EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1419275
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 1419275_10-K_2024_0001185185-24-000318.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
RYVYL Inc. is a financial technology company that develops, markets, and sells innovative blockchain-based payment solutions, which we believe offer significant improvements for the payment solutions marketplace. The Company’s core focus is to develop and monetize disruptive blockchain-based applications, integrated within an end-to-end suite of financial products, capable of supporting a multitude of industries. The Company’s proprietary, blockchain-based systems are designed to facilitate, record and store a virtually limitless volume of tokenized assets, representing cash or data, on a secured, immutable blockchain-based ledger.
The Company was formerly known as ASAP Expo, Inc. and was incorporated in the State of Nevada on April 10, 2007. On January 4, 2020, PubCo and PrivCo entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to memorialize a verbal agreement (the “Verbal Agreement”) entered into on April 12, 2018, by and among PubCo (the buyer) and PrivCo (the seller). On April 12, 2018, pursuant to the Verbal Agreement, the Company acquired PrivCo’s blockchain gateway and payment system business, point of sale system business, delivery business and kiosk business, bank and merchant accounts, as well as all intellectual property related thereto (the “GreenBox Business”). As consideration for the GreenBox Business, on April 12, 2018, the Company assumed PrivCo’s liabilities that had been incurred in the normal course of the GreenBox Business.
On May 3, 2018, the Company formally changed its name to “GreenBox POS, LLC,” then subsequently changed its name to “GreenBox POS” on December 13, 2018. On October 13, 2022, GreenBox POS changed its name to “RYVYL Inc.”
On May 21, 2021, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Northeast Merchant Systems, Inc. (“Northeast”) in a transaction treated as a business combination. Northeast is a merchant services company providing merchant credit card processing through its own Bank Identification Number with the acquiring bank, Merrick. This involves inside operations for new merchants that include sales assistance and applications processing, underwriting, and onboarding and inside operations for existing merchants include risk monitoring and customer service. Outside operations include equipment service or replacement; sales calls and applications; site inspections and identity verification; security verification; and on-site customer service and technical support.
On July 13, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), GreenBox POS entered into and closed on a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Charge Savvy LLC, an Illinois limited liability company (“Charge Savvy”), and Charge Savvy’s three members (collectively, the “Sellers”). One of the Sellers, Ken Haller, was an employee of the Company on the Closing Date. As a result of the Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased all of Charge Savvy’s issued and outstanding membership interests from the Sellers and Charge Savvy became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The purchase price under the Purchase Agreement for the all-stock transaction consisted of 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock being issued and delivered to Sellers in proportion to the Sellers’ share of their membership interests in Charge Savvy. The share price at issuance was $12.14. Charge Savvy is a fintech company specializing in developing software and providing payment processing and point-of-sale (“POS”) services to the merchant services industry. Charge Savvy also owned an approximately 64,000 square foot office building located in Chicago, Illinois, where it is headquartered.
On March 31, 2022, the Company acquired a portfolio of merchant accounts from Sky Financial & Intelligence LLC, a Wyoming limited liability company (“Sky Financial”) for $18,110,000. The Company paid $16,000,000 of cash in March 2022 and issued 500,000 shares of restricted common stock for the transaction on May 12, 2022.
On April 1, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of Transact Europe Holdings OOD (“Transact Europe Holdings”). Transact Europe Holdings is the holding company of Transact Europe EAD (“TEU”). TEU formally changed its name to RYVYL EU on December 16, 2022. RYVYL EU is a European Union (“EU”) regulated electronic money institution headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria. RYVYL EU is a Principal Level member of Visa, a worldwide member of MasterCard, and a principal member of China UnionPay. In addition, RYVYL EU is part of the direct Single Euro Payments Area (“SEPA”) program, a payment system enabling cashless payments across continental Europe. RYVYL EU provides complete payment solutions by offering acquiring, issuing of prepaid cards and agent banking, serving hundreds of clients. With a global footprint, proprietary payment gateway, and technology platforms, RYVYL EU offers a comprehensive portfolio of services and decades of industry experience. The Company paid approximately $28.8 million (€26.0 million) in total consideration for the purchase.
Our Business
Payment processing in the blockchain world only requires recording a ledger; there is no movement of money. Secure tokens are used where users need an immediate transaction, in a safe, private, and secure environment, and where traditional banks may not work effectively, like cross-border transactions or in under-banked verticals.
We generate revenue from payment processing services, licensing fees and equipment sales.
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Our main source of revenue is payment processing. We generate revenue through various activities such as merchant services, banking services, card issuing, foreign exchange (“FX”), and Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) programs. We charge a percentage of each transaction's value and/or a fixed amount specified per each transaction or service. This revenue is recognized as soon as the respective transaction or service is performed. When a merchant makes a sale, we receive payment card information, engage banks to transfer the proceeds to the merchant's account via digital gateways and record the transaction on our blockchain ledger. We collect fees for all these activities.
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Licensing revenue is paid in advance and is recorded as unearned income, which is amortized monthly over the period of the licensing agreement.
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Equipment revenue is generated from the sale of POS products, which is recognized when goods are shipped.
We have three main products that are utilized by our customers:
a)
QuickCard Payment System is a comprehensive physical and virtual payment card processing management system, including software that facilitates off-ramp e-wallet management and fraud prevention.
b)
The Coyni Platform features a digital token supported by our blockchain technology. The Coyni Platform offers custodial assurance by utilizing unique blockchain technology in a closed-loop ecosystem, allowing for transparency, security, and flexibility.
c)
ChargeSavvy is our complete end-to-end POS solution, comprising both software and hardware for the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Our proprietary blockchain-based technology serves as the settlement engine for all transactions within our ecosystem. The blockchain ledger provides a robust and secure platform to log immense volumes of immutable transactional records in near real-time. Generally speaking, blockchain is a distributed ledger that uses digitally encrypted keys to verify, secure, and record details of each transaction conducted within an ecosystem. Unlike general blockchain-based systems, we use proprietary, private ledger technology to verify every transaction conducted within our ecosystem. The verification of transaction data comes from trusted partners, all of whom we have extensively vetted.
We facilitate all financial elements of our closed-loop ecosystem and act as the administrator for all related accounts. Using our blockchain ledger technology, we seek authorization and settlement for each transaction from Gateways to the issuing bank responsible for the credit/debit card and ACH used in the transaction. When the Gateway settles the transaction, our Gateway technology composes a chain of blockchain instructions to our ledger manager system.
When consumers use credit or debit cards to pay for transactions with merchants who use our ecosystem, the transaction starts with the consumer purchasing tokens from the Company. Tokens in this context are used represent and track the value or number of credits the consumer has received in the blockchain. These tokens are purchased or granted directly from the merchant's terminals or mobile app, and are immediately available for transactions. The issuance of tokens is accomplished when the Company loads a virtual wallet with a token, which then transfers credits to the merchant’s wallet on a dollar-for-dollar basis, after which the merchant releases its goods or services to the consumer. These transfers take place instantaneously and seamlessly, allowing the transaction experience to seem like any other ordinary credit or debit card transaction to the consumer and merchant.
While our blockchain ledger records transaction details instantaneously, the final settlement of each transaction can take days to weeks, depending upon contract terms between us and the Gateways we use, between us and our Independent Sales Organizations (“ISO”), and between us and/or our ISOs and merchants who use our services. In the case where the Gateways have not yet remitted funds to us pertaining to transactions already processed, we record those amounts as cash due from gateways, net - a current asset. Concurrently, we record a portion of the cash due from gateways as revenue and the remaining balance, which is due to merchants and ISOs, as payment processing liabilities, net - a current liability.
Our primary revenue drivers in fiscal year 2023 were the continuing growth of our merchant acquiring business utilizing our QuickCard System and geographic expansion in the European market and in American Samoa. We believe the RYVYL Platform is the most advanced technology released in the space to date. The latest installment of our technology, features the following new properties:
1.
Payment token and e-wallet platform;
2.
Banking as a service platform;
3.
Mobile POS software for retail;
4.
Dynamic business Application Programming Interfaces or APIs;
5.
RYVYL Blockchain as a service.
We believe our holistic end-to-end capabilities minimize user pain points in onboarding, transactions and offboarding.
In 2022, we launched a new kind of media to the mix: Secure Token Technology, called Coyni. This token is neither minted nor mined, but rather it is the equivalent of a contract (an asset class called Smart Contract). As such, Secure Token Technology has many advantages over tokens, and delivers on the features most sought after in the crypto payment space.
1.
It enables near real time funds visibility and faster settlement than traditional banking options;
2.
It is highly secure, since the asset and its value are not held together in a closed-loop ecosystem;
3.
It is deletable - the token can be cancelled;
4.
It is reversible (undo-able), allowing for chargebacks in the case of a bad transaction. This allows the token to be kept alive for another transaction by the same user;
5.
It is attached to our transactional infrastructure. This allows for the token to be usable for instant purchases, which we
believe is an advantage for the merchants. These purchases, in turn, generate processing volume for us.
We believe our platform will be a top choice for banks, e-commerce, and consumers. It is also the only type of blockchain payment processing platform that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has authorized for use by banks in a similar fashion to ACH, Wire, and Swift. Because of Secure Token Technology, it is also very good as a custodial vehicle. We believe our platform is the obvious tool of choice, without any meaningful competition, for both transactional and custodial roles of currency, and will appeal to various stakeholders: consumers, merchants, banks, and regulators.
Competition
Although we believe there is currently no other company in the payment facilitator industry using, as we are, blockchain infrastructure, notable companies in the payment facilitator industry include PayPal, Stripe, and Square. With respect to banking services and corporate payouts, our competition includes conventional banking services, neobanks, and solution providers such as Wise. In the domain of international remittance and FX, there are key players such as Western Union, MoneyGram, and Currency Cloud. That said, in the business verticals we operate in, our solution package presents a compelling offering of cost effectiveness, faster settlement, greater privacy, and system security.
Customers
We currently process transactions for approximately 2,300 business customers in North America, Europe and Asia, and in over 25 industries, including, but not limited to, FX, retail, and e-commerce sectors. We do not rely on any one customer for more than 5% of our processing volume or revenue.
Employees and Human Capital
We currently have approximately 99 full-time employees. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. We consider our relationship with our employees to be satisfactory.
Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and new employees, advisors and consultants. The principal purposes of our short-term incentive and long-term equity incentive plan are to attract, retain and reward personnel to increase stockholder value and the success of our company by motivating such individuals to perform to the best of their abilities and achieve our objectives.
Recent Developments
In February 2024, the Company transitioned its QuickCard product in North America away from terminal-based to app-based processing. This transition coincided with a change in our banking partner that was prompted by recent changes in the compliance environment and banking regulations. The unforeseen abrupt nature of the transition and slow initial adoption of the app-based product has led to a significant decline in processing volume in North America. This in turn has adversely affected revenue in the North America segment and, as a result, management anticipates consolidated revenue for the first quarter of 2024 will be down sequentially by approximately 30 percent overall, which is primarily attributable to this product transition. See Note 17, Subsequent Events, for additional information.
The temporary decline in revenue described above has adversely impacted the Company’s liquidity in its North America segment in the short term. As a result, management has determined that its cash and cash equivalents in the North America segment as of December 31, 2023, will not be sufficient to fund the segment’s operations and capital needs for the next 12 months from the issuance of this Report. Management’s intended plan over the next twelve months to address the temporary liquidity shortfall in the North America segment includes, but is not limited to, the following:
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acceleration of the Company’s business development efforts to drive volumes in diversified business verticals;
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the implementation of cost control measures to more effectively manage spending in the North America segment and right sizing the organization, where appropriate;
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repatriation of offshore profits from the Company’s European subsidiaries, whose continued accelerated growth and generation of positive cash flow have already provided, and will continue to provide, an immediate and viable short-term source of capital during this product transition; and
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a capital raise, which the Company intends to negotiate and consummate in the immediate term.
