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
Philippines Set to Simplify Access to Government Securities
09/04/2025
The popular GCash app will introduce a feature simplifying the process for Filipinos to invest in government bonds.
Enforcement
Ex-HSBC Employee, Two Intermediaries Charged with Bribery
09/04/2025
Three individuals face charges in a bribery scheme involving the opening of more than 200 bank accounts over two years.
Fintech / Regtech
SEBI Extends Implementation Deadline for New Algo Trading Rules
08/04/2025
The stock exchanges asked for additional time to finalise implementation standards that are still in discussion with the Brokers’ Industry Standards Forum (ISF).
Securities / Derivatives
China Grants Approval to VanEck to Open Private Fund Unit
02/04/2025
The approval comes two years after the US investment management firm abandoned plans to establish a wholly-owned mutual funds business in China.
AML / KYC
FSB Launches Forum on Cross-Border Payments Data
28/03/2025
The initiative aims to enhance cross-border payments by improving dialogue and strengthening cooperation on data-related issues.
Enforcement
NZ Probing Whether NZBA Commitments Constitute Cartel Activity
28/03/2025
New Zealand investigates whether banks’ net-zero pledges under the Net-Zero Banking Alliance violate anti-cartel laws.
Indonesia Appoints Prominent Advisers to New Wealth Fund
26/03/2025
The advisers include Ray Dalio, Jeffrey Sachs, and Thaksin Shinawatra. Two former Indonesian presidents were appointed as directors.
Securities / Derivatives
SEBI Plans to Clarify Rules for ESOPs and Promoter Shares
26/03/2025
SEBI proposes amendments to provide clarity and ensure equitable treatment for shares regardless of their acquisition method.
Securities / Derivatives
China Tightens Rules on Banks’ Agency Sales to Boost Risk Controls
26/03/2025
The NFRA has tightened its rules for banks’ agency sales, enhancing risk management, consumer protection, and setting 1 October as the compliance deadline.
PFRDA Issues Operational Regulations for Unified Pension Scheme
26/03/2025
Indian government employees will have the option to switch to the Unified Pension Scheme. The switch would be irrevocable, PFRDA said.
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