# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001167419
**File Stem:** 0001104659-26-000248
**Filing Date:** 2026-1
**Character Count:** 155169
**Document Hash:** 047edb162618d23102c25c489d5c9fea
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-26-000248.hdr.sgml**: 20260102

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-26-000248

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 17

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251231

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260102

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260102

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Riot Platforms, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001167419
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** FINANCE SERVICES [6199]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 09 Crypto Assets
- **EIN:** 841553387
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** NV
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-33675
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26503216

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 3855 AMBROSIA STREET, SUITE 301
- **CITY:** CASTLE ROCK
- **STATE:** CO
- **ZIP:** 80109
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 303-794-2000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 3855 AMBROSIA STREET, SUITE 301
- **CITY:** CASTLE ROCK
- **STATE:** CO
- **ZIP:** 80109

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Riot Blockchain, Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20171004

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Bioptix, Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20161201

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Venaxis, Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20121218

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? Riot Platforms, Inc._December 31, 2025

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**UNITED STATES**

#### SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
**Washington, D.C. 20549**

#### FORM 8-K

#### CURRENT REPORT

#### PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF

#### THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 31, 2025

**Riot Platforms, Inc.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Nevada** | **001-33675** | **84-1553387** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |

---

**3855 Ambrosia Street, Suite 301**

**Castle Rock, CO 80109**

(Address of principal executive offices)

**(303) 794-2000**

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading Symbol(s)** | **Name of each exchange on whichregistered** |
| Common Stock, no par value per share | RIOT | Nasdaq Capital Market |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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**Item 5.02 – Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.**

***Chief Financial Officer Transition*** 

On January 2, 2026, Riot Platforms, Inc. (the "**Company**") announced that the Compensation and Human Resources Committee (the "**Compensation Committee**") of the Board of Directors ("**Board**") of the Company, approved a planned Chief Financial Officer ("**CFO**") transition. On March 1, 2026 (the "**CFO Transition Date**"), Mr. Colin Yee, will step down as the Company's CFO and immediately transition to a Senior Advisor role to support a smooth handoff and ensure continuity across all financial functions during the transition. On the CFO Transition Date, Mr. Jason Chung, the Company's current Executive Vice President ("**EVP**"), Head of Corporate Development & Strategy, will succeed Mr. Yee as the Company's new CFO.

In connection with the CFO transition, the Company entered into an amended and restated professional services agreement with Clear Capital Management Corporation (the "**Senior Advisor Agreement**"), on January 1, 2026, which establishes the terms of Mr. Yee's service as Senior Advisor. Except as set forth in this Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K (this "**Report**"), the terms of the Senior Advisor Agreement are materially consistent with the terms of the Form of Executive Employment Agreement (the "**Form of Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement**"), approved by the Compensation Committee effective November 20, 2024, and previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "**SEC**") on November 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Pursuant to the terms of the Senior Advisor Agreement Mr. Yee has agreed to serve for an initial term through January 1, 2028, which, upon expiration, shall automatically renew for successive 12-month periods thereafter, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the same terms of the Form of Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, and he will (i) continue to receive his annual base fee of $500,000 through for the twelve months following the CFO Transition Date, (ii) commencing on the thirteenth month following the CFO Transition Date through the remainder of the Special Advisor Agreement, receive a monthly base fee of $20,000, and (iii) shall receive an award of $2,000,000 worth of service-based restricted stock units under the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "**Equity Plan**") which shall vest in two approximately equal tranches through January 1, 2028.

Mr. Yee's transition is not the result of any dispute or disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to its accounting or financial policies, procedures or practices or its financial statements or disclosure.

Mr. Chung, age 44, has served as our EVP, Head of Corporate Development & Strategy since July 2023, and Head of Corporate Development & Strategy from June 2022 to July 2023. Mr. Chung brings two decades of experience in investment banking and a wealth of knowledge in corporate finance to the Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Chung served as Managing Director, M&A, at Nomura Holdings, Inc. from March 2017 through June 2022 and Executive Director, Mergers & Acquisitions from March 2014 through December 2016 where he advised global clients on cross-border transactions in the technology sector across multiple countries, including the US, Canada, Germany, Japan, Korea, France, and Singapore. Mr. Chung's investment banking career spanned nearly $20 billion in mergers and acquisitions transactions and included building and growing advisory teams. Mr. Chung is a CFA charter holder and earned a Bachelor of Commerce and Finance degree, minoring in History, from the University of Toronto.

Mr. Chung's compensation arrangements in connection with his appointment as CFO are set forth in his amended executive employment agreement, described below. Other than the amendments to Mr. Chung's executive employment agreement described in this Report, the material terms of Mr. Chung's executive employment agreement remain unchanged from those previously disclosed by the Company.

There are no family relationships between Mr. Chung and any of the Company's directors or executive officers, and there are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Chung and any other person pursuant to which he was selected as an officer other than as described herein. Additionally, there are no related-party transactions between the Company and Mr. Chung that would be required to be reported under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

***Amendment to Riot Platforms, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Program Award Agreement*** 

On December 31, 2025, the Compensation Committee approved certain amendments to the Company's Form of Long-Term Incentive Program Award Agreement ("**Amended Form of LTIP Award Agreement**"), effective January 1, 2026, governing grants of equity made under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Program (the "**LTIP**"), for all eligible employees of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (the "**Participants**") pursuant to the Equity Plan.

Except as described herein, the material terms of the Amended Form of LTIP Award Agreement remain unchanged from the form previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 19, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference (the "**Original LTIP Award Agreement**"). Any capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Forms of LTIP Award Agreements filed as exhibits to this Report.

*Amended Form of LTIP Award Agreements* 

The Compensation Committee approved amendments to the Original LTIP Award Agreement providing that awards granted under the LTIP will now be evidenced in separate agreements:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the Form of Riot Platforms, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Program Performance Award Agreement (the "**Performance Award Agreement** ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the Form of Riot Platforms, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Program Service Award Agreement (the "**Service Award Agreement** ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Form of Riot Platforms, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Program Performance Award Agreement (Units) (the "**Performance Award Agreement (Units)** "); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Form of Riot Platforms, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Program Service Award Agreement (Units) (the "**Service Award Agreement (Units)** ").

The form of the Performance Award Agreement, the Service Award Agreement, the Performance Award Agreement (Units) and the Service Award Agreement (Units) are attached to this Report as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4, respectively.

*Service Award Agreement* 

Each Service Award Agreement and Service Award Agreement (Units) will include a grant of unvested restricted shares or share units, as applicable, of the Company's common stock, which are eligible to vest, if at all, in three (3) approximately equal tranches following the grant date. Such service-based awards are granted subject to and contingent upon the Participant's continued service with the Company through the applicable annual vesting dates, as specified in the applicable award agreement, and no proportionate vesting or credit will be given for partial service prior to the applicable vesting date.

*Performance Award Agreement* 

The Performance Award Agreement and the Performance Award Agreement (Units) will include a total shareholder return ("**TSR**") cap, providing that if the Company's absolute TSR for the Performance Period is negative, the maximum vesting percentage that may be earned will be limited to 100% of the Target Award.

Additionally, the measurement period methodology for determining the beginning and ending share prices of the performance period has been amended to utilize a 60-trading day trailing average, increased from the previous 20-trading day trailing average.

Each Performance Award Agreement and Performance Award Agreement (Units) will include a grant of a target number of unvested restricted shares or share units, as applicable, of the Company's common stock, which are eligible to vest, if at all, based on calculating the TSR which is the percentage change in market price across the Performance Period, and the difference between the percentage change of a share of the Company's Common Stock and the percentage change of the market price of an interest in the Russell 3000 Index (INDEXRUSSELL: RUA) during the three-(3)-year performance period applicable to such Performance Award.

The foregoing descriptions of the Performance Award Agreement, the Service Award Agreement, the Performance Award Agreement (Units) and the Service Award Agreement (Units) do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable form of such agreements, which are filed herewith as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

***Amendment to Executive Employment Agreements*** 

On January 1, 2026, as authorized and directed by the Compensation Committee, the Company entered into amendments to the executive employment agreements of certain of the Company's executive officers, Mr. Jason Les, Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Benjamin Yi, Executive Chairman; Mr. William Jackman, Chief Legal Officer; Mr. Jason Chung, as upcoming CFO; and Mr. Stephen Howell, Chief Operating Officer (collectively, the "**Officers**"), on the Company's Form of Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement.

*Base Salary Adjustments* 

The annual base salary for each of Mr. Les and Mr. Yi increased from $600,000 to $900,000 and the Bitcoin component of their respective base compensation arrangements was eliminated. Previously, each of Mr. Les and Mr. Yi received an annual base salary of $600,000 plus 10 Bitcoin. Additionally, the target award level under the Company's Annual Incentive Plan (the "**AIP**") for Messrs. Les and Yi increased from 100% to 125%.

The annual base salary for Mr. Chung increased from $500,000 to $550,000 in connection with his transition to the role of CFO. The annual base salary for Mr. Howell increased from $400,000 to $500,000.

*Employment Agreement Term* 

Each Officer's employment agreement shall extend through January 10, 2031.

Except as described by the Company in this Report, these amendments will not affect the employment terms, compensation arrangements, or other rights of any Officer, as previously disclosed by the Company.

***Amendment to 2026 Annual Incentive Plan*** 

Effective January 1, 2026, the Compensation Committee approved certain amendments to the Company's 2026 AIP (the "**2026 AIP**") to align executive compensation with the Company's strategic focus on data center development. Under the amended 2026 AIP, the Committee eliminated the "Bitcoin Yield" metric, as it no longer reflects a primary key performance indicator for the Company. Upon securing a data center tenant, the 2026 AIP will introduce two new performance metrics: "Data center revenue" (15% weighting) and "Data Center NOI" (15% weighting), with targets based on the forecasted economics of the secured tenancy. The 2026 AIP Adjusted EBITDA performance metric has been reduced from 30% weighting to 25% for performance at target level. Any performance payout under the redesigned 2026 AIP metrics will result in a payout from 0% if the Company fails to meet its metrics, 50% payout for performance at threshold level, 100% for performance at target level, and with a maximum payout opportunity of 200%. Our Officers are eligible to receive a target payout set at 100% of their base salary, and Messrs. Yi and Les are eligible to receive a target payout set at 125% of their base salary.

Additionally, the discretionary portion of the 2026 AIP has been narrowed to focus specifically on data center strategy execution to capture milestones supporting long-term infrastructure growth. Performance for this metric will be determined solely by the Compensation Committee's judgement, evaluating management on progress in areas such as infrastructure development, sales and leasing, financing strategy, power portfolio growth, and talent recruitment. In connection with these changes, the Compensation Committee rebalanced the relative weightings of all 2026 AIP metrics to ensure a balanced mix of financial and strategic objectives. All other material terms of the Company's Annual Incentive Plan remain unchanged.

**Item 9.01 – Financial Statements and Exhibits.**

(d)*Exhibits.*

EXHIBIT INDEX

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Description** |
| 10.1 | [Form of Riot Platforms, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Program Performance Award Agreement.](riot-20251231xex10d1.htm) |
| 10.2 | [Form of Riot Platforms, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Program Service Award Agreement.](riot-20251231xex10d2.htm) |
| 10.3 | [Form of Riot Platforms, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Program Performance Award Agreement (Units).](riot-20251231xex10d3.htm) |
| 10.4 | [Form of Riot Platforms, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Program Service Award Agreement (Units).](riot-20251231xex10d4.htm)  |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

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S I G N A T U R E

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| RIOT PLATFORMS, INC. | RIOT PLATFORMS, INC. |
| By: | */s/ Colin Yee* |
| Name: | Colin Yee |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer |

---

Date: January 2, 2026

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhbit 10.1**

**RIOT PLATFORMS, INC.**

**NOTICE OF GRANT OF EQUITY PERFORMANCE AWARD**

You, the Participant identified in the Summary of Award below, are hereby notified that Riot Platforms, Inc. (the "<u>Company</u>") has granted you an unvested award of restricted shares of its common stock, no par value per share, (the "<u>Shares</u>"), subject to the terms of the attached Long-Term Incentive Program ("<u>LTIP</u>") Award Agreement (the "<u>Award Agreement</u>") and the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "<u>Plan</u>"). This grant is contingent upon your acceptance of the Award Agreement. The number of Shares and vesting terms are summarized below and detailed in the Award Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall govern. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings given in the Plan.

