Mark Johnston

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    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

    Securities / Derivatives

    ASIC Consults on How it Communicates Audit Review Findings

    15/12/2021

    ASIC proposes to start communicating with company directors more routinely regarding findings from its audit inspections.

    ESG / Sustainability

    Bangko Sentral’s ‘Deliberate Approach’ to Sustainable Finance

    14/12/2021

    Deputy governor Chuchi Fonacier explains the BSP’s policy approach to sustainability, highlighting the central bank’s role as an ‘enabler’, ‘mobiliser’ and ‘doer’.

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Thai SEC Consults on Rules Restricting Use of DeFi Platforms

    12/12/2021

    The proposed rules would bar digital asset fund managers from investing customer assets on DeFi platforms and digital asset advisers from recommending them to investors.

    AML / KYC

    US Treasury Targets Human Trafficking in Updated Action Plan

    12/12/2021

    Treasury will leverage its AML expertise to augment human trafficking investigations, and develop advisories to alert FIs to potential red flags.

    Securities / Derivatives

    Thailand Set to Launch ID Checking System for Foreign Bond Investors

    08/12/2021

    Beginning 4 January 2022, all non-resident investors trading debt securities must register with the BOT and settle trades through segregated securities accounts.

    Fintech / Regtech

    BSP Urges Rural Banks to Promote Financial Inclusion Through Tech

    07/12/2021

    As of end-June 2021, there were over 3,000 rural banks nationwide. However, only 21 of them offer PESONet and 11 offer InstaPay for electronic fund transfer services.

    Securities / Derivatives

    CBIRC Authorises Insurers to Engage in Securities Lending

    07/12/2021

    The move will improve China’s short-selling mechanism, which will decrease market volatility, improve price discovery, reduce market risk, and create additional income for insurers.

    Big Picture

    RBNZ Responds to XRB and MfE Climate Consultations

    07/12/2021

    The RBNZ offers suggestions on the new disclosure standards being developed by the XRB, and proposes policy options to increase the flow of private capital into low-emissions investment.

    Fintech / Regtech

    Philippine SEC Seeks Funding Boost to Support Digital Transformation

    06/12/2021

    The SEC is seeking PHP 2.6 billion over a five year period to implement sweeping digital transformation initiatives, including to upgrade existing systems.

    Fintech / Regtech

    OJK Launches Five Year Roadmap for Rural Bank Development

    06/12/2021

    Indonesia’s OJK has launched a five year development roadmap for the country’s rural banks and Sharia rural banks.

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