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
Shandong Financial Asset Management Becomes Hengfeng Bank’s Largest Shareholder
25/02/2024
Hengfeng Bank was bailed out in 2019 by Central Huijin Investment, Shandong Financial Asset Management and Singapore’s UOB after a major corruption scandal.
Securities / Derivatives
US SEC Adopts Amendments to Strengthen Ethics Rules
24/02/2024
The SEC has adopted amendments banning employees from investing in financial sector funds and enabling automated compliance monitoring.
Enforcement
Montenegro Court to Extradite Do Kwon to the US, Not Korea
23/02/2024
Montenegro’s High Court decided to approve the US extradition request over South Korea’s, citing the gravity of the charges and the evidence presented by US authorities.
ESG / Sustainability
BSP Approves Adoption of Sustainable Finance Taxonomy for Banks
23/02/2024
The first version of the taxonomy focuses on climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation. Future iterations will cover biodiversity and circular economy.
AML / KYC
Frankfurt Selected to Host EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority
23/02/2024
Frankfurt was chosen following a competitive bidding process that involved eight other countries. The AMLA will start operations in mid-2025.
China: 214 Cities Now Participating in Real Estate Financing Mechanism
23/02/2024
Whitelists created by the 214 cities include more than 5,300 projects. Bank financing worth over $4bn has been disbursed.
Enforcement
FSC Korea Warns the Consumer Finance Association for Violations
23/02/2024
The FSC has issued a warning to the CFA and its chairman for violating the law and obstructing the FSS inspection.
Fintech / Regtech
FSC Korea Unveils Plans to Expand Open Banking Services
23/02/2024
Open banking services will be extended to business accounts and provided through offline channels.
Fintech / Regtech
EU Establishes New Office to Implement AI Act
23/02/2024
The AI Office will be responsible for implementing the AI Act and fostering a trustworthy AI ecosystem in the EU.
ESG / Sustainability
Indonesia Publishes Revised Sustainable Finance Taxonomy
23/02/2024
The revised taxonomy assigns an amber colour code to projects that help to facilitate low-carbon transition.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
A daily selection of top stories from the Regulation Asia editorial team