Management has assessed that its intended plan is appropriate and sufficient to address the liquidity shortfall in its North America segment. However, there can be no guarantee that we will be successful in implementing our plan or in acquiring additional funding, that our projections of our future capital needs will prove accurate, or that any additional funding will be sufficient to continue our operations in the North America segment. Refer to the “Going Concern” subsection within Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for additional information.
Logicquest Technology, Inc.
In April 2023, we executed a purchase agreement for 99.4 million shares of restricted common stock of Logicquest Technology, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Logicquest”) representing ownership of 99.1% of Logicquest, 48 shares of Series C Convertible Non-Redeemable Preferred Stock of Logicquest, and 10 shares of Series D Convertible Non-Redeemable Preferred Stock of Logicquest, in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $225,000. Logicquest was a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) quoted on the Over-the-Counter Pink Open Market under the symbol “LOGQ” and is required to file reports and other information with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act. In June 2023, we merged the assets of Coyni, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Logicquest, with Logicquest as the surviving entity. Subsequently, Logicquest changed its name to Coyni, Inc. (“Coyni PubCo”). In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company amended the share purchase agreement to reflect 98 million shares of restricted common stock of Logicquest, 48 shares of Series C Convertible Non-Redeemable Preferred Stock of Logicquest, and 10 shares of Series D Convertible Non-Redeemable Preferred Stock of Logicquest, in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $225,000. In accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, this transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition and the acquired assets are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2023.
As previously disclosed, the Company originally intended to transfer the Coyni Platform assets, which are owned by the Company, into Coyni PubCo, and subsequently spin-off Coyni PubCo into a new publicly traded entity. However, we subsequently determined that it was in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders to retain the Coyni Platform at the Company to expand payment processing and banking-as-a-service solutions. As such, management no longer plans to pursue a spin-off of Coyni PubCo.
Issuance of Convertible Note
On November 8, 2021, we sold and issued, in a registered direct offering, an 8% Senior convertible note, originally due November 3, 2023, and subsequently extended to April 5, 2025, in the aggregate original principal amount of $100 million (the “Note”). The Note had an original issue discount of sixteen percent (16%) resulting in gross proceeds to us of $84 million. The Note was sold pursuant to the terms of a Securities Purchase Agreement, dated November 2, 2021, between us and the investor in the Note (the “Investor”).
The Note was issued on November 8, 2021, pursuant to an indenture dated November 2, 2021 between us and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as trustee (the “Base Indenture”), as supplemented by a first supplemental indenture thereto, dated November 2, 2021, relating to the Notes (the “First Supplemental Indenture” and the Base Indenture as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, the “First Indenture”). The terms of the Note include those provided in the First Indenture and those made part of the First Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act.
First Exchange Agreement
On July 25, 2023, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement (the “First Exchange Agreement”) under which the Company and the Investor agreed to exchange (the “Series A Exchanges”), in two separate exchanges, an aggregate of $22.703 million of the outstanding principal and interest under the Note for 15,000 shares of a newly authorized series of preferred stock of the Company designated as Series A Preferred Convertible Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), the terms of which are set forth in a Certificate of Designations of Rights and Preferences of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of RYVYL, Inc. (the “Series A Certificate of Designations”), which the Company filed with the Nevada Secretary of State prior to the initial issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock.
On July 31, 2023, pursuant to the terms of the First Exchange Agreement, the Company closed the initial exchange (the “Initial Series A Exchange”) and issued 6,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for $4.297 million of the outstanding principal balance of the Note and $1.703 million of accrued interest. Additionally, upon satisfaction of all applicable closing conditions, including, without limitation, the Company having obtained any stockholder approval required for the consummation of the transactions and the issuance of the Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock (unless waived by the applicable other party), in the final exchange (the “Final Series A Exchange”), the parties agreed to exchange the remaining $16.703 million of outstanding principal balance subject to the Series A Exchanges for 9,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock on a date mutually agreed to by the Company and the Investor.
As part of the First Exchange Agreement, the Company also agreed to allow for the conversion of up to an additional $9.0 million of principal (together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon) of the Note at a conversion price equal to 97.5% of the lower of (x) the then in effect conversion price and (y) the lowest volume weighted average price of the Company’s Common Stock during the five trading days immediately prior to such conversion; and the Investor agreed to waive any interest that would otherwise accrue on the Note during the period commencing on April 1, 2023 through, and including, December 31, 2023.
Second Exchange Agreement
Under the terms of the First Exchange Agreement, a final closing was to be held upon which the Investor was to exchange an additional $16.703 million of principal of the Note into 9,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (the “Unissued Series A Preferred Stock”) which shares of Unissued Series A Preferred Stock were convertible into shares of Common Stock, in accordance with the terms of the Series A Certificate of Designations.
On November 27, 2023, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement (the “Second Exchange Agreement”) with the Investor under which the Company and the Investor agreed to exchange (the “Series B Exchange”), (i) all of the existing shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued to the Investor in the Initial Series A Exchange, (ii) the right to exchange the shares of Unissued Series A Preferred Stock for an additional $16.703 million of principal of the Note, and (iii) $60.303 million of the outstanding principal under the Note for 55,000 shares of a newly authorized series of preferred stock of the Company designated as Series B Preferred Convertible Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), the terms of which are set forth in a Certificate of Designations of Rights and Preferences of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of RYVYL Inc. (the “Series B Certificate of Designations”), which the Company filed with the Nevada Secretary of State prior to the initial issuance of any shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock is further described in Note 10, Convertible Preferred Stock. As additional consideration for the Series B Exchange, the Company has also agreed to make a cash payment to the Investor in the amount of $3.0 million. As part of the Second Exchange Agreement, the Investor also agreed to forbear from requiring the repayment of the Note (to the extent such repayment obligation arises solely as a result of the occurrence of the maturity date and not with respect to any event of default or redemption rights in the Note or pursuant to the Indenture (as such term is defined in the Second Exchange Agreement)) during the period commencing on November 5, 2024 through, and including, April 5, 2025; and to extend the waiver of payment of interest under the Note through July 1, 2024.
On November 29, 2023, the Company closed the Series B Exchange, pursuant to which the Company issued to the Investor 55,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and paid the Investor a cash payment in the amount of $3.0 million, in exchange for 6,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock previously issued to the Investor, the right to exchange the shares of Unissued Series A Preferred Stock for an additional $16.703 million of principal of the Note, and the reduction of principal of the Note in the aggregate amount of $60.303 million.
Ranking
The Note is the senior unsecured obligations of the Company and not the financial obligations of our subsidiaries. Until such date as the principal amount of the Note is $5 million or less, all payments due under the Note will be senior to all other indebtedness of the Company and/or any of our subsidiaries.
Maturity Date
Under its original terms, unless earlier converted, or redeemed, the Note was to mature on November 3, 2023, the second anniversary of their issuance date, which we refer to herein as the “Maturity Date”, subject to the right of the investors to extend the date:
(i)
if an event of default under the Note has occurred and is continuing (or any event shall have occurred and be continuing that with the passage of time and the failure to cure would result in an event of default under the Note) and
(ii)
for a period of 20 business days after the consummation of a fundamental transaction if certain events occur.
We are required to pay, on the Maturity Date, all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and accrued and unpaid late charges on such principal and interest, if any.
As part of the Restructuring Agreement entered into with the Investor on August 16, 2022 (the “Restructuring Agreement”), the Company obtained a forbearance of the Maturity Date from November 5, 2023 to November 5, 2024. As part of the Second Exchange Agreement entered into with the Investor on November 27, 2023, the Company obtained a further forbearance of the Maturity Date from November 5, 2024 to April 5, 2025.
Interest
The Note bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum (a) shall commence accruing on the date of issuance, (b) shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and twelve 30- day months and (c) shall be payable in cash quarterly in arrears on the first trading day of each calendar quarter or otherwise in accordance with the terms of the Note. If the holder elects to convert or redeem all or any portion of a Note prior to the Maturity Date, all accrued and unpaid interest on the amount being converted or redeemed will also be payable. If we elect to redeem all or any portion of a Note prior to the Maturity Date, all accrued and unpaid interest on the amount being redeemed will also be payable. The interest rate of the Note will automatically increase to 15% per annum upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default (See -“Events of Default” below).
Subject to the satisfaction of certain equity conditions, the terms of the Restructuring Agreement require the holder to voluntarily convert certain interest payments when due under the Note at 95% of the lower of (i) the then in effect conversion price and (ii) the lowest volume weighted average price of our common stock during the five trading days immediately prior to such conversion.
As part of the First Exchange Agreement, the Investor agreed to waive any interest that would otherwise accrue on the Note during the period commencing on April 1, 2023 through, and including, December 31, 2023. As part of the Second Exchange Agreement, the Investor agreed to extend the waiver of payment of interest under the Note through July 1, 2024.
Late Charges
We are required to pay a late charge of 15% on any amount of principal or other amounts that are not paid when due.
Conversion
Fixed Conversions at Option of Holder
The holder of the Note may convert all, or any part, of the outstanding principal and interest of the Note, at any time at such holder’s option, into shares of our Common Stock at an initial fixed conversion price, which is subject to:
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proportional adjustment upon the occurrence of any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination and/or similar transactions; and
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full-ratchet adjustment in connection a subsequent offering at a per share price less than the fixed conversion price then in effect.
Pursuant to the original terms of the Note, since during the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2022, the Company (i) failed to process at least $750 million in transaction volume or (ii) had revenue that was less than $12 million, the Note’s fixed conversion price then in effect exceeded the greater of (x) the Note's $1.67 floor and (y) 140% of the market price as of April 1, 2022 (the “Adjustment Measuring Price”), on April 1, 2022, the fixed conversion price automatically adjusted to the Adjustment Measuring Price.
As part of the Restructuring Agreement, the Company agreed to allow for the conversion of up to $4.5 million of principal (together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon) of the Note at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) $2.40 and (ii) 97.5% of the lower of (x) the then in effect conversion price and (y) the lowest volume weighted average price of our Common Stock during the five trading days immediately prior to such conversion.
As part of the First Exchange Agreement, the Company agreed to allow for the conversion of up to an additional $9.0 million of principal (together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon) of the Note at a conversion price equal to 97.5% of the lower of (x) the then in effect conversion price and (y) the lowest volume weighted average price of our Common Stock during the five trading days immediately prior to such conversion.
1- Year Alternate Optional Conversion
At any time following the first anniversary of the issuance date of the Note, but only if the closing bid price of our Common Stock on the immediately prior trading day is less than $6.50, each holder of the Note shall have the option to convert, at such holder’s option, pro rata, up to $30 million of the principal amount of the Note (in $250,000 increments) at the “alternate optional conversion price, which is equal to the lower of (i) the then in effect conversion price and (ii) the greater of (x) the Note’s $1.67 floor price or (y) 98% of the market price on the conversion date.
Alternate Event of Default Optional Conversion
If an event of default has occurred under the Note, each holder may alternatively elect to convert the Note (subject to an additional 15% redemption premium) at the “Alternate Event of Default Conversion Price” equal to the lesser of:
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the fixed conversion price then in effect; and
the greater of:
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the floor price; and
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80% of the lowest volume weighted average price of our Common Stock during the five trading days immediately prior to such conversion.
Beneficial Ownership Limitation
The Note may not be converted, and shares of Common Stock may not be issued under the Note if, after giving effect to the conversion or issuance, the applicable holder of the Note (together with its affiliates, if any) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock, which we refer to herein as the “Note Blocker”. The Note Blocker may be raised or lowered to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99% at the option of the applicable holder of the Note, except that any raise will only be effective upon 61-days’ prior notice to us.
