to attract potential clients. Furthermore, we also enjoy continued organicgrowth in clients from word-of-mouth referrals.Our dedicated relationship managers strive to provide tailored investment services to our high net worth clients based on a deepunderstanding of each client’s financial position and objectives, utilizing our specialty in asset allocation and manager selection and the widerange of multi-asset class investments which we offer. We optimized and condensed our sales force in 2019 and 2020 to further improveoperational efficiency, and as a result, the total number of relationship managers decreased to 1,231 as of December 31, 2020, as comparedto 1,288 as of December 31, 2019 and 1,583 as of December 31, 2018.Asset ManagementHistorically, the majority of the funds managed by Gopher were distributed through Noah Upright, the distribution network of our wealth management business. Following the enactment of the Supervision Measures in October 2020, which provides that independent fund sales institutions shall specialize in the distribution of funds that invest in public securities, only mutual funds (which are publicly-raised securities investment funds) and secondary market equity funds (which are privately-raised securities investment funds) are distributed through the Noah Upright network. Gopher has built its direct sales team to raise capital for Gopher Funds it establishes that invest in private equity investments. When a client of the wealth management business shows interest in asset management products Gopher offers, a relationship manager of the Gopher will introduce the product to the client and handle the investment process. Gopher’s team of relationship managers also targets institutional investors and family offices, while expanding its distribution channel to other financial institutions such as banks and securities firms.Integrated Client Service TeamOur relationship managers are all full-time employees who typically receive a base salary, and a bonus consists of transaction-basedcommissions, and AUM-based management fees. We focus on recruiting, training and motivating our relationship managers, with the goal ofenabling our relationship managers to deliver thoughtful advice and investment solutions tailored for each client.Table of Contents60We operate with a streamlined relationship manager team. In 2020, our net revenues per relationship manager was RMB2.7 million(US$413.8 thousand), empowered by our innovative business model, efficient “Noah Triangle” service model and innovative and robusttechnology infrastructure.We provide a comprehensive training system for relationship managers in different career stages, helping them understand the assetallocation theory promoted by Noah and investment philosophy within different asset categories. Upon recruitment, our relationshipmanagers will receive required training before interacting with clients. We also provide routine training to our relationship managers fromtime to time. These specialized training opportunities enhance the skills of our top relationship managers and also serve as an importantmotivational tool for all of our relationship managers as they compete to attend these events.We identify our best performing relationship managers who have completed transaction value of over RMB50 million per quarter orover RMB200 million per annum as “elite relationship managers”. As of December 31, 2020, we had 357 elite relationship managers,accounting for 29.0% of our total relationship manager team, but contributing 87.5% of the total transaction value (excluding mutual fund)for our wealth management business in 2020. In 2020, we enjoyed a low turnover rate for our elite relationship managers at merely 5.1%.Client Service CentersWe believe our high-quality client service enhances our client loyalty and brand image. We serve our clients primarily through ournetwork of relationship managers. Headquartered in Shanghai, our client service network covered 80 cities in China as of December 31,2020, multiple developed regions where the country’s high net worth population is concentrated, including the Yangtze River Delta, the PearlRiver Delta, the Bohai Rim and other regions. Our strategy is to open offices at locations with concentrated high net worth population andstrong regional economies. We have opened offices in tier-one and tier-two cities and key provincial capitals in China. We have alsoexpanded our overseas presence with offices in Hong Kong, Taiwan, U.S., Canada, Australia and Singapore.We also operate a call center network providing real-time assistance to our clients. Our call center representatives work with ourclients to record their requests and complaints, and we have also integrated AI-based client service robots into our mobile applications. As ofDecember 31, 2020, we had 20 call center representatives. We provide regular trainings to our representatives and periodically reviewcallers’ level of satisfaction with the service they received from us. At the end of each call, each caller is asked to grade the quality of ourclient service, and a designated call-back team follows up on all incidences of dissatisfaction. We have also invested in ChatBot, a softwaretool that enhances verbal and textual conversations with our client and our call center representatives, for our call center to provide betterservices for our clients.Our Online Transaction and Service PlatformsInvestments in substantially all of our wealth management and asset management products can be facilitated online. We havedeveloped a comprehensive wealth management product mobile application “WeNoah” as a one-stop and integrated client service portal. Inaddition to WeNoah, we also developed “Fund Smile” and “iNoah,” mobile applications specifically for investing in domestic and overseasmutual funds, respectively. WeNoah automatically directs clients that intend to execute mutual fund transactions to our mutual fundtransaction systems Fund Smile and iNoah, which are incorporated into WeNoah. Furthermore, WeNoah is also connected with ourinvestment platforms for secondary market equity funds and private equity investments, and facilitate a transaction process that could becompleted wholly online. We also provide services on web-based client service channels. Utilizing these online platforms, our relationshipmanagers are able to provide real-time online assistance and personalized investment experience to a broader client base.Marketing and Brand PromotionOur relationship managers target potential high net worth individuals and adopts effective marketing based on thorough dataanalytics. Our client engagement and branding initiatives primarily include the following:Table of Contents61Offline and Online: Investor Seminars and Wealth Management ForumsIn order to attract new clients and develop client loyalty, we organize targeted client events on a regular basis, such as high-profileinvestor seminars and workshops, industry conferences and other investor education and social events, where we present our market outlookand highlight our product selections. We invite experts or authorities in the industry to share the latest market trends, newly promulgatedlaws and regulations, and other updates with our clients. We organize these events offline as well as online. In 2020, we organized over 200and 1,900 online and offline investor seminars and wealth management forums, respectively, which were attended by an aggregate of over50,000 clients and watched by over 40,000 viewers online.Online Marketing ChannelTo improve the efficiency of our sales team and better serve our expanding client base, we connect with our client communitythrough WeNoah, as well as online social media networks such as WeChat.WeNoah allows us to keep close relationships with our clients and provide a convenient and efficient platform for these clients toaccess the products and services offered by us. We maintain proprietary databases on a broad range of investment products and client onlinebehavior, and leverage them to provide personalized services and initiate targeted marketing initiatives. WeNoah also serves as aninformation portal for personalized industry news and research, live broadcasts on expert discussions and product roadshows, which areeffective community management portals and investor education tools for our relationship managers.Word-of-Mouth ReferralWord-of-mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools for our business. Although we employ a variety of methods to promoteour brand, we believe the reputation and high level of awareness of our brand in China and, increasingly, abroad and references from clientsis our best and most cost-efficient marketing channel. We believe once clients are satisfied with their experiences, they will continueinvesting in wealth management products we distribute, or referring their friends and colleagues to our products and services.Lending and Other BusinessesIn addition to our wealth management and asset management businesses, we also provide lending and other services. These servicesserve as value-added services that we provide to our high net worth clients to broaden and deepen client relationships. In 2018, 2019 and2020, net revenues from lending and other services represented 7.1%, 8.5% and 1.9% of our net revenues. In 2020, this segment mainlyincludes lending business services whereby we make loans to creditworthy investors. We have strategically winded down lending and otherbusinesses in 2020 as we strategically decided to focus on our core businesses.Lending BusinessesMajority of the loans we make are secured with collateral including financial products distributed by us and real estate properties,with a typical loan-to-value ratio of below 70%. We fund these loans mainly through our licensed microloan company.Starting in the third quarter of 2019, we strategically decreased the scale of secured loans that we made overall.Table of Contents62Risk Management and Internal ControlWe have adopted risk management and internal control policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance forachieving our business objectives, including efficient operations, reliable financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws andregulations. Highlights of our risk management and internal control system include the following:●Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Internal Audit. Our board of directors and audit committee are responsible for ouroverall risk management and internal controls. We also maintain an internal control and internal audit department, which isresponsible for reviewing the effectiveness of our internal controls and submitting internal audit reports to our board ofdirectors and audit committee annually. Our internal audit department, with the help of our business division managers,prepares and updates questionnaires for our various business departments to conduct self-assessment of internal control andrisk management each year, and our internal audit department will follow up with the business personnel to timely rectify anydeficiencies so identified.●Regulatory compliance. We have adopted and implemented various internal control and risk management policies, includinginsider trading, whistleblowing, related party transaction, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and sanctions related policies,as well as code of business conduct and ethics. We provide regular training to our employees on these policies. We also engageoutside counsel to provide training to our legal department and other senior personnel from time to time to keep them abreastof recent regulatory developments.●Licenses and approvals. We maintain policies to ensure that we have required licenses and approvals in place. Our legaldepartment reviews the licenses obtained before we adopt new business initiatives, and our internal control departmentconducts annual reviews to monitor the status and effectiveness of those licenses and approvals. We also regularly review andupdate all policies and measures related to licenses and approvals.●Data security. We have adopted measures to protect our client data and other confidential information. We also have adedicated information security team of IT professionals to carry out our data and system related risk management. See “—Privacy and Data Security.”●Know-your-client. As part of our risk management practice, we operate a strict client due diligence process, including:-at account opening: we require individuals seeking to open account with us to complete standard know-your-client andanti-money laundering procedures, including documents for proof of their identity, automatic real-person biometricrecognition for our individual clients and declaring source of funds for investment.-before product purchase: we require our clients to complete a more comprehensive know-your-client questionnairespecifically designed for the proposed investment product in accordance with laws and regulations of the competentjurisdiction in which we distribute the product. Such questionnaires are designed to collect a wide array of personal andfinancial information, including the individuals’ professional background, investment experience, level of investable assetsand risk tolerance. We also require our clients to provide supporting documents, such as trading statements and proof ofassets.-Regular updates: our relationship managers follow up with a registered client to complete questionnaires in order toupdate the client’s risk profile and investment preferences on a regular basis.Table of Contents63●Client suitability assessment and recordkeeping. We have adopted various measures to ensure that the client’s risk profilematches the risk profile of investment products recommended to them. We have designed a risk scoring model for our clients,which accounts for information on clients’ risk tolerance we obtained in the know-your-client process. Similarly, we alsoassign a risk rating score for each product we distribute, considering factors such as industry risk, concentration risk, level ofleverage and risks related to the investment portfolio. Both scores are reviewed by our specialists in accordance with relevantguidelines, and may be adjusted if inconsistent with supporting documents and due diligence results. We provide investor rightand risk disclosure statement to our clients, and recommend to them only investment products with matching risk scores orlower. For each newly launched product, we provide training to our relationship managers with a focus on the risk profile ofsuch products.●Anti-money laundering. In addition to our know-your-client measures, we have also implemented anti-money launderingpolicies, including (i) a real-name policy in the process of business operations, (ii) requirement of complete client information,(iii) requirement of trackable transaction records and (iv) requiring and source of fund information. We have further establishedan anti-money laundering information reporting system, as part of the policies and procedures aimed at preventing moneylaundering activities. Our employees collect, analyze, monitor and preserve client information and transaction records, and arerequired to report any suspicious transactions detected to our anti-money laundering committee. We deal with any suspiciousactivities on a timely basis to mitigate the risk of money laundering. We also actively carry out training on anti-moneylaundering to enhance the awareness of anti-money laundering among our employees.We continually review the implementation of our risk management and internal control policies and procedures to enhance theireffectiveness and sufficiency.Our TechnologiesOur technology infrastructure is integrated and readily scalable to support the growth of all of our business segments anddigitalization across front-end, middle-end and back-end operations. Each aspect of our business operations is supported by its innovativetechnology infrastructure, and the success of our business is dependent on our strong technological capabilities that support us in deliveringsuperior user experience, increasing operational efficiency and providing future growth opportunities. Principal components of ourtechnology system primarily include:●Convenient online transaction platforms. Our online platforms WeNoah, Fund Smile and iNoah facilitate investments insubstantially all of our wealth management and asset management products online, providing a smooth investment experience.These convenient online transaction platforms allow us to serve a broader client base and increase our transaction value, inparticular in mutual fund products. Since the launch of our domestic and overseas mutual fund platforms Fund Smile andiNoah in July 2019 and June 2020, respectively, investments of RMB44.1 billion and US$129.7 million, respectively, werecompleted through Fund Smile and iNoah. In addition, our online transaction capabilities allow us to serve our clients andfacilitate transactions in a more convenient and cost-effective manner, in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic when face-to-face meetings were limited due to quarantine measures and travel bans.●24/7 digitized client service experience. Our client service platforms enable our relationship managers to provide 24/7 real timeclient services to our clients, including providing professional investment advices, guiding our clients through the investmentprocess and providing various post-investment services. In addition, we also organize various investor education sessions andproduct roadshows through our online platforms, which enhances the client stickiness.Table of Contents64●Automated investment management system. We developed and launched GIMSP, an automated investment management systemthat digitalizes almost all aspects of Gopher’s asset management business. GIMSP functions as a digitalized and structureddatabase designed for private equity investments, which includes information on more than 6,000 potential portfolio companiesand more than 3,000 commercial due diligence documentations. GIMSP visualizes data in a clear and systematic fashion usingtechniques such as knowledge mapping, allowing specialists to extract and analyze information easily amidst large volumes ofdocuments, which is particularly helpful for private equity investments and portfolio management. Leveraging proprietarytechnology, GIMSP incorporates work flow engines that automate various tasks during the lifespan of investment funds, savingsubstantial amounts of tedious manual labor that would have otherwise been done by personnel. GIMSP is able to swiftlyupdate its data based on information uploaded and retrieved, and shortens the lead time for commitment share mapping fortargeted portfolios after capital calls, from traditional “T+N” to “T+1”, with T being the wire date, “T+1” being the date afterwire date and “T+N” being a few business days after wire date. GIMSP is the first and only investment management system inthe high net worth wealth management industry to have achieved this function.●Intelligent investment advisory tools for relationship managers. Our Mutual Fund Work Station is an intelligent online wealthmanagement system that significantly improves the work efficiency and productivity of our relationship managers. It providesour relationship managers with in-depth and up-to-date market data, including real-time trading updates of different investmentproducts, to help them update their clients from time to time. Furthermore, leveraging big data technology and its extensivedatabase of investment products, Mutual Fund Work Station also enables the Company’s relationship managers toquantitatively analyze expected return and risk of investment products, automatically alert risk events and generate investmentrecommendations based on clients’ investment preferences, expected returns and risk appetite, among others.●Open service platform. We launched Pilot Whale, the first and only one-stop open service platform that supports both internalrelationship managers and external financial advisors. As an open service platform, Pilot Whale can connect our approximately1,900 employees and 39,000 external financial advisors as of December 31, 2020, which can further expand client outreachand future monetization opportunities. Starting from the fourth quarter of 2020, we have also been integrating our internalresources to launch a new consolidated platform “Noah Digital Intelligence” to offer comprehensive services includinginvestor education, insurance products and a turnkey asset management platform.●Digitalized KYC/KYA/KYP management. We have adopted a digitalized approach to manage our operations, especially our“know-your-client,” “know-your-agent” and “know-your products” practices. Based on our extensive industry knowledge andexperience, we label our clients, relationship managers and products based on different segmentations, and utilize suchsegmentation to optimize our resource allocation. For instance, leveraging our digitalized KYC/KYA/KYP management, we areable to accurately target our product campaigns to a suitable client base, and therefore enhance operating efficiency.Research and DevelopmentOur business innovations and developments are empowered by our innovative technology infrastructure and strong research anddevelopment capabilities in creating and identifying suitable investment products.We have a dedicated research and development team of 351 employees out of total 2,960 employees, representing 11.9% of ourtotal workforce. Our research and development team is led by a team of visionary and experienced industry experts. It is an industry veteranteam with extensive experience in software platform research and development and structuring. Core members of the team have previouslyworked in managerial positions at leading technology or finance companies including Tencent, Alibaba, eBay, Vipshop, China Mobile,Lufax, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.Table of Contents65We devote significant resources to our research and development efforts, focusing on developing our technology infrastructure andproprietary systems, expanding our technological footprint and leading the digitalization of our business operations. As our research anddevelopment efforts continue, our research and development expenses increased from RMB221.1 million in 2018 to RMB225.9 million in2019 and further to RMB253.6 million (US$38.0 million) in 2020.Certain of our subsidiaries have been recognized as high-tech enterprises in China. In addition, Noah Upright, our distributionchannel, has received many awards and recognitions due to its development and ownership of many software copyrights and patents,including Model Enterprise with Four New Technologies in Hongkou District and the Center of Technology for Enterprises in HongkouDistrict.Privacy and Data SecurityWe place a strong emphasis on data security. We have a dedicated information security team comprised of personnel specialized indata security, compliance and risk management. This team is involved in key aspects of our business operations and provides otherdepartments with professional data security and risk management services.We collect personal information of our clients legally and customarily required for their account opening, including the know-your-client and anti-money laundering review processes, as well as for their investments with us. We maintain an effective cyber security systemto monitor and manage the traffic to our platform on a real-time basis. Our system is designed to automatically detect suspicious activitiesand an alert will be instantly sent to our IT team. To minimize the risk of a cyber-attack, we keep and constantly update an internal blacklistof malicious IP addresses. For our daily operation, we collect and store certain personal information, including sensitive information such asclients’ ID card numbers and bank accounts information. We retrieve such information only upon user’s consent and store all sensitive datain an encrypted form. We also implement multiple layers of security to insulate our databases from unauthorized access and use sophisticatedsecurity protocols for communication among applications.We have invested meaningful resources to improve our privacy and data security systems. We have obtained ISO 27001(information security management) and ISO 29151 (personally identifiable information protection) certifications. We have also organizedvarious internal training sessions on information security, totaling almost 2,000 hours of training participated by our employees.Intellectual PropertyWe believe that the protection of our brand, trade names, domain names, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, and other intellectualproperty rights is critical to our business. Such intellectual properties distinguish the products we distribute and the services we provide fromthose of our competitors and contribute to our competitive advantage in both wealth management and asset management industries. We relyon a combination of copyright, trade secret, trademark and competition laws and contractual arrangements to protect our intellectual propertyrights. We enter into confidentiality agreements and non-compete covenants with all of our employees and our third-party product partners.As of December 31, 2020, we had 465 registered trademarks (411 registered trademarks in mainland China and 54 registeredtrademarks in Hong Kong, Taiwan, the U.S., Europe, Singapore, Canada, India and Australia), 93 software copyrights, 53 registered toplevel domain names, and 166 issued patents in China. Specifically, the Trademark owned by Shanghai Noah InvestmentManagement Co., Ltd has been recognized as a “Well-known Trademark” in China. The trademark owned by Gopher has also beenrecognized as a “Well-known Trademark” in China.Our intellectual property is subject to risks of theft and other unauthorized use, and our ability to protect our intellectual propertyfrom unauthorized use is limited. In addition, we may be subject to claims that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of others.Table of Contents66CompetitionThe high net worth wealth management services industry in China is concentrated. We primarily compete with other independenthigh net worth wealth management service providers in China, which are providers primarily engaged in providing diversified investmentproducts and comprehensive services to high net worth clients and are not associated with any financial institutions. We believe that oursophisticated and loyal client base, ecosystem with product and investment partners, unique investment opportunities we provide, domesticand overseas capabilities and leading technology infrastructure provide us a competitive advantage. We also compete with private bankingarms of financial institutions, typically the private banking departments of commercial banks in China.InsuranceWe participate in government sponsored social security programs including endowment insurance, unemployment insurance,maternity insurance, employment injury insurance, medical insurance and housing provident funds. We also maintain a director and officerliability insurance policy for our board directors, executives and employees. In Hong Kong, we maintain investment structure insurance asrequired by the SFC. We do not maintain business interruption insurance or key-man life insurance. We consider our insurance coverage tobe in line with that of other wealth management companies of similar size in China.Occupational Health and SafetyOur operations are subject to regulation and periodic monitoring by local work safety authorities. If we fail to comply with presentor future laws and regulations, we would be subject to fines, suspension of business or cessation of operations. As such, we emphasizeoccupational health and safety and have established work safety policies and procedures to ensure that our operations are in compliance withapplicable safety laws and regulations. During the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and up to the date of this annualreport, none of our employees had been involved in any major workplace accident in the course of their employment, and we had not beensubject to any material disciplinary actions with respect to labor protection issues.Environment, Social and Corporate GovernanceWe pay close attention to environmental, social and corporate governance, or ESG, matters and take actions in our day-to-dayoperations and investment services. Since 2014, we have been voluntarily releasing a Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) Report on anannual basis.We actively work to promote our growth and operations in a sustainable and responsible manner and aim to become a companybuilt on sustainable development and responsible strategies, aligned with our core corporate values—client-centricity, integrity,professionalism, embracing changes, self-improvement, and passion. We updated our corporate mission in 2018 as “enriching life withwealth and wisdom” and envision ourselves to become a trustworthy partner by developing a deep understanding of clients through thepursuit of professionalism and excellence. We have been continuously investing in training and education programs for employees andclients.We believe that our operations do not produce material industrial waste and have a relatively limited impact on the environmentcompared to companies that directly engage in production. During the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and up to thedate of this annual report, we were not subject to any administrative penalty for violating the applicable PRC or other environmental lawsand regulations that are material to our Group.Our 2020 Noah Holdings Limited Sustainability Report was released in April 2021, prepared in accordance with Global ReportingInitiative, or GRI, G4 Core Option and Standard AA1000 (2008). The Report highlighted our efforts in ESG matters during the period,including corporate governance, employee compensation,, anti- bribery and anti-corruption, sustainable management, human capitalmanagement, client-oriented innovation and investor education, digitalization, charity as well as other ESG matters. We hope our efforts willhelp create a healthy ecosystem in our business operations and promote sustainable development in the industry.Table of Contents67In April 2020, our company and Gopher Asset Management both joined the UN supported Principles for Responsible Investmentinitiatives as official signatories, to promote responsible investments from both wealth management and asset management ends, andpractice sustainable development. We signed as a service provider and Gopher Asset Management signed as an investment manager. Webecame the first independent wealth management firm in China to participate in this initiative.In 2020, we also established an ESG sustainability committee consisting of directors and senior management members, to report toour board of directors and to oversee the sustainable development of our company. In addition, the key performance indicators of our seniormanagement members have incorporated environment, social and governance indicators. The ESG sustainability committee, together withthe strategy committee, talent committee, operation committee, science and technology revolution committee, product committee, ethicscompliance committee (including compliance and discipline supervision committee), client interest committee, contributes to ourorganizational leadership capability and forms an effective collective decision-making mechanism.According to the 2020 Noah Holdings Limited Sustainability Report, female employees accounted for 62.5% of our total employeesand 43.2% of our management team; the average training hours of our employees are close to 67 hours in the year. We endeavor to includeESG-related topics into the decision-making process of risk management, product and service development and provision, as well asmarketing activities.As of December 31, 2020, we, our employees and clients had donated more than 320,000 saxaul trees that have been planted inTengger Desert in China, covering more than 6,700 acres of land and helping to stabilize 3.2 square kilometers of sand. Noah also supportsthe “Noah Ark – Biodiversity Conservation” program in the South West China to help protect animals such as green peafowls and Asianelephants.From 2015 to 2020, we organized 219 series of Noah Care courses covering topics of happiness, well-being, and psychologicalhealth, which have been attended by more than 15,300 people. A social program we launched has helped thousands of beneficiariesincluding children in underdeveloped villages in China to receive education and community non-resident children to receive healthcare, aswell as providing training sessions for children with infantile autism.To help combat the COVID-19 pandemic, our employees and clients have donated approximately 40,000 facial masks, RMB1.05million, 990 kilograms of disinfectant and a number of protective suits for hospitals in Hubei, Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan, Jiangsu andZhejiang, China through a number of non-profit organizations.We have launched a dedicated Noah ESG website in 2020 to promote ESG awareness and efforts in the industry. More informationand the CSR reports are available at esg.noahgroup.com.Regulations in ChinaRegulation on Foreign InvestmentInvestment activities in the PRC by foreign investors were principally governed by the Catalogue for the Guidance of ForeignInvestment Industry, or the Guidance Catalogue, which was promulgated and is amended from time to time by the MOFCOM and theNational Development and Reform Commission, or the NDRC, the Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises Law of the PRC, the Sino-ForeignEquity Joint Venture Enterprises Law of the PRC, the Law of the PRC on Chinese-Foreign Contractual Joint Ventures, or collectively theOld FIE Laws, and their respective implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The Guidance Catalogue laid out the basic framework forforeign investment in China, classifying businesses into three categories with regard to foreign investment: “encouraged,” “restricted” and“prohibited” Industries not listed in the Guidance Catalogue are generally deemed as falling into a fourth category “permitted” unlessspecifically restricted by other PRC laws. Under the Guidance Catalogue, certain ownership requirements, requirements for seniorexecutives and other special management measures shall apply to foreign investors with regard to the access of foreign investments incertain restricted categories, and foreign investors shall not engage in any business that falls into the prohibited categories.Table of Contents68On June 30, 2019, the MOFCOM and the NDRC released the Catalogue of Industries for Encouraging Foreign Investment (2019Version), or the 2019 Encouraging Catalogue, and the Special Management Measures (Negative List) for the Access of Foreign Investment(2019), or the 2019 Negative List, which became effective on July 30, 2019, to amend and supplement the Guidance Catalogue and replacethe previous negative list thereunder. Under the 2019 Negative List, foreign investment in companies providing value-addedtelecommunications services, excluding e-commerce, domestic multi-party communications, data collection and transmission services andcall centers, should not exceed 50% of the total equity interests.On December 27, 2020, the MOFCOM and the NDRC released the Catalogue of Industries for Encouraging Foreign Investment(2020 Version), which became effective on January 27, 2021, to replace the 2019 Encouraging Catalogue. On June 23, 2020, the MOFCOMand the NDRC released the Special Management Measures (Negative List) for the Access of Foreign Investment (2020 Version), or the 2020Negative List, which became effective on July 23, 2020, to further reduce restrictions on the foreign investment and replace the 2019Negative List.On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress promulgated the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC, or the ForeignInvestment Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced the Old FIE Laws. The Foreign Investment Law, by means oflegislation, establishes the basic framework for the access, promotion, protection and administration of foreign investment in view ofinvestment protection and fair competition.According to the Foreign Investment Law, a foreign invested entity shall be treated no different than a domestic company, exceptfor those foreign invested entities that operate in industries deemed to be either “restricted” or “prohibited” in the “negative list”. TheForeign Investment Law provides that foreign invested entities operating in the “restricted” industries will be required to conform to relevantinvestment conditions before they can operate in such industries, and foreign invested entities shall not invest in any “prohibited” industry.The Foreign Investment Law also provides several protective rules and principles for foreign investors and their investments in thePRC, including, among others, that foreign investors’ funds can be freely transferred out and into the territory of PRC, which run through theentire life cycle from the entry to the exit of foreign investment, and that a comprehensive system to guarantee fair competition amongforeign-invested enterprises and domestic enterprises is to be established. If these protective rules and principles are so implemented viaspecific rules and regulations, it could mean that the restrictions on the injection of our funds into our PRC subsidiary and the distribution ofthe PRC subsidiary’s profits and dividends to us may further loosen. In addition, foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises aresubject to legal liabilities for failing to report their investment information in accordance with the requirements of the information reportingsystem to be further established. Furthermore, the Foreign Investment Law provides that foreign invested enterprises established accordingto the existing laws regulating foreign investment may maintain their structure and corporate governance within five years after theimplementation of the Foreign Investment Law, which means that after the five-year grace period, foreign invested enterprises may berequired to adjust their structure and corporate governance in accordance with the then current PRC Company Law and other laws andregulations governing the corporate governance.On December 26, 2019, the State Council promulgated the Implementation Rules to the Foreign Investment Law, which becameeffective on January 1, 2020. The implementation rules further clarified that the state encourages and promotes foreign investment, protectsthe lawful rights and interests of foreign investors, regulates foreign investment administration, continues to optimize foreign investmentenvironment, and advances a higher-level opening.On December 30, 2019, the MOFCOM and the State Administration for Market Regulation, or the SAMR, jointly promulgated theMeasures for Information Reporting on Foreign Investment, which became effective on January 1, 2020. Pursuant to the Measures forInformation Reporting on Foreign Investment, where a foreign investor carries out investment activities in China directly or indirectly, theforeign investor or the foreign-invested enterprise shall submit the investment information to the competent commerce department.Table of Contents69On December 19, 2020, the MOFCOM and the NDRC, jointly promulgated the Measures for the Security Review of ForeignInvestments, or the Security Review Measures, which took effect on January 18, 2021. Pursuant to the Security Review Measures, forforeign investments which affect or may affect national security, security review shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of theSecurity Review Measures. The State establishes a working mechanism for the security review of foreign investments, or the WorkingMechanism, which is responsible for organizing, coordinating and guiding the security review of foreign investments. For foreigninvestments related to important financial services, important information technology and internet products and services, etc., the foreigninvestors who obtains the actual controlling stake in the investee enterprise or relevant parties in the PRC shall declare to the office of theWorking Mechanism prior to implementation of the investments.Regulations on Private FundsOn August 21, 2014, the CSRC promulgated Interim Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Private Investment Funds,or the Interim Measures, which became effective on the same date. According to the Interim Measures, private funds refer to the investmentfunds established by way of raising capitals from qualified investors in a non-public manner within the territory of the PRC. The qualifiedinvestors shall be (i) institutional investors with net assets of not less than RMB10 million, (ii) individual investors with financial assets ofnot less than RMB3 million or the average annual income of not less than RMB500,000 for the past three years, and (iii) other types ofinvestors that have been prescribed in the Interim Measures. The Interim Measures mainly cover the following five aspects: specifying theregistration of fund manager and record-filing of private funds of all types, setting up a qualified investor system, specifying the fund raisingregulations of private funds, presenting the investment operations and introducing industry self-regulation and supervision andadministration measures for private funds. Apart from the Interim Measures, other laws or regulations applying to private funds shall stillapply, including the Company Law of the PRC, or the PRC Company Law, which applies to fund managers or private funds taking the formof limited liability company or company limited by shares and the Partnership Law of the PRC, which applies to fund managers or privatefunds taking the form of limited liability partnership or general partnership. Unlike general partnerships, limited partnerships allow investorsto join as partners with their liability for the partnership’s debts limited by the amount of their capital commitment. A limited partnershipmust consist of no more than 49 limited partners and at least one general partner, who will be responsible for the operation of the partnershipand bear unlimited liability for the partnership’s debts.According to the Interim Measures, the establishment of management institutions of private funds and the formation of privatefunds are not subject to administrative examination or approvals. All types of fund managers are allowed to set up private funds to acumulative number of investors not exceeding the number specified by laws. Managers of private funds of all types are, however, required toregister with the AMAC and apply with the AMAC for record filing after the fund raising of a private fund of any type is completed.Accordingly, the AMAC formulated the Measures for the Registration of Private Investment Fund Managers and Filling of PrivateInvestment Funds (for Trial Implementation) which became effective as of February 7, 2014, setting forth the procedures and requirementsfor the registration of private fund managers and record filing of private funds to perform self-regulatory administration of private funds.Since late 2015, the AMAC promulgated a series of detailed measures and guidance to enhance the supervision in the private fundindustry, including the Administration of Information Disclosure of Private Investment Funds, the Notice to Further Regulate Several Issueson the Registration of Private Funds Managers, Rules on the Management of Private Asset Management Plan Filing by Securities andFutures Institutions No. 13 and Rules on the Management of Private Asset Management Plan Filing by Securities and Futures InstitutionsNo. 4. These regulations have the effect of (i) expanding the self-discipline rules regarding the private fund industry, (ii) intensifying theregistration of private fund manager and record-filing of private funds, (iii) establishing the qualification censorship of fund manager byattorney and (iv) strengthening the practice qualifications of management.Table of Contents70In December 2018, the AMAC updated the Asset Management Association of China Notice for Private Fund Manager Registration,or the Private Fund Manager Registration New Notice, which set further requirements for the registration and ongoing compliance mattersfor private fund managers. Among others, the Private Fund Manager Registration New Notice mentioned that: (i) if a new entity under thecommon control with a private fund manager intends to file a new application for private fund manager registration with the AMAC, it shallstate in its application the purpose and rationale of setting up multiple private fund managers, the difference in the business of such privatefund managers, and how horizontal competition among such private fund managers can be avoided, the de facto control person and theregistered related private fund manager under its control shall undertake in writing that it shall bear the joint and several liability for anyviolations of such private fund manages during their operations; and (ii) except for its legal representative, other senior officers of a privatefund manager shall not have any other part-time jobs, and in the event that such senior officers have any part-time job in addition to theposition in such private fund manager, the fund manager shall provide relevant documentations for the rationale for such additional part-timejob; the number of the senior officers who have such additional part-time jobs shall not exceed 50% of the total number of the senior officersof the private fund manager.On November 9, 2017, the State Council promulgated the Notice of Implementation Measures to Transfer a Portion of State-ownedCapital to Social Security Fund, or the State-owned Capital Transfer Notice, which amended the previous mechanism of state-owned capitaltransfer. In the past, if the portion of state-owned capital of an entity is more than 50% or otherwise considered as significant by competentauthorities (State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Committee, Ministry of Finance or CSRC in different occasions), the entityshall voluntarily transfer a portion of shares to the Social Security Fund in its initial public offering. In practice, before the State-ownedCapital Transfer Notice, the limited partners with state-owned capital had the liberty to determine the portion and status of state-ownedcapital in its own shareholding/equity structure, which will eventually impact the state-owned capital percentage of the private fund thelimited partner invested in. In addition, before the State-owned Capital Transfer Notice, when a private fund, or its invested enterprise, isconsidered to be in fact controlled by state-owned capital, the invested enterprise will likely have to transfer the relevant shares in its firstpublic offering. Pursuant to the State-owned Capital Transfer Notice, only the prescribed type of entities shall transfer the shares to SocialSecurity Fund and unless otherwise clarified by the State Council, a private fund is not a prescribed type entity.On April 27, 2018, the PBOC, China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, or the CBIRC, CSRC and StateAdministration of Foreign Exchange, or the SAFE, jointly released the Guidance Opinions on Regulating the Asset Management Business ofFinancial Institutions, or the Guidance Opinions, which provides that specific laws and regulations relating to private investment funds willbe applied to private investment funds. However, if there are no such laws and regulations addressing particular topics, then the GuidanceOpinions applies. On July 20, 2018, PBOC issued the Circular on Further Clarifying Matters concerning the Guidance Opinions onRegulating the Asset Management Business of Financial Institutions. On October 22, 2018, CSRC issued the Administrative Measures onPrivate Asset Management Business of Securities and Futures Institutions. CBIRC has also issued specific implementation rules in the industries subject to its regulation. On October 19, 2019, NDRC, PBOC, the Ministry of Finance, CBIRC, CSRC and SAFE jointly released the Notice on Further Clarifying the Matters Concerning Regulating Asset Management Products for Financial Institutions to Invest in Venture Capital Funds and Government-funded Industry Investment Funds, specifying how Guidance Opinions applies to venture capital funds and government-funded industry investment funds. On December 23, 2019, the AMAC updated the Instructions for the Filing of Privately-Raised Investment Funds (2019 Version), which reflects certain provisions set forth in the Guidance Opinions, such as the prohibition of the establishment of multiple private funds in disguised forms in order to contravene restrictions on the number of investors or other regulatory requirements and the requirement for leverage ratios in respect of the private funds.Table of Contents71On February 14, 2020, the CSRC released the Decision on the Revision to the Administrative Measures for the Offering ofSecurities by Listed Companies, the Decision on the Revision to the Implementing Rules for Private Placement of Shares by ListedCompanies and the Supervision Q&A for Offering - Supervision Requirements for Guiding and Regulating Financing Acts of ListCompanies (the abovementioned rules, collectively, the “New Refinancing Rules”), relaxing the supervision requirements for refinancing byPRC listed companies and participation in private placement by investors. According to the New Refinancing Rules, the CSRC (i) shortensthe lock period for transfer of the newly subscribed shares held by the subscribers; and (ii) increases the offering price discount and themaximum amount of shares for private placement etc.On December 30, 2020, the CSRC promulgated the Several Provisions on Strengthening the Regulation of Private Investment Funds, or the Private Investment Funds Regulation Provisions, putting forward a series of prohibitive requirements for private fund managers and their practitioners. The Private Investment Funds Regulation Provisions mainly covers the following six aspects: (i) regulating the name and business scope of private fund managers; (ii) optimizing the regulation of group private fund managers; (iii) restating that private funds shall be offered to qualified investors in a non-public manner; (iv) clarifying the property investment requirements for private equity funds; (v) strengthening the normative requirements for private equity fund managers, practitioners and other subjects, and standardizing related-party transactions; (vi) clarifying legal liability and grace period arrangements.Regulations on Fund DistributionAccording to the Administrative Measures on Securities Investment Fund Distribution, or the Fund Distribution AdministrativeMeasures, issued by the CSRC on March 15, 2013, fund distribution institutions refer to the fund managers and other institutions registeredwith the CSRC or its branches. Other institutions, including commercial banks, securities companies, futures companies, insuranceinstitutions, securities investment consulting institutions and independent institutions, are required to register with the local CSRC branchand obtain the relevant fund distribution license, in order to carry out fund distribution service. Distribution services regulated under theFund Distribution Administrative Measures refer to marketing and promotion, sales and distribution, subscription and redemption services ofmutual funds in particular.The AMAC issued the Measures for the Administration of the Fund Raising Conducts of the Private Investment Funds, or the FundRaising Measures, on April 15, 2016 and the Implementation Guidance of the Management of Investor Suitability for Fund RaisingInstitutions, or the Investor Suitability Management Guidance, on June 28, 2017 in consistent with the Administrative Measures of theSecurities and Futures Investor Suitability by the CSRC on February 21, 2017, which both made significant changes to the fund raisingprocedures and sales institutions. According to the Fund Raising Measures, only two kinds of institutions are qualified to conduct the fundraising of private investment funds: (a) private fund managers which have registered with the AMAC (only applicable when raising fund forthe funds established and managed by themselves); and (b) the fund distributors which have obtained the fund distribution license and alsobecome members of the AMAC. In addition, the Fund Raising Measures set forth detailed procedures for conducting fund raising businessand introduced new processes such as the “cooling-off period” and the “re-visit.”The Investor Suitability Management Guidance categorized fund investors into two types: common investors and sophisticatedinvestors. Sophisticated investors include (i) financial institutions approved by relevant financial bureaus and the products they distribute,(ii) entities with net asset of no less than RMB20 million as of the end of the previous year or financial asset of no less than RMB10 millionas of the end of the previous year, and (iii) individuals with financial asset of no less than RMB5 million or average annual income of no lessthan RMB500,000 for the past three years. The investors other than the sophisticated investors are common investors, who are furtherdivided into 5 categories according to their risk tolerance level. The Investor Suitability Management Guidance listed the requirements andsteps for identifying the risk tolerance and category of each investor, which shall be the first step to take in a fund-raising process whendetermining the product with corresponding risk level that such investor can subscribe to.Table of Contents72On November 8, 2019, the Supreme People's Court of the PRC issued the Notice by the Supreme People's Court of Issuing theMinutes of the National Courts' Civil and Commercial Trial Work Conference, or the Conference Minutes, which identifies the liability ofsellers of financial products in respect of the trial of cases relating to disputes over protection of the rights and interests of financialconsumers. According to the Conference Minutes, where an issuer or seller of a financial product fails to perform its suitability obligations,causing damages to any financial consumer in the course of purchasing the financial product, the financial consumer is entitled tocompensations from either the issuer or the seller of the financial product, or, in accordance with Article 167 of the General Provisions of theCivil Law (the predecessor of the Civil Code of the PRC), from both the issuer and the seller. Further, the Conference Minutes also clearlystates that if a financial service provider fails to follow the suitability principle, that is, to sell suitable products to suitable customers, causingdamages to any financial consumer participating in high-risk investment activities after providing its financial services, the financialconsumer may request the financial service provider to assume its liability for compensations.On August 28, 2020, the CSRC issued the Supervision Measures on Sales Institutions of Publicly-Raised Securities Investment Fund, or the Supervision Measures, which came into effect on October 1, 2020 and replaced the Fund Distribution Administrative Measures. The Supervision Measures set out various requirements on sales agencies selling publicly-raised securities investment funds, including registration, operational standards, internal control and risk management. Sales agencies selling publicly-raised securities investment funds are required to obtain a business license for securities and futures operator. The Supervision Measures provide that independent fund sales institutions shall specialize in the distribution of publicly-raised securities investment funds and privately-raised securities investment funds, and no other business shall be engaged, except as otherwise prescribed by the CSRC. In addition, pursuant to the Provisions on the Implementation of the Supervision Measures on Sales Institutions of Publicly-Raised Securities Investment Fund issued by the CSRC on August 28, 2020 and effective from October 1, 2020, an independent fund sales institution engaging in the distribution of products other than publicly-raised securities investment funds and privately-raised securities investment funds shall, within two years from the implementation date of the Sales Supervision Measures, complete the rectification, and during the rectification period, cut the scale of holdings of relevant products under distribution in an orderly manner and after the expiration of the rectification period, only provide services for existing shares held by relevant stock product investors.Regulations on Microloan Loan BusinessThe Guidance on the Pilot Establishment of Microloan Companies, jointly promulgated by the China Banking RegulatoryCommission, or the CBRC, and the PBOC on May 4, 2008, allows provincial governments to approve the establishment of microloancompanies on a trial basis. This guidance set the basic principles and requirements to set up microloan company, which requires that theregistered capital shall be fully paid in and that the capital from one individual, entity or other association (including the capital fromaffiliates) shall not exceed 10% of the total registered capital. Based on this guidance, many provincial governments in China, including thatof Anhui Province, where Rongyitong is located, promulgated local implementing rules on the administration of microloan companies.Table of Contents73On October 10, 2008, the People’s Government of Anhui Province promulgated the Pilot Administrative Measures (for Trialimplementation) on Microloan Company in Anhui, and on May 18, 2009, the Anhui Government promulgated the Interim Regulations onthe Supervision and Administration of Microloan Business of Anhui Province. According to such measures and regulations, a microloancompany is not allowed to accept public deposits. The major sources of funds of a microloan company shall be the capital paid in byshareholders, donated capital and the capital borrowed from a maximum of two banking financial institutions. The balance of the capitalborrowed from banking financial institutions shall not exceed 50% of the net capital. When applying for the establishment of a microloancompany, the shareholding percentage of the founding shareholder shall not exceed 20% in principle, and the capital contribution from oneindividual, entity or other association (including the capital from affiliates) to a company in this business may not exceed 10% of thecompany’s total registered capital. In addition, the total amount of loans of the same borrower shall not exceed 5% of the registered capital ofthe microloan company. On October 24, 2011, the government of Anhui Province published the Opinions of Finance Office of AnhuiProvince on Promoting the Standardized Development of Microloan Companies across Anhui Province, or the Anhui Microloan CompanyDevelopment Notice, which explicitly states that microloan companies cannot raise money through authorized loans, and cannot receivepublic deposits. The Anhui Microloan Company Development Notice relaxes the restrictions on the equity proportion of small-sum loancompanies, according to which, when applying for the establishment of a microloan company, the shareholding percentage of the foundingshareholder shall not exceed 35% in principle, the shareholding percentage of the founding shareholder and its affiliated shareholder shallnot exceed 50% and the capital contribution from the other affiliated shareholders of the company may not exceed 30% of the company’stotal registered capital. On December 1, 2017, the Notice on Regulation and Renovation of the Cash Loan Business was promulgated and onDecember 8, 2017, the Implementation Plan for Renovation of the Risk of Online Microloan Business for Microloan Company was issued.The Notice on Regulation and Renovation of the Cash Loan Business and the Implementation Plan for Renovation of the Risk of OnlineMicroloan Business for Microloan Company (collectively, the “Microloan Renovation Plan”) set forth the requirements for cash loan oronline loan making. The previous practice such as loan without prescribed usage, extensive borrowing from third parties or public depositsto carry out lending business, transfer or sell of the credit assets through online platform or local exchange is expressly prohibited. Inaddition, the Notice on Regulation and Renovation of the Cash Loan Business prescribed that engaging credit asset transfer or ABS businessthrough Internet finance is prohibited. Further, it provides that the capital from credit asset transfer or ABS business shall be countedtogether with capital from other financing methods of microloan company, and the total amount of capital shall not exceed theprescribed percentage of a microloan company’s net asset in the Microloan Renovation Plan. On July 23, 2019, the Opinions on IllegalLending, jointly promulgated by the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the Ministry of Public Security, and theMinistry of Justice, provides rules on the supervision of and punishment for illegal lending, including (i) regularly granting loans to thepublic for profits in violation of the provisions issued by the state, without the approval of the regulatory authorities, or beyond the scope ofbusiness, (ii) granting illegal loans as stipulated in (i) under circumstances where the annual interest rate of the loan exceeds 36%; and (iii)debt-collection by means of violence.On September 7, 2020, the CBIRC issued the Notice of the General Office of the CBIRC on Strengthening Regulation onMicroloan Companies, or the Microloan Companies Notice. The Microloan Companies Notice requires microloan companies to primarilyengage in loan business and limits the amount of debt they can borrow. Specifically, the balance of funds borrowed from banks, shareholdersand through other non-standard financings should not exceed microloan companies’ net assets and the balance of debt raised via issuance ofbonds, asset-backed securities and other standard debt instruments should not exceed four times the microloan companies’ net assets. TheMicroloan Companies Notice also sets out requirements on various aspects of microloan companies’ business operations, including creditconcentration, use of loan proceeds, territorial scope, interests rate and prohibited activities. In particular, microloan companies shouldstrengthen funds management and improve credit process, including pre-loan approval check, loan approval review and post-loanmonitoring, separation of loan application investigation and approval, and loan classification. Additionally, microloan companies arerequired to improve various practices, such as loan collection process, information disclosure, and customer data safekeeping and cooperatein regulatory reviews.Table of Contents74Regulations Relating to Cyber SecurityOn November 7, 2016, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, or the SCNPC, promulgated the Cyber SecurityLaw of the People’s Republic of China, or the Cyber Security Law, effective June 1, 2017, to protect cyberspace security and order. Pursuantto the Cyber Security Law, any individual or organization using the network must comply with the PRC constitution and the applicable laws,follow the public order, respect social ethics, and must not endanger cyber security, or engage in activities by making use of the network thatendanger the national security, honor or interests, or infringe on the fame, privacy, intellectual property or other legitimate rights andinterests of others. The Cyber Security Law sets forth various security protection obligations for network operators, which are defined as“owners and administrators of networks and network service providers,” including, among other obligations, complying with a series ofrequirements of tiered cyber protection systems, verifying users’ real identities, localizing the personal information and important datagathered and produced by key information infrastructure operators during operations within the PRC and providing assistance and support togovernment authorities where necessary for protecting national security and investigating crimes.Regulations Relating to Internet PrivacyIn recent years, PRC government authorities have enacted laws and regulations on Internet use to protect personal information fromany unauthorized disclosure. The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services prohibit ICP service operators from insulting orslandering a third party or infringing upon the lawful rights and interests of a third party. Under the Several Provisions on Regulating theMarket Order of Internet Information Services, issued by the MIIT on December 29, 2011, an ICP service operator may not collect anyuser’s personal information or provide any such information to third parties without the consent of the user. An ICP service operator mustexpressly inform the users of the method, content and purpose of the collection and processing of such user’s personal information and mayonly collect such information necessary for the provision of its services. An ICP service operator is also required to properly keep the userpersonal information, and in the case of any leak or potential leak of the user’s personal information, the ICP service operator must takeimmediate remedial measures and, in severe circumstances, to make an immediate report to the telecommunications regulatory authority. Inaddition, pursuant to the Decision on Strengthening the Protection of Online Information issued by the SCNPC on December 28, 2012 andthe Order for the Protection of Telecommunication and Internet User’s Personal Information issued by the MIIT in July 2013, any collectionand use of user’s personal information must be subject to the consent of the users, abide by the principles of legality, rationality and necessityand be within the specified purposes, methods and scopes. An ICP service operator must also keep such information strictly confidential, andis further prohibited from divulging, tampering or destroying any such information, or selling or providing such information to other parties.Any violation of the above decision or order may subject the ICP service operator to warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocationof licenses, cancelation of filings, closedown of websites or even criminal liabilities. Furthermore, in June 2016, the State InternetInformation Office issued the Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet Applications Information Services, which became effective onAugust 1, 2016, to further strengthen the regulation of the mobile application information services. Pursuant to these provisions, owners oroperators of mobile Internet applications that provide information services are required to be responsible for information securitymanagement, establish and improve the protective mechanism for user information, observe the principles of legality, rightfulness andnecessity, and expressly state the purpose, method and scope of, and obtain user consent to, the collection and use of users’ personalinformation. In addition, the new Cyber Security Law also requires network operators to strictly keep users’ personal information that theyhave collected confidential and to establish and improve their user information protective mechanisms. On November 28, 2019, theSecretary Bureau of the Cyberspace Administration of China, the General Office of the MIIT, the General Office of the Ministry of PublicSecurity and the General Office of the SAMR promulgated the Identification Method of Illegal Collection and Use of Personal InformationThrough App, which provides guidance for the regulatory authorities to identify the illegal collection and use of personal informationthrough mobile apps, and for the app operators to conduct self-examination and self-correction and for other participants to voluntarilymonitor compliance.Table of Contents75On February 13, 2020, the PBOC issued Personal Financial Information Protection Technical Specification, which sets forth thesecurity protection requirements, including the security technology requirements and security management requirements, for the collection,transmission, storage, use, deletion, destroying and other aspects of the personal financial information. On July 22, 2020, the MIIT issued theNotice on Carrying out Special Rectification Actions in Depth against the Infringement upon Users’ Rights and Interests by Apps, the tasksof which includes rectification of (i) illegally collection and use of personal information of users by the APP and the SDK; (ii) conduct ofsetting up obstacles and frequently harassing users; (iii) cheating and misleading users; (iv) inadequate fulfillment of application distributionplatforms’ responsibilities. In addition, the SAMR and Standardization Administration issued the Standard of Information SecurityTechnology-Personal Information Security Specification (2020 edition), which took effect on October 1, 2020. Pursuant to the standard, anyentity or person who has the authority or right to determine the purposes for and methods of using or processing personal information areseen as a personal information controller. Such personal information controller is required to collect information in accordance withapplicable laws, and except in certain specific events that are expressly exempted in the standard, to obtain the information provider’sconsent prior to collection of such data.Regulations on Labor ProtectionOn June 29, 2007, the SCNPC promulgated the Labor Contract Law of the PRC, as amended on December 28, 2012, whichformalizes employees’ rights concerning employment contracts, overtime hours, layoffs and the role of trade unions and provides for specificstandards and procedure for the termination of an employment contract. In addition, the Labor Contract Law requires the payment of astatutory severance pay upon the termination of an employment contract in most cases, including in cases of the expiration of a fixed-termemployment contract. In addition, under the Regulations on Paid Annual Leave for Employees and its implementation rules, which becameeffective on January 1, 2008 and on September 18, 2008 respectively, employees are entitled to a paid vacation ranging from 5 to 15 days,depending on their length of service and to enjoy compensation of