**SUMMARY OF AWARD**

**PARTICIPANT:**

**NUMBER OF RESTRICTED SHARES:**

**AWARD TERM:**

**GRANT DATE:**

**PERFORMANCE AWARD:**

The award consists of a performance-based grant of Shares (the "<u>Performance Award</u>") intended to recognize your contributions to the Company's success through the Performance Period and align your economic interests with the Company's. The final number of performance-based restricted Shares (the "<u>PRSAs</u>") will be determined based on the Company's achievement of the "<u>Performance Objectives</u>" outlined below.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **PERFORMANCE AWARD (TARGET AWARD):** |  |  |
| **PERFORMANCE PERIOD:** |  |  |
| **INDEX:** | **RUSSELL 3000** | (INDEX RUSSELL: RUA) |
| **MARKET PRICES:** | $(Index) | $(Company) |
| *(60-day average closing price as of December 31, 2025)* | *(60-day average closing price as of December 31, 2025)* | *(60-day average closing price as of December 31, 2025)* |

---

**VESTING CRITERIA:**

The Performance Award is eligible to vest based on the Committee's certification of the Company's achievement of the Performance Objectives at the end of the Performance Period, provided you remain continuously employed or in service through the Award Term.

**PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:**

PRSAs are eligible to vest based on the Company's Total Shareholder Return ("<u>Company TSR</u>") during the Performance Period, relative to the TSR of the Russell 3000 Index (the "<u>Index TSR</u>"). The percentage change in market price across the Performance Period, of an investment in each of the Company TSR and Index TSR is the relative total shareholder return ("<u>Relative TSR</u>"). The Performance Award is structured to reward outperformance and discourage underperformance, with vesting percentages weighted accordingly, as shown in the TSR Vesting Table.

**TSR VESTING TABLE:**

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Performance Awards are eligible to vest at the end of the Award Term based on the Company's Relative TSR as of the end of the Performance Period and the corresponding "<u>Vesting Percentage</u>" shown in the TSR Vesting Table:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Relative TSR Hurdle** | **Relative TSR Hurdle** | **Relative TSR Hurdle** | **Vesting Percentage**<br> (of the Target Award) |  |
| **-50%** | **but less than** | **-40%** | **0%** |  |
| **at least -40%** | **but less than** | **-30%** | **20%** |  |
| **at least -30%** | **but less than** | **-20%** | **40%** |  |
| **at least -20%** | **but less than** | **-10%** | **60%** |  |
| **at least -10%** | **but less than** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**0%** | **80%** |  |
| **at least 0%** | **but less than** | **10%** | **100%** | &nbsp;&nbsp;(Target Award) |
| **at least 10%** | **but less than** | **20%** | **140%** |  |
| **at least 20%** | **but less than** | **25%** | **180%** |  |
| **at least 25%** | **and above** |  | **200%** | &nbsp;&nbsp;(Maximum Award) |

---

The Vesting Percentages in the TSR Vesting Table are fixed thresholds, and only those Vesting Percentages listed apply. There are no partial or intermediate percentages. Partial achievement does not result in partial vesting. For example, a five percent (5%) Relative TSR yields a Vesting Percentage of one hundred percent (100%).

If the Company's absolute TSR for the Performance Period is negative, the Vesting Percentage that may be earned will be capped at 100% of the Target Award.

**RESTRICTIONS AND VESTING:**

The Performance Award is granted to you as incentive compensation and is contingent upon your continuous service with the Company through the applicable vesting dates specified in this Notice of Grant. Until vested, the Shares remain restricted and subject to forfeiture under the Award Agreement and Plan. Except as set forth in the Award Agreement or as otherwise agreed by the Company in writing, any unvested Shares will be forfeited upon your Separation from Service, with no partial vesting for incomplete service.

See the Award Agreement for additional terms governing the Award, including specific provisions regarding vesting, forfeiture, and transfer restrictions, among others.

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**RIOT PLATFORMS, INC.**

**LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PROGRAM PERFORMANCE AWARD AGREEMENT**

This Long-Term Incentive Program Performance Award Agreement (this "<u>Award Agreement</u>") is entered into, effective as of the "<u>Grant Date</u>" specified in the "<u>Notice of Grant</u>" attached hereto as <u>Appendix A</u>, which is incorporated herein by reference, by and between Riot Platforms, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), and the individual identified in the Notice of Grant (the "<u>Participant</u>"), pursuant to the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, (the "<u>Plan</u>").

This Award Agreement identifies the terms of the equity award granted by the Company to the Participant (the "<u>Performance Award</u>"). The Performance Award is granted pursuant to the Plan and the Long-Term Incentive Program established by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the "<u>Committee</u>") as of July 13, 2023, (the "<u>LTIP</u>") under the Plan. The Performance Award is conditional compensation that requires the Participant's continued employment or service through the applicable vesting dates, as described in <u>Section 2</u>. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Plan.

Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing and other valid consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the Company and the Participant agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.** **Grant of Restricted Stock**. Subject to the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan, including the restrictions set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and the satisfaction of any tax obligation arising from a Section 83(b) Election (*see* <u>Section 6.c</u>), the Company hereby grants to the Participant, contingent on Participant's continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date, restricted shares of the Company's common stock, no par value per share (the "<u>Shares</u>"), in an amount as specified in the Notice of Grant. The Performance Award may vest based on the Company's achievement of certain Performance Objectives during the Performance Period and the Participant's continuous service through the Award Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.** **Vesting**. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement, the Plan, or a written agreement expressly superseding them, the Shares remain restricted and subject to forfeiture until vested. Partial service during the vesting period does not entitle the Participant to any proportionate vesting or preserve rights following a termination of service, unless expressly agreed by the Company in writing. Vesting remains subject to any compensation claw-back rules under applicable law and Company policy. The Performance Award consists of restricted shares (the "<u>PRSAs</u>") which are eligible to vest as of the end of the "<u>Award Term</u>", based on the Company's Relative TSR during the Performance Period, as outlined in the Notice of Grant. The number of PRSAs to vest under the Performance Award shall be determined based on the "<u>Relative TSR Hurdle</u>" achieved by the Company as of the end of the Performance Period and such Relative TSR Hurdle's corresponding Vesting Percentage, as set forth in the Notice of Grant. The Relative TSR of the Company is calculated as the difference between the Company TSR and the Russell 3000 Index TSR (the "<u>Index TSR</u>") (*i.e.*, the relative percentage change in market price) across the Performance Period, based on the sixty-(60)-day average closing prices of the Company's Common Stock and of the Russell 3000 Index (INDEXRUSSELL: RUA) at the beginning and end of the Performance Period. The Nasdaq Capital Market (or such other market as the Company's securities may then be commonly traded) and The Wall Street Journal (or, such other reputable service commonly reporting the index price of the Russell 3000 as the Committee may, in its sole discretion, select) shall be used to determine the sixty-(60)-day average closing prices for the Company's Common Stock and the Index. As of the end of the Award Term, the Committee shall review and certify: (i) the Company TSR, the Index TSR, and the Relative TSR, each as of the end of the Performance Period; (ii) the applicable Relative TSR Hurdle; and (iii) the Vesting Percentage of the Target Award corresponding to such Relative TSR Hurdle. The PRSAs will vest on the date of certification of the Company's Performance Objectives by the Committee. Based on the Committee's certification, the Participant shall earn the number of PRSAs corresponding to the applicable Vesting Percentage, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, subject to the satisfaction of the withholding tax obligations due on the vesting of such PRSAs. All determinations of

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whether Performance Objectives have been achieved, the number of PRSAs earned by the Participant, and all other matters related to this <u>Section 2</u> shall be made by the Committee in its sole discretion and shall be final and binding on the Participant, and on all other persons, to the maximum extent permitted by law. Restrictive legends on PRSAs will be removed at vesting in accordance with the Participant's issuance instructions, subject to the Participant's satisfaction of applicable tax withholding obligations at the time of vesting. No PRSAs shall be earned by the Participant or shall vest and become no longer subject to forfeiture, until such withholding tax obligations have been satisfied in full.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.** **Forfeiture; Acceleration of Vesting**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Forfeiture of Unvested PRSAs</u>. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company, all unvested PRSAs are subject to forfeiture until vesting. Accordingly, any portion of the Performance Award that fails to vest based on the Company's certification of performance shall be immediately and automatically forfeited and returned to the Company without payment or consideration to the Participant, at the time of such certification. The Participant shall forfeit and therefore have no further right, title or interest in such PRSAs, or any compensation in lieu thereof, upon the earlier of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)the end of the Award Term set forth in the Notice of Grant, to the extent that the PRSAs did not vest based on the Relative TSR Hurdle;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)the date the Participant's employment, appointment or service with the Company ceases for any reason (the "<u>Termination Date</u>");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)the Participant's breach, as determined by the Company, of any non-disclosure, non-competition, or non-solicitation restrictive covenant obligation owed to the Company; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)the determination by the Plan Administrator that the Participant's conduct warrants forfeiture under the Plan.

Upon a forfeiture event, the Company shall automatically reclaim the forfeited PRSAs under <u>Section 5.a</u>, without further action or consent from the Participant (or the Participant's beneficiary or personal representative, as applicable); *provided, however,* the Participant (or the Participant's beneficiary or personal representative, as applicable) must provide any additional documents the Company requests to confirm the transfer of such forfeited PRSAs to the Company. Additionally, to the extent permitted or required by law, Company policy, or the requirements of an exchange on which the Company's securities may be listed for trading, the Company may enforce forfeiture or recoup compensation granted under this Performance Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.** **Restrictions**. Until vesting, the PRSAs are subject to the following restrictions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Restrictions on Transfer; Permitted Transferees</u>. Consistent with Section 5.7 of the Plan, the Performance Award and all unvested PRSAs granted hereunder (and any related interests or rights) may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, gifted or otherwise disposed of, alienated or encumbered, either voluntarily or involuntarily, in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution unless otherwise approved in writing by the Committee. At its sole discretion, the Committee may permit transfers (without consideration) to (i) the Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren; (ii) one or more trusts for the benefit of the Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren; or (iii) a partnership, limited liability company, or other passthrough entity of which the Participant and the Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren are the only beneficial owners and controlling persons (collectively, the "<u>Permitted Transferees</u>"). No transfer of the unvested PRSAs shall be binding on the Company unless approved in writing by the Committee. The Committee shall have been furnished with (i) written notice along with such evidence as the Committee may deem necessary to establish the validity of the transfer, and (ii) an agreement by the transferee of such transferred PRSAs to comply with all the terms

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and conditions of the Performance Award that are or would have been applicable to the Participant and to be bound by the acknowledgements made by the Participant in connection with the grant of the Performance Award and PRSAs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Restrictive Legend</u>. Any certificate evidencing the Participant's ownership of the PRSAs shall be issued to the Participant (or a permitted transferee) and shall bear the following restrictive legend:

***THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS (INCLUDING FORFEITURE) OF THE 2019 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED, AND THE RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE PRSAS ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE REGISTERED OWNER AND THE ISSUER, RIOT PLATFORMS, INC., COPIES OF WHICH ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICES OF THE ISSUER.***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Issuance and Escrow of PRSAs</u>. PRSAs shall be issued to the Participant as of the Grant Date and held in electronic book-entry form with the Company or its designated third-party servicer (e.g., E\*TRADE) until vested or forfeited. Upon Participant's request, and at the Company's sole discretion, unvested PRSAs may be issued in certificated form bearing the restrictive legend described in <u>Section 4.b</u> and any other legend required by law. The Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Company shall hold any certificate issued for such restricted PRSAs in escrow by the Company until all applicable restrictions are satisfied. If PRSAs are issued in certificated form, the Participant is solely responsible for all administrative costs and risk of loss.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.<u>Delivery of PRSAs Upon Vesting</u>. Following vesting and satisfaction of applicable tax withholding obligations (*see* <u>Section 6.b</u>), the Company shall, as applicable, either: (i) remove the notations on any PRSAs issued in book entry form that have vested; or (ii) cause the restrictive legend to be removed from the certificate, if certificates were issued. The Participant (or the beneficiary or personal representative of the Participant in the event of the Participant's death or disability) must deliver to the Company any representations or other documents or assurances as the Company may deem necessary or reasonably desirable to ensure compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The vested PRSAs so delivered shall no longer be subject to forfeiture or the restrictions set forth hereunder, subject to any compensation claw-back rules under applicable law and Company policy.

