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
Credit Risk
China Tightens Regulations for Microfinance Companies
22/01/2025
The rules set new single-borrower and single-loan limits, and specify restrictions on cooperative relationships with other institutions.
Cryptocurrency
Thailand Considers Allowing Spot Bitcoin ETFs for Retail Investors
21/01/2025
Thailand’s SEC is also considering allowing firms with strong credit ratings to issue stablecoins backed by corporate bonds
Structural Regulation
CICC Granted Approval to Operate in Dubai Financial Centre
20/01/2025
DFSA CEO Ian Johnston described the approval as “a big step forward” for facilitating deals and arrangements between China and the UAE.
Capital Adequacy
RBI Releases List of Upper Layer NBFCs for 2024-25
20/01/2025
Upper-layer NBFCs are subject to higher capital requirements, stricter governance standards, enhanced disclosure norms and closer supervision
KYC & CDD
Upbit Facing Potential Business Restrictions for AML Noncompliance
19/01/2025
South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange is facing restrictions on conducting business with new customers for up to three months
Structural Regulation
CSRC Grantes Approval for Merger of Top Securities Firms
18/01/2025
The CSRC has granted approval for a merger between Guotai Junan Securities and Haitong Securities, which will create China’s largest brokerage
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Korea FSS Launches Probe at IBK Over Fraudulent Loans
17/01/2025
Current and former employees of Industrial Bank of Korea allegedly participated in a KRW 23.95 billion fraudulent loan scheme
Structural Regulation
China Tightens Rules on Intermediary Services for Public Stock Offerings
17/01/2025
Underwriters and sponsors cannot base their fees on the results of a public stock offering or increase fee ratios based on issuance scale.
Nature & Biodiversity
TNFD to Expand Reach to China, Hong Kong Markets
17/01/2025
Bank of China has become the first Chinese financial institution to join the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures.
Cryptocurrency
US Supreme Court Denies Binance Petition on Securities Law Applicability
16/01/2025
The US Supreme Court has rejected a request to review whether US securities laws apply to Binance, which doesn’t have a physical location
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