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
Chinese President Hosts Rare Meeting With Tech Leaders
19/02/2025
Xi Jinping’s meeting with tech leaders suggests that private enterprises will be more treated kindly moving forward.
Securities / Derivatives
Thailand Considers Reviving Long-Term Equity Fund Programme
19/02/2025
The LTF programme offered tax incentives to long-term investors in the stock market but ended at the end of 2019.
AML / KYC
Thailand Introduces New Mobile Banking Security Regulations
18/02/2025
BOT has introduced new security regulations for mobile banking services to combat rising cyber threats and financial fraud.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Thai Government Plans Launch of First Tokenised Bonds
18/02/2025
The pilot issuance will allow retail investors to participate in trading tokenised government bonds through securities firms.
Securities / Derivatives
Hong Kong to Lower IPO Hurdles for Mainland Companies
17/02/2025
Proposed changes expected to be announced later this year aim to lower fundraising thresholds, optimise market structure, and enhance corporate governance.
Securities / Derivatives
Taiwan Securities Association Calls for “Reasonable” Securities Transaction Tax
14/02/2025
Taiwan will face the issue of whether to extend securities transaction tax rates each year, causing uncertainties in the market.
Capital / Liquidity
South Korea Enhances Shinyup’s Crisis Response Capabilities
14/02/2025
The mutual finance association commonly known as Shinhyup will be able to more easily borrow funds from the BOK against government bonds it holds.
Crypto / Digital Assets
US SEC Delays Outstanding Crypto Cases Pending Regulatory Clarity
13/02/2025
The US SEC agreed to pause court cases against Binance and Cumberland DRW while its new crypto task force formulates regulatory guidelines.
Enforcement
US Court Orders ‘My Big Coin’ Founder to Pay $7.6m in Restitution
12/02/2025
Randall Crater, previously sentenced to serve over eight years in prison, is required to pay victims who were defrauded in the “My Big Coin” scheme.
Capital / Liquidity
India: SFBs Permitted to Link Pre-Approved Credit Lines to UPI
12/02/2025
Small finance banks now permitted to use pre-approved credit lines to fund UPI transactions, subject to customer consent.
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