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
Stablecoins
EU Proposes Lower Risk Weights for Stablecoins, Tokenised Assets
02/06/2023
Stablecoins backed by non-fiat assets such as gold would have a 250% risk weight. Those backed by fiat currency would be treated the same as the underlying.
Structural Regulation
SEBI Proposes Tighter Rules for Granting QIB Status to AIFs
31/05/2023
SEBI said many AIFs have only one or two investors but have been obtaining benefits as ‘Qualified Institutional Buyers’.
CBDCs
China Expands CBDC Usage to Investment and Capital Markets
30/05/2023
A project by Galaxy Securities and ICBC to use CBDC for investments is included in Beijing’s capital market fintech innovation trials.
Custody & Infrastructure
US Crypto Firm Secures Special Purpose Broker-dealer Licence
29/05/2023
The licence, granted by FINRA, is considered an important milestone, though there are limitations of what it can be used for.
Cryptocurrency
ESMA Warns of Crypto Mis-selling by EU Investment Firms
26/05/2023
ESMA says firms should now use their regulatory status for traditional finance as a marketing tool to promote crypto investments.
Trading & Investment
EU Commission Unveils Measures to “Empower” Retail Investors
25/05/2023
The measures include better disclosures about investment products and services and a ban on inducements for “execution-only” sales.
Cybersecurity
NYDFS Fines Lender $4.25m for Breaching Cybersecurity Rules
25/05/2023
OneMain Financial Group failed to properly manage access privileges and conduct due diligence on third-party vendors, NYDFS said.
Cryptocurrency
TP ICAP Launches New Digital Assets Trading Platform
25/05/2023
The platform can be used for order matching and trade execution, with segregated custody and settlement done separately.
Anti-Money Laundering
Shanghai Police Uncover Money Laundering via Livestreamers
25/05/2023
Shanghai police have uncovered a scheme involving fraudsters who tipped livestreamers to conceal their illicit funds.
Clearing & Post-Trade
DTCC, Nomura Partner to Enhance Post-Trade Efficiency in Japan
25/05/2023
Through the collaboration, DTCC and Nomura Research Institute will streamline and enhance the post-trade process, enabling shorter settlement times and increased efficiency.
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