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
ESG / Sustainability
JPX Develops Method to Automate TCFD Disclosure Checks
05/03/2024
Large language models are used evaluate securities reports to check whether recommended TCFD disclosures were made.
Fintech / Regtech
Thailand to Open Applications for Virtual Bank Licences in March
05/03/2024
The Bank of Thailand aims to grant three virtual bank licences by mid-2025, with a view to seeing services launch in 2026.
Securities / Derivatives
Shanghai Bourse to Launch ESG Index for STAR Market
04/03/2024
The index will track the ESG performance of 50 listed companies on the STAR Market, using a comprehensive evaluation system.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Amends Trading Rules for Foreign Listed Securities
01/03/2024
The amendment will introduce some exceptions for selling overseas listed securities through foreign securities firms.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea Implements “Stress DSR System” for Bank Mortgage Loans
29/02/2024
A ‘stress interest rate’ will apply when calculating the debt service ratio for bank mortgage loans, to reflect the risk of interest rate fluctuations.
Crypto / Digital Assets
EU Adopts Four Delegated Regulations Under MiCA
27/02/2024
The regulations cover penalties, criteria for significant, EBA supervisory fees, and product intervention powers.
Crypto / Digital Assets
HK-based Crypto Firm BitForex Disappears With User Funds
27/02/2024
$56mn in crypto was removed from the exchange before it stopped processing transactions and responding to user queries.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Crypto Firm Kraken Files Motion to Dismiss SEC Lawsuit
27/02/2024
Kraken argues that the SEC has no authority over its operations as the cryptocurrencies it offers are not securities or investment contracts.
Enforcement
Korea FSS Seeks Max Penalties for Alleged Fraud by Kakao Unit
27/02/2024
The FSS has issued a preliminary notice to Kakao Mobility, accusing it of inflating its revenue and engaging in accounting fraud.
ESG / Sustainability
Taiwan FSC Proposes Rule Changes to Improve Insurers’ ESG Disclosures
27/02/2024
Insurers will have until 1 January 2025 to establish internal control systems for the management and disclosure of sustainable information.
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