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
Australia Considers Outright Ban on Ransom Payments
19/04/2023
The ACSC recommends that victims of ransomware attacks never pay a ransom. The government is considering a law prohibiting attack victims from paying ransoms.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Fed Official Outlines Policy Issues for CBDC Introduction
18/04/2023
Fed governor Michelle Bowman said a CBDC may not necessarily improve payment system efficiency or increase financial inclusion.
AML / KYC
UK Watchdog Faces Surge in AML Whistleblower Reports
18/04/2023
The UK FCA has received 141 reports from insiders who raised concerns about their firms’ AML controls in the past six years.
Big Picture
BIS Paper Calls for Fiscal Reforms to Support Financial Stability
18/04/2023
A new BIS paper proposes policy measures to tackle the risks that arise from the link between fiscal policy and financial stability.
Enforcement
Russian National Receives Light Sentence for Laundering Ransomware Proceeds
18/04/2023
Denis Dubnikov laundered money for the Ryuk ransomware gang, but pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators.
Fintech / Regtech
Japan’s Big Three Banks Embrace Generative AI Chatbots
18/04/2023
The adoption of AI chatbots by Japan’s top banks could spur other major Japanese companies to follow suit, as generative AI technology becomes increasingly popular.
Fintech / Regtech
UK Regulators Announce Next Steps for Open Banking Regime
18/04/2023
A new body will be created to boost the uptake of open banking in the UK and extend its benefits to other sectors of the economy.
Crypto / Digital Assets
UK Regulator to Impose Limits on Stablecoin Payments
18/04/2023
The BOE and the FCA will propose new rules by year-end to ensure stablecoins are redeemable in fiat money and do not threaten financial stability.
AML / KYC
Hong Kong Police Bust SIM Card Fraud Ring Linked to Triads
16/04/2023
The suspects registered SIM cards with fake IDs and sold them to scammers who created social media accounts to lure victims.
AML / KYC
US Sentences Man Who Stole Bitcoin from Silk Road to Prison
15/04/2023
The DOJ said James Zhong executed a scheme to trick Silk Road’s withdrawal system and steal 50,000 Bitcoin in 2012.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
A daily selection of top stories from the Regulation Asia editorial team