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
Market Infrastructure
Japan to Raise Taxes on Wealthy Individuals, Corporations
18/12/2022
Taxes will be raised on those who earn over JPY 3 billion through stocks and real estate. A corporate surtax of 4 to 4.5 percent will also be adopted.
AML / KYC
Singapore Releases Blueprint to Combat Ransomware Attacks
17/12/2022
The blueprint includes recommendations to discourage ransomware payments and make it mandatory for organisations to report such payments.
Sanctions
New Russia, Iran Sanctions Imposed Over Drone Use in Ukraine
16/12/2022
The UK, EU and New Zealand has announced new sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities over the supply of drones to Russia.
Market Infrastructure
NYSE, Nasdaq Expected to See More Capital Raises via Direct Listings
16/12/2022
The SEC is expected to permit the NYSE to ease its rules for direct listings, after a similar approval was granted to Nasdaq earlier this month.
ESG / Sustainability
GFANZ Pledges Support for Vietnam Just Energy Transition
15/12/2022
Vietnam is the third country to launch a JETP, after South Africa at COP26 and Indonesia at last month’s G20 Leaders’ summit.
AML / KYC
Wirecard Trial Begins With Defendants Blaming Each Other
14/12/2022
Former CEO Markus Braun and his co-defendants face up to 15 years in jail, though a verdict is not expected until at least 2024.
Enforcement
UK Court Convicts Three for Defrauding Libyan Sovereign Fund
13/12/2022
The fund managers structured investments in a way that generated finder fees that they funnelled through offshore shell companies, causing around $46mn to Libya.
Enforcement
US Authorities Fine NYSE-Listed ABB for South Africa Bribes
10/12/2022
The action was coordinated among US, South African and Swiss authorities. ABB also paid bribery related fines in 2004 and 2010.
Fintech / Regtech
NPCI Extends UPI Market Cap Compliance Deadline to End 2024
07/12/2022
The NPCI has for the third time extended its compliance deadline for imposing a 30 percent market cap limit on UPI payment apps.
Market Infrastructure
LME Defends March Decision to Cancel Nickel Trades
05/12/2022
The LME said a dozen of its members would have defaulted if it did not cancel the nickel trades in March 2022.
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