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
Enforcement
Philippine SEC Sets Out Penalties for Disclosure Violations
24/10/2022
Directors, trustees, and officers can be fined personally and barred for five years for failure to ensure compliance with beneficial ownership disclosure requirements.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Bangladesh Banks Ordered to Stamp Out Crypto Activity
21/10/2022
Bangladesh Bank has ordered FIs to enhance their monitoring and report transactions suspected to be linked to crypto assets.
Capital / Liquidity
Vietnam’s Largest Private Bank Placed Under External Management
20/10/2022
Four state-owned banks have been asked to help manage Saigon Commercial Bank after it experienced a bank run.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Energy Crisis May Force EU Crypto Mining Suspension
19/10/2022
The European Commission said EU member states must be ready to stop crypto-asset mining activities if there is a need for load shedding in electricity systems.
Enforcement
Interpol Issues Red Notice for Terraform Labs Founder
26/09/2022
The red notice for Do Kwon was issued at the request of Korean prosecutors, who say he is wanted for alleged capital market violations.
Crypto / Digital Assets
US SEC Accounting Guidance Disrupts Banks Crypto Projects
24/09/2022
Accounting guidance issued in March has reportedly forced US listed banks that were building out crypto offerings to suspend their plans.
ESG / Sustainability
Bangladesh Issues Green Bond Financing Policy for Banks, NBFIs
24/09/2022
Banks and NBFIs can issue and invest in green bonds subject to meeting prudential, reporting and disclosure requirements.
Enforcement
Myanmar Warns Against Illegal Foreign Exchange Trading
29/08/2022
The central bank warned that serious action will be taken against online businesses that are found to be illegally buying and selling foreign currencies.
Enforcement
Bangladesh Bank Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal FX Transactions
29/08/2022
Dozens of money changers are being investigated for money laundering. Several banks are accused of making “excessive” profits from dollar sales.
Capital / Liquidity
Canada OFSI Issues Guidance on Bank Treatment of Crypto
28/08/2022
OFSI provides no recognition (i.e., a 100% haircut) for Group 2 cryptoassets held as collateral, but is seeking views on hedging practices that could warrant a lower haircut.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
A daily selection of top stories from the Regulation Asia editorial team