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TECH Techfinancials Inc

0.45
0.00 (0.00%)
28 Mar 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Techfinancials Inc LSE:TECH London Ordinary Share VGG870911077 ORD USD0.0005 (DI)
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 0.45 0.40 0.50 0.00 00:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

TechFinancials Inc. Preliminary Results (5318S)

26/06/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Techfinancials (LSE:TECH)
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TIDMTECH

RNS Number : 5318S

TechFinancials Inc.

26 June 2018

26 June 2018

TechFinancials Inc.

("TechFinancials", the "Company", or the "Group")

Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 December 2017

TechFinancials Inc. (AIM: TECH), a leading technology provider to financial trading brokers, today announces its results for the year ended 31 December 2017.

The Company also announces that in accordance with AIM Rule 20, electronic copies of its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017 are available from the Company's investor relations website at https://group.techfinancials.com. Hard copies of the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts will be posted to shareholders no later than 29 June 2018.

Financial Highlights

   --      Revenues of US$13.4 million (2016: US$21.3 million) decreased by 37% 
   --      Core software licensing revenues of US$4.3 million (2016: US$10.4 million) decreased by 59% 
   --      Trading platform revenues of US$8.9 million (2016: US$10.9 million) decreased by 18% 
   --      New segment blockchain trading technology revenues of US$0.24 million 
   --      Net cash generated from operating activities of US$0.2 million (2016: US$5.9 million) 
   --      Gross margins decreased to 76% (2016: 78%) 

-- Impairment provision of US$1.5 million made to write-down the value of intangible assets relating to the US and Japanese trading solutions

   --      Operating profit of US$0.8 million (2016: US$5.0 million) 
   --      EBITDA attributable to shareholders was US$0.3 million (2016: US$2.8 million) 

-- Pre-tax loss attributable to shareholders was US$2.49 million (2016: pre-tax profit of US$1.3 million)

-- Cash position of US$3.5 million as at 31 December 2017 (2016: US$7.7 million). Cash at 25 June 2018 stood at US$2.8 million

-- Basic earnings per share ('EPS') has decreased to a loss of US$0.036 (2016: profit of US$0.017)

-- DragonFinancials, the Company's 51% subsidiary, paid dividends of US$7.2 million during 2017 with TechFinancials receiving US$3.7 million for its 51% interest

-- Loan and Option Agreement with the shareholder of Cedex Holdings Ltd ("CEDEX") - loan of US$0.4 million made in 2017 in exchange for an option to acquire 90% of CEDEX in addition to initial 2% shareholding acquired as the first step part of new strategy of the Group in entering blockchain-based trading solutions (out of the initial loan amount US$0.33 million was repaid by CEDEX on 5 June 2018)

-- As of 31 December 2017, the fair value of the option is US$8.9 million based on Black Scholes model (see Note 8).

Operational Highlights

Blockchain Trading Technology Activity

-- TechFinancials provided financing to CEDEX, a company engaged in an ICO, in exchange for receiving an option to hold an interest of up to 92% in CEDEX or up to 87.4% on a fully diluted basis.

-- As at 31 December 2017, the fair value of the option was US$8.9 million based on the Black Scholes model. The recognition of the option value is deferred and will be recognized as a gain or loss, only to the extent that it arises from a change in a factor that market participants would take into account when pricing the asset or liability, which is the completion of the ICO in April 2018.

-- The Company commenced a new activity related to blockchain trading technology developing an array of new products, where CEDEX was its first customer.

Software Licensing (B2B)

   --      There has been a reduction in B2B software licensing operations due to: 

o Continued regulatory tightening which caused financial institutions such as banks and payment service providers (PSPs) to terminate services to binary options platforms. There has been a similar effect on marketing service providers.

o In addition, the termination of the contract with 24option.com, our largest customer in 2016 has depressed revenues.

-- Two development projects cancelled namely the Introducing Broker product in the United States with Cantor Fitzgerald, and a regulated solution in Japan - intangibles assets impaired by US$1.5 million.

-- R&D efforts focused on solutions for Asian markets have now shifted from binary options to Forex.

   --      Transfer of the R&D team from Israel to Ukraine for regulatory reasons and to reduce costs. 

Trading Platform (B2C)

-- TechFinancials completed the successful integration and operation of the DragonFinancials trading platform, focused on the Asia Pacific Region. This has contributed to the profitability of the B2C division.

-- Renouncement of CIF license of BOT, ceasing the operation of OptionFair in February 2018. In line with TechFinancials' wider strategy, BOT has notified the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission ("CySEC") of its intention to withdraw its Cyprus Investment Firm "(CIF") authorization.

Asaf Lahav, Group Chief Executive Officer of TechFinancials, commented:

"2017 has been a year of significant change, as we shifted our focus from binary options to blockchain trading technologies and solutions, and the growth of our Forex and CFD business.

"The Company's long-term strategic investment in CEDEX has been a pivotal step for the business and whilst continuing to support CEDEX, we will look to build on our experience and expertise to develop innovative solutions for the rapidly growing blockchain-based products and technologies market, as we seek to expand into new product areas.

"Despite a number of challenges faced over the year, we have remained committed to developing new technologies and seeking new investment opportunities to facilitate expansion. We are confident that the changes implemented across the business, and the new strategy will best position the Company for future growth."

For further information:

 
 TechFinancials, Inc. 
 Asaf Lahav, Group Chief Executive Officer 
 Yuval Tovias, Chief Financial Officer       https://group.techfinancials.com 
 
 
 Grant Thornton UK LLP (Nominated Adviser) 
 Colin Aaronson / Samantha Harrison          Tel: +44 (0) 20 7383 
                                              5100 
 
 
 Northland Capital Partners Limited (Joint 
  Broker) 
 David Hignell/ John Howes                     Tel: +44 (0) 20 3861 
                                                6625 
 
 Peterhouse Corporate Finance (Joint Broker) 
 Lucy Williams / Eran Zucker                   Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 
                                                0932 
 
  Media enquiries: 
 Yellow Jersey (Media Relations) 
 Charles Goodwin / Katie Bairsto               Tel: +44 (0) 7748 843 
                                                871 
 

About TechFinancials

TechFinancials, Inc (AIM: TECH) is a fintech software provider of financial trading solutions, including blockchain-based digital assets and traditional financial trading solutions for retail clients. The Group operates a B2B division licensing white label trading platform solutions to online brokers. In addition, the Company operates a B2C division operating trading platform incorporating a strategic joint venture focusing on solutions for traders in the Asia Pacific region.

The Company currently holds a 2 % interest and an option to acquire a further 90 % in CEDEX, a blockchain-based on-line exchange for diamonds, which would give TechFinancials up to 92 % of CEDEX or 87.4 % on a fully diluted basis.

Further information can be found at http://techfinancials.com.

Chairman's Statement

2017 has been an important year for the development of the Company, despite facing a number of challenges over the course of the year. The loss of our largest customer 24option and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the regulatory environment have adversely affected our core B2B software licensing business, leading to a fall in revenues. These challenges have meant that we have had to focus on diversifying our business offering by introducing new products as well as carefully reviewing and managing our cost base.