Change of Control Redemption Right
In connection with a change of control of the Company, each holder may require us to redeem in cash all, or any portion, of the Note at a 15% redemption premium to the greater of the face value, the equity value of our Common Stock underlying the Note and the equity value of the change of control consideration payable to the holder of our Common Stock underlying the Note.
The equity value of our Common Stock underlying the Note is calculated using the greatest closing sale price of our Common Stock during the period immediately preceding the consummation or the public announcement of the change of control and ending the date the holder gives notice of such redemption.
The equity value of the change of control consideration payable to the holder of our Common Stock underlying the Note is calculated using the aggregate cash consideration and aggregate cash value of any non-cash consideration per share of our Common Stock to be paid to the holders of our Common Stock upon the change of control.
Events of Default
Under the terms of the First Supplemental Indenture, the events of default contained in the Base Indenture shall not apply to the Note. Rather, the Note contains standard and customary events of default including but not limited: (i) the suspension from trading or the failure to list our Common Stock within certain time periods; (ii) failure to make payments when due under the Note; and (iii) bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company.
If an event of default occurs, each holder may require us to redeem all or any portion of the Note (including all accrued and unpaid interest and late charges thereon), in cash, at a 15% redemption premium to the greater of the face value and the equity value of our Common Stock underlying the Note.
The equity value of our Common Stock underlying the Note is calculated using the greatest closing sale price of our Common Stock on any trading day immediately preceding such event of default and the date we make the entire payment required.
Company Optional Redemption Rights
At any time no event of default exits, we may redeem all, but not less than all, the Note outstanding in cash all, or any portion, of the Note at a 5% redemption premium to the greater of the face value and the equity value of our Common Stock underlying the Note.
The equity value of our Common Stock underlying the Note is calculated using the greatest closing sale price of our Common Stock on any trading day during the period commencing on the date immediately preceding such date the Company notifies the applicable holder of such redemption election and the date we make the entire payment required.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 3131 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1400, San Diego, CA 92108. Our telephone number is (619) 631-8261. The address of our website is www.ryvyl.com. The inclusion of our web address in this Report does not include or incorporate by reference the information on our website into this Report.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following describes material risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could have a material effect on us and our operations. The risks described below may not be the only risks we face, as our business and operations may also be subject to risks that we do not yet know of, or that we currently believe are immaterial. If any of the events or circumstances described below actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow could be materially and adversely affected and the trading price of our common stock could decline. The following risk factors should be read in conjunction with the other information contained herein, including the financial statements and the related notes. An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
The loss of key personnel or the inability of replacements to quickly and successfully perform in their new roles could adversely affect our business.
We depend on the leadership and experience of our relatively small number of key executive management personnel, particularly our Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) and Executive Vice President, Ben Errez, and our Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fredi Nisan. The loss of the services of any of our key executives or any of our executive management members could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects, as we may not be able to find suitable individuals to replace such personnel on a timely basis or without incurring increased costs, or at all. Furthermore, if we lose or terminate the services of one or more of our key employees or if one or more of our current or former executives or key employees joins a competitor or otherwise competes with us, it could impair our business and our ability to successfully implement our business plan. Additionally, if we are unable to hire qualified replacements for our executive and other key positions in a timely fashion, our ability to execute our business plan would be harmed. Even if we can quickly hire qualified replacements, we would expect to experience operational disruptions and inefficiencies during any transition. We believe that our future success will depend on our continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel. There is a high level of competition for experienced, successful personnel in our industry. Our inability to meet our executive staffing requirements in the future could impair our growth and harm our business.
Our executive officers, directors, and principal shareholders maintain the ability to control substantially all matters submitted to shareholders for approval.
As of December 31, 2023, our executive officers, directors, and shareholders who owned more than 5% of our outstanding Common Stock, in the aggregate, beneficially owned 2,229,819 shares of Common Stock representing approximately 36% of our outstanding capital stock. As a result, if these shareholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to control substantially all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, would control the election of directors and approval of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of us on terms that other shareholders may desire.
Low demand for new products and the inability to develop and introduce new products at favorable margins could adversely impact our performance and prospects for future growth.
Our competitive advantage is due in part to our ability to develop and introduce new products in a timely manner at favorable margins. The uncertainties associated with developing and introducing new products, such as market demand and costs of development and production, may impede the successful development and introduction of new products on a consistent basis. Introduction of new technology may result in higher costs to us than that of the technology replaced. That increase in costs, which may continue indefinitely or until increased demand and greater availability in the sources of the new technology drive down its cost, could adversely affect our results of operations. Market acceptance of the new products introduced in recent years and scheduled for introduction in future years may not meet sales expectations due to various factors, such as the failure to accurately predict market demand, end-user preferences, evolving industry standards, or the emergence of new or disruptive technologies. Moreover, the ultimate success and profitability of the new products may depend on our ability to resolve technical and technological challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner. Our investments in productive capacity and commitments to fund advertising and product promotions in connection with these new products could erode profits if those expectations are not met.
A prolonged economic downturn could adversely affect our business.
Uncertain global economic conditions could adversely affect our business. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted some of our clients as they saw reductions in revenues due to business closures which caused our processing volume to decline. Negative global and national economic trends, such as decreased consumer and business spending, high unemployment levels and declining consumer and business confidence, pose challenges to our business and could result in declining revenues, profitability and cash flow. Although we continue to devote significant resources to support our brands, unfavorable economic conditions may negatively affect demand for our products.
We could face substantial competition, which could reduce our market share and negatively impact our net revenue.
Although we believe there is currently no other company in the payment facilitator industry using, as we are, blockchain infrastructure, notable companies in the payment facilitator industry include PayPal, Stripe, and Square. Many of our payment facilitator competitors are significantly larger than we are and have considerably greater financial, technical, marketing, and other resources than we do. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
It may be illegal now, or in the future, to participate in blockchains or utilize similar digital assets in one or more countries, the ruling of which would adversely affect us.
Although currently cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based solutions generally are not regulated or are lightly regulated in most countries, one or more countries such as China and Russia may take regulatory actions in the future that could severely restrict the right to acquire, own, hold, sell or use these digital assets or to exchange for fiat currency. Such restrictions may adversely affect us. Such circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern or to pursue our new strategy at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations.
The development and acceptance of competing blockchain platforms or technologies may cause consumers to use alternative distributed ledgers or other alternatives.
The development and acceptance of competing blockchain platforms or technologies may cause consumers to use alternative distributed ledgers or an alternative to distributed ledgers altogether. This may adversely affect us and our exposure to various blockchain technologies and prevent us from realizing the anticipated profits from our investments. Such circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern or to pursue our new strategy at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or operations.
Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
From time to time in the normal course of our business operations, we may become subject to litigation involving intellectual property, data privacy and security, consumer protection, commercial disputes and other matters that may negatively affect our operating results if changes to our business operation are required. We may also be subject to a variety of claims including product warranty, product liability, and consumer protection claims related to product defects, among other litigation. We may also be subject to claims involving health and safety, other environmental impacts, or service disruptions or failures. The cost to defend such litigation may be significant and may require a diversion of our resources. There also may be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could negatively affect customer perception of our business, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable. As a result, litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, insurance may not cover existing or future claims, be sufficient to fully compensate us for one or more of such claims or continue to be available on terms acceptable to us. A claim brought against us that is uninsured or underinsured could result in unanticipated costs, thereby adversely affecting our results of operations and resulting in a reduction in the trading price of our stock.
Expectations relating to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations could expose us to potential liabilities, increased costs, and reputational harm.
We are subject to laws, regulations, and other measures that govern a wide range of topics, including those related to matters beyond our core products and services. For instance, new laws, regulations, policies, and international accords relating to ESG matters, including sustainability, climate change, human capital, and diversity, are being developed and formalized in Europe, the U.S., and elsewhere, which may entail specific, target-driven frameworks and/or disclosure requirements. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to adhere to our public statements, comply fully with developing interpretations of ESG laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and standards could harm our business, reputation, financial condition, and operating results.
Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry, including events or concerns involving liquidity, defaults or non-performance by financial institutions, have and could in the future, adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or prospects.
The funds in our accounts are held in banks or other financial institutions. Our funds held in non-interest bearing and interest-bearing accounts would exceed any applicable Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. Should events, including limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments occur with respect to the banks or other financial institutions that hold our funds, or that affect financial institutions or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, our liquidity may be adversely affected. For example, on March 10, 2023, the FDIC announced that Silicon Valley Bank had been closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. Although we did not have any funds in Silicon Valley Bank or other institutions that have been closed, we cannot guarantee that the banks or other financial institutions that hold our funds will not experience similar issues.
Our business is dependent on our strategic banking relationships to process our electronic transactions. If we are unable to secure or retain a banking partner due to market conditions in the financial services industry, our financial condition will be materially affected.
In addition, investor concerns regarding the U.S. or international financial systems could result in less favorable commercial financing terms, including higher interest rates or costs and tighter financial and operating covenants, or systemic limitations on access to credit and liquidity sources, thereby making it more difficult for us to acquire financing on terms favorable to us could have material adverse impacts on our liquidity, our business, financial condition or results of operations, and our prospects. Our business is dependent on our strategic banking relationships to process our electronic transaction. Our business and our relationships with banking partners has been and may in the future, be adversely impacted by these developments in ways that we cannot predict at this time. There may be additional risks that we have not yet identified, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to avoid negative consequences directly or indirectly from any failure of one or more banks or other financial institutions.
In February 2024, the Company transitioned its QuickCard product in North America away from terminal-based to app-based processing. This transition coincided with a change in our banking partner that was prompted by recent changes in the compliance environment and banking regulations. The unforeseen abrupt nature of the transition and slow initial adoption of the app-based product has led to a significant decline in processing volume in North America. This in turn has adversely affected revenue in the North America segment and, as a result, management anticipates consolidated revenue for the first quarter of 2024 will be down sequentially by approximately 30 percent overall, which is primarily attributable to this product transition. See Note 17, Subsequent Events, for additional information.
As a result of the developments described above, the Company’s liquidity in its North America segment has been adversely impacted in the short term. In direct response, management has devised a plan, which it has assessed as appropriate and sufficient to address the liquidity shortfall in the North America segment. Refer to the “Going Concern” subsection within Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for details of management’s intended plan and further assessment.
Risks Related to Our Financial Position and Need for Capital
Our financial statements may be materially affected if our estimates prove to be inaccurate as a result of our limited experience in making critical accounting estimates.
Financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) require the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. These estimates, judgments, and assumptions are inherently uncertain, and, if they prove to be wrong, then we face the risk that charges to income will be required. In addition, because we have limited to no operating history and limited experience in making these estimates, judgments, and assumptions, the risk of future charges to income may be greater than if we had more experience in these areas. Any such charges could significantly harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, and the price of our securities.
The restatement of our historical financial statements has consumed a significant amount of our time and resources and may continue to do so.
As further described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, we have restated our consolidated financial statements for the therein. The restatement process was highly time and resource-intensive and involved substantial attention from management, as well as significant legal and accounting costs. Although we have now completed the restatement, we cannot guarantee that we will have no further inquiries from the SEC or The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) regarding our restated consolidated financial statements or matters relating thereto.
Any future inquiries from the SEC or Nasdaq as a result of the restatement of our historical financial statements will, regardless of the outcome, likely consume a significant amount of our resources in addition to those resources already consumed in connection with the restatement itself.
Further, many companies that have been required to restate their historical financial statements have experienced a decline in stock price and stockholder lawsuits related thereto.
Our financial statements may be materially affected as a result of material weaknesses in internal accounting controls.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and Nasdaq rules and regulations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, is designed to prevent fraud. We must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal controls over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting in this Report, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“Section 404”). This requires significant management efforts and requires us to incur substantial professional fees and internal costs to expand our accounting and finance functions. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us, as and when required, conducted in connection with Section 404, or any subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm, as and when required, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, including the material weakness described below, or that may require prospective or retroactive changes to our financial statements, or may identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Furthermore, we cannot be certain that our efforts will be sufficient to remediate or prevent future material weaknesses or significant deficiencies from occurring.
