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
Capital / Liquidity
Korean Banks to Resume Bond Issuance as Markets Stabilise
22/12/2022
South Korea’s corporate bond market is showing signs of recovery, prompting banks to resume bond issuance to replace maturing debt.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Audit Firms Are Exiting Relationships with Crypto Clients
21/12/2022
Mazars and Armanino have stopped serving clients in the crypto sector. BDO is reconsidering its approach to the sector.
Enforcement
Former German Tax Inspector Jailed Over Cum-Ex Tax Fraud
20/12/2022
Hanno Berger, considered a Cum-Ex mastermind, was sentenced to eight years in jail and ordered to repay EUR 13.7 million.
Big Picture
Systemic Risk Scores in Global Insurance Sector Are Rising: IAIS
19/12/2022
Higher systemic risk scores are driven by increased exposures to illiquid and difficult-to-value assets, OTC derivatives, repo transactions and other factors.
Crypto / Digital Assets
US Lawmakers Introduce AML/CFT Bill for Crypto Firms
19/12/2022
The bill would categorise all crypto firms as money transfer businesses, requiring them to implement AML programmes and prohibiting the use of crypto mixers.
Enforcement
US SEC, DOJ Charge Social Media Influencers for Securities Fraud
18/12/2022
Eight individuals are accused of engaging in a conspiracy to commit securities fraud through a social media-based “pump and dump” scheme.
Market Infrastructure
Japan to Raise Taxes on Wealthy Individuals, Corporations
18/12/2022
Taxes will be raised on those who earn over JPY 3 billion through stocks and real estate. A corporate surtax of 4 to 4.5 percent will also be adopted.
AML / KYC
Singapore Releases Blueprint to Combat Ransomware Attacks
17/12/2022
The blueprint includes recommendations to discourage ransomware payments and make it mandatory for organisations to report such payments.
Sanctions
New Russia, Iran Sanctions Imposed Over Drone Use in Ukraine
16/12/2022
The UK, EU and New Zealand has announced new sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities over the supply of drones to Russia.
Market Infrastructure
NYSE, Nasdaq Expected to See More Capital Raises via Direct Listings
16/12/2022
The SEC is expected to permit the NYSE to ease its rules for direct listings, after a similar approval was granted to Nasdaq earlier this month.
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