Our approach to mitigate the impact of these negative factors is to be continually innovative in terms of new products, which has helped to alleviate the fall in revenues and profits whilst at the same time, providing a strong foundation for 2018 and beyond. In response we have developed a new strategy, based on innovative products, which the Board expects to drive future revenues. The Group has been developing its technology since H2 2017 to allow merchants to integrate a crypto-payment processing of Bitcoin, BitcoinCash and Ethereum into their systems. This technology was integrated successfully into TechFinancials' core systems in Q1 2018 (and licensed to CEDEX, our first customer of this product). During H2 2017, the Company was focused on supporting the CEDEX token sale and has continued to deepen its technical and business knowledge in blockchain and crypto implementation. The Group will continue to support the CEDEX project and transfer its blockchain and crypto knowledge into new technologies, services and solutions. One of the potential solutions that the Company is working on, based on the Crypto Payment Solution, is centimize.com - a safer and simpler way to acquire crypto paying customers. This solution is targeting merchants looking to boost their bottom line with a fast-growing cryptocurrency payments channel, receiving, storing and transferring funds rapidly, reliably and securely.

Overall, revenues have decreased by 37% and losses attributable to Shareholders were US$2.6 million against a profit of US$1.2 million in 2016. EBITDA has fallen from US$5.6 million in 2016 to US$2.9 million in 2017.

During the year, TechFinancials has managed the loss of our largest B2B customer and focused on diversifying its products, adding to the simplified Forex platform, mobile trading solutions and the add-on CFD platform. We have also built on our investment in and partnership with DragonFinancials, which operates our B2C trading platform in Asia. We continue the process of shifting the focus from binary options to Forex and CFD, as well as other new products.

DragonFinancials generated a profit of US$5.3 million against US$5.6 million in 2016 and paid dividends totalling US$7.2 million of which TechFinancials received US$3.7 million. These results meant that the additional contingent consideration became payable to our partners and was settled in May 2018 by the issue of new shares to OptionFortune shareholders to the value of US$4.5 million.

The regulatory environment continued to tighten and depress trading activity, particularly in European markets. In February 2018, the Company decided to cease the activity of OptionFair and to return the licence to CySEC which means that it no longer has a presence in any European markets (although the B2B business has retained some customers in Europe). This action is expected to enhance the Group's B2C performance in 2018 as OptionFair was loss-making in 2017.

Our B2B software licensing business segment has suffered from the customer loss and increasingly tough regulatory conditions with revenues falling by 55% to US$5.1 million and EBITDA declining from a profit of US$1.3 million in 2016 to a loss of US$1.5 million in 2017. However, our policy of diversifying our product range through the simplified Forex, CFD platform and mobile trading solutions has helped to limit the loss of revenues. Whilst these products are not expected to have a significant impact on 2018 revenues, implementing a professional Forex trading platform MetaTrader 5 into our B2C Joint Venture DragonFinancials will support future growth.

A detailed analysis of the financial performance of each segment of the Group's business is provided in Note 9.

The decline in the Group's financial performance has reduced our cash flows and at the year-end, the Company's cash balances stood at US$3.5 million against US$7.7 million last year (due in part to the payment of dividends to the 49% shareholder in DragonFinancials). Whilst we have seen cash flows decline, we have continued to invest in new products and R&D to support future growth opportunities. Significantly, TechFinancials entered into a loan and option agreement with the shareholders of CEDEX in October 2017. CEDEX will operate what the Company believes will be the first blockchain-based online diamond exchange with a long-term vision to transform the traditional diamond industry into a financial tradeable asset. This was followed by the signing of a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) in December 2017 for the Company to acquire 2% of CEDEX, which in addition to its option to acquire 90% of CEDEX, gives it the right to acquire up to 87.4% on a fully diluted basis.

We have further increased our R&D team in Ukraine, whilst discharging staff in Israel, in order to support the strategy of product diversification.

Notwithstanding the challenges of the past year, the Group's cash position remains strong. We have had to be agile in a rapidly changing industry and the new products and initiatives are designed to support our growth strategy and to enable TechFinancials to deliver returns to shareholders by way of a progressive dividend payment policy. Cash was US$3.5 million as at 31 December 2017 and at 25 June 2018 stood at US$2.8 million (this does not include cash within CEDEX).

Alongside the development of new opportunities, we have sought to rationalize those activities which are not core to our future business strategy. The regulatory changes which have impacted the binary options sector led us to actively seek divestment of B.O TradeFinancials ("BOT") and MarketFinancials ("MF"). BOT is a Cyprus Investment Firm ("CIF") licensed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission ("CySEC"), and was the operator of the Group's OptionFair trading platform. Until 30 June 2017, MF, which is regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority ("SFSA"), was the provider of market maker services and risk management to DragonFinancials. MF no longer provides market making services to BOT - it ceased activity on 26 February 2018 when we notified CySEC of our intention to return the license and close OptionFair which was operated by BOT.

In November 2017, we signed conditional agreements for the sale of both BOT and MF. However, in February 2018, we decided not to progress with the proposed sales as the buyer had not secured the relevant regulatory consents for the acquisition of either BOT or MF. We are carefully considering our options with regard to the shareholdings in BOT and MF and will continue to focus our attention on developing the Forex and CFD and other innovative solutions, including solutions for the rapidly growing blockchain-based products and technologies market. In this connection, the Group has been developing technology to integrate the crypto-payment processing of Bitcoin, BitcoinCash and Ethereum into TechFinancials' core systems which was implemented successfully in Q1 2018 (and licensed to CEDEX, our first customer of this product). The Group will continue to apply additional technologies and knowledge and provide services to support the innovative CEDEX project that intends to use blockchain trading technology to revolutionize the diamond-trading market.

Regulation

As I have highlighted above, the regulatory environment surrounding the financial services industry and marketing of binary options, Forex and CFD trading in a number of countries has continued tightening and it has had an impact on our product offerings and financial performance.

The ban by the European Securities and Markets Authority on binary options, that will take effect on 2 July 2018, and the restrictions on CFDs that will take effect on 1 August 2018, will continue to be a challenge for that industry as a whole in 2018 and beyond.

In light of this, TechFinancials will continue to take steps to mitigate the impact of these regulatory changes on the business, focusing on new areas of blockchain trading technologies and solutions as a core part of our strategy. Additionally, we will continue to offer and provide solutions as we divert our focus from binary options to the offering of Forex and CFD online trading solutions, including the implementation of the third-party professional Forex trading platform, MetaTrader 5.

Margins

Gross profit decreased by 38.8% to US$10.19 million from US$16.65 million in 2016, largely due to the lower revenues from the core B2B software licencing business, which has traditionally higher margins than the B2C trading platform business. The gross margin in the period decreased to 76% (2016: 78%).

In a shrinking market, the Company has had to be conscious of its cost levels and, by reducing headcount, and management and operational costs (employee costs in Ukraine are some 30% lower than in Israel), the Group has been able to limit the fall in margins.

Business summary and operational review

B2B

Our core software licensing business has seen a significant reduction in revenues, primarily as a result of the loss of our major customer. We received prior notification that our largest software licensee, Richfield Capital, owner of www.24option.com, intended to terminate its agreement with the Group with effect from 1 April 2017. As a result, we were able to plan for this loss and have worked hard to offset this loss by diversifying our product offering through the simplified Forex platform and mobile trading solutions and the launch of the add-on CFD platform in the second half of 2016. However, as the entire market is shrinking, we expect to see a further reduction in B2B revenues in 2018, hence our strategic focus on new technologies, including blockchain trading products and solutions.

