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
Crypto / Digital Assets
China Mulls Reforms to Facilitate Disposal of Confiscated Crypto Assets
21/04/2025
“Near consensus” is reportedly emerging on the need to allow judicial recognition of cryptocurrencies as assets and a uniform procedure for their disposal.
AML / KYC
Pakistan to Introduce Centralised Beneficial Ownership Registry
18/04/2025
The UBO registry, accessible to financial institutions, is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to align with FATF and OECD standards.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Pakistan Moves to Regulate Virtual Assets for the First Time
17/04/2025
A national working group has developed a regulatory framework establishing rules for cryptocurrencies and related platforms.
Securities / Derivatives
China Moves to Limit Stock Sales Amid Escalating US Trade War
16/04/2025
Brokerages have been instructed to enforce a “soft limit” of CNY 50 million per day on net stock sales by large clients.
Fintech / Regtech
Payoneer Becomes 3rd Foreign Payments Platform Authorised in China
16/04/2025
Payoneer is the third foreign platform after PayPal and Airwallex authorised to provide online payment services in China.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Thai SEC Seeks Feedback on Digital Asset Disclosure Rules
11/04/2025
Thai SEC aims to bolster oversight and risk monitoring of digital asset businesses through updated data collection guidelines.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Philippines Set to Simplify Access to Government Securities
09/04/2025
The popular GCash app will introduce a feature simplifying the process for Filipinos to invest in government bonds.
Enforcement
Ex-HSBC Employee, Two Intermediaries Charged with Bribery
09/04/2025
Three individuals face charges in a bribery scheme involving the opening of more than 200 bank accounts over two years.
Fintech / Regtech
SEBI Extends Implementation Deadline for New Algo Trading Rules
08/04/2025
The stock exchanges asked for additional time to finalise implementation standards that are still in discussion with the Brokers’ Industry Standards Forum (ISF).
Securities / Derivatives
China Grants Approval to VanEck to Open Private Fund Unit
02/04/2025
The approval comes two years after the US investment management firm abandoned plans to establish a wholly-owned mutual funds business in China.
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