We have identified control deficiencies in the design and implementation of our internal control over financial reporting that constituted a material weakness. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could adversely affect the results of the period including management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that we will eventually be required to include in our periodic reports that are filed with the SEC. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock. The material weakness that was identified, which relates to internal control over financial reporting, is as follows:
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Currently, management does not have a complete process in place to fully reconcile the transactions between its operating system (a Company-developed platform) and its general ledger system, at the individual transaction level. This deficiency hampers the Company’s ability to timely and accurately identify differences that may require adjustment to its consolidated financial statements.
As described in Item 9A of Part II of this Report, management is in the process of remediating the deficiency described above and intends to take any additional actions as may be deemed appropriate to further strengthen the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. However, because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Additionally, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In the future, we may identify additional material weaknesses that may cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in material misstatements of our financial statements. If we fail to remediate such material weaknesses or if we otherwise fail to establish and maintain effective control over financial reporting, our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results could be adversely affected.
We may require additional financing to sustain or grow our operations. Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our existing stockholders and investors, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our products and/or product candidates on unfavorable terms to us.
We may seek additional capital through a variety of means, including through private and public equity offerings and debt financings, collaborations, strategic alliances, and marketing or licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, or through the issuance of shares under other types of contracts, or upon the exercise or conversion of outstanding options, warrants, convertible debt or other similar securities, the ownership interests of our stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of such financings may include liquidation or other preferences, anti-dilution rights, conversion and exercise price adjustments and other provisions that adversely affect the rights of our stockholders, including rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our holders of Common Stock in terms of the payment of dividends or in the event of a liquidation. In addition, debt financing, if available, could include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take certain actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, entering into licensing arrangements, or declaring dividends and may require us to grant security interests in our assets. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances, or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, product or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financing when needed, we may need to curtail or cease our operations.
Our growth will be dependent on our ability to access additional equity and debt capital. We may seek additional capital through a variety of means, including through private and public equity offerings and debt financings, collaborations, and strategic alliances. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, or through the issuance of shares under other types of contracts, or upon the exercise or conversion of outstanding options, warrants, convertible debt or other similar securities, the ownership interests of our stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of such financings may include liquidation or other preferences, anti-dilution rights, conversion and exercise price adjustments and other provisions that adversely affect the rights of our stockholders, including rights, preferences, and privileges that are senior to those of our holders of Common Stock in terms of the payment of dividends or in the event of a liquidation. In addition, debt financing, if available, could include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take certain actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends and may require us to grant security interests in our assets. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances, or marketing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, products, and services. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financing when needed, we may need to curtail or cease our operations.
We may not realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or investments in joint ventures, or those benefits may be delayed or reduced in their realization.
Acquisitions and investments are likely to be a component of our growth and the development of our business in the future. Acquisitions can broaden and diversify our product concepts. In reviewing potential acquisitions or investments, we target assets or companies that we believe offer attractive products or offerings, the ability for us to leverage our offerings, competencies, or other synergies.
The combination of two or more independent businesses is a complex, costly, and time-consuming process that will require significant management attention and resources. The integration process may disrupt the businesses and, if implemented ineffectively, would limit the expected benefits of the acquisition. The failure to meet the challenges involved in integrating businesses and realizing the anticipated benefits could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, our activities and could adversely affect our results of operations. The overall integration of the businesses may result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses, loss of customer and other business relationships, and diversion of management’s attention. The difficulties of combining the operations of the companies include, among others:
●
the diversion of management’s attention to integration matters;
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difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities, and growth prospects from the combination;
●
potential challenges in obtaining requisite government regulatory approvals;
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difficulties in the integration of operations and systems; and
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conforming standards, controls, procedures, accounting and other policies, business cultures, and compensation structures between the two companies.
We cannot be certain that the products and offerings of companies we may acquire, or acquire an interest in, will achieve or maintain popularity with consumers in the future or that any such acquired companies or investments will allow us to market our products more effectively, develop our competencies or to grow our business. In some cases, we expect that the integration of the companies that we may acquire into our operations will create production, marketing and other operating, revenue or cost synergies which will produce greater revenue growth and profitability and, where applicable, cost savings, operating efficiencies and other advantages. However, we cannot be certain that these synergies, efficiencies and cost savings will be realized. Even if achieved, these benefits may be delayed or reduced in their realization. In other cases, we may acquire or invest in companies that we believe have strong and creative management, in which case we may plan to operate them more autonomously rather than fully integrating them into our operations. We cannot be certain that the key talented individuals at these companies will continue to work for us after the acquisition or that they will develop popular and profitable products or services in the future. We cannot guarantee that any acquisition or investment we may make will be successful or beneficial, and acquisitions can consume significant amounts of management attention and other resources, which may negatively impact other aspects of our business.
Our operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, which could cause fluctuations in the price of our securities.
We are subject to the following factors that may negatively affect our operating results:
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our ability to upgrade and develop our systems and infrastructure to accommodate growth;
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our ability to attract and retain key personnel in a timely and cost-effective manner;
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technical difficulties;
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the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to the expansion of our business, operations, and infrastructure;
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our ability to identify and enter into relationships with appropriate and qualified third-party providers for necessary development and manufacturing services;
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regulation by federal, state, or local governments;
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banking industry turmoil and headwinds in the digital asset space; and
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general economic conditions, as well as economic conditions specific to the entertainment, theme park, party items, arts and crafts, and packaging industries.
As a result of our lack of any operating history and the nature of the markets in which we compete, it is difficult for us to forecast our revenues or earnings with a high degree of certainty. As a strategic response to changes in the competitive environment, we may from time to time make certain decisions concerning expenditures, pricing, service, or marketing that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Due to the foregoing factors, our quarterly revenues and operating results are difficult to forecast.
Risks Related to Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Intellectual Property
We are increasingly dependent on information technology, and potential cyberattacks, security problems, or other disruption and expanding social media vehicles present new risks.
We rely on information technology networks and systems, including the internet, to process, transmit, and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes, including financial transactions and records, billing, and operating data. We may purchase some of our information technology from vendors, on whom our systems will depend, and we rely on commercially available systems, software, tools, and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission, and storage of confidential operator and other customer information. We depend upon the secure transmission of this information over public networks. Our networks and storage applications could be subject to unauthorized access by hackers or others through cyberattacks, which are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated, or by other means, or may be breached due to operator error, malfeasance or other system disruptions. In some cases, it will be difficult to anticipate or immediately detect such incidents and the damage they cause. Any significant breakdown, invasion, destruction, interruption, or leakage of information from our systems could harm our business.
Further, in the normal course of our business, we collect, store and transmit proprietary and confidential information regarding our customers, employees, and others, including personally identifiable information. An operational failure or breach of security from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats could lead to loss, misuse or unauthorized disclosure of this information about our employees or customers, which may result in regulatory or other legal proceedings, and have a material adverse effect on our business. We also may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks. Any such attacks or precautionary measures taken to prevent anticipated attacks may result in increasing costs, including costs for additional technologies, training and third-party consultants. The losses incurred from a breach of data security and operational failures as well as the precautionary measures required to address this evolving risk may adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Privacy regulation is an evolving area and compliance with applicable privacy regulations may increase our operating costs or adversely impact our ability to service our clients and market our products and services.
Because we store, process and use data, some of which contains personal information, we are subject to complex and evolving federal, state, and foreign laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection, and other matters. While we believe we are currently in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in investigations, claims, changes to our business practices, increased cost of operations, and declines in user growth, retention, or engagement, any of which could seriously harm our business.
Data privacy and security concerns relating to our technology and our practices could cause us to incur significant liability and deter current and potential users from using our products and services. Software bugs or defects, security breaches, and attacks on our systems could result in the improper disclosure and use of user data and interference with our users’ ability to use our products and services, harming our business operations.
Concerns about our practices with regard to the collection, use, disclosure, or security of personal information or other data-privacy-related matters, even if unfounded, could harm our financial condition, and operating results. Our policies and practices may change over time as expectations regarding privacy and data change. Our products and services involve the storage and transmission of proprietary information, and bugs, theft, misuse, defects, vulnerabilities in our products and services, and security breaches expose us to a risk of loss of this information, improper use and disclosure of such information, litigation, and other potential liability. Systems and control failures, security breaches and/or inadvertent disclosure of user data could result in government and legal exposure, seriously harm our business, and impair our ability to attract and retain customers.
We may experience cyber-attacks and other attempts to gain unauthorized access to our systems. We may experience future security issues, whether due to employee error or malfeasance or system errors or vulnerabilities in our or other parties’ systems, which could result in significant legal and financial exposure. We may be unable to anticipate or detect attacks or vulnerabilities or implement adequate preventative measures. Attacks and security issues could also compromise trade secrets and other sensitive information, harming our business. As a result, we may suffer significant legal or financial exposure, which could harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Third-party claims of infringement against us could adversely affect our ability to market our products and require us to redesign our products or seek licenses from third parties.
We are susceptible to intellectual property lawsuits that could cause us to incur substantial costs, pay substantial damages, or prohibit us from distributing our products. Whether a product infringes a patent involves complex legal and factual issues, the determination of which is often uncertain. In addition, because patent applications can take many years to issue, there may be applications now pending of which we are unaware, which later may result in issued patents that our products may infringe. If any of our products infringe a valid patent, we could be prevented from distributing that product unless and until we can obtain a license or redesign it to avoid infringement. A license may not be available or may require us to pay substantial royalties. We also may not be successful in any attempt to redesign the product to avoid any infringement. Infringement and other intellectual property claims, with or without merit, can be expensive and time-consuming to litigate, and we may not have the financial and human resources to defend ourselves against any infringement suits that may be brought against us.
We may employ individuals who were previously employed by companies that are developing blockchain or cryptocurrency products and technology, including our competitors or potential competitors. To the extent our employees are involved in research areas which are similar to those areas in which they were involved at their former employers, we may be subject to claims that such employees and/or we have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed the alleged trade secrets or other proprietary information of the former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against such claims, which could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and which may have a material adverse effect on us, even if we are successful in defending such claims.
We also rely in our business on trade secrets, know-how and other proprietary information. We seek to protect this information, in part, through the use of confidentiality agreements with employees, consultants, advisors and others. Nonetheless, we cannot assure you that those agreements will provide adequate protection for our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information and prevent their unauthorized use or disclosure. To the extent that consultants, key employees or other third parties apply technological information independently developed by them or by others to our proposed products, disputes may arise as to the proprietary rights to such information which may not be resolved in our favor. Most of our consultants are employed by or have consulting agreements with third parties and any inventions discovered by such individuals generally will not become our property. There is a risk that other parties may breach confidentiality agreements or that our trade secrets become known or independently discovered by competitors, which could adversely affect us.
Risks Related to Owning Our Common Stock
We are subject to increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management is required to devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives.
As a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company, including costs associated with public company reporting requirements. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules subsequently adopted by the SEC and Nasdaq to implement provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, impose significant requirements on public companies, including requiring establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and changes in corporate governance practices. Further, in July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, was enacted. There are significant corporate governance and executive compensation related provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act that require the SEC to adopt additional rules and regulations in these areas, such as “say on pay” and proxy access. Stockholder activism, the current political environment and the current high level of government intervention and regulatory reform may lead to substantial new regulations and disclosure obligations, which may lead to additional compliance costs and impact the manner in which we operate our business in ways we cannot currently anticipate. Our management and other personnel will devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance programs and monitoring of public company reporting obligations and as a result of the new corporate governance and executive compensation related rules, regulations and guidelines prompted by the Dodd-Frank Act and further regulations and disclosure obligations expected in the future, we will likely need to devote additional time and costs to comply with such compliance programs and rules. These rules and regulations will cause us to incur significant legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly.
