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
Fintech / Regtech
Australia Passes Identity Verification Bill to Boost Privacy and Security
08/12/2023
The new legislation will require identity verification services to adhere to privacy and security standards and report breaches to the OAIC.
Fintech / Regtech
Australian Treasury Releases New Enterprise Data Strategy
07/12/2023
The strategy outlines four key themes and actions to leverage data for timely, informed and influential policy advice.
Securities / Derivatives
Philippines: Trust Entities Allows to Access Primary Market for BSP Securities
01/12/2023
Trust entities have so far only been able to trade BSP securities in the secondary market. The change will help expand the investor base and market liquidity.
Big Picture
OECD Issues Policy Paper on Open Finance Data Sharing
28/11/2023
The new paper analyses the potential impacts of data sharing frameworks in the financial sector and provides recommendations for their implementation.
AML / KYC
Taiwan Banks Blocked TWD 5.5 billion in Fraud in 2023
28/11/2023
CTBC Bank, Cathay United Bank and Chunghwa Post each blocked more than 1,100 fraud attempts from Q1 to Q3.
Enforcement
Chinese Police Launch Criminal Probe into Zhongzhi Group
27/11/2023
The announcement came just days after Zhongzhi, one of the largest conglomerates in China’s shadow finance sector, said it was insolvent.
Enforcement
HK AFRC Bans Auditor for Life, Imposes HK$300,000 Fine
27/11/2023
A CPA has been penalised for falsely signing off 11 audit reports and providing misleading information to the HKICPA.
Crypto / Digital Assets
EBA Consults on Travel Rule Guidelines for Funds and Crypto Transfers
27/11/2023
The EBA plans new guidelines to prevent the misuse of funds and crypto-assets transfers for illicit purposes, aligning with FATF standards.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Montenegro Court Approves Extradition of Terra Founder
27/11/2023
The court said both South Korea and the US have met Montenegro’s legal requirements for Do Kwon’s extradition.
Fintech / Regtech
RBA to Lower Regulatory Burden for Small Securities Settlement Facilities
26/11/2023
The proposal aims to accommodate the “probable emergence of new, technologically innovative securities settlement facilities”.
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