The issuance of the PRSAs and the removal of any restrictions are subject to all applicable laws. No PRSAs may be issued hereunder if the issuance would constitute a violation of any applicable securities laws or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Company's securities may then be listed. The inability of the Company to obtain the authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, deemed by the Company's legal counsel to be necessary to effect the lawful issuance of the PRSAs shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the PRSAs, including with respect to the failure to issue such PRSAs. The Company may require the Participant to meet any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation, and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as a condition to the issuance of PRSAs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.** **Shareholder Matters**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Stock Power; Power of Attorney</u>. Upon execution and delivery of this Award Agreement, the Participant shall deliver to the Company an executed stock power in the form attached hereto as Appendix C, in blank, with respect to the PRSAs covered by the Performance Award. By accepting the Performance Award, the Participant appoints the Company and each of its authorized representatives as the Participant's attorney(s) in fact to transfer any unvested or forfeited PRSAs to the Company as may be

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required pursuant to the Plan or this Award Agreement, including the transfer and sale of any PRSAs sold in connection with any net settlement for taxes permitted under the Plan, and to execute any related documentation as the Company or such representatives deem necessary or advisable in connection with any such transfer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Rights as a Shareholder</u>. The PRSAs shall be held in electronic book entry form with the Company or its designated third-party servicer or issued under a certificate bearing a restrictive legend, as set forth in <u>Section 4.b</u>, and shall be subject to forfeiture and the restrictions until they have vested in accordance with <u>Section 2</u>. Subject to the restrictions set forth in <u>Section 4</u> and the Plan, during the time the PRSAs are unvested, the Participant shall have all of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the PRSAs, including the right to vote the PRSAs and to receive dividends paid on the PRSAs; *provided* that any additional shares of common stock or other securities that the Participant may become entitled to receive pursuant to a stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, separation or reorganization or any other change in the capital structure of the Company will be subject to the same restrictions as the PRSAs. The Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Participant may not sell, transfer, assign, gift, encumber or permit encumbrance upon, or otherwise transact in the PRSAs until they are vested and issued to the Participant in unrestricted form in accordance with the terms of this Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Attendance at Meetings; Voting</u>. Until the PRSAs vest and all restrictions are removed in accordance with the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan, the Participant shall:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)cause all PRSAs granted to Participant pursuant to this Award Agreement to be present, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of the Company's stockholders, so that all such PRSAs shall be counted for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum at such meeting; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)vote, or cause to be voted, all such PRSAs in accordance with the recommendations of the Company with respect to any business or proposal on which the stockholders of the Company are entitled to vote, whether at a meeting of the Company's stockholders or by written instrument. This <u>Section 5.c</u> shall apply to any permitted transferee of the PRSAs, as identified in this Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.** **Tax Matters**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>No Tax Advice; No Duty to Minimize Taxes</u>. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences to the Participant and shall not be liable to the Participant for any adverse tax consequences to Participant arising in connection with this Performance Award, including with respect to any election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), as discussed in <u>Section 6.b</u> (the "<u>Section 83(b) Election</u>"). The Participant is hereby advised to consult with the Participant's own personal tax, financial and/or legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of this Performance Award and

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by signing this Award Agreement, the Participant has agreed that he or she has done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Tax Withholding Obligations</u>. Upon vesting and prior to removal of the restrictive legend of the PRSAs, the Participant must satisfy all applicable income tax and withholding obligations (the "<u>Withholding Taxes</u>"). The Company may, at its sole discretion, permit the Participant to satisfy these obligations by surrendering vested PRSAs equal in value to the required Withholding Taxes, based on the closing market price on the vesting date ("<u>Net Settlement</u>"). Net Settlement is not available to satisfy tax obligations arising from a Participant's Section 83(b) Election (*see* <u>Section 6.c</u>). No PRSAs will be delivered to the Participant until Withholding Taxes are fully satisfied. In the event the Company's obligation to withhold arises prior to the delivery to the Participant of PRSAs or it is determined after the delivery of PRSAs to the Participant that the amount of the Withholding Taxes was greater than the amount withheld by the Company, the Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Section 83(b) Election</u>. Subject to the Participant's satisfaction of any tax withholding obligation due, the Participant may elect, within Thirty (30) days after the Grant Date, to file the Section 83(b) Election with the Internal Revenue Service, regardless of their vesting status. Instructions on how to file the Section 83(b) Election with respect to the Performance Award and a sample Section 83(b) Election form is provided as Appendix B. Accordingly, with respect to the Section 83(b) Election, the Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Company makes no recommendation with respect to the decision to make the Section 83(b) Election;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)the decision to make the Section 83(b) Election is solely the Participant's responsibility;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)notwithstanding the Section 83(b) Election, the PRSAs shall remain subject to forfeiture and the restrictions described herein and in the Plan until they become vested, and, in the event the PRSAs are forfeited following the Section 83(b) Election, the Company shall not be liable for any losses or other liability incurred by the Participant in connection with such forfeiture, and the Participant shall not be entitled to receive any compensation for such forfeited PRSAs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)the Participant is liable for, and hereby agrees to timely pay, all applicable tax obligations due in connection with the Section 83(b) Election; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v)the satisfaction of the Withholding Taxes and any other tax obligations with respect to the Section 83(b) Election may not be satisfied Net Settlement, and, may only be satisfied by the payment, in cash, of the amount of the Withholding Tax and other tax obligations due thereon.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.** **Representations and Warranties.** By accepting the Performance Award, the Participant hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.The Participant has received a copy of the Plan, has reviewed the Plan and this Award Agreement in their entirety, and has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of independent counsel prior to accepting the Performance Award;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.The Participant has had the opportunity to consult with a tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of accepting the Performance Award, and understands that the Company makes no representation regarding the tax treatment as to any aspect of the Performance Award, including the grant, vesting, settlement, or conversion of the Performance Award;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.The Participant's participation in the Plan and acceptance of the Performance Award is voluntary and without expectation of employment or service, or continued employment or service, with the Company, and the Participant understands that neither the grant of this discretionary Performance Award nor the Participant's participation in the Plan confers any right to continue in the service of the Company or to receive any other award or amount of compensation, whether under the Plan or otherwise, and no payment of any award under the Plan will be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, profit sharing, group insurance, or other benefit plan of the Company except as otherwise specifically provided in such other plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.The Participant consents to the collection, use, and transfer, in electronic or other form, of the Participant's personal data by the Company, the Committee, and any third party retained to administer the Plan for the exclusive purpose of administering the Performance Award and Participant's participation in the Plan; provided, that the Participant agrees to promptly notify the Committee of any changes in the Participant's name, address, or contact information during the entire period of Plan participation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.Notices and other documents related to the Performance Award or the Plan may be delivered by electronic means, and the Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an online or electronic system authorized by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.** **General Provisions**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Conformity with Plan</u>. This Award Agreement is intended to conform in all respects with, and is subject to all applicable provisions of, the Plan; *provided, however*, inconsistencies between this Award Agreement and the Plan shall be resolved in accordance with the terms of the Plan in all respects. With respect to any ambiguities in this Award Agreement or any matters as to which this Award Agreement is silent, the Plan shall govern.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Governing Law; Disputes</u>. The Plan and this Award Agreement are to be governed, construed, and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, without regard to otherwise governing conflict of laws principles. Any dispute or controversy arising under, out of, or in connection with this Award Agreement shall be finally determined and settled by binding arbitration in the County and State in which the Company office which is assigned by the Company's Human Resources Department as Participant's home office, in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the Performance Award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. In such arbitration, each party shall bear its own costs and fees, including attorneys' and accountants' fees and costs. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTICIPANT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY AGREES TO, AND HEREBY DOES, WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION, CAUSE OF ACTION, CLAIM, PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM BASED ON THIS AWARD AGREEMENT OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR RELATING TO THIS AWARD AGREEMENT; AND/OR BASED ON ANY ALLEGED ACTION, INACTION, OR OMISSION RELATED TO THIS AWARD AGREEMENT.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Administration; Interpretation</u>. In accordance with the Plan and this Award Agreement, the Committee shall have full discretionary authority to administer the Performance Award, including discretionary authority to interpret and construe any and all provisions relating to the Performance Award. The decisions of the Committee shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties. In the event of a conflict between this Award Agreement and the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall prevail.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.<u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Award Agreement, together with the Plan, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and therein and merges all prior discussions between the parties.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.<u>Severability</u>. The provisions of this Award Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f.<u>Successors and Assigns</u>. The rights and benefits of this Award Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Company's successors (including any successor by reason of amalgamation of the Company) and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Award Agreement may not be assigned, except to Permitted Transferees in accordance with <u>Section 4.a</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;g.<u>Injunctive Relief</u>. In addition to any other right of the Company to enforce the terms of this Award Agreement, the Participant hereby consents and agrees that the Company may bring an action or special proceeding in any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction to seek injunctive or other relief to enforce the Participant's compliance with any restrictive covenant obligations undertaken by the Participant in connection with the grant of the Performance Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.** **Acknowledgement of Receipt and Acceptance.** By indicating acceptance of the Performance Award through the Company's online acceptance procedure you acknowledge that: (a) you have received, and understand and agree to the terms of, this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document); (b) you accept the Performance Award on the terms and conditions set forth in this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document); and (c) this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document) set forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the rights to acquire the PRSAs subject to this Performance Award and supersede all prior oral and written agreements with respect thereto. Any Performance Award not accepted through the Company's online acceptance procedure, within 60 days of grant, shall be forfeited.

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*Attachments: Appendix A – Notice of Grant*

*Appendix B – Section 83(b) Election Form (provided separately)*

*Appendix C – Irrevocable Stock Power (provided separately)*

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## Exhibit 10.2

**Exhibit 10.2**

**APPENDIX A**

**Riot Platforms, Inc.**

**NOTICE OF GRANT OF SERVICE-BASED EQUITY AWARD**

You, the Participant identified in the Summary of Award below, are hereby notified that Riot Platforms, Inc. (the "<u>Company</u>") has granted you an unvested award of restricted shares of its common stock, no par value per share, (the "<u>Shares</u>"), subject to the terms of the attached Long-Term Incentive Program ("<u>LTIP</u>") Award Agreement (the "<u>Award Agreement</u>") and the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "<u>Plan</u>"). This grant is contingent upon your acceptance of the Award Agreement. The number of Shares and vesting terms are summarized below and detailed in the Award Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall govern. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings given in the Plan.

**summary of award**

**PARTICIPANT:**

**NUMBER OF RESTRICTED SHARES:**

**AWARD TERM:**

**GRANT DATE:**

**Service Award:**

The award consists of a service-based grant of Shares (the "<u>Service Award</u>") intended to incentivize your long-term employment and service with the Company through the Award Term and align your economic interests with those of the Company. The Service Award is subject to the "<u>Vesting Schedule</u>" and "<u>Vesting Criteria</u>" outlined below.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **SERVICE AWARD:** | Shares |
| **VESTING SCHEDULE:** | Shares vest [DATE] |
|  | Shares vest [DATE] |
|  | Shares vest [DATE] |

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**Vesting Criteria:**

The Service Award vests in three (3) approximately equal tranches throughout the Award Term, provided you remain continuously employed or in service with the Company through each applicable vesting date.

