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
India’s ASCI Issues Advertising Guidelines for Crypto Products
03/03/2022
All virtual asset-related ads released on or after 1 April must carry a disclaimer; Certain words associated with regulated products are will be prohibited.
Fintech / Regtech
EU Delays Vote on MiCA Legislation Following Backlash
03/03/2022
A vote on the EU’s regulatory framework for crypto-assets was delayed due to outcry over wording that would ban proof-of-work consensus protocols in 2025.
AML / KYC
New EU-Wide AML Authority Expected to Oversee Crypto Firms
01/03/2022
A group of EU member states led by Germany is seeking to make the inclusion of cryptocurrency firms under the AMLA’s remit more explicit.
Market Infrastructure
IMF to Launch New Data Gaps Initiative Later This Year
01/03/2022
A draft work plan for the new Data Gaps Initiative, which seeks to improve the availability of data for policymaking, focuses on four topics including climate change.
Capital / Liquidity
RBI Extends Deadline for New NBFC Asset Classification Norms
22/02/2022
The new norms would have led to a spike in non-performing assets for NBFCs and, hence, higher provisioning.
ESG / Sustainability
BSP Calls on Banks to Adhere to Sustainable Finance Roadmap
22/02/2022
Lending to activities that are considered sustainable and environment-friendly will qualify FIs for incentives, such as preferential rediscount rates.
Fintech / Regtech
DBS to Offer Retail Crypto Trading by Year End
15/02/2022
DBS plans to make access to its institutional trading desk for digital assets more convenient and to launch retail services by year-end.
Fintech / Regtech
RBNZ to Commence Design Work on CBDC Proof of Concept
10/02/2022
Governor Adrian Orr said falling behind other central banks is “not an option” and the RBNZ will soon begin POC design and testing for a CBDC.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Mitsui to Launch Japan’s First Gold-Pegged Cryptocurrency
08/02/2022
ZipangCoin will be made available to retail investors this month through Digital Asset Markets Inc, which is partly owned by Mitsui & Co.
Fintech / Regtech
BOT Sets Out Plans for ‘New Financial Landscape’
07/02/2022
The BOT will introduce virtual bank licences, relax fintech investment limits for banks, promote open data, and establish TCFD aligned disclosure standards.
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