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
China Imposes Controls on Foreign Travel by State Employees – Report
18/10/2023
The restrictions, also imposed on bankers, are part of a campaign against foreign influence and the risks of espionage by foreign powers.
Market Infrastructure
CPMI Publishes Harmonised Data Requirements for ISO 20022
18/10/2023
The BOE, ECB and RBA have committed to aligning with the new requirements and call on other market infrastructures and payment service providers to do the same.
ESG / Sustainability
MAS Asks Firms to Pilot Transactions in “Transition Credits”
17/10/2023
Ravi Menon is seeking support from the industry to help develop transition credits that can be used to reduce the economic gap from retiring coal plants early.
Capital / Liquidity
Thai SEC Developing Stress Test for Capital Market Participants
17/10/2023
The SEC is collaborating with securities firms and asset managers to develop a stress test to assess risks and vulnerabilities in the industry.
Capital / Liquidity
IMF Warns of Global Banking Vulnerabilities from High Inflation
17/10/2023
The IMF calls for better stress testing practices, higher international standards, and lending facilities to enhance bank resilience.
ESG / Sustainability
KRX Revises Guidelines for Corporate Governance Reporting
17/10/2023
The revisions will improve disclosures in areas like dividends, shareholder communications, capital raisings, board diversity, and remuneration.
FCA Seeks Reforms to Bolster UK Fund Management Industry
16/10/2023
FCA chair Ashley Alder outlined plans to reform the UK asset management regime, focusing on proportionality, innovation and productive investment.
Enforcement
Hong Kong: ICAC Arrests 20 for MPF Withdrawal Fraud
14/10/2023
The ICAC arrested 20 people, including an insurance agent, for allegedly using forged documents to withdraw MPF balances early.
AML / KYC
SEBI Revises AML Guidelines for Securities Market Intermediaries
13/10/2023
The revisions lower the shareholding threshold for partners of a firm to be considered as beneficial owners from 15 to 10 percent, among other changes.
Crypto / Digital Assets
ESMA Publishes Two Papers on DeFi Risks and Categorisation
13/10/2023
One paper analyses the main features, benefits and challenges of DeFi. The other proposes a methodology to classify smart contracts.
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