**Restrictions and Vesting:**

The Service Award is granted to you as incentive compensation and is contingent upon your continuous service with the Company through the applicable vesting dates specified in this Notice of Grant. Until vested, the Shares remain restricted and subject to forfeiture under the Award Agreement and Plan. Except as set forth in the Award Agreement or as otherwise agreed by the Company in writing, any unvested Shares will be forfeited upon your Separation from Service, with no partial vesting for incomplete service.

See the Award Agreement for additional terms governing the Award, including specific provisions regarding vesting, forfeiture, and transfer restrictions, among others.

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**RIOT PLATFORMS, INC.**

**LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PROGRAM SERVICE AWARD AGREEMENT**

This Long-Term Incentive Program Service Award Agreement (this "<u>Award Agreement</u>") is entered into, effective as of the "<u>Grant Date</u>" specified in the "<u>Notice of Grant</u>" attached hereto as <u>Appendix A</u>, which is incorporated herein by reference, by and between Riot Platforms, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), and the individual identified in the Notice of Grant (the "<u>Participant</u>"), pursuant to the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, (the "<u>Plan</u>").

This Award Agreement identifies the terms of the equity award granted by the Company to the Participant (the "<u>Service Award</u>"). The Service Award is granted pursuant to the Plan and the Long-Term Incentive Program established by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the "<u>Committee</u>") as of July 13, 2023, (the "<u>LTIP</u>") under the Plan. The Service Award is conditional compensation that requires the Participant's continued employment or service through the applicable vesting dates, as described in <u>Section 2</u>. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Plan.

Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing and other valid consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the Company and the Participant agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.** **Grant of Restricted Stock**. Subject to the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan, including the restrictions set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and the satisfaction of any tax obligation arising from a Section 83(b) Election (*see* <u>Section 6.c</u>), the Company hereby grants to the Participant, contingent on Participant's continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date, restricted shares of the Company's common stock, no par value per share (the "Shares"), in an amount as specified in the Notice of Grant. The Service Award may vest based on the Participant's continuous service through the Award Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.** **Vesting**. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement, the Plan, or a written agreement expressly superseding them, the Shares remain restricted and subject to forfeiture until vested. Partial service during the vesting period does not entitle the Participant to any proportionate vesting or preserve rights following a termination of service, unless expressly agreed by the Company in writing. The Service Award is eligible to vest in three (3) approximately equal annual tranches in accordance with the Vesting Schedule under "Service Award" in the Notice of Grant. Vesting remains subject to any compensation claw-back rules under applicable law and Company policy. The Participant must remain employed or in service with the Company through each vesting date set forth in the Vesting Schedule in the Notice of Grant for the rights and benefits under this Award Agreement to vest. Until then, the Service Award and all related restricted Shares shall remain unvested and subject to forfeiture until vested. Restrictive legends on Shares will be removed at vesting in accordance with the Participant's issuance instructions, subject to the Participant's satisfaction of applicable tax withholding obligations at the time of vesting. No Shares shall be earned by the Participant, or shall vest and become no longer subject to forfeiture, until such withholding tax obligations have been satisfied in full.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.** **Forfeiture; Acceleration of Vesting**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Forfeiture of Unvested Shares</u>. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company, all unvested Shares are subject to forfeiture until vesting. Accordingly, any portion of the Service Award granted hereunder which have not vested shall be immediately and automatically forfeited and returned to the Company without payment or consideration to the Participant upon occurrence of a forfeiture event. The Participant shall forfeit and therefore have no further right, title or interest in such Shares, or any compensation in lieu thereof, upon the earlier of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)the end of the Award Term set forth in the Notice of Grant;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)the date the Participant's employment, appointment or service with the Company ceases for any reason (the "<u>Termination Date</u>");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)the Participant's breach, as determined by the Company, of any non-disclosure, non-competition, or non-solicitation restrictive covenant obligation owed to the Company; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)the determination by the Plan Administrator that the Participant's conduct warrants forfeiture under the Plan.

Upon a forfeiture event, the Company shall automatically reclaim the forfeited Shares under <u>Section 5.a</u>, without further action or consent from the Participant (or the Participant's beneficiary or personal representative, as applicable); *provided, however,* the Participant (or the Participant's beneficiary or personal representative, as applicable) must provide any additional documents the Company requests to confirm the transfer of such forfeited Shares to the Company. Additionally, to the extent permitted or required by law, Company policy, or the requirements of an exchange on which the Company's securities may be listed for trading, the Company may enforce forfeiture or recoup compensation granted under this Service Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.** **Restrictions**. Until vesting, the Shares are subject to the following restrictions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Restrictions on Transfer; Permitted Transferees</u>. Consistent with Section 5.7 of the Plan, the Service Award and all unvested Shares granted hereunder (and any related interests or rights) may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, gifted or otherwise disposed of, alienated or encumbered, either voluntarily or involuntarily, in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution unless otherwise approved in writing by the Committee. At its sole discretion, the Committee may permit transfers (without consideration) to (i) the Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren; (ii) one or more trusts for the benefit of the Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren; or (iii) a partnership, limited liability company, or other passthrough entity of which the Participant and the Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren are the only beneficial owners and controlling persons (collectively, the "<u>Permitted Transferees</u>"). No transfer of the unvested Shares shall be binding on the Company unless approved in writing by the Committee. The Committee shall have been furnished with (i) written notice along with such evidence as the Committee may deem necessary to establish the validity of the transfer and (ii) an agreement by the transferee of such transferred Shares to comply with all the terms and conditions of the Service Award that are or would have been applicable to the Participant and to be bound by the acknowledgements made by the Participant in connection with the grant of the Service Award and Shares.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Restrictive Legend</u>. Any certificate evidencing the Participant's ownership of the Shares shall be issued to the Participant (or a permitted transferee) and shall bear the following restrictive legend:

***THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS (INCLUDING FORFEITURE) OF THE 2019 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED, AND THE RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE SHARES ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE REGISTERED OWNER AND THE ISSUER, RIOT PLATFORMS, INC., COPIES OF WHICH ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICES OF THE ISSUER.***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Issuance and Escrow of Shares</u>. Unvested Shares shall be issued to the Participant as of the Grant Date and held in electronic book-entry form with the Company or its designated third-party servicer (e.g., E\*TRADE) until vested or forfeited. Upon Participant's request, and at the Company's sole discretion, unvested Shares may be issued in certificated form bearing the restrictive legend described in <u>Section 4.b</u> and any other legend required by law. The Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Company shall hold any certificate issued for such restricted Shares in escrow by the Company until all applicable restrictions are satisfied. If Shares are issued in certificated form, the Participant is solely responsible for all administrative costs and risk of loss.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.<u>Delivery of Shares Upon Vesting</u>. Following vesting and satisfaction of applicable tax withholding obligations (*see* <u>Section 6.b</u>), the Company shall, as applicable, either: (i) remove the notations on any Shares issued in book entry form that have vested; or (ii) cause the restrictive legend to be removed from the certificate , if certificates were issued. The Participant (or the beneficiary or personal representative of the Participant in the event of the Participant's death or disability) must deliver to the Company any representations or other documents or assurances as the Company may deem necessary or reasonably desirable to ensure compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The vested Shares so delivered shall no longer be subject to forfeiture or the restrictions set forth hereunder, subject to any compensation claw-back rules under applicable law and Company policy.

The issuance of the Shares and the removal of any restrictions are subject to all applicable laws. No Shares may be issued hereunder if the issuance would constitute a violation of any applicable securities laws or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Company's securities may then be listed. The inability of the Company to obtain the authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, deemed by the Company's legal counsel to be necessary to effect the lawful issuance of the Shares shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the Shares, including with respect to the failure to issue such Shares. The Company may require the Participant to meet any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation, and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as a condition to the issuance of Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.** **Shareholder Matters**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Stock Power; Power of Attorney</u>. Upon execution and delivery of this Award Agreement, the Participant shall deliver to the Company an executed stock power in the form attached hereto as Appendix C, in blank, with respect to the Shares covered by the Service Award. By accepting the Service Award, the Participant appoints the Company and each of its authorized representatives as the Participant's attorney(s) in fact to transfer any unvested or forfeited Shares to the Company as may be required pursuant to the Plan or this Award Agreement, including the transfer and sale of any Shares sold in connection with

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any net settlement for taxes permitted under the Plan, and to execute any related documentation as the Company or such representatives deem necessary or advisable in connection with any such transfer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Rights as a Shareholder</u>. The Shares shall be held in electronic book entry form with the Company or its designated third-party servicer or issued under a certificate bearing a restrictive legend, as set forth in <u>Section 4.b</u>, and shall be subject to forfeiture and the restrictions until they have vested in accordance with <u>Section 2</u>. Subject to the restrictions set forth in <u>Section 4</u> and the Plan, during the time the Shares are unvested, the Participant shall have all of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Shares, including the right to vote the Shares and to receive dividends paid on the Shares; *provided* that any additional shares of common stock or other securities that the Participant may become entitled to receive pursuant to a stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, separation or reorganization or any other change in the capital structure of the Company will be subject to the same restrictions as the Shares. The Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Participant may not sell, transfer, assign, gift, encumber or permit encumbrance upon, or otherwise transact in the Shares until they are vested and issued to the Participant in unrestricted form in accordance with the terms of this Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Attendance at Meetings; Voting</u>. Until the Shares vest and all restrictions are removed in accordance with the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan, the Participant shall:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)cause all Shares granted to Participant pursuant to this Award Agreement to be present, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of the Company's stockholders, so that all such Shares shall be counted for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum at such meeting; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)vote, or cause to be voted, all such Shares in accordance with the recommendations of the Company with respect to any business or proposal on which the stockholders of the Company are entitled to vote, whether at a meeting of the Company's stockholders or by written instrument. This <u>Section 5.c</u> shall apply to any permitted transferee of the Shares, as identified in this Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.** **Tax Matters**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>No Tax Advice; No Duty to Minimize Taxes</u>. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences to the Participant and shall not be liable to the Participant for any adverse tax consequences to Participant arising in connection with this Service Award, including with respect to any election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), as discussed in <u>Section 6.b</u> (the "<u>Section 83(b) Election</u>"). The Participant is hereby advised to consult with the Participant's own personal tax, financial and/or legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of this award and by signing

