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
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.
AML / KYC
BNM Unveils Initial Findings of Malaysia National Risk Assessment
05/12/2021
BNM is using technology to improve its risk-based supervision, intelligence analysis, data science techniques and off-site surveillance.
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