three times their regular salaries for each such vacation day in case suchemployees are deprived of such vacation time by employers, unless the employees waive such vacation days in writing.Enterprises in China are required by PRC laws and regulations to participate in certain employee benefit plans, including socialinsurance funds, namely a pension plan, a medical insurance plan, an unemployment insurance plan, a work-related injury insurance planand a maternity insurance plan, and a housing provident fund, and contribute to the plans or funds in amounts equal to certain percentages ofsalaries, including bonuses and allowances, of the employees as specified by the local government from time to time at locations where theyoperate their businesses or where they are located. According to the Social Insurance Law of the PRC, an employer that fails to make socialinsurance contributions may be ordered to pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline and be subject to a late fee of 0.05% ofthe amount overdue per day from the original due date by the relevant authority. If the employer still fails to rectify the failure to make socialinsurance contributions by such stipulated deadline, it may be subject to a fine ranging from one to three times the amount overdue.According to the Regulations on Management of Housing Fund issued by the State Council on March 24, 2002, an enterprise that fails tomake housing fund contributions may be ordered to rectify the noncompliance and pay the required contributions within a stipulateddeadline; otherwise, an application may be made to a local court for compulsory enforcement.Table of Contents76Regulations on TaxPRC Enterprise Income TaxThe PRC enterprise income tax is calculated based on the taxable income determined under the PRC laws and accounting standards.On March 16, 2007, the National People’s Congress of China enacted Law of the PRC on Enterprise Income Tax, or the EIT Law, whichbecame effective on January 1, 2008 and was revised on February 24, 2017 and December 29, 2018. On December 6, 2007, the StateCouncil promulgated Implementing Regulations of the Enterprise Income Tax Law of the PRC, or the EIT Implementation Rules, which alsobecame effective on January 1, 2008 and was further amended on April 23, 2019. The EIT Law imposes a uniform enterprise income tax rateof 25% on all domestic enterprises, including Foreign Investment Enterprises, or FIEs, unless they qualify for certain exceptions, andterminates most of the tax exemptions, reductions and preferential treatments available under previous tax laws and regulations.Moreover, under the EIT Law, enterprises organized under the laws of jurisdictions outside China with their “de facto managementbodies” located within China may be considered PRC resident enterprises and therefore subject to PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of25% of their worldwide income. The EIT Implementation Rules define the term “de facto management body” as the management body thatexercises full and substantial control and overall management over the business, productions, personnel, accounts and properties of anenterprise. In addition, the Circular Related to Relevant Issues on the Identification of a Chinese-Holding Enterprise Incorporated Overseasas a Resident Enterprise in accordance with the Actual Standards of Organizational Management issued by the State Administration ofTaxation, or the SAT, on April 22, 2009 provides that a foreign enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will beclassified as a “resident enterprise” with its “de facto management bodies” located within China if the following requirements are satisfied:(i) the senior management and core management departments in charge of its daily operations function mainly in the PRC; (ii) its financialand human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies in the PRC; (iii) its major assets, accountingbooks, company seals and minutes and files of its board and shareholders’ meetings are located or kept in the PRC; and (iv) not less than halfof the enterprise’s directors or senior management with voting rights reside in the PRC. Although the circular only applies to offshoreenterprises controlled by PRC enterprises and not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the determining criteria set forth in thecircular may reflect the SAT’s general position on how the “de facto management body” test should be applied in determining the taxresident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises, individuals or foreigners.Value-added TaxOn March 23, 2016, the Ministry of Finance and the SAT jointly issued the Circular on the Pilot Program for OverallImplementation of the Collection of Value Added Tax Instead of Business Tax, or Circular 36, which took effect on May 1, 2016. Pursuant tothe Circular 36, all companies operating in construction industry, real estate industry, finance industry, modern service industry or otherindustries which were required to pay business tax are required to pay value-added tax, or VAT, in lieu of business tax. The applicable VATtax rates are 3%, 6%, 11%, and 17%, according to the Circular 36.On December 21, 2016, the Notice on Clarification of Value-Added Tax Policies for Finance, Real Estate Development, EducationSupport Services, or Notice No. 140, was issued to explain the application of the Circular 36. According to Notice No. 140, for activitiessubject to value-added tax occurring in the course of asset management services, the manager of the asset management investment shall bethe taxpayer. On December 30, the Tax Policy Division of the Ministry of Finance and the Goods and Services Tax Division of the SATfurther explain several provisions in the Notice No. 140, stating that the asset management investments refer to the fund products, trust plans,and financial products managed by asset management service provider.Table of Contents77On June 30, 2017, the Ministry of Finance and the SAT jointly issued the Notice on Relevant Issues Regarding the Value Added Taxof the Asset Management Products, or Notice No.56, which clarifies the rate that shall apply to the asset management product. Notice No.56further states that the tax for the taxable act before January 1, 2018 shall not be required to be paid and the notice itself has become effectivesince January 1, 2018. The Circular 36, Notice No.140 and Notice No.56 will influence the investment return of the investors of the assetmanagement products. But the regulator has not clarified the detailed operation for the structured products and the influence on theseproducts is hard to value at current stage.In addition, on November 19, 2017, the State Council promulgated the Decisions on Abolishing the Provisional Regulations of thePRC on Business Tax and Amending the Provisional Regulations of the PRC on Value-added Tax, or the Order 691. According to theProvisional Regulations of the PRC on Value-added Tax and the Order 691, all enterprises and individuals engaged in the sale of goods, theprovision of processing, repair and replacement services, sales of services, intangible assets, real property and the importation of goodswithin the territory of the PRC are the taxpayers of VAT. The VAT tax rates generally applicable are simplified as 17%, 11%, 6% and 0%,and the VAT tax rate applicable to the small-scale taxpayers is 3%. On April 4, 2018, the Ministry of Finance and the SAT jointly issued theNotice of the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation on the Adjustment to VAT Rates and the Circular on Unifying theCriteria for Small-scale Value-added Tax Payers, which became effective on May 1, 2018. Pursuant to these circulars, the deduction rates of17% and 11% applicable to the taxpayers who have VAT taxable sales activities or imported goods were adjusted to 16% and 10%,respectively. In addition, the small-scale VAT taxpayer are now defined as those whose annual sales are no more than RMB5 million.On November 7, 2018, the Ministry of Finance and the SAT jointly issued the Circular on Policies on Enterprise Income Tax andValue-added Tax for Overseas Institutions Investing in the Domestic Bond Market, or Circular 108. Pursuant to the Circular 108, effectivefrom November 7, 2018 to November 6, 2021, enterprise income tax and VAT shall be temporarily exempted on income from bond interestsderived by overseas institutions from investments in domestic bond market. The scope of the aforesaid temporary exemption of enterpriseincome tax shall exclude bond interests derived by the institutions or establishments that are set up within China by overseas institutions ifsuch income has an actual connection with the institutions or establishments. On March 20, 2019, the Ministry of Finance, SAT and GeneralAdministration of Customs issued the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-Added Tax Reform, or Circular 39, whichbecame effective on April 1, 2019. Under the Circular 39, among others, (i) the applicable VAT rate of 16% for taxable sales or importedgoods of a VAT general taxpayer, is adjusted to 13%, and the applicable VAT rate of 10% is adjusted to 9%; and (ii) the range for VAT inputdeduction is expanded by adding the domestic transport services, the applicable deduction rate for airline and railway tickets is 9% of ticketvalue, and 3% for the waterway and highway tickets; (iii) taxpayers of manufacturing and living service industries shall be allowed to add anextra 10% based on the offsetable input VAT for the current period for deduction of the tax payable from April 1, 2019 to December 31,2021.Dividend Withholding TaxPursuant to the EIT Law and the EIT Implementation Rules, dividends generated after January 1, 2008 and payable by a foreign-invested enterprise in China to its foreign investors are subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction ofincorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a different withholding arrangement. We are a Cayman Islands holding companyand the majority of our income may come from dividends we receive from our PRC subsidiaries directly or indirectly. Since there is no suchtax treaty between China and the Cayman Islands, dividends we receive from our PRC subsidiaries will generally be subject to a 10%withholding tax.Table of Contents78Pursuant to the Arrangement between the Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance ofDouble Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, or the Tax Arrangement, where a Hong Kong resident enterprise which is considered a non-PRC tax resident enterprise directly holds at least 25% equity interests in a PRC enterprise, the withholding tax rate in respect of thepayment of dividends by such PRC enterprise to such Hong Kong resident enterprise is reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10%, subjectto approval of the PRC local tax authority. Pursuant to the Notice of the SAT on the Issues concerning the Application of the DividendClauses of Tax Agreements, or SAT Circular 81, issued on February 20, 2009, a resident enterprise of the counter-party to such TaxArrangement should meet the following conditions, among others, in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax under the Tax Arrangement:(i) it must directly own the required percentage of equity interests and voting rights in such PRC resident enterprise; and (ii) it shoulddirectly own such percentage in the PRC resident enterprise anytime in the 12 months prior to receiving the dividends. There are also otherconditions for enjoying such reduced withholding tax rate according to other relevant tax rules and regulations. Pursuant to theAdministrative Measures for Non-Resident Taxpayer to Enjoy Treatments under Tax Treaties issued by the SAT, or SAT Circular 60, onAugust 27, 2015, which became effective on November 1, 2015, any non-resident taxpayer may be entitled to such reduced withholding taxrate automatically if such non-resident taxpayer satisfies the conditions prescribed in the relevant tax rules and regulations, and obtains theapprovals required under the administrative measures described in the preceding sentence. The SAT issued the Announcement of StateTaxation Administration on Promulgation of the Administrative Measures on Non-resident Taxpayers Enjoying Treaty Benefits, or SATCircular 35, on October 14, 2019, which became effective on January 1, 2020. The SAT Circular 35 further simplified the procedures forenjoying treaty benefits and replaced the SAT Circular 60. According to the SAT Circular 35, no approvals from the tax authorities arerequired for a non-resident taxpayer to enjoy treaty benefits. Where a non-resident taxpayer self-assesses and concludes that it satisfies thecriteria for claiming treaty benefits, it may enjoy treaty benefits at the time of tax declaration or at the time of withholding through thewithholding agent, but it shall gather and retain the relevant materials as required for future inspection, and accept follow-up administrationby the tax authorities. However, according to the SAT Circular 81, if the relevant tax authorities consider the transactions or arrangements wehave are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment, the relevant tax authorities may adjust the favorable withholding taxin the future.On February 3, 2018, the SAT issued the Announcement of the SAT on Issues concerning the “Beneficial Owner” in Tax Treaties,which clarifies the interpretation of the beneficial ownership requirement in the dividends, interest and royalty articles of Chinese double taxagreements and provides a more flexible guidance to determine whether the applicant engages in substantive business activities.On September 29, 2018, the Ministry of Finance, SAT, NDRC and MOFCOM jointly released the Notice on Expanding theApplication Scope of Withholding Tax Deferral Treatment on Direct Reinvestments Made by Foreign Investors, or Circular 102, to furtherencourage foreign investments in China. According to the Circular 102, when certain conditions are met, increase of paid-in capital/capitalreserve in the existing investee company by its foreign investor using its attributable/distributable profits is considered a direct equityinvestment and withholding tax deferral treatment may apply.Common Reporting StandardOn May 9, 2017, the SAT, Ministry of Finance, PBOC, CBRC, CSRC, and CIRC promulgated the Administrative Measures on DueDiligence Checks on Tax-related Information of Non-residents’ Financial Accounts, or the CRS Due Diligence Measures, which requires thatfinancial institutions shall register with the SAT official website and report the information in a timely manner. As the CRS Due DiligenceMeasures requires, the private fund in the form of limited partnership or limited liability company and its fund manager are defined asqualified financial institution; the foregoing private funds and fund managers and other qualified financial institutions prescribed in the CRSDue Diligence Measures shall comply with their obligations thereunder. Several subsidiaries of our company, as well as the private fundsunder our management, have complied with the CRS Due Diligence Measures and reported to the SAT as required. On September 6, 2018,the arrangements for the multilateral and automatic exchange of financial account information between China and Hong Kong becameeffective. Hong Kong and China conducted the first automatic exchange of financial account information in September 2018, and manyjurisdictions (including Hong Kong) have promised to implement the multilateral and automatic exchange of financial account information.Table of Contents79Regulations on Foreign ExchangeForeign exchange regulations in China are primarily governed by the following rules:●Foreign Exchange Administration Rules (1996), as amended, or the Exchange Rules; and●Administration Rules of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), or the Administration Rules.Under the Exchange Rules, the Renminbi is convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interestand royalty payments, trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions. Conversion of Renminbi for capital account items, such asdirect investment, loan, securities investment and repatriation of investment, however, is still subject to the approval of the SAFE.Under the Administration Rules, FIEs may only buy, sell and/or remit foreign currencies at banks authorized to conduct foreignexchange business after providing valid commercial documents required and, in the case of capital account item transactions, obtainingapproval from SAFE. Capital investments by FIEs outside of China are also subject to limitations, including approval by regulatorygovernment bodies like the MOFCOM, SAFE and the NDRC or their local counterparts.On May 10, 2013, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administrationover Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents, which specifies that the administration by SAFE orits local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration. Institutions andindividuals shall register with SAFE and/or its branches for their direct investment in the PRC. Banks shall process foreign exchangebusiness relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.Table of Contents80On March 30, 2015, the SAFE issued the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming the Management Approach regarding the Settlement of Foreign Exchange Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or the SAFE Circular 19, which took effect and replaced previous regulations from June 1, 2015. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 19, up to 100% of foreign currency capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may be converted into RMB capital according to the actual operation of the enterprise within the business scope at its will and the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may be used for equity investments within the PRC provided that such usage shall fall into the business scope of the foreign-invested enterprise, which will be regarded as the reinvestment of foreign-invested enterprise. Although the SAFE Circular 19 allows for the use of RMB converted from the foreign currency-denominated capital for equity investments in the PRC, the restrictions continue to apply as to foreign- invested enterprises’ use of the converted RMB for purposes beyond the business scope, for entrusted loans or for inter-company RMB loans. If our variable interest entity requires financial support from us or our wholly owned subsidiary in the future and we find it necessary to use foreign currency-denominated capital to provide such financial support, our ability to fund our variable interest entity’s operations will be subject to statutory limits and restrictions, including those described above. On June 9, 2016, the SAFE promulgated the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming and Standardizing the Foreign Exchange Settlement Management Policy of Capital Account, or the SAFE Circular 16, which reiterates some of the rules set forth in Circular 19, but changes the prohibition against using RMB capital converted from foreign currency-denominated registered capital of a foreign-invested company to issue RMB entrusted loans to a prohibition against using such capital to issue loans to non-affiliated enterprises. In addition, the SAFE promulgated the Circular Regarding Further Promotion of the Facilitation of Cross-Border Trade and Investment on October 23, 2019, or the SAFE Circular 28, pursuant to which all foreign-invested enterprises can make equity investments in the PRC with their capital funds in accordance with laws and regulations. On April 10, 2020, the SAFE promulgated Notice of the SAFE on Optimizing Foreign Exchange Administration to Support the Development of Foreign-related Business, or the SAFE Circular 8, which took effect on the same date. According to the SAFE Circular 8, under the prerequisite of ensuring true and compliant use of funds and compliance with the prevailing administrative provisions on use of income under the capital account, enterprises which satisfy the criteria are allowed to use income under the capital account, such as capital funds, foreign debt and overseas listing, etc. for domestic payment, without prior provision of proof materials for veracity to the bank for each transaction.On February 13, 2015, the SAFE promulgated the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Simplifyingand Improving the Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Direct Investments, or the SAFE Circular 13, which took effect on June 1,2015. The SAFE Circular 13 specifies that the administrative examination and approval procedures with the SAFE or its local branchesrelating to the foreign exchange registration approval for domestic direct investments as well as overseas direct investments have beencanceled, and qualified banks are delegated the power to directly conduct such foreign exchange registrations under the supervision of theSAFE or its local branches.Regulations on Dividend DistributionAs the Foreign Investment Law came into effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced the Old FIE Laws, the principal regulationsgoverning dividend distributions of wholly foreign-owned companies include the PRC Company Law, the EIT Law, and its implementationrules.Under the current regulatory regime in the PRC, foreign-invested enterprises in the PRC may pay dividends only out of theirretained earnings, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. A PRC company is required to set asideas statutory reserve funds at least 10% of its after-tax profit, until the cumulative amount of such reserve funds reaches 50% of its registeredcapital unless laws regarding foreign investment provide otherwise. A PRC company shall not distribute any profits until any losses fromprior fiscal years have been offset. Profits retained from prior fiscal years may be distributed together with distributable profits from thecurrent fiscal year.Table of Contents81Regulations on Offshore Investment by PRC ResidentsOn July 4, 2014, the SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration on DomesticResidents’ Offshore Investment, Financing and Round-Trip Investment via Special Purpose Vehicles, or the SAFE Circular 37, whichterminated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration on PRC Residents’ Financing and Round-TripInvestment via Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or the SAFE Circular 75, and became effective on the same date. The SAFE Circular 37and its detailed guidelines require PRC residents to register with the local branch of the SAFE before contributing their legally ownedonshore or offshore assets or equity interests into any special purpose vehicle directly established, or indirectly controlled, by them for thepurpose of investment or financing; and when there is (a) any change to the basic information of the SPV, such as any change relating to itsindividual PRC resident shareholders, name or operation period or (b) any material change, such as increase or decrease in the share capitalheld by its individual PRC resident shareholders, a share transfer or exchange of the shares in the SPV, or a merger or split of the SPV, thePRC resident must register such changes with the local branch of SAFE on a timely basis.On February 13, 2015, the SAFE further enacted the SAFE Circular 13 which took effect on June 1, 2015 and was further amendedon December 30, 2019. The SAFE Circular 13 has delegated to the qualified banks the authority to register all PRC residents or entities’investment and financing in special purpose vehicles pursuant to the SAFE Circular 37, except that those PRC residents who have failed tocomply with SAFE Circular 37 will remain to fall into the jurisdiction of the local SAFE branch and must make their supplementaryregistration application with the local SAFE branch. In the event that a PRC shareholder holding interests in a special purpose vehicle fails tofulfill the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that special purpose vehicle may be prohibited from distributing profits to theoffshore parent and from carrying out subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities. In addition, the special purpose vehicle may berestricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiary. Moreover, failure to comply with various SAFE registrationrequirements described above would result in liability for foreign exchange evasion under PRC laws.Regulations on Stock Incentive PlansOn December 25, 2006, the PBOC promulgated the Administrative Measures of Foreign Exchange Matters for Individuals, settingforth the respective requirements for foreign exchange transactions by individuals (both PRC or non-PRC citizens) under either the currentaccount or the capital account. On January 5, 2007, the SAFE issued the Implementing Rules of the Administrative Measures for PersonalForeign Exchange, which, among other things, specified approval requirements for certain capital account transactions such as a PRCcitizen’s participation in the employee stock ownership plans or stock option plans of an overseas publicly-listed company. On February 15,2012, the SAFE issued the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Issues Related to Foreign Exchange Administrationin Domestic Individuals’ Participation in Equity Incentive Plans of Companies Listed Abroad, or the Stock Incentive Plan Rules, whichterminated the Operation Rules on the Foreign Exchange Administration of the Participation of Domestic Individuals in Overseas ListedCompanies’ Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Share Option Schemes issued by the SAFE on March 28, 2007. The purpose of the StockIncentive Plan Rules is to regulate foreign exchange administration of PRC domestic individuals who participate in employee stock holdingplans or stock option plans of overseas listed companies.Table of Contents82According to the Stock Incentive Plan Rules, if PRC “domestic individuals” (both PRC residents and non-PRC residents who residein the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one year, excluding the foreign diplomatic personnel and representatives of internationalorganizations) participate in any stock incentive plan of an overseas listed company, a PRC domestic qualified agent, which could be thePRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company, shall, among others things, file, on behalf of such individual, an application with the SAFEto conduct the SAFE registration with respect to such stock incentive plan, and obtain approval for an annual allowance with respect to thepurchase of foreign exchange in connection with stock holding or stock option exercises. With the SAFE registration certificate for stockincentive plan, the PRC domestic qualified agent shall open a special foreign exchange account at a PRC domestic bank to hold the fundsrequired in connection with the stock purchase or option exercise, any returned principal or profits upon sales of stock, any dividends issuedupon the stock and any other income or expenditures approved by SAFE. Such PRC individuals’ foreign exchange income received from thesale of stock and dividends distributed by the overseas listed company and any other income shall be fully remitted into a special foreigncurrency account opened and managed by the PRC domestic qualified agent before distribution to such individuals.U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance ActUnder Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, commonly referred to as the ForeignAccount Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, withholding at a rate of 30% will generally be required on certain non-U.S. entities (includinginvestment funds and non-U.S. entities acting as intermediaries). In general, the 30% withholding tax applies to certain payments madeto a non-U.S. entity unless (i) the non-U.S. entity is a “foreign financial institution” and the non-U.S. entity undertakes certain due diligence,reporting, withholding, and certification obligations, (ii) the non-U.S. entity is a “nonfinancial foreign entity” and the non-U.S. entityidentifies certain of its U.S. investors or provides certification that it does not have any such investors, or (iii) the non-U.S. entity isotherwise exempt from FATCA. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another country may also modify theserequirements. The Cayman Islands has entered into a Model 1 intergovernmental agreement with the United States, which gives effect to theautomatic tax information exchange requirements of FATCA, and a similar intergovernmental agreement with the United Kingdom. We willbe required to comply with the Cayman Islands Tax Information Authority Act (As Revised) together with regulations and guidance notesmade pursuant to such law that give effect to the intergovernmental agreements with the United States and the United Kingdom.Regulations in Hong KongSecurities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong), or SFO, Licensed entities that conduct regulated activitieswithin the meaning of the SFO in Hong Kong are regulated by the Hong Kong Securities Futures Commission, or SFC, a statutory bodyindependent from the government of Hong Kong to regulate Hong Kong’s securities and futures markets. It is funded mainly by transactionlevies and licensing fees.Under the Hong Kong SFO regime, any corporation carrying on one or more regulated activities must apply to the SFC for a licensein respect of the regulated activities that they plan to carry on, and any individual who carries on one or more regulated activities on behalfof a licensed corporation is also required to apply for approval as a “licensed representative” accredited to that corporation.Noah HK, our wholly owned subsidiary, was licensed with the SFC on January 4, 2012 to carry out type 1 regulated activity ondealing in securities; type 4 regulated activity on advising on securities and type 9 regulated activity on asset management. Noah HK servesas an offshore product and service center which offers wealth management and asset management services to professional investors asdefined in the SFO. With the aforementioned licenses in place, Noah HK is able to provide investment advisory services and distribute, offerand manage investment products for our clients in Hong Kong.Table of Contents83Licensed entities are required to comply with the SFO, its sub-legislations and other relevant codes and guidelines including the(i) Code of Conduct for Persons Licensed by or Registered with the Hong Kong SFC, or Code of Conduct, (ii) Guideline on Anti-MoneyLaundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism, or Guideline on AML, (iii) Management, Supervision and Internal Control Guidelines forPersons Licensed by or Registered with the Securities and Futures Commission, or Internal Control Guideline, (iv) Suggested ControlTechniques and Procedures for Enhancing a Firm’s Ability to Comply with the Securities and Futures (Client Securities) Rules and theSecurities and Futures (Client Money) Rules, or Client Securities/Money Rules, (v) the Fund Manager Code of Conduct, or FM Code ofConduct, and (vi) suitability circulars/FAQs and other relevant regulatory requirements.Noah HK’s type 1 license is primarily concerned with the protection of clients’ assets, KYC and AML, which are governed byClient Securities/Money Rules, Code of Conduct and the Guideline on AML. The Client Securities/Money Rules provide guidelines on thetreatment of client assets and how they should be properly safeguarded. The Code of Conduct sets out the general conduct requirements forlicensed persons and other regulatory expectations on topics such as know your client, or KYC, diligence, responsibility of seniormanagement and conflicts of interest. The Guideline on AML sets out the requirements and the standards on the subjects of anti-moneylaundering and counter-terrorist financing, or AML/CTF, and practical guidance to assist licensed persons and their senior management indesigning and implementing policies, procedures and controls in the relevant operational areas, taking into consideration their specialcircumstances so as to meet the relevant AML/CTF statutory and regulatory requirements.Noah HK’s type 4 license is primarily concerned with the suitability of investment recommendations provided to clients. Whenproviding investment recommendations, licensed persons should ensure that such advice is suitable to that client having considered theclient’s overall circumstances. The suitability circular/FAQ outlines the general requirements and factors to be considered when providinginvestment advices to client.Noah HK’s type 9 license is primarily concerned with the conduct for fund managers which is governed by the FM Code ofConduct. This Code sets out conduct requirements for licensed persons whose business involves the discretionary management of collectiveinvestment schemes and/or discretionary accounts.Insurance Regulations Ordinance (Cap.41 of the Law of Hong Kong)Noah Insurance was validly registered with The Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers (a former self-regulatory organization for insurance brokers approved by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance) as an authorized insurance broker from 2014 until the commencement of the new regulatory regime for insurance intermediaries on 23 September 2019 on which date the Insurance Authority (IA) took over from relevant self-regulatory organizations all aspects of the regulation of insurance intermediaries in Hong Kong pursuant to the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41). Under the new regulatory regime, Noah Insurance is deemed to be a licensed insurance intermediary as a licensed insurance broker company for a period of 3 years from the commencement of the new regime unless the license is revoked in accordance with the Insurance Ordinance. Noah Insurance is permitted to carry on the Long Term Business (excluding linked long term) within the meaning of the Insurance Ordinance. As an insurance broker, Noah Insurance must comply with the minimum requirements specified in the guideline issued pursuant to the Insurance Ordinance by IA.Trustee Ordinance (Cap. 29 of the Laws of Hong Kong)ARK Trust (Hong Kong) Limited has complied with the requirements of section 77 of the Trustee Ordinance and has beenregistered as a trust company under section 78(1) of the Trustee Ordinance since 2014. Accordingly, ARK Trust (Hong Kong) Limited mayact as trustee in accordance with the Trustee Ordinance.Table of Contents84C.Organizational StructureWe are an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands with major subsidiaries andaffiliated entities in China, Hong Kong, the United States and other jurisdictions. We mainly operate our business through the followingsignificant subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entity and certain of their subsidiaries: Percentage Place ofof Date of Incorporation Incorporation Ownership Noah Upright Fund Distribution Co., Ltd. (formerly known as NoahUpright (Shanghai) Fund Investment Consulting Co., Ltd.)November 18, 2003 PRC 100%Shanghai Noah Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. (formerly known asShanghai Noah Rongyao Investment Consulting Co., Ltd.)August 24, 2007 PRC 100%Shanghai Noah Financial Services Corp.April 18, 2008 PRC 100%Noah Insurance (Hong Kong) LimitedJanuary 3, 2011 Hong Kong 100%Noah Holdings (Hong Kong) LimitedSeptember 1, 2011Hong Kong 100%Gopher Capital GP LimitedMay 11, 2012 Cayman Islands 100%Zigong Noah Financial Service Co., Ltd.October 22, 2012 PRC 100%Kunshan Noah Rongyao Investment Management Co., Ltd.December 2, 2015PRC 100%Shanghai Noah Chuangying Enterprise Management Co., Ltd.December 14, 2015PRC 100%Wuhu Fangtiao Technology Co., Ltd.November 28, 2019PRC 100%Shanghai Noah Investment Management Co., Ltd.August 26, 2005 PRC Controlledunder theContractualArrangementShanghai Noah Investment Management Co., Ltd. is a consolidated variable interest entity of us. Its significant subsidiaries as ofDecember 31, 2020 include the following: PercentageDate ofPlace ofof Incorporation Incorporation OwnershipGopher Asset Management Co., Ltd.February 9, 2012 PRC Controlled under theContractual ArrangementWuhu Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd.October 10, 2012 PRC Controlled under theContractual ArrangementShanghai Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd.December 14, 2012 PRC Controlled under theContractual ArrangementTable of Contents85Our corporate structure, for the purpose of reflecting Noah Holdings Limited and its relationship with its significant subsidiaries, as thatterm is defined under Section 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act, as well as the significant variable interest entity and its significantsubsidiaries, is as follows:Table of Contents86Note:(1)6.42% was held by Noah Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited indirectly.(2)The registered shareholders of Noah Investment, namely Ms. Jingbo Wang, Mr. Zhe Yin, Mr. Boquan He, Ms. Xinjun Zhang, Ms. Yan Weiand Ms. Qianghua Yan, collectively, the “Registered Shareholders”Table of Contents87Contractual ArrangementsExclusive Option Agreement. Pursuant to an exclusive option agreement entered into by the Registered Shareholders and NoahGroup in September 2007, or the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Registered Shareholders granted Noah Group or its third-party designeean irrevocable and exclusive option to purchase all or part of their equity interests in Noah Investment when and to the extent permitted byPRC law. The purchase price shall be the higher of the minimum amount required by PRC law or an amount determined by Noah Group.Noah Group may exercise such option at any time and from time to time until it has acquired all equity interests of Noah Investment. Duringthe term of this agreement, the shareholders of Noah Investment are prohibited from transferring their equity interests in Noah Investment toany third party, and Noah Investment is prohibited from declaring and paying any dividend without Noah Group’s prior consent. The term ofthis exclusive option agreement is ten years and will be automatically renewed upon expiration of each ten-year period if there has been noobjection by each party thereunder.Exclusive Support Service Agreement. Pursuant to an the exclusive support service agreement entered into by Noah Investmentand Noah Group in September 2007, or the Exclusive Support Service Agreement, Noah Investment engages Noah Group as its exclusivetechnical and operational consultant to support Noah Investment’s operational activities. Noah Group has agreed to provide certain supportservices to Noah Investment, including client management, technical and operational support and other services, for which Noah Investmenthas agreed to pay to Noah Group service fees determined based on actual services provided, which shall be the income of Noah Investment,less (i) expenses and costs, and (ii) the License Fee (as defined below). Noah Group is also obligated to grant Noah Investment licenses touse certain intellectual property rights, for which Noah Investment has agreed to pay license fees, or the License Fee, at the rates set by theboard of Noah Group. The term of the Exclusive Support Service Agreement is ten years and will be automatically renewed upon expirationof each ten-year period if no objection by each party thereunder.Share Pledge Agreement. Pursuant to the a share pledge agreement entered into by each of the Registered Shareholders and NoahGroup in September 2007, or the Share Pledge Agreement, the Registered Shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in NoahInvestment, or the Pledge Equity Interests, to Noah Group as collateral to secure their obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement.and Noah Investment’s obligations under the Exclusive Support Service Agreement. In the case that Noah Investment increases its registeredcapital upon prior written consent of Noah Group, the Pledge Equity Interests shall include all the additional equity interests subscribed bythe Registered Shareholders in such capital increase. If Noah Investment or the Registered Shareholders breach any of their respectiveobligations under the Exclusive Support Service Agreement or the Exclusive Option Agreement, Noah Group, as the pledgee, will beentitled to certain rights, including being repaid in priority by the proceeds from auction or sale of the Pledge Equity Interests. The term ofthe share pledge is same as that of Exclusive Option Agreement. The share pledges under the Share Pledge Agreement have been registeredwith competent branches of the SAMR.Powers of Attorney. Each of the Registered Shareholders of Noah Investment has executed a power of attorney in September2007, or the Power of Attorney, respectively, to grant Noah Group or its designee the power of attorney to act on his or her behalf on allmatters pertaining to Noah Investment and to exercise all of his or her rights as a shareholder of Noah Investment, including the right toattend shareholders meetings, appoint board members and senior management members, other voting rights and the right to transfer all or apart of his or her equity interests in Noah Investment. The Powers of Attorney shall remain irrevocable and effective during the periodthat the Registered Shareholders are shareholders of Noah Investment.In the opinion of Zhong Lun Law Firm, our PRC legal counsel:·the ownership structure of Noah Investment and Noah Group does not result in a violation of any applicable PRC laws andregulations currently in effect; and·the Contractual Arrangements among Noah Group, Noah Investment, and the Registered Shareholders governed by PRC lawsare valid, legal and binding, and do not result in a violation of any applicable PRC laws or regulations currently in effect.Table of Contents88We have been advised by our PRC legal counsel that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and applicationof current and future PRC laws and regulations, and accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities or courts may take a view that is contrary tothe above opinion of our PRC legal counsel. It is uncertain whether any other new PRC laws or regulations relating to contractualarrangements will be adopted or if adopted, what they would provide. If our corporate structure and the Contractual Arrangements aredeemed by relevant regulatory authority or court to be illegal or invalid, either in whole or in part, we may lose control of our consolidatedvariable interest entity and have to modify such structure to comply with regulatory requirements. However, there can be no assurance thatwe can achieve this without material disruption to our business. Further, if our corporate structure and the Contractual Arrangements arefound to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the relevant regulatory authority would have broad discretion totake action in dealing with the violation or failure, in which case, we could be subject to severe penalties, including being prohibited fromcontinuing our operations or unwinding the Contractual Arrangements. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related toOur Corporate Structure—If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our businesses in Chinado not comply with PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries because of our corporate structure andcontractual arrangements, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject tosevere penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.”D.Property, Plants and EquipmentOur principal executive offices are located in leased office space at Building 2, 1687 Changyang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghaiand Building C and F, 32 Qinhuangdao Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, which occupy approximately a total of 23,263 square meters. As ofDecember 31, 2020, we also leased offices in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Silicon Valley, New York, Vancouver, Melbourne and Singapore, as wellas leased offices for our service centers across China. We own 2,193 square meters of a commercial building in Suzhou, Jiangsu for ourSuzhou office. We consider these facilities to be suitable and adequate for current and anticipated management and operations of ourbusiness.Item 4A. Unresolved Staff CommentsNot applicable.Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsYou should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with ourconsolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F. This discussion may containforward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materiallyfrom those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Item 3. KeyInformation—D. Risk Factors” or in other parts of this annual report on Form 20-F.A.Operating ResultsFactors Affecting Our Results of OperationsOur business is affected by factors relating to general economic conditions and the wealth management industry in China and otherjurisdictions in which we operate, including:●Levels of individual investable financial assets and high net worth population in China. We have benefited from the overalleconomic growth of China and the corresponding increased levels of individual investable financial assets and growing highnet worth population. The growth of high net worth wealth management industry depends on the continuation of these trends.Table of Contents89●Client awareness of high net worth wealth management services. As Chinese high net worth individuals become moresophisticated with respect to their investment strategies and utilizing the value-added services provided by wealth managementproviders, an increasing number of qualified and experienced wealth management service providers have focused on thedevelopment and innovation of wealth management products, which will further boost the development of the industry.●Development of capital markets in China. Recent reforms in Chinese capital markets, including launch of the STAR Board andregistration-based IPO regime, provide greater exit opportunities for private equity investments. The opening-up to foreigninvestments also facilitates globalization of China’s capital market and encourages more trading and investment activities.These developments have in turn driven an expansion in the supply of investment products, both of which has furthered thegrowth of the high net worth wealth management industry.●Macroeconomics and credit cycles. Changes in investment demand or investment preferences brought about by factors such asperceived or actual general economic conditions in China and globally, including but not limited to changes in interest rates,inflation and political uncertainty, or performance of the secondary market could affect demand of our clients for ourinvestment products and our operating results. Furthermore, as a portion of our revenues come from performance-based fees,our performance is particularly sensitive to cycles in the secondary market. An active and booming secondary market generallyprovides more exit opportunities for our private equity investments, better investment returns for our clients and moreperformance-based fees for us.●Regulatory and policy changes. The wealth management and asset management markets are subject to extensive governmentalregulation and policy changes, which may have a material impact on our performance. In particular, in recent years, PRCregulatory authorities published a series of new rules that restrict the issuance of non-standardized credit products. See “Item 4.Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations in China.” Relevant regulatory changes may have amaterial impact on our product mix, and accordingly affect our revenue structure and operating performance.While our business is influenced by general factors affecting our industry, our operating results are more directly affected by thefollowing Company-specific factors:●Our ability to expand our client base and enhance client loyalty. Our revenue growth has been driven primarily by theincreasing number of clients we serve and the investment products we offer or distribute to these clients. We maintain andexpand our client base primarily through our dedicated team of relationship managers, and strive to enhance our client loyaltyby offering attractive investment products, smooth and convenient investment process and various online and offline investoreducation and other client events.●Our ability to increase transaction value, AUM and service fee rates. We generate revenues from the transaction value ofinvestment products we distribute through our wealth management business and the AUM we manage through our assetmanagement business. Our ability to maintain and increase our transaction value, AUM and service fee rates in turn dependson the following factors:●Our ability to enhance cooperation with product partners and investment partners. We rely on cooperation with ourproduct partners and investment partners to provide investment products to our clients, and we generate a majority of ourrevenues from services fees paid by our product partners and investment partners. Our ability to collaborate with leadingproduct partners and investment partners affects our ability to offer attractive products to our clients, maintain andincrease our client base, grow our transaction value and AUM and obtain a resilient and favorable revenue structure. Inaddition, our continued success also depends on our ability to negotiate favorable service fee rates with our productpartners and investment partners.Table of Contents90●Our ability to enhance the performance of investments managed by Gopher. Our ability to grow our AUM depends onGopher’s investment performance. To the extent that our historical investment performance is not satisfactory, or that ourfuture investment performance is perceived to worsen in either relative or absolute terms, the revenues and profitability ofour asset management business will likely decline and our ability to grow existing funds and raise new funds in the futurewill likely be impaired.●Our ability to optimize our product mix. As a multi-asset allocator, our ability to adjust and transform our product mixdue to evolving economic conditions, risk appetite of our high net worth clients and regulatory environment is vital to ourbusiness growth. We typically charge different fee rates for different kinds of products we distribute or manage, and ourprofitability could vary depending on the mix our product offerings.●Our ability to innovate and effectively invest in technology. Our ability to innovate our products and value-added services andcontinue investing effectively in technology is key to improving our client experience and enhance client intention andloyalty. By investing in our technology platforms and fulfillment infrastructure cost-efficiently, we also strive to increase ouroperating efficiency, which also affects our results of operations.●Our ability to manage risks. Our business operation exposes us to a number of risks, including economic fluctuations,unexpected legal or regulatory changes as well as risks related to our product partners and investment, investment portfoliosof the products we distribute or offer, and other business counterparties. Our performance depends on our ability to foresee,identify and effectively manage these risks. In the event of any default or unsatisfactory performance of the investmentproducts we distribute or offer, our performance may be negatively affected even if we do not guarantee the return of theinvestment products.●Our ability to enhance efficiency and productivity. The growth of our business will result in substantial demands on ourmanagement, operational, technological, financial and other resources. Our ability to control cost and manage working capitalis key to our success. Our ability to streamline our operational human resources and improve efficiency of our relationshipmanagers is key to our success.●Our ability to recruit and retain our relationship managers. We rely on our relationship managers, in particular our eliterelationship managers to distribute investment products, from which we derive substantially all of our revenues. Our ability torecruit and retain sufficient high quality relationship managers in a cost-effective manner is crucial to our results of operation.Impact of COVID-19The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an adverse impact on the Chinese and global economy, as well as the wealth managementindustry. Perceived or actual changes in investable assets and client confidence in the economy could reduce the demand for high net worthwealth management service we provide and negatively impact our operating results. We have experienced decrease in revenue generatedfrom our overseas businesses and domestic value-added services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, we achieved 37.5%and 25.3% year-over-year increases, respectively, in our income from operations and non-GAAP net income (despite a net loss attributableto our shareholders of RMB745.2 million (US$114.2 million)) in 2020. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we haveincreased our investment in technology to develop online transactional and operational capabilities. We are currently able to completesubstantially all of our transactions and investor education online.Table of Contents91However, the extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak may continue to adversely affect the macro-economic environment as well asour business, results of operations and financial condition remains uncertain, and will depend on future developments, including theduration, severity and reach of the COVID-19 outbreak, and actions taken to contain the outbreak or treat its impacts. We cannot assure youthat we will be able to achieve the same level of net income that we previously achieved in the future. See “Item 3. Key Information—D.Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business —We may face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics and other outbreaks, whichcould significantly disrupt our operations.”Key Performance IndicatorsWe utilize a set of non-financial and financial key performance indicators which our senior management reviews frequently. Thereview of these indicators facilitates timely evaluation of the performance of our business and effective communication of results and keydecisions, allowing our business to react promptly to changing customer demands and market conditions.Number of ClientsOur revenue growth has been driven primarily by the increasing number of clients we serve and the average balance of investmentproducts offered or distributed by us per client. For our wealth management business, we closely monitor the numbers of both our registeredclients and active clients as key operating metrics. For our asset management business, the majority of the AUM is sourced from our wealthmanagement distribution channel, so the number of clients will also have an influence on this segment.Our registered clients refer to clients who have finished preliminary know-your-client and anti-money laundering review processsuch as collection and verification of identification and bank account information, but may or may not have purchased any products with us.As of December 31, 2020, we had 360,637 registered clients, compared with 293,760 registered clients as of December 31, 2019 and260,285 registered clients as of December 31, 2018. We assign each of our registered clients a relationship manager, and the number of newclients we may acquire is affected by the breadth of our coverage network. Leveraging our broad coverage network and efficient “NoahTriangle”, we expect to increase our capability to cultivate and serve new clients, which may result in an increase in the number of newregistered and active clients.Active clients for our wealth management business refer to our registered clients who have purchased investment productsdistributed or provided by us during a given period. The table below sets forth the number of active clients who have purchased investmentproducts during the periods indicated and the average transaction value per active client calculated by dividing the total transaction value bythe number of active clients for the periods indicated:Number of ActiveNumber ofClients (ExcludingActive Clients (IncludingMutual Fund-OnlyMutual Fund-OnlyClients) forClients) forYear EndedYear Ended December 31, December 31,2018 13,628 *2019 14,538 31,4952020 12,161 34,213* We started to operate online mutual fund business in our wealth management segment since 2019. Prior to 2019, clients whotransacted only on the mutual fund platforms were not tracked during the ordinary course of our operations nor included in the number ofactive clients publicly disclosed historically.Table of Contents92Transaction ValueTransaction value is an operating metric specifically related to our wealth management business. It refers to the aggregate value ofthe investment products we distribute in a given period, which in turn affects the amount of our revenues, primarily one-time commissionsand recurring service fees. Our total transaction value in 2020 was RMB94.7 billion (US$14.5 billion), compared with RMB78.5 billion in2019 and RMB110.0 billion in 2018.For our wealth management businesses, we provide to our clients four types of products that are originated and distributed in andoutside of the PRC:●private equity products, including investments in (i) various private equity and venture capital funds sponsored by third partydomestic and international asset/fund management firms, (ii) real estate equity funds, and (iii) private equity and venturecapital funds managed by Gopher Asset Management, including FoFs, feeder funds, S funds and direct and co-investmentfunds;●public securities products, the underlying assets of which are investments in publicly listed securities and bonds in thesecondary market. Our public securities products include primarily (i) secondary market equity products, which are privately-raised securities investment funds, and (ii) since 2019, mutual fund products, which are publicly-raised securities investmentfunds;●credit products, mainly including (i) consumer financing products, (ii) supply chain financing products, (iii) auto-financingproducts and (iv) other private credit products, including private corporate credit products, mezzanine financing productslinked to corporate merger and acquisitions and buyouts. We have stopped substantially all offerings of credit products sincethe third quarter of 2019; and●other products we distribute or provide or manage but cannot be classified into any of the aforementioned product categories.The product type determines whether we can receive one-time commissions, recurring service fees and/or performance-basedincome. For most insurance products, we are merely entitled to a one-time commission; whereas for private equity and public securitiesfunds, apart from one-time commissions, we are also entitled to recurring service fees shared by fund managers over the duration of theinvestment in the products, and, in some cases, performance-based income shared by fund managers when realized.The table below sets out the aggregate transaction value of the different types of investment products that we distributed during theperiods indicated:Year Ended December 31,201820192020 RMB in RMB in RMB in US$in millions% millions% millionsmillions%Product type Public securities products (1) 13,605 12.4 26,378 33.6 73,143 11,210 77.2Private equity products 18,864 17.1 14,279 18.2 17,876 2,740 18.9Credit products 75,498 68.6 34,316 43.7 616 94 0.6Other products 2,062 1.9 3,551 4.5 3,101 475 3.3All products 110,029 100.0 78,524 100.0 94,736 14,519 100.0(1)“Public securities products” refer to the investment products that are based on publicly traded securities, including stocks andbonds. This was previously referred to as “secondary market equity” investment products. Starting in January 2019, we counted thetransaction value of mutual fund products in our total transaction value.Table of Contents93Over the last three years, our product mix has evolved due to the economic and market cycles in China and the changing regulatoryenvironment. From the third quarter of 2019, we ceased the offering of single counterparty credit products and transitioned to offering morestandardized products. This decision was based on a combination of (i) our commercial evaluation of the risks related to single counterpartyprivate credit products following the Camsing Incident and (ii) our understanding and anticipation of the changing regulatory and marketenvironment. As a result of the change in product offerings, our transaction value decreased by 28.6% from RMB110.0 billion in 2018 toRMB78.5 billion in 2019. Our transaction value increased by 20.6% from RMB78.5 billion in 2019 to RMB94.7 billion (US$14.5 billion) in2020, primarily due to a significant increase in our distribution of public securities products, demonstrating our success in theaforementioned transition.AUMWe measure the performance of our asset management business primarily through AUM. AUM determines the recurring servicefees and performance-based income that we are able to collect over the life cycle of the investment products managed by us. Our assetmanagement business is conducted through Gopher. Gopher’s AUM were RMB169.2 billion, RMB170.2 billion and RMB152.8 billion(US$23.4 billion) as of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Our AUM decreased from RMB170.2 billion as of December 31,2019 to RMB152.8 billion (US$23.4 billion) as of December 31, 2020, as a result of the one-off voluntary redemptions of outstanding singlecounterparty private credit products following the Camsing Incident.For our asset management business, Gopher develops and manages alternative investments with underlying assets in China andoverseas, denominated in both Renminbi and foreign currencies. Historically, it developed and managed principally FoFs which invest inthird-party managed funds, but it is also increasingly making direct investments in portfolio companies and co-investments with fundmanagers. Gopher also manages feeder funds that invest in certain single third-party managed master funds. Gopher focuses on the followingcategories of investments across different types of asset classes:●Private equity investments, including investments in the leading private equity and venture capital funds in China and overseasthrough FoFs, feeder funds and S funds, as well as direct and co-investments in companies and projects in the new economysectors with investment partners;●Public securities, mainly including secondary market equity and bond FoF and MoM investments which are sub-advised byoutside fund managers, as well as direct investments in listed companies;●Credit investments, including funds investing in consumer financing, supply chain financing, auto-financing, and otheralternative credit related underlying products. We have substantially ceased these investments since the third quarter in 2019;●Real estate investments, including funds investing in residential as well as commercial real estate properties such as officebuildings and shopping malls, in the form of both credit and equity investments; and●Multi-strategy investments that invest in different types of assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate or cash to create a nimblerand broadly diversified portfolio. We use asset allocation principles to build multi-asset portfolios and multi or single familyoffice accounts.Table of Contents94The table below summarizes the roll-forward of our AUM and typical management fee rates chargeable by asset managementsegment for the last three years: As of December 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2020TypicalRMBTypicalRMBTypicalRMBmanagementinmanagementinmanagementin fee rates billions % fee rates billions % fee rates billions %Product type Private equity investments 0.7%-2.0% 100.2 590.6%-2.0% 104.9 62 0.5%-2.0% 113 74Public securities investments 0.5%-1.7% 6.2 40.4%-1.9% 9.3 6 0.4%-1.4% 9.8 6Credit investments 0.2%-1.5% 39.4 230.2%-1.4% 29.6 17 0.1%-0.6% 10.2 7Real estate investments 0.2%-2.2% 16.7 100.2%-2.3% 17.6 10 0.5%-2.2% 12.7 8Multi-strategy investments 0.9%-1.1% 6.7 40.5%-1.1% 8.8 5 0.6%-1.1% 7.1 5All products 169.2 100 170.2 100 152.8 100Except for secondary market equity investments, all AUMs are booked at cost basis, and reflect no mark-to-market effect during theperiods indicated. The opening balance, funds outflow and closing balance of the movements above corresponding with secondary marketequity investments include the effect of market appreciation or depreciation.Long-duration private equity investments are representing an increasing portion of the total AUM, which we expect to help usreceive more consistent revenues from recurring service fees. Private equity investments as a percentage of total AUM grew from 59.2% asof December 31, 2018 to 61.6% as of December 31, 2019, and further to 74.0% as of December 31, 2020, primarily due to the increasingdemand for private equity investments as well as the accumulation effect for this strategy of fund investments with a long duration. We havealso been focusing on developing our co-investment and direct investment capabilities in recent years and expect such investments toincrease in the future, further increasing the fee rate we could charge from clients.From the third quarter of 2019, we ceased the offering of single-counterparty non-standardized credit products and transitioned tooffer more standardized public securities, therefore there was a decrease in the percentage of credit products in our total AUM from 23.3% asof December 31, 2018 to 17.4% as of December 31, 2019, and further to 6.7% as of December 31,2020, while the percentage of publicsecurities products in our total AUM increased from 3.6% as of December 31, 2018 to 5.5% as of December 31, 2019 and 6.4% as ofDecember 31, 2020.For real estate investments, we have been strategically changing our investment strategy over the past few years, gradually shiftingfrom residential real estate to commercial real estate, due to the evolving risks and reward profile of these investments.In addition, over 60% of our AUM as of December 31, 2020 can generate performance-based income if the investment returnsexceed certain thresholds, which are typically recorded when underlying investments are exited and monetized.Furthermore, in response to client demands for more overseas investment opportunities, we are cooperating with more overseaspartners in various asset classes and increased the amount of overseas investment. Our overseas AUM were RMB25.0 billion, RMB25.2billion and RMB25.2 billion (US$3.9 billion), respectively, representing 14.7%, 14.8% and 16.5% of our total AUM for its assetmanagement business as of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.Operating Metrics for Lending and Other BusinessesOur lending and other businesses segment is mainly operated through three subsidiaries with different business models, asmentioned in “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Lending and Other Businesses.” Important operating metricsinclude the loan volume and the number of borrowers for our lending services business. Our lending and other businesses segmentrepresented 2.0% of our total net revenues in 2020.Table of Contents95The total amount of loans originated by our domestic lending services subsidiaries in 2020 was RMB0.2 billion (US$0.03 billion),as compared with RMB6.8 billion in 2019, representing a year-over-year decrease of 94.1%. The number of loan originations in 2020 was167, decreasing 96.2% from 4,451 for the corresponding period in 2019.Components of Results of OperationsRevenuesWe derive revenues from three business segments: wealth management, asset management and lending and other services. Wegenerate revenues primarily from:Revenues from the Wealth Management BusinessWhen a client purchases an investment product recommended by the wealth management branch, the client typically subscribes fora fund managed by the relevant product provider. In connection with the purchase, our wealth management branch is entitled to receive feesfrom the fund or product provider for services provided and derive revenues accordingly, which include:●from the fund, one-time commissions for fund-raising services that the wealth management branch provides to the fund at theestablishment of the fund;●from the fund, recurring service fees for continuous portfolio management services provided to the fund over the duration ofthe fund, which is paid to us on a regular basis (typically quarterly, semi-annually or annually);●in certain cases when we do not receive the recurring service fee from the fund in clause b., from the product provider, aportion of the recurring service fees received by the product provider from the fund, in connection with the productdistribution agreement with the relevant product provider, which is paid to us over the duration of the fund on a regular basis(typically quarterly, semi-annually or annually); and●in certain cases, from the product provider, a portion of the performance-based income received by the product provider fromthe fund, in connection with the product distribution agreement with the relevant product provider, which is based on theextent to which the fund’s investment performance exceeds a certain threshold, which is also known as “carry”.We also earn one-time commissions from insurance companies by referring clients to purchase insurance products from them, andrecognize revenues when the underlying insurance contracts become effective.Table of Contents96Revenues from the Asset Management BusinessWhen the investment product that the client purchases is offered by Gopher, Gopher is entitled to receive fees as the fund manager,and derive revenues accordingly, which include:●from the fund, one-time commissions, when the investment product was distributed directly by Gopher, instead of the wealthmanagement branch, for fund-raising services provided to the fund. Most of Gopher products were distributed by the wealthmanagement branch during the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Since the fourth quarter of 2020, asGopher has been selling all of our PE/VC investment products directly to comply with a new regulationl, one-timecommissions in relation to such products are recognized as revenues from the asset management segment.