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 FCA Addresses Debanking Concerns in New Report
20/09/2023
The FCA said no credit institution or payment company it reviewed closed an account between July 2022 and June 2023 primarily because of a customer’s political views.
Enforcement
US Court Jails Former Deutsche Bank Exec for Crypto Fraud
19/09/2023
Rashawn Russell, who operated a fake cryptocurrency investment fund and an identity theft scheme, was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
AML / KYC
Australia Consults on Bill to Expand Digital ID System
19/09/2023
The bill would allow myGovID to be used in the private sector, and allow accredited private sector IDs to be used for some government services.
Crypto / Digital Assets
South Korea to Tighten Oversight of OTC Crypto Transactions
18/09/2023
Korean authorities plan to develop new regulations for OTC crypto transactions and enhance cooperation and information sharing in this area.
Sanctions
G7 Plans to Ban Imports of Russian Diamonds – Report
17/09/2023
The move is part of efforts to reduce Russia’s revenues and pressure it to end its war in Ukraine.
Capital / Liquidity
Taiwan FSC Releases Stress Test Results for Banks, Insurers
16/09/2023
Five insurance companies and three banks failed to pass the most “severe” scenario and have proposed capital improvement plans.
Securities / Derivatives
ACGA Urges Korea to Review Corporate Governance Rules
15/09/2023
The ACGA sent a letter to the FSC outlining areas where Korea’s corporate governance rules can be improved to bolster the capital market and investor confidence.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Deutsche Bank Enters Crypto Custody Space with Taurus Partnership
15/09/2023
The bank will hold cryptocurrencies and tokenised assets for its institutional clients, but not offer crypto trading yet.
Securities / Derivatives
SEBI Overhauls Quarterly Reports for Alternative Investment Funds
15/09/2023
The revised format requires AIFs to provide information on their fund structure, investment strategy, portfolio composition, valuation methodology, and other areas.
Sanctions
US to Tighten Foreign Investment Scrutiny Amid China Concerns
15/09/2023
CFIUS will increase its compliance checks, questions, and site-visits, and hire more third-party auditors to identify deals that could impact national security.
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