JF SMARTINVEST subscribes to shares of EXIO Group Limited to accelerate the layout and market expansion of its overseas digital asset business

According to the announcement from JF SMARTINVEST (09636), on September 23, 2025, the company's wholly-owned subsidiary JF SmartTrade (BVI) Limited (JF SmartTrade) entered into a share subscription agreement with EXIO Group Limited (EX.IO or "Target Company"), whereby JF SmartTrade agreed to subscribe for shares of EX.IO (the Subscription). As stated in the company's placement announcements published on July 16, 2025, and July 28, 2025, the company has profound insights into the potential and broad prospects of the digital asset business, which will advance the overseas strategic development of the digital asset business. The proceeds from the placement can be strategically invested in digital asset exchanges, fostering the development of an on-chain financial ecosystem to lay out the digital asset business and construct a core component of the company's overseas strategy. The Board of Directors believes that the Subscription aligns with the company's overall strategic planning and the intended use of the placement funds. By investing in EX.IO, the company can leverage its exchange resources and Web3 ecological technology advantages to accelerate the layout and market expansion of its overseas digital asset business, further enhance its on-chain financial service capabilities, support the diversification and sustainable development of the company's business, and lay a solid foundation for global market layout. The globalization process of the digital asset industry is accelerating, and Hong Kong, as an international financial center, has a high-standard compliance regulatory framework for digital assets. EX.IO's subsidiary EXIO Limited holds a virtual asset trading platform operating license issued by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) (Central Number: BUT670), providing rarity and compliance assurance. This investment in a licensed digital asset exchange is expected to enhance the company's service capabilities and infrastructure in digital asset trading, asset management, and custody, achieving compliance operations and service closure, accelerating the layout of digital asset business, and seizing the opportunity for the development of the digital financial ecosystem. Both parties will jointly seize the policy opportunities in the Hong Kong digital asset market and collaboratively promote innovative cooperation in the digital asset field. As a compliant licensed digital asset exchange, EXIO Limited plays an important role in the digital asset market. Combined with the company's plan to utilize existing resources (including but not limited to the proposed acquisition of Yintech Financial Holdings Company Limited) to strategically upgrade digital asset license qualifications and business scope, both parties can form a service closure covering digital asset issuance, trading, custody, and investment advisory, significantly enhancing customer service capabilities and product diversity, achieving ecological complementarity and value synergy. EX.IO possesses technical and service capabilities in blockchain and Web3 infrastructure, while the company has experience in developing smart investment advisory products for individual investors. Both parties will jointly explore the deep integration of digital asset trading, asset management, and smart investment advisory services, promoting the innovative application of the "AI + Research" strategy in digital asset scenarios, assisting in the development of digital asset advisory systems and algorithms, and further enhancing the company's competitive advantage and service capabilities in the digital financial field