๐ RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION POLICY
Field | Value |
|---|---|
Document ID | OTCM-POL-RPT-001 |
Version | 1.0 |
Effective Date | January 30, 2026 |
Classification | CONFIDENTIAL |
Approved By | Board of Directors |
๐ TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Article I: Purpose and Scope
- Article II: Definitions
- Article III: Identification of Related Party Transactions
- Article IV: Review and Approval Procedures
- Article V: Standards for Approval
- Article VI: Platform-Specific Transactions
- Article VII: Ongoing Monitoring
- Article VIII: Disclosure Requirements
- Article IX: Prohibited Transactions
- Article X: Ratification of Transactions
- Article XI: Administration and Recordkeeping
๐ฏ ARTICLE I: PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Section 1.1 โ Purpose
๐ฏ Objective | Description |
|---|---|
๐ก๏ธ Protect Interests | Protect the best interests of the Company and its shareholders |
โ๏ธ Ensure Fairness | Ensure transactions are conducted on fair and reasonable terms |
๐ Promote Transparency | Promote transparency in corporate governance |
๐ Comply with Law | Comply with applicable securities laws and regulations |
๐ซ Prevent Conflicts | Prevent actual or perceived conflicts of interest |
Section 1.2 โ Regulatory Framework
This Policy is adopted pursuant to and in compliance with:
โ๏ธ Regulation | Description |
|---|---|
Item 404 | Regulation S-K โ Related Party Transaction Disclosure |
Section 13(k) | Securities Exchange Act of 1934 โ Prohibition on Personal Loans |
Rule 10b-5 | Prohibition on Fraud |
State Law | Wyoming Business Corporation Act fiduciary duties |
SEC Guidance | Joint Staff Statement on Tokenized Securities (January 28, 2026) |
GAAP | ASC 850 โ Related Party Disclosures |
Section 1.3 โ Scope
This Policy applies to all Related Party Transactions involving the Company, including:
- ๐ข Transactions with the Company's direct operations
- ๐ Transactions involving the OTCM Protocol platform
- ๐ช Transactions involving OTCM Utility Tokens
- ๐ Transactions involving ST22 Security Tokens
- ๐ฆ Transactions with Empire Stock Transfer or other custody partners
- ๐ค Transactions with issuers on the OTCM Protocol platform
๐ ARTICLE II: DEFINITIONS
Section 2.1 โ Related Party
๐ค Individual Related Parties
Category | Definition |
|---|---|
๐ฏ Directors | Any director of the Company |
๐ Executive Officers | Any executive officer of the Company (CEO, CFO, CTO, COO, etc.) |
๐ณ๏ธ Director Nominees | Any nominee for election as a director |
๐ 5% Shareholders | Any beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of the Company's voting securities |
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Immediate Family | Immediate family members of any of the above |
๐ข Entity Related Parties
Category | Definition |
|---|---|
๐๏ธ Controlled Entities | Any entity in which a Related Party has a direct or indirect material interest |
๐ค Affiliated Companies | Any entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company |
๐ผ Employment Entities | Any entity employing a Related Party as an executive officer |
๐ Investment Entities | Any entity in which a Related Party holds a 10%+ ownership interest |
Section 2.2 โ Immediate Family Member
An "Immediate Family Member" includes:
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Relationship | Included |
|---|---|
Spouse or domestic partner | โ |
Parents and stepparents | โ |
Children and stepchildren | โ |
Siblings and stepsiblings | โ |
In-laws (mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister) | โ |
Any person sharing the household (except tenants/employees) | โ |
Section 2.3 โ Related Party Transaction
- โ The Company (or any subsidiary) is, was, or will be a participant
- โ The aggregate amount involved exceeds $120,000
- โ Any Related Party has, had, or will have a direct or indirect material interest
๐ Examples of Related Party Transactions:
๐ผ Category | Examples |
|---|---|
๐ฐ Financial | Loans, guarantees, investments, capital contributions |
๐ข Property | Sales, leases, licenses of real or personal property |
๐ Services | Consulting, employment, professional services agreements |
๐ Platform | Issuer agreements, token purchases, liquidity provision |
๐ค Business | Joint ventures, partnerships, profit-sharing arrangements |
๐ณ Compensation | Compensation arrangements outside normal course |
Section 2.4 โ Material Interest
A "Material Interest" means a direct or indirect interest in a transaction that is significant enough that it would, or reasonably could, affect a Related Party's judgment or actions with respect to the transaction.