The rules and regulations applicable to public companies have substantially increased our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time-consuming and costly. If these requirements divert the attention of our management and personnel from other business concerns, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The increased costs will decrease our net income and may require us to reduce costs in other areas of our business or increase the prices of our products or services. For example, these rules and regulations made it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to incur substantial costs in the future to maintain the same or similar coverage. We cannot predict or estimate the amount or timing of additional costs we may incur to respond to these requirements. The impact of these requirements could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our Board, our Board committees or as executive officers.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research, about our business, our stock price and our trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Common Stock depends, in part, on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. While we currently have certain analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our Common Stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price could decline. In addition, if our operating results fail to meet the forecast of analysts, our stock price could decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our Common Stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
We lease office space at four locations in the United States (California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Florida) and one location in the EU (Sofia, Bulgaria). Our executive offices are located at 3131 Camino del Rio North, Suite 1400, San Diego, CA.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are currently a party to, and may in the future be involved in, various litigation matters and legal claims. Refer to Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies, within Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Market Information
Our Common Stock is traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “RVYL.”
Holders
As of March 25, 2024, there were 5,995,972 shares of Common Stock outstanding held by approximately 220 holders of record (not including an indeterminate number of beneficial holders of stock held in street name).
Dividends
There have been no cash dividends declared on our Common Stock, and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Dividends are declared at the sole discretion of our Board.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The Company maintains four stock-based compensation plans: the 2020 Incentive and Non-statutory Stock Option Plan (“2020 Plan”); the 2021 Incentive and Non-statutory Stock Option Plan (“2021 Plan”); the 2021 Restricted Stock Plan (“2021 RS Plan”); and the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (“2023 Plan”). The 2023 Plan serves as the successor to the 2020 Plan, the 2021 Plan, and the 2021 RS Plan. The 2023 Plan became effective as of November 2, 2023. Outstanding awards under the 2020 Plan, the 2021 Plan, and the 2021 RS Plan continue to be subject to the terms and conditions of those respective plans. Since November 2, 2023, no additional awards have been nor will be granted in the future, under the 2020 Plan, the 2021 Plan, and the 2021 RS Plan. As of December 31, 2023, the total number of shares available for future issuance under the 2023 Plan is 79,953.
Issuer Repurchases of Common Stock
On January 6, 2022, we announced that the Board approved an increase of $10 million in its share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”), providing for the repurchase of a portion of our outstanding Common Stock for up to $15 million. We did not repurchase any shares during the year ended December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we repurchased 268,376 shares at an aggregate cost of $9.7 million. These repurchases include two related party transactions in which we repurchased 200,000 shares of common stock held by PrivCo, as further described in Item 13 of this Report.
Under the Share Repurchase Program, we are authorized to repurchase shares through open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchases or otherwise in accordance with applicable federal securities laws, including through Rule 10b5-1 trading plans and under Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. The repurchases may be suspended or discontinued completely at any time. The specific timing and amount of repurchases will vary based on available capital resources and other financial and operational performance, market conditions, securities law limitations, and other factors. The repurchases will be made using our cash resources.
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
per Share Paid
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Programs
January 1 to December 31, 2022
268,376
$ 39.40
268,376
$ 653,215
Total
268,376
268,376
653,215
Recent Issuance of Unregistered Securities
We had no sales of unregistered securities in 2023 that have not been previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q other than following:
We issued a total of 4,890 unregistered shares of common stock for the year ended December 31, 2023.The shares were issued to (former) directors of the Board as compensation.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following results are for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands, except per share data):
Year Ended December 31,
Change
% of
% of
Amount
Revenue
Amount
Revenue
Amount
%
Revenue
$ 65,869
100.0 %
$ 32,909
100.0 %
$ 32,960
100.2 %
Cost of revenue
40,157
61.0 %
16,786
51.0 %
23,372
139.2 %
Gross profit
25,712
39.0 %
16,123
49.0 %
9,589
59.5 %
Operating expenses:
Advertising and marketing
0.1 %
1,337
4.1 %
(1,257 )
-94.0 %
Research and development
5,757
8.7 %
6,276
19.1 %
(519 )
-8.3 %
General and administrative
8,678
13.2 %
6,603
20.1 %
2,075
31.4 %
Payroll and payroll taxes
12,017
18.2 %
10,547
32.1 %
1,470
13.9 %
Professional fees
7,076
10.7 %
5,312
16.1 %
1,764
33.2 %
Stock compensation expense
1,853
2.8 %
2,969
9.0 %
(1,116 )
-37.6 %
Depreciation and amortization
2,553
3.9 %
20,917
63.6 %
(18,364 )
-87.8 %
Total operating expenses
38,014
57.7 %
53,961
81.9 %
(15,947 )
-29.6 %
Loss from operations
(12,302 )
-18.7 %
(37,838 )
-57.4 %
25,536
-67.5 %
Other income (expense):
Interest expense
(3,340 )
-5.1 %
(8,169 )
-24.8 %
4,829
-59.1 %
Accretion of debt discount
(13,134 )
-19.9 %
(13,980 )
-42.5 %
-6.0 %
Derecognition expense on conversion of convertible debt
(25,035 )
-38.0 %
(5,709 )
-17.3 %
(19,326 )
338.5 %
Changes in fair value of derivative liability
6,544
9.9 %
16,857
51.2 %
(10,313 )
-61.2 %
Legal settlement expense
(4,142 )
-6.3 %
-
0.0 %
(4,142 )
n/a
Gain on sale of property and equipment
1,069
1.6 %
-
0.0 %
1,069
n/a
Other expense
(2,472 )
-3.8 %
(405 )
-1.2 %
(2,067 )
510.0 %
Total other income (expense)
(40,511 )
-61.5 %
(11,406 )
-17.3 %
(29,104 )
255.2 %
Loss before provision for income taxes
(52,812 )
-80.2 %
(49,244 )
-74.8 %
(3,568 )
7.2 %
Provision for income taxes
0.4 %
(8 )
0.0 %
n/a
Net loss
$ (53,101 )
-80.6 %
$ (49,236 )
-74.7 %
$ (3,866 )
7.9 %
The Company has organized its operations into two reportable segments: North America and International. These segments represent the components of the Company for which separate financial information is available that is utilized on a regular basis by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to assess segment performance, set strategic goals, and allocate the Company's resources. The following table provides a summary of our revenue by operating segment (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue
$ Change
% Change
North America
$ 48,938
$ 28,613
$ 20,325
%
International
16,931
4,296
12,635
%
Total revenue
$ 65,869
$ 32,909
$ 32,960
%
Revenue
Revenue increased by $33.0 million, or 100%, to $65.9 million in the current year from $32.9 million in the previous year. In the North America segment, revenue increased by $20.3 million, or 71.0%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. In the International segment, revenue increased by $12.6 million, or 294.1%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in revenue was primarily driven by significant growth in processing volume, which increased from $1.719 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022 to $3.14 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in processing volume is primarily attributable to the continued expansion of our ISO and partnership network and growth in our global payment processing businesses, banking-as-a-service offering, and American Samoa.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue increased by $23.4 million, or 139.2%, to $40.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $16.8 million in the previous year. In the North America segment, cost of revenue increased by $15.5 million, or 108.8%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. In the International segment, cost of revenue increased by $7.9 million, or 309.2%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Cost of revenue consists of various processing fees paid to gateways and banks, as well as commission payments to the ISOs responsible for establishing and maintaining merchant relationships, and the cost associated with banking-as-a-service offering. The increase in cost of revenue is primarily attributable to the increase in transaction volume, which resulted in higher processing fees paid to gateways and commission payments to ISOs, in both North America and International segments.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses decreased by $15.9 million, or 29.6%, to $38.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $54.0 million in the prior year. The decrease was primarily driven by the following:
●
Advertising and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by $1.3 million, or 94.0%, compared to December 31, 2022. During 2022, the Company incurred higher marketing costs in connection with its rebranding from Greenbox POS to RYVYL and the development of its new corporate website. The Company’s 2023 growth was primarily achieved through its expanding ISO and agent network and direct sales efforts while controlling external marketing efforts.
●
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $2.1 million, or 31.4%, compared to December 31, 2022, primarily due to non-recurring credit losses related to non-continuing legacy accounts and an increase in expenses related to the full year impact of our European subsidiary acquired in mid-2022.
●
Payroll and payroll taxes for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased $1.5 million, or 13.9%, compared to December 31, 2022, primarily due to increased headcount in our acquired European subsidiary to support its growth and expansion strategy.
●
Professional fees for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased $1.8 million, or 33.2%, compared to December 31, 2022, primarily due to higher accounting, consulting, and legal fees associated with the Company’s restatement of prior period consolidated financial statements.
●
Stock compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased $1.1 million, or 37.6%, compared to December 31, 2022, primarily due to a lower stock price associated with grants issued in 2023.
●
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased $18.4 million, or 87.8%, compared to December 31, 2022, primarily due to the $18.1 million write-off of the contracted acquisition of the Sky Financial portfolio during 2022.
Non-Operating Expenses
Non-operating expenses increased by $29.1 million, or 255.2%, to $40.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $11.4 million in the prior year. This increase was primarily due to the following:
●
Excluding accretion expense associated with the Company’s convertible note, interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by $4.8 million, or 59.1%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease is due to the Company’s restructuring of the convertible note during 2023, which included a waiver for interest on the convertible note through June 30, 2024.
●
Derecognition expense on conversion of convertible debt for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $19.3 million, or 338.5%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Additionally, changes in fair value of derivative liability for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by $10.3 million, or 61.2%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in derecognition expense and the decrease in changes in fair value of the derivative liability were both due to the Company’s restructuring of its convertible note, which resulted in a significant reduction of the outstanding principal balance as of December 31, 2023. See Note 9, Long-Term Debt, Net, for additional information.
●
Legal settlement expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $4.1 million, compared to December 31, 2022, due to non-recurring legal settlements during the year.
●
Gain on sale of property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $1.1 million, compared to December 31, 2022, due to the sale of a building owned by the Company’s subsidiary, Charge Savvy.
●
Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased $2.1 million, compared to December 31, 2022, primarily due to the carryover effects of the Company’s restatement of prior period consolidated financial statements.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company’s consolidated working capital at December 31, 2023 was $4.3 million, which included cash and cash equivalents of $12.2 million and restricted cash of $61.1 million. Historically, the Company has financed its operations with proceeds from cash from operations, the sales of equity securities, and its $100 million convertible note. Our material liquidity needs principally relate to working capital requirements and research and development expenditures.
Due to the product transition described in Note 17, Subsequent Events, which has adversely impacted the Company’s liquidity in the short term, we believe that our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023 are not sufficient to fund the North America segment’s operations and capital needs for the next 12 months from the issuance of this Report. Our ability to fund working capital and other expenditures in the North America segment will depend on our ability to generate cash from operating activities from our two operating segments, which is subject to our future operating success, further repatriation of offshore profits from our European subsidiaries, short-term borrowings in the U.S., and a capital raise, which the Company intends to consummate in the near term. The Company has signed an engagement letter with an investment bank and plans to raise capital as needed. However, there can be no guarantee that it will be available on a timely basis or on favorable terms and is subject to factors beyond our control, including general economic, political, and financial market conditions.
Our ability to successfully address the short-term liquidity shortfall in the North America segment is contingent on management’s intended plan over the next twelve months to improve the segment’s liquidity and working capital requirements. Management has determined that its intended plan is appropriate and sufficient to address the liquidity shortfall. However, there can be no guarantee that we will be successful in implementing our plan or in acquiring additional funding, that our projections of our future capital needs will prove accurate, or that any additional funding will be sufficient to continue our operations in the North America segment. See Note 17, Subsequent Events, for additional information.