Overall, our software licensing revenues have declined on a standalone basis by 55% to US$5.1 million. EBITDA fell from US$1.3 million in 2016 to a loss of US$1.5 million in 2017.

B2C

DragonFinancials, the B2C binary options trading platform focused on the Asia Pacific region and the partnership with the owners of OptionFortune, has continued to perform well. Pre-tax profit of the division was stable at US$4.1 million and it continues to generate good cash flow for the Group.

On 1 March 2017, DragonFinancials declared the payment of a dividend of US$3.0 million, followed by further dividends of US$2.0 million on 1 August 2017 and US$2.2 million on 20 December 2017. All such dividends, totalling $7.2 million, were paid in 2017, with TechFinancials receiving US$3.7 million for its 51% interest.

Overall, revenues have decreased by 18% to US$8.9 million. This includes revenues of US$7.2 million from DragonFinancials. With careful control of overheads, the division achieved EBITDA of US$4.4 million against US$4.3 million in 2016. In 2018, binary option revenues will continue to decrease due to the challenges and changes that this industry is facing.

Under the terms of the agreement with the owners of OptionFortune, additional consideration was payable in cash or shares in respect to the results of DragonFinancials in 2017. DragonFinancials achieved its target profitability and as a result a total of 12,406,352 TechFinancials' ordinary shares were issued at a price of GBP0.27 per share to the OptionFortune Shareholders, in lieu of payment of US$4.53 million in April 2018. The Company had recognised a contingent consideration payable of US$4.53 million in its financial statements in 2016 and therefore this payment has not impacted on results or net assets in 2017.

Blockchain

As part of TechFinancials' vision and the new strategy of the Group to focus on new areas of blockchain trading technologies and solutions, in October 2017, we entered into a loan and option agreement with the shareholders of CEDEX. CEDEX will operate what the Company believes will be the first blockchain-based online exchange for diamonds with a long-term vision to turn the traditional diamond industry into a financial tradable asset.

Under the loan and option agreement, the Group agreed to make an unsecured loan funding of US$0.4 million available to the CEDEX group to develop its technology. On 5 June 2018, CEDEX repaid US$0.33 million out of the initial loan amount.

It is envisaged that CEDEX will also utilise the Company's knowledge and expertise. In addition, we may provide technical development services to assist CEDEX with the development of the trading platform. The Group received blockchain trading technology revenues of US$0.24 million from CEDEX. TechFinancials will continue to serve CEDEX throughout 2018 and provide software services and some of the components for the CEDEX platform.

The collaboration with CEDEX is a strategic development aligned with the Company's long-term vision of utilizing its expertise and considerable experience in the development of online financial trading solutions and technology systems to further expand into new product areas. It is anticipated that CEDEX will provide a novel way to invest in diamonds, aligned with the Company's vision of simplifying trading instruments.

In addition, under the SPA TechFinancials agreed to make an equity investment of US$0.2 million at a post-money valuation of US$10 million, representing 2% of CEDEX's current capital on a fully diluted basis.

TechFinancials also agreed a three-year option to acquire a further 90% of CEDEX at an exercise price of US$62 thousand, giving a potential maximum holding of 92% or 87.4% on a fully diluted basis.

TechFinancials has continued to develop its Forex and CFD and other innovative solutions including solutions for the rapidly growing blockchain-based products and technologies market. In particular, the Group has been developing technology to integrate the crypto-payment processing of Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum into TechFinancials' core systems, which were implemented in Q1 2018. The Group will also apply its technology and knowledge to support the innovative CEDEX project in the diamond-trading market.

Dividends

The Board will not be recommending a final dividend to the Shareholders of the Company for FY2017. The Board's intention is to resume dividend payments when it is prudent to do so.

Outlook and current trading

2017 has been a transitional year with numerous challenges. However, we have been proactive in developing new technologies and seeking new investment opportunities to support future growth.

The Board is con dent about the long-term prospects of the Group and it has continued to invest in new product lines and services for the future, as it adapts to the evolving regulatory environment.

However, it is expected that revenues will continue to decline throughout 2018 although appropriate mitigation actions have been and continue to be put in place to contain our expected losses.

I would like to thank all of our Shareholders and staff for their continued support, and we look forward to updating the market on the Company's progress in due course.

Christopher Bell

Independent Non-Executive Chairman

26 June 2018

Strategic Report

Financial Results

The Group's revenues for the year ended 31 December 2017 decreased by 37.3% to US$13.36 million (2016: US$21.32 million).

Revenues in the core B2B software licencing business decreased on standalone basis by 55.39 % to US$5.14 million from US$11.53 million in 2016. The decrease was mainly due to the termination of the previous software license agreement with our largest customer and the increasingly tight regulation in the industry.

The B2C trading platform revenues decreased by 18.5% to US$8.86 million from US$10.87 million in 2017. DragonFinancials, which operates our B2C trading platform in the Asia Pacific region, started operations in January 2016 and produced revenue of US$8.5 million compared with US$9.3 million in 2016. The positive financial performance of DragonFinancials meant that additional contingent consideration of US$4.53 million became payable which was settled in May 2018 through the issue of shares.

Our new blockchain trading technology division generated US$0.24 million of revenues (from CEDEX) and a pre-tax profit of US$26k.

Gross profit decreased by 38.8% to US$10.19 million from US$16.65 million in 2016, predominantly due to the lower revenues from the core software licencing business, which has traditionally higher margins than the trading platform business. The gross margin in the period decreased to 76% (2016: 78%).

B2B margins increased from 73.4% to 75.9%, whilst margins in the B2C division have declined from 75.3% to 70.7%,

Operating profits decreased by 83.8% to US$0.82 million (2016: US$5.04 million). We have achieved savings in research and development expenditure partly by transferring staff to Ukraine where costs are lower, whilst other operating expenses, including selling and marketing and administrative costs, decreased broadly in line with the decrease in revenues.

However, R&D expenditure decreased by only 13% to US$2.9 million, reflecting a continued focus on product innovation, regulation and improving customer experience.

The amount of R&D expenditure capitalised was US$0.04 million compared with US$0.3 million in 2016.

Administration costs reduced significantly by 25% to US$3.0 million which reflects a reduced headcount and tight control of overhead expenditure.

Selling and marketing costs reduced significantly by 54% to US$1.9 million, reflecting a curtailing of marketing activities whilst the Group restructured its activities and shifted focus to new technologies and products.

The Group recognised a finance charge of US$0.47 million in respect of the contingent consideration payable to the owners of OptionFortune due to the positive financial performance of DragonFinancials.

The Group cancelled two development projects resulting in an impairment charge of US$1.50 million against expenditure previously capitalised. In the US market, the Company has been developing a trading solution for the Introducing Broker product which would allow TechFinancials' licensees, including the Group's own brands, to operate in a fully regulated environment through the Cantor Exchange, a US regulated retail-focused binary options exchange owned by Cantor Fitzgerald. Cantor has tried to reach a broader range of retail customers via different initiatives including with major binary option players like 24option.com and others via online marketing that they have conducted themselves. However, these initiatives generated low trading volumes that resulted in minimal revenues to TechFinancials and failed to justify the expenses related to keeping the market making activity solution developed by TechFinancials. In Japan we have also been developing a regulated solution. However, we have been unable to source brokers in Japan to license the regulated platform partly due to high costs of obtaining a Japanese Financial Services Agency license.

