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
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.
Capital / Liquidity
China Allows Insurers to Invest in Gold for the First Time
12/02/2025
China’s NFRA has launched a pilot programme permitting ten major insurance firms to invest up to one percent of their assets in gold.
Capital / Liquidity
China Issues New Concentration Risk Guidelines for Insurance Groups
12/02/2025
China’s NFRA has released new guidelines aimed at enhancing risk management within insurance groups.
Fintech / Regtech
Korea Enhances DART Platform to Accommodate Foreign Investors
11/02/2025
The FSS expects the expanded scope of English disclosure information on the DART platform to help resolve the Korea discount
Enforcement
APAC Governments Impose Restrictions on Use of DeepSeek
10/02/2025
South Korea, India, Australia and Taiwan have imposed restrictions on using DeepSeek on government devices.
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