Cash Flow
The following table shows cash flows for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$ 33,161
$ (9,344 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
2,287
(46,409 )
Net cash used in financing activities
(3,008 )
(10,049 )
Net cash acquired from acquisitions
-
16,719
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$ 32,484
$ (48,726 )
Operating Activities - For the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $33.2 million, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in cash usage from operating activities was primarily due to adjustments for non-cash expenses primarily related to the restructuring of our convertible note ($31.6 million), depreciation expense ($2.6 million), and stock-based compensation ($1.9 million). Cash flow from operating activities was also impacted by increases in payment processing liabilities, other current liabilities, cash due from gateways, net, and prepaid and other current assets.
Investing Activities - For the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by investing activities was $2.3 million, primarily due to the proceeds from the sale of a building owned by the Company’s subsidiary, Charge Savvy. Cash used in investing activities was $46.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to $28.8 million paid to acquire Transact Europe Holdings, and, as more fully described elsewhere in this report, consideration paid in connection with an agreement to acquire the Sky Financial portfolio.
Financing Activities - For the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in financing activities was $3.0 million, primarily due to a repayment of principal on our convertible note in connection with the restructuring of that note during the year. Cash used in financing activities was $10.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to repayments of our convertible note and repurchases of the Company’s treasury stock.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”). GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates on historical experience, anticipated future trends, and other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because these estimates require significant judgment, our actual results may differ materially from our estimates.
Cash Due from Gateways
The Company generates the majority of its revenue from payment processing services provided to its merchant clients. When a merchant makes a sale, the process of receiving the payment card information, engaging the banks for transferring the proceeds to the merchant’s account via digital gateways, and recording the transaction on a blockchain ledger, are the activities for which the Company gets to collect fees.
The gateways have strict guidelines pertaining to the scheduling of the release of funds to merchants based on several criteria that include, but are not limited to, return and chargeback history, associated risk for the specific business vertical, average transaction amount, etc. To mitigate potential credit losses associated with these risks, these gateway policies determine reserve requirements and a payment in arrears strategy. While reserve and payment in arrears restrictions are in effect for a merchant payout, the Company records the reserved amounts against cash due from the gateways until released.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
In February 2024, the Company transitioned its QuickCard product in North America away from terminal-based to app-based processing. This transition coincided with a change in our banking partner that was prompted by recent changes in the compliance environment and banking regulations. The unforeseen abrupt nature of the transition and slow initial adoption of the app-based product has led to a significant decline in processing volume in North America. This in turn has adversely affected revenue in the North America segment and, as a result, management anticipates consolidated revenue for the first quarter of 2024 will be down sequentially by approximately 30 percent overall, which is primarily attributable to this product transition. See Note 17, Subsequent Events, for additional information.
The temporary decline in revenue described above has adversely impacted the Company’s liquidity in its North America segment in the short term. As a result, management has determined that its cash and cash equivalents in the North America segment as of December 31, 2023, will not be sufficient to fund the segment’s operations and capital needs for the next 12 months from the issuance of this Report. Management’s intended plan over the next twelve months to address the temporary liquidity shortfall in the North America segment includes, but is not limited to, the following:
●
acceleration of the Company’s business development efforts to drive volumes in diversified business verticals;
●
the implementation of cost control measures to more effectively manage spending in the North America segment and right sizing the organization, where appropriate;
●
repatriation of offshore profits from the Company’s European subsidiaries, whose continued accelerated growth and generation of positive cash flow have already provided, and will continue to provide, an immediate and viable short-term source of capital during this product transition; and
●
a capital raise, which the Company intends to negotiate and consummate in the immediate term.
Management has assessed that its intended plan is appropriate and sufficient to address the liquidity shortfall in its North America segment. However, there can be no guarantee that we will be successful in implementing our plan or in acquiring additional funding, that our projections of our future capital needs will prove accurate, or that any additional funding will be sufficient to continue our operations in the North America segment. Refer to the “Going Concern” subsection within Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for additional information.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business, which primarily relate to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is the local currency in which those subsidiaries operate. Our results of operations and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recorded other comprehensive income of $0.04 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in connection with the foreign currency translation adjustment.
The effect of a hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates applicable to our operations would not have had a material impact on our historical consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. As the impact of foreign currency exchange rates has not been material to our consolidated financial statements, we have not engaged in any foreign currency hedging strategies. As our international operations grow, we will continue to reassess our approach to managing our risk relating to fluctuations in currency rates.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The consolidated financial statements required by this item begin on page of this Report and are incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective because of the material weakness described below. In light of this fact, our management has performed additional analysis, investigations, and other post-closing procedures and has concluded that, notwithstanding the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, the consolidated financial statements for the periods covered by and included in this Report fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented in conformity with GAAP.
Material Weakness in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In connection with their evaluation for the year ended December 31, 2023, management identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting resulting from not having a complete process in place to fully reconcile the transactions between its operating system (a Company-developed platform) and its general ledger system, at the individual transaction level, which hampers the Company’s ability to timely and accurately identify differences that may require adjustment to its consolidated financial statements. As a result, we did not maintain effective controls over the reconciliation of transactions between the Company’s operating system and its general ledger system, at the individual transaction level. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Remediation Plan
We have commenced measures to remediate the identified material weakness, including the implementation of an enhanced reconciliation preparation and review process, and improved reporting from the Company’s operating system.
While we have initiated a plan to remediate the noted material weakness, these actions and planned actions are subject to ongoing evaluation by management and will require testing and validation of design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting over future periods. We are committed to the continuous improvement of our internal control over financial reporting and intend to continue to take actions necessary to remediate deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Company hired a new CFO during the fourth quarter of 2023 and an experienced Corporate Controller in early 2024. Additionally, throughout 2023, management engaged a nationally recognized accounting firm to assist with the accounting for certain complex business transactions. In light of these actions, management has reassessed its internal control over financial reporting and determined that the previously disclosed material weakness related to not having sufficient skillful and experienced accounting personnel to adequately prepare and review its consolidated financial statements, has been remediated.
Except as discussed above, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2023, which has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
We are reporting the following information in Item 9B of this Report in lieu of reporting on a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Effective May 5, 2023, the size of the Board has been increased to five directors with two non-independent directors (Messrs. Errez and Nisan) and three independent directors (Mr. David Montoya, Ms. Genevieve Baer, and Mr. Ezra Laniado). Each Board committee now has three members. William Caragol, N. Adele Hogan and Dennis James (together, the “Directors”) informed the Board on April 12, 2023, that they were resigning from the Board, effective immediately. At the time of resignation, Mr. Caragol served as the chair, and Mr. James served as a member of the three committees of the Board - the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating Committees.
In accordance with the requirements of Item 5.02(a) of Form 8-K, the Company has provided each of the Directors with the opportunity to furnish the Company as promptly as possible with a letter addressed to the Company stating whether they agree with the statements made by the Company in response to Item 5.02(a) of Form 8-K and, if not, stating the respect in which they do not agree. The Company will file any letter provided by any of the Directors in relation thereto by the filing of a Current Report on Form 8-K within two business days after receipt by the Company.
The Directors resigned from the Board due to a disagreement with the Company, known to Messrs. Errez and Nisan, involving the PrivCo related party transaction described in Item 13 of this Report.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The following table sets forth the name, age, and position of each of the Company’s executive officers and directors.
Name
Age
Position(s)
Executive Officers
Ben Errez
Chairman of the Board and Executive Vice President
Fredi Nisan
Director and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Min Wei
Chief Operating Officer
Zechariah Kirscher
Vice President Legal
George Oliva
Chief Financial Officer
Non-Employee Directors
Genevieve Baer
Director
William J. Caragol*
Former Director
N. Adele Hogan*
Former Director
Dennis James*
Former Director
Ezra Laniado
Director
David Montoya
Director
*Resigned on April 12, 2023. See Item 9B
Business Experience of Executive Officers
Ben Errez has acted as Chairman of our Board, Executive Vice President, Principal Financial Officer since July 2017. He has brought this expertise to the Company to lead the Company into the forefront of the blockchain-based financial software, services and hardware market. Since 2017, Errez has been a principal of the GreenBox Business. From August 2004 until August 2015, Errez formed the start-up IHC Capital, where he held the position of Principal Consultant from founding to the present date, through which he advises clients in the South Pacific region with market capitalizations ranging from $50M to $150M on matters such as commerce, security, reliability and privacy. From January 1991 to August 2004, he served as Software Development Lead for the Microsoft International Product Group. He led the International Microsoft Office Components team (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) in design, engineering, development and successful deployment. He also served as Executive Representative of Microsoft Office and was a founding member of the Microsoft Trustworthy Computing Forum, both within the company, and internationally. Errez co-authored the first Microsoft Trustworthy Computing Paper on Reliability. At Microsoft, Mr. Errez was responsible for the development of the first Microsoft software translation Software Development Kit in Hebrew, Arabic, Thai and Simplified Chinese, as well as the development of the first bidirectional extensions to Rich Text Format file format, all bidirectional extensions in text converters for Microsoft Office, and contributed to the development of the international extensions to the Unicode standard to include bidirectional requirements under the World Wide Web Consortium. He received his Bachelor Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the Hebrew University.
Fredi Nisan has served as a Director and our Chief Executive Office since July 2017, and has been a principal of the Company since August 2017. In May 2016, Nisan founded Firmness, LLC. Through Firmness, Nisan created “QuickCitizen,” a software program that simplifies the onboarding process for new clients of law firms specializing in immigration issues. The QuickCitizen software significantly reduced law firm’s onboarding processing time from more than three hours to approximately fifteen minutes. In January 2010, Nisan launched Brava POS, where he served as President until 2015. Brava POS provided POS systems for specialty retail companies. Nisan developed software to provide clients with solutions for issues ranging from inventory management to payroll to processing high volume transactions in the form of a cloud-based POS system. This system had the capability to manage multiple stores with centralized inventory and process sales without an internet connection, and offered a secure login for each employee, as well as including advanced inventory management and reporting, plus powerful functionality for its end users.
Min Wei has served as Chief Operating Officer since February 2022. Mr. Wei is an accomplished operations executive with extensive experience in overseeing and managing the strategic vision while driving operational, managerial and administrative excellence to foster growth. Mr. Wei has built and led teams in international tech companies over the past 20+ years. Prior to joining GreenBox, from March 2020 to February 2022, Mr. Wei was Senior VP, Chief Customer Officer at Cubic Corporation where he spearheaded the cultural shift to win over customers and, from November 2015 to March 2020 he Senior Vice President of Operations at Cubic’s transportation business where he successfully led global service strategy, transformation and technology driven innovation that significantly improved 24x7x365 service performance and user experience for major public transit payment management systems serving 50 million+ people globally. Previously Mr. Wei also held executive positions at Cubic, ERG, and a number of tech companies where he oversaw financial management, business operations and M&A integrations. Mr. Wei is active in promoting technological advancements and digital transformation and served on the advisory board at the Technology & Services Industry Association (TSIA). He holds an MBA with an emphasis in finance, banking and international business from the University of San Francisco.
