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
New Alliances Target Energy Infrastructure, Lower Emissions
05/11/2021
The GEAPP has committed $100bn to clean energy infrastructure. ADB announced a plan to finance early closures of coal plants in Indonesia and the Philippines.
ESG / Sustainability
Tokyo Revises Global City Vision, Pivots To Green Finance
04/11/2021
Tokyo has launched version 2.0 of its global financial city ambitions, with green financing and fintech becoming central pillars of its revised strategy.
Capital / Liquidity
MAS to Implement Contractual Recognition Requirement
03/11/2021
Singapore banks have three years to ensure their foreign law financial contracts recognise MAS’ temporary stay powers regarding termination rights.
Market Infrastructure
China State Council Unveils Climate Action Plan Ahead of COP26
29/10/2021
The action plan commits China to reaching 25% in non-fossil energy consumption in its mix by 2030, compared to 16 percent in 2020.
ESG / Sustainability
Japan Developing Certification Framework For ESG Related Bonds
29/10/2021
Japan’s FSA will also formulate codes of conduct for ESG evaluation organisations, covering transparency, fairness, and good governance.
Market Infrastructure
SGX Opens GIFT City Office Ahead of India Trading Link Launch
27/10/2021
The new office will house a data centre referred to as GIFT Data Connect. The NSE-SGX GIFT City Connect is expected to be fully-operational by January 2022.
Fintech / Regtech
HKMA, PBOC Agree to Link Regulatory Sandbox Across Borders
22/10/2021
The arrangement will facilitate cross-border financial innovation in the Greater Bay Area and strengthen supervisory exchanges.
Enforcement
CFTC Fines Tether as US Regulators Scrutinise Crypto Markets
21/10/2021
The CFTC has fined Tether $41mn and Bitfinex’s parent $1.5mn. Meanwhile New York prosecutors have directed two crypto lending platforms to cease operations.
Big Picture
Crypto Asset Regulation “A Matter Of Urgency”, says BOE
18/10/2021
Deputy governor Jon Cunliffe says a “plausible scenario” involving a collapse in crypto-asset prices would have financial stability implications.
Market Infrastructure
PBOC Tightens Rules on Use of Payment Acceptance Terminals
17/10/2021
The geographical location of bank card and barcode payment acceptance terminals must be established and monitored to ensure consistency with the merchant’s registered location.
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