Mark Johnston
Based in Singapore, Mark is an experienced journalist and editor with over a decade of experience reporting on technology and business trends throughout Asia. Mark got his start as an engineer, graduating from the UK's Queen's University of Belfast with a Master's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. As senior reporter for Regulation Asia, Mark focuses on regulatory changes impacting financial markets, with particular interest in fintech, cybersecurity and crypto markets.
Articles by Mark Johnston
Crypto / Digital Assets
BOK to Expand CBDC Pilot to Include P2P Transfers
24/04/2025
BOK is set to widen its digital currency trial by adding person-to-person transfers and a digital welfare voucher system.
Securities / Derivatives
SHFE Inks Derivatives Cooperation MoU With Gulf Exchange
22/04/2025
The collaboration covers product innovation, exchange of market development insights, research support and investor education.
Capital / Liquidity
RBI Defers Tougher LCR Rules to 2026, Easing Pressure on Banks
22/04/2025
The RBI has halved the run-off factor for retail deposits enabled with internet and mobile banking facilities, and deferred implementation to April 2026
Crypto / Digital Assets
Vietnam to Launch Pilot Crypto Trading Platform with Bybit
22/04/2025
Vietnam’s finance ministry is partnering with Bybit to test a regulated crypto trading platform in a controlled sandbox environment.
Crypto / Digital Assets
China Mulls Reforms to Facilitate Disposal of Confiscated Crypto Assets
21/04/2025
“Near consensus” is reportedly emerging on the need to allow judicial recognition of cryptocurrencies as assets and a uniform procedure for their disposal.
AML / KYC
Pakistan to Introduce Centralised Beneficial Ownership Registry
18/04/2025
The UBO registry, accessible to financial institutions, is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to align with FATF and OECD standards.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Pakistan Moves to Regulate Virtual Assets for the First Time
17/04/2025
A national working group has developed a regulatory framework establishing rules for cryptocurrencies and related platforms.
Securities / Derivatives
China Moves to Limit Stock Sales Amid Escalating US Trade War
16/04/2025
Brokerages have been instructed to enforce a “soft limit” of CNY 50 million per day on net stock sales by large clients.
Fintech / Regtech
Payoneer Becomes 3rd Foreign Payments Platform Authorised in China
16/04/2025
Payoneer is the third foreign platform after PayPal and Airwallex authorised to provide online payment services in China.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Thai SEC Seeks Feedback on Digital Asset Disclosure Rules
11/04/2025
Thai SEC aims to bolster oversight and risk monitoring of digital asset businesses through updated data collection guidelines.
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