Overall, the Group managed to record a profit before taxation of US$0.12 million (2016: US$4.05 million) and a small profit after taxation of US$5k (2016: US$3.92 million).

Notwithstanding the decreases in B2C trading platform revenues, EBITDA for the division was stable at US$4.38 million compared with US$4.33 million in 2016. The lower costs of operating in Asia have also contributed to maintaining profitability.

B2B licence income has produced US$1.48 million of EBITDA losses compared with US$1.3 million of EBITDA profit in 2016. The decline in revenues and margins have made the division loss-making but operational costs and R&D expenditure were each reduced as the Group restructured its activities.

There is a tax expense of US$0.11 million in 2017 (2016: US$0.14 million). A majority of the Group's profits have not been taxable as the profits generated by DragonFinancials are sourced from the Seychelles and are not subject to tax. The Group is taxable at a rate of 24% of the assessable pro ts in Israel (2016: 25%) while in Cyprus the statutory rate of tax is 12.5%. Further details are provided in Note 6.

Basic earnings per share ('EPS') have decreased from US$0.0172 in 2016 to a loss of US$ 0.0358 in 2017. On a diluted basis, EPS decreased from US$1.70 cents in 2016 to a loss of US$3.58 cents.

The Group cash generated from operating activities was US$173k compared with net cash of US$ 5.92 million generated in 2016.

Cash outflows from investing activities were US$0.80 million (2016: US$0.55 million). This included US$0.4 million in respect of the loan made to the shareholder of CEDEX.

Cash outflows from financing activities were US$3.62 million (2016: US$1.07 million), which reflects the dividend payment of US$3.53 million to the non-controlling partners, the shareholders of DragonFinancials.

The Group has continued to place great importance on strong controls over working capital and the collection of cash from operators. However, debtor days at the end of 2017 were 58 days compared with 28 days at the end of 2016, reflecting a slowdown in the B2C collections from PSPs (payment solution provider).

The Group's cash position at 31 December 2017 was US$3.50 million (31 December 2016: US$7.65 million).

Operations

Operationally, the Group has restructured its activities in the light of ever increasing regulation and an industry-wide decline in activity across binary options.

Despite the loss of our single largest customer, we have continued to invest in R&D, particularly in Forex and CFD and are now developing blockchain technologies which we believe will be critical in our focus on innovation to drive shareholder value.

We have made our first investment in blockchain by way of a loan to and shares in CEDEX, and we have been granted options to acquire a controlling stake in this company.

The investment made in DragonFinancials in 2016 has exceeded our expectations and minimized the impact of the decline in the B2B binary options segment. DragonFinancials' success has meant that we have now made a further consideration payment to the owners of OptionFortune.

We have had to cancel projects in the United States and Japan but remain committed to a programme of R&D to support future growth. TechFinancials will continue to develop new products and invest in its highly experienced R&D team. The regulatory and competitive environment is evolving quickly, and the Board will seek to maximise the opportunities that come from these changes. Our cash reserves and strong balance sheet mean that we are extremely well placed to capture growth from new products and markets.

We have also renounced our CIF authorized license of BOT, ceasing the operation of OptionFair in order to reduce costs in areas the Group does not forecast a profitable future.

The Directors have continued to build infrastructure to support the Group's long-term growth plans whilst keeping operational and management costs under control.

Key Performance Indicators

The Board monitors key performance indicators ('KPIs') on a monthly basis. The Board considers that the most important ones for the success of the business are:

   --      Numbers of licensees using the Group's software: 13 (2016: 34). 
   --      Total number of trades executed through its licensees: 8.16 million (2016: 20.98 million). 
   --      Total revenues: US$13.4 million (2016: US$21.3 million) 
   --      EBITDA attributable to shareholders: US$0.3 million (2016: US$2.8 million) 
   --      Cash generation from operating activities: US$0.3 million (2016: US$5.9 million) 

The Company's systems track trading volumes on a daily basis. These statistics provide an early and reliable indicator of current performance of the trading platform. Pro tability of the business, with its relatively low xed cost base, is managed primarily via a review of revenue and margins. Working capital is reviewed by measures of absolute amounts and debtor days.

Growth Strategy and Outlook

The Group's near-term goals are to diversify our online trading solutions as a means of withstanding increased regulation and to soften the blow from the effects of the loss of its largest B2B customer. We have now made the final consideration payment for DragonFinancials and will continue our focus on the high growth potential of Asian markets.

We will continue to launch new trading platforms and other products implementing new innovative technologies to meet the changing demands of our global customer base and to target markets with high growth potential and to develop solutions for newly regulated jurisdictions.

Investment in our brand is vital and our marketing activities will seek to strengthen further the Company's brand awareness. As the regulatory landscape continues to change, we have been diversifying our product offering with Forex and CFD online trading solutions with plans to introduce further products in coming years. As a result, we have become a provider of diversified online trading solutions rather than a binary options business.

The Company's wider strategy is to cease any B2C operation in the EU and to focus only on B2C trading in Asia Pacific region via its Joint Venture, DragonFinancials. In Asia, we are shifting the focus from binary options to Forex and CFD products. Such shift will take time and we expect to see a reduction in revenue before it will recover. In Europe, we are carefully considering options for BOT TradeFinancials and MarketFinancials following the decision not to sell these businesses. This may involve closing down BOT and either disposing of MF or using the company for other Group activities.

The Group's growth strategy is being developed around its plans for blockchain technologies and its investment in CEDEX, a blockchain-based on-line exchange for diamonds. We currently have a 2% interest and an option to acquire a further 90%, which would give TechFinancials up to 92% of CEDEX or 87.4% on a fully diluted basis.

TechFinancials intends to apply the extensive experience and knowledge accumulated over many years, to continue to develop innovative solutions for the rapidly growing blockchain-based products and technologies market. In this connection, the Group has been developing technology to integrate the crypto-payment processing solutions of Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum into TechFinancials' core systems, which were implemented in Q1 2018 by CEDEX.

We remain committed to creating value for Shareholders and I would like to thank our Shareholders once again for their continued support during this challenging year.

Asaf Lahav

Chief Executive Officer

26 June 2018

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December 2017

 
                                                       2017       2016 
                                                 ----------  --------- 
                                          Note      US$'000    US$'000 
 
 Revenue                                             13,362     21,325 
 Cost of sales                                      (3,170)    (4,675) 
                                                 ----------  --------- 
 
 Gross profit                                        10,192     16,650 
 
 Other income                                             -          2 
 Research and development                           (2,916)    (3,336) 
  Impairment of Intangible assets          3        (1,501)          - 
 Selling and marketing expenses                     (1,918)    (4,202) 
 Administrative expenses                            (3,039)    (4,077) 
                                                 ----------  --------- 
 
   Operating profit/(loss)                              818      5,037 
 
 
 Bank fees                                             (85)      (141) 
 Foreign exchange loss                                (150)      (285) 
 Finance cost of contingent 
  consideration                                       (471)      (558) 
 Other financials income (expenses)                       4        (2) 
                                                 ----------  --------- 
 Financing expenses                                   (702)      (986) 
 
 Profit before taxation                                 116      4,051 
 
 Income tax (expense)                     6           (111)      (136) 
                                                 ----------  --------- 
 