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this Award Agreement, the Participant has agreed that he or she has done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Tax Withholding Obligations</u>. Upon vesting and prior to removal of the restrictive legend of Shares, the Participant must satisfy all applicable income tax and withholding obligations (the "<u>Withholding Taxes</u>"). The Company may, at its sole discretion, permit the Participant to satisfy these obligations by surrendering vested Shares equal in value to the required Withholding Taxes, based on the closing market price on the vesting date ("<u>Net Settlement</u>"). Net Settlement is not available to satisfy tax obligations arising from a Participant's Section 83(b) Election (*see* <u>Section 6.c</u>). No Shares will be delivered to the Participant until Withholding Taxes are fully satisfied. In the event the Company's obligation to withhold arises prior to the delivery to the Participant of Shares or it is determined after the delivery of Shares to the Participant that the amount of the Withholding Taxes was greater than the amount withheld by the Company, the Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Section 83(b) Election</u>. Subject to the Participant's satisfaction of any tax withholding obligation due, the Participant may elect, within Thirty (30) days after the Grant Date, to file the Section 83(b) Election with the Internal Revenue Service, regardless of their vesting status. Instructions on how to file the Section 83(b) Election with respect to the Service Award and a sample Section 83(b) Election form is provided as Appendix B. Accordingly, with respect to the Section 83(b) Election, the Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)the Company makes no recommendation with respect to the decision to make the Section 83(b) Election;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)the decision to make the Section 83(b) Election is solely the Participant's responsibility;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)notwithstanding the Section 83(b) Election, the Shares shall remain subject to forfeiture and the restrictions described herein and in the Plan until they become vested, and, in the event the Shares are forfeited following the Section 83(b) Election, the Company shall not be liable for any losses or other liability incurred by the Participant in connection with such forfeiture, and the Participant shall not be entitled to receive any compensation for such forfeited Shares;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)the Participant is liable for, and hereby agrees to timely pay, all applicable tax obligations due in connection with the Section 83(b) Election; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v)the satisfaction of the Withholding Taxes and any other tax obligations with respect to the Section 83(b) Election may not be satisfied Net Settlement, and may only be satisfied by the payment, in cash, of the amount of the Withholding Tax and other tax obligations due thereon.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.** **Representations and Warranties.** By accepting the Service Award, the Participant hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.The Participant has received a copy of the Plan, has reviewed the Plan and this Award Agreement in their entirety, and has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of independent counsel prior to accepting the Service Award;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.The Participant has had the opportunity to consult with a tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of accepting the Service Award, and understands that the Company makes no representation regarding the tax treatment as to any aspect of the Service Award, including the grant, vesting, settlement, or conversion of the Service Award;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.The Participant's participation in the Plan and acceptance of the Service Award is voluntary and without expectation of employment or service, or continued employment or service, with the Company, and the Participant understands that neither the grant of this discretionary Service Award nor the Participant's participation in the Plan confers any right to continue in the service of the Company or to receive any other award or amount of compensation, whether under the Plan or otherwise, and no payment of any award under the Plan will be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, profit sharing, group insurance, or other benefit plan of the Company except as otherwise specifically provided in such other plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.The Participant consents to the collection, use, and transfer, in electronic or other form, of the Participant's personal data by the Company, the Committee, and any third party retained to administer the Plan for the exclusive purpose of administering the Service Award and Participant's participation in the Plan; provided, that the Participant agrees to promptly notify the Committee of any changes in the Participant's name, address, or contact information during the entire period of Plan participation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.Notices and other documents related to the Service Award or the Plan may be delivered by electronic means, and the Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an online or electronic system authorized by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.** **General Provisions**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Conformity with Plan</u>. This Award Agreement is intended to conform in all respects with, and is subject to all applicable provisions of, the Plan; *provided, however*, inconsistencies between this Award Agreement and the Plan shall be resolved in accordance with the terms of the Plan in all respects. With respect to any ambiguities in this Award Agreement or any matters as to which this Award Agreement is silent, the Plan shall govern.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Governing Law; Disputes</u>. The Plan and this Award Agreement are to be governed, construed, and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, without regard to otherwise governing conflict of laws principles. Any dispute or controversy arising under, out of, or in connection with this Award Agreement shall be finally determined and settled by binding arbitration in the County and State in which the Company office which is assigned by the Company's Human Resources Department as Participant's home office, in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the Service Award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. In such arbitration, each party shall bear its own costs and fees, including attorneys' and accountants' fees and costs. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTICIPANT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY AGREES TO, AND HEREBY DOES, WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION, CAUSE OF ACTION, CLAIM, PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM BASED ON THIS AWARD AGREEMENT OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR RELATING TO THIS AWARD AGREEMENT; AND/OR BASED ON ANY ALLEGED ACTION, INACTION, OR OMISSION RELATED TO THIS AWARD AGREEMENT.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Administration; Interpretation</u>. In accordance with the Plan and this Award Agreement, the Committee shall have full discretionary authority to administer the Service Award, including discretionary authority to interpret and construe any and all provisions relating to the Service Award. The decisions of the Committee shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties. In the event of a conflict between this Award Agreement and the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall prevail.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.<u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Award Agreement, together with the Plan, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and therein and merges all prior discussions between the parties.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.<u>Severability</u>. The provisions of this Award Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f.<u>Successors and Assigns</u>. The rights and benefits of this Award Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Company's successors (including any successor by reason of amalgamation of the Company) and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Award Agreement may not be assigned, except to Permitted Transferees in accordance with <u>Section 4.a</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;g.<u>Injunctive Relief</u>. In addition to any other right of the Company to enforce the terms of this Award Agreement, the Participant hereby consents and agrees that the Company may bring an action or special proceeding in any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction to seek injunctive or other relief to enforce the Participant's compliance with any restrictive covenant obligations undertaken by the Participant in connection with the grant of the Service Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.** **Acknowledgement of Receipt and Acceptance.** By indicating acceptance of the Service Award through the Company's online acceptance procedure you acknowledge that: (a) you have received, and understand and agree to the terms of, this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document); (b) you accept the Service Award on the terms and conditions set forth in this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document); and (c) this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document) set forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the rights to acquire the Shares subject to this Service Award and supersede all prior oral and written agreements with respect thereto. Any Service Award not accepted through the Company's online acceptance procedure, within 60 days of grant, shall be forfeited.

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*Attachments: Appendix A – Notice of Grant*

*Appendix B – Section 83(b) Election Form (provided separately)*

*Appendix C – Irrevocable Stock Power (provided separately)*

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## Exhibit 10.3

**Exhibit 10.3**

**RIOT PLATFORMS, INC.**

**NOTICE OF GRANT OF EQUITY PERFORMANCE AWARD**

You, the Participant identified in the Summary of Award below, are hereby notified that Riot Platforms, Inc. (the "<u>Company</u>") has granted you an unvested award of performance-based restricted stock units ("<u>PSUs</u>"), each representing a contingent right to receive one (1) share of the Company's common stock, no par value per share ("<u>Common Stock</u>"), subject to the terms of the attached Long-Term Incentive Program ("<u>LTIP</u>") Award Agreement (the "<u>Award Agreement</u>") and the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "<u>Plan</u>"). This grant is contingent upon your acceptance of the Award Agreement. The number of RSUs and vesting terms are summarized below and detailed in the Award Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall govern. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings given in the Plan.

**Summary of Award**

**Participant:**

**Number of PSUs:**

**Award Term:**

**Grant Date:**

**Performance Award:**

The award consists of a performance-based grant of PSUs (the "<u>Performance Award</u>") intended to recognize your contributions to the Company's success through the Performance Period and align your economic interests with the Company's. The final number of PSUs, and the final number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to you upon vesting will be determined based on the Company's achievement of the "<u>Performance Objectives</u>" outlined below.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Performance Award (Target Award):** |  |  |
| **Performance Period:** |  |  |
| **Index:** | **Russell 3000** | (INDEX RUSSELL: RUA) |
| **Market Prices:** | $(Index) | $(Company) |
| *(60-day average closing price as of December 31, 2025)* | *(60-day average closing price as of December 31, 2025)* | *(60-day average closing price as of December 31, 2025)* |

---

**Vesting Criteria:**

The Performance Award is eligible to vest based on the Committee's certification of the Company's achievement of the Performance Objectives at the end of the Performance Period, provided you remain continuously employed or in service through the Award Term.

**Performance Objectives:**

PSUs are eligible to vest based on the Company's Total Shareholder Return ("<u>Company TSR</u>") during the Performance Period, relative to the TSR of the Russell 3000 Index (the "<u>Index TSR</u>"). The percentage change in market price across the Performance Period, of an investment in each of the Company TSR and Index TSR is the relative total shareholder return ("<u>Relative TSR</u>"). The Performance Award is structured to reward outperformance and discourage underperformance, with vesting percentages weighted accordingly, as shown in the TSR Vesting Table.

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**TSR Vesting Table:**

Performance Awards are eligible to vest at the end of the Award Term based on the Company's Relative TSR as of the end of the Performance Period and the corresponding "<u>Vesting Percentage</u>" shown in the TSR Vesting Table:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Relative TSR Hurdle** | **Relative TSR Hurdle** | **Relative TSR Hurdle** | **Vesting Percentage**<br>(of the Target Award) |  |
| **-50%** | **but less than** | **-40%** | **0%** |  |
| **at least -40%** | **but less than** | **-30%** | **20%** |  |
| **at least -30%** | **but less than** | **-20%** | **40%** |  |
| **at least -20%** | **but less than** | **-10%** | **60%** |  |
| **at least -10%** | **but less than** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **0%** | **80%** |  |
| **at least 0%** | **but less than** | **10%** | **100%** | &nbsp;&nbsp;(Target Award) |
| **at least 10%** | **but less than** | **20%** | **140%** |  |
| **at least 20%** | **but less than** | **25%** | **180%** |  |
| **at least 25%** | **and above** |  | **200%** | &nbsp;&nbsp;(Maximum Award) |

---

The Vesting Percentages in the TSR Vesting Table are fixed thresholds, and only those Vesting Percentages listed apply. There are no partial or intermediate percentages. Partial achievement does not result in partial vesting. For example, a five percent (5%) Relative TSR yields a Vesting Percentage of one hundred percent (100%).

If the Company's absolute TSR for the Performance Period is negative, the Vesting Percentage that may be earned will be capped at 100% of the Target Award.

**Restrictions and Vesting:**

The Performance Award is granted to you as incentive compensation and is contingent upon your continuous service with the Company through the applicable vesting dates specified in this Notice of Grant. Until vested you have no right to receive the underlying shares of Common Stock, and the PSUs are subject to forfeiture under the Award Agreement and Plan. Except as set forth in the Award Agreement or as otherwise agreed by the Company in writing, any unvested PSUs will be forfeited upon your Separation from Service, with no partial vesting for incomplete service.

See the Award Agreement for additional terms governing the Award, including specific provisions regarding vesting, forfeiture, and transfer restrictions, among others.

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**RIOT PLATFORMS, INC.**

**LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PROGRAM PERFORMANCE AWARD AGREEMENT**

This Long-Term Incentive Program Performance Award Agreement (this "<u>Award Agreement</u>") is entered into, effective as of the "<u>Grant Date</u>" specified in the "<u>Notice of Grant</u>" attached hereto as <u>Appendix A</u>, which is incorporated herein by reference, by and between Riot Platforms, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), and the individual identified in the Notice of Grant (the "<u>Participant</u>"), pursuant to the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, (the "<u>Plan</u>").

This Award Agreement identifies the terms of the equity award granted by the Company to the Participant (the "<u>Performance Award</u>"). The Performance Award is granted pursuant to the Plan and the Long-Term Incentive Program established by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the "<u>Committee</u>") as of July 13, 2023, (the "<u>LTIP</u>") under the Plan. The Performance Award is conditional compensation that requires the Participant's continued employment or service through the applicable vesting dates, as described in <u>Section 2</u>. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Plan.

Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing and other valid consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the Company and the Participant agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.** **Grant of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units**. Subject to the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan, including the restrictions set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>4</u>**,**the Company hereby grants to the Participant, contingent on Participant's continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date, performance-based restricted stock units (the "<u>PSUs</u>"), in an amount as specified in the Notice of Grant, which are convertible upon vesting into shares of the Company's common stock, no par value per share ("<u>Common Stock</u>"). The Performance Award may vest based on the Company's achievement of certain Performance Objectives during the Performance Period and the Participant's continuous service through the Award Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.** **Vesting and Settlement**. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement, the Plan, or a written agreement expressly superseding them, the PSUs remain restricted and subject to forfeiture until vested. Partial service during the vesting period does not entitle the Participant to any proportionate vesting or preserve rights following a termination of service, unless expressly agreed by the Company in writing. Vesting remains subject to any compensation claw-back rules under applicable law and Company policy. The Performance Award consists of PSUs which are eligible to vest as of the end of the "<u>Award Term</u>", based on the Company's Relative TSR during the Performance Period, as outlined in the Notice of Grant. The number of PSUs to vest under the Performance Award shall be determined based on the "<u>Relative TSR Hurdle</u>" achieved by the Company as of the end of the Performance Period and such Relative TSR Hurdle's corresponding Vesting Percentage, as set forth in the Notice of Grant. The Relative TSR of the Company is calculated as the difference between the Company TSR and the Russell 3000 Index TSR (the "<u>Index TSR</u>") (*i.e.*, the relative percentage change in market price) across the Performance Period, based on the sixty-(60)-day average closing prices of the Company's Common Stock and of the Russell 3000 Index (INDEXRUSSELL: RUA) at the beginning and end of the Performance Period. The Nasdaq Capital Market (or such other market as the Company's securities may then be commonly traded) and The Wall Street Journal (or, such other reputable service commonly reporting the index price of the Russell 3000 as the Committee may, in its sole discretion, select) shall be used to determine the sixty-(60)-day average closing prices for the Company's Common Stock and the Index. As of the end of the Award Term, the Committee shall review and certify: (i) the Company TSR, the Index TSR, and the Relative TSR, each as of the end of the Performance Period; (ii) the applicable Relative TSR Hurdle; and (iii) the Vesting Percentage of the **Target** Award corresponding to such Relative TSR Hurdle. The PSUs will vest on the date of certification of the Company's Performance Objectives by the Committee. Based on the Committee's certification, the Participant shall earn the number of PSUs corresponding to the applicable Vesting Percentage, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, subject to the satisfaction of the withholding tax obligations due on the issuance of such PSUs. All determinations of whether Performance Objectives have been achieved, the number of PSUs

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earned by the Participant, and all other matters related to this <u>Section 2</u> shall be made by the Committee in its sole discretion and shall be final and binding on the Participant, and on all other persons, to the maximum extent permitted by law. Vested PSUs will be issued to the Participant in accordance with the Participant's issuance instructions, subject to the Participant's satisfaction of applicable tax withholding obligations at the time of **vesting**. Vested PSUs shall be settled and converted into shares of Common Stock, on a one-for-one basis, subject to and shares withheld by the Company is satisfaction of any Withholding Tax obligations and in accordance with this Award Agreement, the Plan, and the Company's customary practices, the Company will settle vested PSUs and issue shares of Common Stock to the Participant, according the delivery instructions provided by Participant (including via a third-party services account organizer by the Company for the benefit of Plan participants, such as E\*TRADE). No PSUs shall be earned by the Participant or shall vest and become no longer subject to forfeiture, until such withholding tax obligations have been satisfied in full.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.** **Forfeiture; Acceleration of Vesting**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Forfeiture of Unvested PSUs</u>. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company, all unvested PSUs are subject to forfeiture until vesting. Accordingly, any portion of the Performance Award that fails to vest based on the Company's certification of performance shall be immediately and automatically forfeited and returned to the Company without payment or consideration to the Participant, at the time of such certification. The Participant shall forfeit and therefore have no further right, title or interest in such PSUs, or any compensation in lieu thereof, upon the earlier of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)the end of the Award Term set forth in the Notice of Grant, to the extent that the PSUs did not vest based on the Relative TSR Hurdle;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)the date the Participant's employment, appointment or service with the Company ceases for any reason (the "<u>Termination Date</u>");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)the Participant's breach, as determined by the Company, of any non-disclosure, non-competition, or non-solicitation restrictive covenant obligation owed to the Company; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)the determination by the Plan Administrator that the Participant's conduct warrants forfeiture under the Plan.

Upon a forfeiture event, the Company shall automatically reclaim the forfeited PSUs under <u>Section 5.a</u>, without further action or consent from the Participant (or the Participant's beneficiary or personal representative, as applicable); *provided, however,* the Participant (or the Participant's beneficiary or personal representative, as applicable) must provide any additional documents the Company requests to confirm the transfer of such forfeited PSUs to the Company. Additionally, to the extent permitted or required by law, Company policy, or the requirements of an exchange on which the Company's securities may be listed for trading, the Company may enforce forfeiture or recoup compensation granted under this Performance Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.** **Restrictions**. Until vesting, the PSUs are subject to the following restrictions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Restrictions on Transfer; Permitted Transferees</u>. Consistent with Section 5.7 of the Plan, the Performance Award and all unvested PSUs granted hereunder (and any related interests or rights) may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, gifted or otherwise disposed of, alienated or encumbered, either voluntarily or involuntarily, in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution unless otherwise approved in writing by the Committee. At its sole discretion, the Committee may permit transfers (without consideration) to (i) the Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren; (ii) one or more trusts for the benefit of the Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren; or (iii) a partnership, limited liability company, or other passthrough entity of which the Participant and the

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Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren are the only beneficial owners and controlling persons (collectively, the "<u>Permitted Transferees</u>"). No transfer of the PSUs shall be binding on the Company unless approved in writing by the Committee. The Committee shall have been furnished with (i) written notice along with such evidence as the Committee may deem necessary to establish the validity of the transfer, and (ii) an agreement by the transferee of such transferred PSUs to comply with all the terms and conditions of the Performance Award that are or would have been applicable to the Participant and to be bound by the acknowledgements made by the Participant in connection with the grant of the Performance Award and PSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Restrictive Legend</u>. Any certificate evidencing the Participant's ownership of the PSUs shall be issued to the Participant (or a permitted transferee) and shall bear the following restrictive legend:

***THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS REPRESENTED HEREBY, AND/OR TE INTEREST IN THE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUS PER SHARE, OF THE ISSUER, RIOT PLATOFORMS, INC., A NEVADA CORPORATION, REPRESENTED BY SUCH RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS (INCLUDING FORFEITURE) OF THE 2019 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED, AND THE EQUITY AWARD AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE REGISTERED OWNER AND THE ISSUER GOVERNING THE AWARD OF SUCH PSUs, COPIES OF WHICH ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICES OF THE ISSUER.***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. <u>Issuance and Escrow of PSUs</u>. The PSUs granted to the Participant hereunder shall be recorded by the Company with its transfer agent as a contingent grant of the shares of Common Stock underlying the Award, but no shares (whether in physical or certificated form) shall be issued to the Participant until settlement of vested PSUs in accordance with the terms hereof. Upon Participant's request, and at the Company's sole discretion, unvested PSUs may be issued in certificated form bearing the restrictive legend described in <u>Section 4.b</u> and any other legend required by law. The Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Company shall hold any certificate issued for such restricted PSUs in escrow by the Company until all applicable restrictions are satisfied. If PSUs are issued in certificated form, the Participant is solely responsible for all administrative costs and risk of loss.

The issuance of the shares of Common Stock in settlement of vested PSUs and the removal of any restrictions are subject to all applicable laws. No PSUs may be issued hereunder if the issuance would constitute a violation of any applicable securities laws or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Company's securities may then be listed. The inability of the Company to obtain the authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, deemed by the Company's legal counsel to be necessary to effect the lawful issuance of the PSUs shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the PSUs, including with respect to the failure to issue such PSUs. The Company may require the Participant to meet any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation, and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as a condition to the issuance of PSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.** **Shareholder Matters**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Stock Power; Power of Attorney</u>. Upon execution and delivery of this Award Agreement, the Participant shall deliver to the Company an executed stock power in the form attached hereto as <u>Appendix C</u>, in blank, with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying such unvested PSUs covered by the Performance Award. By accepting the Performance Award, the Participant appoints the Company and each of its authorized representatives as the Participant's attorney(s) in fact to transfer any unvested or forfeited PSUs, as well as the shares of Common Stock underlying such PSUs to the Company as may be required pursuant to the Plan or this Award Agreement, including the transfer and sale of any PSUs sold in

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connection with any net settlement for taxes permitted under the Plan, and to execute any related documentation as the Company or such representatives deem necessary or advisable in connection with any such transfer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Rights as a Shareholder</u>. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued to Participant prior to the settlement of vested PSUs, and, except as set forth in this <u>Section 5.b</u>, Participant shall have no rights as a shareholder of Common Stock with respect to any unvested PSUs; *provided, however,* that Participant shall have the same rights with respect to the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock (granted as unvested PSUs on a one-for-one basis with such additional shares of Common Stock) incident to any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, separation or reorganization or any other change in the capital structure of the Company, which additional unvested PSUs shall be subject to the same restrictions and risk of forfeiture as the unvested PSUs originally granted hereby; *and, provided further,* that any dividends or other payments declared with respect to shares of Common Stock during the Award Term shall be credited to unvested PSUs on the basis of the number of shares of Common Stock represented by such unvested PSUs, and held for Participant's account until vesting. Any dividend amounts credited to unvested PSUs shall be subject to forfeiture until the PSUs to which they relate vest, and upon forfeiture of such PSUs, Participant shall have no right to receive any such credited dividends or other amounts with respect to such forfeited PSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Attendance at Meetings; Voting</u>. Until the PSUs vest and are settled in shares of Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan, the Participant shall have no right with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying such PSUs to attend or participate in any meetings of the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.** **Tax Matters**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>No Tax Advice; No Duty to Minimize Taxes</u>. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences to the Participant and shall not be liable to the Participant for any adverse tax consequences to Participant arising in connection with this Performance Award, including with respect to any election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), as discussed in <u>Section 6.b</u> (the "<u>Section 83(b) Election</u>"). The Participant is hereby advised to consult with the Participant's own personal tax, financial and/or legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of this Performance Award and