●from the fund, recurring service fees for fund management services provided to the fund;●from the fund, carry (as performance-based income) for fund management services provided to the fund and as an incentive forfund manager to achieve excess return, which is based on the extent to which the fund’s investment performance exceeds acertain threshold; andGopher, as a proprietary product provider, enters into agreements on an arm’s length basis with our wealth management branch forproduct distribution, and in accordance with such agreements, shares a portion of recurring service fees and performance-based income withthe wealth management branch in certain cases. To the extent of recurring service fees and performance-based income are shared with thewealth management branch, such intra-group revenue are deducted from our consolidated income statement.The above revenue model descriptions reflect the various contractual agreements for fee sharing among parties. The fees receivedby us are ultimately born by our high net worth clients, as when the client subscribes to the fund, the client agrees that the fund pays Noah’swealth management branch and/or the relevant product provider, including Gopher, for services provided to the fund.The following table summarizes our revenue from both business segments: Wealth Management Segment Asset management SegmentOne-time commissionsFrom the fundFor fund raising services ofproducts distributed by NoahUprightFrom insurance companiesFor client reference servicesFrom the fundFor fund raising services ofproducts directly sold by GopherRecurring service feesFrom the fund and/or productproviderFor portfolio management servicesprovidedFrom the fundFor fund management servicesand portfolio managementservices providedPerformance-based incomeFrom the product providerFor portfolio management servicesprovidedFrom the fundFor fund management servicesand portfolio managementservices provided1In accordance with the Supervision Measures which came into effect in October 2020, independent fund sales institutions like NoahUpright shall not distribute privately-raised investment funds that invest in PE/VC products except as otherwise permitted by the ChinaSecurities Regulatory Commission, and shall specialize in the distribution of funds that invest in public securities. Licensed fundmanagers of privately-raised investment fund like Gopher are not subject to the Supervision Measures.Table of Contents97In addition, we also receive other service fees are derived from (i) comprehensive financial services we provide in the wealthmanagement segment and (ii) lending and other services segment:●for wealth management: revenues generated from Enoch Education, our investor education business, and other comprehensivefinancial services we provide;●for lending and other services: service fees paid by clients for the lending services and other services we provide.Operating Costs and ExpensesOur financial condition and operating results are directly affected by our operating cost and expenses, primarily consisting of(i) compensation and benefits, including salaries and commissions for our relationship managers, share-based compensation expenses,performance-based bonuses, and other employee salaries and bonuses, (ii) selling expenses, (iii) general and administrative expenses, (iv)provision for credit loss and (iv) other operating expenses, which are partially offset by the receipt of government subsidies. Our operatingcosts and expenses are primarily affected by several factors, including the number of our employees, rental expenses and certain non-cash charges.Compensation and BenefitsCompensation and benefits mainly include salaries and commissions for our relationship managers, salaries and bonuses forinvestment professionals and back-office employees, share-based compensation expenses for our employees and directors, and bonusesrelated to performance-based income. The number of our employees was 3,441, 2,992 and 2,960 as of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020,respectively. We took efforts to streamline our operational human resources to improve efficiency, which caused the headcounts to decreaseduring the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020. We plan to closely monitor our headcounts to maintain a high operationefficiency.In 2018, 2019 and 2020, we incurred relationship managers compensation of RMB633.6 million, RMB625.0 million andRMB614.0 million (US$94.1 million), respectively, representing 19.3%, 18.4% and 18.6% of our net revenues in the same periods,respectively. As of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, we had 1,583, 1,288 and 1,231 relationship managers, whose compensation typicallycomprises base salaries, transaction-based commissions, and year-end performance-based bonuses. We anticipate that the compensation andbenefits of our relationship managers will continue to be a significant portion of our costs and expenses as we continue to rely on ourrelationship managers for our existing and new service centers and distribute more investment products.Share-based compensation expenses include grants and vesting of stock options and restricted shares to our employees anddirectors. We adopted two share incentive plans in 2008 and 2010, and replaced both with a new share incentive plan in 2017. We expect toincur additional share-based compensation expenses relating to share options or restricted shares in the future as we plan to continue to grantshare options or restricted shares to our employees and directors.Share-based compensation expenses were included in compensation and benefits in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The following table setsforth our share-based compensation expenses both in absolute amounts and as a percentage of net revenues for the periods indicated:Years Ended December 31, 2018 2019 2020 RMB’000 % RMB’000 % RMB’000 %Share options 45,973 1.4 40,533 1.2 21,837 0.7Restricted shares 66,790 2.0 54,364 1.6 37,952 1.1Total share-based compensation 112,763 3.4 94,897 2.8 59,789 1.8Table of Contents98Selling ExpensesOur selling expenses primarily include (i) expenses associated with the operations of service centers, such as rental expenses, and(ii) expenses for online and offline marketing activities. We operated service centers in 83, 82 and 80 cities in China as of December 31,2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.General and Administrative ExpensesOur general and administrative expenses primarily include rental and related expenses of our leased office spaces and professionalservice fees. The main items include rental expenses for our group and regional headquarters and offices, depreciation expenses andconsulting expenses, among others.Provision for Credit LossProvision for credit loss represent net changes of the allowance for loan losses as well as other financial assets. Our provision forcredit losses were recorded primarily in connection with the Camsing Incident and loan receivables.Other Operating ExpensesOur other operating expenses mainly include various expenses incurred directly in relation to our other service fees.Government SubsidiesGovernment subsidies are cash subsidies received in the PRC from local governments as incentives for investing and operating incertain local districts. Such subsidies are used by us for general corporate purposes and are reflected as an offset to our operating costs andexpenses.TaxationThe Cayman IslandsWe are an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, we are notsubject to income or capital gains tax. In addition, payments of capital or dividends in respect of our shares are not subject to withholding taxin the Cayman Islands. Gains derived from the disposal of our shares are not subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax. TheCayman Islands currently have no income, corporation or capital gains tax and no estate duty, inheritance tax or gift tax. There are no othertaxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable oninstruments executed in, or brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands.Hong KongUnder the current Hong Kong Inland Revenue Ordinance, our subsidiaries established in Hong Kong are subject to 16.5% incometax on their taxable income generated from operations in Hong Kong. Under the Hong Kong tax laws, it is exempted from the Hong Kongincome tax on its foreign-derived income. In addition, payments of dividends from our Hong Kong subsidiaries to us are not subject to anyHong Kong withholding tax.PRCOn March 23, 2016, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation jointly issued the Circular on the PilotProgram for Overall Implementation of the Collection of Value Added Tax Instead of Business Tax, or Circular 36, which took effect onMay 1, 2016. Pursuant to Circular 36, all companies operating in construction industry, real estate industry, finance industry, modern serviceindustry or other industries which were required to pay business tax are required to pay VAT, in lieu of business tax.Table of Contents99Our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated variable interest entity as well as its subsidiaries are subject to VAT and relatedsurcharges including urban maintenance and construction tax (with 1%, 5%, or 7% of VAT based on different locations), education surtax(3% of VAT), local education surtax (2% of VAT) and river-way management fee (1% of VAT) on the services provided in the PRC. As VATliability is excluded when calculating net revenues, our net revenues are total revenues, net only of VAT related surcharges, which rangefrom 7% to 13% of VAT liabilities. The VAT and related surcharges in the amounts of RMB20.5 million, RMB21.4 million and RMB18.9(US$2.9 million) were deducted from our total revenues in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.According to Circular 36, applicable VAT rates include 3%, 6%, 11%, and 17%, and the applicable value-added rate for our PRCsubsidiaries and our variable interest entity is 6%. The VAT tax rates of 11% and 17% were reduced to 10% and 16%, respectively, fromMay 1, 2018 and to 9% and 13% from April 1, 2019.In addition, our PRC subsidiaries and our variable interest entity are subject to PRC enterprise income tax on their taxable incomein accordance with the relevant PRC income tax laws with a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate to both foreign-invested enterprises anddomestic enterprises since January 1, 2008, except where a special preferential rate applies.Under the EIT Law, enterprises that are established under the laws of foreign countries or regions and whose “de facto managementbodies” are located within the PRC territory are considered PRC resident enterprises, and will be subject to the PRC enterprise income tax atthe rate of 25% on their worldwide income. Under the EIT Implementation Rules, “de facto management bodies” are defined as the bodiesthat have full and substantial control and overall management over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and humanresources, finances and treasury, and acquisition and disposition of properties and other assets of an enterprise. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The dividends we receive from our PRC subsidiaries may be subject to PRCtax under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results ofoperations. In addition, if we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result inunfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders or ADS holders.”For more information on PRC tax regulations, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations inChina—Regulations on Tax.”Critical Accounting PoliciesWe prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP, which requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions thataffect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities and the disclosure of our contingent assets and liabilities at the end of each fiscalperiod and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each fiscal period. We continually evaluate these judgments and estimatesbased on our own historical experience, knowledge and assessment of current business and other conditions, our expectations regarding thefuture based on available information and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, which together form our basis for making judgmentsabout matters that are not readily apparent from other sources. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reportingprocess, our actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require a higher degree of judgment than othersin their application.The selection of critical accounting policies, the judgments and other uncertainties affecting application of those policies and thesensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions are factors that should be considered when reviewing our financialstatements. We believe the following accounting policies involve the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of ourfinancial statements.Table of Contents100Consolidation of Variable Interest EntityBecause we are an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are classified as a foreign enterprise under PRC lawsand regulations, and our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries are foreign-invested enterprises. To comply with PRC laws and regulations, we relyon contractual arrangements with our consolidated variable interest entity, Noah Investment, and its affiliates to operate a portion of ouroperations in China which are subject to restrictions on foreign investment, including asset management business and certain other services.Since we do not have any equity interests in Noah Investment, in order to exercise effective control over its operations, throughNoah Group, we entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Noah Investment and its shareholders, pursuant to which we areentitled to receive effectively all economic benefits generated from Noah Investment. The exclusive option agreement and power of attorneyprovide us effective control over Noah Investment and its subsidiaries, while the equity pledge agreements secure the equity owners’obligations under the relevant agreements. Because we have both the power to direct the activities of Noah Investment that mostsignificantly affect its economic performance and the right to receive substantially all of the benefits from Noah Investment, we are deemedthe primary beneficiary of Noah Investment. Accordingly, we have consolidated the financial statements of Noah Investment since itsinception. The aforementioned contractual agreements are effective agreements between a parent and a consolidated subsidiary, neither ofwhich is accounted for in the consolidated financial statements (i.e., a call option on subsidiary shares under the exclusive option agreementor a guarantee of subsidiary performance under the share pledge agreement) or are ultimately eliminated upon consolidation (i.e., servicefees under the exclusive support service agreement).Based on advice of our legal counsel as to PRC law, we believe that our contractual arrangements with Noah Investment are incompliance with PRC law and are legally enforceable. However, we have been further advised by our PRC legal counsel that uncertainties inthe PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. The interests of the shareholders of Noah Investmentmay diverge from that of our company, which may potentially increase the risk that they would seek to act contrary to the contractual terms.For a discussion of the risks associated with these contractual arrangements, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relatedto Our Corporate Structure.”We also make equity investments in entities that are considered variable interest entity and perform evaluation on an ongoing basisto determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of any of these investments. See accounting policy for “investments in affiliates” below.Investments in AffiliatesWe serve as the general partner for our proprietary funds managed by Gopher Asset Management. From time to time, we may alsoinvest in those funds to the extent the risk and return profile is deemed acceptable by our investment policy. Our equity interests in eachindividual fund is normally less than 3%. Such investments are accounted for using equity method of accounting and reported in investmentin affiliates on consolidated balance sheets.Table of Contents101Affiliated companies are entities over which we have significant influence, but which we do not control. We generally consider anownership interest of 20% or higher to represent significant influence. Investments in affiliates are accounted for by the equity method ofaccounting. Under this method, our share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of affiliated companies is recognized in the statements ofoperations and our shares of post-acquisition movements in other comprehensive income are recognized in other comprehensive income.Unrealized gains on transactions between us and our affiliated companies are eliminated to the extent of our interest in the affiliatedcompanies; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Whenour share of losses in an affiliated company equals or exceeds its interest in the affiliated company, we do not recognize further losses, unlesswe have incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the affiliated company. An impairment loss is recorded when there has been aloss in value of the investment that is other than temporary. We have not recorded any impairment losses in any of the periods reported.We also consider we have significant influence over the funds that we serve as general partner or fund manager. For funds that weare not deemed the primary beneficiary of these funds, the equity method of accounting is accordingly used for investments by us in thesefunds. In addition, the investee funds meet the definition of an Investment Company and are required to report their investment assets at fairvalue. We record our equity pick-up based on our percentage ownership of the investee funds’ operating result.In evaluating whether the investment funds in the legal form of limited partnership which we managed as general partner arevariable interest entity or not, we first assess whether a simple majority or lower threshold of limited partnership interests, excludinginterests held by the general partner, parties under common control of the general partner, or parties acting on behalf of the general partner,have substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. If such rights exist, the limited partnership is not deemed a variable interest entity andno further analysis will be performed. If the limited partnership is assessed to be a variable interest entity, we further assess whether anyinterest it has constitutes a variable interest. We conclude that the service fees it earns, including carried interest earned in the capacity ofgeneral partner, are commensurate with the level of effort required to provide such services and are at arm’s length and therefore are notdeemed as variable interests. Before 2015, all limited partnerships we managed as general partner had substantive kick-out rights exercisableby a simple majority of non-related limited partners and therefore were not deemed variable interest entity. Since 2015, not all the newlyformed limited partnerships we manage as general partners have substantive kick-out rights exercisable by a simple majority of non-relatedlimited partners and therefore constitute variable interest entities. As a result, such limited partnerships are deemed variable interest entitiesnot consolidated by us due to the fact that the general partner interest to absorb losses or receive benefits is not potentially significant to thevariable interest entities.We determine whether we are a primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity when we initially involve with a variable interestentity and reconsider that conclusion when facts and circumstances change.We also manage the contractual funds which we manage as fund manager and have earned a management fee and/or performance-based income. The contractual funds are variable interest entity as the fund investors do not have substantive kick-out rights or participatingrights. We from time to time invest in the contractual funds we manage for investment income. Such investments constitute variable intereststo the contractual funds which are believed to be variable interest entities. We performed a qualitative analysis to determine if our interestcould absorb losses or receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entities and if we would be deemed to bethe primary beneficiary of the variable interest entities.We account for investments in affiliates using the equity method of accounting due to the fact that we have significant influence onthese investees. We recorded investments in affiliates of RMB1,375.1 million, RMB1,272.3 million and RMB1,264.7 million (US$193.8million) as of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, and income from equity in affiliates of RMB14.5 million, RMB115.8million, and RMB100.3 million (US$15.4 million) in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.Table of Contents102Revenue RecognitionOn January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers using the modified retrospective method for allcontracts not completed as of the date of adoption. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a significant impact on our financial position orresults of operations as of the adoption date and during the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Under the guidance ofASC 606, we are required to (a) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c)determine the transaction price, (d) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (e) recognize revenuewhen (or as) we satisfy our performance obligation. In determining the transaction price, we have included variable consideration only to theextent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur. Revenues are recorded,net of sales related taxes and surcharges.We derive revenue primarily from one-time commissions, recurring service fees and performance-based income paid by our clientsand investment product providers.One-time Commissions: We earn one-time commissions from fund raising services provided to clients or investment productproviders. We enter into one-time commission agreements with investment product providers which specify the key terms and conditions ofthe arrangement. One-time commissions are separately negotiated for each transaction and generally do not include rights of return, creditsor discounts, rebates, price protection or other similar privileges, and typically paid when or shortly after the transaction is completed. Uponestablishment of an investment product, we earn a one-time commission from investment product providers, calculated as a percentage of theinvestment products purchased by our clients. We define the “establishment of an investment product” for its revenue recognition purpose asthe time when both of the following two criteria are met: (1) our client has entered into a purchase or subscription contract with the relevantproduct provider and, if required, the client has transferred a deposit to an escrow account designated by the product provider and (2) theproduct provider has issued a formal notice to confirm the establishment of an investment product. After the contract is established, there areno significant judgments made when determining the one-time commission price. Therefore, one-time commissions are recorded at the pointof time when the investment product is established. For certain contracts that require a portion of the payment be deferred until the end of theinvestment products’ life or other specified contingency, we evaluate each variable consideration and recognizes revenue only when weconclude that it is probable that changes in its estimate of such consideration will not result in significant reversals of revenue in subsequentperiods.We also earn one-time commissions from insurance companies by referring clients to purchase insurance products from them, andrecognize revenues when the underlying insurance contracts become effective.Recurring Service Fees: We also provide investment management services to investment funds and other vehicles in exchange for arecurring service fees. Recurring service fees are determined based on the types of investment products we distribute and/or manages and arecalculated as either (i) a percentage of the total capital commitments of investments made by the investors or (ii) as a percentage of the fairvalue of the total investment in the investment products, calculated daily. These customer contracts require us to provide investmentmanagement services, which represents a performance obligation that we satisfy over time. After the investment product is established, thereare no significant judgments made when determining the transaction price. As we provide these services throughout the contract term, foreither method of calculation, revenue is calculated on a daily basis over the contract term. Recurring service agreements do not include rightsof return, credits or discounts, rebates, price protection or other similar privileges. Payments of recurring service fees are typically made on aregular basis (typically quarterly, semi-annually or annually) and are not subject to clawback once determined.Table of Contents103Performance-based Income: In a typical arrangement in which we serve as fund manager, and in some cases in which we serve asdistributor, except for secondary market equity fund products, we are entitled to a performance-based fee based on the extent by which thefund’s investment performance exceeds a certain threshold based on the contract term. Such performance-based fees earned based on theperformance of the underlying fund are a form of variable consideration in its contracts with customers to provide investment managementservices. Such performance-based income is typically calculated and distributed when the cumulative return of the fund can be determined.Performance-based income will not be recognized as revenue until (a) it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulativerevenue recognized will not occur, or (b) the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. At eachreporting date, we update our estimate of the transaction price and conclude that we cannot include our estimate of performance-basedincome in the transaction price if such performance-based income still has various possible consideration amounts and the experience thatwe have with similar contracts is of little predictive value in determining the future performance of the funds, which means that we cannotconclude that it is probable that a significant reversal in the cumulative amount of revenue recognized would not occur.Other Service Fees: We mainly derived other service fees from lending services and investor education services. Revenue fromlending services represents interest income from loan origination services, and is recognized monthly in accordance with our contractualterms and recorded as part of other service fees in the consolidated statement of operations. We do not charge prepayment penalties from ourcustomers. We also provide investor education services, offering various types of training programs to high net worth individuals and theirfamilies. Such programs normally last several days. The service fees charged to the attendees are not refundable. The revenues arerecognized at point of time when the service is completed.Financial instruments issued in connection with Camsing settlement planUnder the settlement plan in connection with Camsing Incident, we offered two plans (“Plan A” or “Plan B”) for the investors tochoose. Under Plan A, we issued RSUs to the investor’s designated trust plan. 1/10 of the RSUs shall be vested immediately at contractinception and the remaining 9/10 will be vested evenly in the following 9 years subject to certain performance conditions by the investors.Plan B has the same terms as those of Plan A, except that the investor has an option, or the Option, to call back the beneficial rights oftransferred Camsing products (but not the legal title) or keep the RSUs at the third anniversary of contact, or Year 3. All RSUs issued withinthe period from contract inception to Year 3 cannot be vested until the investor chooses to retain the RSUs. Under either plan, mutualunderstandings are established that we have committed and have contractual obligations to issue the shares to the settled investors regardlessof the actual execution of the Option, which is deemed remote to occur, and/or the fulfillment of the performance conditions. We evaluatedand concluded the financial instruments to be issued under the settlement plan meet equity classification under ASC 815-40-25-10.Therefore, such instruments were initially measured at fair value and recognized as part of additional-paid-in-capital.To value the RSUs, we use the Black-Scholes pricing model to calculate the discounts for lack of marketability. Determining theappropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of RSUs requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock pricevolatility. The computation of expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of our common shares for a period that coincides withrestriction period of the RSUs.The Option under Plan B can be exercised separately from the RSUs and is determined to be a freestanding derivative liability andmeasured at estimated fair value based on the recovery value of Camsing Products. We used the available information and determined thefair value of Option to be nil as of December 31, 2020. The fair value of the derivative will be re-assessed at each reporting period.Table of Contents104ContingenciesOn an ongoing basis, we assess the potential liabilities related to any lawsuits or claims brought against us. While it is typically verydifficult to determine the timing and ultimate outcome of these actions, we use best estimate to determine if it is probable that we will incuran expense related to the settlement or final adjudication of these matters and whether a reasonable estimation of the probable loss, if any,can be made. We accrue a liability when a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherentuncertainties related to the eventual outcome of litigation and potential recovery, it is possible that disputed matters may be resolved foramounts materially different from any provisions or disclosures that we have previously made.The contingent liabilities as of December 31, 2020 were recorded based on our current estimation of future settlement withunsettled clients affected by Camsing Incident as well as the related pending legal proceedings.Fair value of Level 3 investmentsWe record certain of our financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value reflects the price that would bereceived 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, we consider theprincipal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use whenpricing the asset or liability.We apply a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use ofunobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Among our fair value hierarchy, Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there areunobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.The valuation process involved for Level 3 measurements is completed on a quarterly basis and is designed to subject the valuationof Level 3 investments to an appropriate level of consistency, oversight, and review. We generally use a market comparable analysis to valuesuch investments. The valuation methodology requires a subjective process in determining significant inputs and making assumptions andjudgments, for which we consider and evaluate including, but not limited to, (1) comparable data wherever possible to quantify or adjust thefair value, (2) quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used by the third party and (3) prevailing market conditions.Table of Contents105Financial ResultsThe following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated. The information shouldbe read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The operatingresults in any period are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any future period.Years Ended December 31,201820192020 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 US$’000Revenues Revenues from others: One-time commissions 733,009 690,860 679,014 104,063Recurring service fees 593,856 524,692 700,157 107,304Performance-based income 43,101 23,437 180,529 27,667Other service fees 361,886 522,958 196,151 30,061Total revenues from others 1,731,852 1,761,947 1,755,851 269,095Revenues from funds Gopher manages: One-time commissions 294,984 240,808 129,823 19,896Recurring service fees 1,182,693 1,320,773 1,230,042 188,512Performance-based income 100,533 89,648 208,996 32,030Total revenues from funds Gopher manages 1,578,210 1,651,229 1,568,861 240,438Total Revenues 3,310,062 3,413,176 3,324,712 509,533Less: VAT related surcharges (20,454) (21,364) (18,886) (2,894)Net Revenues 3,289,608 3,391,812 3,305,826 506,639Operating costs and expenses: Compensation and benefits (1,564,192) (1,610,770) (1,504,012) (230,499)Selling expenses (412,720) (331,346) (271,692) (41,639)General and administrative expenses (280,075) (296,492) (277,879) (42,587)Provision for credit losses 688 (130,723) (8,083) (1,239)Other operating expenses (169,368) (196,793) (99,040) (15,179)Government subsidies 62,583 89,278 113,356 17,373Total operating costs and expenses (2,363,084) (2,476,846) (2,047,350) (313,770)Income from operations: 926,524 914,966 1,258,476 192,869Other income (expenses): Interest income 69,841 89,099 67,317 10,317Interest expenses (10,028) (430) - -Investment income (loss) 48,616 (28,620) (86,369) (13,237)Settlement expenses — — (1,828,907) (280,292)Other income (expense) (23,356) (7,040) 4,164 638Total other income (expense) 85,073 53,009 (1,843,795) (282,574)Income (loss) before taxes and income from equity in affiliates 1,011,597 967,975 (585,319) (89,705)Income tax expense (222,320) (220,025) (258,460) (39,611)Income from equity in affiliates 14,469 115,809 100,257 15,365Net income (loss) 803,746 863,759 (743,522) (113,951)Less: net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests (7,551) 34,608 1,703 261Net income (loss) attributable to Noah Holdings Limited shareholders 811,297 829,151 (745,225) (114,212)Table of Contents106Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019Total Revenues. Our total revenues slightly decreased by 2.6% from RMB3,413.2 million in 2019 to RMB3,324.7 million(US$509.5 million) in 2020. The decrease in total revenues was primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a decrease inoverseas insurance products we distributed in 2020 due to travel bans, as well as a decrease in other service fees for value-added services.Operating Costs and Expenses. Operating costs and expenses decreased by 17.3% from RMB2,476.8 million in 2019 toRMB2,047.4 million (US$313.8 million) in 2020. The decrease in operating costs and expenses was primarily driven by decreased expensesrelated to other compensations, as well as provision for credit losses in relation to our wealth management business, partially offset byincreased performance fee compensation for our asset management business.Other Income (Expense). We incurred other expense of RMB1,843.8 million (US$282.6 million) in 2020, as compared with another income of RMB53.0 million in 2019. The incurrence of other expenses was primarily attributable to settlement expenses ofRMB1,828.9 million (US$280.3 million) related to current and potential future settlement plans for investors of the Camsing Incident.Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased by 17.5% from RMB220.0 million in 2019 to RMB258.5 million (US$39.6million) in 2020, primarily due to higher taxable income.Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noah Holdings Limited Shareholders. Net loss attributable to Noah Holdings Limitedshareholders was RMB745.2 million (US$114.2 million) in 2020, as compared with net income attributable to our shareholders ofRMB829.2 million in 2019.Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018Total Revenues. Our total revenues increased by 3.1% from RMB3,310.1 million in 2018 to RMB3,413.2 million in 2019. Theincrease in total revenues was primarily due to increases in recurring service fees from funds Gopher manages and other service feespartially offset by the decrease in one-time commissions, which was in turn due to a decrease in single-counterparty credit productsdistributed in the fourth quarter of 2019.Operating Costs and Expenses. Operating costs and expenses increased by 4.8% from RMB2,363.1 million in 2018 to RMB2,476.8million in 2019. The increase in operating costs and expenses was primarily driven by increased expenses related to compensation andbenefits, as well as selling and general and administrative expenses.Other Income. Other income decreased by 37.7% from RMB85.1 million in 2018 to RMB53.0 million in 2019. The decrease inother income was primarily driven by a decrease in investment income due to changes in the fair value of equity securities.Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense decreased by 1.0% from RMB222.3 million in 2018 to RMB220.0 million in 2019,primarily due to a decrease in taxable income offset in part by a higher effective tax rate.Net Income Attributable to Noah Holdings Limited Shareholders. Net income attributable to Noah Holdings Limited shareholdersincreased by 2.2% from RMB811.3 million in 2018 to RMB829.2 million in 2019.Table of Contents107Wealth ManagementYears Ended December 31,201820192020 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 US$’000RevenuesRevenues from others:One-time commissions 731,424 688,652 677,726 103,866Recurring service fees 571,782 520,013 697,140 106,841Performance-based income 42,570 23,333 180,385 27,645Other service fees 113,570 222,912 123,458 18,921Total revenues from others 1,459,346 1,454,910 1,678,709 257,273Revenues from funds Gopher manages: One-time commissions 292,899 239,409 88,520 13,566Recurring service fees 564,228 635,437 587,307 90,009Performance-based income 1,739 97 24,920 3,819Total revenues from funds Gopher manages 858,886 874,943 700,747 107,394Total Revenues 2,318,212 2,329,853 2,379,456 364,668Less: VAT related surcharges (12,206) (10,574) (13,123) (2,011)Net Revenues 2,306,006 2,319,279 2,366,333 362,656Operating costs and expenses: Compensation and benefits (1,165,750) (1,232,380) (1,099,769) (168,547)Selling expenses (367,589) (287,541) (228,853) (35,073)General and administrative expenses (164,802) (194,908) (197,511) (30,270)Provision for credit losses — (121,572) (3,785) (580)Other operating expenses (54,291) (103,846) (76,983) (11,798)Government subsidies 53,620 58,704 58,046 8,896Total operating costs and expenses (1,698,812) (1,881,543) (1,548,855) (237,372)Income from operations: 607,194 437,736 817,478 125,284Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019Total Revenues. For the wealth management business, our total revenues increased by 2.1% from RMB2,329.9 million in 2019 toRMB2,379.5 million (US$364.7 million) in 2020. Our transaction value increased by 20.6% from RMB78.5 billion in 2019 to RMB94.7billion (US$14.5 billion) in 2020, primarily due to a significant increase in our distribution of public securities products, demonstrating oursuccess in the aforementioned transition.●Total revenues from one-time commissions decreased by 17.4% from RMB928.1 million in 2019 to RMB766.2 million(US$117.4 million) in 2020, primarily due to less insurance products that we distributed due to the COVID-19 epidemic.●Total revenues from recurring service fees increased by 11.2% from RMB1,155.5 million in 2019 to RMB1,284.4 million(US$196.9 million) in 2020. The increase was primarily due to the cumulative effect of investment products with recurringservice fees previously distributed by us.●Total revenues from performance-based income increased by 776.2% to RMB205.3 million (US$31.5 million) in 2020 fromRMB23.4 million in 2019, primarily due to an increase in performance-based income from public securities products andprivate equity products.●Total revenues from other service fees decreased by 44.6% from RMB222.9 million in 2019 to RMB123.5 million (US$18.9million) in 2020, primarily due to less value-added services we offer to our high net worth clients during the COVID-19pandemic.Table of Contents108Operating Costs and Expenses. For the wealth management business, our operating costs and expenses decreased by 17.7% fromRMB1,881.5 million in 2019 to RMB1,548.9 (US$237.4 million) million in 2020.●Compensation and benefits include compensation for relationship managers and back office employees. Compensation and benefits decreased by 10.8% from RMB1,232.4 million in 2019 to RMB1,099.8 million (US$168.5 million) in 2020. In 2020, relationship manager compensation decreased by 1.9% from 2019, while other compensation decreased by 19.9% from 2019 as we streamlined our employees of the wealth management business. ●Selling expenses decreased by 20.4% from RMB287.5 million in 2019 to RMB228.9 million (US$35.1 million) in 2020,primarily due to a decrease in offline marketing initiatives due to the COVID-19 pandemic.●General and administrative expenses increased by 1.3% from RMB194.9 million in 2019 to RMB197.5 million (US$30.3million) in 2020, primarily due to our increased investment in research and recruiting.●Provision for credit losses decreased by 96.9% from RMB121.6 million in 2019 to RMB3.8 million (US$0.6 million) in 2020.The majority of such provision in 2019 were one-time write-off expense of receivables accounts related to certain credit fundproducts in relation to the Camsing Incident.●Other operating expenses decreased by 25.9% from RMB103.8 million in 2019 to RMB77.0 million (US$11.8 million) in2020, primarily due to reduced expenses related to investor education services and a decrease in channel expenses of wealthmanagement products.●Government grants were RMB58.7 million in 2019 and RMB58.0 million (US$8.9 million) in 2020, respectively.Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018Total Revenues. For the wealth management business, our total revenues increased by 0.5% from RMB2,318.2 million in 2018 toRMB2,329.9 million in 2019. Our transaction value decreased by 28.6% from RMB110.0 billion in 2018 to RMB78.5 billion in 2019,primarily as we have stopped substantially all offerings of credit products and transitioned to offering more standardized products since thethird quarter of 2019.●Total revenues from one-time commissions decreased by 9.4% from RMB1,024.3 million in 2018 to RMB928.1 million in2019, primarily due to a decline in the transaction value of investment products distributed as we ceased offering single-counterparty credit products since the third quarter of 2019.●Total revenues from recurring service fees increased by 1.7% from RMB1,136.0 million in 2018 to RMB1,155.5 million in2019. The increase was primarily due to the cumulative effect of investment products with recurring service fees previouslydistributed by us.●Total revenues from performance-based income decreased by 47.1% to RMB23.4 million in 2019 from RMB44.3 million in2018, primarily due to a decrease in performance-based income from public securities products as less products met theminimum performance thresholds for performance-based income due to the underperformance of the overall securities marketin 2019.●Total revenues from other service fees increased by 96.3% from RMB113.6 million in 2018 to RMB222.9 million in 2019,primarily due to the growth of various value-added services we offer to our high net worth clients.Table of Contents109Operating Costs and Expenses. For the wealth management business, our operating costs and expenses increased by 10.8% fromRMB1,698.8 million in 2018 to RMB1,881.5 million in 2019.●Compensation and benefits include compensation for relationship managers and back office employees. Compensation andbenefits increased by 5.7% from RMB1,165.8 million in 2018 to RMB1,232.4 million in 2019. In 2019, relationship managercompensation decreased by 1.0% from 2018, while other compensation increased by 13.7% from 2018 due to increasedheadcounts of mid- and back-office staff in connection with the mutual fund operations.●Selling expenses decreased by 21.8% from RMB367.6 million in 2018 to RMB287.5 million in 2019, primarily due to adecrease in marketing initiatives.●General and administrative expenses increased by 18.3% from RMB164.8 million in 2018 to RMB194.9 million in 2019,primarily due to increased legal expenses associated with the Camsing Incident.●Provision for credit losses was RMB121.6 million in 2019, compared with nil in 2018. The majority of such provision wereone-time write-off expense of receivables accounts related to certain credit fund product in connection with the CamsingIncident.●Other operating expenses increased by 91.3% from RMB54.3 million in 2018 to RMB103.8 million in 2019, primarily due toincreased channel expenses of wealth management products. partially offset by lower expenses related to investor educationservices.●Government subsidies were RMB53.6 million in 2018 and RMB58.7 million in 2019.Table of Contents110Asset ManagementYears Ended December 31,201820192020 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 US$’000RevenuesRevenues from others:One-time commissions 1,585 2,208 1,288 197Recurring service fees 22,074 4,679 3,017 462Performance-based income 531 104 144 22Other service fees 8,225 4,274 7,451 1,143Total revenues from others 32,415 11,265 11,900 1,824Revenues from funds Gopher manages: One-time commissions 2,085 1,399 41,303 6,330Recurring service fees 618,465 685,336 642,735 98,503Performance-based income 98,794 89,551 184,076 28,211Total revenues from funds Gopher manages 719,344 776,286 868,114 133,044Total Revenues 751,759 787,551 880,014 134,868Less: VAT related surcharges (3,228) (3,971) (4,521) (693)Net Revenues 748,531 783,580 875,493 134,175Operating costs and expenses: Compensation and benefits (273,098) (279,895) (339,691) (52,060)Selling expenses (22,200) (26,661) (34,302) (5,257)General and administrative expenses (80,873) (71,805) (59,440) (9,110)Provision for credit losses — (3,800) (251) (38)Other operating expenses (25,310) (25,978) (6,443) (987)Government subsidies 6,148 15,878 24,443 3,746Total operating costs and expenses (395,333) (392,261) (415,684) (63,706)Income from operations: 353,198 391,319 459,809 70,469Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019Total Revenues. For the asset management business, our total revenues increased by 11.7% from RMB787.6 million in 2019 toRMB880.0 million (US$134.9 million) in 2020. Our AUM decreased from RMB170.2 billion as of December 31, 2019 to RMB152.8 billion(US$23.4 billion) as of December 31, 2020, as a result of the voluntary redemptions of outstanding single counterparty private creditproducts following the Camsing Incident, which is a one-off event.●Total revenues from recurring service fees decreased by 6.4% from RMB690.0 million in 2019 to RMB645.8 million (US$99.0million) in 2020, mainly due a decrease in assets under management in credit products.●Total revenues from performance-based income increased by 105.5% from RMB89.7 million in 2019 to RMB184.2 million(US$28.2 million) in 2020, primarily due to an increase in performance-based income from private equity products.Operating Costs and Expenses. For the asset management business, our operating costs and expenses increased by 6.0% fromRMB392.3 million in 2019 to RMB415.7 million (US$63.7 million) in 2020.●Compensation and benefits include compensation of investment professionals and back-office employees. Compensation andbenefits increased by 21.4% from RMB279.9 million in 2019 to RMB339.7 million (US$52.1 million) in 2020 due to increasein the number of employees in our funds investing team.Table of Contents111●Selling expenses increased by 28.7% from RMB26.7 million in 2019 to RMB34.3 million (US$5.3 million) in 2020, primarilydue to increased marketing consulting fee in 2020.●General and administrative expenses decreased by 17.2% from RMB71.8 million in 2019 to RMB59.4 million (US$9.1million) in 2020, primarily due to our expenses controls implemented in 2020.●Government grants were RMB15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and RMB24.4 million (US$3.7 million) in2020.Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018Total Revenues. For the asset management business, our total revenues increased by 4.8% from RMB751.8 million in 2018 toRMB787.6 million in 2019. Our AUM as of December 31, 2018 was RMB169.2 billion, compared with RMB170.2 billion as of December31, 2019.●Total revenues from recurring service fees increased by 7.7% from RMB640.5 million in 2018 to RMB690.0 million in 2019,mainly due to the increase in assets under management and service fees income generated from voluntary acceleratedrepayments of certain credit products in 2019.●Total revenues from performance-based income decreased by 9.7% from RMB99.3 million in 2018 to RMB89.7 million in2019, primarily due to a decrease in performance-based income from public securities products.Operating Costs and Expenses. For the asset management business, our operating costs and expenses decreased by 0.8% fromRMB395.3 million in 2018 to RMB392.3 million in 2019.●Compensation and benefits include compensation of investment professionals and back-office employees. Compensation andbenefits increased by 2.5% from RMB273.1 million in 2018 to RMB279.9 million in 2019 due to increase in the number ofemployees of our asset management business.●Selling expenses increased by 20.1% from RMB22.2 million in 2018 to RMB26.7 million in 2019, primarily due to increasedmarketing initiatives in 2019.●General and administrative expenses decreased by 11.2% from RMB80.9 million in 2018 to RMB71.8 million in 2019,primarily due to our expenses controls implemented in 2019.●Government subsidies were RMB6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 and RMB15.9 million for the year endedDecember 31, 2019.Table of Contents112Lending and other businessesYears Ended December 31,201820192020 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 US$’000RevenuesRevenues from others:Other service fees 240,091 295,772 65,242 9,999Total revenues from others 240,091 295,772 65,242 9,999Total Revenues 240,091 295,772 65,242 9,999Less: VAT related surcharges (5,020) (6,819) (1,242) (190)Net Revenues 235,071 288,953 64,000 9,808Operating costs and expenses:Compensation and benefits (125,344) (98,495) (64,552) (9,893)Selling expenses (22,931) (17,144) (8,537) (1,308)General and administrative expenses (34,400) (29,779) (20,928) (3,207)Provision of credit losses 688 (5,351) (4,047) (620)Other operating expenses (89,767) (66,969) (15,614) (2,393)Government subsidies 2,815 14,696 30,867 4,731Total operating costs and expenses (268,939) (203,042) (82,811) (12,691)Loss (income) from operations: (33,868) 85,911 (18,811) (2,883)Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019Total Revenues. For lending and other businesses, our total revenues were RMB65.2 million (US$10.0 million) in 2020, representing a 77.9% decrease from RMB295.8 million in 2019, mainly due to our strategic shift in focus to our core wealth management and asset management businesses.Operating Costs and Expenses. For lending and other businesses, our operating costs and expenses in 2020 were RMB82.8 million(US$12.7 million), representing a 59.2% decrease from RMB203.0 million in 2019, primarily due to (i) a decrease in other operatingexpenses as a result of a decrease in lending business and (ii) a decrease in compensation and benefits as a result of the optimization of ouremployee structure starting from 2019 which led to a decrease in segment headcount, partially offset by an increase in government subsidiesin connection with our lending operations in 2019.Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018Total Revenues. For lending and other businesses, our total revenues were RMB295.8 million in 2019, representing a 23.2%increase from RMB240.1 million in 2018, mainly due to cumulative effect of loan previously originated.Operating Costs and Expenses. For lending and other businesses, our operating costs and expenses in 2019 were RMB203.0million, representing a 24.5% decrease from RMB268.9 million in 2018, primarily due to (i) a decrease in compensation and benefits as aresult of the optimization of our employee structure starting from 2019 which led to a decrease in segment headcount from 201 as ofDecember 31, 2018 to 142 as of December 31, 2019 and (ii) a decrease in other operating expenses, partially offset by an increase ingovernment subsidies which reflects in connection with our lending operations in 2019.InflationInflation in China has not materially impacted our results of operations in recent years. According to the National Bureau ofStatistics of China, the year-over-year increase in the consumer price index in 2018, 2019 and 2020 was 2.1%, 2.9% and 2.5%, respectively.Although we have not been materially affected by inflation in the past, we can provide no assurance that we will not be affected in the futureby higher inflation rates in China.Table of Contents113Recent Accounting PronouncementsIn December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued ASU 2019-12, a new accounting standardupdate to simplify the accounting for income taxes. The new guidance removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes forinvestments, performing intra period allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. It also adds guidance to reduce complexityin certain areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. Thisguidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. We do notexpect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statementsIn January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments-Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments-Equity Method and JointVentures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), which clarifies the interaction of the accounting for equity securities underTopic 321, the accounting for equity method investments in Topic 323, and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchasedoptions in Topic 815. We will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2021 and do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have amaterial impact on our consolidated financial statementsIn August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivativesand Hedging-Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s OwnEquity, which simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models available for convertibledebt instruments. This guidance also eliminates the treasury stock method to calculate diluted earnings per share for convertible instrumentsand requires the use of the if-converted method. This guidance will be effective for us in the first quarter of 2022 on a full or modifiedretrospective basis, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on ourconsolidated financial statementsB.Liquidity and Capital ResourcesWe finance our operations primarily through cash generated from our operating activities. Our principal use of cash in 2018, 2019,and 2020 were for operating and investing activities. In addition, we used nil, nil and RMB281.6 million (US$43.2 million) to repurchaseour ADSs in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, we had RMB5,005.2 million (US$767.1 million) in cash andcash equivalents, consisting of cash on hand, demand deposits, money market funds and mutual funds which are unrestricted as towithdrawal and use. As of December 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents of RMB8.3 million (US$1.3 million) was held by the consolidatedfunds, which although not legally restricted, is not available to our general liquidity needs as the use of such funds is generally limited to theinvestment activities of the consolidated funds. We believe that our current cash and anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficientto meet our anticipated cash needs, including our cash needs for at least the next 12 months. We may, however, need additional capital in thefuture due to unanticipated business condition or other future development, including any investments or acquisitions we may pursue.In February 2015, we issued five-year convertible notes with US$80 million in aggregate principal at a rate of 3.5% per annum. Thenotes were convertible at the holders’ option with an initial conversion price of US$23.03 per ADS. As of December 31, 2020, all notes wereexchanged for 3,473,730 ADSs.Table of Contents114The following table sets forth the movements of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for the periods presented:Years Ended December 31,201820192020 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 US$’000Net cash provided by operating activities 1,029,386 1,288,233 796,353 122,045Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (395,677) (182,012) 352,584 54,037Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 109,825 543,311 (371,422) (56,923)Effect of exchange rate changes 56,304 37,811 (148,745) (22,796)Net increases in cash and cash equivalents 799,838 1,687,343 628,770 96,363Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the year 1,906,753 2,706,591 4,393,934 673,400Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the year 2,706,591 4,393,934 5,022,704 769,763Operating ActivitiesNet cash provided by operating activities in 2020 was RMB796.4 million (US$122.0 million), primarily as a result of net loss ofRMB743.5 million (US$114.0 million), adjusted by certain non-cash charges of RMB1,510.8 million (US$231.5 million), which is primarilyattributable to share-based settlement expense in the amount of RMB1,290.8 million (US$197.8 million) related to the Camsing Incident,impairment of long-term investments of RMB115.1 million (US$17.6 million), depreciation expenses of RMB98.5 million (US$15.1million) and noncash lease expenses of RMB84.7 million (US$13.0 million), partially offset by income from equity in affiliates, net ofdividends, of RMB60.4 million (US$9.3 million) and changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities of RMB67.3 million (US$10.3 million),and changes in working capital of RMB29.1 million (US$4.5 million), which is primarily attributable to an increase of contingent liability ofRMB530.4 million (US$81.3 million), partially offset by an increase in accounts receivables of RMB219.3 million (US$33.6 million) and adecrease of other current liabilities of RMB361.2 million (US$55.4 million). The increase in our contingent liabilities was due to ourestimation made for future settlement of clients affected by Camsing Incident. The increase in our accounts receivables was due to thegrowth of our business. The decrease in our other current liabilities was primarily due to the decrease of payable to individual for trustservices.Net cash provided by operating activities in 2019 was RMB1,288.2 million, primarily as a result of net income of RMB863.8million, adjusted by certain non-cash charges of RMB326.8 million, which primarily included provision for credit losses of RMB130.7million, depreciation expenses of RMB105.4 million, impairment of long-term investments of RMB104.4 million, share-based compensationexpenses of RMB94.9 million and noncash lease expenses of RMB85.4 million, partially offset by income from equity in affiliates, net ofdividends, of RMB40.0 million, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities of RMB62.4 million, and changes in working capital ofRMB97.7 million, which is primarily attributable to cash inflow of RMB162.2 million from acquisitions and sales of investment products, anincrease in income tax payable of RMB73.1 million and a decrease in other current assets of RMB70.0 million, partially offset by a decreasein accrued payroll and welfare expenses of RMB114.9 million.Net cash provided by operating activities in 2018 was RMB1,029.4 million, primarily as a result of net income of RMB803.7million, adjusted by non-cash charges of RMB62.3 million, which primarily included share-based compensation expenses of RMB112.8million and depreciation expenses of RMB92.3 million, partially offset by amortization of unearned income for financial lease of RMB62.3million and income from the disposal of a subsidiary in the amount of RMB31.2 million, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities ofRMB40.7 million, and changes in working capital of RMB163.3 million, which is primarily attributable to cash inflow of RMB156.1 millionfrom acquisitions and sales of investment products, an increase in other current liabilities of RMB201.6 million, partially offset by anincrease in accounts receivable of RMB100.0 million and an increase in amounts due from related parties of RMB56.7 million. Suchchanges were mainly due to the growth of our business.Table of Contents115Investing ActivitiesNet cash provided by investing activities in 2020 was RMB352.6 million (US$54.0 million), primarily attributable to net cashinflow from collection of loans originated to third parties of RMB221.6 million (US$34.0 million), net capital return from investment inaffiliates of RMB100.5 million (US$15.4 million) and proceeds of investments held by our consolidated funds of RMB72.6 million(US$11.1 million), which was partially offset by purchase of property and equipment of RMB51.6 million (US$7.9 million) and net purchaseof held-to-maturity investments of RMB48.6 million (US$7.4 million).Net cash used in investing activities in 2019 was RMB182.0 million, primarily attributable to net purchase of investments held byour consolidated funds in the amount of RMB346.9 million, net loans disbursement to third parties in the amount of RMB93.0 million,purchase of held-to-maturity investments in the amount of RMB74.5 million and RMB65.3 million of purchases of property and equipment,which was partially offset by RMB231.2 million proceeds from sale of other long-term investments, RMB115.2 million proceeds fromdisposal of subsidiaries and RMB57.6 million cash inflow for capital return from investments in affiliates.Net cash used in investing activities in 2018 was RMB395.7 million, primarily attributable to RMB946.5 million of investment inaffiliates, RMB197.2 million for purchase of long-term investment, RMB193.2 million for acquiring investment funds and RMB128.2million of purchases of property and equipment, which was partially offset by RMB117.5 million net cash inflow from collection of loansoriginated to third parties, RMB135.0 million net cash inflow for held-to-maturity securities and RMB53.6 million net cash inflow foravailable-for-sale investment, and RMB605.6 million cash inflow for capital gains from investment in affiliates.Financing ActivitiesNet cash used in financing activities was RMB371.4 million (US$56.9 million) in 2020 due to repurchasing of our ordinary sharesof RMB281.6 million (US$43.2 million) and divestment of non-controlling interests of RMB90.8 million (US$13.9 million), partially offsetby proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares upon exercise of stock options of RMB33.4 million (US$5.1 million).Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB543.3 million in 2019 due to the net contributions from non-controlling interestsof subsidiaries of RMB518.6 million, and proceeds from the issuance of ordinary shares upon the exercise of stock options of RMB31.7million.Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB109.8 million in 2018 due to the net contributions from non-controlling interestsof subsidiaries of RMB63.9 million, and proceeds from the issuance of ordinary shares upon the exercise of stock options ofRMB45.9 million.Capital ExpendituresOur capital expenditures were RMB128.2 million, RMB65.3 million and RMB51.6 million (US$7.9 million) in 2018, 2019 and2020, respectively. We currently do not have any commitment for capital expenditures or other cash requirements outside of our ordinarycourse of business. As of the date of this annual report, we expect that our capital expenditure in 2021 to be approximately RMB99.0 million(US$15.2 million).Holding Company StructureWe are a holding company, and we may rely significantly on dividends and other distributions by our PRC subsidiaries for our cashand financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders and pay any debtwe may incur. If our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict theirability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may require us to adjust our taxable incomeunder the contractual arrangements Noah Group currently has in place with our variable interest entity in a manner that would materially andadversely affect its ability to pay dividends and other distributions to us.Table of Contents116Our PRC subsidiaries are permitted to pay dividends to us only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordancewith PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC laws, each of our PRC subsidiaries and our variable interest entities are requiredto set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registeredcapital. Although the statutory reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses inexcess of retained earnings of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event ofliquidation. As a result of these PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their netassets, including general reserve and registered capital, either in the form of dividends, loans or advances. Such restricted portion amountedto RMB1,770.9 million, RMB1,765.1 million and RMB2,040.5 million (US$312.7 million) as of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020,respectively.Furthermore, cash transfers from our PRC subsidiaries to our subsidiaries outside of China are subject to PRC government controlof currency conversion. Restrictions on the availability of foreign currency may affect the ability of our PRC subsidiaries and variableinterest entity to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currencydenominated obligations. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—PRC foreignexchange control regulations restricting the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies may limit our ability to utilize our revenueseffectively and affect the value of your investment.”C.Research and Development, Intellectual PropertyResearch and DevelopmentNone.Intellectual PropertySee “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Intellectual Property.”D.Trend InformationOther than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments orevents for the year 2020 that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity orcapital resources, or that are reasonably likely to cause the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operatingresults or financial conditions.E.Off-Balance Sheet ArrangementsWe have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties.In addition, we have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our own shares and classified as equity, or that are notreflected in our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to anunconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. Moreover, we do not have any variable interest inany unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research anddevelopment services with us.Table of Contents117F.Tabular Disclosure of Contractual ObligationsThe following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020:Payment Due by PeriodMore Less thanthan 5 Total 1 year1-3 years3-5 years years RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000Operating Lease 301,841 90,393 146,199 65,249 —As of December 31, 2020, we had contingent liabilities of RMB530.4 million (US$81.3 million) in relation to the potential futuresettlement plan in connection with the Camsing Incident.Save as disclosed above, since December 31, 2020 and up to the date of this annual report, there has not been any material andadverse change in our indebtedness and contingent liabilities. Our directors do not foresee any potential difficulty in obtaining bank facilitiesshould the need arise.G.Safe HarborSee “Forward-Looking Statements” on page 2 of this annual report.Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and EmployeesA.Directors and Senior ManagementThe following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this annual report.Directors and Executive Officers Age Position/TitleJingbo Wang 48 Founder, Chairwoman and chief executive officerZhe Yin 46 Founder and directorChia-Yue Chang 60 DirectorNeil Nanpeng Shen 53 DirectorBoquan He 60 Independent directorMay Yihong Wu 53 Independent directorTze-Kaing Yang 66 Independent directorJinbo Yao 44 Independent directorZhiwu Chen 58 Independent directorQing Pan46Chief financial officerJun Lu49Chief technology officerLigao Zhou 45 Chief risk management officerJin Chen 52 Chief executive officer of Noah Digital IntelligenceTable of Contents118Ms. Jingbo Wang is one of our founders and has been our Chairwoman and chief executive officer since our inception. She won theAward of Top 30 Most Influential Business Woman in China in 2019 by ICEO. In 2017, Ms. Wang was listed on Forbes’ China Top 100Businesswomen and China Best Listed-Company Female CEOs. In 2017, she was recognized as an Outstanding Leader of the Year byWealth APAC, and received International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge Award from IWEC Foundation. Ms. Wang has over 20 yearsof experience in wealth management and asset management industries. Prior to co-founding our company, from May 2000 to September2005, Ms. Wang worked in several departments and affiliates of Xiangcai Securities, a securities firm in China. Ms. Wang served as head ofprivate banking department at Xiangcai Securities from August 2003 to September 2005, where she established the securities firm’s wealthmanagement business. Prior to that, she worked as the deputy head of ABN AMRO Xiangcai Fund Management, a joint venture fundmanagement company, from February 2002 to August 2003, and the head of asset management department at Xiangcai Securities from May2000 to February 2002. Ms. Wang received her master’s degree in management in December 1999 and her bachelor’s degree in economicsfrom Sichuan University in China. Ms. Wang also graduated from Global CEO Program of China Europe International Business School inSeptember 2009. In addition, she was one of the graduates of the third session of Hupan University.Mr. Zhe Yin is one of our founders and has been our director since our inception. He has also served as the chief executive officerof Gopher Asset Management from April 2014 to March 2021 and has served as the chairman of the board of Gopher Asset Managementfrom February 2010 to April 2014, then from March 2021 till now. Mr. Yin has over 16 years of experience in wealth management and assetmanagement industries. Mr. Yin served as a Co-Chairman of China’s Fund of Funds Association from 2017 to 2020. He was (i) named asone of the Top 20 Chinese Private Equity Investors by CV Info in 2017, and (ii) named as one of the Top 50 Chinese Private EquityInvestors by CV Info in 2019. Prior to co-founding our company, Mr. Yin was the deputy general manager of the private banking departmentat Xiangcai Securities from November 2003 to September 2005. Prior to that, he worked at Bank of Communications of China from July1997 to October 2003. Mr. Yin has been serving as an independent director of Guizhou Xinbang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (SZSE: 002390), apharmaceutical company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange since November 2017. Mr. Yin received his bachelor’s degree in economicsfrom Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in July 1997, and graduated with a MBA degree from China Europe InternationalBusiness School in September 2010.Ms. Chia-Yue Chang has been our director since August 2007, the general manager of Noah Upright from July 2011 to April 2018,then from March 2019 till December 2020, and has been the responsible person of the Ethics Compliance Committee (Including DisciplineSupervision and Compliance), Fairness Committee and the Sustainable Development Committee of our company, as well as the honorarychairperson Noah Non-Profit Fund Committee since March 2021. Ms. Chang received her master degree in library science from Universityof California, Los Angeles in March 1987 and her bachelor’s degree in library science from National Taiwan University in June 1983.Mr. Neil Nanpeng Shen has been our director since January 2016. Mr. Shen has been the founding managing partner of SequoiaCapital China since September 2005. Prior to founding Sequoia Capital China, Mr. Shen co-founded Trip.com Group Ltd(TCOM.NASDAQ), formerly Ctrip.com International, Ltd. (CTRP.NASDAQ), or Ctrip, a leading travel service provider in China, in 1999.Mr. Shen served as Ctrip’s president from August 2003 to October 2005 and as chief financial officer from 2000 to October 2005. Mr. Shenalso co-founded and served as non-executive Co-Chairman of Homeinns Hotel Group, a leading economy hotel chain in China, whichcommenced operations in July 2002. Mr. Shen has been (i) an independent non-executive director of Ctrip (TCOM.NASDAQ) since 2008;(ii) a non-executive director of BTG Hotels Group (600258.SHSE), a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, since January 2017;(iii) a non-executive director of Meituan (formerly Meituan Dianping) (03690.HKEX), a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange,since October 2015; (iv) an independent non-executive director of Pinduoduo Inc. (PDD.NASDAQ), a company listed on NASDAQ, sinceApril 2018; and (v) a director of Ninebot Limited (689009.SHSE), a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, since July 2015. Mr.Shen previously served (i) from June 2018 to June 2020, a non-executive director of China Renaissance Holdings Limited (01911.HKEX);(ii) from February 2017 to August 2018, a non-executive director of FinVolution Group (formerly PPDAI Group Inc.) (FINV.NYSE); (iii)from December 2015 to December 2018, an independent non-executive director of Momo Inc. (MOMO.NYSE); and (iv) from February2018 to May 2020, a non-executive director of 360 Security Technology Inc. (601360.SHSE). Mr. Shen received his Master’s degree fromYale University in November 1992 and his Bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in July 1988.Table of Contents119Mr. Boquan He has been our director since August 2007 and has served as our independent director since October 2011 underapplicable U.S. regulations. Mr. He is the founder and chairman of the board of directors of Guangdong Nowaday Investment Co., Ltd. sinceAugust 2000, a private investment company specializing in greenfield investments in the Chinese retail and service industries. In 1989, hefounded and, until 2000, served as the chief executive officer of Robust Group, a food and beverage company, which is now a member ofDanone Group. He also serves as the chairman or vice chairman of the board of directors of several privately owned companies in China.Mr. He also served as a director of Ikang Healthcare Group Inc. (KANG.NASDAQ) till January 2019, when Ikang Healthcare Group Inc.went private. Mr. He graduated from Guangdong Television Public University in China in July 1986.Ms. May Yihong Wu has served as our independent director since November 2010. Ms. Wu has also served as the board adviser ofHomeinns Hotel Group, a subsidiary of BTG Hotels Group (600258.SHSE), a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, since July2019. Ms. Wu is an independent director, and chairwoman of the audit committee of Swire Properties Limited (1972.HKEX), a companylisted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and served in this capacity since May 2017. Swire Properties is a leading real estate developer andmanager based in Hong Kong. She joined Swire Properties’ board in May 2017. Ms. Wu was the chief strategy officer of Homeinns fromMay 2010 to June 2019, and chief financial officer of Homeinns from July 2006 to April 2010. Ms. Wu obtained a bachelor’s degree fromFudan University in China in July 1989, a master’s degree from Brooklyn College at the City University of New York in June 1993 and anMBA degree from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in June 1998.Mr. Tze-Kaing Yang has served as our independent director and the chairperson of our audit committee since May 2015. Mr. Yangis currently the Chairman and chief executive officer of Yangtze Associates, a venture capital and private equity fund management companyin Taiwan since January 2015. He also serves as the director of (i) ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (2357.TWSE), a company listed on the TaiwanStock Exchange, since July 2016, (ii) Pegatron Corporation (4938.TWSE), a company listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, since June2016, and (iii) TTY Biopharm Company Limited (4105.TPEx), a company listed on the Taipei Exchange, since June 2016. Mr. Yang was theDeputy Minister of Finance in Taiwan from July 2003 to May 2004, acting chairman of Bank of Taiwan from July 2003 to July 2004. Healso served as the managing director of Bank of Taiwan and the president of China Development Industrial Bank. He was also the executivesecretary of National Development Fund in Taiwan. Mr. Yang obtained a MBA degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaignin August 1982 and Ph.D. in Business Administration from National Chengchi University in Taiwan in June 1987. Mr. Yang was an adjunctprofessor at the Guanghua School of Management in Peking University and taught investment banking courses in the MBA Program atNational Chengchi University in Taiwan.Mr. Jinbo Yao has been our independent director since November 2014. Mr. Yao is the founder, chairman of the board of directorsand chief executive officer of 58.com Inc (WUBA. NYSE), a leading Internet company in China listed on the New York Stock Exchangesince 2013, and the chief executive officer of ganji.com, a leading online classifieds platform in China since April 2015. Mr. Yao is a pioneerin China’s Internet industry. Prior to founding 58.com, in 2000 Mr. Yao founded domain.cn, a domain name transaction and value-addedservice website in China. After domain.cn was acquired by net.cn in September 2000, Mr. Yao served in various managerial roles at net.cnincluding vice president of sales until 2001. In 2001, Mr. Yao co-founded the education company Xueda Education Group, which wentpublic on New York Stock Exchange in November 2010 (NYSE: XUE). Mr. Yao received his bachelor’s degrees in computer science andchemistry from Ocean University of China (formerly known as Ocean University of Qingdao) in July 1999.Table of Contents120Professor Zhiwu Chen has served as our independent director since January 2014. Professor Chen has been a faculty member at theUniversity of Hong Kong since 2016 and currently serves as director of the Asia Global Institute, Chair Professor of Finance, and Victor andWilliam Fung Professor in Economics at the University of Hong Kong. Professor Chen is a former professor of finance at Yale Universityfrom 1999 to 2017. He was also a special-term visiting professor at Peking University (School of Economics) and Tsinghua UniversitySchool of Social Sciences and School of Economics and Management). Professor Chen has received research awards including the Grahamand Dodd Award (2013), the Pacesetter Research Award (1999), the Merton Miller Prize (1994), and the Chicago Board Options ExchangeCompetitive Research Award (1994). In Burson-Marsteller’s 2012 “G20 Influencers” report, Professor Chen was listed as one of the top tenpolitical influencers in China. He is an independent director at Bairang Inc. (HKEX: 6608) from March 2021, and was an independentdirector at PetroChina Company Limited (HKEX: 857, SHSE: 601857, NYSE: PTR) from May 2011 to June 2017, Bank ofCommunications (SHSE:601328) from November 2010 to August 2018, and IDG Energy Investment Ltd (HKEX: 650., previously knownas Shun Cheong Holdings) from July 2015 to October 2018. Professor Chen is on the International Advisory Board of the CSRC. In 2001,Professor Chen co-founded Zebra Capital Management and remained with the company until March 2011. Professor Chen received hisPh.D. in financial economics from Yale University in December 1990; a master degree in systems engineering from Changsha Institute ofTechnology in January 1986; and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Central-South University in July 1983.Mr. Qing Pan has been our chief financial officer since November 2019. Prior to taking this role, he spent two and a half yearsserving as the chief operating officer of Gopher Asset Management from April 2017 to November 2019, overseeing fund operations, and ledseveral specialized teams including finance, due diligence, credit rating as well as valuation. As a veteran in the investment and financecommunity, Mr. Pan spent 17 years with Deloitte as an audit partner before joining our company. Mr. Pan worked at Deloitte Boston officefrom September 1999 to May 2007, and then at Deloitte headquarter in the US from June 2007 to September 2009, and at Deloitte Shanghaifrom October 2009 to July 2016. He was also a former member of the accounting research division at Deloitte’s headquarter in the US. Heled several Chinese companies’ US listings across various industries. Mr. Pan is certified in public accounting in the US, China, and HongKong. Since August 2017, Mr. Pan has been serving as an independent director of Jiangsu Changdian Technology Co., Ltd. (600584.SHSE).He obtained a BA degree from Beijing Foreign Studies University in Beijing, China in July 1997, and MS/MBA from NortheasternUniversity in Boston, the US in September 1999.Mr. Jun Lu, the chief technology officer of our company. Mr. Lu is mainly responsible for our strategic digital transformation,fintech platform development, technology architecture optimization, as well as AI, data intelligence application and innovation. Mr. Lu is aninternet software veteran, who has over 20 years of experience leading development of large-scale software platforms and exploration ofcutting-edge technologies in the e-Commerce and finance spaces, both in US and China. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Lu was the chieftechnology officer of Lu International (Singapore) Ltd. (a subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (NYSE: LU)), and he also served as the head oftechnology center, and member of executive committee of Lufax. In those roles, Mr. Lu was in charge of all product research anddevelopment activities within Lu-International and Lufax. Prior to Lufax, Mr. Lu worked for VIPShop, where he was the chief technologyofficer of US R&D Division and also senior director of Tech Center, responsible for applying AI and AR/VR technologies in e-Commerce,as well as developing mobile commerce apps to explore new business opportunities. Prior to that, Mr. Lu worked for eBay in its SiliconValley US headquarter in various roles. He was one of the founders of eBay’s first API platform. Mr. Lu holds double MS degrees inComputer Sciences and Electronic Engineering from University of New Mexico (USA), and a BS degree in Scientific Device Engineeringfrom Zhejiang University.Mr. Ligao Zhou has been our chief risk management officer since October 2017. Mr. Zhou has more than 18 years’ experience infinancial risk management. Prior to joining our company, he served as the responsible person of risk management in JIC Trust fromDecember 2013 to September 2016, the responsible person of the Department of Shanghai Financial Market of JIC Trust from September2016 to September 2017, and a risk manager in PingAn Insurance Group from July 2002 to August 2013. Mr Zhou received his MBA degreefrom China-Europe international Business School. He is certified FRM holder and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).Table of Contents121Mr. Jin Chen is the chief executive officer of Noah Digital Intelligence. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Chen served as thegeneral manager and co-chief executive officer of Zhongan Online P&C Insurance Co., Ltd (HKEX: 6060), the first online insurancecompany in China from July 2014 to July 2019, and the executive director and chairperson of the Investment Decision Committee ofZhongan Online P&C Insurance Co., Ltd from November 2019 to January 2021. Prior to that, he was the president of the Credit Card Centerat China CITIC Bank Co. Ltd. from July 2005 to May 2014 and the deputy manager of China Merchants Fund Management Co., Ltd fromJuly 2002 to July 2005. Mr. Chen was the assistant to the chief executive officer at China Merchants Securities Co., Ltd. from March 2001 toJuly 2002 and the deputy leader of the office of board of directors at China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd from May 1999 to March 2001. Mr.Chen was also the visiting professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and he currently serves as the executive director of ShanghaiAdvanced Institute of Financial Research. He is an academic entrepreneur with a deep theoretical foundation and rich practical experience.His areas of expertise include financial technology and industrial Internet. Mr. Chen received his bachelor degree and master degree inengineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in July 1991 and June 1994, respectively, and his Executive MBA degreefrom Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in October 2012. Mr. Chen Jin is also a director of the Shanghai Adream Foundation. He isalso a representative of the 5th Shenzhen’s People’s Congress and a representative of the 2nd People’s Congress of Huangpu District,Shanghai. He was awarded the honor as the Shenzhen Model Worker and the 4th Shenzhen Top Ten Outstanding Young Entrepreneur,Shanghai Financial Innovation Figure in 2015 and other awards.Employment AgreementsWe have entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers. We may terminate an executive officer’semployment for cause at any time without remuneration for certain acts of the officer, such as a crime resulting in a criminal conviction,willful misconduct or gross negligence to our detriment, a material breach of the employment agreement or of our corporate and businesspolicies and procedures, or providing services for other entities without our consent. We may also terminate an executive officer’semployment by giving one month’s notice or by paying a one-time compensation fee equal to one month’s salary in lieu of such notice undercertain circumstances, such as a failure by such officer to perform agreed-upon duties or the impracticability of the performance caused by amaterial change of circumstances. An executive officer may terminate his or her employment at any time by giving one month’s notice orimmediately if we delay in the payment of remuneration, fail to pay social security fees, or fail to provide the necessary working conditionsfor such officer.Each executive officer, under his or her employment agreement with us, has agreed to hold any trade secrets, proprietaryinformation, inventions or technical secrets of our company in strict confidence during and after his or her employment. Each officer alsoagrees that we shall own all the intellectual property developed by such officer during his or her employment. If an officer breaches theabove contractual obligations in relation with confidentiality and intellectual property, we are entitled to collect damages from such officerequal to two months’ salary for such officer as well as to seek compensation of our actual losses.Each officer also agrees to refrain from competing with us, directly or indirectly, for two years after his or her termination ofemployment.B.CompensationFor the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, we paid an aggregate of approximately RMB16.2 million (US$2.5 million) in cash toour directors and executive officers. We have not set aside or accrued any amount to provide pension, retirement or other similar benefits toour executive officers and directors. Our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs are required by law to make contributions equal to certain percentagesof each employee’s salary for his or her pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance and other statutory benefits and ahousing provident fund.Table of Contents122Share Incentive PlansWe currently grant share incentive awards pursuant to our 2017 Share Incentive Plan, or the 2017 Plan. We previously grantedawards under our 2008 Share Incentive Plan, or the 2008 Plan, and 2010 Share Incentive Plan, or the 2010 Plan, until those plans wereterminated upon the adoption of the 2017 Plan. The purpose of our share incentive plans is to attract and retain the best available personnelby linking the personal interests of the members of the board, officers, employees, consultants and advisers to the success of our businessand by providing such individuals with an incentive for outstanding performance to generate superior returns for our shareholders.The 2017 PlanUnder the 2017 Plan, the maximum number of shares in respect of which options, restricted shares, or restricted share units andother forms of share awards may be granted is 2,800,000 Class A ordinary shares. As of December 31, 2020, there were 69,445 options topurchase Class A ordinary shares outstanding, and 91,458 restricted shares had been issued and were outstanding under the 2017 Plan .Types of Awards. The following briefly describes the principal features of the various awards that may be granted under the 2017Plan.●Options. Options provide for the right to purchase a specified number of our Class A ordinary shares at a specified price andusually will become exercisable at the discretion of our plan administrator in installments after the grant date. The optionexercise price shall be paid in cash.●Restricted Shares. A restricted share award is the grant of our Class A ordinary shares which are subject to certain restrictionsand may be subject to risk of forfeiture. Unless otherwise determined by our plan administrator, a restricted share isnontransferable and may be forfeited or repurchased by us upon termination of employment or service during a restrictedperiod. Our plan administrator may also impose other restrictions on the restricted shares, such as limitations on the right tovote or the right to receive dividends.●Restricted Share Units. A restricted share unit is a grant valued in terms of our Class A ordinary shares, but shares are notissued at the time of the grant. After the recipient of a unit satisfies the vesting requirement, we will distribute shares or thecash equivalent of the number of shares used to value the unit, depending on the terms of the award. Vesting requirements aredetermined by our plan administrator.●Share Appreciation Right. A share appreciation right is a right granted to receive a payment equal to the excess of the fairmarket value of a specified number of Class A ordinary shares on the date the award is exercised over the fair market value onthe date the award was granted as set forth in the applicable award agreement. Vesting requirements are determined by our planadministrator.Plan Administration. The plan administrator is our board of directors, or a committee designated by our board of directors. Theplan administrator will determine the provisions and terms and conditions of each grant.Offer Letter. Options or restricted shares granted under the plan are evidenced by an offer letter that sets forth the terms, conditions,and limitations for each grant.Option Exercise Price. The exercise price subject to an option shall be determined by the plan administrator and set forth in theoffer letter.Eligibility. We may grant awards to our directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisers.Term of the Awards. The term of each grant of option or restricted shares shall be determined by the plan administrator.Table of Contents123Vesting Schedule. In general, the plan administrator determines the vesting schedule, which is set forth in the offer letter.Transfer Restrictions. Awards for options may not be transferred to any third party in any manner by the award holders and may beexercised only by such holders.Termination. Unless terminated earlier, the 2017 Plan will terminate automatically on December 29, 2027. Our board of directorshas the authority to amend or terminate the plan. However, no such action may adversely affect in any material way any awards previouslygranted unless agreed by the recipient.The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2020, the outstanding options granted to our executive officers, directors, andother individuals as a group under the 2017 plan. Class A Ordinary Shares Exercise Underlying Price - Options (US$/Name Awarded ADS) Date of Grant Date of ExpirationJingbo Wang * 37.63September 1, 2018September 1, 2028Zhe Yin * 37.63September 1, 2018September 1, 2028Chia-Yue Chang * 37.63September 1, 2018September 1, 2028Qing Pan * 37.63September 1, 2018September 1, 2028Ligao Zhou * 37.63September 1, 2018September 1, 2028Other Individuals as a Group * 37.63September 1, 2018September 1, 2028Notes:*Less than 1% of our total outstanding share capital.The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2020, the outstanding restricted shares issued to our executive officers,directors, and other individuals as a group under the 2017 plan.Name Restricted Shares Date of IssuanceJingbo Wang *September 1, 2018Zhe Yin *September 1, 2018Chia-Yue Chang *September 1, 2018Qing Pan *September 1, 2018Ligao Zhou*September 1, 2018Other Individuals as a Group *September 1, 2018Tze-Kaing Yang*August 29, 2019Zhiwu Chen*December 14, 2019Jinbo Yao*October 11, 2020May Yihong Wu*November 16, 2020Notes:*Less than 1% of our total outstanding share capital.The 2010 PlanAlthough the 2010 Plan has been terminated, the outstanding awards previously granted under that plan remain effective and willcontinue to be governed by the terms and conditions of the 2010 Plan. As of December 31, 2020, options to purchase an aggregate of155,083 Class A ordinary shares have been granted and were outstanding and 11,915 restricted shares have been issued and were outstandingunder the 2010 Plan.Table of Contents124The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2020, the outstanding options granted to our executive officers, directors, andother individuals as a group under the 2010 plan.Class AOrdinarySharesExerciseUnderlyingPriceOptions(US$/Name Awarded ADS) Date of Grant Date of ExpirationJingbo Wang * 13.91April 15, 2014April 15, 2024 * 17.37May 5, 2015May 5, 2025 * 19.36July 1, 2016July 1, 2026 * 22.92July 1, 2017July 1, 2027Zhe Yin * 13.91April 15, 2014April 15, 2024 * 17.37May 5, 2015May 5, 2025 * 19.36July 1, 2016July 1, 2026 * 22.92July 1, 2017July 1, 2027Chia-Yue Chang * 17.37May 5, 2015May 5, 2025 * 19.36July 1, 2016July 1, 2026 * 22.92July 1, 2017July 1, 2027Qing Pan * 22.92April 20, 2017April 20, 2027Other Individuals as a Group * 13.91~22.92April 15, 2014 to July 1, 2017April 15, 2024 to July 1, 2027Notes:*Less than 1% of our total outstanding share capital.The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2020, the outstanding restricted shares issued to our executive officers,directors, and other individuals as a group under the 2010 plan.RestrictedName Shares Date of IssuanceJingbo Wang *July 1, 2017Zhe Yin *July 1, 2017Chia-Yue Chang *July 1, 2017Qing Pan *April 20, 2017Other Individuals as a Group *July 1, 2017Notes:*Less than 1% of our total outstanding share capital.The 2008 PlanAlthough the 2008 Plan has been terminated, the outstanding awards previously granted under that plan remain effective and willcontinue to be governed by the terms and conditions of the 2008 Plan. As of December 31, 2020, all options that were granted under the2008 Share Incentive Plan to purchase Class A ordinary shares have been either forfeited or exercised, and no restricted shares were issuedand outstanding under the 2008 Share Incentive Plan.Table of Contents125C.Board PracticesBoard of DirectorsOur board of directors consists of nine directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in our company to qualify to serve asa director. A director who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or proposed contract with our company isrequired to declare the nature of his interest at a meeting of our directors and may vote with respect to any contract, proposed contract orarrangement notwithstanding that he is interested therein, and if he does so his vote shall be counted and he may be counted in the quorum atany meeting of our directors at which such contract or proposed contract or arrangement is considered. Our board of directors may exerciseall the powers of our company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital or any part thereof,and to issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security for any debt, liability or obligationof our company or of any third party. The remuneration to be paid to the directors is determined by the board of directors. There is no agelimit requirement for directors.Committees of the Board of DirectorsWe established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a corporate governance and nominating committee under theboard of directors in November 2010. We adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions aredescribed below.Audit Committee. Our audit committee consists of Mr. Tze-Kaing Yang, Mr. Zhiwu Chen and Ms. May Yihong Wu, and is chairedby Mr. Tze-Kaing Yang. Each member of our audit committee satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 303A of the CorporateGovernance Rules of the NYSE and meet the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We have determined thateach member of our audit committee qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.” The audit committee oversees our accounting andfinancial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee is responsible for, among otherthings:●selecting the independent registered public accounting firm and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permittedto be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm;●reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and management’sresponse;●discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm;●reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of materialcontrol deficiencies;●annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter;●meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent registered public accounting firm;●reporting regularly to the board.●reviewing and approving certain proposed related party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under theSecurities Act.Table of Contents126Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee consists of Ms. May Yihong Wu, Mr. Tze-Kaing Yang and Mr. BoquanHe, and is chaired by Ms. May Yihong Wu. Each member of our compensation committee satisfies the “independence” requirements ofSection 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE. The compensation committee assists the board in reviewing and approvingthe compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. Our chief executive officermay not be present at any committee meeting during which her compensation is deliberated upon. The compensation committee isresponsible for, among other things:●reviewing the total compensation package for our most senior executives and making recommendations to the board withrespect to it;●approving and overseeing the total compensation package for our executives other than the three most senior executives;●reviewing the compensation of our directors and making recommendations to the board with respect to it; and●periodically reviewing and approving any long-term incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similararrangements, annual bonuses, and employee pension and welfare benefit plans.Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Our corporate governance and nominating committee consists ofMs. May Yihong Wu, Mr. Jinbo Yao and Mr. Zhiwu Chen, and is chaired by Mr. Zhiwu Chen. Each member of our corporate governanceand nominating committee satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE. Thecorporate governance and nominating committee assists the board of directors in identifying individuals qualified to become our directorsand in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The corporate governance and nominating committee is responsible for,among other things:●identifying and recommending to the board nominees for election or re-election to the board, or for appointment to fill anyvacancy;●reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board in light of the characteristics of independence, age,skills, experience and availability of service to us;●identifying and recommending to the board the directors to serve as members of the board’s committees;●advising the board periodically with respect to significant developments in the law and practice of corporate governance aswell as our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and making recommendations to the board on all matters ofcorporate governance and on any corrective action to be taken; and●monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness ofour procedures to ensure proper compliance.Duties of DirectorsUnder Cayman Islands law, our directors owe to us fiduciary duties, including a duty of loyalty, a duty to act honestly and a duty toact in what they consider in good faith to be in our best interests. Our directors must also exercise their powers only for a proper purpose.Our directors also have a duty to exercise the skill they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person wouldexercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum andarticles of association. Our company has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors, or any of them, is breached.Table of Contents127Terms of Directors and OfficersOur officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. Our directors are not subject to a term of officeand hold office until their resignation, death or incapacity or until their respective successors have been elected and qualified in accordancewith our articles of association. A director may be removed from office at any time by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. Adirector’s office will be vacated if such director (i) dies, becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors;(ii) is found to be or becomes of unsound mind; (iii) resigns his office by notice in writing to our company; or (iv) is removed from officepursuant to our memorandum and articles of association or the laws of Cayman Islands.We have no service contracts with any of our directors that provide benefits to them upon termination.D.EmployeesWe had 2,992 and 2,960 employees as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively, including 1,288 and 1,231 relationshipmanagers during the same periods, respectively. The following table sets forth the number of our employees by business segments as ofDecember 31, 2020:Number ofBusiness Segments Employees % of Total Wealth management 1,690 57.1Relationship managers 1,231 41.6Asset management 179 6.0Lending and other businesses 182 6.1Overseas business 154 5.2Research and development 339 11.5Risk management 67 2.3Administrative support 349 11.8Total 2,960 100.0%As required by regulations in China, we participate in various employee social security plans that are organized by municipal andprovincial governments, including endowment insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, employment injury insurance,medical insurance and housing provident fund. We are required under Chinese law to make contributions to employee benefit plans atspecified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of our employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the localgovernment from time to time.We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees and we have not experienced any significant labordisputes.E.Share OwnershipThe following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Class A ordinary shares, as of March 31,2021, by:●each of our directors and executive officers; and●each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5.0% of our ordinary shares.Table of Contents128As of March 31, 2021, we had 30,544,340 ordinary shares outstanding on an as-converted basis, assuming all issued andoutstanding Class B ordinary shares are converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares. Beneficial ownership is determined inaccordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentageownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days of the date of this annual report,including through the exercise of any option, warrant or other right or the conversion of any other security. These shares, however, are notincluded in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person.Shares Beneficially OwnedTotalordinary%% of Class A Class B shares anof total aggregateordinaryordinary as convertedordinary voting shares shares basis shares powerDirectors and Executive Officers:Jingbo Wang(1) 103,272 6,730,000 6,833,272 22.8 49.2Zhe Yin(2) 129,851 1,585,000 1,714,851 5.5 11.8Boquan He(3) 1,639,872 — 1,639,872 5.5 3.0Chia-Yue Chang(4) 2,062,759 — 2,062,759 6.9 3.8Neil Nanpeng Shen(5) 1,852,261 — 1,852,261 6.2 3.4May Yihong Wu * —* **Tze-Kaing Yang * —* **Jinbo Yao * —* **Zhiwu Chen * —* **Qing Pan * —* **Jun Lu — — — — —Ligao Zhou* —***Jin Chen — — — — —All Directors and Officers as a Group 5,915,706 8,315,000 14,230,706 47.5 81.2Principal Shareholders:Jing Investors Co., Ltd.(6) 103,272 6,730,000 6,833,272 22.8 49.2Yiheng Capital Partners, L.P. (7) 3,335,308 — 3,335,308 11.1 6.1FIL Limited(8) 2,077,501 — 2,077,501 6.9 3.8Jia Investment Co., Ltd.(9) 2,062,759 — 2,062,759 6.9 3.8Yin Investment Co., Ltd.(10) 129,851 1,585,000 1,714,851 5.5 11.8Investment funds affiliated with Sequoia Capital China(11) 1,650,000 — 1,650,000 5.5 3.0Quan Investment Co., Ltd.(12) 1,639,872 — 1,639,872 5.5 3.0Notes:* Less than 1% of our total outstanding ordinary shares.(1)Represents 6,833,272 ordinary shares and options to acquire ordinary shares owned by Jing Investors Co., Ltd., a British VirginIslands company wholly owned and controlled by Ms. Jingbo Wang.(2)Represents 1,714,851 ordinary shares and options to acquire ordinary shares owned by Yin Investment Co., Ltd., a British VirginIslands company wholly owned and controlled by Mr. Zhe Yin.(3)Represents 1,639,872 ordinary shares held by Quan Investment Co., Ltd., a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned andcontrolled by Mr. Boquan He.(4)Represents 2,062,759 ordinary shares and options to acquire ordinary shares owned by Jia Investment Co., Ltd., a British VirginIslands company wholly owned and controlled by Ms. Chia-Yue Chang(5)Includes certain shares held by investment funds affiliated with Sequoia Capital China. See footnote 11 below.Table of Contents129(6)Jing Investors Co., Ltd., or Jing Investors, is a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Ark Trust (Hong Kong) Limited, or Ark Trust, in its capacity as trustee of the Jing Family Trust, or the Trust, constituted under the laws of Hong Kong, with Ms. Wang as the settlor and Ms. Wang and her family members as the beneficiaries. The Trust was established for the purposes of Ms. Wang’s wealth management and family succession planning. Jing Investors is directly wholly owned by Magic Beams Enterprises Ltd., a British Virgin Islands company, which is in turn wholly owned by Art Trust, a professional trustee company. Ark Trust as trustee of the Trust has no power to dispose of the ordinary shares held by Jing Investors except upon written instruction by Ms. Wang, or to avoid adverse impact on the reputation of Ark Trust or any of its associates. Jing Investors is the record owner of 6,833,272 ordinary shares. Ms. Wang is the sole director of Jing Investors and as such has power to vote and dispose of the ordinary shares held by Jing Investors. Ms. Wang is the beneficial owner of all the ordinary shares held by Jing Investors. The registered address of Jing Investors Co., Ltd. is Drake Chambers, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.(7)Yiheng Capital Partners, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership managed by Yiheng Capital Management, LP, a Delaware limitedpartnership. Yuanshan Guo is the managing member of Yiheng Capital Management, LP. The registered address of Yiheng CapitalPartners, L.P. is 101 California Street, Suite 2880, San Francisco, CA 94111.(8)Represents 2,077,501 ordinary shares beneficially owned by FIL Limited, or FIL, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries as ofDecember 31, 2020. FIL is a Bermuda incorporated company and its registered address is Pembroke Hall, 42 Crow Lane, Hamilton,Bermuda, HM19.(9)Jia Investment Co., Ltd. is a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned and controlled by Ms. Chia-Yue Chang. The registeredaddress of Jia Investment Co., Ltd. is Drake Chambers, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.(10)Yin Investment Co., Ltd. is a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned and controlled by Mr. Zhe Yin. The registered addressof Yin Investment Co., Ltd. is Drake Chambers, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.(11)Represents 1,650,000 ordinary shares in the form of ADSs held by Sequoia Capital China I, L.P., Sequoia Capital China PartnersFund I, L.P., Sequoia Capital China Principals Fund I, L.P. and other affiliates of Sequoia Capital China. The general partner of eachof the three Sequoia Capital China funds is Sequoia Capital China Management I, L.P., whose general partner is SC China HoldingLimited, a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. SC China Holding Limited is wholly owned by SNP China EnterprisesLimited, a company wholly owned by Mr. Neil Nanpeng Shen. Mr. Shen is a managing partner of Sequoia Capital China, anaffiliate of the Sequoia Capital China funds.(12)Quan Investment Co., Ltd. is a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned and controlled by Mr. Boquan He. The registeredaddress of Quan Investment Co., Ltd. is Drake Chambers, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.To our knowledge, as of March 31, 2021, 18,212,821 of our Class A ordinary shares were held by one record holder in the UnitedStates including 1,116,885 treasury stock that we repurchased, which is Citibank, N. A., the depositary of our ADS program. The number ofbeneficial owners of our ADSs in the United States is much larger than the number of record holders of our Class A ordinary shares in theUnited States.Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party TransactionsA.Major ShareholdersPlease refer to “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—E. Share Ownership.”B.Related Party TransactionsContractual ArrangementsAs to our contractual arrangements with Noah Investment and its shareholders, please see “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure” for a description of these contractual arrangements.Table of Contents130Transactions with Shareholders and AffiliatesFor the funds for which Gopher and Gopher Capital GP Limited serve as general partners and/or fund managers, we are entitled toreceive recurring service fees and performance-based income. Gopher is also entitled to receive one-time commissions for fund raisingservices when distributing the relevant funds to high net worth clients. In addition, we also generated other service fees from the provision ofother comprehensive services, such as consulting services, to our shareholders.During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, related party transactions were as follows: Year Ended December 31(Amount in Thousands)2018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB US$One-time commissions Investee funds of Gopher 294,984 240,808 129,823 19,896Recurring service fees Investee funds of Gopher 929,911 1,009,568 927,611 142,162Wanjia Win-Win Assets Management Co., Ltd ("Wanjia Win-Win") — 688 — —Sequoia Capital Investment Management (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. 33,009 15,759 12,411 1,902Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Limited 252,782 313,612 302,431 46,350Wuhu Bona Film Investment Management Co., Ltd ("Wuhu Bona") 8,491 — — —Recurring services fee earned from funds subscribed by shareholders 2,868 — — —Total recurring service fees 1,227,061 1,339,627 1,242,453 190,414Performance-based income Investee funds of Gopher 92,128 34,248 140,050 21,464Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Limited 8,405 36,800 68,946 10,566Zhejiang Vanke-Noah Asset Management Co., Ltd ("Zhejiang Vanke") — 18,600 — —Total performance-based income 100,533 89,648 208,996 32,030Other service fees Other services subscribed by shareholders 29,227 3,899 3,425 525Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Limited — — 86 13Total other service fees 29,227 3,899 3,511 538Total 1,651,805 1,673,982 1,584,783 242,878As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, amounts due from related parties associated with the above transactions were comprised of thefollowing: As of December 31, (Amount in Thousands)2019 2020 2020 RMB RMB US$Investee funds of Gopher 428,724 433,935 66,504Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Limited 70,247 46,039 7,056Total 498,971 479,974 73,560Table of Contents131As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, amounts due from related parties associated with loan distributed were comprised of thefollowing: As of December 31, (Amount in Thousands)2019 2020 2020 RMB RMB US$Investee funds of Gopher 42,170 27,226 4,173Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Limited 7,563 12,977 1,988Total 49,733 40,203 6,161The terms of the loans are due on demand and most of the loans are interest free.As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, deferred revenues related to the recurring management fee received in advance from relatedparties were comprised of the following: As of December 31, (Amount in Thousands) 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBUS$Investee funds of Gopher 74,664 35,820 5,490Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Limited 1,402 1,653 253Total 76,066 37,473 5,743During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, donation made to Shanghai Noah Charity Fund were RMB1.2 million,RMB1.2 million and RMB2.8 million, respectively.During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 we paid nil, nil and RMB6 million as service fees to Dingnuo fordevelopment of an online mutual fund work station for our relationship managers, respectively.Employment AgreementsSee “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—A. Directors and Senior Management—Employment Agreements.”Share IncentivesSee “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation—Share Incentive Plans.”C.Interests of Experts and CounselNot applicable.Item 8. Financial InformationA.Consolidated Statements and Other Financial InformationWe have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report. See “Item 18. Financial Statements.”Table of Contents132Legal ProceedingsIn early 2016, Gopher established credit funds, or the Camsing Credit Funds, to allow its high net worth clients to invest in accountreceivables, or the Camsing Accounts Receivables, with respect to the sale of computer, consumer electronics and communication productsby affiliates of Camsing International Holding Limited. In 2019, Gopher came to suspect that certain Camsing Accounts Receivables had notarisen from real commercial transactions. Gopher reported the suspected fraudulent activities to the police in the PRC and initiated certainlegal proceedings.As of the date of this annual report, a total of 818 high net worth clients of Gopher investing in the Camsing Credit Funds had beenaffected, and the outstanding amount of the Camsing Accounts Receivables under the Camsing Credit Funds which are potentially subject torepayment default amounted to RMB3.4 billion.To preserve our goodwill with affected clients, we voluntarily made an ex gratia settlement offer, or the Offer, to affected clients.An affected client accepting the offer shall receive restricted share units, or RSUs, which upon vesting will become Class A ordinary sharesof our company, and in return give up all outstanding legal rights associated with the investment in the Camsing Credit Funds andirrevocably release our company and all our affiliated entities and individuals from any and all claims immediately, known or unknown, thatrelate to the Camsing Credit Funds. As approved by our Board, new Class A ordinary shares not exceeding 1.6% of the share capital of ourCompany may be issued under the settlement plan each year for ten consecutive years.As of December 31, 2020, 552 out of the total 818 affected clients (approximately 67.5)% had accepted the Offer, representingRMB2.4 billion (approximately 70)% out of the total outstanding Camsing Accounts Receivables. The maximum number of Class Aordinary shares to be issued by our company to these 552 affected clients would account for approximately 11.2% of the total issued Sharesof our company as of December 31, 2020, and account for approximately 6.3% of the voting rights of our Company as of December 31,2020.We recorded share-based settlement expenses of RMB1,290.8 million (US$197.8 million) based on the fair value of RSUs issued toaffected clients under the Offer. The deadline for the affected clients to accept the Offer was December 31, 2020. We currently have no newsettlement plan for remaining unsettled affected clients, but do not preclude reaching settlements in the future with similar terms. Therefore,we also recognized a contingent liability of RMB530.4 million (US$81.3 million) as of December 31, 2020 in relation to potential futureoffers.Although Gopher was not involved in any of the suspected fraudulent activities, we have been proactively assessing the potentiallegal risks and implications associated with this claim, which is currently at a preliminary stage, and other potential legal proceedings, toprotect the best interests of us and our shareholders.Other than the matters mentioned above, we are currently not a party to, and we are not aware of any threat of, any judicial,arbitration or administrative proceedings that, in the opinion of our management, are likely to have a material and adverse effect on ourbusiness, financial condition or results of operations. We may from time to time be involved in litigation and claims incidental to the conductof our business. Our businesses are also subject to extensive regulations, which may result in regulatory proceedings against us, See “Item 3.Key Information—D. Risk Factors” above. Litigation or any other legal or administrative proceedings, regardless of the outcome, may resultin substantial cost and diversion of our recourses, including our management’s time and attention.Table of Contents133Dividend PolicyOur board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to our articles of association andCayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders by ordinary resolution may declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amountrecommended by our board of directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend on its shares out ofeither profit or share premium amount, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company beingunable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form,frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition,contractual restrictions and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant. If we pay any dividends, our ADS holders will bepaid to the same extent as holders of our ordinary shares, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees and expensespayable thereunder. See “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—D. American Depository Shares.”For undistributed profits earned from our China subsidiaries, we have both the intent and ability to permanently reinvest theseundistributed profits.B.Significant ChangesExcept as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our auditedconsolidated financial statements included in this annual report.Item 9. The Offer and ListingA.Offering and Listing DetailsSee “—C. Markets.”B.Plan of DistributionNot applicable.C.MarketsOur ADSs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since November 10, 2010 under the symbol “NOAH.” Two ADSsrepresent one of our ordinary shares. We have a dual-class common share structure in which Class A ordinary shares have different votingrights from Class B ordinary shares. Class B shares are each entitled to four votes, whereas Class A ordinary shares are each entitled to onevote. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our ADSs—Our dual-class voting structure will limit your abilityto influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class Aordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.”D.Selling ShareholdersNot applicable.E.DilutionNot applicable.F.Expenses of the IssueNot applicable.Table of Contents134Item 10. Additional InformationA.Share CapitalNot applicable.B.Memorandum and Articles of AssociationThe following are summaries of material provisions of our memorandum and articles of association, as well as the Companies Act(As Revised) of the Cayman Islands, or the Companies Act, insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares.Registered Office and ObjectsThe registered office of our company is located at the offices of Maples Corporate Services Limited, P.O. Box 309, Ugland House,Grand Cayman KY1-1104, Cayman Islands as of the date of this annual report, and may be relocated to such other place as our board ofdirectors may from time to time decide. The objects for which our company is established are unrestricted and we have full power andauthority to carry out any object not prohibited by the Companies Act or any other law of the Cayman Islands.Board of DirectorsSee “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board practices—Board of Directors.”Ordinary SharesGeneral. All of our outstanding Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares are fully paid. Our ordinary shares are issuedin registered form, and are issued when registered in our register of shareholders. Our shareholders who are non-residents of the CaymanIslands may freely hold and vote their Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares.Dividends. The holders of our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declaredby our board of directors, subject to Cayman Islands law and our articles of association. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinaryresolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a CaymanIslands company may pay a dividend on its shares out of either profit or share premium amount, provided that in no circumstances may adividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business.Voting Rights. Each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to four votes on allmatters upon which the ordinary shares are entitled to vote. Voting at any shareholders’ meeting is by show of hands unless a poll isdemanded. A poll may be demanded by any one or more shareholders present in person or by proxy entitled to vote and who together holdnot less than 10% of the paid up voting share capital of our company. Shareholders may attend any shareholders’ meeting in person or byproxy, or if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative or proxy; we currently do not allow shareholdersto vote electronically.A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of at least one shareholder present in person or by proxy or, if acorporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative, who hold not less than an aggregate of one-third of our votingshare capital. Shareholders’ meetings may be held annually and may be convened by our board of directors. Advance notice of at least sevencalendar days is required for the convening of shareholders’ meetings, subject to exceptions in certain circumstances as set out in our articlesof association.Table of Contents135An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast by theshareholders entitled to vote, in person or by proxy, in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no lessthan two-thirds of the votes cast by the shareholders entitled to vote, in person or by proxy, in a general meeting. A special resolution isrequired for important matters such as a change of name or amendments to our memorandum or articles of association. Holders of theordinary shares may effect certain changes by ordinary resolution, including increasing the amount of our authorized share capital,consolidating and dividing all or any of our share capital into shares of larger amounts than our existing shares, and canceling any authorizedbut unissued shares.Transfer of Shares. Subject to the restrictions set out in our memorandum and articles of association, our shareholders may transferall or any of their ordinary shares by an instrument of transfer in writing and executed by or on behalf of the transferor (and if our board ofdirectors require, the transferee).Our board of directors may decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully paid up or on which we have alien. Our board may also decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless (a) 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 may reasonably require toshow the right of the transferor to make the transfer; and (b) a fee of such maximum sum as the NYSE may determine to be payable, or suchlesser sum as our board may from time to time require, is paid to us in respect thereof.If our board of directors refuses to register a transfer it shall, within two months after the date on which the instrument of transferwas lodged, send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal. The registration of transfers may be suspended on14 days’ notice being given by advertisement in such one or more newspapers or by electronic means and the register closed at such timesand for such periods as our board may from time to time determine.Liquidation. On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of shares), assetsavailable for distribution shall be distributed among the holders of the ordinary shares on a pro rata basis, and the liquidator may with thesanction of an ordinary resolution of the shareholders divide amongst the shareholders in specie or in kind the whole or any part of the assetsof our company, and may for such purpose set such value as he deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid, and may determinehow such division shall be carried out as between our shareholders or different classes of shareholder.Redemption, Repurchase and Surrender of Shares. We may issue shares on terms that are subject to redemption, at our option or atthe option of the holders, on such terms and in such manner as may, before the issue of such shares, be determined by our board of directors.Our company may also repurchase any of our shares provided that our shareholders shall have approved the manner of purchase by ordinaryresolution or the manner of purchase is in accordance with the provisions of Articles 17 and 17A of our articles of association. Under theCompanies 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 issueof shares made for the purpose of such redemption or repurchase, or out of capital (including share premium account and capital redemptionreserve) if our company can, immediately following such payment, pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Inaddition, under the Companies Act no such share may be redeemed or repurchased (a) unless it is fully paid up, (b) if such redemption orrepurchase would result in there being no shares outstanding, or (c) if the company has commenced liquidation. In addition, our companymay accept the surrender of any fully paid share for no consideration.Calls on Shares and Forfeiture of Shares. Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for anyamounts unpaid on their shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 calendar days prior to the specified time of payment.Shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid on the specified time are subject to forfeiture.Table of Contents136Variations of Rights of Shares. If at any time our share capital is divided into different classes or series of shares, all or any of thespecial rights attached to any class or series of shares may be varied either with the written consent of the holders of a majority of the issuedshares of that class or series or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that classor series.In addition to any other applicable consent or approval requirements set forth in our articles of association and pursuant to the rulesof the New York Stock Exchange, for so long as the total issued and outstanding Class B ordinary shares constitute a majority of theaggregate voting power of our company, any amendment of the rights attached to our Class B ordinary shares requires approval by (i)holders of a majority of the total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares as well as (ii) holders of a majority of the aggregate votingpower of our company.For so long as any of our Class A ordinary shares are outstanding, our company shall not, without the affirmative vote of at least amajority of our Class A ordinary shares, voting as a single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision setting forth the terms of our Class Aordinary shares.Inspection of Books and Records. Holders of our ordinary shares have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect orobtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records, subject to certain limited exceptions. However, we will provide ourshareholders with annual audited financial statements. See “—H. Documents on Display.”Anti-Takeover Provisions. Some provisions of our memorandum and articles of association have the potential to discourage, delayor prevent a change of control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including provisions that:●provide holders of our Class B ordinary shares four votes per share and holders of our Class A ordinary shares one vote pershare on all matters upon which the ordinary shares are entitled to vote;●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 call general meetings of shareholders.However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under ourmemorandum and articles of association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of ourcompany.General Meetings of Shareholders. Shareholders’ meetings may be convened by our board of directors. Advance notice of at leastseven calendar days is required for the convening of our annual general shareholders’ meeting and any other general meeting of ourshareholders, subject to exceptions in certain circumstances as set out in our articles of association. A quorum for a meeting of shareholdersconsists of members holding not less than an aggregate of one-third of all voting share capital of our company present in person or by proxy.C.Material ContractsWe 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 ControlsSee “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations in China—Regulations on Foreign Exchange.”Table of Contents137E.TaxationThe following summary of certain material Cayman Islands, PRC and U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment inour ADSs or ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this annual report, all of whichare subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our ADSs or ordinaryshares, such as the tax consequences under state, local and other tax laws.Cayman Islands TaxationThe Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation andthere is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty and there are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by theGovernment of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or brought within thejurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. Although it is unlikely that we will be subject to material taxes, there is no assurance that the CaymanIslands government will not impose taxes in the future, which could be material to us. In addition, there may be tax consequences if we are,for example, involved in any transfer or conveyance of immovable property in the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not party to anydouble tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by us and there are no exchange control regulations or currencyrestrictions in the Cayman Islands.People’s Republic of China TaxationThe PRC enterprise income tax is calculated based on the taxable income determined under the PRC laws and accounting standards.Under the EIT Law and the EIT Implementation Rules, all domestic and foreign-invested companies in China are subject to a uniformenterprise income tax at the rate of 25% and dividends from a PRC subsidiary to its foreign parent company are subject to a withholding taxat the rate of 10%, unless such foreign parent company’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a reducedrate of withholding tax, or the tax is otherwise exempted or reduced pursuant to the PRC tax laws. Zhong Lun Law Firm advises us that sincethere is currently no such tax treaty between China and the Cayman Islands, dividends we receive from our PRC subsidiaries will be subjectto a 10% withholding tax; in addition, we may be able to enjoy the 5% preferential withholding tax treatment for the dividends we receivefrom our PRC subsidiaries through Noah Insurance, according to Tax Arrangement between mainland China and Hong Kong, if they satisfythe conditions prescribed under relevant tax rules and regulations, and obtain the approvals as required under those rules and regulations. See“Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations in China—Regulations on Tax.”Under the EIT Law, enterprises organized under the laws of jurisdictions outside China with their “de facto management bodies”located within China may be considered PRC resident enterprises and therefore subject to PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% ontheir worldwide income. The EIT Implementation Rules define the term “de facto management body” as the management body thatexercises full and substantial control and overall management over the business, productions, personnel, accounts and properties of anenterprise. In addition, according to a circular issued by the SAT in April 2009, a foreign enterprise controlled by a PRC company or a PRCcompany group will be classified as a “resident enterprise” with its “de facto management bodies” located within China if the followingrequirements are satisfied: (i) the senior management and core management departments in charge of its daily operations function mainly inthe PRC; (ii) its financial and human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies in the PRC; (iii) itsmajor assets, accounting books, company seals, and minutes and files of its board and shareholders’ meetings are located or kept in the PRC;and (iv) more than half of the enterprise’s directors or senior management with voting rights reside in the PRC. We have evaluated whetherwe are a PRC resident enterprise and we believe that we are not a PRC resident enterprise for the year ended December 31, 2020.Table of Contents138However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain withrespect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management bodies”. If we are deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise, we will be subjectto PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on our global income. In that case, however, dividend income we receive from our PRCsubsidiaries may be exempt from PRC enterprise income tax because the EIT Law and the EIT Implementation Rules generally provide thatdividends received from a PRC resident enterprise from its directly invested entity that is also a PRC resident enterprise is exempt from PRCenterprise income tax. However, as there is still uncertainty as to how the EIT Law and the EIT Implementation Rules will be interpreted andimplemented, we cannot assure investors in our ADSs or ordinary shares that we are eligible for such PRC enterprise income tax exemptionsor reductions for any subsequent taxable year.Provided that our Cayman Islands holding company, Noah Holdings Limited, is not deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise, holdersof our ADSs and ordinary shares who are not PRC residents will not be subject to PRC income tax on dividends distributed by us or gainsrealized from the sale or other disposition of our shares or ADSs. SAT Circular 7 further clarifies that, if a non-resident enterprise derivesincome by acquiring and selling shares in an offshore listed enterprise in the public market, such income will not be subject to PRC tax underSAT Circular 7. However, because there is uncertainty as to the application of SAT Circular 7, we and our non-PRC resident investors maybe at risk of being required to file a return and being taxed under SAT Circular 7 and we may be required to expend valuable resources tocomply with SAT Circular 7 or to establish that we should not be taxed under and SAT Circular 7. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. RiskFactors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We face uncertainties with respect to the application of the Circular on Strengtheningthe Administration of Enterprise Income Tax for Share Transfers by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises.”U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsThe following is a summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in our ADSs or ordinary sharesby a U.S. Holder (as defined below) that holds our ADSs or ordinary shares as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment)within the meaning of Section 1221 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code.This summary is based upon the federal income tax laws of the United States as of the date of this annual report, including theCode, existing and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative pronouncements of the U.S. Internal RevenueService, or the IRS, and judicial decisions, all as in effect as of the date of this annual report, and all of which may be replaced, revoked, ormodified, possibly with retroactive effect, and which replacement, revocation, or modification could significantly affect the taxconsequences described below. We have not sought any ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reachedin the following discussion and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree with our statements and conclusions.This summary does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular investors in light oftheir individual circumstances, including investors subject to special tax rules such as: banks and certain other financial institutions;insurance companies; brokers or dealers in stocks, securities, commodities or currencies; persons that use or are required to use a mark-to-market method of accounting; pension plans; regulated investment companies; real estate investment trusts; cooperatives; tax-exempt entities(including private foundations); persons that own (directly, indirectly, or constructively) ADSs or ordinary shares representing 10% or moreof our total voting power or value; investors that hold their ADSs or ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructivesale, or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes; U.S. expatriates; entities subject to the U.S. anti-inversion rules;persons subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code; partnerships or other pass-through entities, or persons holding ADSsor ordinary shares through such entities; persons who acquired ADSs or ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of an employee equity grantor otherwise as compensation; persons required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to our ADSs orordinary shares as a result of such income being recognized on an applicable financial statement; or investors that have a functional currencyother than the U.S. dollar, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below.Table of Contents139In addition, this summary does not address any U.S. federal estate, gift, Medicare, or alternative minimum tax considerations, orany state, local or non-U.S. tax considerations, relating to the ownership or disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares. Except asspecifically described below, this discussion does not address any tax consequences or reporting obligations that may be applicable topersons holding ADSs or ordinary shares through a bank, financial institution or other entity, or a branch thereof, located, organized orresident outside the United States, and does not describe any tax consequences arising in respect of the Foreign Account Tax ComplianceAct, or FATCA regime.If a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficialowner of our ADSs or ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend upon the status of the partner and theactivities of the partnership. Partnerships or partners in a partnership holding our ADSs or ordinary shares are urged to consult their taxadvisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning or disposing of our ADSs or ordinary shares.THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FORCAREFUL TAX PLANNING AND ADVICE. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TOTHE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS, AS WELL ASANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS OR THE LAWS OF ANYSTATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.GeneralFor purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our ADSs or ordinary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation 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 U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust (A) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more U.S. persons who have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or (B) that has otherwise elected to be treated as a U.S. person (as defined in the Code).The discussion below assumes that the representations contained in the deposit agreement are true and that the obligations in thedeposit agreement and any related agreement have been and will be complied with in accordance with their terms.ADSsFor U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder of our ADSs should be treated as the beneficial owner of the underlying sharesrepresented by such ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawal of shares for ADSs should not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.Passive Foreign Investment CompanyBased on the market price of our ADSs, the value of our assets and the nature and composition of our income and assets, we believethat we were a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for our taxable year ended December 31, 2020. The IRS does not issue rulingswith respect to PFIC status, and we cannot assure you that the IRS, or a court, will agree with any determination we make.Table of Contents140We will be a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year if, applying the applicable look-through rules, either:(1) at least 75% of our gross income for such year is passive income or (2) at least 50% of the value of our assets (generally determinedbased on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such year is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held forthe production of passive income. For this purpose, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, certain types of rents and royalties,annuities, net gains from the sale or exchange of property producing such income, net gains from commodity transactions, net foreigncurrency gains and net income from notional principal contracts. In addition, cash, cash equivalents, securities held for investment purposes,and certain other similar assets are generally categorized as passive assets.We will be treated as owning a proportionate share of the assets and earning a proportionate share of the income of any othercorporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, at least 25% (by value) of the stock. Although the law in this regard is unclear, we treatour variable interest entities, or VIEs, as being owned by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes because we control their managementdecisions and because we are entitled to substantially all of the economic benefits associated with them, and, as a result, we consolidate theiroperating results in our consolidated GAAP financial statements. If it were determined, however, that we are not the owner of our VIEs forU.S. federal income tax purposes, then the nature and composition of our income and assets would change and we would likely be treated asa PFIC for one or more taxable years.We must make a separate determination after the close of each taxable year as to whether we were a PFIC for that year.Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will not be a PFIC for our current or any future taxable year. The determination of whether wewill be a PFIC for any taxable year may depend in part upon the value of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles not reflected on ourbalance sheet (which may depend upon the market price of our ADSs or ordinary shares from time to time, which may fluctuatesignificantly) and also may be affected by how, and how quickly, we spend our liquid assets and the cash we generate from our operationsand raise in any offering.U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment of a Shareholder of a PFICIf we are a PFIC for any taxable year (as we believe we were for our taxable year ended December 31, 2020) during a U.S. Holder’sholding period for our ADSs or ordinary shares, then, absent certain elections (including a mark-to-market election, a qualified electing fundelection and a deemed sale election, each as described below), such U.S. Holder will generally be subject to adverse tax rules, regardless ofwhether we remain a PFIC in subsequent taxable years, on (i) any “excess distribution” that we make to the U.S. Holder (which generallymeans any distribution paid during a taxable year to a U.S. Holder that is greater than 125% of the average annual distributions paid in thethree preceding taxable years to the U.S. Holder or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for our ADSs or ordinary shares), and (ii) anygain realized on the sale or other disposition, including, under certain circumstances, a pledge, of ADSs or ordinary shares. Under the PFICrules:●the excess distribution and/or gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for our ADSs or ordinaryshares;●the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable years in the U.S. Holder’s holding period prior to the firsttaxable year in which we are treated as a PFIC (each such year, a pre-PFIC year) will be taxable as ordinary income; andthe 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 applicable tothe U.S. Holder for that year, and will be increased by an additional tax equal to interest on the resulting tax deemed deferred with respect toeach such year.The tax liability for amounts allocated to years prior to the year of disposition or excess distribution cannot be offset by anynet operating losses for such years, and gains (but not losses) from a sale or other disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares cannot betreated as capital, even if you hold the ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets.Table of Contents141If we are a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder for any taxable year during such U.S. Holder’s holding period for our ADSs orordinary shares and any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries that are corporations (or other corporations in which we directly or indirectly ownequity interests) is also a PFIC, such U.S. Holder would generally be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares ofeach such non-U.S. entity that is a PFIC (each such corporation, a lower tier PFIC) for purposes of the application of these rules. U.S.Holders are strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to any of our lower tier PFICs.Mark-to-Market ElectionIf we are a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder for any taxable year (as we believe we were for our taxable year ended December 31,2020) during such U.S. Holder’s holding period for our ADSs or ordinary shares, then in lieu of being subject to the tax and interest chargerules discussed above, the U.S. Holder may make an election to include gain on our ADSs or ordinary shares as ordinary income under amark-to-market method, provided that our ADSs or ordinary shares constitute “marketable stock.” Marketable stock is stock that is regularlytraded on a qualified exchange or other market, as defined in applicable Treasury regulations. Our ADSs, but not our ordinary shares, arelisted on the New York Stock Exchange, which is a qualified exchange or other market for these purposes. Consequently, so long as ourADSs remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are regularly traded, we expect that a mark-to-market election would be availableto a U.S. Holder of our ADSs for each taxable year that we are a PFIC, but no assurances are given in this regard. If a U.S. Holder makes avalid mark-to-market election, the U.S. Holder will generally (i) include in gross income as ordinary income for each taxable year that weare 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 ADSsand (ii) deduct as an ordinary loss the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of such ADSs over the fair market value of such ADSs held atthe 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 such ADSs would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss resulting from the mark-to-marketelection. If a U.S. Holder makes a valid mark-to-market election, any gain such U.S. Holder recognizes upon the sale or other disposition ofour ADSs in a taxable year for which we are a PFIC will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but onlyto 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 validmark-to-market election and we cease to be a PFIC, the U.S. Holder will not be required to take into account the mark-to-market gain or lossdescribed above during any period for which we are not a PFIC.Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that we may own, if we were a PFIC for any taxableyear, a U.S. Holder that makes a mark-to-market election with respect to our ADSs may continue to be subject to the PFIC rules describedabove 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 forU.S. federal income tax purposes.U.S. Holders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of, the procedure for, and the effectof making, a mark-to-market election, as well as whether making the election would be advisable, including in light of theirparticular circumstances.Qualified Electing Fund ElectionIn certain circumstances, a shareholder in a PFIC may avoid some of the disadvantageous tax treatment described above by makinga “qualified electing fund” election to be taxed currently on its share of the PFIC’s undistributed income. However, if we were a PFIC (as webelieve we were for our taxable year ended December 31, 2020), a U.S. Holder would be able to make a qualified electing fund election withrespect to our ADSs or ordinary shares only if we agreed to furnish the U.S. Holder annually with a PFIC annual information statement asspecified in the applicable Treasury regulations. We currently do not intend to prepare or provide the information necessary for U.S. Holdersto make qualified electing fund elections.Table of Contents142Deemed Sale ElectionIf we are a PFIC for any taxable year (as we believe we were for our taxable year ended December 31, 2020) during a U.S. Holder’sholding period for our ADSs or ordinary shares, we generally (unless such U.S. Holder makes a valid mark-to-market election with respectto its ADSs, as discussed above) will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such U.S. Holder for all succeeding years, unless wecease to be a PFIC and the U.S. Holder makes a “deemed sale” election with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares, as applicable. If a U.S.Holder makes such an election, such U.S. Holder will be deemed to have sold its ADSs or ordinary shares at their fair market value, and anygain from such deemed sale would be taxed as an “excess distribution” as described above. Any loss from the deemed sale is not recognized.After the deemed sale election, the U.S. Holder’s ADSs or ordinary shares with respect to which such election was made will not be treatedas shares in a PFIC unless we subsequently become a PFIC.U.S. Holders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors as to the possibility and consequences of making a deemed saleelection if we are and then cease to be a PFIC and such an election becomes available.Reporting RequirementsFor any taxable year for which we are a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder, such U.S. Holder will generally be required to file anannual information return on IRS Form 8621 regarding distributions received on our ADSs or ordinary shares and any gain realized on thedisposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares, and certain U.S. Holders will be required to file an annual information return (also on IRS Form8621) relating to their ownership of our ADSs or ordinary shares. Significant penalties are imposed for failure to file such form. Aspreviously noted, we believe that we were a PFIC for our taxable year ended December 31, 2020.U.S. HOLDERS ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE IMPACT OFOUR BEING A PFIC ON THEIR INVESTMENT IN OUR ADSS OR ORDINARY SHARES, AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATEDREPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND THE AVAILABILITY, APPLICATION AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE ELECTIONSDISCUSSED ABOVE.Dividends and Other Distributions on our ADSs or Ordinary SharesSubject to the PFIC rules discussed above, the gross amount of any cash distributions (including the amount of any PRC or othertax withheld) paid with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined underU.S. federal income tax principles, will be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as dividend income on the day actually orconstructively received by the U.S. Holder, in the case of our ordinary shares, or by the depositary, in the case of our ADSs. However,because we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of U.S. federal income tax principles, U.S. Holders shouldassume that any distribution paid will generally constitute a “dividend” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such dividends will not beeligible for the dividends-received deduction generally available to qualifying U.S. corporations under the Code.A non-corporate U.S. Holder generally will be subject to tax on dividends received from a “qualified foreign corporation” at thereduced U.S. federal tax rate applicable to “qualified dividend income,” rather than the marginal tax rates applicable to ordinary income,provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met. If we are neither a PFIC nor treated as such with respect to U.S. Holders(as discussed above) for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year, we will be treated as a qualified foreigncorporation with respect to any dividends paid on our ADSs or ordinary shares, provided that (i) the ADSs or ordinary shares are readilytradable on an established securities market in the United States, or (ii) we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with theUnited States that the Secretary of Treasury of the United States determines is satisfactory for this purpose and includes an exchange ofinformation program. As discussed above under “––Passive Foreign Investment Company,” we believe that we were a PFIC for our taxableyear ended December 31, 2020.Table of Contents143Our ADSs (but not our ordinary shares) are currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We believe, though no assurancesmay be given in this regard, that our ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, and that, if we arenot a PFIC nor treated as such with respect to U.S. Holders (as discussed above) for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or thepreceding taxable year, we would therefore be treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to any dividends paid on our ADSs, butnot with respect to dividends paid on our ordinary shares. In the event we are deemed to be a resident enterprise under the EIT Law (see “—People’s Republic of China Taxation” above), we may be eligible for the benefits under the U.S.-PRC income tax treaty, or the Treaty (whichthe U.S. Treasury Department has determined is satisfactory for this purpose). If we are eligible for such benefits, then dividends that we payon our ordinary shares, regardless of whether such shares are represented by ADSs, would be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation,subject to applicable limitations (including ineligibility for reduced rates as a result of our being a PFIC for the taxable year in which thedividend is paid or the preceding taxable year).Even if dividends would be treated as paid by a qualified foreign corporation, a non-corporate U.S. Holder will not be eligible forreduced rates of taxation if it does not hold our ADSs or ordinary shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 daysbefore the ex-dividend date (disregarding certain periods of ownership while the United States Holder’s risk of loss is diminished) or if suchU.S. Holder elects to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code. In addition, the ratereduction will not apply to dividends of a qualified foreign corporation if the non-corporate U.S. Holder receiving the dividend is obligatedto make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisorsregarding the availability of the reduced tax rate on any dividends that we pay with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares in their particularcircumstances.The amount of any dividend income paid in foreign currency will be the U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the spot ratein effect on the date of receipt, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars on such date. If the dividend isconverted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss inrespect of the amount received. A U.S. Holder may have foreign currency gain or loss if the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars after thedate of receipt.Dividends will be treated as foreign-source income, and generally will constitute passive income or in certain cases, generalcategory income, for foreign tax credit purposes. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of the dividend income will include anyamounts withheld in respect of PRC withholding tax, if applicable. See “—People’s Republic of China Taxation” above. Subject toapplicable limitations, which vary depending upon each U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances, if PRC taxes are withheld from dividendpayments (at a rate not exceeding the applicable rate provided in the Treaty in the case of a U.S. Holder that is eligible for Treaty benefits),such withheld PRC taxes generally will be creditable against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The rules governing foreigntax credits are complex and U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the creditability of foreign taxes in their particularcircumstances. In lieu of claiming a credit, a U.S. Holder may elect to deduct any such withheld PRC taxes in computing its taxable income,subject to applicable limitations. An election to deduct foreign taxes instead of claiming foreign tax credits applies to all foreign taxes paid oraccrued in the relevant taxable year.Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of our ADSs or Ordinary SharesA U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss on a sale or exchange of our ADSs or ordinary shares in an amount equal to the differencebetween the amount realized on the sale or exchange and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in our ADSs or ordinary shares. Subject to thediscussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” above, such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss. Capital gains of anon-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual, that has held our ADSs or ordinary shares for more than one year currently are eligiblefor reduced tax rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.Table of Contents144Any gain or loss that a U.S. Holder recognizes on a disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares generally will be treated as U.S.-source income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes, which could limit the availability of foreign tax credits. However, if we aretreated as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes and PRC tax is imposed on gain from the disposition of our ADSs or ordinaryshares (see “—People’s Republic of China Taxation” above), then a U.S. Holder that is eligible for the benefits of the Treaty may elect totreat the gain as PRC-source income for foreign tax credit purposes. If such an election is made, the gain so treated will be treated as aseparate class or “basket” of income for foreign tax credit purposes. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the propertreatment of gain or loss, as well as the availability of a foreign tax credit, in their particular circumstances.Information Reporting and Backup WithholdingDividend payments with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our ADSs orordinary shares generally will be subject to information reporting to the IRS and U.S. backup withholding. Backup withholding generallywill not apply, however, to a U.S. Holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and makes any other required certification,or who otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding theapplication of the U.S. information reporting and backup withholding rules.Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a U.S. Holder’s U.S.federal income tax liability, and a U.S. Holder may be entitled to obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backupwithholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS in a timely manner and furnishing any required information.Specified Foreign Financial AssetsIndividual U.S. Holders and certain domestic entities generally will be required to submit certain information to the IRS withrespect to their beneficial ownership of our ADSs or ordinary shares as is necessary to identify the class or issue of which our ADSs orordinary shares are a part. These requirements are subject to exceptions, including an exception for ADSs or ordinary shares held in accountsmaintained by certain financial institutions and an exception applicable if the aggregate value of all “specified foreign financial assets” (asdefined in the Code) does not exceed US$50,000. This law also imposes penalties if a U.S. Holder is required to submit such information tothe IRS and fails to do so. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the potential reporting requirements that may beimposed with respect to ownership of our ADSs or ordinary shares.F.Dividends and Paying AgentsNot applicable.G.Statement by ExpertsNot applicable.H.Documents on DisplayWe are subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act. Under the Exchange Act, we arerequired to file reports and other information with the SEC. Specifically, we are required to file annually a Form 20-F no later thanfour months after the close of each fiscal year, which is December 31. Copies of reports and other information, when so filed, may beinspected without charge and may be obtained at prescribed rates at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street,N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the regional office of the SEC located at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street,Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. The public may obtain information regarding the Washington, D.C. Public Reference Room by callingthe SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements,and other information regarding registrants that make electronic filings with the SEC using its EDGAR system.Table of Contents145Our Internet website is ir.noahgroup.com. We make available on our website our annual reports on Form 20-F and any amendmentsto such reports as soon as reasonably practicable following the electronic filing of such report with the SEC, all free of charge. In addition,we provide electronic or paper copies of our filings free of charge upon request. The information contained on our website is not part of thisor any other report filed with or furnished to the SEC.As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content ofquarterly reports and proxy statements, and officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swingprofit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance withGAAP.We will furnish our shareholders with annual reports, which will include a review of operations and annual audited consolidatedfinancial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP.I.Subsidiary InformationFor a listing of our subsidiaries, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure.”Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market RiskForeign Exchange RiskOur financial statements are expressed in Renminbi, which is our reporting currency. We earn the majority of our revenues andincur the majority of our expenses in Renminbi, and the majority of our sales contracts are denominated in Renminbi. We do not believe thatwe currently have any significant direct foreign exchange risk and have not used any derivative financial instruments to hedge our exposureto such risk. Although in general, our exposure to foreign exchange risks should be limited, the value of your investment in our ADSs will beaffected by the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Renminbi because the value of our business is effectively denominated inRenminbi, while the ADSs will be traded in U.S. dollars.The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by changes in China’s political and economicconditions and by China’s foreign exchange policies, among other things. In July 2005, the PRC government changed its decades-old policyof pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar, and the Renminbi appreciated more than 20% against the U.S. dollar over thefollowing three years. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S.dollar remained within a narrow band. After June 2010, the Renminbi began to appreciate against the U.S. dollar again, although startingfrom June 2015, the trend of appreciation changed and the Renminbi started to depreciate against the U.S. dollar gradually. It is difficult topredict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in thefuture. There still remains significant international pressure on the Chinese government to adopt a substantial liberalization of its currencypolicy, which could result in further appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we received from overseas offering into Renminbi for our operations,appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we receive from the conversion.As of December 31, 2020, we had an Renminbi or Hong Kong dollar or other non-U.S. dollar denominated cash balance of US$524.2million and a U.S. dollar denominated cash balance of US$242.9 million. Assuming we had converted the U.S. dollar denominated cashbalance of US$242.9 million as of December 31, 2020 into RMB at the exchange rate of US$1.00 for RMB6.5250 as of December 31, 2020,this cash balance would have been RMB1,584.9 million. Conversely, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose ofmaking payments for dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against theRMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. We have not used any forward contracts or currencyborrowings to hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.Table of Contents146Interest RiskOur exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to interest income generated by excess cash, which is mostly held in interestbearing bank deposits.As of December 31, 2020, we had RMB129.1 million invested in debt products with a weighted average duration of approximately0.9 years.We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio. Interest earning instruments carry a degree of interestrate risk. We have not been exposed to, nor do we anticipate being exposed to, material risks due to changes in market interest rates.However, our future interest income may fall short of expectations due to changes in market interest rates.Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity SecuritiesA.Debt SecuritiesNot applicable.B.Warrants and RightsNot applicable.C.Other SecuritiesNot applicable.D.American Depositary SharesFees and Charges Our ADS holders May Have to PayADS holders will be required to pay the following service fees to the depository:Service Fees• Issuance of ADSs Up to US$0.05 per ADS issued• Cancelation of ADSs Up to US$0.05 per ADS canceled• Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions Up to US$0.05 per ADS held• Distribution of ADSs pursuant to stock dividends, free stockdistributions or exercise of rights Up to US$0.05 per ADS held• Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchaseadditional ADSs Up to US$0.05 per ADS held• Depositary services Up to US$0.05 per ADS held on the applicable record date(s)established by the depositary• Transfer of ADSs US$1.50 per certificate presented for transferTable of Contents147Citibank, N.A., the depositary of our ADS program, collects fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investorsdepositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects feesfor making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property topay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billinginvestors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid. Citibank’s principal executive office is located at 388 Greenwich Street, NewYork, New York, 10013. The depositary bank typically appoints a custodian to safekeep the securities on deposit. In this case, the custodianis Citibank Hong Kong, located at 10/F, Harbor Front (II), 22, Tak Fung Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ADS holders will also beresponsible to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary and certain taxes and governmental charges such as:●fees for the transfer and registration of ordinary shares charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the ordinary shares in theCayman Islands (i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of ordinary shares);●expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars;●expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery of securities;●taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities (i.e., when ordinary shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit); and●fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of ordinary shares on deposit.Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancelation of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary by the brokers (on behalf oftheir clients) receiving the newly issued ADSs from the depositary and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to thedepositary for cancelation. The brokers in turn charge these fees to their clients. Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions ofcash or securities to ADS holders and the depositary services fee are charged by the depositary to the holders of record of ADSs as of theapplicable ADS record date.The depositary fees payable for cash distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case ofdistributions other than cash (such as stock dividends and rights distributions), the depositary charges the applicable fee to the ADS recorddate holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated oruncertificated in direct registration), the depositary sends invoices to the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held inbrokerage and custodian accounts (via DTC), the depositary generally collects its fees through the systems provided by DTC (whosenominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts. Thebrokers and custodians who hold their clients’ ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their clients’ accounts the amount of the fees paid to thedepositary.In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse the requestedservice until payment is received or may offset the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder.The fees and charges that ADS holders may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary.The depositary may reimburse us for certain expenses incurred by us in respect of the ADR program established pursuant to thedeposit agreement, by making available a portion of the depositary fees charged in respect of the ADR program or otherwise, upon suchterms and conditions as we and the depositary may agree from time to time. As described in the deposit agreement, we or the depositary maywithhold or deduct from any distributions made in respect of ordinary shares and may sell for the account of a holder any or all of theordinary shares and apply such distributions and sale proceeds in payment of any taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) orcharges that are or may be payable by holders in respect of the ADSs.Table of Contents148Fees and Other Payments Made by the Depositary to UsOur depositary has agreed to reimburse us for certain expenses we incur that are related to establishment and maintenance of theADS program, including investor relations expenses and exchange application and listing fees. There are limits on the amount of expensesfor which the depositary will reimburse us, but the amount of reimbursement available to us is not related to the amounts of fees thedepositary collects from investors. Reimbursement paid by the depositary was RMB1.7 million (US$253.8 thousand) in 2020.PART IIItem 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and DelinquenciesNone.Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of ProceedsOn January 29, 2016, our shareholders voted in favor of a proposal to adopt a dual-class share structure, pursuant to which ourauthorized share capital was reclassified and re-designated into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, with each Class Aordinary share being entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share being entitled to four votes on all matters that are subject toshareholder vote.See “Item 10. Additional Information” for a description of the rights of securities holders.Item 15. Controls and ProceduresDisclosure Controls and ProceduresOur management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has performed an evaluation of theeffectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the periodcovered by this report, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our management has concludedthat, as of December 31, 2020, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosedby us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the timeperiods 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 submitunder the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financialofficer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial ReportingOur management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term isdefined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, for our company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to providereasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordancewith GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accuratelyand fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of a company’s assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded asnecessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that a company’s receipts andexpenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of a company’s management and directors, and (3) provide reasonableassurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of a company’s assets that could have amaterial effect on the consolidated financial statements.Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because ofchanges in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.Table of Contents149As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules as promulgated by the Securities and ExchangeCommission, our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 usingcriteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the TreadwayCommission.Based on this assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December31, 2020 based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of SponsoringOrganizations of the Treadway Commission.The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by Deloitte ToucheTohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, who has also audited our consolidatedfinancial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmOpinion on Internal Control over Financial ReportingWe have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Noah Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as ofDecember 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of SponsoringOrganizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internalcontrol over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013)issued by COSO.We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)(PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company and our report dated April30, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the conveniencetranslation.Basis for OpinionThe Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessmentof the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on InternalControl over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reportingbased on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to theCompany in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and ExchangeCommission and the PCAOB.We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform theaudit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists,testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such otherprocedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.Table of Contents150Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial ReportingA company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliabilityof financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accountingprinciples. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance ofrecords that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) providereasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generallyaccepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations ofmanagement and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorizedacquisition, 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 ofchanges in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate./s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLPShanghai, ChinaApril 30, 2021Changes in Internal Controls over Financial ReportingAs required by Rule 13a-15(d), under the Exchange Act, our management, including our chief executive officer and our chieffinancial officer, also conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurredduring the period covered by this report have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control overfinancial reporting. Based on that evaluation, it has been determined that there were no changes in our internal control over financialreporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,our internal control over financial reporting.Item 16. ReservedItem 16A. Audit Committee Financial ExpertOur board of directors has determined that Mr. Tze-Kaing Yang, Mr. Zhiwu Chen and Ms. May Yihong Wu, independent directors(under the standards set forth in Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act)and members of our audit committee, are audit committee financial experts.Item 16B. Code of EthicsOur board of directors has adopted a code of ethics that applies to our directors, officers, employees and agents, including certainprovisions that specifically apply to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief technology officer, vicepresidents and any other persons who perform similar functions for us. We have filed our code of business conduct and ethics as an exhibit toour registration statement on Form F-1 (No. 333-170055).Table of Contents151Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and ServicesThe following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional servicesrendered by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP, our principal external auditors, for the periods indicated. We didnot pay any other fees to our auditors during the periods indicated below. For the Year EndedDecember 31, 2019 2020(RMB’000)Audit fees(1) 8,354 8,580Audit-related fees(2) 930 850Tax fees(3) 764 409Note:(1)“Audit fees” means the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our principal auditors for the audit of our annualfinancial statements and the review of our comparative interim financial statements.(2)“Audit-related fees” represents aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for assurance and related services that are notreported under audit fees.(3)“Tax fees” represents aggregate fees for professional services performed in connection with tax planning and tax compliance.The policy of our audit committee is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by Deloitte Touche TohmatsuCertified Public Accountants LLP, including audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services as described above, otherthan those for de minimis services which are approved by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit.Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit CommitteesNot applicable.Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated PurchasersOn May 12, 2017, our board of directors approved an extension of our previously approved share repurchase program for one yearfrom July 8, 2017 and authorized us to repurchase up to US$50 million worth of our issued and outstanding ADSs, or the 2017 ShareRepurchase Program. As of December 31, 2020, we had repurchased no ADSs under the 2017 Share Repurchase Program.On December 1, 2020, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, or the Share Repurchase Program, underwhich we may repurchase up to US$100 million worth of our ADSs over the following two years. On February 25, 2021, we completed theShare Repurchase Program, with approximately 2,233,770 ADSs representing 1,116,885 ordinary shares repurchased at an average price ofUS$44.77 per ADS.Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying AccountantNot applicable.Table of Contents152Item 16G. Corporate GovernanceCertain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, differ significantly from the New YorkStock Exchange corporate governance listing standards. For example, neither the Companies Act of the Cayman Islands nor ourmemorandum and articles of association requires a majority of our directors to be independent and we could include non-independent directors as members of our compensation committee, and our independent directors would not necessarily hold regularlyscheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present. As a result, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than theyotherwise would under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. Currently,we do not plan to rely on home country practice with respect to our corporate governance. However, if we choose to follow home countrypractice in the future, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under the New York Stock Exchangecorporate governance listing standards applicable to domestic issuers.Item 16H. Mine Safety DisclosureNot applicable.PART IIIItem 17. Financial StatementsWe have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.Item 18. Financial StatementsThe consolidated financial statements of Noah Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries and consolidated entities are included at theend of this annual report.Item 19. ExhibitsExhibit Number Description of Document 1.1Fifth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference toExhibit 99.2 from our current report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-34936), as amended, initially filed with the Commission onJanuary 29, 2016) 2.1Specimen American Depositary Receipt of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 from our S-8 registrationstatement (File No. 333-171541), as amended, filed with the Commission on January 5, 2011) 2.2Specimen Certificate for Ordinary Shares of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 from our F-1/A registration statement (File No. 333-170055), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on October 27, 2010) 2.3Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, the depositary and holders and beneficial holders of the American DepositaryShares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 from our S-8 registration statement (File No. 333-171541), as amended, filedwith the Commission on January 5, 2011) 2.4Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement between the Registrant and other parties therein dated June 30, 2010(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-170055), as amended, initiallyfiled with the Commission on October 20, 2010)Table of Contents153Exhibit Number Description of Document 2.5Amendment No. 1 to Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, the depositary and holders and beneficial holders of theAmerican Depositary Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) from our F- 6 registration statement(File No. 333- 170167), as amended, filed with the Commission on March 15, 2016) 2.6*Description of Registrant’s Securities 4.12008 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-170055), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on October 20, 2010) 4.22010 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 from our F-1/A registration statement (File No. 333-170055), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on October 27, 2010) 4.32017 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from our Form S-8 registration statement (File No. 333-222342) filed with the Commission on December 29, 2017) 4.4Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and its Directors and Officers (incorporated by reference toExhibit 10.3 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-170055), as amended, initially filed with the Commission onOctober 20, 2010) 4.5Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and an Executive Officer of the Registrant (incorporated byreference to Exhibit 10.4 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-170055), as amended, initially filed with theCommission on October 20, 2010) 4.6English translation of the Exclusive Option Agreement between Shanghai Noah Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. (formerlyknown as Shanghai Fuzhou Investment Consulting Co., Ltd. and subsequently as Shanghai Noah Rongyao InvestmentConsulting Co., Ltd.) and shareholders of Noah Investment Management Co., Ltd., dated September 3, 2007 (incorporated byreference to Exhibit 10.5 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-170055), as amended, initially filed with theCommission on October 20, 2010) 4.7English translation of the Exclusive Support Service Contract between Shanghai Noah Investment Management Co., Ltd. andShanghai Noah Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Shanghai Fuzhou Investment Consulting Co., Ltd. andsubsequently as Shanghai Noah Rongyao Investment Consulting Co., Ltd.), dated September 3, 2007 (incorporated byreference to Exhibit 10.6 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-170055), as amended, initially filed with theCommission on October 20, 2010) 4.8English translation of the form of Power of Attorney issued by shareholders of Shanghai Noah Investment ManagementCo., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-170055), as amended,initially filed with the Commission on October 20, 2010) 4.9English translation of the Share Pledge Agreement between Shanghai Noah Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. (formerly known asShanghai Fuzhou Investment Consulting Co., Ltd. and subsequently as Shanghai Noah Rongyao Investment ConsultingCo., Ltd.) and shareholders of Noah Investment Management Co., Ltd., dated September 3, 2007 (incorporated by reference toExhibit 10.8 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-170055), as amended, initially filed with the Commission onOctober 20, 2010) 4.10 English translation of Loan Agreement between Jingbo Wang, Zhe Yin, Xinjun Zhang, Yan Wei, Boquan He, Qianghua Yanand Shanghai Noah Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Shanghai Noah Rongyao Investment ConsultingCo., Ltd.), dated December 26, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 from our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34936), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on March 24, 2014).Table of Contents154Exhibit Number Description of Document 8.1* List of Significant Consolidated Entities 11.1 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 from our F-1 registrationstatement (File No. 333-170055), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on October 20, 2010) 12.1* Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 12.2* Principal Accounting Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 13.1** Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 13.2** Principal Accounting Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 15.1* Consent of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 15.2* Consent of Zhong Lun Law Firm 15.3* Consent of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP101.INS* XBRL Instance Document101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document104* Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)* Filed with this Annual Report on Form 20-F.** Furnished with this Annual Report on Form 20-F.Table of Contents155SIGNATURESThe registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused andauthorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.NOAH HOLDINGS LIMITEDBy:/s/ Jingbo WangName:Jingbo WangTitle:Chairwoman and Chief Executive OfficerDate: April 30, 2021Table of ContentsF-1Noah Holdings LimitedIndex to Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-2Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 F-7Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 F-8Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 F-9Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 F-10Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 F-11Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-13Additional Information - Financial Statement Schedule IF-55Table of ContentsF-2REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMTo the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Noah Holdings LimitedOpinion on the Financial StatementsWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Noah Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as ofDecember 31, 2019 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cashflows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed inthe Index at Item 18 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in allmaterial respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, and the results of their operations and their cashflows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in theUnited States of America.We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), theCompany’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the criteria established in Internal Control —Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report datedApril 30, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.Convenience TranslationOur audits also comprehended the translation of Renminbi amounts into United States dollar amounts and, in our opinion, such translationhas been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 2(t) to the financial statements. Such United States dollar amounts are presentedsolely for the convenience of readers outside the People’s Republic of China.Basis for OpinionThese financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financialstatements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respectto the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and ExchangeCommission and the PCAOB.We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit toobtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Ouraudits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the 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 amountsand disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates madeby management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonablebasis for our opinion.Table of ContentsF-3Critical Audit MattersThe critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that werecommunicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to thefinancial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical auditmatters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the criticalaudit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.Settlement of Camsing Incident — Recognition of Financial Instruments — Refer to Note 16 to the financial statementsCritical Audit Matter DescriptionIn 2020, the Company voluntarily offered a settlement plan to investors who invested in the investment products distributed and managed bythe Company that were impacted by suspected fraud commited by third parties (the “Camsing Incident”). Investors accepting the settlementplan will be issued a certain number of restricted share units (“RSUs”) over a period of ten years. The financial instruments are classified asequity instruments, initially measured at fair value and recorded in additional paid-in-capital in the consolidated balance sheet.The management made (1) judgments in the accounting treatment of the financial instruments issued in the settlement plan for determiningwhether the financial instruments qualifies for equity classification and (2) estimates of fair value of the RSUs to be issued, in both of whichhigh subjectivity is applied. This resulted in a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of audit effort, including furtherevaluation of the management's judgements applied in determining the accounting treatment and the need to involve fair value specialists toaudit and evaluate the valuation methodologies as well as the significant assumptions and inputs.How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the AuditOur audit procedures related to the management judgements of the accounting treatment of the financial instruments included the following,in particular (1) determining the appropriateness of the management’s judgments on whether the financial instruments qualifies for equityclassification and (2) evaluating the reasonableness of fair value measurement of the RSUs, included the following, among others:●We understood the process of the management’s accounting judgments and fair value estimation of the RSUs, including significantassumptions in estimating the fair value of RSUs, and tested the effectiveness of related controls.●We assessed the information in the key terms of the settlement plan to understand and evaluate that all components were identified.●We evaluated management’s judgments related to the accounting treatment of the settlement by analyzing against various aspects ofGAAP.●With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the (1) valuation methodology and (2) thediscount rates used for fair value estimation of the RSUs by testing the source information underlying the determination of thediscount rates and testing the mathematical accuracy of the calculation.Table of ContentsF-4Contingent liabilities — Estimation and Disclosure of Contingencies related to Camsing Incident— Refer to Note 21 to the financialstatementsAs of December 31, 2020, certain investors affected by Camsing Incident initiated legal proceedings against the Company’s subsidiaries andaffiliates. The Company’s accrued contingent liability as of December 31, 2020 was RMB530.4 million. The accrued contingent liabilitiesand associated settlement expenses related to Camsing Incident and such legal proceedings are estimated, recorded and disclosed based onthe Company’s expectation regarding the probability and magnitude of any expected losses. These estimates are made based on the availableinformation over the course of the associated matters and the management’s plan to settle with the unsettled investors affected by theCamsing Incident.We identified the estimation and disclosure of contingent liabilities related to Camsing Incident as a critical audit matter becausemanagement’s evaluation of the settlement plan in the future, including the form of settlement and the acceptance level, involves significantjudgment. Auditing the probability of an unfavorable outcome and the estimate of associated exposure requires subjective and complexjudgment as well as careful evaluation of the facts by taking into consideration of legal opinion.How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the AuditOur audit procedures related to evaluation of Camsing related contingencies, including the probability of outcome related to these legalproceedings and estimates of reasonably possible loss or range of loss, included the following among others:●We tested the effectiveness of controls over (i) estimation of loss contingencies related to outstanding litigation and anticipatedsettlement, including the evaluation of whether such exposures are probable or reasonably possible, and (ii) presentation anddisclosure of contingencies due to Camsing litigation.●We sent independent third-party confirmations to external counsel for the status of material current litigation and ascertainedcompleteness of the litigation matters brought to our attention.●We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s estimates of loss contingencies by inquiring of management and the Company’sinternal legal counsel, inspecting Board of Directors’ meeting minutes and attending meetings with the Audit Committee forupdates on litigation and evidence of further considerations indicative of unrecorded contingencies.●We evaluated management’s ability to accurately project the key assumptions, in particular the management’s plan to settle withaffected Investors, by comparing actual progress to (i) management’s historical projections and (ii) information disclosed in theCompany’s external communication.Table of ContentsF-5Fair Value Measurement — Level 3 Investments — Refer to Notes 5 and 6 to the financial statementsCritical Audit Matter DescriptionThe Company measures certain investments in private equity funds accounted for at fair value using significant unobservable pricing inputsand as such are within level 3 measurement category in accordance with ASC 820. The balance of these investments amounted to RMB216.2million as of December 31, 2020. Since there is limited observable market activity, the inputs used in the determination of fair value requiresignificant management judgment or estimation.We identified fair value measurement of these investments as a critical audit matter because of the subjective process in determiningsignificant inputs, assumptions and judgments used to estimate the fair value. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and anincreased extent of effort, including obtaining audit evidence of the data source used to estimate fair value, understanding the assumptionsapplied and involving our fair value specialists.How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the AuditOur audit procedures related to the fair value measurement of the equity investments included the following, among others:●We obtained an understanding of management’s process, including the significant inputs and assumptions, and controls overthe determination of fair value measurement for these investments and tested the effectiveness of the relevant controls.●With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the appropriateness of management’s methodology, andsignificant inputs, assumptions and judgments used in applying the fair value measurement for these equity investments. Thefollowing procedures were undertaken: (i) agreeing information used in developing the significant assumptions to appropriatesupporting documentation, (ii) evaluating the EBIT and EBITDA multiples, including testing the underlying sourceinformation and mathematical accuracy of the calculations, and comparing the multiples selected by management to itsguideline companies and (iii) considering whether the assumptions, taken individually and as a whole, are realistic andconsistent with the investee’s specific industry and the economic circumstances.●We performed retrospective reviews and evaluated contradictory evidence pertaining to the fair value measurement of theseinvestments./s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLPShanghai, ChinaApril 30, 2021We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2010.Table of ContentsF-6REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMTo the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Noah Holdings LimitedOpinion on Internal Control over Financial ReportingWe have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Noah Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as ofDecember 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of SponsoringOrganizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internalcontrol over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — IntegratedFramework (2013) issued by COSO.We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), theconsolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company and our report dated April 30, 2021expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the convenience translation.Basis for OpinionThe Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit toobtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Ouraudit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists,testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such otherprocedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial ReportingA company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability offinancial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accountingprinciples. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance ofrecords that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) providereasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generallyaccepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations ofmanagement and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorizedacquisition, 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 anyevaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, orthat the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate./s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLPShanghai, ChinaApril 30, 2021Table of ContentsF-7Noah Holdings LimitedConsolidated Balance Sheets(Amount in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data) As of December 31, 201920202020 RMB RMB US$Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 4,387,345 5,005,211767,082Restricted cash 6,589 9,9931,531Short-term investments (including short-term investments measured at fair value of RMB642,759 and nil as ofDecember 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively) 671,259 114,92817,613Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of nil and nil as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 219,566 434,45866,584Amounts due from related parties, net of allowance for credit losses of nil and RMB4,006 as of December 31, 2019and 2020, respectively 548,704 520,17879,721Loan receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB5,147 and RMB5,863 as of December 31, 2019 and 2020,respectively 654,060 418,94764,206Other current assets 243,701 199,44730,567Total current assets 6,731,224 6,703,1621,027,304Long-term investments (including long-term investments measured at fair value of RMB531,359 and RMB373,678, asof December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively) 881,091 536,38482,205Investment in affiliates 1,272,261 1,264,685193,821Property and equipment, net 296,320 248,66938,110Operating lease right-of-use assets, net352,186274,15442,016Deferred tax assets 167,430 224,24034,366Other non-current assets 102,092 148,29222,726Total Assets 9,802,604 9,399,5861,440,548Liabilities and Equity Current liabilities: (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to Noah Holdings Ltd. See Note 2(b)) Accrued payroll and welfare expenses 555,719 705,622108,141Income tax payable 126,743 140,77721,575Deferred revenues 100,693 71,61310,975Other current liabilities 721,898 432,65066,306Contingent liabilities — 530,433 81,292Total current liabilities 1,505,053 1,881,095288,289Deferred tax liabilities 56,401 45,8817,032Operating lease liabilities, non-current362,757194,38429,791Other non-current liabilities 3,433 855131Total Liabilities 1,927,644 2,122,215325,243Contingencies (Note 21) Shareholders’ equity: Class A ordinary shares (US$0.0005 par value): 91,394,900 shares authorized, 22,484,657 shares issued andoutstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 22,773,542 shares issued and 22,229,340 shares outstanding as ofDecember 31, 2020 75 7612Class B ordinary shares (US$0.0005 par value): 8,605,100 shares authorized, 8,315,000 shares issued and outstandingas of December 31, 2019 and 2020 28 284Treasury stock (nil and 544,202 ordinary shares as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively) — (290,913) (44,584)Additional paid-in capital 2,181,323 3,565,667546,462Retained earnings 4,734,992 3,989,767611,459Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 97,049 (79,114)(12,125)Total Noah Holdings Limited shareholders’ equity 7,013,467 7,185,5111,101,228Non-controlling interests 861,493 91,86014,077Total Shareholders’ Equity 7,874,960 7,277,3711,115,305Total Liabilities and Equity 9,802,604 9,399,5861,440,548The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.Table of ContentsF-8Noah Holdings LimitedConsolidated Statements of Operations(Amount in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data) Years Ended December 31,2018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB US$Revenues: Revenues from others One-time commissions 733,009 690,860 679,014104,063Recurring service fees 593,856 524,692 700,157107,304Performance-based income 43,101 23,437 180,52927,667Other service fees 361,886 522,958 196,15130,061Total revenues from others 1,731,852 1,761,947 1,755,851269,095Revenues from funds Gopher manages One-time commissions 294,984 240,808 129,82319,896Recurring service fees 1,182,693 1,320,773 1,230,042188,512Performance-based income 100,533 89,648 208,99632,030Total revenues from funds Gopher manages 1,578,210 1,651,229 1,568,861240,438Total revenues 3,310,062 3,413,176 3,324,712509,533Less:VAT related surcharges (20,454) (21,364) (18,886)(2,894)Net revenues 3,289,608 3,391,812 3,305,826506,639Operating cost and expenses: Compensation and benefits Relationship manager compensation (633,599) (625,044) (613,999)(94,099)Performance-based compensation (21,175) (31,283) (85,413)(13,090)Other compensations (909,418) (954,443) (804,600)(123,310)Total compensation and benefits (1,564,192) (1,610,770) (1,504,012)(230,499)Selling expenses (412,720) (331,346) (271,692)(41,639)General and administrative expenses (280,075)(296,492) (277,879)(42,587)Provision for credit losses688(130,723)(8,083)(1,239)Other operating expenses (169,368) (196,793) (99,040)(15,179)Government subsidies 62,583 89,278 113,35617,373Total operating cost and expenses (2,363,084) (2,476,846) (2,047,350)(313,770)Income from operations 926,524 914,966 1,258,476192,869Other income (expenses): Interest income 69,841 89,099 67,31710,317Interest expenses (10,028) (430) ——Investment income (loss) 48,616 (28,620) (86,369)(13,237)Settlement expenses——(1,828,907)(280,292)Other (expense) income (23,356) (7,040) 4,164638Total other income (expenses) 85,073 53,009 (1,843,795)(282,574)Income (loss) before taxes and income from equity in affiliates 1,011,597 967,975 (585,319)(89,705)Income tax expense (222,320) (220,025) (258,460)(39,611)Income from equity in affiliates 14,469 115,809 100,25715,365Net income (loss) 803,746 863,759 (743,522)(113,951)Less: net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests (7,551) 34,608 1,703261Net income (loss) attributable to Noah Holdings Limited shareholders 811,297 829,151 (745,225)(114,212)Net income (loss) per share: Basic 27.70 27.12 (24.02)(3.68)Diluted 26.67 26.84 (24.02)(3.68)Weighted average number of shares used in computation: Basic 29,288,401 30,580,181 31,020,43931,020,439Diluted 30,710,540 30,924,095 31,020,43931,020,439The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.Table of ContentsF-9Noah Holdings LimitedConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)(Amount in Thousands) Years Ended December 31,2018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB US$Net income (loss) 803,746 863,759 (743,522)(113,951)Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments 75,752 61,601 (176,910)(27,113)Fair value fluctuation of available-for-sale investment, net of tax of nil(Note 5) (349) (797) 771 118Fair value fluctuation of available-for-sale investment held by affiliates, netof tax of nil (1,080) — ——Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 74,323 60,804 (176,139)(26,995)Comprehensive income (loss) 878,069 924,563 (919,661)(140,946)Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests (7,638) 34,558 1,727 265Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noah Holdings Limitedshareholders 885,707 890,005 (921,388) (141,211)The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.Table of ContentsF-10Noah Holdings LimitedConsolidated Statements of Changes in Equity(Amount in Thousands, Except for Share Data) Total Noah AccumulatedHoldingsAdditionalOtherLimitedTotalClass AClass BPaid-inRetainedComprehensiveShareholders’NoncontrollingShareholders’Ordinary SharesOrdinary SharesTreasury StockCapitalEarnings(Loss) IncomeEquityInterestsEquity Shares RMB1 Shares RMB Shares RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB RMBBalance at January 1, 2018 20,235,183 67 8,465,000 29 (140,479) (40,267) 1,372,838 3,134,810 (38,217) 4,429,260 78,486 4,507,746Net income — — — — — — — 811,297 — 811,297 (7,551) 803,746Share-based compensation — — — — — — 112,763 — — 112,763 — 112,763Vesting of restricted shares 133,010 — — — — — — — — — — —Issuance of ordinary shares upon exercise of options 201,630 1 — — — — 45,895 — — 45,896 — 45,896Other comprehensive income (loss)—foreign currencytranslation adjustments — — — — — — — — 75,841 75,841 (89) 75,752Other comprehensive loss—change in fair value of available-for-sale investments — — — — — — — — (1,429) (1,429) — (1,429)Non-controlling interest capital injection — — — — — — — — — — 63,929 63,929Impact of acquisition (Note 2(b)) — — — — — — — — — — 290,663 290,663Disposal of a subsidiary (Note 2(b)) — — — — — — — — — — (87,761) (87,761)Conversion of convertible notes 1,170,430 4 — — — — 364,068 — — 364,072 — 364,072Transfer of Class B shares to Class A shares 150,000 1 (150,000) (1) — — — — — — — —Balance at December 31, 2018 21,890,253 73 8,315,000 28 (140,479) (40,267) 1,895,564 3,946,107 36,195 5,837,700 337,677 6,175,377Net income — — — — — — — 829,151—829,15134,608863,759Share-based compensation — — — — — — 94,897——94,897—94,897Vesting of restricted shares 124,592 — — — — — — — — — — —Issuance of ordinary shares upon exercise of options 152,4101————31,685——31,686—31,686Conversion of convertible notes 457,8812————141,537——141,539—141,539Other comprehensive income (loss)—foreign currencytranslation adjustments — — — — — — — — 61,65161,651(50)61,601Other comprehensive loss—change in fair value of available-for-sale investments — — — — — — — — (797)(797)—(797)Non-controlling interest capital injection — — — — — — 17,640——17,640500,973518,613Impact of acquisition (Note 2(b))——————————1,0011,001Distributions to non-controlling interests — — — — — — — — — — (6,988)(6,988)Disposal of a subsidiary (Note 2(b))——————————(5,728)(5,728)Retirement of treasury stock(140,479)(1)——140,47940,267—(40,266)————Balance at December 31, 2019 22,484,657758,315,00028——2,181,3234,734,99297,0497,013,467861,4937,874,960Net loss — — — — — — — (745,225)—(745,225)1,703(743,522)Share-based compensation — — — — — — 59,789——59,789—59,789Vesting of restricted shares 75,253 — — — — — — — — — — —Issuance of ordinary shares upon exercise of options 134,6391————33,371——33,372—33,372Restricted share units for settlement (Note 16) 78,993—————1,290,811——1,290,811—1,290,811Other comprehensive income (loss)—foreign currencytranslation adjustments — — — — — — — — (176,934)(176,934)24(176,910)Other comprehensive income—change in fair valueof available-for-sale investments — — — — — — — — 771771—771Divestment of non-controlling interests——————————(90,849)(90,849)Impact of acquisition (Note 2(b)) — — — — — — ————1,4171,417Distributions to non-controlling interests——————————(28,335)(28,335)Disposal of a subsidiary (Note 2(b)) — — — — — — — — — — (649,220)(649,220)Repurchase of ordinary shares————(544,202)(290,913)———(290,913)—(290,913)Acquisition of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries——————373——373(4,373)(4,000)Balance at December 31, 2020 22,773,542768,315,00028(544,202)(290,913)3,565,6673,989,767(79,114)7,185,51191,8607,277,371The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.1The amount less than RMB 1 is rounded to zero.Table of ContentsF-11Noah Holdings LimitedConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows(Amount in Thousands) Years Ended December 31,2018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB US$Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) 803,746 863,759 (743,522)(113,951)Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Loss from disposal of property and equipment 304 1,163 57288Depreciation expense 92,282 105,432 98,45215,088Non-cash lease expenses—85,42084,74812,988Share-based compensation 112,763 94,897 59,7899,163Share-based settlement expense——1,290,811197,825Income from equity in affiliates, net of dividends (14,469) (39,964) (60,397)(9,256)(Gain) loss from disposal of subsidiaries (31,219) (3,971) 1,879288(Reversal) provision for credit losses (688) 130,723 8,0831,239Amortization of unearned lease income (62,285) (37,961) (3,091)(474)Impairment of long-term investments—104,365115,10017,640Changes in investment fair value in the consolidated funds — (35,847) (11,383)(1,745)Fair value changes of equity investments measured by fair value 6,342 (15,092) (6,458)(990)Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (99,969) 47,755 (219,330)(33,614)Amounts due from related parties (56,747) 12,851 14,9902,297Other current assets 18,512 69,992 (96,832)(14,840)Other non-current assets (648) (11,521) (32,202)(4,935)Accrued payroll and welfare expenses 45,118 (114,487) 149,90322,974Income taxes payable 35,754 73,109 14,0342,151Deferred revenues (58,330) (42,231) (29,080)(4,457)Other current liabilities 201,644 16,356 (361,210)(55,357)Other non-current liabilities (77,942) (32,285) (2,578)(395)Amounts due to related parties (134) — ——Contingent liabilities——530,43381,292Lease assets and liabilities — (84,068) (22,463)(3,443)Deferred tax assets and liabilities (40,730) (62,364) (67,330)(10,319)Acquisitions and sales of investment products 156,082 162,202 83,43512,788Net cash provided by operating activities 1,029,386 1,288,233 796,353122,045Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (128,223) (65,333) (51,618)(7,911)Purchase of held-to-maturity investments — (74,500) (225,000)(34,483)Proceeds from redemption of held-to-maturity investments 135,000 38,067 176,38927,033Purchases of available-for-sale investments (43,904) (16,056) ——Proceeds from sale or redemption of available-for-sale investments 97,551 57,372 ——Purchase of other long-term investments (197,233) (33,460) (6,454)(989)Proceeds from sale of other long-term investments 151,434 231,171 26,6064,078Purchase of investments held by consolidated funds — (1,575,592) ——Proceeds from investments held by consolidated funds—1,228,73272,60811,128Loans to related parties — (318,055) (164,993) (25,286)Principal collection of loans to related parties 31,573 314,099 174,523 26,747Loans disbursement to third parties (13,590,068) (7,086,712) (417,934)(64,051)Principal collection of loans originated to third parties 13,707,549 6,993,745 639,55198,015Increase in investments in affiliates (946,491) (39,916) (67,865)(10,401)Capital return from investments in affiliates 605,551 57,570 168,34425,800Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash deconsolidated (25,232) 115,219 20,3313,116Acquisition, net of cash acquired (193,184) (8,363) 8,0961,241Purchase of loan receivables from factoring business (34,904) — ——Collection of loan receivables from factoring business 34,904 — ——Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (395,677) (182,012) 352,58454,037The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.Table of ContentsF-12Noah Holdings LimitedConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows(Amount in Thousands) Years Ended December 31,2018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB US$Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares upon exercise of stock options 45,896 31,686 33,3725,114Contribution from non-controlling interests 63,929 518,613 ——Distributions to non-controlling interests — (6,988) (28,335) (4,343)Payments to acquire non-controlling interests in subsidiaries — — (4,000)(613)Divestment of non-controlling interests — — (90,849) (13,923)Payments related to transfer of rights to the loan receivables from factoring business 34,904 — — —Proceeds related to transfer of rights to the loan receivables from factoring business (34,904) — — —Payment for repurchase of ordinary shares — — (281,610) (43,158)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 109,825 543,311 (371,422)(56,923)Effect of exchange rate changes 56,304 37,811 (148,745)(22,796)Net increases in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 799,838 1,687,343 628,77096,363Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of the year 1,906,753 2,706,591 4,393,934673,400Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of the year 2,706,591 4,393,934 5,022,704769,763Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for income taxes 211,503 209,975 310,58647,599Cash paid for interest expenses 13,022 430 ——Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: Purchase of property and equipment in accounts payable 9,572 1,311 1,662255Conversion of convertible notes 342,969 145,004 ——Consideration payable of repurchase of ordinary shares——9,3031,426Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities—127,68764,2759,851Reconciliation to amounts on consolidated balance sheets: Cash and cash equivalents 2,704,091 4,387,345 5,005,211767,082Restricted cash 2,500 6,589 9,9931,531Restricted cash – non-current included in other non-current assets——7,5001,150Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 2,706,591 4,393,934 5,022,704769,763The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.Table of ContentsF-13Noah Holdings LimitedNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020(In Thousands Renminbi, except for share and per share data, or otherwise stated)1. Organization and Principal ActivitiesNoah Holdings Limited (“Company”) was incorporated on June 29, 2007 in the Cayman Islands with limited liability. The Company, through its subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) (collectively, the “Group”), is a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for high net wealth ("HNW") investors. The Group began offering services in 2005 through Shanghai Noah Investment Management Co., Ltd. (“Noah Investment”), a consolidated VIE, founded in the PRC in August 2005.2. Summary of Principal Accounting Policies(a) Basis of PresentationThe consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the UnitedStates of America (“U.S. GAAP”).(b) Principles of ConsolidationThe consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs. Allinter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.A consolidated subsidiary is an entity in which the Company, directly or indirectly, controls more than one half of the voting poweror has the power to: appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board of directors; cast a majority of votes at the meeting of theboard of directors; or govern the financial and operating policies of the investee under a statute or agreement among the shareholders orequity holders.U.S. GAAP provides guidance on the identification and financial reporting for entities over which control is achieved throughmeans other than voting interests. The Group evaluates each of its interests in private companies to determine whether or not the investee is aVIE and, if so, whether the Group is the primary beneficiary of such VIE. In determining whether the Group is the primary beneficiary, theGroup considers if the Group (1) has power to direct the activities that most significantly affects the economic performance of the VIE, and(2) receives the economic benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. If deemed the primary beneficiary, the Group consolidatesthe VIE.Consolidation through contractual arrangementsThe Company had been engaged in the fund distribution business through contractual arrangements among its PRC subsidiary,Shanghai Noah Investment (Group) Co., Ltd (“Noah Group”), its PRC VIE, Noah Investment, and Noah Investment’s shareholders(“Registered Shareholders”). The Group relies on the contractual agreements with Noah Investment and the Registered Shareholders for aportion of its operations in the PRC, including the Group’s asset management business. Because of the contractual arrangements, theCompany is able to consolidate the financial results of Noah Investment and its operating subsidiaries.Table of ContentsF-14Since the Company does not have any equity interests in Noah Investment, in order to exercise effective control over its operations,the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Noah Group, entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Noah Investment andits shareholders, pursuant to which the Company is entitled to receive effectively all economic benefits generated from Noah Investmentshareholders’ equity interests in it. These contractual arrangements include:(i)Exclusive Option AgreementPursuant to an exclusive option agreement entered into by the Registered Shareholders and Noah Group in September 2007 (the“Exclusive Option Agreement”), the Registered Shareholders granted Noah Group or its third-party designee an irrevocable and exclusiveoption to purchase all or part of their equity interests in Noah Investment when and to the extent permitted by PRC law. The purchase priceshall be the higher of the minimum amount required by PRC law or an amount determined by Noah Group. Noah Group may exercise suchoption at any time and from time to time until it has acquired all equity interests of Noah Investment. During the term of this agreement, theRegistered Shareholders are prohibited from transferring their equity interests in Noah Investment to any third party, and Noah Investment isprohibited from declaring and paying any dividend without Noah Group’s prior consent.(ii)Exclusive Support Service AgreementPursuant to an exclusive support service agreement entered into by Noah Investment and Noah Group in September 2007 (the“Exclusive Support Service Agreement”), Noah Investment has engaged Noah Group as its exclusive technical and operational consultant tosupport Noah Investment’s operational activities. Noah Group has agreed to provide certain support services to Noah Investment, includingclient management, technical and operational support and other services, for which Noah Investment has agreed to pay to Noah Groupservice fees determined based on actual services provided, which shall be the income of Noah Investment, less (i) expenses and costs, and(ii) the License Fee (as defined below). Noah Group is also obligated to grant Noah Investment licenses to use certain intellectual propertyrights, for which Noah Investment has agreed to pay license fees (the “License Fee”) at the rates set by the board of Noah Group.(iii)Share Pledge AgreementPursuant to the share pledge agreement entered into by each of the Registered Shareholders and Noah Group in September 2007(the “Share Pledge Agreement”), the Registered Shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in Noah Investment (the “Pledge EquityInterests”) to Noah Group as collateral to secure their obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement and Noah Investment’s obligationsunder the Exclusive Support Service Agreement. In the case that Noah Investment increases its registered capital upon prior written consentof Noah Group, the Pledge Equity Interests shall include all the additional equity interests subscribed by the Registered Shareholders in suchcapital increase. If Noah Investment or the Registered Shareholders breach any of their respective obligations under the Exclusive SupportService Agreement or the Exclusive Option Agreement, Noah Group, as the pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including being repaidin priority by the proceeds from auction or sale of the Pledge Equity Interests. The share pledges under the Share Pledge Agreement havebeen registered with competent branches of State Administration for Market Regulation of the PRC.(iv)Powers of AttorneyEach of the Registered Shareholders executed a power of attorney in September 2007 (the “Powers of Attorney”), respectively, togrant Noah Group or its designee the power of attorney to act on his or her behalf on all matters pertaining to Noah Investment and toexercise all of his or her rights as the registered shareholder of Noah Investment, including the right to attend shareholders meetings, appointboard members and senior management members, other voting rights and the right to transfer all or a part of his or her equity interests inNoah Investment. The Powers of Attorney shall remain irrevocable and effective during the period that the Registered Shareholders areshareholders of Noah Investment.Table of ContentsF-15The term of the agreements under the contractual arrangements is ten years and will be automatically renewed upon expiration ofeach ten-year period if there has been no objection by each party thereunder.The contractual arrangements provide the Company effective control over Noah Investment and its subsidiaries, while the SharePledge Agreement secure the equity owners’ obligations under the relevant agreements. Because the Company, through Noah Group, has (i)the power to direct the activities of Noah Investment that most significantly affect the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the right toreceive substantially all of the benefits from Noah Investment, the Company is deemed the primary beneficiary of Noah Investment.Accordingly, the Group has consolidated the financial statements of Noah Investment since its inception. The aforementioned contractualagreements are effective agreements between a parent and a consolidated subsidiary, neither of which is separately accounted for in theconsolidated financial statements (i.e. a call option on subsidiary shares under the Exclusive Option Agreement or a guarantee of subsidiaryperformance under the Share Pledge Agreement) or are ultimately eliminated upon consolidation (i.e. service fees under the ExclusiveSupport Service Agreement).The Company believes that the agreements underlying the contractual arrangements as described above that confer significantcontrol and economic benefits from Noah Investment on the Company are enforceable under the relevant laws.However, the aforementioned contractual arrangements with Noah Investment and the Registered Shareholders are subject to risksand uncertainties, including:●Noah Investment and the Registered Shareholders may have or develop interests that conflict with the Group’s interests, whichmay lead them to pursue opportunities in violation of the aforementioned contractual arrangements.●Noah Investment and the Registered Shareholders could fail to obtain the proper operating licenses or fail to comply with otherregulatory requirements. As a result, the PRC government could impose fines, new requirements or other penalties on NoahInvestment or the Group, mandate a change in ownership structure or operations for Noah Investment or the Group, restrictNoah Investment or the Group’s use of financing sources or otherwise restrict Noah Investment or the Group’s ability toconduct business.●The aforementioned contractual agreements may be unenforceable or difficult to enforce. The equity interests under the SharePledge Agreement have been registered by the Registered Shareholders with the relevant office of the administration ofindustry and commerce, however, Noah Investment or the Group may fail to meet other requirements. Even if the agreementsare enforceable, they may be difficult to enforce given the uncertainties in the PRC legal system.●The PRC government may declare the aforementioned contractual arrangements invalid. They may modify the relevantregulations, have a different interpretation of such regulations, or otherwise determine that the Group or Noah Investment havefailed to comply with the legal obligations required to effectuate such contractual arrangements.●Under the current contractual arrangements, as a legal matter, if Noah Investment or the Registered Shareholders fail toperform their respective obligations under these contractual arrangements, the Group may have to incur substantial costs andexpend additional resources to enforce such arrangements.Table of ContentsF-16Consolidation of investment fundsIn evaluating whether the investment funds in the legal form of limited partnership the Group manages as general partner are VIEsor not, the Group firstly assesses whether a simple majority or lower threshold of limited partnership interests, excluding interests held by thegeneral partner, parties under common control of the general partner, or parties acting on behalf of the general partner, have substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. If such rights exist, the limited partnership is not deemed as a VIE and no further analysis will beperformed. If the limited partnership is assessed to be a VIE, the Group will further assess whether there is any interest it has constituted avariable interest. The Group concludes that the service fees it earns, including carried interest earned in the capacity of general partner, arecommensurate with the level of effort required to provide such services and are at arm’s length and therefore are not deemed as variableinterests. Before 2015, all limited partnerships the Group managed as general partner had substantive kick-out rights exercisable by a simple-majority of non-related limited partners and therefore were not deemed as VIEs. Since 2015, not all the newly formed limited partnershipsthe Group manages as general partners have substantive kick-out rights exercisable by a simple-majority of non-related limited partners andtherefore constitute VIEs. As a result, such limited partnerships are deemed as VIEs not consolidated by the Group due to the fact that thegeneral partner interest to absorb losses or receive benefits is not potentially significant to the VIEs.The Group determines whether it is a primary beneficiary of a VIE when it initially involves with a VIE and reconsiders thatconclusion when facts and circumstances change.In the second quarter of 2018, other third party investors subscribed equity interest of an investment fund consolidated by theGroup, the Group's subscription percentage was diluted to a lower range such that the Group was no longer deemed as the primarybeneficiary of and deconsolidated the fund. As of the date of deconsolidation, the Group's total assets and non-controlling interests werereduced by RMB87.8 million. In 2018, the Group also invested in another two investment funds which it served as general partner and it wasdeemed to have a controlling financial interest in both investment funds as of December 31, 2018, as a result, the Group's total assets, totalliabilities and non-controlling interests were increased by RMB514.3 million (excluding the decrease in cash and cash equivalents ofRMB193.2 million due to acquisition, net of cash acquired), RMB30.4 million and RMB290.7 million, respectively.During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Group determined that it was no longer the primary beneficiary and deconsolidatedan investment fund (consolidated in 2018) as a result of the withdrawal of partial investment by the Group. As of the date of deconsolidation,the Group's total assets, total liabilities and non-controlling interests were reduced by RMB757.8 million, RMB108.6 million and RMB649.2million, respectively.The Group assessed whether it was the primary beneficiary and consolidated or deconsolidated several funds during the years endedDecember 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, other than the transactions described herein, the impact of which was immaterial.The Group also manages the contractual funds which it manages as fund manager and earns management fee and/or performance-based income. The contractual funds are VIEs as the fund investors do not have substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. The Groupfrom time to time invested in the contractual funds it manages for investment income. Such investments constitute variable interests to thecontractual funds which are believed to be VIEs. The Group performed a quantitative analysis to determine if its interest could absorb lossesor receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIEs and if it would be deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIEs.Table of ContentsF-17The following amounts of Noah Investment and its subsidiaries and the consolidated funds were included in the Group’sconsolidated financial statements and are presented before the elimination of intercompany transactions with the non-VIE subsidiaries of theGroup. As of December 31,(Amount in Thousands)201920202020 RMB RMB US$Cash and cash equivalents 892,944 839,534128,664Restricted cash 2,509 3,585549Short-term investments 652,759 75,00011,494Accounts receivable, net 22,253 133,95620,530Amounts due from related parties, net 338,655 350,87953,775Loans receivables, net102,829104,67316,042Other current assets 23,048 31,6134,844Long-term investments 496,095 280,62443,008Investment in affiliates 843,866 740,452113,479Property and equipment, net 17,922 18,1342,779Operating lease right-of-use assets, net19,05919,0102,913Deferred tax assets 42,918 41,1496,306Other non-current assets 17,902 14,5192,226Total assets 3,472,759 2,653,128406,609Accrued payroll and welfare expenses 102,211 166,41125,504Income tax payable 63,333 99,88915,309Amounts due to the Group’s subsidiaries 583,347 143,45421,985Deferred revenue 24,363 8,0161,229Other current liabilities 159,193 171,75326,322Deferred tax liabilities 13,637 3,070470Operating lease liabilities, non-current18,90220,1233,084Total liabilities 964,986 612,71693,903Table of ContentsF-18Years Ended December 31,(Amount in Thousands) 2018 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBRMBUS$Revenue: Revenues from others One-time commissions 13,146 71,528 161,27224,716Recurring service fees 16,884 3,032 ——Performance-based income 531 — ——Other service fees 91,538 124,837 84,75212,988Total revenues from others 122,099 199,397 246,02437,704Revenues from funds Gopher manages One-time commissions 2,085 3,660 36,2905,562Recurring service fees 501,873 615,999 569,15487,227Performance-based income 92,127 53,010 133,27620,425Total revenues from funds Gopher manages 596,085 672,669 738,720113,214Total revenues 718,184 872,066 984,744150,918Less: VAT related surcharges (3,715) (4,916) (6,155)(943)Net revenues 714,469 867,150 978,589149,975Total operating cost and expenses (372,870) (565,203) (524,913)(80,446)Total other income 73,119 51,370 68,44410,489Net income 316,951 289,514 393,29960,275Net income attributable to Noah Holdings Limited shareholders 306,912 278,827 393,50860,307Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities* 429,008 761,312 (409,359)(62,737)Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities (379,327) (345,092) 357,02654,717Cash flows provided by financing activities 14,210 20,670 ——*Cash flows provided by operating activities in 2018, 2019 and 2020 include amounts due to the Group’s subsidiaries of RMB606,440,RMB583,347 and RMB143,454 (US$21,985).The VIEs contributed an aggregate of 21.7%, 25.6% and 29.6% of the consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31,2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively and an aggregate 39.4% and 33.5% of the consolidated net income for the years ended December 31,2018 and 2019, respectively . For the year ended December 31, 2020, and the net income of the VIEs contributed an aggregate 36.2% of theconsolidated net income excluding the settlement expenses. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the VIEs accounted for an aggregate of35.4% and 28.2%, respectively, of the consolidated total assets.There are no consolidated assets of the VIEs and their subsidiaries that are collateral for the obligations of the VIEs and theirsubsidiaries and can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs and their subsidiaries, except for the cash held by the consolidatedfunds of which cash could only be used by the consolidated funds. There are no terms in any arrangements, considering both explicitarrangements and implicit variable interests that require the Company or its subsidiaries to provide financial support to the VIEs. However, ifthe VIEs ever need financial support, the Company or its subsidiaries may, at its option and subject to statutory limits and restrictions,provide financial support to its VIEs through loans to the shareholders of the VIEs or entrustment loans to the VIEs.Relevant PRC laws and regulations restrict the VIEs from transferring a portion of their net assets, equivalent to the balance of itsstatutory reserve and its share capital, to the Group in the form of loans and advances or cash dividends. Please refer to Note 18 fordisclosure of restricted net assets.Table of ContentsF-19As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the Group had some variable interests in various investment funds and contractual funds thatwere VIEs but were not consolidated by the Group as the Group was not determined to be the primary beneficiary of the funds. Themaximum potential financial statement loss the Group could incur if the investment funds and contractual funds were to default on all oftheir obligations is (i) the loss of value of the interests in such investments that the Group holds, including equity investments recorded ininvestments in affiliates as well as debt securities investments recorded in short-term investments and long-term investments in theconsolidated balance sheet, and (ii) any management fee and/or carried interest receivables as well as loans to the funds recorded in amountsdue from related parties. The following table summarizes the Group’s maximum exposure to loss associated with identified non-consolidatedVIEs in which it holds variable interests as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.As of December 31,(Amount in Thousands) 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBUS$Amounts due from related parties 88,415 47,0247,207Investments 471,602 599,32891,851Maximum exposure to loss in non-consolidated VIEs 560,017 646,35299,058The Group has not provided other form of financial support to these non-consolidated VIEs during the years ended December 31,2019 and 2020, and had no liabilities, contingent liabilities, or guarantees (implicit or explicit) related to these non-consolidated VIEs as ofDecember 31, 2019 and 2020.(c) Use of EstimatesThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptionsthat affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financialstatements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from suchestimates. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Group’s consolidated financial statements include assumptions used to determinevaluation allowance for deferred tax assets, allowance for credit losses, fair value measurement of underlying investment portfolios of thefunds that the Group invests, fair value of financial instruments, assumptions related to the consolidation of entities in which the Group holdsvariable interests, assumptions related to the valuation of share-based compensation, impairment of long-term investments and thedetermination of the incremental borrowing rates used for operating lease liabilities and loss contingencies.(d) Concentration of Credit RiskThe Group is subject to potential significant concentrations of credit risk consisting principally of cash and cash equivalents,accounts receivable, amounts due from related parties, loan receivables, investments and receivables from financing lease service. All of theGroup’s cash and cash equivalents and more than half of investments are held at financial institutions, Group’s management believes, to behigh credit quality. The Group also invests in equity securities of private companies, of which no single equity security accounted for 2% oftotal assets as of December 31, 2019, and 2020. In addition, the Group’s investment policy limits its exposure to concentrations of credit risk.Credit of lending business is controlled by the application of credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures. To minimize creditrisk, the Group requires collateral in form of right to securities. The Group identifies credit risk on a customer by customer basis. Theinformation is monitored regularly by management.The credit risk of receivables from financial leasing service is principally concentrated in a customer, from which the Grouprequires guarantee deposits. During the Track Record Period, no credit loss occurred.There were no investment product providers which accounted for 10% or more of total revenues for the years ended December 31,2018, 2019 and 2020.Table of ContentsF-20(e) Investments in AffiliatesAffiliated companies are entities over which the Group has significant influence, but which it does not control. The Group generallyconsiders an ownership interest of 20% or higher to represent significant influence. Investments in affiliates are accounted for by the equitymethod of accounting. Under this method, the Group’s share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of affiliated companies is recognized inthe statements of operations and its shares of post-acquisition movements in other comprehensive income are recognized in othercomprehensive income. Unrealized gains on transactions between the Group and its affiliated companies are eliminated to the extent of theGroup’s interest in the affiliated companies; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairmentof the asset transferred. When the Group’s share of losses in an affiliated company equals or exceeds its interest in the affiliated company, theGroup does not recognize further losses, unless the Group has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the affiliated company.An impairment loss is recorded when there has been a loss in value of the investment that is other than temporary.The Group also considers it has significant influence over the funds that it serves as general partner or fund manager. For funds thatthe Group is not deemed the primary beneficiary of these funds, the equity method of accounting is accordingly used for investments by theGroup in these funds. In addition, the investee funds meet the definition of an Investment Company under ASC 946 and are required toreport their investment assets at fair value. The Group records its equity pick-up based on its percentage ownership of the investee funds’operating result.(f) Fair Value of Financial InstrumentsThe Group records certain of its financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value reflects the price thatwould be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at themeasurement 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 considers assumptions that market participantswould use when pricing the asset or liability.The Group applies a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use ofunobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon thelowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is as follows: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 observablefor the asset or liability, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical asset or liabilitiesin markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputsare observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant tothe measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.As a practical expedient, the Group uses Net Asset Value (“NAV”) or its equivalent to measure the fair value of certain investments.NAV is primarily determined based on information provided by external fund administrators. The Group’s investments valued at NAV as apractical expedient are certain private equity funds.Table of ContentsF-21(g) Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, demand deposits, money market funds and mutual funds, which are unrestrictedas to withdrawal and use, and which have original maturities of three months or less when purchased, presenting insignificant risk of changesin value.As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, cash and cash equivalents of RMB54,741 and RMB8,335, respectively, was held by theconsolidated funds. Cash and cash equivalents held by the consolidated funds represents cash that, although not legally restricted, is notavailable to general liquidity needs of the Group as the use of such funds is generally limited to the investment activities of the consolidatedfunds.(h) Restricted CashThe Group’s restricted cash primarily represents cash legally set aside for a specified purpose and cash deposits required by ChinaInsurance Regulatory Commission for entities engaging in insurance agency or brokering activities in the PRC. Such cash cannot bewithdrawn without the written approval of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission.(i) InvestmentsThe Group invests in debt securities and accounts for the investments based on the nature of the products invested, and the Group’sintent and ability to hold the investments to maturity.The Group’s investments in debt securities include marketable bond fund securities, trust products, asset management plans,contractual funds and real estate funds those have a stated maturity and normally pay a prospective fixed rate of return and secondary marketequity fund products, the underlying assets of which are portfolios of equity investments in listed enterprises. The Group classifies theinvestments in debt securities as held-to-maturity when it has both the positive intent and ability to hold them until maturity. Held-to-maturity investments are recorded at amortized cost and are classified as long-term or short-term according to their contractual maturity.Long-term investments are reclassified as short-term when their contractual maturity date is less than one year. Investments that are boughtand held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities. Investments that do not meet thecriteria of held-to-maturity or trading securities are classified as available-for-sale, and are reported at fair value with changes in fair valuedeferred in other comprehensive income.The Group records equity investments that are not subject to equity method of accounting at fair value, with gains and lossesrecorded through net earnings. In accordance with ASC 321, the Group elects the measurement alternative and records certain equityinvestments without readily determinable fair value at cost, less impairments, plus or minus observable price changes . The Group continuesto apply the alternative measurement guidance until the investments have readily determinable fair values or become eligible for the NAVpractical expedient. The Group may subsequently elect to measure such investments at fair value and the election of changing measurementapproach is irrevocable.Equity investments the Group elects to use measurement alternative are evaluated for impairment qualitatively at each reportingdate based on various factors, including projected and historical financial performance, cash flow forecasts and financing needs, theregulatory and economic environment of the investee and overall health of the investee's industry. If impairment indicators of the investmentare noted, the Group has to estimate the fair value of the investment in accordance with ASC 820. An impairment loss in net income will berecognized equal to the difference between the carrying value and fair value if the fair value is less than the investment’s carrying value.Table of ContentsF-22Before the adoption of ASC 326, the Group reviewed its investments in debt except for those classified as trading securities forother-than-temporary impairment based on the specific identification method and considered available quantitative and qualitative evidencein evaluating potential impairment. The Group recognizes other-than-temporary impairment in earnings if it had the intent to sell the debtsecurity or if it was more-likely-than-not that it would be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. For adebt security that the Company did not intend to sell nor was it more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell beforerecovery of its amortized cost, only the credit loss component was recognized in earnings and the cost basis of the security is written downaccordingly. After the adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, the Group applies the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model to held-to-maturity investments and the changes to the impairment model for available-for-sale investments on a modified retrospective basis (otherthan the investments that were other-than-temporarily impaired prior to the adoption, to which the adoption was on a prospective basis).After considering various factors, including historical experience, credit quality and other factors that may affect the Group's ability tocollect the investments, the Group determined there was no cumulative effect from the adoption of ASC 326 as of January 1, 2020. For held-to-maturity investments, the Group evaluates credit loss upon acquisition at the pool level based on available information relevant toassessing the collectibility of cash flows. An expected credit loss will be recognized as an allowance through earnings if the net amount ofcash flow expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis. For available-for-sale investments, the impairment model is generallyconsistent with the existing GAAP except that the credit loss is recorded through an allowance approach as opposed to a permanent write-down of cost basis.(j) Non-controlling interestsA non-controlling interest in a subsidiary of the Group represents the portion of the equity (net assets) in the subsidiary not directlyor indirectly attributable to the Group. Non-controlling interests are presented as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balancesheet, earnings and other comprehensive income are attributed to controlling and non-controlling interests. The non-controlling interest wasRMB861,493 and RMB91,860, respectively as of December 31, 2019 and 2020. The net loss attributable to non-controlling interests wasRMB7,551 for the year ended December 31, 2018, and net income attributable to non-controlling interests were RMB34,608 and RMB1,703for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.The following schedule shows the effects of changes in the Company’s ownership interest in less than wholly owned subsidiaries onequity attributable to Noah Holdings Limited shareholders:Years Ended December 31,(Amount in Thousands) 2018 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBRMBUS$Net income (loss) attributable to Noah Holdings Limited shareholders 811,297 829,151 (745,225)(114,212)Transfers from the non-controlling interests: Increase in Noah’s equity by acquiring equity interests from non-controllinginterests — — 373 57Increase in Noah’s capital from contribution of non-controlling interests— 17,640——Net transfers from non-controlling interests — 17,640 373 57Change from net income (loss) attributable to Noah and transfers from non-controlling interests 811,297 846,791 (744,852)(114,155)Table of ContentsF-23(k) Property and Equipment, netProperty and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, and is depreciated using the straight-line method over thefollowing estimated useful lives: Estimated Useful Lives in YearsLeasehold improvements Shorter of the lease term or expected useful lifeFurniture, fixtures, and equipment 3 - 5 yearsMotor vehicles 5 yearsSoftware 2 - 5 yearsBuildings 30 yearsGains and losses from the disposal of property and equipment are included in income from operations.(l) Revenue RecognitionOn January 1, 2018, the Group adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers using the modified retrospective methodfor all contracts not completed as of the date of adoption. Under the guidance of ASC 606, the Group is required to (a) identify thecontract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c) determine the transaction price, (d) allocate thetransaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (e) recognize revenue when (or as) the Group satisfies its performanceobligation. In determining the transaction price, the Group has included variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that asignificant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur. Revenues are recorded, net of sales related taxes andsurcharges.The following table summarizes the Group’s main revenues streams from contracts with its customers:Revenue Streams Performance Obligation Satisfied Over Time orPoint In Time Payment Terms Variable orFixed ConsiderationOne-time commissions - Funddistribution servicesPoint in timeTypically paid within a month after investment productestablishedFixedOne-time commissions - Insurancebrokerage servicesPoint in timeTypically paid within a month after insurance policy issuedand/or renewedFixed andVariableRecurring service feesOver timeTypically quarterly, semi-annually or annuallyVariablePerformance-based incomePoint in timeTypically paid shortly after the income has been determinedVariableLending servicesOver timeTypically monthly in arrearsFixedInvestor education servicesPoint in timeTypically paid at the beginning of each courseFixedTable of ContentsF-24Disaggregation of revenueThe Group derives revenue primarily from one-time commissions, recurring service fees and performance-based income paid byclients or investment product providers. The following tables show, by segment, revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated byservice lines for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020:Year Ended December 31, 2018(Amount in Thousands)Wealth ManagementAssets ManagementLending and other Business Business Business TotalRMBRMBRMBRMBOne-time commissions1,024,3233,670—1,027,993Recurring service fees 1,136,010 640,539 — 1,776,549Performance-based income 44,309 99,325 — 143,634Other service fees 113,570 8,225 240,091 361,886Lending services — — 209,804 209,804Investor education services 36,555 — — 36,555Other services(1) 77,015 8,225 30,287 115,527Total revenues 2,318,212 751,759 240,091 3,310,062Year Ended December 31, 2019(Amount in Thousands)Wealth ManagementAssets ManagementLending and other Business Business Business TotalRMBRMBRMBRMBOne-time commissions 928,0613,607—931,668Recurring service fees 1,155,450690,015—1,845,465Performance-based income 23,43089,655—113,085Other service fees 222,9124,274295,772522,958Lending services 91,164—285,473376,637Investor education services 26,353——26,353Other services(1) 105,3954,27410,299119,968Total revenues 2,329,853787,551295,7723,413,176Year Ended December 31, 2020(Amount in Thousands)Wealth ManagementAssets ManagementLending and Other Business Business Businesses TotalRMBRMBRMBRMBOne-time commissions 766,24642,591—808,837Recurring service fees 1,284,447645,752—1,930,199Performance-based income 205,305184,220—389,525Other service fees 123,4587,45165,242196,151Lending services 13,530—65,24278,772Investor education services 9,353——9,353Other services(1) 100,5757,451—108,026Total revenues 2,379,456880,01465,2423,324,712(1)The Group also provides other services including financial leasing, family trust and other services.For the Group's revenues generated by the different geographic location, please see note 19 segment information.Table of ContentsF-25One-time commissionsThe Group earns one-time commissions from fund raising services provided to clients or investment product providers. The Groupenters into one-time commission agreements with clients or investment product providers which specify the key terms and conditions of thearrangement. One-time commissions are separately negotiated for each transaction and generally do not include rights of return, credits ordiscounts, rebates, price protection or other similar privileges, and typically paid on or shortly after the transaction is completed. Uponestablishment of an investment product, the Group earns a one-time commission from clients or investment product providers, calculated asa percentage of the investment products purchased by its clients. The Group defines the “establishment of an investment product” for itsrevenue recognition purpose as the time when both of the following two criteria are met: (1) the investor referred by the Group has enteredinto a purchase or subscription contract with the relevant product provider and, if required, the investor has transferred a deposit to an escrowaccount designated by the product provider and (2) the product provider has issued a formal notice to confirm the establishment of aninvestment product. After the contract is established, there are no significant judgments made when determining the one-time commissionprice. Therefore one-time commissions is recorded at point in time when the investment product is established. For certain contracts thatrequire a portion of the payment be deferred until the end of the investment products’ life or other specified contingency, the Group evaluateseach variable consideration and recognizes revenue only when the Group concludes that it is probable that changes in its estimate of suchconsideration will not result in significant reversals of revenue in subsequent periods.The Group also earns one-time commissions from insurance companies by referring clients to purchase the insurance products fromthem, and recognizes revenues when the underlying insurance contracts become effective.Recurring service feesThe Group also provides investment management services to investment funds and other vehicles in exchange for recurring servicefees. Recurring service fees are determined based on the types of investment products the Group distributes and/or manages and arecalculated as either (i) a percentage of the total capital commitments of investments made by the investors or (ii) as a percentage of the fairvalue of the total investment in the investment products, calculated daily. These customer contracts require the Group to provide investmentmanagement services, which represents a performance obligation that the Group satisfies over time. After the contract is established, thereare no significant judgments made when determining the transaction price. As the Group provides these services throughout the contractterm, for either method of calculating recurring service fees, revenue is calculated on a daily basis over the contract term. Recurring serviceagreements do not include rights of return, credits or discounts, rebates, price protection or other similar privileges. Payment of recurringservice fees are normally on a regular basis (typically quarterly or annually) and are not subject to clawback once determined.Performance-based incomeIn a typical arrangement in which the Group serves as fund manager, and in some cases in which the Group serves as distributor, theGroup is entitled to a performance-based fee based on the extent by which the fund’s investment performance exceeds a certain thresholdbased on the contract term. Such performance-based fees earned based on the performance of the underlying fund are a form of variableconsideration in its contracts with customers to provide investment management services. Those performance-based income is typicallycalculated and distributed when the cumulative return of the fund can be determined. Performance-based income will not be recognized asrevenue until (a) it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur, or (b) theuncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. At each reporting date, the Group updates its estimate of thetransaction price and concludes that it cannot include its estimate of performance-based income in the transaction price becauseperformance-based income has various possible consideration amounts and the experience that the Group has with similar contracts is oflittle predictive value in determining the future performance of the funds, thus the Group cannot conclude that it is probable that a significantreversal in the cumulative amount of revenue recognized would not occur.Table of ContentsF-26Other service feesThe Group mainly derived other service fees from lending services, investor education services and other services.Revenue from lending services represents interest income from loan origination services, and is recognized monthly in accordancewith their contractual terms and recorded as part of other service fees in the consolidated statement of operations. The Group does not chargeprepayment penalties from its customers.The Group also provides investor education services, offering various types of training programs to HNW individuals and theirfamilies. Such programs normally last several days. The service fees charged to the attendees are not refundable. The revenues arerecognized at point in time when the service is completed considering the programs normally last only for a few days.Transaction price allocationFor certain contracts that the Group provides both fund raising and investment management services involving two separateperformance obligations which belong to two major streams (i.e., one time and recurring services), the Group allocates transaction pricebetween these two performance obligations at the relative stand-alone selling price (“SSP”). Judgment is required to determine the SSP foreach distinct performance obligation. As the service fee rate for each service contained in the contract is typically negotiated separately, theGroup determines that those fee rates are generally consistent with SSP, and can be deemed as the transaction price allocated to eachperformance obligation.Accounts receivableTiming of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. Amounts due from related parties (receivablesfrom funds that Gopher manages) and accounts receivable represent amounts invoiced or the Group has the right to invoice, and revenuerecognized prior to invoicing when the Group has satisfied its performance obligations and has the unconditional right to consideration. Asthe Group is entitled to unconditional right to consideration in exchange for services transferred to customers, the Group therefore does notrecognize any contract asset. The balances of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 were substantially within one year.Contract liabilityContract liability (deferred revenue) relates to unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of each reporting period whichconsists of cash payment received in advance for recurring service fees and/or from customers of investment management services. Theprepayment was normally paid on a quarterly basis and the majority of the performance obligations are satisfied within one year. The amountof revenue recognized in 2018, 2019 and 2020 that was included in deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the year wasRMB177.4 million, RMB133.5 million and RMB91.7 million, respectively.Practical expedientsThe Group has used the following practical expedients as allowed under ASC 606:The Group expenses sales commissions as incurred when the amortization period is one year or less. Sales commission expensesare recorded within “Relationship manager compensation” in the consolidated statements of operations.The Group assessed and concluded that there is no significant financing component given that the period between performance andpayment is generally one year or less.Table of ContentsF-27The Group has also applied the practical expedient for certain revenue streams to exclude the value of remaining performanceobligations for (i) contracts with an original expected term of one year or less or (ii) contracts for which the Group recognizes revenue inproportion to the amount the Group has the right to invoice for services performed.(m) VAT Related SurchargesThe Group is subject to Value-added Tax (“VAT”) and its related education surtax, urban maintenance and construction tax, on theservices provided in the PRC. VAT and related surcharges are primarily levied based on revenues concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction. The applicable VAT rates include 3%, 6%, 11%, and 17%. From May 1, 2018, the VAT rate of 11% and 17% declinedto 10% and 16%, and further reduced to 9% and 13% respectively from April 1, 2019. The applicable VAT rate for the Group’s PRC entitiesis mainly 6%. The Group records such VAT related surcharges on a net basis as a reduction of revenues.(n) Compensation and benefitsCompensation and benefits mainly include salaries and commissions for relationship managers, share-based compensationexpenses, bonus related to performance based income, salaries and bonuses for middle office and back office employees and social welfarebenefits.(o) Income TaxesCurrent income taxes are provided for in accordance with the relevant statutory tax laws and regulations.The Group accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets andliabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferredtax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilitiesusing enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferredtax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.The Group recognizes net deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. Inmaking such a determination, it considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxabletemporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If the Group determines thatits deferred tax assets are realizable in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Group would make an adjustment to the deferredtax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.(p) Share-Based CompensationThe Group recognizes share-based compensation based on the fair value of equity awards on the date of the grant, withcompensation expense recognized using a straight-line vesting method over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generallythe vesting period. The Group estimates the fair value of share options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair valueof non-vested restricted shares is computed based on the fair value of the Group's ordinary shares on grant date. The expected termrepresents the period that share-based awards are expected to be outstanding, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the share-basedawards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee exercise behavior. The computation of expected volatility is based on thefluctuation of the historical share price. Amortization of share-based compensation is presented in the consolidated statements of operationsas compensationand benefits.Table of ContentsF-28(q) Government SubsidiesGovernment subsidies include cash subsidies received by the Group’s entities in the PRC from local governments as incentives forinvesting in certain local districts, and are typically granted based on the amount of investment made by the Group in form of registeredcapital or taxable income generated by the Group in these local districts. Such subsidies allow the Group full discretion in utilizing the fundsand are used by the Group for general corporate purposes. The local governments have final discretion as to whether the Group has met allcriteria to be entitled to the subsidies. The Group does not in all instances receive written confirmation from local governments indicating theapproval of the cash subsidy before cash is received. Cash subsidies received were RMB62,583, RMB89,278 and RMB113,356 for the yearsended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Cash subsidies are recognized when received and when all the conditions for theirreceipt have been satisfied.(r) Net Income (Loss) per ShareBasic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weightedaverage number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution thatcould occur if securities or other contracts to issue ordinary shares were exercised or converted into ordinary shares, which consist of theordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of the convertible notes and ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options andvest of non-vested restricted shares. Common share equivalents are excluded from the computation of the diluted net income per sharein years when their effect would be anti-dilutive.(s) LeasesThe Group as a lesseeIn the first quarter of 2019, the Group adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), whichsupersedes the lease accounting guidance under Topic 840, and generally requires lessees to recognize operating and financing leaseliabilities and corresponding right-of-use (ROU) assets on the balance sheet and to provide enhanced disclosures surrounding the amount,timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leasing arrangements. The Group adopted the new guidance using the modifiedretrospective transition approach by applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application and not restatingcomparative periods. The Group also elected the package of practical expedients, which among other things, does not require reassessmentof lease classification. Upon adoption, the Group recorded ROU assets of RMB309.9 million and lease liabilities of RMB330.8 million,resulting in no cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2019.The Group has operating leases primarily for office space. The determination of whether an arrangement is a lease or contains alease is made at inception by evaluating whether the arrangement conveys the right to use an identified asset and whether the Group obtainssubstantially all of the economic benefits from and has the ability to direct the use of the asset. Operating leases are included in operatinglease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and operating lease liabilities - short-term arerecorded within other current liabilities. Operating lease assets represent the Group’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term andlease liabilities represent the Group’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. The Group uses its estimated incrementalborrowing rates as of the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Operating lease ROU assets and operatinglease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term at the lease commencement date. Todetermine the incremental borrowing rate used to calculate the present value of future lease payments, the Group uses information includingthe Group’s credit rating, interest rates of similar debt instruments of entities with comparable credit ratings, as applicable. Variablecomponents of the lease payments such as utilities, maintenance costs are expensed as incurred and not included in determining the presentvalue. The lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Group will exercise that option.The Group considers these options, which may be elected at the Group’s sole discretion, in determining the lease term on a lease-by-leasebasis. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.Table of ContentsF-29The Group as a lessorThe Group enters into operating lease agreements for vehicles where the Group acts as the lessor, the Group keeps the underlyingassets on the consolidated balance sheet and continues to depreciate the assets over its useful life. The lease income is recognized in “Netrevenue - revenue from others - other service fees” on a straight-line basis over the lease term.The Group also enters into sale and leaseback agreements as a buyer-lessor with a third party (seller-lessee) for motor vehicles. Theseller-lessee has repurchase obligations to acquire these motor vehicles at the end of the lease terms, consequently under ASC 842 thetransfers of the vehicles are determined to be failed sales and are treated as financing agreements. The Group records financing receivablesfrom these transactions in other current assets and other non-current assets according to the remaining contract period. The differencebetween the gross investment in the lease and the present value of lease receivables is recorded as unearned income which is amortized toincome over the lease term as finance lease interest income to produce a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease.Such income is included in “Net revenue - revenue from others - other service fees”.(t) Foreign Currency TranslationThe Company’s reporting currency is Renminbi (“RMB”). The Company’s functional currency is the United States dollar(“U.S. dollar or US$”). The Company’s operations are principally conducted through the subsidiaries and VIEs located in the PRC whereRMB is the functional currency. For those subsidiaries and VIEs which are not located in the PRC and have the functional currency otherthan RMB, the financial statements are translated from their respective functional currencies into RMB.Assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas entities denominated in currencies other than the RMB are translated into RMB at therates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates and revenues, expenses, gainsand losses are translated using the average rate for the year. Translation adjustments are reported as foreign currency translation adjustmentand are shown as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income(loss).Translations of amounts from RMB into US$ are included solely for the convenience of the readers and have been made at the rateof US$1 = RMB6.5250 on December 31, 2020, representing the certificated exchange rate published by the Federal Reserve Board. Norepresentation is intended to imply that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into US$ at that rate,or at any other rate.(u) Comprehensive Income (Loss)Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions toowners. For the years presented, total comprehensive income (loss) included net income (loss), foreign currency translation adjustments,change in fair value of available-for-sale investments and available-for-sale investments held by affiliates.(v) Loan receivables, netLoan receivables represent loans offered to the clients in the lending business. Loan receivables are initially recognized at fair valuewhich is the cash disbursed to originate loans, measured subsequently at amortized cost using the effective interest method, net of allowancethat reflects the Group’s best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. The Group also transfers some of the loan receivables tounrelated third parties. The Group accounts for the transfer of loan receivables in accordance with ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing. As theloans are sold at par value, no gain or loss is recorded as a result. The Group’s continuing involvement subsequent to the transfer is limited tothe services performed as a collection agent to collect and disburse cash flows received from the underlying receivables to the individualinvestors, and does not provide guarantee on the return of the receivables. The Group has no retained interests, servicing assets, or servicingliabilities related to the loans sold.Table of ContentsF-30(w) Allowance for credit lossesOn January 1, 2020, the Group adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, using the modified retrospective transition method. Upon adoption, the Groupchanged its impairment model to utilize a current expected credit losses model in place of the incurred loss methodology for financialinstruments measured at amortized cost, including loans receivables, amount due from related parties, accounts receivable and otherreceivable, and held-to-maturities debt investments (see Note 2(i)). CECL estimates on those financial instruments are recorded as allowancefor credit losses on the Group’s consolidated statements of operations. The cumulative effect adjustment from adoption was immaterial to theGroup’s consolidated financial statements. The Group continues to monitor the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic onexpected credit losses.Allowance for loan losses. The Group calculates the allowance for CECL on loan receivables by using a loss-rate approachwhereby the loss-rate is determined based on the expectation of future economic conditions, historical collection experience and thepossibility of default. Such assumption also includes an estimate for uncollectible principal as well as unpaid interest and fees. Charge-offsof principal amounts, net of recoveries are deducted from the allowance. The allowance is maintained through an adjustment to the provisionfor loan loss and is evaluated for appropriateness. The changes of allowances for loan losses are detailed in Note 11.Allowance for accounts receivable and other financial assets. The Group has identified the relevant risk characteristics ofaccounts receivable and amounts due from related parties which include size, type of the services or the products the Group provides, or acombination of these characteristics. Receivables with similar risk characteristics have been grouped into pools. For each pool, the Groupconsiders the historical credit loss experience, current economic conditions, supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, and anyrecoveries in assessing the lifetime expected credit losses. Other key factors that influence the expected credit loss analysis include types ofinvestment products that the Group distributes, the NAV of underlying funds and payment terms offered in the normal course of business tocustomers, and industry-specific factors that could impact the Group’s receivables. Additionally, external data and macroeconomic factorsare also considered. When specific customers are identified as no longer sharing the same risk profile as their current pool, they are removedfrom the pool and evaluated separately. This is assessed at each quarter based on the Group’s specific facts and circumstances.The Group evaluates CECL on other forms of financial assets, including other current assets and other non-current assets with thesimilar approach of accounts receivable. No provision was provided for such assets for the year ended December 31, 2020.The following table summarizes the changes of allowances for each category of affected assets:(Amounts in thousands)Amounts dueAccountsLoan receivablesOther financialfrom related partiesreceivablefrom factoring businessreceivablesRMBRMBRMBRMBBalance at beginning of 2019 — — — —Provisions 14,602 11,858 82,000 16,912Write off (14,602) (11,858) (82,000) (16,912)Balance at end of 2019 — — — —Provisions4,00629——Write off—(29)——Balance at end of 20204,006———As of December 31, 2018, no allowance of doubtful accounts was provided. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Groupmade a full impairment provision of RMB82 million for loan receivables from factoring business and RMB12.8 million for amount due fromrelated parties due to the Camsing Incident (as defined in Note 16).Table of ContentsF-31(x) Financial Instruments Indexed to and Potentially Settled in the Company’s StockThe Group evaluates all financial instruments issued in connection with its equity offerings when determining the proper accountingtreatment for such instruments. The Group considers a number of generally accepted accounting principles under U.S. GAAP to determinesuch treatment and evaluates the features of the instrument to determine the appropriate accounting treatment. For equity-linked financialinstruments indexed to and potentially settled in the Company’s common stock that are determined to be classified as equity on theconsolidated balance sheets, they are initially measured at their fair value and recognized as part of equity.