   Profit after taxation                                  5      3,915 
 
 Total comprehensive income                               5      3,915 
                                                 ==========  ========= 
 
 Profit (loss) attributeable 
  to: 
 Owners of the Company                              (2,599)      1,179 
 Non-controlling interest                             2,604      2,736 
                                                 ----------  --------- 
 Profit for the period                                    5      3,915 
 
 
 Earnings per share attributable to owners of the parent during 
  the year: 
 
 Basic (Cents USD)                        7          (3.58)       1.72 
                                                 ==========  ========= 
 Diluted (Cents USD)                      7          (3.58)       1.70 
                                                 ==========  ========= 
 

Consolidated Statement of financial position

As at 31 December 2017

 
                                                               31 December                     31 December 
                                            ------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
                                                                      2017                            2016 
                                            ------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
                                      Note                         US$'000                         US$'000 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                    3                              6,026                           7,843 
 Property and equipment                                                671                             510 
 Other long term assets                                                 90                              42 
                                            ------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
                                                                     6,787                           8,395 
                                            ------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables                                         3,377                           2,121 
 Restricted bank deposits                                              305                             279 
 Cash                                                                3,499                           7,651 
                                                                     7,181                          10,051 
                                            ------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
 
 Total Assets                                                       13,968                          18,446 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Consideration due to shareholders                                   4,528                               - 
 Trade and other payables                                            1,559                           4,546 
 Income tax payable                   6                                 78                             138 
                                            ------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
                                                                     6,165                           4,684 
                                            ------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Contingent consideration                                                -                           4,058 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                        4                                 55                              55 
 Share premium account                                               7,500                           7,500 
 Treasury shares                                                         -                         (1,540) 
 Share-based payment reserve          5                                922                             925 
 Accumulated profits / (losses)                                    (1,510)                           1,008 
                                            ------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
 Equity attributable to owners 
  of the Company                                                     6,967                           7,948 
 Non-controlling interests                                             836                           1,756 
 Total equity                                                        7,803                           9,704 
 
 Total Equity and Liabilities                                       13,968                          18,446 
 
 

Consolidated statements of changes in equity

For the year ended 31 December 2017

 
                                                     Share 
                                                      based 
                  Share      Share                    payment   Accumulated 
                   capital    Premium                 reserve    profits/ 
                                                                 (losses)                  Non 
                   (Note      (Note     Treasury      (Note                                -controlling 
                   4)         4)         Shares       5)         (Note 4)     Total        interests          Total 
                 ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  ----------- 
                   US$'000    US$'000     US$'0000    US$'000       US$'000      US$'000          US$'000      US$'000 
                 ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  ---------------  ----------- 
 
 Balance 
  at 1 January 
  2016                  36      5,979            -        877         (276)        6,616                -        6,616 
                 =========  =========  ===========  =========  ============  ===========  ===============  =========== 
 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the year               -          -            -          -         1,179        1,179            2,736        3,915 
 
   Dividends             -          -            -          -             -            -            (980)        (980) 
 Share based 
  payment                -          -            -        153             -          153                -          153 
 
   Transfer 
   of Share 
   based 
   payment 
   reserve 
   on lapsed 
   options               -          -            -      (105)           105            -                -            - 
 
   Issue of 
   shares               19      1,521            -          -             -        1,540                -        1,540 
 Treasury 
  shares                 -          -      (1,540)          -             -      (1,540)                -      (1,540) 
 
 Balance 
  at 31 
  December 
  2016                  55      7,500      (1,540)        925         1,008        7,948            1,756        9,704 
                 =========  =========  ===========  =========  ============  ===========  ===============  =========== 
 
 
 
 Total comprehensive 
  income (expense) 
  for the 
  year                      -          -       -        -      (2,599)   (2,599)     2,604          5 
 
   Dividends                -          -       -        -            -         -   (3,524)    (3,524) 
 Share based 
  payment                   -          -       -       78            -        78         -         78 
 
   Transfer 
   of Share 
   based payment 
   reserve 
   on lapsed 
   options                  -          -       -     (81)           81         -         -          - 
 
   Treasury 
   shares                   -          -   1,540        -            -     1,540         -      1,540 
 
 Balance 
  at 31 December 
  2017                     55      7,500       -      922      (1,510)     6,967       836      7,803 
                       ======  =========  ======  =======  ===========  ========  ========  ========= 
 

Consolidated statements of cash flows

For the year ended 31 December 2017

The consolidated statements of cash flows for the Group for the years ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2017 are set out below:

 
                                                    Years ended 31 December 
                                                            2017       2016 
                                                      ----------  --------- 
                                               Note      US$'000    US$'000 
                                                      ----------  --------- 
 
 Cash Flows from operating activities 
 Profit before tax for the period                         116       4,051 
 Adjustment for: 
 Profit on disposal of property and 
  equipment                                                -          3 
 Amortization of intangible assets             3          422        352 
 Impairment of intangible assets               3         1,501        - 
 Depreciation of property and equipment                   104        100 
 Share option charge                           5          78         153 
 Operating cash flows before movements 
  in working capital 
 (Increase) in trade and other receivables               (856)      (494) 
 (Increase) in long term receivables                     (48)        (42) 
 (Decrease)/ increase in trade and 
  other payables                                        (1,447)     1,799 
 Increase in long term contingent 
  consideration                                           471         - 
 Interest Expenses                                         3          2 
 Income tax paid                                         (171)        - 
                                                      ----------  --------- 
 Net cash generated from operating 
  activities                                              173       5,924 
                                                      ----------  --------- 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Proceeds from disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                      -          10 
 Increase of restricted bank deposits                    (26)        (76) 
 Development of intangible assets              6         (41)       (334) 
 Increase in software license                  6         (65)         - 
 Loans given by the Company                    8         (400)        - 
 Acquisition of property, plant and 
  equipment                                              (267)      (146) 
                                                      ----------  --------- 
 Net cash used in investing activities                   (799)      (546) 
                                                      ----------  --------- 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Interest Paid                                             -         (2) 
 Dividends paid to NCI                                  (3,524)     (980) 
 Repayment of borrowings                                 (98)        (92) 
                                                      ----------  --------- 
 Net cash used in financing activities                  (3,622)    (1,074) 
                                                      ----------  --------- 
 
 Net increase/ (decrease) in cash 
  and cash equivalents                                  (4,248)     4,304 
 Cash and equivalents at beginning 
  of period                                              7,651      3,391 
 Effect of changes in exchange rates 
  on Cash                                                 96         (44) 
                                                      ----------  --------- 
 Cash and equivalents at end of period                   3,499      7,651 
                                                      ==========  ========= 
 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   1.         General Information 

TechFinancials Inc (the "Company") and its subsidiaries (together, the "Group") is engaged in the development and licensing of financials trading platforms to businesses and the provision of investment services through its trading platform and development of blockchain-based digital assets solutions. The Financial Statements present the consolidated results of the Group for each of the years ended 31 December 2017 and 2016.

The Group

TechFinancials Inc. (formerly Mika Holdings Inc.), a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on 16 June 2009 under the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004, is the holding company for the Group. The Company is listed on AIM.