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by signing this Award Agreement, the Participant has agreed that he or she has done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Tax Withholding Obligations</u>. Upon settlement of vested PSUs, the Participant must satisfy all applicable income tax and withholding obligations (the "<u>Withholding Taxes</u>"). Provided the Company is required to collect and remit Withholding Taxes from the grant of PSUs and/or the issuance of shares of Common Stock in settlement upon vesting, the Company may, at its sole discretion, permit the Participant to satisfy these obligations by surrendering vested shares of Common Stock underlying the vested PSUs equal in value to the required Withholding Taxes, based on the closing market price on the date such vested PSUs are settled ("<u>Net Settlement</u>"). Net Settlement is not available to satisfy tax obligations arising from a Participant's Section 83(b) Election (*see* Section 6.c). No shares of Common Stock underlying the vested PSUs will be delivered to the Participant until Withholding Taxes are fully satisfied. In the event the Company's obligation to withhold arises prior to the delivery to the Participant of shares of Common stock underlying the vested PSUs or it is determined after the delivery of such shares to the Participant that the amount of the Withholding Taxes was greater than the amount withheld by the Company, the Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount. Net Settlement of vested PSUs shall only be available to satisfy Withholding Taxes, and only if the Company has an affirmative obligation to collect such Withholding Taxes and remit such amounts to the Participant's applicable taxing authority. No cash payment to the Participant in respect of Net Settlement of any vested PSUs shall be permitted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Section 83(b) Election</u>. Subject to the Participant's satisfaction of any tax withholding obligation due and the availability of such election to Participant, the Participant may elect, within Thirty (30) days after the Grant Date, to file the Section 83(b) Election with the Internal Revenue Service, regardless of their vesting status. Instructions on how to file the Section 83(b) Election with respect to the Performance Award and a sample Section 83(b) Election form is provided as Appendix B. Accordingly, with respect to the Section 83(b) Election, the Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)the Company makes no recommendation with respect to the decision to make the Section 83(b) Election;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)the decision to make the Section 83(b) Election is solely the Participant's responsibility;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)notwithstanding the Section 83(b) Election, the PSUs shall remain subject to forfeiture and the restrictions described herein and in the Plan until they become vested, and, in the event the PSUs are forfeited following the Section 83(b) Election, the Company shall not be liable for any losses or other liability incurred by the Participant in connection with such forfeiture, and the Participant shall not be entitled to receive any compensation for such forfeited PSUs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)the Participant is liable for, and hereby agrees to timely pay, all applicable tax obligations due in connection with the Section 83(b) Election; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v)the satisfaction of the Withholding Taxes and any other tax obligations with respect to the Section 83(b) Election may not be satisfied Net Settlement, and, may only be satisfied by the payment, in cash, of the amount of the Withholding Tax and other tax obligations due thereon.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.<u>Section 409A</u>. The Performance Award, the Plan, and this Award Agreement are intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and the interpretive guidance thereunder ("<u>Section 409A</u>"), and shall be administered and interpreted accordingly. If any provision of this Award Agreement fails to comply with applicable requirements of Section 409A, the Company may, in its sole discretion and without requiring the Participant's consent, make such modifications to this Award Agreement and/or related payments to the extent it determines necessary or advisable to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. Nothing in this Award Agreement shall be construed as a guarantee of any particular tax effect for the Performance Award, and the Company does not guarantee that any compensation or benefits provided under this Award Agreement will satisfy Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.** **Representations and Warranties.** By accepting the Performance Award, the Participant hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.The Participant has received a copy of the Plan, has reviewed the Plan and this Award Agreement in their entirety, and has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of independent counsel prior to accepting the Performance Award;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.The Participant has had the opportunity to consult with a tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of accepting the Performance Award, and understands that the Company makes no representation regarding the tax treatment as to any aspect of the Performance Award, including the grant, vesting, settlement, or conversion of the Performance Award;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.The Participant's participation in the Plan and acceptance of the Performance Award is voluntary and without expectation of employment or service, or continued employment or service, with the Company, and the Participant understands that neither the grant of this discretionary Performance Award nor the Participant's participation in the Plan confers any right to continue in the service of the Company or to receive any other award or amount of compensation, whether under the Plan or otherwise, and no payment of any award under the Plan will be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, profit sharing, group insurance, or other benefit plan of the Company except as otherwise specifically provided in such other plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.The Participant consents to the collection, use, and transfer, in electronic or other form, of the Participant's personal data by the Company, the Committee, and any third party retained to administer the Plan for the exclusive purpose of administering the Performance Award and Participant's participation in the Plan; provided, that the Participant agrees to promptly notify the Committee of any changes in the Participant's name, address, or contact information during the entire period of Plan participation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.Notices and other documents related to the Performance Award or the Plan may be delivered by electronic means, and the Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an online or electronic system authorized by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.** **General Provisions**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Conformity with Plan</u>. This Award Agreement is intended to conform in all respects with, and is subject to all applicable provisions of, the Plan; *provided, however*, inconsistencies between this Award Agreement and the Plan shall be resolved in accordance with the terms of the Plan in all respects. With respect to any ambiguities in this Award Agreement or any matters as to which this Award Agreement is silent, the Plan shall govern.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Governing Law; Disputes</u>. The Plan and this Award Agreement are to be governed, construed, and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, without regard to otherwise governing conflict of laws principles. Any dispute or controversy arising under, out of, or in connection with this Award Agreement shall be finally determined and settled by binding arbitration in the County and State in which the Company office which is assigned by the Company's Human Resources Department as Participant's home office, in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the Performance Award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. In such arbitration, each party shall bear its own costs and fees, including attorneys' and accountants' fees and costs. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTICIPANT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY AGREES TO, AND HEREBY DOES, WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION, CAUSE OF ACTION, CLAIM, PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM BASED ON THIS AWARD AGREEMENT OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR RELATING TO THIS AWARD AGREEMENT; AND/OR BASED ON ANY ALLEGED ACTION, INACTION, OR OMISSION RELATED TO THIS AWARD AGREEMENT.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Administration; Interpretation</u>. In accordance with the Plan and this Award Agreement, the Committee shall have full discretionary authority to administer the Performance Award, including discretionary authority to interpret and construe any and all provisions relating to the Performance Award. The decisions of the Committee shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties. In the event of a conflict between this Award Agreement and the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall prevail.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.<u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Award Agreement, together with the Plan, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and therein and merges all prior discussions between the parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.<u>Severability</u>. The provisions of this Award Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f.<u>Successors and Assigns</u>. The rights and benefits of this Award Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Company's successors (including any successor by reason of amalgamation of the Company) and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Award Agreement may not be assigned, except to Permitted Transferees in accordance with <u>Section 4.a</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;g.<u>Injunctive Relief</u>. In addition to any other right of the Company to enforce the terms of this Award Agreement, the Participant hereby consents and agrees that the Company may bring an action or special proceeding in any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction to seek injunctive or other relief to enforce the Participant's compliance with any restrictive covenant obligations undertaken by the Participant in connection with the grant of the Performance Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.** **Acknowledgement of Receipt and Acceptance.** By indicating acceptance of the Performance Award through the Company's online acceptance procedure you acknowledge that: (a) you have received, and understand and agree to the terms of, this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document); (b) you accept the Performance Award on the terms and conditions set forth in this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document); and (c) this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document) set forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the rights to acquire the PSUs subject to this Performance Award and supersede all prior oral and written agreements with respect thereto. Any Performance Award not accepted through the Company's online acceptance procedure, within 60 days of grant, shall be forfeited.

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*Attachments: Appendix A – Notice of Grant*

*Appendix B – Section 83(b) Election Form (provided separately)*

*Appendix C – Irrevocable Stock Power (provided separately)*

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## Exhibit 10.4

**Exhibit 10.4**

**APPENDIX A**

**RIOT PLATFORMS, INC.**

**NOTICE OF GRANT OF SERVICE-BASED EQUITY AWARD**

You, the Participant identified in the Summary of Award below, are hereby notified that Riot Platforms, Inc. (the "<u>Company</u>") has granted you an unvested award of restricted stock units ("<u>RSUs</u>"), each representing a continent right to receive one (1) share of the Company's common stock, no par value per share ("<u>Common Stock</u>"), subject to the terms of the attached Long-Term Incentive Program ("<u>LTIP</u>") Award Agreement (the "<u>Award Agreement</u>") and the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "<u>Plan</u>"). This grant is contingent upon your acceptance of the Award Agreement. The number of RSUs and vesting terms are summarized below and detailed in the Award Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall govern. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings given in the Plan.

**Summary of Award**

**PARTICIPANT:**

**NUMBER OF RSUS:**

**AWARD TERM:**

**GRANT DATE:**

**Service Award:**

The award consists of a service-based grant of RSUs (the "<u>Service Award</u>") intended to incentivize your long-term employment and service with the Company through the Award Term and align your economic interests with those of the Company. The Service Award is subject to the "<u>Vesting Schedule</u>" and "<u>Vesting Criteria</u>" outlined below.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **SERVICE AWARD:** | RSUs |
| **VESTING SCHEDULE:** | RSUs vest [DATE] |
|  | RSUs vest [DATE] |
|  | RSUs vest [DATE] |

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**Vesting Criteria:**

The Service Award vests in three (3) approximately equal tranches throughout the Award Term, provided you remain continuously employed or in service with the Company through each applicable vesting date.

**Restrictions and Vesting:**

The Service Award is granted to you as incentive compensation and is contingent upon your continuous service with the Company through the applicable vesting dates specified in this Notice of Grant. Until vested, the RSUs remain restricted and subject to forfeiture under the Award Agreement and Plan. Except as set forth in the Award Agreement or as otherwise agreed by the Company in writing, any unvested RSUs will be forfeited upon your Separation from Service, with no partial vesting for incomplete service.

See the Award Agreement for additional terms governing the Award, including specific provisions regarding vesting, forfeiture, and transfer restrictions, among others.

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**RIOT PLATFORMS, INC.**

**LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PROGRAM SERVICE AWARD AGREEMEN**

This Long-Term Incentive Program Service Award Agreement (this "<u>Award Agreement</u>") is entered into, effective as of the "<u>Grant Date</u>" specified in the "<u>Notice of Grant</u>" attached hereto as <u>Appendix A</u>, which is incorporated herein by reference, by and between Riot Platforms, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), and the individual identified in the Notice of Grant (the "<u>Participant</u>"), pursuant to the Company's 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, (the "<u>Plan</u>").

This Award Agreement identifies the terms of the equity award granted by the Company to the Participant (the "<u>Service Award</u>"). The Service Award is granted pursuant to the Plan and the Long-Term Incentive Program established by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the "<u>Committee</u>") as of July 13, 2023, (the "<u>LTIP</u>") under the Plan. The Service Award is conditional compensation that requires the Participant's continued employment or service through the applicable vesting dates, as described in <u>Section 2</u>. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Plan.

Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing and other valid consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the Company and the Participant agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.** **Grant of Restricted Stock Units**. Subject to the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan, including the restrictions set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and the satisfaction of any tax obligation arising from a Section 83(b) Election (*see* <u>Section 6.c</u>), the Company hereby grants to the Participant, contingent on Participant's continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date restricted stock units (the "<u>RSUs</u>"), in an amount as specified in the Notice of Grant, which are convertible upon vesting into shares of the Company's common stock, no par value per share ("<u>Common Stock</u>"). The Service Award may vest based on the Participant's continuous service through the Award Term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.** **Vesting and Settlement**. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement, the Plan, or a written agreement expressly superseding them, the RSUs are subject to forfeiture until vested. Partial service during the vesting period does not entitle the Participant to any proportionate vesting or preserve rights following a termination of service, unless expressly agreed by the Company in writing. The Service Award is eligible to vest in three (3) approximately equal annual tranches in accordance with the Vesting Schedule under "Service Award" in the Notice of Grant. Vesting remains subject to any compensation claw-back rules under applicable law and Company policy. The Participant must remain employed or in service with the Company through each vesting date set forth in the Vesting Schedule in the Notice of Grant for the rights and benefits under this Award Agreement to vest. Until then, the Service Award and all related RSUs shall remain unvested and subject to forfeiture until vested. Vested RSUs shall be settled and converted into shares of Common Stock, on a one-for-one basis, subject to and shares withheld by the Company is satisfaction of any Withholding Tax obligations and in accordance with this Agreement, the Plan, and the Company's customary practices, the Company will settle vested RSUs and issue shares of Common Stock to the Participant, according the delivery instructions provided by Participant (including via a third-party services account organizer by the Company for the benefit of Plan participants, such as E\*TRADE). No RSUs shall be earned by the Participant, or shall vest and become no longer subject to forfeiture, until such withholding tax obligations have been satisfied in full.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.** **Forfeiture**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Forfeiture of Unvested RSUs</u>. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company, all unvested RSUs are subject to forfeiture until vesting. Accordingly, any portion of the Service Award granted hereunder which have not vested shall be immediately and automatically forfeited and returned to the Company without payment or consideration to the Participant upon occurrence of a forfeiture event. The Participant shall forfeit and therefore have no further right, title or interest in such Shares, or any compensation in lieu thereof, upon the earlier of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)the end of the Award Term set forth in the Notice of Grant;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)the date the Participant's employment, appointment or service with the Company ceases for any reason (the "<u>Termination Date</u>");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)the Participant's breach, as determined by the Company, of any non-disclosure, non-competition, or non-solicitation restrictive covenant obligation owed to the Company; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)the determination by the Plan Administrator that the Participant's conduct warrants forfeiture under the Plan.

Upon a forfeiture event, the Company shall automatically reclaim the forfeited RSUs under <u>Section 5.a</u>, without further action or consent from the Participant (or the Participant's beneficiary or personal representative, as applicable); *provided, however,* the Participant (or the Participant's beneficiary or personal representative, as applicable) must provide any additional documents the Company requests to confirm the transfer of such forfeited RSUs to the Company. Additionally, to the extent permitted or required by law, Company policy, or the requirements of an exchange on which the Company's securities may be listed for trading, the Company may enforce forfeiture or recoup compensation granted under this Service Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.** **Restrictions**. Until vesting, the RSUs are subject to the following restrictions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Restrictions on Transfer; Permitted Transferees</u>. Consistent with Section 5.7 of the Plan, the Service Award and all unvested RSUs granted hereunder (and any related interests or rights) may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, gifted or otherwise disposed of, alienated or encumbered, either voluntarily or involuntarily, in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution unless otherwise approved in writing by the Committee. At its sole discretion, the Committee may permit transfers (without consideration) to (i) the Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren; (ii) one or more trusts for the benefit of the Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren; or (iii) a partnership, limited liability company, or other passthrough entity of which the Participant and the Participant's spouse, children, or grandchildren are the only beneficial owners and controlling persons (collectively, the "<u>Permitted Transferees</u>"). No transfer of the RSUs shall be binding on the Company unless approved in writing by the Committee. The Committee shall have been furnished with (i) written notice along with such evidence as the Committee may deem necessary to establish the validity of the transfer and (ii) an agreement by the transferee of such transferred RSUs to comply with all the terms and conditions of the Service Award that are or would have been applicable to the Participant and to be bound by the acknowledgements made by the Participant in connection with the grant of the Service Award and RSUs.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Restrictive Legend</u>. Any certificate evidencing the Participant's ownership of the Shares shall be issued to the Participant (or a permitted transferee) and shall bear the following restrictive legend:

***THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS REPRESENTED HEREBY, AND/OR TE INTEREST IN THE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUS PER SHARE, OF THE ISSUER, RIOT PLATOFORMS, INC., A NEVADA CORPORATION, REPRESENTED BY SUCH RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS (INCLUDING FORFEITURE) OF THE 2019 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED, AND THE EQUITY AWARD AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE REGISTERED OWNER AND THE ISSUER GOVERNING THE AWARD OF SUCH RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS, COPIES OF WHICH ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICES OF THE ISSUER.***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Issuance and Escrow of RSUs</u>. The RSUs granted to the Participant hereunder shall be recorded by the Company with its transfer agent as a contingent grant of the shares of Common Stock underlying the Award, but no shares (whether in physical or certificated form) shall be issued to the Participant until settlement of vested RSUs in accordance with the terms hereof. Upon Participant's request, and at the Company's sole discretion, unvested RSUs may be issued in certificated form bearing the restrictive legend described in <u>Section 4.b</u> and any other legend required by law. The Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Company shall hold any certificate issued for such restricted RSUs in escrow by the Company until all applicable restrictions are satisfied. If RSUs are issued in certificated form, the Participant is solely responsible for all administrative costs and risk of loss.