(y) ContingenciesOn an ongoing basis, the Group assesses the potential liabilities related to any lawsuits or claims brought against it. While it istypically very difficult to determine the timing and ultimate outcome of these actions, the Group uses best estimate to determine if it isprobable that the Group will incur an expense related to the settlement or final adjudication of these matters and whether a reasonableestimation of the probable loss, if any, can be made. The Group accrue a liability when a loss is probable and the amount of loss can bereasonably estimated. Due to the inherent uncertainties related to the eventual outcome of litigation and potential recovery, it is possible thatdisputed matters may be resolved for amounts materially different from any provisions or disclosures that the Group has previously made.See Note 21, "Contingencies," for further information.(z) Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet ImplementedIn December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2019-12, a newaccounting standard update to simplify the accounting for income taxes. The new guidance removes certain exceptions for recognizingdeferred taxes for investments, performing intra period allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. It also adds guidance toreduce complexity in certain areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidatedgroup. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. TheGroup does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method andJoint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), which clarifies the interaction of the accounting for equity securitiesunder Topic 321, the accounting for equity method investments in Topic 323, and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchasedoptions in Topic 815. The Group will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2021 and does not expect the adoption of this guidance tohave a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) andDerivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in anEntity’s Own Equity, which simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models available forconvertible debt instruments. This guidance also eliminates the treasury stock method to calculate diluted earnings per share for convertibleinstruments and requires the use of the if-converted method. This guidance will be effective for the Group in the first quarter of 2022 on afull or modified retrospective basis, with early adoption permitted. The Group does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have amaterial impact on its consolidated financial statements.Table of ContentsF-323. Net Income (Loss) per ShareThe following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to ordinary shareholders:Years Ended December 31,(Amount in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data) 2018 2019 2020Class A and Class BClass A and Class BClass A and Class BNet income (loss) attributable to Class A and Class B ordinaryshareholders—basic 811,297 829,151 (745,225)Plus: interest expense for convertible notes 7,707 679 —Net income (loss) attributable to Class A and Class B ordinaryshareholders—diluted 819,004 829,830 (745,225)Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary sharesoutstanding—basic 29,288,401 30,580,181 31,020,439Plus: share options 347,703 244,806 —Plus: non-vested restricted shares 26,308 36,385 —Plus: shares outstanding for convertible notes 1,048,128 62,723 —Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary sharesoutstanding—diluted 30,710,540 30,924,095 31,020,439Basic net income (loss) per share 27.70 27.12 (24.02)Diluted net income (loss) per share 26.67 26.84 (24.02)In January 2016, the Company’s shareholders voted in favor of a proposal to adopt a dual-class share structure, pursuant to whichauthorized share capital was reclassified and re-designated into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, with each Class Aordinary share being entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share being entitled to four votes on all matters that are subject toshareholder vote. As economic rights and obligations are applied equally to both Class A and Class B ordinary shares, earnings are allocatedbetween the two classes of ordinary shares evenly with the same allocation on a per share basis.Share issuable to the investors of Camsing Incident (as defined in Note 16) are included in the computation of basic earnings pershare as the shares will be issued for no cash consideration and all necessary conditions have been satisfied as of December 31, 2020.Diluted net income per share does not include the following instruments as their inclusion would be antidilutive:Years Ended December 31, 2018 2019 2020Share options 168,20372,929 224,528Non-vested restricted shares under share incentive plan 150,89791,550 103,373Total 319,100164,479 327,901Table of ContentsF-334. Other Current AssetsComponents of other current assets are as follows:As of December 31,(Amount in Thousands) 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBUS$Receivables from financial leasing service 64,686 1,030158Advance to vendors 11,051 16,6322,549Deposits for lending service 670 2,166332Receivables from equity transfer 42,985 20,8433,194VAT receivable71,33776,18611,676Others 52,972 82,59012,658Total 243,701 199,44730,5675. InvestmentsThe following table summarizes the Group’s investment balances:As of December 31,(Amount in Thousands) 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBUS$Short-term investments - Held-to-maturity investments - Fixed income products 28,500 114,92817,613Total held-to-maturity investments 28,500 114,92817,613Total investments held by consolidated investment funds 642,759 ——Total short-term investments 671,259 114,92817,613Long-term investments - Held-to-maturity investments - Fixed income products 36,816 ——Total held-to-maturity investments 36,816 ——- Available-for-sale investments - Fixed income products 15,081 14,1352,166Total available-for-sale investments 15,081 14,1352,166- Other long-term investments - Investments measured at fair value 255,967 285,04543,685- Investments measured at cost less impairment - Private equity funds products 105,614 100,29515,371- Other investments measured at cost less impairment 207,302 62,4119,565Total other long-term investments 568,883 447,75168,621Total investments held by consolidated investment funds 260,311 74,49811,418Total long-term investments 881,091 536,38482,205Total investments 1,552,350 651,31299,818Held-to-maturity investments consist of investments in fixed income products managed by the Group that have stated maturity andnormally pay a prospective fixed or floating rate of return, carried at amortized cost. The Group recorded investment income on theseproducts of RMB19,740, RMB5,711 and RMB10,331 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The grossunrecognized holding gain was RMB4,565 and RMB5,087 as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectivley. Due to the credit deteriorationof certain held-to-maturity investments, an other-than-temporary impairment loss of RMB104,365 was recognized and recorded ininvestment income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2019. No impairment loss was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018,and no credit loss related to held-to-maturity investments was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2020.Table of ContentsF-34Available-for-sale investments consist of investments in fixed income products managed by the Group that have stated maturity andnormally pay a prospective fixed rate of return, carried at fair value. Of the long-term available-for-sale investments as of December 31,2020, RMB14,135 will mature in 2022. Changes in fair value of the available-for-sale investments, net of tax, for the years ended December31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 was RMB9,314, RMB4,306 and RMB(4) respectively, recorded in the other comprehensive income (loss), ofwhich RMB9,663, RMB5,103 and RMB(775) was realized and reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to investment income(loss) in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The amortized cost of theavailable-for-sale investments as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 was RMB15,081 and RMB14,135, respectively. No other-than-temporaryimpairment for available-for-sale investments was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively, and no creditloss was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2020.The consolidated investment funds are, for GAAP purposes, investment companies and reflect their investments at fair value. TheGroup has retained this specialized accounting for the consolidated funds in consolidation. Accordingly, the unrealized gains and lossesresulting from changes in fair value of the investments held by the consolidated investment funds are recorded in the consolidated statementsof operations as investment income.Other long-term investments consist of investments in several private equity funds as a limited partner with insignificant equityinterest and equity investments of common shares of several companies with less than 20% interest. The Group elects to measure theseinvestments at fair value or at cost, less impairment. The Group recognized impairment loss related to investments measured at cost, lessimpairment, of nil, nil and RMB115,100 in investment income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.The impairment in 2020 was due to the deteriorating operation of a single investment and measured as the difference between theinvestment's carrying amount and fair value estimated based on a quotation offered from an unrelated third party accepted by the Group.6. Fair Value MeasurementAs of December 31, 2019 and 2020, information about (i) inputs into the fair value measurements of the Group’s assets andliabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial recognition and (ii) investments measuredat NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient is as follows: Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using(Amount in Thousands)Quoted Prices As ofin ActiveSignificantDecember 31, Markets forOtherSignificant2019IdenticalObservableUnobservable(Amounts inAssetsInputsInputsNAVDescriptionthousands)(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)RMBRMBRMBRMBRMBShort-term investments Investments held by consolidated investment funds 642,759 — 642,759 ——Long-term investments Available-for-sale investments 15,081 — 15,081 ——Investments held by consolidated investment fund 260,311 — 260,311 ——Other long-term investments measured at fair value 255,967 7,968 — 219,67928,320Table of ContentsF-35Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using(Amount in Thousands) Quoted Prices As ofin ActiveSignificantDecember 31, Markets forOtherSignificant2020IdenticalObservableUnobservable(Amounts inAssetsInputsInputsNAVDescriptionthousands)(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)RMBRMBRMBRMBRMBLong-term investments Available-for-sale investments 14,135—14,135——Investments held by consolidated investment fund 74,498—74,498——Other long-term investments measured at fair value 285,0456,19640,141216,22122,487The fair value of available-for-sale investments is measured using discounted cash flow model based on contractual cash flow and adiscount rate of prevailing market yield for products with similar terms as of the measurement date, as such, it is classified within Level 2measurement.As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the Group has several consolidated investment funds whose underlying investments are eitherbonds or asset management plans. The bonds have stated maturity and normally pay a prospective fixed rate of return and using discountedcash flow model based on contractual cash flow and a discount rate of prevailing market yield for products with similar terms as of themeasurement date, as such, it is classified within Level 2 measurement. The asset management plans measured at recent observabletransaction prices are classified within Level 2 as well.Other long-term investments measured at fair value are (i) equity investments in listed companies whose fair value can be obtainedthrough active markets which is classified within Level 1 measurement, (ii) private equity funds categorized within Level 2 or Level 3 of thefair value hierarchy, and (iii) private equity funds measured at NAV.With respect to the private equity funds within Level 3 measurement, the Group generally uses a market comparable analysis. Thevaluation methodology requires a subjective process in determining significant inputs and making assumptions and judgments, for which theGroup considers and evaluates including, but not limited to, (1) comparable data wherever possible to quantify or adjust the fair value, (2)quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used by the third party and (3) prevailing market conditions.A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the investments measured at fair value using significant unobservableinputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2020, presented as follows: RMB(Amount in Thousands)Level 3 investments as of January 1, 2020 219,679Disposal of portfolio investments (3,523)Changes in fair value included in investment income (loss) 2,300Foreign currency translation adjustments (2,235)Level 3 investments as of December 31, 2020216,221Changes in net unrealized gains included in investment income (loss) related to Level 3 investments still held as ofDecember 31, 20202,765Total realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for Level 3 investments are reported in investment income (loss) in theconsolidated statements of operations.Fair value measurement on a non-recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2020 included that used in impairment ofinvestments measured at cost less impairment (see Note 5) which was classified as a level 3 fair value measurement and the impairment ofinvestments in affiliates (see Note 7) which were classified as level 2 or level 3 fair value measurement.Table of ContentsF-36Fair value measurement on a non-recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2019 included that used in impairment of held-to-maturity investment (see Note 5) which was classified as a level 3 fair value measurement.The Group also has financial instruments that are not reported at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets but whose fair valueis practicable to estimate, which include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, amounts due from related parties,short-term held-to-maturity investments, loan receivables, other receivables and payables. The carrying amount of these short-term financialinstruments approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature.As of December 31, 2019, information about inputs into the fair value measurements of the Group’s long-term financial instrumentsthat are not reported at fair value on balance sheet is as following:Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using(Amount in Thousands)Quoted Pricesin ActiveSignificantMarkets forOtherSignificantIdenticalObservableUnobservableAs of December 31, 2019AssetsInputsInputsDescriptionCarrying ValueFair Value(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3) RMB RMB RMB RMB RMBLong-term investments – held-to-maturity: Investment in fixed income products 36,81641,062—41,062—The fair value of long-term investments in fixed income products is estimated using a discounted cash flow model based oncontractual cash flows and a discount rate at the prevailing market yield on the measurement date for similar products, and is classified as aLevel 2 fair value measurement. As of December 31, 2020, the Group did not have long-term held-to-maturity investments.On January 1, 2018, the Group adopted ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments, and started to measure long-term equity investments,other than equity method investments, at fair value through earnings. For those investments without readily determinable fair value that theGroup cannot estimate fair value without undue cost, the Group elected to record those investments at cost, less impairment, and plus orminus subsequent adjustments for observable price changes, which are generally not categorized in the fair value hierarchy. As ofDecember 31, 2019 and 2020, the carrying value of equity investments without readily determinable fair value was RMB312,916 andRMB162,706, respectively.7. Investments in AffiliatesThe following table summarizes the Group’s balances of investments in affiliates:As of December 31, (Amount in Thousands)201920202020 RMB RMB US$Kunshan Jingzhao 8,069 8,7971,348Wanjia Win-Win 93,907 96,62914,809Wuhu Hongxing 9,648 ——Others 9,516 5,967914Funds that the Group serves as general partner 1,151,121 1,153,292176,750-Gopher Transform Private Fund 142,739 108,58216,641-Real estate funds and real estate funds of funds 50,321 43,6866,695-Private equity funds of funds 946,242 988,069151,428-Others 11,819 12,9551,986Total investments in affiliates 1,272,261 1,264,685193,821Table of ContentsF-37In May 2011, the Group injected RMB4.0 million into Kunshan Jingzhao Equity Investment Management Co., Ltd (“KunshanJingzhao”), a newly setup joint venture, for 40% of the equity interest. Kunshan Jingzhao principally engages in real estate fund managementbusiness.In February 2013, Gopher Asset Management injected RMB21.0 million into Wanjia Win-Win Assets Management Co., Ltd(“Wanjia Win-Win”), a newly setup joint venture, for 35% of the equity interest. Wanjia Win-Win principally engages in wealth managementplan management business. In December 2017, the share owned by the Group had been diluted to 28%.In April 2016, the Group injected RMB9.8 million into Wuhu Hongxing Meikailong Equity Investment Management Co., Ltd(“Wuhu Hongxing”), a newly setup joint venture, for 50% of equity interest. Wuhu Hongixng principally engages in equity investment, assetmanagement and investment consulting related to commercial properties. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the entire 50% of equity interest wasdisposed to an independent third party for cash consideration of RMB9.8 million. The receivable of equity interest disposal was recorded inother current assets with amount of RMB9.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and was collected in January 2021.In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Group injected RMB150 million into Gopher Transformation Private Fund, which accounted for48% of total actual distribution volume. The fund principally invested in a limited partnership to invest one real-estate company. Althoughmanaged by Gopher, the fund are not consolidated by the Group based on the fact that substantive kick-out rights exist which are exercisableby a simple-majority of non-related limited partners of the fund to dissolve (liquidate) the fund or remove the Group as the general partner ofthe fund without cause. In the year 2017, due to capital subscription by limited partners, the equity interest owned by the Group had beendiluted to 35%. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Group accepted quotation of Gopher Transformation Private Fund from anindependent third party and recognized an impairment loss of RMB28,156 based on the difference between the carrying amount and thequotation.The Group invested in private equity funds of funds, real estate funds and real estate funds of funds, and other fixed income fundsof funds that Gopher serves as general partner or fund manager. The Group held less than 10% equity interests in these funds as a generalpartner. The Group accounts for these investments using the equity method of accounting due to the fact that the Group can exercisesignificant influence on these investees in the capacity of general partner or fund manager.The Group recognized impairment losses totaling nil, nil and RMB38,214 related to investments in affiliates for the years endedDecember 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, which are recorded in income from equity in affiliates in the consolidated statements ofoperations. In addition to the impairment loss recognized for Gopher Transformation Private Fund in the year 2020, the Group fully impairedan affiliate company, which principally conducted overseas education business, with amount of RMB1,831, due to continued operating lossas well as the impact of COVID-19. The Group also recognized an impairment loss of RMB8,227 for a private equity fund of fund due to thedeteriorating operation of certain underlying portfolio of this fund caused by COVID-19.Summarized financial informationThe following table shows summarized financial information relating to the balance sheets for the Group’s equity methodinvestments assuming 100% ownership as of December 31, 2019 and 2020:As of December 31 (Amount in Thousands) 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBUS$Balance sheet data: Current assets 3,727,537 3,586,516549,658Non-current assets 32,074,801 33,138,3155,078,669Current liabilities 990,696 1,439,746220,651Non-current liabilities 1,668,928 ——Table of ContentsF-38The following table shows summarized financial information relating to the statements of operations for the Group’s equity methodinvestments assuming 100% ownership for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020:Years Ended December 31,(Amount in Thousands) 2018 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBRMBUS$Operating data: Revenue 707,501 2,177,056 670,878102,817Income from operations 131,969 470,278 72,68311,139Net realized and unrealized gains from investments 319,127 632,934 3,582,239 549,002Net income 537,705 1,109,261 3,654,922560,1418. Property and Equipment, NetProperty and equipment, net consists of the following:As of December 31, (Amount in Thousands) 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBUS$Leasehold improvements175,579171,62126,302Furniture, fixtures and equipment 133,217 123,77918,970Motor vehicles 122,474 103,34215,838Software 124,754 145,37522,280Buildings 55,154 55,1548,453 611,178 599,27191,843Accumulated depreciation (332,610) (371,696)(56,965) 278,568 227,57534,878Construction in progress 17,752 21,0943,232Property and equipment, net 296,320 248,66938,110Depreciation expense was RMB92,282, RMB105,432 and RMB98,452 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020,respectively.9. Other Current LiabilitiesComponents of other current liabilities are as follows:As of December 31, (Amount in Thousands) 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBUS$Accrued expenses143,042142,31521,811Advance from customers33,50732,4834,978Deposits from lending and other business42,2655,955913Other payables96,14170,85010,858Payable to individual investors of lending and other business50,79324,0623,688Payable for purchases of property and equipment1,3111,662255Other tax payable28,45268,55710,507Operating lease liability - current11,67486,47213,252Payable to individual for trust service314,71329444Total 721,898432,65066,306Accrued expenses mainly consist of payables for marketing expenses and professional service fees.Table of ContentsF-39Deposits from lending and other businesses mainly consists of the security deposits from individual borrowers for their loans.Payable to individual investors of lending and other businesses consists of interests and principal payable to individual investorswho purchased other investment products distributed by the Group.Payable to individual for trust service consists of the proceeds of stock sold on behalf of individual trust clients and would beremitted to such clients in a short period of time.10. Income TaxesCayman IslandsUnder the current laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to tax on its income or capital gains. In addition, theCayman Islands do not impose withholding tax on dividend payments.Hong KongUnder the current Hong Kong Inland Revenue Ordinance, the first HK$2 million of profits earned by the Company’s subsidiariesincorporated in Hong Kong will be taxed at half the current tax rate (i.e. 8.25%) while the remaining profits will continue to be taxed at theexisting 16.5% tax rate. The profits of group entities incorporated in Hong Kong not qualifying for the two-tiered profits tax rates regimewill continue to be taxed at a flat rate of 16.5%. In addition, payments of dividends from Hong Kong subsidiaries to their shareholders arenot subject to any Hong Kong withholding tax.PRCUnder the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT Law”), domestically-owned enterprises andforeign-invested enterprises ("FIE") are subject to a uniform tax rate of 25%.Income (loss) before income taxes consists of:Years Ended December 31,(Amount in Thousands) 2018 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBRMBUS$Mainland China 671,274 400,776 846,584 129,744Hong Kong 408,240 379,896 345,758 52,990Cayman Islands(28,664)100,232(1,811,849)(277,678)Others(39,253)87,07134,1885,239Total 1,011,597 967,975 (585,319) (89,705)The tax expense (benefit) comprises: Years Ended December 31,(Amount in Thousands) 2018 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBRMBUS$Current Tax246,079282,422324,62049,750Deferred Tax(23,759)(62,397)(66,160)(10,139)Total222,320220,025258,46039,611Table of ContentsF-40Reconciliation between the statutory tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes and the actual provision for income taxes is asfollows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2019 2020 PRC income tax rate25.00% 25.00% 25.00%Expenses not deductible for tax purposes0.38% 0.04% (0.33)%Effect of non-deductible settlement expenses——(78.12)%Effect of tax-free investment income(0.49)%(1.37)%1.47%Effect of different tax rate of subsidiary in other jurisdiction(2.54)% (5.13)% 6.44%Effect of deferred tax asset allowance1.57% 5.85% (4.13)%Effect of tax holidays(1.00)% (2.60)% 2.01%Effect of income from equity in Fund of Fund0.49% 1.27% 0.16%Effect of true-ups(1.51)% (0.47)% 3.28%Effect of others0.10% 0.14% 0.06%22.00% 22.73% (44.16)%The aggregate amount and per share effect of the tax holidays (including effect of timing difference reversed in the year withdifferent rate) are as follows: Years Ended December 31,(Amount in Thousands Except Shares Data) 2018 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBRMBUS$Aggregate10,10625,14611,7531,802Per share effect-basic0.350.820.380.06Per share effect-diluted0.330.810.380.06The principal components of the deferred income tax asset and liabilities are as follows: As of December 31,(Amount in Thousands) 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBUS$Deferred tax assets: Accrued expenses3,2402,040313Tax loss carry forward215,423222,61534,117Unrealized other loss1,2265,150789Provision for impairment of investments—39,3896,037Provision for allowance of credit losses—15,4122,362Others4,19426240Gross deferred tax assets224,083284,86843,658Valuation allowance(56,653)(60,628)(9,292)Net deferred tax assets167,430224,24034,366Deferred tax liabilities:Unrealized investment income56,40145,8817,032Net deferred tax liabilities (after offsetting)56,40145,8817,032Deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset where the Group has a legally enforceable right to do so, and intends to settle ona net basis.Table of ContentsF-41The Group considers positive and negative evidence to determine whether some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will bemore likely than not realized. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of recent losses, forecastsof future profitability, the duration of statutory carry forward periods, the Group’s experience with tax attributes expiring unused and taxplanning alternatives. These assumptions require significant judgment and the forecasts of future taxable income are consistent with theplans and estimates the Group is using to manage the underlying businesses. Valuation allowances are established for deferred tax assetsbased on a more likely than not threshold. The Group’s ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on its ability to generate sufficienttaxable income within the carry forward periods provided for in the tax law. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable,however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry-forward period are reduced. As ofDecember 31, 2020, operating loss carry forward amounted to RMB890,458 for the PRC and Hong Kong income tax purpose. According tothe Article 18 of PRC Tax Law, the enterprise can carry over the losses to the succeeding five tax years, tax loss carry forward that the Grouprecognized for PRC subsidiaries and VIEs will begin to expire from 2021 to 2026.A valuation allowance is provided against deferred tax assets when the Group determines that it is more likely than not that thedeferred tax assets will not be utilized in the future. The movements of valuation allowance of deferred tax assets are as follows:For the year ended December 31,201820192020 RMB RMB RMB(Amount in Thousands)Balance at beginning of the year 9,183 15,651 56,653Provided 15,651 56,653 24,196Write off (9,183) (15,651) (20,221)Balance at end of the year 15,651 56,653 60,628In accordance with the EIT Law, dividends, which arise from profits of FIEs earned after January 1, 2008, are subject to a 10%withholding income tax. In addition, under tax treaty between the PRC and Hong Kong, if the foreign investor is incorporated in Hong Kongand qualifies as the beneficial owner, the applicable withholding tax rate is reduced to 5%, if the investor holds at least 25% in the FIE, or10%, if the investor holds less than 25% in the FIE. A deferred tax liability should be recognized for the undistributed profits of PRCcompanies unless the Group has sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the undistributed dividends will be reinvested and the remittance ofthe dividends will be postponed indefinitely. The accumulated undistributed earnings of the Group’s PRC subsidiaries were RMB4.0 billionas of December 31, 2020. The Group intends to indefinitely reinvest the remaining undistributed earnings of the Group’s PRC subsidiaries,and therefore, no provision for PRC dividend withholding tax was accrued. Aggregate undistributed earnings of the Group’s VIE companieslocated in the PRC that are available for distribution to the Group were approximately RMB1.9 billion as of December 31, 2020. A deferredtax liability should be recorded for taxable temporary differences attributable to the excess of financial reporting amounts over tax basisamount in domestic subsidiaries. However, recognition is not required in situations where the tax law provides a means by which thereported amount of that investment can be recovered tax-free and the enterprise expects that it will ultimately use that means. The Group hasnot recorded any such deferred tax liability attributable to the undistributed earnings of its financial interest in VIEs because it believes suchexcess earnings can be distributed in a manner that would not be subject to income tax.The Group did not record any uncertain tax positions during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The Group doesnot anticipate any significant increases or decreases to its liability for unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.Table of ContentsF-4211. Loans Receivable, NetLoans receivable as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 consist of the following:As of December 31,(Amount in Thousands) 2019 2020 2020 RMB RMB US$Loans receivable: -Within credit term554,178261,43440,067-Past due105,029163,37625,038Total loans receivable659,207424,81065,105Allowance for credit losses(5,147)(5,863)(899)Loans receivable, net654,060418,94764,206The loan interest rates range between 4% and 18% for the years ended December 31, 2020. Majority of loans were short-term loansand recorded within loans receivables, net, and long-term loans of RMB56,430 were recorded in other non-current assets as of December 31,2020. RMB508.6 million and RMB370.4 million of the balance is secured by collateral as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. TheGroup also purchased past due loans from third parties with the amount of RMB206.3 million and RMB103.7 million for the years endedDecember 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The purchased past due loans of RMB100.7 million and RMB96.4 million were collected ortransferred to other investors, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The Group determined the credit deteriorationof purchased past due loans has not been more than insignificant since origination.The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses as of and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and2020. (Amount in Thousands)RMB US$Loans receivable—January 1, 2019 2,556 392Provisions 7,9071,212Reversal of allowance provided (2,556)(392)Write off(2,760)(423)Loans receivable—December 31, 2019 5,147789Provisions 9,1951,409Reversal of allowance provided (5,147)(789)Write off(3,332)(510)Loans receivable—December 31, 2020 5,863899Table of ContentsF-4312. Convertible NotesOn February 3, 2015, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of US$80 million of convertible notes (“Notes”) throughprivate placement to independent third parties not related to the Group. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.5% per annum from theissuance date through maturity on February 3, 2020 (the “maturity date”), and is payable semiannually in arrears on February 3 and August 3of each year, beginning on August 3, 2015. The Notes will be convertible, at the holders’ option, into the Company’s ADSs, two of whichrepresent one ordinary share of the Company, at a conversion price of US$23.03 per ADS, representing an initial conversion rate of 43.4216ADSs per US$1,000 principal amount of the Notes, subject to customary adjustments. The conversion feature requires physical settlement,and can only be exercised when the portion to be converted is at least US$10 million or a lesser amount then held by the holder. The holderswill have the right, at the holders’ option, to require the Company to repurchase for cash on February 3, 2018 or on the maturity date, orupon a fundamental change or default, all of the Notes at a repurchase price that is equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to berepurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date. Events of default include failure to pay principal orinterest, breach of conversion obligation, suspension from trading or failure of ADSs to be listed, bankruptcy, etc. Debt issuance costs of nilis recorded as a direct deduction from the face amount of the Notes.The Company recorded the Notes as a liability in their entirety, and neither conversion feature nor any other feature is required to bebifurcated and accounted for separately. In addition, as the effective conversion price is greater than the fair value of underlying ADS, therewas no beneficial conversion feature to be recognized. US$5 million, US$53.91 million and US$21.09 million of the Notes have beenconverted to 217,108 ADS (represents 108,554 ordinary shares), 2,340,860 ADS (represents 1,170,430 ordinary shares) and 915,762 ADS(represents 457,881 ordinary shares) at the contractual conversion price of US$23.03 per ADS during the years ended December 31, 2017,2018 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, all the Notes have been converted to ADS.13. LeaseAs a lessee:Operating lease assets primarily represents various facilities under non-cancelable operating leases expiring within one to ten years.Lease costs are included in either selling or general, and administrative expenses depending on the use of the underlying asset. Operatinglease expenses , including the short-term lease cost which was immaterial, were RMB109,842 and RMB99,349 for the years endedDecember 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Cash payments against operating lease liabilities were RMB108,490 and RMB97,694 for theyears ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.Supplemental consolidated balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:As of December 31,(Amount in Thousands) 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBUS$Operating leases:Operating leases right-of-use assets352,186 274,154 42,016Current portion of lease liabilities11,674 86,472 13,252Non-current portion of lease liabilities362,757 194,384 29,791Total operating lease liabilities374,431 280,856 43,043Weighted average remaining lease term (years)4.64 3.76 Weighted average discount rate4.31%4.53% Table of ContentsF-44The maturities of operating lease liabilities for the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, are as follows: As of December 31,(Amount in Thousands)20192020 RMB RMBWithin 1 year 97,825 90,393Between 1 and 2 years 85,403 82,151Between 2 and 3 years 79,496 64,048Between 3 and 4 years 66,136 48,996Between 4 and 5 years 53,050 16,253Beyond 5 years23,417—Total lease payment 405,327 301,841Less imputed interest (30,896) (20,985)Total 374,431 280,856As a lessor:The interest income recognized for sale and leaseback agreements was RMB62,285, RMB37,961 and RMB3,091 for the yearsended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.The following table sets out a maturity analysis of sale and leaseback financing receivables as well as a reconciliation to the totalamount of receivables recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and 2020: As of December 31,(Amount in Thousands)2019 2020 RMBRMBWithin 1 year 67,135 1,320Between 1 and 2 years 2,184 —Total future minimum payments receivables 69,319 1,320Less: unearned income (3,593) (290)Total sale and leaseback financing receivables 65,726 1,030Amounts due within one year 64,686 1,030Amounts due beyond one year 1,040 —14. Share RepurchaseTreasury stock represents shares repurchased by the Company that are no longer outstanding and are held by the Company.Treasury stock is accounted for under the cost method. In 2019, the Company canceled 280,958 ADSs (represents 140,479 ordinary shares)with a carrying amount of US$6,190 (RMB40,267). As of December 31, 2019, all treasure stock have been retired.On December 1, 2020, the Company announced that its board of directors authorized a share repurchase program (the “ShareRepurchase Program”) under which the Company may repurchase up to US$100 million worth of its ADSs over the following two years. Asof December 31, 2020, the Company has purchased an aggregate of 1,088,404 ADSs (represents 544,202 ordinary shares) for a total cashconsideration of US$44,584 (RMB290,913), including repurchase commissions.Table of ContentsF-4515. Share-Based CompensationThe following table presents the Company’s share-based compensation expense by type of award: Years Ended December 31,(Amounts in Thousands) 2018 2019 2020 2020RMBRMBRMBUS$Share options45,97340,53321,8373,347Non-vested restricted shares66,79054,36437,9525,816Total share-based compensation112,76394,89759,7899,163During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Group adopted its 2010 share incentive plan (the “2010 Plan”). Under the 2010 Plan,the maximum number of shares in respect of which options, restricted shares, or restricted share units may be granted will be 10% of theGroup’s current outstanding share capital, or 2,315,000 shares. Options have a ten-year life. Options, restricted shares or restricted shareunits generally vest 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date with the remaining 75% vesting ratably over the following 36 months.During the year ended 31, 2017, the Group adopted its 2017 share incentive plan (the “2017 Plan”). Under the 2017 Plan, themaximum aggregate number of shares in respect of which options, restricted shares, or restricted share units may be issued shall be2,800,000 shares. The term of any options, restricted shares, or restricted share units granted under the 2017 Plan shall not exceed ten years.Options, restricted shares or restricted share units generally vest 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date with the remaining 75%vesting ratably over the following 36 months.Share Options:The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2018 was RMB396.37(US$57.30) per share. No options were granted for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020. There were 201,630, 152,410 and 134,639options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively.The Group uses the Black-Scholes pricing model and the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of the options granted: 2018 Average risk-free rate of return 2.78% Weighted average expected option life 6.1yearsEstimated volatility 57.6% Average dividend yield Nil The following table summarizes option activity during the year ended December 31, 2020: Weighted WeightedAverageAggregateAverageRemainingIntrinsicNumber ofExerciseContractualValue ofoptionsPriceTermOptions RMB Years RMBOutstanding as of January 1, 2020386,705398.806.36,455Exercised(134,639)247.86Forfeited or expired(27,538)279.22Outstanding as of December 31, 2020224,528505.335.517,848Exercisable as of December 31, 2020188,572515.785.311,870Table of ContentsF-46The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2020 was RMB16,916. As of December 31,2020, there was RMB14,257 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share options, which is expected to be recognizedover a weighted average period of 1.49 years.Non-vested Restricted Shares:A summary of non-vested restricted share activity during the year ended December 31, 2020 is presented below: Weighted- Number of average non-vested grant- restricted date fairNon-vested restricted sharesshares value RMBNon-vested as of January 1, 2020 173,624427.59Granted 16,550345.11Vested (75,253)422.54Forfeited (11,548)567.05Non-vested as of December 31, 2020 103,373357.43The total fair value of non-vested restricted shares vested during the year ended December 31, 2020 was RMB28,898. As ofDecember 31, 2020, there was RMB40,159 in total unrecognized compensation expense related to such non-vested restricted shares, whichis expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.73 years.16. Settlement ExpensesIn July 2019, in connection with certain funds managed (“Camsing Credit Funds" or "Camsing Products”) by Shanghai GopherAsset Management Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Gopher”), a consolidated affiliated subsidiary of the Company, it is suspected that fraud had beencommitted by third parties related to the underlying investments (the “Camsing Incident”). A total of 818 investors were affected, and theoutstanding amount of the investments that is potentially subject to repayment upon default amounted to RMB3.4 billion.Settlement PlanTo preserve the Group’s goodwill with affected investors, it voluntarily made an ex gratia settlement offer (the “Settlement Plan”) toaffected investors. An affected investor accepting the offer shall receive restricted share units (“RSUs”), which upon vesting will becomeClass A ordinary shares of the Company, and in return forgo all outstanding legal rights associated with the investment in the CamsingCredit Funds and irrevocably release the Company and all its affiliated entities and individuals from any and all claims immediately, knownor unknown, that relate to the Camsing Credit Funds. The number of Class A ordinary shares each investor is entitled to is determined basedon a fixed ratio of the investor’s outstanding investments in Camsing Products at 2,886 ADSs per RMB1 million.On August 24, 2020, the Settlement Plan was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company that a total number of new ClassA ordinary shares not exceeding 1.6% of the share capital of the Company has been authorized to be issued each year for a consecutive tenyears for the Settlement Plan.Table of ContentsF-47Two plans (“Plan A” or “Plan B”) were offered for the investors to choose. Under Plan A, the Group will issue RSUs to theinvestor’s designated trust plan. 1/10 of the RSUs shall be vested immediately at contract inception and the remaining 9/10 will be vestedevenly in the following 9 years subject to certain performance conditions by the investors. Plan B has the same terms as those of Plan A,except that the investor has an option (the “Option”) to call back the beneficial rights of transferred Camsing Products (but not the legal title)or keep the RSUs at the third anniversary of contact (“Year 3”). All RSUs issued within the period from contract inception to Year 3 cannotbe vested until the investor chooses to retain the RSUs. Under either plan, mutual understandings are established that the Group hascommitted and has conctractual obligations to issue the shares to the settled investors regardless of the actual execution of the Option, whichis deemed remote to occur, and/or the fulfillment of the performance conditions.The Group evaluated and concluded the financial instruments to be issued under the Settlement Plan meet equity classificationunder ASC 815-40-25-10. Therefore, such instruments were initially measured at fair value and recognized as part of additional-paid-in-capital.To value the RSUs, the Group uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to calculate the discounts for lack of marketability.Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of RSUs requires considerable judgment, including estimatingstock price volatility. The computation of expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company's common shares for aperiod that coincides with restriction period of the RSUs.The deadline for the investors to accept the Settlement Plan was December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, 552 out of the total818 investors (approximately 67.5%) had accepted settlements under the plan, representing RMB2.4 billion out of the total outstandinginvestments of RMB3.4 billion (approximately 70%) under the Camsing Products. The total number of RSUs to be issued is 3,478,060shares. The cost of this Settlement Plan measured at the fair value of the RSUs to be issued was RMB1,290.8 million, which was reportedunder settlement expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020.The Option under Plan B can be exercised separately from the RSUs and is determined to be a freestanding derivative liability andmeasured at estimated fair value based on the recovery value of Camsing Products. The Group used the available information anddetermined the fair value of Option to be nil as of December 31, 2020. The fair value of the derivative will be re-assessed at each reportingperiod.17. Employee Benefit PlansMajority of full time employees of the Group participate in a PRC government-mandated multi-employer defined contribution planpursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, unemployment insurance, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits areprovided to employees. PRC labor regulations require the Group to accrue for these benefits based on a certain percentage of the employees’salaries. The total contribution for such employee benefits were RMB203,524, RMB225,776 and RMB125,073 for the years endedDecember 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The decrease in 2020 was mainly due to the temporary exepmption of such definedcontribution plan as a result of government preferential policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Group has no ongoing obligation to itsemployees subsequent to its contributions to the PRC plan.Table of ContentsF-4818. Restricted Net AssetsPursuant to the relevant laws and regulations in the PRC applicable to foreign-investment corporations and the Articles ofAssociation of the Group’s PRC subsidiaries and VIEs, the Group is required to maintain a statutory reserve (“PRC statutory reserve”): ageneral reserve fund, which is non-distributable. The Group’s PRC subsidiaries and VIEs are required to transfer 10% of their profit aftertaxation, as reported in their PRC statutory financial statements, to the general reserve fund until the balance reaches 50% of their registeredcapital. At their discretion, the PRC subsidiaries and VIEs may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standardsto staff welfare and bonus funds. The general reserve fund may be used to make up prior year losses incurred and, with approval from therelevant government authority, to increase capital. PRC regulations currently permit payment of dividends only out of the Group’s PRCsubsidiaries and VIEs’ retaining earnings as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. The general reservefund amounted to RMB291,172 and RMB371,438 as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The Group has not allocated any ofits after-tax profits to the staff welfare and bonus funds for any period presented.In addition, the paid-in capital of the Group's PRC subsidiaries and VIEs of RMB1,473,886 and RMB1,669,017 as of December 31,2019 and 2020, respectively, was considered restricted due to restrictions on the distribution of paid-in capital.As a result of these PRC laws and regulations, the Group's PRC subsidiaries and VIEs are restricted in their ability to transfer aportion of their net assets, including general reserve and paid-in capital, either in the form of dividends, loans or advances. Such restrictedportion amounted to RMB2,040,455 as of December 31, 2020.19. Segment InformationThe Group uses the management approach to determine operating segments. The management approach considers the internalorganization and reporting used by the Group’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for making decisions, allocating resources andassessing performance. The Group’s CODM has been identified as the chief executive officer, who reviews consolidated results whenmaking decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group.The Group believes it operates in three reportable segments: wealth management, asset management and, lending and otherfinancial service. The Group’s CODM does not review balance sheet information of the segments.Table of ContentsF-49Segment information of the Group’s business is as follow:Year Ended December 31, 2018 (Amount in Thousands)LendingWealth ManagementAssets Managementand OtherBusinessBusinessBusinessesTotal RMB RMB RMB RMBRevenues: Revenues from othersOne-time commissions 731,424 1,585 — 733,009Recurring service fees 571,782 22,074 — 593,856Performance-based income 42,570 531 — 43,101Other service fees 113,570 8,225 240,091 361,886Total revenues from others 1,459,346 32,415 240,091 1,731,852Revenues from funds Gopher managesOne-time commissions 292,899 2,085 — 294,984Recurring service fees 564,228 618,465 — 1,182,693Performance-based income 1,739 98,794 — 100,533Total revenues from funds Gopher manages 858,866 719,344 — 1,578,210Total revenues 2,318,212 751,759 240,091 3,310,062Less: VAT related surcharges (12,206) (3,228) (5,020) (20,454)Net revenues 2,306,006 748,531 235,071 3,289,608Operating cost and expenses: Compensation and benefits Relationship manager compensation (631,234) — (2,365) (633,599)Performance-based compensation — (21,175) — (21,175)Other compensations (534,516) (251,923) (122,979) (909,418)Total compensation and benefits (1,165,750) (273,098) (125,344) (1,564,192)Selling expenses (367,589) (22,200) (22,931) (412,720)General and administrative expenses (164,802) (80,873) (34,400)(280,075)Provision for credit losses——688688Other operating expenses (54,291) (25,310) (89,767) (169,368)Government subsidies 53,620 6,148 2,815 62,583Total operating cost and expenses (1,698,812) (395,333) (268,939) (2,363,084)Income (loss) from operations 607,194 353,198 (33,868) 926,524Table of ContentsF-50Year Ended December 31, 2019 (Amount in Thousands)LendingWealth ManagementAssets Managementand OtherBusinessBusinessBusinessTotal RMB RMB RMB RMBRevenues: Revenues from othersOne-time commissions 688,6522,208—690,860Recurring service fees 520,0134,679—524,692Performance-based income 23,333104—23,437Other service fees 222,9124,274295,772522,958Total revenues from others 1,454,91011,265295,7721,761,947Revenues from funds Gopher managesOne-time commissions 239,4091,399—240,808Recurring service fees 635,437685,336—1,320,773Performance-based income 9789,551—89,648Total revenues from funds Gopher manages 874,943776,286—1,651,229Total revenues 2,329,853787,551295,7723,413,176Less: VAT related surcharges (10,574)(3,971)(6,819)(21,364)Net revenues 2,319,279783,580288,9533,391,812Operating cost and expenses: Compensation and benefits Relationship manager compensation (625,044)——(625,044)Performance-based compensation —(31,283)—(31,283)Other compensations (607,336)(248,612)(98,495)(954,443)Total compensation and benefits (1,232,380)(279,895)(98,495)(1,610,770)Selling expenses (287,541)(26,661)(17,144)(331,346)General and administrative expenses (194,908)(71,805)(29,779)(296,492)Provision for credit losses(121,572)(3,800)(5,351)(130,723)Other operating expenses (103,846)(25,978)(66,969)(196,793)Government subsidies 58,70415,87814,69689,278Total operating cost and expenses (1,881,543)(392,261)(203,042)(2,476,846)Income from operations 437,736391,31985,911914,966Table of ContentsF-51Year Ended December 31, 2020 (Amount in Thousands)LendingWealth ManagementAssets Managementand OtherBusinessBusinessBusinessesTotal RMB RMB RMB RMBRevenues: Revenues from othersOne-time commissions 677,7261,288—679,014Recurring service fees 697,1403,017—700,157Performance-based income 180,385144—180,529Other service fees 123,4587,45165,242196,151Total revenues from others 1,678,70911,90065,2421,755,851Revenues from funds Gopher managesOne-time commissions 88,52041,303—129,823Recurring service fees 587,307642,735—1,230,042Performance-based income 24,920184,076—208,996Total revenues from funds Gopher manages 700,747868,114—1,568,861Total revenues 2,379,456880,01465,2423,324,712Less: VAT related surcharges (13,123)(4,521)(1,242)(18,886)Net revenues 2,366,333875,49364,0003,305,826Operating cost and expenses: Compensation and benefits Relationship manager compensation (613,101)—(898)(613,999)Performance-based compensation —(85,413)—(85,413)Other compensations (486,668)(254,278)(63,654)(804,600)Total compensation and benefits (1,099,769)(339,691)(64,552)(1,504,012)Selling expenses (228,853)(34,302)(8,537)(271,692)General and administrative expenses (197,511)(59,440)(20,928)(277,879)Provision for credit losses(3,785)(251)(4,047)(8,083)Other operating expenses (76,983)(6,443)(15,614)(99,040)Government subsidies 58,04624,44330,867113,356Total operating cost and expenses (1,548,855)(415,684)(82,811)(2,047,350)Income (loss) from operations 817,478459,809(18,811)1,258,476The following table summarizes the Group’s revenues generated by the different geographic location.Year Ended December 31, 2018 (Amount in Thousands)LendingWealth ManagementAssets Managementand OtherBusinessBusinessBusinessesTotal RMB RMB RMB RMBMainland of China 1,750,754565,137240,0912,555,982Hong Kong 565,061185,990—751,051Others2,397632—3,029Total revenues 2,318,212751,759240,0913,310,062Year Ended December 31, 2019 (Amount in Thousands)LendingWealth ManagementAssets Managementand OtherBusinessBusinessBusinessesTotal RMB RMB RMB RMBMainland of China 1,494,742676,837295,7722,467,351Hong Kong 633,16899,957—733,125Others 201,94310,757—212,700Total revenues 2,329,853787,551295,7723,413,176Table of ContentsF-52Year Ended December 31, 2020 (Amount in Thousands)LendingWealth ManagementAssets Managementand OtherBusinessBusinessBusinessesTotal RMB RMB RMB RMBMainland of China 1,787,611742,74365,2422,595,596Hong Kong 452,810111,431—564,241Others 139,03525,840—164,875Total revenues 2,379,456880,01465,2423,324,712Substantially all of the Group’s revenues are derived from, and its assets are located in the mainland of China and Hong Kong.20. Related Party TransactionsParties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significantinfluence over the other party in making financial and operational decisions. Parties are also considered to be related if they are subject tocommon control or common significant influence. Related parties may be individuals or corporate entities.The table below sets forth major related parties and their relationships with the Group:Company Name Relationship with the GroupSequoia Capital Investment Management (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.Affiliate of shareholder of the GroupWanjia Win-Win Investee of Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd.Wuhu Bona Film Investment Management Co., Ltd. (“Wuhu Bona”)Investee of Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd.Zhejiang Vanke-Noah Asset Management Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang Vanke”)Investee of Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd.Shanghai Dingnuo Technology Co., Ltd. (“Dingnuo”)Affiliate of shareholder of the GroupInvestee funds of Gopher AssetsInvestees of Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd. (“GopherAssets”), a consolidated VIE of the GroupInvestee funds of Gopher Capital GP Ltd.Investees of Gopher Capital GP Ltd., a subsidiary of the GroupShanghai Noah Charity FundA charity fund established by the GroupTable of ContentsF-53During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, related party transactions were as follows:Year Ended December 31 (Amount in Thousands)2018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB US$One-time commissions Investee funds of Gopher Assets 294,984 240,808 129,82319,896Recurring service fees Investee funds of Gopher Assets 929,911 1,009,568 927,611142,162Wanjia Win-Win — 688 — —Sequoia Capital Investment Management (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. 33,009 15,759 12,4111,902Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Ltd. 252,782 313,612 302,43146,350Wuhu Bona 8,491 — — —Recurring services fee earned from funds subscribed by shareholders 2,868 — — —Total recurring services fee 1,227,061 1,339,627 1,242,453190,414Performance-based income Investee funds of Gopher Assets 92,128 34,248 140,05021,464Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Ltd. 8,405 36,800 68,94610,566Zhejiang Vanke — 18,600 ——Total performance-based income 100,533 89,648 208,99632,030Other service fees Other services subscribed by shareholders 29,227 3,899 3,425525Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Ltd. — — 86 13Total other service fees 29,227 3,899 3,511538Total 1,651,805 1,673,982 1,584,783242,878As of December 31, 2019, and 2020, amounts due from related parties associated with the above transactions were comprised of thefollowing:As of December 31, (Amount in Thousands)201920202020 RMB RMB US$Investee funds of Gopher Assets 428,724 433,93666,504Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Ltd. 70,247 46,0397,056Total 498,971 479,97573,560As of December 31, 2019, and 2020, amounts due from related parties associated with loan distributed were comprised of thefollowing:As of December 31, (Amount in Thousands)201920202020 RMB RMB US$Investee funds of Gopher Assets 42,170 27,2264,173Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Ltd. 7,563 12,9771,988Total 49,733 40,2036,161The terms of the loans are due on demand and most of the loans are interest free.Table of ContentsF-54As of December 31, 2019, and 2020, deferred revenues related to the recurring management fee received in advance from relatedparties were comprised of the following:As of December 31, (Amount in Thousands)201920202020 RMB RMB US$Investee funds of Gopher Assets 74,664 35,8205,490Investee funds of Gopher Capital GP Ltd. 1,402 1,653253Total 76,066 37,4735,743During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, donation made to Shanghai Noah Charity Fund were RMB1.2 million,RMB1.2 million and RMB2.8 million, respectively.During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Group paid nil, nil and RMB6 million as service fees to Dingnuofor development of an online mutual fund work station for the Group’s relationship managers, respectively.21. ContingenciesCamsing IncidentAs disclosed in Note 16, the Group offerd a voluntary settlement plan in 2020 to all affected Camsing investors, and as ofDecember 31, 2020, approximately 67.5% of the Camsing investors had accepted the settlement plan, representing approximately 70% of thetotal outstanding investments of RMB3.4 billion under the Camsing Products. The Group currently has no new settlement plan for theremaining unsettled investors, but would not preclude reaching settlements in the future with similar terms. The Group estimated theprobable amount of future settlement taking into consideration of possible forms of settlement and estimated acceptable level, and recordedit as a contingent liability in the amount of RMB530.4 million as of December 31, 2020.As of December 31, 2020, 15 investors initiated legal proceedings against Shanghai Gopher and/or its affiliates, with an aggregateclaim amount over RMB58 million. The Group is of the view that these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Group'sbusiness. As the date of this report, the management has assessed, based on its PRC legal counsels’ advices, the Group cannot reasonablypredict the timing or outcomes of, or estimate the amount of loss, or range of loss, if any, related to the pending legal proceedings.OthersThe Group is subject to periodic legal or administrative proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Other than those related tothe Camsing Incident, the Group does not have any pending legal or administrative proceedings to which the Group is a party that will havea material effect on its business or financial condition.22. Subsequent eventsOn February 25, 2021, the Company completed the Share Repurchase Program (see Note 14), with approximately 2,233,770 ADSsrepresenting 1,116,885 ordinary shares repurchased at an average price of US$44.77 per ADS.Table of ContentsF-55Additional Financial Information of Parent Company – Financial Statements Schedule IThe following Schedule I has been provided pursuant to the requirements of Rules 12-04(a) and 5-04(c) of Regulation S-X, whichrequire condensed financial information as to the financial position, changes in financial position and results of operations of a parentcompany as of the same dates and for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements have been presented, as therestricted net assets was more than 25% of the Company’s consolidated net assets as of December 31, 2020.a) Condensed Balance Sheets (Amount in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)As of December 31,2019 20202020 RMBRMB US$Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 1,249,4011,359,841 208,405Amounts due from subsidiaries and VIEs 296,523— —Amounts due from related parties 684778 119Other current assets 9,35540,772 6,249Total current assets 1,555,9631,401,391 214,773Investments in subsidiaries and VIEs 5,237,7446,107,489 936,013Investments in affiliates 233,960279,430 42,825Non-current deferred tax assets 1,226— —Other non-current assets 694653 100Total assets 7,029,5877,788,963 1,193,711Liabilities and Equity Current liabilities Contingent liabilities —530,433 81,292Amounts due to subsidiaries and VIEs—56,9378,726Other current liabilities 14,75213,806 2,116Total current liabilities 14,752601,176 92,134Other non-current liabilities 1,3682,276 349Total liabilities 16,120603,452 92,483Shareholder’s equity Class A ordinary shares (US$0.0005 par value): 91,394,900 shares authorized, 22,484,657shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 22,773,542 shares issued and22,229,340 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020 7576 12Class B ordinary shares (US$0.0005 par value): 8,605,100 shares authorized, 8,315,000shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 2828 4Treasury stock (nil and 544,202 ordinary shares as of December 31, 2019 and 2020,respectively) —(290,913) (44,584)Additional paid-in capital 2,181,3233,565,667 546,462Retained earnings 4,734,9923,989,767 611,459Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 97,049(79,114) (12,125)Total shareholders’ equity 7,013,4677,185,511 1,101,228Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 7,029,5877,788,963 1,193,711Table of ContentsF-56b) Condensed Statements of Operations (Amount in Thousands)Years ended December 31,2018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB US$Net revenues — — — —Operating cost and expenses Compensation and benefits 12,127 — — —Selling expenses 990 131 356 55General and administrative expenses 7,143 5,556 5,588 856Total operating cost and expenses 20,260 5,687 5,944 911Loss from operations (20,260) (5,687) (5,944) (911)Other income (expenses): Interest income 13,410 29,000 20,545 3,149Interest expenses (6,807) (440) — —Investment income 58,988 — — —Settlement expenses — — (1,828,907) (280,292)Other (expenses) income (1,741) 5,057 14,713 2,255Total other income (expenses) 63,850 33,617 (1,793,649) (274,888)Income (loss) before taxes and income from equity in affiliates, subsidiariesand VIEs 43,590 27,930 (1,799,593) (275,799)Income tax benefit (expenses) 3,488 (5,257) (3,058) (469)Income from equity in affiliates16,35136,10378,76812,072Income from equity in subsidiaries and VIEs 747,868 770,375 978,658 149,984Net income (loss) attributable to Noah Holdings Limited shareholders 811,297 829,151 (745,225) (114,212)c) Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Amount in Thousands) Years ended December 31,2018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB US$Net income (loss) 811,297 829,151 (745,225) (114,212)Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments 75,839 61,651 (176,934) (27,117)Fair value fluctuation of available-for-sale investment, net of tax of nil (Note 5) (349) (797) 771 118Fair value fluctuation of available-for-sale investment held by affiliates, net of taxof nil (1,080) — — —Other comprehensive income (loss) 74,410 60,854 (176,163) (26,999)Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noah Holdings Limitedshareholders 885,707 890,005 (921,388) (141,211)Table of ContentsF-57d) Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Amount in Thousands)Years ended December 31,2018201920202020 RMB RMB RMB US$Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) attributable to Noah Holding Limited shareholders 811,297829,151 (745,225) (114,212)Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operatingactivities: Share-based compensation 12,127— — —Income from equity in subsidiaries and VIEs (747,868)(770,375) (978,658) (149,984)Income from equity in affiliates, net of dividends (16,351)(36,103) (58,913) (9,029)Share-based settlement expense —— 1,290,811 197,825Changes in operating assets and liabilities: ————Amounts due from subsidiaries and VIEs (298,384)308,774 356,685 54,664Amounts due from related parties (9,835)9,151 (94) (14)Amounts due to subsidiaries and VIEs——56,9378,726Other current assets 16,076(9,331) (31,417) (4,815)Deferred tax assets (644)786 1,226 188Contingent liabilities —— 530,433 81,292Other current liabilities (3,249)4,341 (10,249) (1,571)Other non-current liabilities (5,391)756 908 139Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (242,222)337,150 412,444 63,209Cash flows from investing activities: Capital return from investments in subsidiaries and VIEs 294,878170,589 — —Increase in investments in subsidiaries and VIEs —(78,668) (43,690) (6,696)Capital return from investments in affiliates —— 101,114 15,496Increase in investments in affiliates (103,066)— — —Proceeds from long-term investments —43,772 — —Net cash provided by investing activities 191,812135,693 57,424 8,800Cash flows from financing activities:Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares upon exercise of stock options45,89431,68833,3725,114Payment for repurchase of ordinary shares——(281,610)(43,158)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities45,89431,688(248,238)(38,044)Effect of exchange rate changes93,26643,253(111,190)(17,040)Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 88,750547,784 110,440 16,925Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year 612,867701,617 1,249,401 191,480Cash and cash equivalents - end of year 701,6171,249,401 1,359,841 208,405Supplement disclosure of non-cash investing activities:During the year ended December 31, 2020, an consolidated investment fund was disposed partially by the Company and thus wasdeconsolidated and recorded as investments in affiliates. The deconsolidation resulted in a decrease in investments in subsidiaries and VIEsamounted to RMB109.7 million with a corresponding increase in investments in affiliates.e) Notes to Condensed Financial Statements1.The condensed financial statements of Noah Holdings Limited have been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out inthe consolidated financial statements except that the equity method has been used to account for investments in subsidiaries andVIEs. Such investment in subsidiaries and VIEs are presented on the balance sheets as investment in subsidiaries and VIEs and theprofit of the subsidiaries and VIEs is presented as income from equity in subsidiaries and VIEs on the statement of operations.Table of ContentsF-582.As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, there were no material contingencies, significant provisions of long-term obligations of theCompany, except for those which have been separately disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.3.Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accountingprinciples generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. The footnote disclosure certainsupplemental information relating to the operations of the Company and, as such, these statements should be read in conjunctionwith the notes to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Exhibit 2.6Description of Rights of Securities Registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)Two American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) representing one Class A ordinary share of Noah Holdings Limited, (“we,” “our,” “our company,” or“us”) are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange and, in connection with this listing (but not for trading), the Class A ordinary shares areregistered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. This exhibit contains a description of the rights of (i) the holders of Class A ordinary shares and (ii) theholders of ADSs. Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs are held by Citibank, N. A., as depositary, and holders of ADSs will not be treated as holdersof the Class A ordinary shares.Description of Class A Ordinary SharesThe following is a summary of material provisions of our currently effective fifth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (our“Memorandum and Articles of Association”), as well as the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “Companies Act”) insofar as theyrelate to the material terms of our ordinary shares. Notwithstanding this, because it is a summary, it may not contain all the information that you mayotherwise deem important. For more complete information, you should read the entire Memorandum and Articles of Association, which has been filed withthe SEC as an exhibit to our current report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-34936), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on January 29, 2016.Type and Class of Securities (Item 9.A.5 of Form 20-F)Each Class A ordinary share has US$0.0005 par value. The number of Class A ordinary shares that have been issued as of the last day of the fiscal yearended December 31, 2020 is provided on the cover of the annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 30, 2021 (the “2020 Form 20-F”). Our ordinary sharesare issued in registered form and are issued when registered in our register of members. We may not issue shares to bearer.Preemptive Rights (Item 9.A.3 of Form 20-F)Our shareholders do not have preemptive rights.Limitations or Qualifications (Item 9.A.6 of Form 20-F)We have a dual-class voting structure such that our ordinary shares consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Each Class AOrdinary Share shall entitle the holder thereof to one (1) vote on all matters subject to vote at our general meetings, and each Class B ordinary share shallentitle the holder thereof to four (4) votes on all matters subject to vote at our general meetings. Due to the super voting power of the holders of Class Bordinary shares, the voting power of the holders of Class A ordinary shares may be materially limited.Rights of Other Types of Securities (Item 9.A.7 of Form 20-F)Not applicable.Rights of Ordinary Shares (Item 10.B.3 of Form 20-F)General. All of our outstanding Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares are fully paid. Our ordinary shares are issued in registered form,and are issued when registered in our register of shareholders. Our shareholders who are non-residents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and vote theirClass A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares.Dividends. The holders of our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board ofdirectors, subject to Cayman Islands law and our Memorandum and Articles of Association. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declarea dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay adividend on its shares out of either profit or share premium amount, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in thecompany being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business.Voting Rights. Each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to four votes on all matters upon whichthe ordinary shares are entitled to vote. Voting at any shareholders’ meeting2is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by any one or more shareholders present in person or by proxy entitled to vote andwho together hold not less than 10% of the paid up voting share capital of our company. Shareholders may attend any shareholders’ meeting in person or byproxy, or if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative or proxy; we currently do not allow shareholders to voteelectronically.A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of at least one shareholder present in person or by proxy or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative, who hold not less than an aggregate of one-third of our voting share capital. Shareholders’ meetingsmay be held annually and may be convened by our board of directors. Advance notice of at least seven calendar days is required for the convening ofshareholders’ meetings, subject to exceptions in certain circumstances as set out in our Memorandum and Articles of Association.An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast by the shareholders entitledto vote, in person or by proxy, in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes cast by theshareholders entitled to vote, in person or by proxy, in a general meeting. A special resolution is required for important matters such as a change of name oramendments to our memorandum or articles of association. Holders of the ordinary shares may effect certain changes by ordinary resolution, includingincreasing the amount of our authorized share capital, consolidating and dividing all or any of our share capital into shares of larger amounts than ourexisting shares, and canceling any authorized but unissued shares.Transfer of Shares. Subject to the restrictions set out in our Memorandum and Articles of Association, our shareholders may transfer all or any of theirordinary shares by an instrument of transfer in writing and executed by or on behalf of the transferor (and if our board of directors require, the transferee).Our board of directors may decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully paid up or on which we have a lien. Our board mayalso decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless (a) the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for theordinary shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer; and(b) a fee of such maximum sum as the New York Stock Exchange may determine to be payable, or such lesser sum as our board may from time to timerequire, is paid to us in respect thereof.If our board of directors refuses to register a transfer it shall, within two months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send toeach of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal. The registration of transfers may be suspended on 14 days’ notice being given byadvertisement in such one or more newspapers or by electronic means and the register closed at such times and for such periods as our board may from timeto time determine.Liquidation. On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of shares), assets available fordistribution shall be distributed among the holders of the ordinary shares on a pro rata basis, and the liquidator may with the sanction of an ordinaryresolution of the shareholders divide amongst the shareholders in specie or in kind the whole or any part of the assets of our company, and may for suchpurpose set such value as he deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid, and may determine how such division shall be carried out as betweenour shareholders or different classes of shareholder.Redemption, Repurchase and Surrender of Shares. We may issue shares on terms that are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of theholders, on such terms and in such manner as may, before the issue of such shares, be determined by our board of directors. Our company may alsorepurchase any of our shares provided that our shareholders shall have approved the manner of purchase by ordinary resolution or the manner of purchase isin accordance with the provisions of Articles 17 and 17A of our Memorandum and Articles of Association. Under the Companies Act, the redemption orrepurchase 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 redemptionor repurchase, or out of capital (including share premium account and capital redemption reserve) if our 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(a) unless it is fully paid up, (b) if such redemption or repurchase would result in there being no shares outstanding, or (c) if the company has commencedliquidation. In addition, our company may accept the surrender of any fully paid share for no consideration.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 theirshares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 calendar days prior to the specified time of payment. Shares that have been called upon and remainunpaid on the specified time are subject to forfeiture.Inspection of Books and Records. Holders of our ordinary shares have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our listof shareholders or our corporate records, subject to certain limited3exceptions. However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements. See “—H. Documents on Display.”Requirements to Change the Rights of Holders of Class A Ordinary Shares (Item 10.B.4 of Form 20-F)Variations of Rights of Shares. If at any time our share capital is divided into different classes or series of shares, all or any of the special rightsattached to any class or series of shares may be varied either with the written consent of the holders of a majority of the issued shares of that class or series orwith the sanction of a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class or series.In addition to any other applicable consent or approval requirements set forth in our Memorandum and Articles of Association and pursuant to therules of the New York Stock Exchange, for so long as the total issued and outstanding Class B ordinary shares constitute a majority of the aggregate votingpower of our company, any amendment of the rights attached to our Class B ordinary shares requires approval by (i) holders of a majority of the total issuedand outstanding Class A ordinary shares as well as (ii) holders of a majority of the aggregate voting power of our company.For so long as any of our Class A ordinary shares are outstanding, our company shall not, without the affirmative vote of at least a majority of our Class Aordinary shares, voting as a single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision setting forth the terms of our Class A ordinary shares.Limitations on the Rights to Own Class A Ordinary Shares (Item 10.B.6 of Form 20-F)There are no limitations under the laws of the Cayman Islands or under our Memorandum and Articles of Association that limit the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote Class A ordinary shares, other than anti-takeover provisions contained in our Memorandum and Articles ofAssociation which may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable.Provisions Affecting Any Change of Control (Item 10.B.7 of Form 20-F)Anti-Takeover Provisions. Some provisions of our Memorandum and Articles of Association have the potential to discourage, delay or prevent achange of control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including provisions that:·provide holders of our Class B ordinary shares four votes per share and holders of our Class A ordinary shares one vote per share on all mattersupon which the ordinary shares are entitled to vote;·authorize our board of directors to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to designate the price, rights, preferences, privileges andrestrictions of such preferred shares without any further vote or action by our shareholders; and·limit the ability of shareholders to call general meetings of shareholders.However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our Memorandum and Articles ofAssociation for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company.Ownership Threshold (Item 10.B.8 of Form 20-F)There are no provisions under Cayman Islands law applicable to our company, or under our Memorandum and Articles of Association, that require ourcompany to disclose shareholder ownership above any particular ownership threshold.Differences Between the Law of Different Jurisdictions (Item 10.B.9 of Form 20-F)The Companies Act of the Cayman Islands is modeled after that of England but does not follow recent English statutory enactments and differs fromlaws applicable to U.S. corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the significant differences between the provisions of theCompanies Act of the Cayman Islands applicable to us and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders.4Mergers and Similar Arrangements. The Companies Act permits mergers and consolidations between Cayman Islands companies and betweenCayman Islands companies and non-Cayman Islands companies. For these purposes, (a) “merger” means the merging of two or more constituent companiesand the vesting of their undertaking, property and liabilities in one of such companies as the surviving company, and (b) a “consolidation” means thecombination of two or more constituent companies into a consolidated company and the vesting of the undertaking, property and liabilities of suchcompanies to the consolidated company. In order to effect such a merger or consolidation, the directors of each constituent company must approve a writtenplan of merger or consolidation, which must then be authorized by (a) a special resolution of the shareholders of each constituent company, and (b) suchother authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company’s articles of association. The plan must be filed with the Registrar of Companiesof the Cayman Islands together with a declaration as to the solvency of the consolidated or surviving company, a list of the assets and liabilities of eachconstituent company and an undertaking that a copy of the certificate of merger or consolidation will be given to the members and creditors of eachconstituent company and that notification of the merger or consolidation will be published in the Cayman Islands Gazette. Court approval is not required fora merger or consolidation which is effected in compliance with these statutory procedures.A merger between a Cayman parent company and its Cayman subsidiary or subsidiaries does not require authorization by a resolution of shareholdersof that Cayman subsidiary if a copy of the plan of merger is given to every member of that Cayman subsidiary to be merged unless that member agreesotherwise. For this purpose a company is a “parent” of a subsidiary if it holds issued shares that together represent at least ninety percent (90%) of the votesat a general meeting of the subsidiary.The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest over a constituent company is required unless this requirement is waived by a courtin the Cayman Islands.Save in certain limited circumstances, a shareholder of a Cayman constituent company who dissents from the merger or consolidation is entitled topayment of the fair value of his shares (which, if not agreed between the parties, will be determined by the Cayman Islands court) upon dissenting to themerger or consolidation, provide the dissenting shareholder complies strictly with the procedures set out in the Companies Act. The exercise of dissenterrights will preclude the exercise by the dissenting shareholder of any other rights to which he or she might otherwise be entitled by virtue of holding shares,save for the right to seek relief on the grounds that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.Separate from the statutory provisions relating to mergers and consolidations, the Companies Act also contains statutory provisions that facilitate thereconstruction and amalgamation of companies by way of schemes of arrangement, provided that the arrangement is approved by a majority in number ofeach class of shareholders and creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made, and who must in addition represent three-fourths in value of each suchclass of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings, convened for thatpurpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While adissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve thearrangement if it determines that:·the statutory provisions as to the required majority vote have been met;·the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question and the statutory majority are acting bona fide without coercion of theminority to promote interests adverse to those of the class;·the arrangement is such that may be reasonably approved by an intelligent and honest man of that class acting in respect of his interest; and·the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Act.The Companies Act also contains a statutory power of compulsory acquisition which may facilitate the “squeeze out” of dissentient minorityshareholder upon a tender offer. When a tender offer is made and accepted by holders of 90% of the shares affected within four months, the offeror may,within a two-month period commencing on the expiration of such four month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares tothe offeror on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed in the case of anoffer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.5If an arrangement and reconstruction by way of scheme of arrangement is thus approved and sanctioned, or if a tender offer is made and accepted, inaccordance with the foregoing statutory procedures, a dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, save that objectors to atakeover offer may apply to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands for various orders that the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands has a broad discretion tomake, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of Delaware corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash forthe judicially determined value of the shares.Shareholders’ Suits. In principle, we will normally be the proper plaintiff and as a general rule a derivative action may not be brought by a minorityshareholder. However, based on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority in the Cayman Islands, the Cayman Islandscourts can be expected (and have had occasion) to follow and apply the common law principles (namely the rule in Foss v. Harbottle and the exceptionsthereto) which permit a minority shareholder to commence a class action against, or derivative actions in the name of, our company to challenge:·an act which is ultra vires or illegal and is therefore incapable of ratification by the shareholders;·an act which constitutes a fraud against the minority where the wrongdoer are themselves in control of the company; and·an act which requires a resolution with a qualified (or special) majority (i.e. more than a simple majority) which has not been obtained.Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability. Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’smemorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held bythe Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime.Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that that we shall indemnify our directors and officers against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges,expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by such persons in connection with the execution or discharge of his duties, powers, authoritiesor discretions as a director or officer of our company, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilitiesincurred by such director or officer in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning our company or its affairs in any courtwhether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association also provide that no such director or officer of our companyshall be liable to our company for any loss or damage unless such liability arises through the willful neglect or default of such director or officer. Thisstandard of conduct is generally the same as permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law for a Delaware corporation.In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers that provide such persons with additionalindemnification beyond that provided in our Memorandum and Articles of Association.Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us under theforegoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Actand is therefore unenforceable.Directors’ Fiduciary Duties. Under Delaware corporate law, a director of a Delaware corporation has a fiduciary duty to the corporation and itsshareholders. This duty has two components: the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires that a director act in good faith, with the carethat an ordinarily prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Under this duty, a director must inform himself of, and disclose toshareholders, all material information reasonably available regarding a significant transaction. The duty of loyalty requires that a director acts in a manner hereasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. He must not use his corporate position for personal gain or advantage. This duty prohibitsself-dealing by a director and mandates that the best interest of the corporation and its shareholders take precedence over any interest possessed by a director,officer or controlling shareholder and not shared by the shareholders generally. In general, actions of a director are presumed to have been made on aninformed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action taken was in the best interests of the corporation. However, this presumption may berebutted by evidence of a breach of one of the fiduciary duties. Should such evidence be presented concerning a6transaction by a director, the director must prove the procedural fairness of the transaction, and that the transaction was of fair value to the corporation.As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a director of a Cayman Islands company is in the position of a fiduciary with respect to the company and thereforeit is considered that he owes the following duties to the company—a duty to act in good faith in the best interests of the company, a duty not to make apersonal profit based on his position as director (unless the company permits him to do so), a duty not to put himself in a position where the interests of thecompany conflict with his personal interest or his duty to a third party and a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended. Adirector of a Cayman Islands company owes to the company a duty to act with skill and care. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit inthe performance of his duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his knowledge and experience. However, Englishand Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to befollowed in the Cayman Islands.Shareholder Action by Written Consent. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may eliminate the right of shareholders to act bywritten consent by amendment to its certificate of incorporation. Cayman Islands law and our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide thatshareholders may approve corporate matters by way of a unanimous written resolution signed by or on behalf of each shareholder who would have beenentitled to vote on such matter at a general meeting without a meeting being held.Shareholder Proposals. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a shareholder has the right to put any proposal before the annual meeting ofshareholders, provided it complies with the notice provisions in the governing documents. A special meeting may be called by the board of directors or anyother person authorized to do so in the governing documents, but shareholders may be precluded from calling special meetings.The Companies Act provide shareholders with only limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right toput any proposal before a general meeting. However, these rights may be provided in a company’s articles of association. Our Memorandum and Articles ofAssociation allow our shareholders holding not less than one-third of the share capital of our company that carries the right of voting at general meetings torequisition an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders, in which case our board is obliged to convene an extraordinary general meeting and to putthe resolutions so requisitioned to a vote at such meeting. Other than this right to requisition a shareholders’ meeting, our Memorandum and Articles ofAssociation do not provide our shareholders with any other right to put proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings. As anexempted Cayman Islands company, we are not obliged by law to call shareholders’ annual general meetings.Cumulative Voting. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation’scertificate of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders on a board ofdirectors since it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single director, which increases theshareholder’s voting power with respect to electing such director. There are no prohibitions in relation to cumulative voting under the laws of the CaymanIslands but our Memorandum and Articles of Association do not provide for cumulative voting. As a result, our shareholders are not afforded any lessprotections or rights on this issue than shareholders of a Delaware corporation.Removal of Directors. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a director of a corporation with a classified board may be removed only forcause with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under ourMemorandum and Articles of Association, directors may be removed with or without cause, by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. A director’soffice shall be vacated if the director (i) dies, becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; (ii) is found to be or becomesof unsound mind; (iii) resigns his office by notice in writing to our company; or; (iii) is removed from office pursuant to any other provisions of ourMemorandum and Articles of Association. Subject to the foregoing sentence, each director shall hold office until the expiration of his term and until hissuccessor shall have been elected and qualified in accordance with our Memorandum and Articles of Association.Transactions with Interested Shareholders. The Delaware General Corporation Law contains a business combination statute applicable to Delawarecorporations whereby, unless the corporation has specifically elected not to be governed by such statute by amendment to its certificate of incorporation, it isprohibited from engaging in certain business combinations with an “interested shareholder” for three years following the date that such7person becomes an interested shareholder. An interested shareholder generally is a person or a group who or which owns or owned 15% or more of thetarget’s outstanding voting share within the past three years. This has the effect of limiting the ability of a potential acquirer to make a two-tiered bid for thetarget in which all shareholders would not be treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date on which such shareholderbecomes an interested shareholder, the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becomingan interested shareholder. This encourages any potential acquirer of a Delaware corporation to negotiate the terms of any acquisition transaction with thetarget’s board of directors.Cayman Islands law has no comparable statute. As a result, we cannot avail ourselves of the types of protections afforded by the Delaware businesscombination statute. However, although Cayman Islands law does not regulate transactions between a company and its significant shareholders, it doesprovide that such transactions must be entered into bona fide in the best interests of the company and not with the effect of constituting a fraud on theminority shareholders.Dissolution; Winding up. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolutionmust be approved by shareholders holding 100% of the total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directorsmay it be approved by a simple majority of the corporation’s outstanding shares. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its certificate ofincorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board.Under Cayman Islands law, a company may be wound up by either an order of the courts of the Cayman Islands or by a special resolution of itsmembers or, if the company is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, by an ordinary resolution of its members. The court has authority to order winding upin a number of specified circumstances including where it is, in the opinion of the court, just and equitable to do so.Variation of Rights of Shares. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may vary the rights of a class of shares with the approval ofa majority of the outstanding shares of such class, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under our Memorandum and Articles ofAssociation, if our share capital is divided into different classes or series of shares, the rights attaching to any such class or series may (unless otherwiseprovided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class or series) be varied or abrogated with the consent in writing of a majority of the issued shares of thatclass or series or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class or series. The rights conferredupon the holders of the shares of any class or series issued with preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issueof the shares of that class or series, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking in priority thereto or pari passu therewith.Amendment of Governing Documents. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation’s governing documents may be amended with theapproval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under Cayman Islands law, ourMemorandum and Articles of Association may only be amended with a special resolution of our shareholders.Rights of Non-resident or Foreign Shareholders. There are no limitations imposed by our Memorandum and Articles of Association on the rights ofnon-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our shares.Debt Securities (Item 12.A of Form 20-F)Not applicable.Warrants and Rights (Item 12.B of Form 20-F)Not applicable.Other Securities (Item 12.C of Form 20-F)Not applicable.Description of American Depositary Shares (Items 12.D.1 and 12.D.2 of Form 20-F)Citibank, N.A., as depositary, registered and delivered the ADSs. Citibank’s depositary offices are located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NewYork 10013. ADSs represent ownership interests in securities that are on deposit with the depositary. ADSs may be represented by certificates that arecommonly known as American Depositary Receipts or ADRs. The depositary typically appoints a custodian to safekeep the securities on deposit. In thiscase, the custodian is Citibank, N.A.—Hong Kong, located at 10/F, Harbour Front (II), 22 Tak Fung Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.8As an owner of ADSs, you may hold your ADSs either by means of an ADR registered in your name, through a brokerage or safekeeping account, orthrough an account established by the depositary in your name reflecting the registration of uncertificated ADSs directly on the books of the depositary(commonly referred to as the direct registration system or DRS). The direct registration system reflects the uncertificated (book-entry) registration ofownership of ADSs by the depositary. Under the direct registration system, ownership of ADSs is evidenced by periodic statements issued by the depositaryto the holders of the ADSs. The direct registration system includes automated transfers between the depositary and The Depository Trust Company, or DTC,the central book-entry clearing and settlement system for equity securities in the United States. If you decide to hold your ADSs through your brokerage orsafekeeping account, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or bank to assert your rights as ADS owner. Banks and brokers typically hold securitiessuch as the ADSs through clearing and settlement systems such as DTC.This summary description assumes you have opted to own the ADSs directly by means of an ADS registered in your name and, as such, we will referto you as the “holder.” For more complete information, you should read the entire deposit agreement and the form of American Depositary Receipt. Thelatest deposit agreement and form of ADR have been filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Registration Statement on our F-6 registration statement(File No. 333- 170167), as amended, filed with the Commission on March 15, 2016) for our company .Dividends and DistributionsAs a holder, you generally have the right to receive the distributions we make on the securities deposited with the custodian. Your receipt of thesedistributions may be limited, however, by practical considerations and legal limitations. Holders will receive such distributions under the terms of the depositagreement in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of a specified record date.Distributions of CashWhenever we make a cash distribution for the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will deposit the funds with the custodian. Upon receipt ofconfirmation of the deposit of the requisite funds, the depositary will arrange for the funds to be converted into U.S. dollars and for the distribution of theU.S. dollars to the holders, subject to the laws and regulations of the Cayman Islands.The conversion into U.S. dollars will take place only if practicable and if the U.S. dollars are transferable to the United States. The amounts distributedto holders will be net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. The depositary willapply the same method for distributing the proceeds of the sale of any property (such as undistributed rights) held by the custodian in respect of securities ondeposit.The distribution of cash will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the depositagreement.Distributions of Ordinary SharesWhenever we make a free distribution of ordinary shares for the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will deposit the applicable number ofordinary shares with the custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit, the depositary will either distribute to holders new ADSs representing theordinary shares deposited or modify the ADS-to-ordinary share ratio, in which case each ADS you hold will represent rights and interests in the additionalordinary shares so deposited. Only whole new ADSs will be distributed. Fractional entitlements will be sold and the proceeds of such sale will be distributedas in the case of a cash distribution.The distribution of new ADSs or the modification of the ADS-to-ordinary share ratio upon a distribution of ordinary shares will be made net of thefees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes or governmentalcharges, the depositary may sell all or a portion of the new ordinary shares so distributed.No such distribution of new ADSs will be made if it would violate a law (including U.S. securities laws) or if it is not operationally practicable. If thedepositary does not distribute new ADSs as described above, it may sell the ordinary shares received upon the terms described in the deposit agreement andwill distribute the proceeds of the sale as in the case of a distribution of cash.9Distributions of RightsWhenever we intend to distribute rights to purchase additional ordinary shares, we will give prior notice to the depositary and we will assist thedepositary in determining whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs to holders.The depositary will establish procedures to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs to holders and to enable such holders to exercise such rightsif it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make the rights available to holders of ADSs, and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in thedeposit agreement (such as opinions to address the lawfulness of the transaction). You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental chargesto subscribe for the new ADSs upon the exercise of your rights. The depositary is not obligated to establish procedures to facilitate the distribution andexercise by holders of rights to purchase new ordinary shares other than in the form of ADSs.The depositary will not distribute the rights to you if:·we do not timely request that the rights be distributed to you or we request that the rights not be distributed to you; or·we fail to deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary; or·it is not reasonably practicable to distribute the rights.The depositary will sell the rights that are not exercised or not distributed if such sale is lawful and reasonably practicable. The proceeds of such salewill be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution. If the depositary is unable to sell the rights, it will allow the rights to lapse.Elective DistributionsWhenever we intend to distribute a dividend payable at the election of shareholders either in cash or in additional shares, we will give prior noticethereof to the depositary and will indicate whether we wish the elective distribution to be made available to you. In such case, we will assist the depositary indetermining whether such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable.The depositary will make the election available to you only if it is reasonably practicable and if we have provided all of the documentationcontemplated in the deposit agreement. In such case, the depositary will establish procedures to enable you to elect to receive either cash or additional ADSsin each case as described in the deposit agreement.If the election is not made available to you, you will receive either cash or additional ADSs, depending on what a holder of ordinary shares wouldreceive upon failing to make an election.Other DistributionsWhenever we intend to distribute property other than cash, ordinary shares or rights to purchase additional ordinary shares, we will notify thedepositary in advance and will indicate whether we wish such distribution to be made to you. If so, we will assist the depositary in determining whether suchdistribution to holders is lawful and reasonably practicable.If it is reasonably practicable to distribute such property to you and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement, thedepositary will distribute the property to the holders in a manner it deems practicable.The distribution will be made net of fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. Inorder to pay such taxes and governmental charges, the depositary may sell all or a portion of the property received.The depositary will not distribute the property to you and will sell the property if:·we do not request that the property be distributed to you or if we ask that the property not be distributed to you; or·we do not deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary; or·the depositary determines that all or a portion of the distribution to you is not reasonably practicable.10The proceeds of such a sale will be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution.RedemptionWhenever we decide to redeem any of the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will notify the depositary at least 45 days (or a fewer number ofdays if agreed upon with the depositary) in advance of such proposed redemption. If it is practicable and if we provide all of the documentationcontemplated in the deposit agreement, the depositary will provide notice of the redemption to the holders.The custodian will be instructed to surrender the shares being redeemed against payment of the applicable redemption price. The depositary willconvert the redemption funds received into U.S. dollars upon the terms of the deposit agreement and will establish procedures to enable holders to receivethe net proceeds from the redemption upon surrender of their ADSs to the depositary. You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmentalcharges upon the redemption of your ADSs. If less than all ADSs are being redeemed, the ADSs to be retired will be selected by lot or on a pro rata basis, asthe depositary may determine.Changes Affecting Ordinary SharesThe ordinary shares held on deposit for your ADSs may change from time to time. For example, there may be a change in nominal or par value, asplit-up, cancellation, consolidation or reclassification of such ordinary shares or a recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets.If any such change were to occur, your ADSs would, to the extent permitted by law, represent the right to receive the property received or exchangedin respect of the ordinary shares held on deposit. The depositary may in such circumstances deliver new ADSs to you, amend the deposit agreement, theADRs and the applicable Registration Statement(s) on Form F-6, call for the exchange of your existing ADSs for new ADSs and take any other actions thatare appropriate to reflect as to the ADSs the change affecting the ordinary shares. If the depositary may not lawfully distribute such property to you, thedepositary may sell such property and distribute the net proceeds to you as in the case of a cash distribution.Issuance of ADSs upon Deposit of Ordinary SharesThe depositary may create ADSs on your behalf if you or your broker deposit ordinary shares with the custodian. The depositary will deliver theseADSs to the person you indicate only after you pay any applicable issuance fees and any charges and taxes payable for the transfer of the ordinary shares tothe custodian. Your ability to deposit ordinary shares and receive ADSs may be limited by U.S. and Cayman Islands legal considerations applicable at thetime of deposit.The issuance of ADSs may be delayed until the depositary or the custodian receives confirmation that all required approvals have been given and thatthe ordinary shares have been duly transferred to the custodian. The depositary will only issue ADSs in whole numbers.When you make a deposit of ordinary shares, you will be responsible for transferring good and valid title to the depositary. As such, you will bedeemed to represent and warrant that:·The ordinary shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained.·All preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such ordinary shares have been validly waived or exercised.·You are duly authorized to deposit the ordinary shares.·The ordinary shares presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and arenot, and the ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, “restricted securities” (as defined in the deposit agreement).·The ordinary shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements.If any of the representations or warranties are incorrect in any way, we and the depositary may, at your cost and expense, take any and all actionsnecessary to correct the consequences of the misrepresentations.11Transfer, Combination and Split Up of ADRsIf you hold ADRs, you will be entitled to transfer, combine or split up your ADRs and the ADSs evidenced thereby. For transfers of ADRs, you willhave to surrender the ADRs to be transferred to the depositary and also must:·ensure that the surrendered ADR certificate is properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for transfer;·provide such proof of identity and genuineness of signatures as the depositary deems appropriate;·provide any transfer stamps required by the State of New York or the United States; and·pay all applicable fees, charges, expenses, taxes and other government charges payable by ADR holders pursuant to the terms of the depositagreement, upon the transfer of ADRs.To have your ADRs either combined or split up, you must surrender the ADRs in question to the depositary with your request to have them combinedor split up, and you must pay all applicable fees, charges and expenses payable by ADR holders pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement upon acombination or split up of ADRs.Withdrawal of Ordinary Shares Upon Cancellation of ADSsAs a holder, you will be entitled to present your ADSs to the depositary for cancellation and then receive the corresponding number of underlyingordinary shares at the custodian’s offices. The depositary will not accept for surrender ADSs representing less than one share. In the case of the delivery to itof ADSs representing a number other than a whole number of our ordinary shares, the depositary will cause ownership of the appropriate whole number ofshares to be delivered in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement, and will, at its discretion, either return to the person surrendering such ADSsthe number of ADSs representing any remaining fractional share, or sell or cause to be sold the fractional share represented by the ADSs so surrendered andremit the proceeds of such sale (net of applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the depositary and taxes withheld) to the personsurrendering the ADSs. Your ability to withdraw the ordinary shares may be limited by U.S. and Cayman Islands legal considerations applicable at the timeof withdrawal. In order to withdraw the ordinary shares represented by your ADSs, you will be required to pay to the depositary the fees for cancellation ofADSs and any charges and taxes payable upon the transfer of the ordinary shares being withdrawn. You assume the risk for delivery of all funds andsecurities upon withdrawal. Once canceled, the ADSs will not have any rights under the deposit agreement.If you hold ADSs registered in your name, the depositary may ask you to provide proof of identity and genuineness of any signature and such otherdocuments as the depositary may deem appropriate before it will cancel your ADSs. The withdrawal of the ordinary shares represented by your ADSs maybe delayed until the depositary receives satisfactory evidence of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Please keep in mind that the depositarywill only accept ADSs for cancellation that represent a whole number of securities on deposit.You will have the right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs at any time except for:·temporary delays that may arise because (i) the transfer books for the ordinary shares or ADSs are closed or (ii) ordinary shares are immobilizedon account of a shareholders’ meeting or a payment of dividends;·obligations to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; and·restrictions imposed because of laws or regulations applicable to ADSs or the withdrawal of securities on deposit.The deposit agreement may not be modified to impair your right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs except to comply withmandatory provisions of law.Voting RightsAs a holder, you generally have the right under the deposit agreement to instruct the depositary to exercise the voting rights for the ordinary sharesrepresented by your ADSs.If we ask for your instructions in a timely manner pursuant to the deposit agreement, as soon as practicable after receiving notice of any meeting orsolicitation of consents or proxies from us, the depositary will distribute to the registered ADS holders a notice stating such information as is contained in thevoting materials received by12the depositary and describing how you may instruct the depositary to exercise the voting rights for the shares which underlie your ADSs, includingcircumstances under which a discretionary proxy may be given to a person designated by us. At our request, the depositary will distribute to you any noticeof shareholders’ meeting received from us together with information explaining how to instruct the depositary to exercise the voting rights of the securitiesrepresented by ADSs.Voting at our shareholders’ meetings is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by one or more of our registeredshareholders present in person or by proxy entitled to vote and who together hold not less than 10 percent of the paid up voting share capital of our company.If the depositary bank timely receives voting instructions from a holder of ADSs, the depositary bank will endeavor to cause the ordinary shares on depositto be voted as follows: (a) in the event voting takes place at a shareholders’ meeting by show of hands, the depositary bank will instruct the custodian tovote, directly or by proxy, all ordinary shares on deposit in accordance with the voting instructions received from a majority of the holders of ADSs whoprovided voting instructions; or (b) in the event voting takes place at a shareholders’ meeting by poll, the depositary bank will instruct the custodian to vote,directly or by proxy, the ordinary shares on deposit in accordance with the voting instructions received from holders of ADSs.In the event of voting by poll, holders of ADSs in respect of which no timely voting instructions have been received shall be deemed to have instructedthe depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote the ordinary shares represented by such holders’ ADSs; provided, that nosuch instruction shall be deemed given and no such discretionary proxy shall be given with respect to any matter as to which we inform the depositary thatwe do not wish such proxy to be given; provided, further, that no such discretionary proxy shall be given (x) with respect to any matter as to which weinform the depositary that (i) there exists substantial opposition, or (ii) the rights of holders of ADSs or the shareholders of the Company will be adverselyaffected and (y) in the event that the vote is on a show of hands.Please note that the ability of the depositary to carry out voting instructions may be limited by practical and legal limitations and the terms of thesecurities on deposit. We cannot assure you that you will receive voting materials in time to enable you to return voting instructions to the depositary in atimely manner.In order to give you a reasonable opportunity to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of voting rights relating to deposited securities, if we requestthe depositary to act, pursuant to the deposit agreement, we will give the depositary notice of any such meeting and details concerning the matters to bevoted upon at least 30 days in advance of the meeting date, although our Memorandum and Articles of Association only require an advance notice of sevencalendar days to be given for any general meeting.Both shareholders and the depositary (or its proxy) acting on behalf of ADS holders have the option of voting in person or by proxy at a shareholders’meeting.Fees and ExpensesADS holders will be required to pay the following service fees to the depository:Service Fees● Issuance of ADSsUp to US$0.05 per ADS issued● Cancelation of ADSsUp to US$0.05 per ADS canceled● Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributionsUp to US$0.05 per ADS held● Distribution of ADSs pursuant to stock dividends, free stockdistributions or exercise of rightsUp to US$0.05 per ADS held● Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchaseadditional ADSsUp to US$0.05 per ADS held● Depositary servicesUp to US$0.05 per ADS held on the applicable record date(s) established bythe depositary● Transfer of ADSsUS$1.50 per certificate presented for transfer13Citibank, N.A., the depositary of our ADS program, collects fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares orsurrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investorsby deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annualfee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts ofparticipants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid. Citibank’sprincipal executive office is located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, 10013. The depositary bank typically appoints a custodian to safekeepthe securities on deposit. In this case, the custodian is Citibank Hong Kong, located at 10/F, Harbor Front (II), 22, Tak Fung Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon,Hong Kong. ADS holders will also be responsible to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary and certain taxes and governmental chargessuch as:·fees for the transfer and registration of ordinary shares charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the ordinary shares in the Cayman Islands(i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of ordinary shares);·expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars;·expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery of securities;·taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities (i.e., when ordinary shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit); and·fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of ordinary shares on deposit.Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancelation of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary by the brokers (on behalf of their clients)receiving the newly issued ADSs from the depositary and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to the depositary for cancelation.The brokers in turn charge these fees to their clients. Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and thedepositary services fee are charged by the depositary to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date.The depositary fees payable for cash distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case of distributions other than cash(such as stock dividends and rights distributions), the depositary charges the applicable fee to the ADS record date holders concurrent with the distribution.In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or uncertificated in direct registration), the depositary sends invoices to theapplicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts (via DTC), the depositary generally collects its feesthrough the systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs intheir DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients’ ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their clients’ accounts the amount of the feespaid to the depositary.In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse the requested service untilpayment is received or may offset the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder.The fees and charges that ADS holders may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary.The depositary may reimburse us for certain expenses incurred by us in respect of the ADR program established pursuant to the deposit agreement, bymaking available a portion of the depositary fees charged in respect of the ADR program or otherwise, upon such terms and conditions as we and thedepositary may agree from time to time. As described in the deposit agreement, we or the depositary may withhold or deduct from any distributions made inrespect of ordinary shares and may sell for the account of a holder any or all of the ordinary shares and apply such distributions and sale proceeds in paymentof any taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or charges that are or may be payable by holders in respect of the ADSs.Amendments and TerminationWe may agree with the depositary to modify the deposit agreement at any time without your consent. We undertake to give holders 30 days’ priornotice of any modifications that would materially prejudice any of their substantial rights under the deposit agreement. We will not consider to be materiallyprejudicial to your substantial rights any modifications or supplements that are reasonably necessary for the ADSs to be registered under the14Securities Act or to be eligible for book-entry settlement, in each case without imposing or increasing the fees and charges you are required to pay. Inaddition, we may not be able to provide you with prior notice of any modifications or supplements that are required to accommodate compliance withapplicable provisions of law.You will be bound by the modifications to the deposit agreement if you continue to hold your ADSs after the modifications to the deposit agreementbecome effective. The deposit agreement cannot be amended to prevent you from withdrawing the ordinary shares represented by your ADSs (except aspermitted by law).We have the right to direct the depositary to terminate the deposit agreement. Similarly, the depositary may in certain circumstances on its owninitiative terminate the deposit agreement. In either case, the depositary must give notice to the holders at least 30 days before termination. Until termination,your rights under the deposit agreement will be unaffected.After termination, the depositary will continue to collect distributions received (but will not distribute any such property until you request thecancellation of your ADSs) and may sell the securities held on deposit. After the sale, the depositary will hold the proceeds from such sale and any otherfunds then held for the holders of ADSs in a non-interest bearing account. At that point, the depositary will have no further obligations to holders other thanto account for the funds then held for the holders of ADSs still outstanding (after deduction of applicable fees, taxes and expenses).Books of DepositaryThe depositary will maintain ADS holder records at its depositary office. You may inspect such records at such office during regular business hoursbut solely for the purpose of communicating with other holders in the interest of business matters relating to the ADSs and the deposit agreement.The depositary will maintain facilities in New York to record and process the issuance, cancellation, combination, split-up and transfer of ADSs. Thesefacilities may be closed from time to time, to the extent not prohibited by law.Limitations on Obligations and LiabilitiesThe deposit agreement limits our obligations and the depositary’s obligations to you. It also limits our liability and the liability of the depositary.However, the limitations will not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws of the United States because any agreement to waive therequirements of the federal securities laws of the United States is void under Section 14 of the Securities Act. Please note the following:·We and the depositary are obligated only to take the actions specifically stated in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith.·The depositary disclaims any liability for any failure to carry out voting instructions, for any manner in which a vote is cast or for the effect of anyvote, provided it acts in good faith and in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement.·The depositary disclaims any liability for any failure to determine the lawfulness or practicality of any action, for the content of any documentforwarded to you on our behalf or for the accuracy of any translation of such a document, for the investment risks associated with investing inordinary shares, for the validity or worth of the ordinary shares, for any tax consequences that result from the ownership of ADSs, for the credit-worthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to lapse under the terms of the deposit agreement, for the timeliness of any of our notices orfor any failure by us to give notice.·We and the depositary will not be obligated to perform any act that is inconsistent with the terms of the deposit agreement.·We and the depositary disclaim any liability if we or the depositary are prevented or forbidden from or subject to any civil or criminal penalty orrestraint on account of, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of the deposit agreement, by reason of anyprovision, present or future of any law or regulation, or by reason of present or future provision of any provision of our articles of association, orany provision of or governing the securities on deposit, or by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond our control.15·We and the depositary disclaim any liability by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for the deposit agreementor in our articles of association or in any provisions of or governing the securities on deposit.·We and the depositary further disclaim any liability for any action or inaction in reliance on the advice or information received from legal counsel,accountants, any person presenting ordinary shares for deposit, any holder of ADSs or authorized representatives thereof, or any other personbelieved by either of us in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information.·We and the depositary also disclaim liability for the inability of a holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit that ismade available to holders of ordinary shares but is not, under the terms of the deposit agreement, made available to you.·We and the depositary may rely without any liability upon any written notice, request or other document believed to be genuine and to have beensigned or presented by the proper parties.·We and the depositary also disclaim liability for any consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement.Pre-Release TransactionsSubject to the terms and conditions of the deposit agreement, the depositary may issue to broker/dealers ADSs before receiving a deposit of ordinaryshares or release ordinary shares to broker/dealers before receiving ADSs for cancellation. These transactions are commonly referred to as “pre-releasetransactions,” and are entered into between the depositary and the applicable broker/dealer. The deposit agreement limits the aggregate size of pre-releasetransactions (not to exceed 30% of the shares or deposit in the aggregate) and imposes a number of conditions on such transactions (i.e., the need to receivecollateral, the type of collateral required, the representations required from brokers, etc.). The depositary may retain the compensation received from the pre-release transactions.TaxesYou will be responsible for the taxes and other governmental charges payable on the ADSs and the securities represented by the ADSs. We, thedepositary and the custodian may deduct from any distribution the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders and may sell any and all property ondeposit to pay the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders. You will be liable for any deficiency if the sale proceeds do not cover the taxes thatare due. Exhibit 8.1List of Significant Consolidated Entities of Noah Holdings Limited*Name Date of Incorporation Place of Incorporation Percentage of OwnershipNoah Upright Fund Distribution Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Noah Upright (Shanghai)Fund Investment Consulting Co., Ltd.)November 18, 2003PRC100%Shanghai Noah Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Shanghai NoahRongyao Investment Consulting Co., Ltd.)August 24, 2007PRC100%Shanghai Noah Financial Services Corp.April 18, 2008PRC100%Noah Insurance (Hong Kong) LimitedJanuary 3, 2011Hong Kong100%Noah Holdings (Hong Kong) LimitedSeptember 1, 2011Hong Kong100%Gopher Capital GP LimitedMay 11, 2012Cayman Islands100%Zigong Noah Financial Service Co., Ltd.October 22, 2012PRC100%Kunshan Noah Rongyao Investment Management Co., Ltd.December 2, 2015PRC100%Shanghai Noah Chuangying Enterprise Management Co., Ltd.December 14, 2015PRC100%Wuhu Fangtiao Technology Co., Ltd.November 28, 2019PRC100%Shanghai Noah Investment Management Co., Ltd.August 26, 2005PRCControlled under the Contractual ArrangementGopher Asset Management Co., Ltd.February 9, 2012PRCControlled under the Contractual ArrangementWuhu Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd.October 10, 2012PRCControlled under the Contractual ArrangementShanghai Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd.December 14, 2012PRCControlled under theContractual Arrangement* Other consolidated entities of Noah Holdings Limited have been omitted from this list since, considered in the aggregate as a single entity, they would not constitute asignificant subsidiary. Exhibit 12.1Certification by the Principal Executive OfficerPursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002I, Jingbo Wang, certify that:1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Noah Holdings Limited (the “Company”);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 thestatements 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 thefinancial 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 inExchange 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)) forthe Company and have:(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensurethat 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 oursupervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for externalpurposes 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 effectivenessof 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 annualreport that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and5.The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to theCompany’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 reasonablylikely 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 controlover financial reporting.Date: April 30, 2021By:/s/ Jingbo WangName:Jingbo WangTitle:Chief Executive Officer Exhibit 12.2Certification by the Principal Financial OfficerPursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002I, Qing Pan, certify that:1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Noah Holdings Limited (the “Company”);2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material factnecessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading withrespect 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 allmaterial respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented inthis report;4.The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls andprocedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined inExchange 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 underour supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is madeknown 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 bedesigned under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and thepreparation 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 ourconclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered bythis 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 theperiod covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’sinternal control over financial reporting; and5.The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control overfinancial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performingthe equivalent function):(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reportingwhich are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financialinformation; and(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in theCompany’s internal control over financial reporting.Date:April 30, 2021By:/s/ Qing PanName:Qing PanTitle:Chief Financial Officer Exhibit 13.1Certification by the Principal Executive OfficerPursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002In connection with the Annual Report of Noah Holdings Limited (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 as filed withthe Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jingbo Wang, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18U.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; and2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.Date:April 30, 2021By:/s/ Jingbo WangName:Jingbo WangTitle:Chief Executive Officer Exhibit 13.2Certification by the Principal Financial OfficerPursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002In connection with the Annual Report of Noah Holdings Limited (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 as filed withthe Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Qing Pan, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18U.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; and2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.Date:April 30, 2021By:/s/ Qing PanName:Qing PanTitle:Chief Financial Officer Exhibit 15.1CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMWe consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements Nos. 333-171541 and 333-222342 on Form S-8 of our reports dated April 30,2021, relating to the financial statements of Noah Holdings Limited (the “Company”) and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financialreporting appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020./s/Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLPShanghai, ChinaApril 30, 2021 Exhibit 15.2ToNoah Holdings LimitedBuilding 2, Changyang Vallye1687 Changyang Rd., Yangpu DistrictShanghai, China, 200090April 30, 2021Dear Sir/Madam:We consent to the reference to our firm under the headings of “Organizational Structure” and “People’s Republic of ChinaTaxation” in Noah Holdings Limited’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for year ended December 31, 2020 (the “Annual Report”),which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in the month of April 2021. We also consent to thefiling of this consent letter with the SEC as an exhibit to the Annual Report.In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required underSection 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in each case, as amended, or the regulationspromulgated thereunder.Yours faithfully,/s/ Zhong Lun Law FirmZhong Lun Law Firm Exhibit 15.3Our refRDS/658613-000001/19730186v1Direct tel+852 2971 3046E-mailrichard.spooner@maples.comNoah Holdings LimitedBuilding 2, 1687 Changyang RoadShanghai 200090People's Republic of China30 April 2021Dear Sirs and MadamsNoah Holdings LimitedWe have acted as legal advisers as to the laws of the Cayman Islands to Noah Holdings Limited, an exempted limited liability companyincorporated in the Cayman Islands (the "Company"), in connection with the filing by the Company with the United States Securitiesand Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of an annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2020 ("Form 20-F").We hereby consent to the reference of our name under the heading “Item 3.D Risk Factors” in the Form 20-F, and we further consent tothe incorporation by reference of the summary of our opinions under this heading into the Company’s registration statements on FormS-8 (File No. 333-171541) that was filed on 5 January 2011 and Form S-8 (File No. 333-222342) that was filed on 29 December 2017.We consent to the filing with the SEC of this consent letter as an exhibit to the Form 20-F. In giving such consent, we do not therebyadmit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, or underthe Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in each case, as amended, or the regulations promulgated thereunder.Yours faithfully/s/ Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLPMaples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP

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