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
Fintech / Regtech
China Seeks Feedback on AI Industry Standardisation Plan
25/01/2024
China’s MIIT has issued draft guidelines for the construction of a comprehensive standardisation system for the AI industry.
Securities / Derivatives
FSC Korea Unveils Plan to Enhance Convertible Bond Market
24/01/2024
The plan includes measures to strengthen investigation and enforcement of unfair trading activities involving convertible bonds.
Sanctions
US, UK Join Australia in Sanctioning Russian Cyber Attacker
24/01/2024
The US and UK took action “in solidarity with Australia” because of the similar risk Aleksandr Ermakov presents to both countries.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea to Improve Interest Rate Fairness in Securities Industry
24/01/2024
The new interest rate calculation system will enhance transparency, fairness and convenience for investors, the FSS said.
Capital / Liquidity
Taiwan Loosens Rules for Cash Dividend Payouts by FHCs
24/01/2024
Financial holding companies can use their statutory surplus reserves or capital reserves to pay cash dividends, subject to meeting certain requirements.
Capital / Liquidity
South Korea to Introduce “Stress DSR System” for Loan Products
24/01/2024
Lenders will apply an additional “stress interest rate” when calculating the debt service ratio for variable rate loan products from 26 February.
Fintech / Regtech
Hong Kong to Phase Out Cheques Amid Digital Payments Boom
23/01/2024
The Hong Kong Association of Banks will set up a task force to explore options for encouraging cheque users to shift to digital payments.
ESG / Sustainability
IFRS Foundation and GRI Publish GHG Emissions Reporting Guide
23/01/2024
The reporting guide shows how to report Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 GHG emissions using both the GRI and ISSB standards.
Capital / Liquidity
Bangladesh Restricts Onshore Lending to Offshore Banking Units
23/01/2024
Banks will have to repatriate funds from their offshore units by the end of 2024 and only rely on foreign funding sources for these units moving forward.
Enforcement
Former ICBC Official Expelled from Communist Party for Corruption
23/01/2024
Liu Lixian will have his illegal gains confiscated and his case transferred to prosecutors for further review.
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