The issuance of the shares of Common Stock in settlement of vested RSUs and the removal of any restrictions are subject to all applicable laws. No RSUs may be issued hereunder if the issuance would constitute a violation of any applicable securities laws or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Company's securities may then be listed. The inability of the Company to obtain the authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, deemed by the Company's legal counsel to be necessary to effect the lawful issuance of the RSUs shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the RSUs, including with respect to the failure to issue such RSUs. The Company may require the Participant to meet any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation, and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as a condition to the issuance of RSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.** **Shareholder Matters**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Stock Power; Power of Attorney</u>. Upon execution and delivery of this Award Agreement, the Participant shall deliver to the Company an executed stock power in the form attached hereto as Appendix C, in blank, with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying such unvested RSUs covered by the Service Award. By accepting the Service Award, the Participant appoints the Company and each of its authorized representatives as the Participant's attorney(s) in fact to transfer any unvested or forfeited RSUs, as well as the shares of Common Stock underlying such RSUs, to the Company as may be required pursuant to the Plan or this Award Agreement, including in connection with any net settlement for taxes

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permitted under the Plan, and to execute any related documentation as the Company or such representatives deem necessary or advisable in connection with any such transfer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Rights as a Shareholder</u>. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued to Participant prior to the settlement of vested RSUs, and, except as set forth in this <u>Section 5.b</u>, Participant shall have no rights as a shareholder of Common Stock with respect to any unvested RSUs; *provided, however,* that Participant shall have the same rights with respect to the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock (granted as unvested RSUs on a one-for-one basis with such additional shares of Common Stock) incident to any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, separation or reorganization or any other change in the capital structure of the Company, which additional unvested RSUs shall be subject to the same restrictions and risk of forfeiture as the unvested RSUs originally granted hereby; *and, provided further,* that any dividends or other payments declared with respect to shares of Common Stock during the Award Term shall be credited to unvested RSUs on the basis of the number of shares of Common Stock represented by such unvested RSUs, and held for Participant's account until vesting. Any dividend amounts credited to unvested RSUs shall be subject to forfeiture until the RSUs to which they relate vest, and upon forfeiture of such RSUs, Participant shall have no right to receive any such credited dividends or other amounts with respect to such forfeited RSUs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Attendance at Meetings; Voting</u>. Until the RSUs vest and are settled in shares of Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan, the Participant shall have no right with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying such RSUs to attend or participate in any meetings of the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.** **Tax Matters**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>No Tax Advice; No Duty to Minimize Taxes</u>. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences to the Participant and shall not be liable to the Participant for any adverse tax consequences to Participant arising in connection with this Service Award, including with respect to any election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "<u>Code</u>"), as discussed in <u>Section 6.b</u> (the "<u>Section 83(b) Election</u>"). The Participant is hereby advised to consult with the Participant's own personal tax, financial and/or legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of this award and by signing

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this Award Agreement, the Participant has agreed that he or she has done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Tax Withholding Obligations</u>. Upon settlement of vested RSUs, the Participant must satisfy all applicable income tax and withholding obligations (the "<u>Withholding Taxes</u>"). Provided the Company is required to collect and remit Withholding Taxes from the grant of RSUs and/or the issuance of shares of Common Stock in settlement upon vesting, the Company may, at its sole discretion, permit the Participant to satisfy these obligations by surrendering vested shares of Common Stock underlying the vested RSUs equal in value to the required Withholding Taxes, based on the closing market price on the date such vested RSUs are settled ("<u>Net Settlement</u>"). Net Settlement is not available to satisfy tax obligations arising from a Participant's Section 83(b) Election (*see* <u>Section 6.c</u>). No shares of Common Stock underlying the vested RSUs will be delivered to the Participant until Withholding Taxes are fully satisfied. In the event the Company's obligation to withhold arises prior to the delivery to the Participant of shares of Common stock underlying the vested RSUs or it is determined after the delivery of such shares to the Participant that the amount of the Withholding Taxes was greater than the amount withheld by the Company, the Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount. Net Settlement of vested RSUs shall only be available to satisfy Withholding Taxes, and only if the Company has an affirmative obligation to collect such Withholding Taxes and remit such amounts to the Participant's applicable taxing authority. No cash payment to the Participant in respect of Net Settlement of any vested RSUs shall be permitted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Section 83(b) Election</u>. Subject to the Participant's satisfaction of any tax withholding obligation due and the availability of such election to Participant, the Participant may elect, within Thirty (30) days after the Grant Date, to file the Section 83(b) Election with the Internal Revenue Service, regardless of their vesting status. Instructions on how to file the Section 83(b) Election with respect to the Service Award and a sample Section 83(b) Election form is provided as Appendix B. Accordingly, with respect to the Section 83(b) Election, the Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)the Company makes no recommendation with respect to the decision to make the Section 83(b) Election;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)the decision to make the Section 83(b) Election is solely the Participant's responsibility;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)notwithstanding the Section 83(b) Election, the RSUs shall remain subject to forfeiture and the restrictions described herein and in the Plan until they become vested, and, in the event the RSUs are forfeited following the Section 83(b) Election, the Company shall not be liable for any losses or other liability incurred by the Participant in connection with such forfeiture, and the Participant shall not be entitled to receive any compensation for such forfeited RSUs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)the Participant is liable for, and hereby agrees to timely pay, all applicable tax obligations due in connection with the Section 83(b) Election; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v)the satisfaction of the Withholding Taxes and any other tax obligations with respect to the Section 83(b) Election may not be satisfied Net Settlement, and may only be satisfied by the payment, in cash, of the amount of the Withholding Tax and other tax obligations due thereon.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.<u>Section 409A</u>. The Service Award, the Plan, and this Award Agreement are intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and the interpretive guidance thereunder ("<u>Section 409A</u>"), and shall be administered and interpreted accordingly. If any provision of this Award Agreement fails to comply with applicable requirements of Section 409A, the Company may, in its sole discretion and without requiring the Participant's consent, make such modifications to this Award Agreement and/or related payments to the extent it determines necessary or advisable to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. Nothing in this Award Agreement shall be construed as a guarantee of any particular tax effect for the Service Award, and the Company does not guarantee that any compensation or benefits provided under this Award Agreement will satisfy Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.** **Representations and Warranties.** By accepting the Service Award, the Participant hereby represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.The Participant has received a copy of the Plan, has reviewed the Plan and this Award Agreement in their entirety, and has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of independent counsel prior to accepting the Service Award;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.The Participant has had the opportunity to consult with a tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of accepting the Service Award, and understands that the Company makes no representation regarding the tax treatment as to any aspect of the Service Award, including the grant, vesting, settlement, or conversion of the Service Award;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.The Participant's participation in the Plan and acceptance of the Service Award is voluntary and without expectation of employment or service, or continued employment or service, with the Company, and the Participant understands that neither the grant of this discretionary Service Award nor the Participant's participation in the Plan confers any right to continue in the service of the Company or to receive any other award or amount of compensation, whether under the Plan or otherwise, and no payment of any award under the Plan will be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, profit sharing, group insurance, or other benefit plan of the Company except as otherwise specifically provided in such other plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.The Participant consents to the collection, use, and transfer, in electronic or other form, of the Participant's personal data by the Company, the Committee, and any third party retained to administer the Plan for the exclusive purpose of administering the Service Award and Participant's participation in the Plan; provided, that the Participant agrees to promptly notify the Committee of any changes in the Participant's name, address, or contact information during the entire period of Plan participation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.Notices and other documents related to the Service Award or the Plan may be delivered by electronic means, and the Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and to participate in the Plan through an online or electronic system authorized by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.** **General Provisions**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Conformity with Plan</u>. This Award Agreement is intended to conform in all respects with, and is subject to all applicable provisions of, the Plan; *provided, however*, inconsistencies between this Award Agreement and the Plan shall be resolved in accordance with the terms of the Plan in all respects. With respect to any ambiguities in this Award Agreement or any matters as to which this Award Agreement is silent, the Plan shall govern.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Governing Law; Disputes</u>. The Plan and this Award Agreement are to be governed, construed, and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, without regard to otherwise governing conflict of laws principles. Any dispute or controversy arising under, out of, or in connection with this Award Agreement shall be finally determined and settled by binding arbitration in the County and State in which the Company office which is assigned by the Company's Human Resources Department as Participant's home office, in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the Service Award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. In such arbitration, each party shall bear its own costs and fees, including attorneys' and accountants' fees and costs. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTICIPANT KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY AGREES TO, AND HEREBY DOES, WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION, CAUSE OF ACTION, CLAIM, PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM BASED ON THIS AWARD AGREEMENT OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR RELATING TO THIS AWARD AGREEMENT; AND/OR BASED ON ANY ALLEGED ACTION, INACTION, OR OMISSION RELATED TO THIS AWARD AGREEMENT.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Administration; Interpretation</u>. In accordance with the Plan and this Award Agreement, the Committee shall have full discretionary authority to administer the Service Award, including discretionary authority to interpret and construe any and all provisions relating to the Service Award. The decisions of the Committee shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties. In the event of a conflict between this Award Agreement and the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall prevail.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.<u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Award Agreement, together with the Plan, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and therein and merges all prior discussions between the parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.<u>Severability</u>. The provisions of this Award Agreement are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f.<u>Successors and Assigns</u>. The rights and benefits of this Award Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Company's successors (including any successor by reason of amalgamation of the Company) and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Award Agreement may not be assigned, except to Permitted Transferees in accordance with <u>Section 4.a</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;g.<u>Injunctive Relief</u>. In addition to any other right of the Company to enforce the terms of this Award Agreement, the Participant hereby consents and agrees that the Company may bring an action or special proceeding in any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction to seek injunctive or other relief to enforce the Participant's compliance with any restrictive covenant obligations undertaken by the Participant in connection with the grant of the Service Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.** **Acknowledgement of Receipt and Acceptance.** By indicating acceptance of the Service Award through the Company's online acceptance procedure you acknowledge that: (a) you have received, and understand and agree to the terms of, this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document); (b) you accept the Service Award on the terms and conditions set forth in this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document); and (c) this Award Agreement and the Plan (including any exhibits to each document) set forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the rights to acquire the RSUs subject to this Service Award and supersede all prior oral and written agreements with respect thereto. Any Service Award not accepted through the Company's online acceptance procedure, within 60 days of grant, shall be forfeited.

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*Attachments: Appendix A – Notice of Grant*

*Appendix B – Section 83(b) Election Form (provided separately)*

*Appendix C – Irrevocable Stock Power (provided separately)*

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