Zechariah Kirscher has served on the Company’s internal legal team since May 2022, when he joined as Senior Counsel, and was later appointed VP of Legal Affairs in April 2023. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kirscher spent nearly a decade working in law firms in Southern California, most recently at Cooley LLP (“Cooley”) from April 2021 to May 2022 and, before that, DLA Piper (US) (“DLA”) from September 2015 to April 2021. While at Cooley and DLA, Mr. Kirscher represented banks, lenders, private funds, and companies in primarily the venture lending space. Today, Mr. Kirscher leverages his experience with early-stage companies to contribute to the growth and success of RYVYL as it seeks to transform the payments industry. Mr. Kirscher holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Juris Doctor degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
George Oliva joined the RYVYL team in October 2023 as Chief Financial Officer and has over 30 years as a senior finance professional, with a background in corporate finance, treasury, financial planning and analysis, international tax, and strategic planning. Prior to joining RYVYL, he was Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary for Wisa Technologies since 2019. Prior to Wisa, he provided financial consulting services to public and private companies nationwide. He was also a partner with Hardesty LLC, a national executive services firm. Mr. Oliva has held several interim positions with a variety of clients that included a scientific instruments business acquired by a private equity firm, a medical device manufacturer preparing for an IPO, an audio company merger and a yield improvement software company implementing a world-wide ERP system. Mr. Oliva was CFO of Penguin Computing from 2009 through 2013, where he played a leading role in guiding them through a period of rapid growth, twice making the Silicon Valley Business Journal’s list of fastest growing private companies. Prior to Penguin, he was CFO of StreamLogic, a public company doing business as Hammer Storage Solutions, where he navigated its going-private transaction. Prior to serving in such roles, Mr. Oliva was responsible for financial planning and analysis and operational support as the operations controller for Conner Peripherals and at Read-Rite Corporation, both exceeding a billion of revenue in the data storage industry. Mr. Oliva began his career in auditing with Arthur Andersen & Co., a leading public accounting firm. Mr. Oliva is a certified public accountant, currently inactive status. He earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from U.C. Berkeley with a dual emphasis in Accounting and Finance.
Business Experience of Non-Employee Directors
Genevieve Baer has served as a Director since February 2021 and has been chief executive officer of JKH Consulting since 2009. JKH Consulting is a real estate finance consulting firm that has advised on transactions with a collective value of over $10 billion. Prior to her work with JKH Consulting, Ms. Baer worked at Magnet Industrial Bank for 6 years at the end of which tenure she was a Senior Vice President. Ms. Baer also worked at US Bancorp Piper Jaffray for nine years as a Vice President working on equity and debt real estate financings. Ms. Baer earned a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Utah.
Ezra Laniado has served as a Director since February 2021 and has, since 2018, been Executive Director of the San Diego chapter of Friends of Israel Defence Forces and, since 2017, been Regional Director of the San Diego chapter of the Israeli-American Council, two American charitable organizations providing support and funds for Israel and the Israeli community in America. In such capacity, Mr. Laniado has raised over $5 million in donations and managed over 30 volunteers. From 2014 to 2017, Mr. Laniado was Co-Founder and Business Director of Shonglulu Group, a fashion brand. As Business Director, Mr. Laniado raised capital, coordinated the company’s marketing strategy, and implemented its business plan. Prior to 2014, Mr. Laniado was an attorney in Israel for four years. Mr. Laniado received a B.A. and an L.L.B. from the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya.
David Montoya has served as a Director since May 2023 and has been the legal and operations managing partner of Seaview Mezzanine Fund, LP since 2005, where he negotiates and reviews investments and private placements. Seaview is a private equity fund making debt and equity investments into lower and middle market companies. Mr. Montoya has been the Chief Executive Officer of Saugatuck Brands, Inc. since 2017. Saugatuck is a holding company with investments in a regulated industry in California. From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Montoya was an Of Counsel attorney at Breslow & Walker LLP, a law firm, where he advised private equity funds, public companies and private companies with respect to general corporate, M&A, real estate and tax matters. Prior to 2001, Mr. Montoya’s experience included working at the law firm Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and the accounting firm Ernst & Young. Mr. Montoya earned a BS in Finance from St John’s University, an MBA from Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a JD from New York University School of Law. Mr. Montoya is an active member of the New York State Bar Association and a New York State CPA (retired).
Family Relationships
The Company employs two of our CEO’s brothers, Dan and Liron Nusonivich, who are paid approximately $200,000 and $110,000 per year, respectively. There are no family relationships between any of our other directors or executive officers and any other employees or directors or executive officers.
Corporate Governance Overview
Director Independence
The Board has reviewed the independence of our directors based on the listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market. Based on this review, the Board has determined that each of Mr. Montoya, Ms. Baer and Mr. Laniado are independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules. In making this determination, our Board considered the relationships that each of these non-employee directors has with us and all other facts and circumstances our Board deemed relevant in determining their independence. As required under applicable Nasdaq rules, we anticipate that our independent directors will meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only independent directors are present.
Board Committees
The Board has established the following three standing committees: audit committee; compensation committee; and nominating and governance committee or nominating committee. Each of our independent directors, Mr. Montoya, Ms. Baer and Mr. Laniado, serves on each committee. Our Board has adopted written charters for each of these committees. Copies of the charters are available on our website. Our Board may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time.
Audit Committee
The audit committee is responsible for, among other matters:
●
Appointing, compensating, retaining, evaluating, terminating, and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm;
●
discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm the independence of its members from its management;
●
reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm the scope and results of their audit;
●
approving all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm;
●
overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the interim and annual financial statements that we file with the SEC;
●
reviewing and monitoring our accounting principles, accounting policies, financial and accounting controls, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
●
coordinating the oversight by our Board of our code of business conduct and our disclosure controls and procedures;
●
establishing procedures for the confidential and/or anonymous submission of concerns regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters;
●
overseeing and making applicable determinations under the Company’s Executive Compensation Clawback Policy;
●
reviewing and approving related-person transactions; and
●
appointing, compensating, retaining, evaluating, terminating, and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm.
The Board has reviewed the independence of our directors based on the listing standards of Nasdaq. Based on this review, the Board has determined that Mr. Montoya, Ms. Baer and Mr. Laniado all meet the definition of “independent director” for purposes of serving on an audit committee under Rule 10A-3 and Nasdaq rules. The Board has determined that Mr. Montoya qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.
Compensation Committee
The compensation committee is responsible for, among other matters:
●
reviewing key employee compensation goals, policies, plans and programs;
●
overseeing and making applicable determinations under the Company’s Executive Compensation Clawback Policy;
●
reviewing and approving the compensation of our directors and executive officers;
●
reviewing and approving employment agreements and other similar arrangements between us and our executive officers; and
●
appointing and overseeing any compensation consultants or advisors.
Nominating Committee
The purpose of the nominating committee is to assist the Board in identifying qualified individuals to become Board members, in determining the composition of the Board and in monitoring the process to assess Board effectiveness.
Board Leadership Structure
Currently, Mr. Nisan is our Principal Executive Officer and Mr. Errez is Chairman of the Board.
Risk Oversight
Our Board oversees a Company-wide approach to risk management. Our Board determines the appropriate risk level for us generally, assesses the specific risks faced by us, and reviews the steps taken by management to manage those risks. While our Board has ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, its committees oversee risk in certain specified areas.
Specifically, our compensation committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements, and the incentives created by the compensation awards it administers. Our audit committee oversees management of enterprise risks and financial risks, as well as potential conflicts of interests. The Board is responsible for overseeing the management of risks associated with the independence of our Board.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Our Board adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees. A copy of this code is available on our website. We intend to disclose on our website any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any waivers of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, or persons performing similar functions.
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of the Company’s Common Stock to file reports relating to their ownership and changes in ownership of our Common Stock with the SEC. Based on a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and any amendments thereto filed with the SEC and stockholder reports from our transfer agent and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, our officers, directors and 10% or more stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them, except that (i) Mr. Errez filed three late Form 4s covering a total of twenty-one transactions; (ii) Mr. Nisan filed five late Form 4s covering a total of twelve transactions; (iii) Ms. Baer filed four late Form 4s covering seven transactions; (iv) Mr. Laniado filed three late Form 4s covering a total of four transactions; (v) George Oliva filed one late Form 4 covering a total of two transactions; (vi) David Montoya filed five late Form 4s covering a total of six transactions, (vii) Min Wei filed one late Form 4s covering a total of one transaction; and (viii) Zechariah Kirscher filed one late Form 3 and one late Form 4 covering a total of one transaction. The Company has requested all Section 16(a) officers provide power of attorney to the in-house legal team to ensure timely approvals and filing of Section 16(a) reports and is implementing equity software for timely recording and reporting.
Insider Trading Policy
On February 15, 2024, we adopted insider trading policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale, and/or other dispositions of our securities by directors, officers, and employees, which are reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and applicable Nasdaq listing standards (the “Insider Trading Policy”).
The foregoing description of the Insider Trading Policy does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Insider Trading Policy, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 19.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes information concerning the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to, our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and our two most highly compensated executive officers other than the Principal Executive Officer (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”) during fiscal years 2023 and 2022. Our Named Executive Officers in 2022 were Mr. Nisan, Mr. Errez, and Ms. Dollar. Our Named Executive Officers in 2023 were Mr. Nisan, Mr. Errez, and Mr. Wei.
Name and Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
Options
Awards
($)(1)
All Other
Compensation
($)(2)
Total
($)
Ben Errez
380,000
218,585
148,127
88,920
835,632
Chairman/EVP
201,539
48,000
195,812
21,621
80,496
547,468
Fredi Nisan
411,666
217,225
148,927
88,252
866,070
CEO/Director
201,539
48,000
195,812
21,621
74,816
541,788
Min Wei
320,000
160,000
158,400
157,949
33,469
829,818
COO (3)
244,262
-
67,082
-
17,662
329,006
Jacqueline Dollar
60,295
-
-
-
3,626
63,921
Chief Marketing Officer (4)
251,923
2,437
289,500
-
24,092
567,952
(1)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock and stock option awards calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“ASC 718”). These amounts do not necessarily correspond to the actual value that may be recognized by the holder. Refer to Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of this Report for a description of the assumptions used in determining the grant date fair values of these awards.
(2)
All other compensation includes Company paid healthcare insurance premiums, compensation for board memberships, and 401(k) match. For Messrs. Errez and Nisan, as members of the Board, each of their compensation includes $63,000 in cash.
(3)
Mr. Wei joined the Company in February 2022.
(4)
Ms. Dollar joined the Company in 2021 and left in February 2023.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information regarding equity awards held by Mr. Nisan, Mr.Wei, and Mr. Errez (three of our Named Executive Officers for 2023) as of December 31, 2023.
Option Awards(1)
Stock Awards
Name
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options, Exercisable (#)
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options, Not Exercisable (#)
Option
Exercise
Price ($)
Option
			Expiration
Date
Number of Shares
or Units of Stock
That Have Not Vested (#)
Market Value
of Shares
or Units of Stock
That Have Not Vested ($)
Fredi Nisan
8,333
-
$ 60.60
06/01/2026
$ 5,000
-
133.10
06/02/2026
5,000
-
36.60
10/13/2027
1,020
5,000
80,000
-
2.18
11/15/2028
1,587
5,000
2,427
5,000
53,333
$ 105,599
1,628
5,000
Ben Errez
8,333
-
60.60
06/01/2026
5,000
-
133.10
06/02/2026
5,000
-
36.60
10/13/2027
1,020
5,000
80,000
-
2.18
11/15/2028
1,587
5,000
2,427
5,000
53,333
105,599
1,628
5,000
Min Wei
80,000
-
1.98
11/15/2028
53,333
105,599
Employment and Consulting Contracts, Termination of Employment, and Change-in-Control Arrangements
The Company has not entered into employment agreements or other compensation agreements with its executive officers. All employee contracts are “at will.” There are no potential payments payable to the named executive officers upon a termination of employment in connection with a change in control.
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth compensation earned by each non-employee Director who served during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Name
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)(1)
Stock
Awards ($)(2)
Total ($)
Genevieve Baer
$ 30,000
$ 14,542
$ 44,542
William J. Caragol (3)
20,000
39,883
59,883
Dennis James (3)
10,000
19,935
29,935
Ezra Laniado
30,000
14,542
44,542
N. Adele Hogan (3) (4)
10,000
4,939
14,939
David Montoya (5)
68,000
4,402
72,402
(1)
Represents the cash portion of annual director fees for service on the RYVYL Board.
