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
Crypto / Digital Assets
UK Funds Can Start Tokenising Funds, FCA Confirms
25/11/2023
In this initial stage, FCA authorised funds can implement tokenisation using a “baseline approach”, provided they meet certain characteristics.
Fintech / Regtech
UK FCA Seeks Input on Big Tech’s Data Advantage in Finance
25/11/2023
The FCA invites responses from national and international competition authorities and regulators, as well as Big Tech firms, financial services firms, consumer groups, and academics.
Enforcement
Binance Founder Allowed to Return to UAE Until Sentencing
24/11/2023
The DOJ has appealed the decision to allow Changpeng Zhao to leave the US until sentencing on 23 February 2024.
Enforcement
Australian Court Orders Mercer Advice Unit to Pay A$12m Penalty
23/11/2023
Mercer Financial Advice was fined for failing to provide compliant fee disclosure statements and charging fees for services never rendered.
Myanmar Tightens Restrictions on Cash Withdrawals from Banks
23/11/2023
Customers are told they need to show strong evidence of need to make large withdrawals.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Basel Institute on Governance “Cautiously Optimistic” Regarding Crypto Risks
23/11/2023
Criminal funds flowing through blockchains are “decreasing constantly” as a proportion of total value. Regulations in the world’s financial centres are becoming stronger.
Capital / Liquidity
China Promotes Digital Services for Capital Account Business
23/11/2023
The PBOC and SAFE asked banks to provide digital services for capital account foreign exchange and cross-border RMB business.
Enforcement
ECB Threatens Fines for Banks Lagging on Climate Risk
23/11/2023
The central bank has given about 20 banks individual deadlines to fix their shortcomings in managing climate and environmental risks.
Securities / Derivatives
Thai SEC Directs Stock Exchange to Tighten Short Selling Rules
23/11/2023
The regulator asked the SET to enforce stricter rules on short selling transactions, amid concerns of naked short selling in the market.
China, Cambodia Sign Yuan Clearing Agreement
23/11/2023
The PBOC and the NBC have signed a memorandum of cooperation to facilitate financial transactions in yuan and enhance economic ties.
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