โ NOT Considered Material Interest:
Exclusion | Threshold |
|---|---|
๐ฏ Director of both parties | Without other relationship |
๐ Equity ownership | Less than 10% of entity |
๐ผ Limited partner | Without management role |
๐ฆ Institutional investor | Passive investment only |
๐ ARTICLE III: IDENTIFICATION OF RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Section 3.1 โ Director and Officer Questionnaires
All directors and executive officers must complete an annual questionnaire identifying:
๐ Information Required | Description |
|---|---|
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Family Members | Immediate family members and their employment |
๐ข Affiliations | Business affiliations and directorships |
๐ Investments | Material investments in other entities |
๐ Platform Relationships | Relationships with OTCM Protocol issuers |
๐ณ Wallet Holdings | ST22 token and OTCM Utility Token holdings |
๐ค Potential Transactions | Known potential Related Party Transactions |
Section 3.2 โ Ongoing Disclosure Obligations
๐ Trigger Event | Timing |
|---|---|
๐ New potential Related Party Transaction | Before entering transaction |
๐ Changes in ownership or affiliations | Within 10 business days |
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Changes in immediate family circumstances | Within 10 business days |
๐ New relationships with platform issuers | Before transaction |
๐ณ Significant changes in token holdings | Within 5 business days |
Section 3.3 โ Management Review
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Officer shall:
๐ Duty | Frequency |
|---|---|
๐ Review questionnaire responses | Annually |
๐ Monitor transaction records | Quarterly |
๐ Review platform transaction logs | Monthly |
๐จ Flag potential Related Party Transactions | Ongoing |
๐ Prepare summary for Audit Committee | Quarterly |
โ ARTICLE IV: REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES
Section 4.1 โ Approval Authority
๐ฐ Transaction Value | Approval Authority |
|---|---|
< $120,000 | Not subject to Policy (but must be disclosed if material) |
$120,000 - $500,000 | Chief Executive Officer + Chief Financial Officer |
$500,001 - $1,000,000 | Audit Committee |
> $1,000,000 | Full Board of Directors |
Any amount involving Director/Officer compensation | Compensation Committee or Full Board |
Any amount involving CEO | Full Board (excluding CEO) |
Section 4.2 โ Pre-Approval Requirement
โ ๏ธ All Related Party Transactions MUST be approved BEFORE the Company enters into the transaction.
๐ Pre-Approval Request Must Include:
Field | Description |
|---|---|
๐ค Related Party | Identity of the Related Party and relationship to Company |
๐ Transaction Description | Nature and terms of the proposed transaction |
๐ฐ Value | Dollar value or estimated value |
๐ฏ Business Purpose | Business reasons for entering into the transaction |
โ๏ธ Comparable Terms | Whether comparable terms available from unrelated parties |
๐ Interest | Nature and extent of Related Party's interest |
๐ก๏ธ Protections | Proposed safeguards to protect Company interests |
Section 4.3 โ Recusal Requirements
๐ซ Requirement | Application |
|---|---|
Voting | Related Party must recuse from voting on approval |
Discussion | Related Party may be asked to leave during deliberations |
Quorum | Related Party not counted for quorum purposes |
Minutes | Recusal must be documented in meeting minutes |
Section 4.4 โ Expedited Approval
For time-sensitive transactions where full committee/board approval is not practicable:
โก Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
1๏ธโฃ | Chair of Audit Committee may grant preliminary approval |
2๏ธโฃ | Transaction must be presented to full committee at next meeting |
3๏ธโฃ | Full committee must ratify or rescind within 60 days |
4๏ธโฃ | If rescinded, Company must unwind transaction if practicable |
โ๏ธ ARTICLE V: STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL
Section 5.1 โ General Standard
โ In the best interests of the Company and on terms no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained from an unrelated third party.
