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
Structural Regulation
Taiwan Relaxes Application Rules for Opening New Bank Branches
04/05/2026
Regulators have outlined the financial benchmarks and policy incentives for financial institutions seeking to expand their domestic branch networks this year.
Cryptocurrency
Taiwan Lawmaker Urges Government to Consider Bitcoin Reserves
04/05/2026
A report advocating for Bitcoin as a strategic asset has been formally presented to Taiwan’s premier and central bank governor.
Stablecoins
Woori Bank and MoonPay Partner on Won-Backed Stablecoin
04/05/2026
Crypto payments firm MoonPay signed an MOU with one of Korea’s largest banks to build global infrastructure for KRW-denominated stablecoins.
Cybersecurity
Korea's FSS to Intensify Cyber Drills, Introduce AI Red Teaming
04/05/2026
Regulators will double the frequency of unannounced mock hacking exercises and introduce new tests for vulnerabilities in generative AI services.
Structural Regulation
Korea Exchange to Compensate Investors After Listing Status Error
04/05/2026
KRX has begun accepting claims and is institutionalising an external committee after a mistaken announcement caused significant investor losses.
Credit Risk
China Expands Lending Programme for Tech Innovation and Equipment Upgrades
04/05/2026
China’s key financial authorities have expanded a re-lending programme to include R&D-intensive SMEs and new sectors like artificial intelligence.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
Former China Insurance Regulator Ren Chunsheng Jailed for Bribery
03/05/2026
A former insurance regulator has been sentenced after being found guilty of accepting a 'particularly huge' amount in bribes.
Credit Risk
Shenzhen Eases Homebuying Rules to Boost Property Market
03/05/2026
China’s tech hub has relaxed home purchase restrictions and raised housing loan caps in an effort to contain a prolonged property slump.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
South Korea Bolsters Fight Against Illegal Predatory Lending
01/05/2026
Regulators have amended reporting rules and expanded powers to block phone numbers used by illicit lenders, building on a new one-stop support system for victims.
Cybersecurity
Korea Urges Banks to Boost Security Investment Amid AI Threats
30/04/2026
The FSS governor has warned of emerging cyber threats from AI models as the country relaxes long-standing network separation rules for financial firms.
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