The Financial Statements of the Group consolidates the following companies: B.O. TradeFinancials Limited a Cyprus Investment Firm ("CIF") in accordance with license no. 216/13 granted by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission ("CySEC") on 27 September 2013, MarketFinancials Limited a company regulated by the Financial Services Authority in Seychelles under the license SD006 issued on 21 October 2014, TechFinancials (Israel) 2014 Ltd, an Israeli incorporated company, DragonFinancials Limited a company incorporated on 27 October 2015 in Seychelles owned 51% by TechFinancials, Capital Financials Limited, a company incorporated on 7 October 2016 in Vanuatu, TechFinancials Asia a dormant company incorporated in Hong Kong and Slidepoint Trading Limited, a dormant company incorporated in Cyprus. The companies within the Group are set out below:

 
                        County of 
                         registration       percentage 
 Registered office       or incorporation    of ownership   Principal activity 
---------------------  ------------------  --------------  ------------------------------------ 
 TechFinancials,        British Virgin                      Development and licensing 
  Inc.                   Islands                             of financial trading platforms 
                                                             and blockchain-based digital 
                                                             assets solutions. 
 B.O. TradeFinancials   Cyprus              100%            The provision of investment 
  Limited.                                                   services, being the operation 
                                                             of the OptionFair trading 
                                                             platform. 
 TechFinancials         Israel              100%            The provision of services 
  (Israel) 2014 Ltd.                                         to the Group. 
 MarketFinancials       Seychelles          100%            Liquidity provider, Providing 
  Ltd.                                                       Binary Option and Forex market 
                                                             maker services and risk management 
                                                             to the Group 
 DragonFinancials       Seychelles          51%             The provision of marketing 
  Ltd.                                                       services, being the operation 
                                                             of the Option33 trading platform. 
 Capital Financials     Vanuatu             100%            Liquidity provider, Providing 
  Ltd                                                        Binary Option and Forex market 
                                                             maker services and risk management 
                                                             to DragonFinancials Ltd. 
 Slidpoint Trading      Cyprus              100%            Dormant 
  Ltd 
 TechFinancials         Hong Kong           100%            Dormant 
  Asia 
 

The registered offices for the companies within the Group are as follows:

TechFinancials, Inc.: Craigmuir Chambers, PO Box 71, Road Town,

VG1110 Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

   B.O.TradeFinancials Limited:                         1, Kosta Hadjikakou, Kyriakos Tower, 1st Floor 

4107, Agios Athanasios, Limassol, Cyprus.

   TechFinancials (2014) Israel Ltd:                   3 Hamada St. Herzliya, Israel. 

MarketFinancials Ltd: Suite 3, Global Village, Jivan's Complex, Mont Fleuri,

Mahe, Seychelles.

DragonFinancials Ltd: Francis Rachel St. Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles.

Capital Financials Ltd.; S.I.P Building, Rue Pasteur, Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Slidepoint Trading Ltd.: 6 Tassou Papadopoulou, office/flat 22, 2373 Ag.

Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus.

TechFinancials Asia Ltd.: Room 506A5/F, Tower 1, Admiralty Centre, 18

Harcourt Road, Hong Kong.

Capital Financials Ltd.; S.I.P Building, Rue Pasteur, Port Vila, Vanuatu.

   2.         Summary of significant accounting policies 

2.1 Basis of preparation

The consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS") issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") including related interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC"). The consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of financials assets and liabilities at fair value through the profit and loss.

The preparation of Financial Statements in conformity with IFRS require the use of certain critical accounting estimation. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies.

2.2 Basis of consolidated reporting

The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting year as the parent Company using consistent accounting policies. Control is achieved where the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee entity and has the ability to affect these returns through its power over the investee. Control is lost when the Group no longer has rights to variable returns from its involvement with an investee entity and no longer has the ability to affect those returns as it no longer has power over the investee. When control is lost the subsidiaries are de-recognised and no longer consolidated.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

The Group uses the acquisition method of accounting to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration agreement. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. On an acquisition by acquisition basis, the Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the acquiree's net assets.

The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the Group's share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If this is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired in the case of a bargain purchase, the difference is recognised directly in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost less impairment. Acquisition related costs are expressed as incurred. Cost is adjusted to reflect changes in consideration arising from contingent consideration amendments.

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

   3.    Intangible assets 
 
                    Project  Project  Project  Project  Project  Computer 
                     A        B        C        D        E        Software    License    Goodwill**     Total 
                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
                    US$'000  US$'000  US$'000  US$'000  US$'000  US$'000    US$'000    US$'000        US$'000 
                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 
As at 31 December 
 2016 
 
Cost 
At 1 January 
 2016                   784      858      932      359      211          8          -             -     3,152 
Additions                 -        -       82       87      162          3          -         5,040     5,347 
                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
At 31 December 
 2016                 784        858    1,014      446      373         11          -         5,040     8,526 
                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 
Accumulated 
 amortisation 
At 1 January 
 2016                   157      171        -        -        -          3          -             -       331 
Charge for the 
 year                   157      171        -        -       21          3          -             -       352 
                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 
  At 31 December 
  2016                  314      342        -        -       21          6          -             -       683 
                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 
Net book value 
At 31 December 
 2016                   470      516    1,014      446      352          5          -         5,040     7,843 
                    =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  =========  =========  ============  ======== 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As at 31 December 
 2017 
 
Cost 
At 1 January 
 2017                   784      858    1,014      446      373         11          -         5,040     8,526 
Additions                 -        -       41        -        -          -         65             -       106 
                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 
At 31 December 
 2017                   784      858    1,055      446      373         11         65         5,040     8,632 
                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 
Accumulated 
 amortisation 
At 1 January 
 2017                   314      342        -        -       21          6          -             -       683 
Charge for the 
 year                   156      170        -        -       91          5          -             -       422 
Impairment                -        -    1,055      446        -          -          -             -     1,501 
                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 
  At 31 December 
  2017                  470      512    1,055      446      112         11          -             -     2,606 
                    -------  -------  -------  -------  -------  ---------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 
Net book value 
At 31 December 
 2017                   314      346        -        -      261         -*         65         5,040     6,026 
                    =======  =======  =======  =======  =======  =========  =========  ============  ======== 
 

* lower than a thousand USD

** Goodwill arose on the acquisition of DragonFinancials.

   3.1.         Intangible assets - development expenditure 

Project A - Forex trading solution.

Project B - Mobile and tablet native applications adjusted to different screen sizes.

Project C - Trading solution for the US market.

Project D - Trading solution for the Japanese market.

Project E - Trading solution for CFD.

Current estimates of useful economic live of intangible assets are as follows:

 
Development expenditure recognized as intangible assets  5 years 
Goodwill                                                   N/A 
Computer software                                        3 years 
                                                         ------- 
 

The intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, the recoverable amount of intangible assets is determined based on a value in use calculation using cash flows forecasts derived from the most recent financial model information available.

The recoverable amounts of all the above have been determined from value in use calculations based on cash flows projections from formally approved budgets covering a five year period from the date on which it starts to carry value. The key assumptions used in these calculations include discount rates and turnover projections. Management estimates the discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific to expected future projects.

Major assumptions are as follows:

 
                                       2017 
           ------------------------------------------------------------ 
            Project   Project   Project   Project   Project    Computer 
                  A         B         C         D         E    software 
           --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------- 
            US$'000   US$'000   US$'000   US$'000   US$'000     US$'000 
           --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------- 
Discount 
 rate           15%       15%       N/A       N/A       15%         N/A 
---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------- 
 

The Company covered all its expenses recognised as intangible assets for projects A and B During 2016.