Section 5.2 โ Factors for Consideration
The approving body shall consider the following factors:
๐ Factor | Consideration |
|---|---|
๐ฏ Business Purpose | Whether there is a legitimate business reason for the transaction |
๐ฐ Fair Value | Whether the terms are fair and reasonable to the Company |
โ๏ธ Arm's Length | Whether terms are comparable to arm's length transactions |
๐ก๏ธ Company Interest | Whether the transaction serves the Company's interests |
๐ Materiality | The materiality of the Related Party's interest |
๐ซ Conflicts | The extent of any actual or apparent conflict of interest |
๐ Alternatives | Availability of alternative transactions or sources |
๐ Disclosure | Impact on required disclosures |
Section 5.3 โ Independent Evaluation
For transactions exceeding $500,000, the approving body may require:
๐ Evaluation Type | When Required |
|---|---|
๐ฐ Fairness Opinion | Significant financial transactions |
๐ข Independent Appraisal | Real property transactions |
โ๏ธ Legal Opinion | Complex or unusual structures |
๐ Market Analysis | Service or licensing agreements |
๐ Technical Assessment | Platform or technology transactions |
Section 5.4 โ Categorical Pre-Approval
The following categories of transactions are deemed pre-approved and do not require individual review:
โ Category | Conditions |
|---|---|
๐ฐ Compensation | Compensation approved by Compensation Committee |
๐ Reimbursements | Expense reimbursements pursuant to Company policy |
๐ฆ Banking Services | Banking services at prevailing market rates |
๐ D&O Insurance | Directors' and officers' insurance |
๐ Charitable Contributions | Matching gifts per Company program (< $25,000) |
๐ De Minimis Token Transactions | ST22/OTCM token purchases < $25,000 at market price |
๐ ARTICLE VI: PLATFORM-SPECIFIC TRANSACTIONS
Section 6.1 โ Issuer Relationships
๐ Relationship Type | Approval Requirement |
|---|---|
๐ Director/Officer of Issuer | Audit Committee approval for any platform transaction |
๐ฐ 5%+ Shareholder of Issuer | Audit Committee approval for any platform transaction |
๐ค Consultant to Issuer | Disclosure + CEO/CFO approval |
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Family Member Connection | Disclosure + CEO/CFO approval |
Section 6.2 โ Token Transactions
๐ช OTCM Utility Token Transactions
Transaction Type | Approval Requirement |
|---|---|
ICO participation > $120,000 | Per standard thresholds |
Secondary market purchases > $120,000 | Per standard thresholds |
Token grants to Related Parties | Compensation Committee |
๐ ST22 Security Token Transactions
Transaction Type | Approval Requirement |
|---|---|
Purchase of ST22 tokens > $120,000 | Audit Committee |
Liquidity provision > $120,000 | Audit Committee |
Participation in issuer onboarding | Full Board if Related Party involved |
Section 6.3 โ Custody and Transfer Agent Relationships
Transactions with Empire Stock Transfer or other custody partners require:
๐ฐ Transaction Value | Approval Requirement |
|---|---|
Standard custody fees | Deemed pre-approved |
Modified fee arrangements | CEO/CFO approval |
New service agreements > $120,000 | Per standard thresholds |
Equity or partnership arrangements | Full Board |
Section 6.4 โ Technology and Infrastructure
๐ง Transaction Type | Approval Requirement |
|---|---|
Software licensing from Related Party | Audit Committee |
Development services from Related Party | Per standard thresholds |
Infrastructure hosting from Related Party | Per standard thresholds |
Intellectual property licensing | Full Board |
๐๏ธ ARTICLE VII: ONGOING MONITORING
Section 7.1 โ Quarterly Review
The Audit Committee shall conduct quarterly reviews of:
๐ Review Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
๐ All Related Party Transactions entered during quarter | Compliance verification |
๐ Status of ongoing Related Party Transactions | Performance monitoring |
๐ฐ Payments made under Related Party agreements | Financial tracking |
๐ Platform transactions by Related Parties | Conflict monitoring |
๐ Changes in Related Party status | Updated identification |
Section 7.2 โ Annual Assessment
The Audit Committee shall conduct an annual assessment of:
๐ Assessment Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
โ๏ธ Fairness of ongoing arrangements | Continued appropriateness |
