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
AML / KYC
UK Launches Action Plan to Combat Money Muling
10/03/2024
The UK government has announced a 22-point action plan to disrupt money mule activity and support exploited victims.
Market Infrastructure
Final Rules, Guidance Issued for Australia’s New Accountability Regime
08/03/2024
The Minister Rules, Regulator Rules, Transitional Rules, ADI key functions descriptions, and reporting form instructions have been finalised.
Enforcement
Thailand SEC Penalises 15 for Manipulating Stock Prices
08/03/2024
The individuals were collectively fined a total $1.82mn and prohibited from serving as directors or executives of any securities company for varying periods.
Korea to Revise Fee System for Early Repayment of Loans
05/03/2024
The changes will prohibit lenders from imposing early repayment fees that exceed the actual costs incurred by prepayment of loans.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Taiwan to Propose Draft Crypto BIll in September
05/03/2024
The bill aims to create comprehensive regulations for the crypto industry, improve investor protections, and address risks to the traditional financial system.
ESG / Sustainability
JPX Develops Method to Automate TCFD Disclosure Checks
05/03/2024
Large language models are used evaluate securities reports to check whether recommended TCFD disclosures were made.
Fintech / Regtech
Thailand to Open Applications for Virtual Bank Licences in March
05/03/2024
The Bank of Thailand aims to grant three virtual bank licences by mid-2025, with a view to seeing services launch in 2026.
Securities / Derivatives
Shanghai Bourse to Launch ESG Index for STAR Market
04/03/2024
The index will track the ESG performance of 50 listed companies on the STAR Market, using a comprehensive evaluation system.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Amends Trading Rules for Foreign Listed Securities
01/03/2024
The amendment will introduce some exceptions for selling overseas listed securities through foreign securities firms.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea Implements “Stress DSR System” for Bank Mortgage Loans
29/02/2024
A ‘stress interest rate’ will apply when calculating the debt service ratio for bank mortgage loans, to reflect the risk of interest rate fluctuations.
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