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
Citi Completes Sale of Indonesia Consumer Business to UOB
22/11/2023
UOB acquired Citi’s consumer banking operations in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Enforcement
UK Reinsurance Brokers Settle FCPA Charges for Ecuador Bribes
21/11/2023
Tysers Insurance Brokers agreed to pay almost $47mn for bribing officials at Ecuadorian state-owned insurance companies.
Big Picture
ISDA, FIA, IIF Respond to FSB Consultation on CCP Resolution
21/11/2023
The industry groups welcomed the FSB’s focus on CCP resolution, but have raised some concerns and suggestions for improvement.
Crypto / Digital Assets
MAS Grants In-Principle Approval to Crypto Firm XREX
21/11/2023
The in-principle approval encompasses six payment services. Last week, MAS also granted in-principle approvals to three stablecoin issuers.
Enforcement
Ransomware Group Files SEC Complaint Against its Own Victim
20/11/2023
ALPHV/BlackCat attacked software company MeridianLink, then filed a complaint with the US SEC saying the company failed to disclose the attack.
ESG / Sustainability
SGX RegCo Calls for “Real Change” on Board Diversity and Renewal
19/11/2023
SGX RegCo CEO Tan Boon Gin discussed the benefits and challenges of board diversity and renewal, and expectations for listed issuers.
Enforcement
EU Reaches Provisional Agreement on Environmental Crime Directive
17/11/2023
The revised directive replaces the 2008 version, which was found to have a limited effect with sanction levels that were too low.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Philippines Set to Issue Maiden Tokenised Treasury Bonds
17/11/2023
The Philippines will issue the country’s first tokenised treasury bonds next week, available in PHP 10 million denominations.
Enforcement
SFC Obtains Orders Against Ex-Chairman for Fraudulent Share Scheme
16/11/2023
Former chairman disqualified for 10 years from holding any directorial or managerial position in Hong Kong and fined for fraudulent share scheme.
Fintech / Regtech
IFC, MAS, WEF Partner to Advance Digital Financial Inclusion
16/11/2023
The partnership will create and promote new financing instruments to promote digital financial inclusion in emerging and developing markets.
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