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
Securities / Derivatives
US Investment Banks Pause Work on New SPAC Deals
17/05/2022
New rules from the SEC have reportedly prompted Goldman, Bank of America and Citigroup to scale back their involvement in SPAC deals.
AML / KYC
MONEYVAL Calls for Clampdown on Crypto-enabled Money Laundering
11/05/2022
Some smaller cryptocurrencies are being established specifically with the motive of laundering, while larger virtual assets are seeing “heavy” manipulation.
AML / KYC
US Considers Sanctions Against China’s Hikvision: Reports
10/05/2022
The possible inclusion of Hikvision on the SDN List would have far-reaching consequences because its equipment is used -in more than 180 countries.
Market Infrastructure
Thai Regulators to Cooperate on Personal Data Protection
08/05/2022
Thailand’s banking, securities, insurance and data protection authorities have signed a supervisory cooperation MoU ahead of the 1 June implementation of the new PDPA.
ESG / Sustainability
Malaysia to Enhance Governance at State-backed Investment Firms
24/04/2022
Among other things, the PGG recommends that female directors comprise a minimum 30 percent of a GLIC’s board.
Fintech / Regtech
Growth of Fintechs, Neobanks Poses Systemic Risk: IMF
19/04/2022
Digital banks should have to meet stronger capital, liquidity, and risk-management requirements, commensurate with their risks.
Securities / Derivatives
Bangladesh CSE, India MCX Partner to Establish Commodity Exchange
19/04/2022
The new commodity exchange in Bangladesh will introduce standardised commodity contracts and help address concerns over manipulation in domestic commodity trades.
Fintech / Regtech
Vietnam Rushes to Finalise Regulatory Framework for Fintech Activities
17/04/2022
The SBV has warned of fraud incidents involving e-wallets and asks banks to monitor the use of data by fintechs until the new regulatory framework is in place.
Securities / Derivatives
US SEC Proposes Registration Requirement for Security-Based SEFs
16/04/2022
The rules will improve transparency over total return swaps, the instruments partly responsible for last year’s blowup at Archegos Capital Management.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Australia: Regulatory Hurdles Delay Rollout of CBA Crypto Services
15/04/2022
ASIC is using its design and distribution powers to ensure CBA customers are provided the right level of disclosures around crypto product risks.
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