Mark Johnston

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    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

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    Crypto / Digital Assets

    BOK to Expand CBDC Pilot to Include P2P Transfers

    24/04/2025

    BOK is set to widen its digital currency trial by adding person-to-person transfers and a digital welfare voucher system.

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    Securities / Derivatives

    SHFE Inks Derivatives Cooperation MoU With Gulf Exchange

    22/04/2025

    The collaboration covers product innovation, exchange of market development insights, research support and investor education.

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    Capital / Liquidity

    RBI Defers Tougher LCR Rules to 2026, Easing Pressure on Banks

    22/04/2025

    The RBI has halved the run-off factor for retail deposits enabled with internet and mobile banking facilities, and deferred implementation to April 2026

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    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Vietnam to Launch Pilot Crypto Trading Platform with Bybit

    22/04/2025

    Vietnam’s finance ministry is partnering with Bybit to test a regulated crypto trading platform in a controlled sandbox environment.

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    Crypto / Digital Assets

    China Mulls Reforms to Facilitate Disposal of Confiscated Crypto Assets

    21/04/2025

    “Near consensus” is reportedly emerging on the need to allow judicial recognition of cryptocurrencies as assets and a uniform procedure for their disposal.

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    AML / KYC

    Pakistan to Introduce Centralised Beneficial Ownership Registry

    18/04/2025

    The UBO registry, accessible to financial institutions, is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to align with FATF and OECD standards.

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    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Pakistan Moves to Regulate Virtual Assets for the First Time

    17/04/2025

    A national working group has developed a regulatory framework establishing rules for cryptocurrencies and related platforms.

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    Securities / Derivatives

    China Moves to Limit Stock Sales Amid Escalating US Trade War

    16/04/2025

    Brokerages have been instructed to enforce a “soft limit” of CNY 50 million per day on net stock sales by large clients.

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    Fintech / Regtech

    Payoneer Becomes 3rd Foreign Payments Platform Authorised in China

    16/04/2025

    Payoneer is the third foreign platform after PayPal and Airwallex authorised to provide online payment services in China.

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    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Thai SEC Seeks Feedback on Digital Asset Disclosure Rules

    11/04/2025

    Thai SEC aims to bolster oversight and risk monitoring of digital asset businesses through updated data collection guidelines.

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