As of December 31 2017, the Board of Company decided that projects C and D are no longer recoverable and recognized an impairment in the amounts of US$1,055 thousand and US$446 thousand, respectively.

   3.2      Intangible assets - Goodwill 

Impairment of goodwill was assessed by comparing the unlevered free cash flow to the value of goodwill for the entity whose acquisition gave rise to the goodwill, DragonFinancials Ltd.

The discount rate utilised is 40%.

   4.    Share capital 
 
                                                  As at 31 December 
                                  -------------------------------------------- 
                                                   2017                   2016 
                                  ---------------------      ----------------- 
Authorised                             Number of Shares       Number of Shares 
                                  ---------------------      ----------------- 
The Company Ordinary share of 
 US$0.0005                             100,000,000                100,000,000 
                                  ---------------------      ----------------- 
Authorised                             100,000,000                100,000,000 
                                  =====================      ================= 
 
 
 
 
                                              As at 31 December 
                                  ------------------------------------ 
                                             2017               2016 
                                  ----------------------      -------- 
Issued and fully paid                       US$'000            US$'000 
                                  ----------------------      -------- 
The Company Ordinary share of 
 US$0.0005                                    55                 36 
                                  ======================      ======== 
 
 
 

Ordinary shares issued and fully paid

 
                                                 US$'000 
                                        ---------------- 
At 1 January 2017                                     55 
share based compensation exercise of 
 options                                              -* 
                                        ---------------- 
At 31 December 2017                                   55 
                                        ================ 
 

*less than a thousand

Share Capital -Amount subscribed for share at nominal value.

Share Premium -Amount subscribed for share capital in exercise of nominal value.

Share-based payment reserve-The share-based payments reserve is used to recognise the value of equity-settled share-based payments provided to employees, including key management personnel, as part of their remuneration. Refer to Note 5 for further details of these plans.

   5.                 Share-based payment transactions (Group) 

The Group runs two share-based payment arrangements ("2013 Plan") and ("2014 plan") which are summarised below.

Employee Stock Option Plan:

 
                                                  Year ended 31 December 2016 
                               ------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                            Weighted Average 
                                                                              Exercise Price 
                                    Numbers of Option                                  (US$) 
                               ----------------------  ------------------------------------- 
 Balance at beginning of 
  period                                    1,896,280                                 0.0440 
 Granted                                      569,800                                  0.189 
 Exercised during the period                 (34,516)                                      - 
 Lapsed during the period                  (407 ,020)                                  0.211 
                               ----------------------  ------------------------------------- 
 Balance at end of period                   2,059,060                                  0.151 
                               ======================  ===================================== 
 
 
 
                                          Year ended 31 December 2017 
                               --------------------------------------------- 
                                                            Weighted Average 
                                                              Exercise Price 
                                    Numbers of Option                  (US$) 
                               ----------------------  --------------------- 
 Balance at beginning of 
  period                                    2,059,060                  0.151 
 Granted                                    1,120,000                 0.0915 
 Exercised during the period                 (19,982)                      - 
 Lapsed during the period                   (774,780)                  0.206 
                               ----------------------  --------------------- 
 Balance at end of period                   2,384,298                 0.1052 
                               ======================  ===================== 
 

Share Option Plan on behalf of certain employees, employees and board members of the Group during 2017:

   Date of Grant:                       August 1 2017 (2014 Plan) 
   Number Granted:                1,120,000 options to purchase ordinary shares of US$0.0005 each. 
   Contractual life:                   10 years 

Vesting conditions: 396,667 options on the first year of grant, 280,000 options in each of the

following two years and 163,333 on the fourth year.

   Earliest Exercise date:       August 1 2017 
   Exercise price:                      US$0.0915 

The model inputs for 2017 grant were:

   *              share prices at grant date US$0.189 
   *              weighted average exercise prices of US$ 0.083; 
   *              expected volatility of 55%; 
   *              contractual life of 10 years; and 
   *              a risk-free interest rate of 3.85%. 

On August 1 2017 the Company granted to 13 employees and 4 board members 840,000 and 280,000 options respectively, to purchase ordinary shares of the Company under a share-based plan adopted by the Board of Directors in November 2014. The options vesting dates ranges from the date of grant and up to 4 years and are exercisable for a period of 10 years with an exercise price of $0.0915 per share.

On December 15 2017, two former employees of the Company exercised 27,210 options pursuant to the 2014 employee share option plan, to acquire 7,228 ordinary shares of US$0.0005 ("Ordinary Shares") in the Company in consideration for the cancellation of the balance of 19,982 options.

   6.                 Income tax expenses 
 
                       Years ended 31 December 
                      ------------------------- 
                              2017         2016 
                      ------------  ----------- 
                           US$'000      US$'000 
                      ------------  ----------- 
Current income tax              79          133 
Deferred tax                    32            3 
                               111          136 
                      ============  =========== 
 
 

A reconciliation of income tax expense applicable to the profit before taxation at the statutory tax rate to the income tax expense/(release) at the effective tax rate of the Group is as follows:

 
                                               Years ended 31 December 
                                             -------------------------- 
                                                     2017          2016 
                                             ------------  ------------ 
                                                  US$'000       US$'000 
                                             ------------  ------------ 
 
Profit before taxation                                116         4,051 
                                             ============  ============ 
Profit multiplied by standard rate of 
 EIT of 0%                                              -             - 
 
Effect of Different tax rates in different 
 countries: 
 
Israeli tax rates 2016-2017: 25% -24%                  79           133 
 Cyprus tax rates 2016-2017: 12.5%                      -             - 
 Deferred tax rate                                     32             3 
                                             ------------  ------------ 
                                                      111           136 
                                             ============  ============ 
 
 
   7.                 Earnings per share 

The calculation of earnings per share is based on the following earnings and number of shares:

 
                                               Years ended 31 December 
                                             --------------------------- 
                                                   2017             2016 
                                             ----------  --------------- 
                                                US$'000          US$'000 
                                             ----------  --------------- 
(Loss) /profit attributable to equity 
 holders                                        (2,599)            1,179 
Weighted average number of shares basic      72,542,484      68,634,680* 
Earnings/(loss) per share basic (dollars)       (0.036)           0.0172 
 
 

*In 2016 including treasury shares held in escrow.

 
 
 Weighted average number of shares diluted         73,242,484   69,334,680 
 Earnings/(loss) per share diluted (dollars)          (0.036)       0.0170 
 
 

The number of potentially dilutive share options are as disclosed in Note 5.

   8.                 Option to acquire new business 

On 22 October 2017 the Company and Saar Levi entered into a legally binding Heads of Terms in respect of a to be incorporated group of companies which will operate under the name CEDEX ("CEDEX").

CEDEX will operate what the Company believes will be the first blockchain technology based online exchange for diamonds with a long-term vision to turn the traditional diamond industry into a financial tradable asset.

Under the Heads of Terms, TechFinancials will make unsecured loan funding of US$0.4 million available to the CEDEX group to develop its technology. The loan bears no interest. On 5 June 2018 CEDEX made a partial repayment of the loan on the amount of US$0.33 million.

