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
Market Abuse
US SEC Penalises Online Broker Over Meme Stock Restrictions
01/06/2022
In January 2021, TradeZero America halted trading in three meme stocks for about 10 minutes, but later told investors it had resisted instructions from its clearing broker to do so.
Stablecoins
Terra Collapse Sparks Regulatory Change, Lawsuits in Korea
26/05/2022
The FSC says thirteen relevant bills on digital asset investor protection are currently pending at the National Assembly.
PEPs & Sanctions
US Federal Court Declares Crypto Subject to Sanctions Laws
20/05/2022
A newly unsealed federal court opinion supports the DOJ’s first criminal prosecution involving the use of crypto for sanctions evasion.
Cybersecurity
ASIC Sets Out Expectations on Cyber Risk Management
19/05/2022
The guidance follows Australia’s first Federal Court judgment ruling that an AFS licensee breached its obligations on managing cyber risk.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
US Charges Crypto CEO for Fraudulent Investment Scheme
19/05/2022
Eddy Alexandre, the CEO of EminiFX, promised weekly returns would be generated through proprietary robo-advising technology.
Trading & Investment
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.
Anti-Money Laundering
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.
PEPs & Sanctions
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.
Data Privacy
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.
Reporting & Disclosures
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.
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