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
North Korean Crypto Thefts Broke Records in 2022 – Report
14/02/2023
A UN report says North Korea stole more crypto in 2022 than in any previous year, using cyber techniques that have grown in sophistication.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Hermès Wins Trademark Infringement Case Involving NFTs
13/02/2023
A jury ruled that an artist violated Hermès’ copyright and brand image by selling NFTs depicting the company’s Birkin handbags covered in fur.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Dubai’s VARA Releases Comprehensive Virtual Asset Framework
10/02/2023
The regulations aim to provide clarity and certainty and reduce market risks. VASPs must now register to offer virtual asset services in Dubai.
Fintech / Regtech
SEBI to Require Brokers to Implement Trade Surveillance
09/02/2023
Brokers will have to implement systems and controls that can detect fraud and market abuse in the stock market.
Big Picture
Digital Dollar Project Calls for US Leadership on CBDC Standard Setting
30/01/2023
The US’s cautious approach to CBDCs could negatively impact the domestic economy, threaten the dollar’s dominance and have implications for sanctions evasion.
Fintech / Regtech
BOJ Examines Use of Privacy Enhancing Technologies for CBDC
29/01/2023
A CBDC could be supported by the use of privacy-enhancing technologies to anonymise data while still allowing for AML/CFT analysis, the BOJ says.
Big Picture
Tokenisation Can Threaten Financial System Stability: Denis Beau
25/01/2023
Banque de France official says tokenisation increases operational risks, especially cyber risks, and needs to be regulated “as swiftly as possible”.
Capital / Liquidity
EU Faces Industry Opposition on Proposed Commission Ban
24/01/2023
Financial industry associations say a ban on commissions paid to financial advisers for selling financial products would harm consumers.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Crypto Firms Team Up to Accelerate Climate Action
19/01/2023
The partnership comprises the GBBC, Eqo Networks, BxCi, Solana Foundation, Ripple, Regen Network, and Climate Collective.
Market Infrastructure
India Considers Law to Curb Unfair Practices by Big Tech
18/01/2023
The proposal would aim to prevent anti-competitive behaviour by dominant online platforms, similar to the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
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