In consideration for providing this initial funding, CEDEX will grant the Company an option to acquire 90% of CEDEX at an exercise price of US$62 thousands, which may be offset against any amount outstanding under the loan. Exercise of the option is at the sole discretion of TechFinancials and the option can be transferred, sold or disposed of as TechFinancials sees fit. The option period is for three years from the date of grant and may be exercised until October 22, 2020.

As of 31 December 2017 the fair value of the option is US$8.9 million based on Black-Scholes model. However, the option value has no impact on the financial statements in the current period due to deferral of the initial recognition in accordance with IAS 39. As the purchase price of the option was not significant and the fair value of the option could not be based on a quoted price in an active market for an identical asset or liability or based on a valuation technique that uses only data from observable markets, therefore, after initial recognition, the deferred value will be recognized as a gain or loss, only to the extent that it arises from a change in a factor that market participants would take into account when pricing the asset or liability, which is the ICO completion in April 2018.

As such, the gain arising from the option, in the amount of US$8.9 million would be fully recognised in the financial year 2018, along with any subsequent gains arising from subsequent assessment of the valuation of the option.

In addition, it was agreed that the Company may provide technical development services on a fee-for-service basis to CEDEX to assist with the development of the trading platform, utilising the Company's knowledge and expertise.

On 25 December 2017 the Company committed to make an equity investment of US$0.2 million at a post-money valuation of US$10 million, giving a potential maximum holding of 92% or 87.4% on a fully diluted basis. (see Note 11).

   9.                 Segment Information 

Business segment

IFRS 8 requires operation segments to be identified at the basis of internal report about component of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), and by the Board. For this purpose's the Group's primary format for reporting segment information is business segments, with each segment representing a product category on a stand-alone basis.

Geographical information has not been disclosed as it is not available and the cost to develop it would be excessive.

The segment information provided to management for the reportable segments for the year ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2017 is as follows:

Year ended 31 December 2016

 
                                B2C         B2B        License      Acquisition   Total 
                                 Trading     Licence    Services     related 
                                 platform    income     between      cost 
                                                        segments* 
                               ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
                                US$'000     US$'000    US$'000      US$'000       US$'000 
                               ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 Revenue and result: 
 
   Revenues                     10,870      11,527       (1,072)      -           21,325 
 Cost of sales                  2,685       3,062      (1,072)      -             4,675 
 Gross profit                   8,185       8,465      -            -             16,650 
 Other (income) expenses        -           (2)        -            -             (2) 
 Research and development       192         3,144      -            -             3,336 
 Selling and marketing 
  expenses                      2,350       1,852      -            -             4,202 
 Administrative expenses        1,358       2,719      -            -             4,077 
 Finance expenses               169         259        -            558           986 
 Profit before tax from 
  recurring activities          4,116       493          -            (558)       4,051 
 
 EBITDA**                       4,329       1,313      -            -             5,642 
 EBITDA attributed to 
  shareholders                  1,523       1,313      -            -             2,836 
 
 Assets and liabilities: 
 Assets                         10,144      8,302      -            -             18,446 
 Liabilities                    296         2,611      -            5,697         8,604 
 
 Depreciation and additions: 
 Depreciation                   31          69         -            -             100 
 Additions to property, 
  plant and equipment           -           146        -            -             146 
 
 

* License services represents intercompany charges between segments, allowing the performance assessment of each segment on standalone basis.

**Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and non-cash charges

Revenues from the Group's top three customers in 2016 represent approximately 30.21% of the total revenues.

Year ended 31 December 2017

 
                                B2C         B2B        License      Blockchain    Acquisition   Total 
                                 Trading     Licence    Services     related       related 
                                 platform    income     between      technology    cost 
                                                        segments*    *** 
                               ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
                                US$'000     US$'000    US$'000      US$'000       US$'000       US$'000 
                               ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 Revenue and result: 
 
   Revenues                     8,864       5,142        (886)        242           -           13,362 
 Cost of sales                  (2,601)     (1,239)    886          (216)         -             (3,170) 
 Gross profit                   6,263       3,903      -            26            -             10,192 
 Other (income) expenses        -           -          -            -             -             - 
 Research and development       (192)       (2,724)    -            -             -             (2,916) 
 Selling and marketing 
  expenses                      (1,038)     (880)      -            -             -             (1,918) 
 Administrative expenses        (650)       (2,389)    -            -             -             (3,039) 
 Finance income (expenses)      (243)       11         -            -             (470)         (702) 
 Profit (loss) before 
  tax from recurring 
  activities                    4,140       (2,079)      -            26            (470)       1,617 
 
 Impairment of intangible 
  assets                        -           (1,501)      -            -             -           (1.501) 
 Profit (loss) before 
  tax                           4,140       (3,580)    -            26            (470)         116 
 
 EBITDA**                       4,383       (1,480)    -            26            -             2,929 
 EBITDA attributed to 
  shareholders                  1,781       (1,480)      -            26            -           327 
 
 Assets and liabilities: 
 Assets                         2,419       10,785     -            764           -             13,968 
 Liabilities                    775         5,332      -            58            -             6,165 
 
 Depreciation and additions: 
 Depreciation                   11          93         -            -             -             104 
 Additions to property, 
  plant and equipment           117         150        -            -             -             267 
                               ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 

* License services represents intercompany charges between segments, allowing the performance assessment of each segment on standalone basis.

** Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and non-cash charges

*** see Note 8

Revenues from the Group's top three customers in 2017 represent approximately 20% of the total revenues.

   10.               Contingencies 

The Company's Israeli subsidiary has recently undergone a tax audit for the year 2014-2016. No provision in relation to this matter has been recognised in the Financials Statements based on legal advice which indicates that it is not probable, at this stage, that a significant liability will arise.

   11.               Subsequent events 

On 26 February 2018, B.O. TradeFinancials ("BOT"), the Company's subsidiary notified the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission ("CySEC") of its intention to withdraw its Cyprus Investment Firm "(CIF") authorization.

In line with the above notification, BOT notified its customers of the termination of its activities related to operating its brand, OptionFair. Subsequently all client funds were returned.

As a result of the notification of the return of the license, MarketFinancials ("MF") the Company's subsidiary, has terminated its market maker services with BOT, which was its only source of income.

In April 2018, CEDEX successfully completed the process of selling a total of 30.2 million digital coins (" CEDEX Coins") by way of a Token Sale. In this connection, CEDEX sold a material proportion of the CEDEX coins available for sale in return for a substantial amount of Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin and Etherium) and Fiat. The introducer of certain purchasers received options to acquire up to 5% of CEDEX.

In April 2018 CEDEX issued TechFinancials 2% of its share capital, with an option to TechFinancials to acquire a further 90%, which would give TechFinancials holding of up to 92% of CEDEX or 87.4% on a fully diluted basis.

Additional consideration of US$4.53 million settled by the issue of 12,406,352 shares on 10 May 2018 to the owners of Optionfortune (non-controlling interest holders of TechFinancials) based on DragonFinancials' results for 2017.

As a result of the shares issuing above, the share capital of the Company is comprised of 84,980,979 ordinary shares and the directors' shareholdings in the ordinary share capital were changed as follows:

 
 Director's Name     Shareholdings 
                           % 
------------------  -------------- 
 Asaf Lahav             10.77% 
 Christopher Bell         0.21% 
 

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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