(2)
Represents the fair value of the share awards for the year ended December 31, 2023. These amounts reflect the actual value upon vesting realized by the Board member.
(3)
Resigned on April 12, 2023. See Item 9B.
(4)
Ms. Hogan joined the Board in April 2022.
(5)
Mr. Montoya joined the Board in May 2023.
Each non-employee director has entered into Board of Director Agreements (the “BOD Agreements”). Pursuant to the BOD Agreements, each non-employee director receives cash compensation in the amount of $2,500 per month. Pursuant to the BOD Agreements, each non-employee director will receive equity compensation in the form of shares of Common Stock in an amount equal to $2,500 per month. Each chairman of the independent committees receives cash compensation in the amount of $5,000 per month and equity compensation in the form of shares of Common Stock in an amount equal to $5,000 per month. Additionally, from time to time, each of the independent directors may receive awards pursuant to the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan.
Each non-employee director has agreed to execute an indemnification agreement in favor of the Board member substantially in the form of the agreement attached to each BOD Agreement as Exhibit A (the “Indemnification Agreement”). In addition, so long as the Company’s indemnification obligations exist under the Indemnification Agreement, the Company shall provide the Board member with directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage in the amounts specified in the Indemnification Agreement.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficially owned holdings of: (1) each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Common Stock; (2) each of our directors, nominees for director and named executive officers; and (3) all directors and executive officers as a group. Applicable percentage ownership is based on the 5,995,972 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 25, 2024. A person is considered to beneficially own any shares: (i) over which such person, directly or indirectly, exercises sole or shared voting or investment power, or (ii) of which such person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days through an exercise of stock options or warrants. To the best of our knowledge, each of the persons named in the table below as beneficially owning the shares set forth therein has sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to such shares, unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise specified, the address of each of the persons set forth below is in care of the Company, at 3131 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 1400, San Diego, California.
Name and Address of Owner
Shares of Common
Stock Owned Beneficially
Percent
of Class
5% Holders
GreenBox POS LLC (1)
1,848,922
30.84 %
Officers and Directors
Ben Errez (2)
1,978,652 (3)
32.80 %
Fredi Nisan (4)
1,978,189 (3)
32.79 %
Min Wei
120,802 (5)
2.01 %
George Oliva
8,552
*
Zechariah Kirscher
27,281 (5)
*
Genevieve Baer
10,180 (6)
*
Ezra Laniado
12,896 (6)
*
David Montoya
12,930
*
Total of Officers and Directors (6 Persons)
2,300,560
37.58 %
* Less than 1%
(1)
GreenBox POS LLC (“PrivCo”) holds 1,848,922 shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding stock. PrivCo is managed by its two managing members, Ben Errez and Fredi Nisan.
(2)
Mr. Errez owns 50% of PrivCo and therefore owns 924,461 shares held by PrivCo. As one of two managing members of PrivCo, Mr. Errez has influence over PrivCo’s entire holding of 1,848,922 shares.
(3)
Includes 36,118 fully vested options.
(4)
Mr. Nisan owns 50% of PrivCo and therefore owns 924,461 shares held by PrivCo. As one of two managing members of PrivCo, Mr. Nisan has influence over PrivCo’s entire holding of 1,848,922 shares. Additionally, relatives of Mr. Nisan, who may be influenced by Mr. Nisan, hold 795 shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding stock.
(5)
Includes 26,666 fully vested options.
(6)
Includes 409 fully vested options.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The following is a description of transactions since January 1, 2022 to which we were a party in which (i) the amount involved exceeded or will exceed the lesser of $120,000 or one percent (1%) of our average total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years and (ii) any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of our capital stock, or any member of the immediate family of, or person sharing the household with, any of the foregoing persons, who had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other similar arrangements, which are described under “Executive and Director Compensation.”
PrivCo
The Company repurchased, in two separate repurchase transactions each consisting of 100,000 shares of common stock, an aggregate of 200,000 shares owned by PrivCo (an entity controlled by Messrs. Errez and Nisan). In October 2022, the Board unanimously ratified these two repurchase transactions between the Company and PrivCo. The Company repurchased 100,000 shares for a price per share of $55.90 (for total proceeds to PrivCo of $5,590,000) (the “First Repurchase”) and 100,000 shares for a price per share of $8.20 (for total proceeds to PrivCo of $820,000) (the “Second Repurchase”). The First Repurchase was based on the closing price of the common stock on November 24, 2021 and took place over a number of months starting in February 2022 and ending in October 2022. The Second Repurchase was based on the closing price of the common stock on July 29, 2022 and took place in October 2022. The purpose of each of these transactions was to allow the Company to issue shares to new shareholders without increasing the Company’s shares outstanding. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were 100,525 and 105,417 shares available, respectively, of the 200,000 shares of common stock under the aforementioned transactions.
Kenneth Haller
The following are certain transactions between the Company and the Haller Companies for the year ended December 31, 2022. Mr. Haller was an employee of the Company through March 31, 2022.
Mr. Haller owns 100% of Sky Financial, a Wyoming limited liability company, and serves as its sole Managing Member. Sky Financial is a strategic merchant services company that focuses on high risk merchants and international credit card processing solutions. In 2018, Sky Financial was using GreenBox’s QuickCard payment system as its main payment processing infrastructure, through Sky Financial’s relationship with Mtrac. It was through this successful relationship that we came to know Mr. Haller and the Haller Network. Realizing that the Haller Network and Mr. Haller’s unique skill set was highly complementary to our business objectives, we commenced discussions to retain Mr. Haller through his consulting firm, Sky Financial, for a senior role, directly responsible for growing GreenBox’s operations. Subsequently, in November 2018, Mr. Haller was appointed as our Senior Vice President of Payment Systems, for a monthly consulting fee of $10,000, paid to Sky Financial.
On March 31, 2022, the Company entered into and closed an asset purchase agreement with Sky Financial to purchase a portfolio of certain merchant accounts. The Company paid $16,000,000 in cash at closing and issued 500,000 shares of restricted common stock on May 12, 2022. As of March 31, 2022, Mr. Haller is no longer an employee of the Company. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had not received the delivery of the acquired merchant list and the associated ISO management portal access. As a result, it wrote-off the entire purchase price during the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company is actively pursuing its entitlements under the purchase agreement. See Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies, for further information.
Ms. Hogan
Ms. Hogan joined the Board on April 4, 2022 and resigned on April 12, 2023. Ms. Hogan was a Partner and Co-Chair of the Corporate and Securities Practice Group at Lucosky Bookman LLP from March 2021 until November 2022. Lucosky Brookman provided legal services to the Company through July 2023. For the period from January 1, 2022, through April 15, 2023, the Company paid $514,151 in legal fees to Lucosky Brookman.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The following table presents fees paid for professional and other services rendered to the Company by Simon & Edward, LLP in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, BF Borgers CPA, PC in the year ended December 31, 2022, and KYJ, LLP in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. On April 19, 2022 BF Borgers CPA, PC was dismissed as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and Simon & Edward, LLP was appointed as the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm.
Year Ended December 31,
Audit Fees (1)
$ 415,885
$ 745,400
Tax Fees (2)
47,536
52,238
All Other Fees (3)
-
30,000
Total Fees
$ 463,421
$ 827,638
(1)
Consist of professional services rendered in connection with the audit and quarterly reviews of our consolidated financial statements, including audited financial statements presented in this Report for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, as well as related services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
(2)
Consist of fees for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services include consultation on tax matters and assistance regarding federal, state, and international tax compliance.
(3)
Consist of fees billed for professional services by Borgers CPA, PC related to the Transact Europe acquisition.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
In accordance with Section 10A(i) of the Exchange Act, before we engage our independent registered public accounting firm to render audit or non-audit services, the engagement is approved by our audit committee. Our audit committee approved all of the fees referred to in the rows titled “Audit Fees,” and “All Other Fees” in the table above.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
a)
Financial Statements:
Our financial statements and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included herein on page.
b)
Financial Statement Schedules:
The financial statement schedules are omitted as they are either not applicable or the information required is presented in the financial statements and notes thereto on page.
c)
Exhibits:
Incorporated by
Filed or
Exhibit
Reference
Furnished
Number
Exhibit Description
Form
Exhibit
Filing Date
Herewith
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, filed October 10, 2022
8-K
3.1
10/13/2022
Certificate of Change, filed September 6, 2023
8-K
3.1
09/06/2023
3.3
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, filed November 3, 2023
8-K
3.1
11/03/2023
3.4
Amended and Restated Bylaws, adopted effective October 6, 2022
8-K
3.2
10/13/2022
4.1
Form of Base Indenture between GreenBoxPOS and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB
8-K
4.1
11/03/2021
4.2
Form of First Supplemental Indenture
8-K
4.2
11/03/2021
4.3
Form of 8% Senior Convertible Note Due 2023
8-K
4.3
11/03/2021
4.4
Description of Securities
10-K
4.4
04/17/2023
4.5
Certificate of Designations of Rights and Preferences of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of RYVYL Inc.
8-K
10.3
07/26/2023
4.6
Certificate of Designations of Rights and Preferences of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of RYVYL Inc.
8-K
10.1
12/04/2023
10.1+
Form of Board of Directors Agreement entered into on February 16, 2021, by and between the Company and each of Ms. Baer and Messrs. Caragol and Laniado
8-K
10.1
02/19/2021
10.2+
2020 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan
S-8
4.1
09/03/2020
10.3+
2021 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan
S-8
4.1
07/13/2021
10.4+
Amendment Agreement No. 1 to Share Purchase Agreement by and between GreenBox POS, and certain individuals named therein, made as of March 24, 2021.
8-K
10.1
03/31/2022
10.5
Asset Purchase Agreement, signed March 31, 2022, between GreenBox POS and Sky Financial and Intelligence, LLC
8-K
10.1
04/06/2022
10.6
Restructuring Agreement, dated August 16, 2022 between GreenBox POS and the Investor
8-K
10.1
08/16/2022
10.7
April 2021 Sublease Agreement with regard to 3131 Camino del Rio North, Suite 1400, San Diego, CA 92108
10-Q
10.3
11/15/2021
10.8
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated November 2, 2021, between GreenBoxPOS and the Investors
8-K
10.1
11/03/2021
10.9
Agreement and Waiver, dated January 28, 2022, between GreenBoxPOS and the Investor
8-K
10.1
01/31/2022
10.10
Form of First Exchange Agreement, dated July 25, 2023, between RYVYL Inc. and the Investor
8-K
10.1
07/26/2023
10.11
Form of Leak-Out Agreement
8-K
10.2
07/26/2023
Incorporated by
Filed or
Exhibit
Reference
Furnished
Number
Exhibit Description
Form
Exhibit
Filing Date
Herewith
10.12
Amendment No. 1 to First Exchange Agreement, dated August 18, 2023, between RYVYL Inc. and the Investor
8-K
10.12
08/18/2023
10.13
Amendment No. 2 to First Exchange Agreement, dated August 25, 2023, between RYVYL Inc. and the Investor
8-K
10.13
08/28/2023
10.14
Form of Second Exchange Agreement, dated November 27, 2023, between RYVYL Inc. and the Investor
8-K
10.14
11/28/2023
10.15
Long-Term Incentive Plan
8-K
10.15
11/21/2023
14.1
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
8-K
14.1
02/19/2021
19.1
Insider Trading Compliance Manual, adopted February 15, 2024
X
21.1
List of Subsidiaries
10-K
21.1
04/17/2023
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
X
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), As adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), As adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
32.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002
X
32.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002
X
97.1
Executive Compensation Clawback Policy, adopted November 28, 2023
X
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document
X
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
X
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
X
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
X
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
X
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
X
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
+ Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.
* In accordance with SEC Release 33-8238, Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are being furnished and not filed.