๐ Market comparability | Arm's length verification |
๐ Renewal decisions | Go-forward determination |
๐ Disclosure adequacy | Compliance verification |
๐ก๏ธ Policy effectiveness | Continuous improvement |
Section 7.3 โ On-Chain Monitoring
For blockchain-based transactions, the Company shall implement:
๐ Monitoring Type | Description |
|---|---|
๐ณ Wallet Tracking | Monitor registered wallets of Related Parties |
๐ Transaction Alerts | Automated alerts for significant token transactions |
๐ Pattern Analysis | Review for unusual transaction patterns |
๐ Quarterly Reports | Summary of Related Party blockchain activity |
๐ ARTICLE VIII: DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
Section 8.1 โ SEC Disclosure
๐ Disclosure Requirement | Location |
|---|---|
Item 404(a) | Proxy Statement / Form 10-K |
Item 404(b) | Policy description in proxy |
Form 8-K | Material transactions as required |
Form S-1/S-3 | Registration statements |
๐ Required Disclosure Elements:
Element | Description |
|---|---|
๐ค Related Party | Name and relationship |
๐ Transaction | Description of transaction |
๐ฐ Amount | Dollar amounts involved |
๐ Interest | Nature of Related Party's interest |
โ Approval | Approval process followed |
Section 8.2 โ Financial Statement Disclosure
๐ Disclosure | Requirement |
|---|---|
๐ท๏ธ Nature of Relationship | Description of relationship |
๐ Transaction Description | Description of transactions |
๐ฐ Dollar Amounts | Amounts for each period presented |
๐ณ Balances | Amounts due to/from Related Parties |
๐ Terms | Terms and manner of settlement |
Section 8.3 โ Internal Disclosure
๐ Disclosure Type | Recipient | Timing |
|---|---|---|
๐จ New transactions | Audit Committee | Next scheduled meeting |
๐ Quarterly summary | Board of Directors | Quarterly |
๐ Annual report | Full Board | Annually |
โ ๏ธ Material developments | Audit Committee Chair | Immediately |
๐ซ ARTICLE IX: PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS
Section 9.1 โ Absolutely Prohibited
The following transactions are PROHIBITED regardless of approval:
๐ซ Prohibited Transaction | Basis |
|---|---|
๐ณ Personal Loans | To directors or executive officers โ Section 13(k) prohibition |
๐ Loan Guarantees | For personal obligations of directors/officers |
๐ฐ Extensions of Credit | To directors or executive officers |
โ ๏ธ Margin Arrangements | Company-supported margin for Related Party trading |
Section 9.2 โ Presumptively Prohibited
The following transactions are presumptively prohibited and may only be approved by the Full Board with documented extraordinary justification:
โ ๏ธ Transaction Type | Concern |
|---|---|
๐ข Related Party as Sole Source | Without competitive process |
๐ฐ Above-Market Compensation | To Related Party service providers |
๐ Equity Grants | To non-employee Related Parties (outside board compensation) |
๐ Exclusive Arrangements | Exclusive platform access for Related Parties |
๐ณ Preferential Token Allocation | Below-market token sales to Related Parties |
Section 9.3 โ Heightened Scrutiny Transactions
The following transactions require heightened scrutiny and independent evaluation:
๐ Transaction Type | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|
๐ข Real Estate | Independent appraisal |
๐ผ Employment of Family | Compensation Committee review |
๐ค Joint Ventures | Fairness opinion |
๐ Intellectual Property | Independent valuation |
๐ Platform Revenue Sharing | Third-party market analysis |
๐ ARTICLE X: RATIFICATION OF TRANSACTIONS
Section 10.1 โ Ratification of Pre-Existing Transactions
โก Step | Action |
|---|---|
1๏ธโฃ | Transaction must be promptly reported to Compliance Officer |
2๏ธโฃ | Compliance Officer reports to Audit Committee Chair |
3๏ธโฃ | Audit Committee reviews at next meeting (or special meeting if material) |
4๏ธโฃ | Committee determines whether to ratify, modify, or rescind |
Section 10.2 โ Ratification Standards
For ratification, the Audit Committee must determine:
โ Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
๐ก๏ธ Company Interest | Transaction is in best interests of Company |
โ๏ธ Fair Terms | Terms are fair and reasonable |
๐ฏ Good Faith | Related Party acted in good faith |
๐ Disclosure | Failure to pre-approve was inadvertent |
Section 10.3 โ Consequences of Non-Ratification
If a transaction is not ratified:
๐จ Consequence | Action |
|---|---|
๐ Unwinding | Transaction must be unwound if practicable |
๐ฐ Disgorgement | Related Party may be required to disgorge benefits |
๐ Disclosure | Transaction must still be disclosed if material |
โ ๏ธ Discipline | Responsible parties subject to disciplinary action |
๐ Legal Review | Legal counsel evaluates potential liability |
๐ ARTICLE XI: ADMINISTRATION AND RECORDKEEPING
Section 11.1 โ Compliance Officer Duties
The Compliance Officer (or designee) is responsible for:
๐ Duty | Description |
|---|---|
๐ Questionnaires | Distributing and collecting annual questionnaires |
๐ Identification | Identifying potential Related Party Transactions |
๐ Tracking | Maintaining database of Related Parties and transactions |
๐ Reporting | Preparing materials for Audit Committee |
๐ Training | Providing training on Policy requirements |
๐ Monitoring | Monitoring blockchain transactions by Related Parties |
Section 11.2 โ Recordkeeping Requirements
The following records must be maintained for seven (7) years:
๐ Record Type | Description |
|---|---|
๐ Questionnaires | Annual director/officer questionnaires |
โ Approvals | Documentation of all approval decisions |
๐ Meeting Minutes | Minutes reflecting Related Party Transaction discussions |
๐ณ Transaction Records | Copies of all Related Party Transaction agreements |
๐ Blockchain Records | On-chain transaction logs for token transactions |
๐ Disclosure Records | Supporting documentation for SEC disclosures |
Section 11.3 โ Policy Amendments
This Policy may be amended at any time by the Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Audit Committee. Material amendments require:
๐ Requirement | Action |
|---|---|
๐ Audit Committee Review | Recommendation to Board |
๐ณ๏ธ Board Approval | Majority vote |
๐ข Communication | Notice to all Related Parties |
๐ Acknowledgment | Updated acknowledgment required |
Section 11.4 โ Questions and Interpretation
๐ง Contact: compliance@otcmprotocol.com
Questions regarding this Policy or requests for interpretation should be directed to the Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer.
โ๏ธ ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CERTIFICATION
I acknowledge that I have received and read the OTCM Protocol, Inc. Related Party Transaction Policy. I understand its contents and agree to comply with all of its terms and conditions.
I certify that I have disclosed all relationships and transactions that may constitute Related Party Transactions under this Policy.
I agree to promptly notify the Compliance Officer of any potential Related Party Transaction before entering into such transaction and to update my annual questionnaire as circumstances change.
I understand that failure to comply with this Policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of my relationship with the Company.
Field | Value |
|---|---|
Signature | _________________________________ |
Date | _________________________________ |
Printed Name | _________________________________ |
Title/Position | _________________________________ |
๐ APPENDIX A: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION APPROVAL REQUEST FORM
๐ Transaction Information
Field | Response |
|---|---|
Date of Request | |
Requestor Name | |
Requestor Title |
๐ค Related Party Information
Field | Response |
|---|---|
Related Party Name | |
Relationship to Company | |
Nature of Interest |
๐ Transaction Details
Field | Response |
|---|---|
Description of Transaction | |
Estimated Value | |
Business Purpose | |
Duration/Term |
โ๏ธ Fairness Analysis
Field | Response |
|---|---|
Comparable Terms Available? | โ Yes โ No |
If Yes, Describe Alternatives | |
Basis for Determining Fairness |
๐ Attachments
Item | Attached? |
|---|---|
โ Draft Agreement | |
โ Comparable Transaction Analysis | |
โ Independent Valuation (if applicable) | |
โ Other Supporting Documentation |
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
Field | Response |
|---|---|
Approval Authority | |
Date Reviewed | |
Decision | โ Approved โ Denied โ Approved with Modifications |
Conditions (if any) | |
Approver Signature |
OTCM Protocol, Inc. A Wyoming Digital Asset Corporation
๐ SEC Category 1 Issuer-Sponsored Tokenized Securities Infrastructure
Document ID: OTCM-POL-RPT-001 | Version 1.0 | Effective: January 30, 2026