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
Emerging Prudential Risks
APRA Imposes New Limits on the Use of Offshore Reinsurers
10/03/2022
Updated prudential standard sets limits on exposures to offshore reinsurers. If a life company exceeds these limits, additional capital would need to be held.
Structural Regulation
Philippine SEC Implements Caps on Loan Rates, Fees
07/03/2022
The caps were prescribed to curb predatory and abusive practices by lending and financing companies including on online platforms.
Payments & Settlements
BSP Approves Reporting Rules for Payment System Operators
07/03/2022
Compliance requires effective a management information system that enables independent validation and periodic independent review of reporting processes and procedures.
Custody & Infrastructure
Thailand SEC Tightens Custody Rules for Digital Assets
05/03/2022
The SEC is also proposing requirements for digital asset businesses to disclose service quality information on their websites.
Cryptocurrency
India’s ASCI Issues Advertising Guidelines for Crypto Products
03/03/2022
All virtual asset-related ads released on or after 1 April must carry a disclaimer; Certain words associated with regulated products are will be prohibited.
Cryptocurrency
EU Delays Vote on MiCA Legislation Following Backlash
03/03/2022
A vote on the EU’s regulatory framework for crypto-assets was delayed due to outcry over wording that would ban proof-of-work consensus protocols in 2025.
Anti-Money Laundering
New EU-Wide AML Authority Expected to Oversee Crypto Firms
01/03/2022
A group of EU member states led by Germany is seeking to make the inclusion of cryptocurrency firms under the AMLA’s remit more explicit.
Climate Risk
IMF to Launch New Data Gaps Initiative Later This Year
01/03/2022
A draft work plan for the new Data Gaps Initiative, which seeks to improve the availability of data for policymaking, focuses on four topics including climate change.
Credit Risk
RBI Extends Deadline for New NBFC Asset Classification Norms
22/02/2022
The new norms would have led to a spike in non-performing assets for NBFCs and, hence, higher provisioning.
Sustainable Finance
BSP Calls on Banks to Adhere to Sustainable Finance Roadmap
22/02/2022
Lending to activities that are considered sustainable and environment-friendly will qualify FIs for incentives, such as preferential rediscount rates.
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