Mark Johnston

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    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

    Stablecoin Potential in Capital Markets Hindered by Regulatory Fragmentation, says ICMA

    21/01/2026

    new paper highlights convergence on reserve rules but warns that inconsistent global adoption and practical constraints create significant hurdles.

    Securities / Derivatives

    ASIC Crackdown Secures A$40m in Refunds for Retail CFD Investors

    20/01/2026

    A regulator's review of 52 issuers found significant compliance breaches, leading to refunds for more than 38,000 retail investors and sector-wide changes.

    Fintech / Regtech

    Japan Banks Face 'Operational Resilience' Test as Disaster Risks Mount - BOJ

    20/01/2026

    Japanese financial institutions are shifting to an “all-hazards” approach to business continuity, though gaps remain in executive drill participation and third-party risk management.

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Thai SEC Targets Crypto ETFs and ISSB Alignment in New Strategic Roadmap

    20/01/2026

    Thai SEC outlines three-year plan focused on digital asset tokenisation, cyber resilience, and international sustainability reporting standards to boost market competitiveness.

    Enforcement

    Korea Refers Chinese Nationals to Prosecutors in $102m Crypto Laundering Case

    20/01/2026

    Customs officials allege the group disguised illicit funds as medical fees, highlighting Seoul’s enforcement-led approach to cross-border digital assets.

    Securities / Derivatives

    South Korea Finalises 30 Percent Dividend Tax Cap and Payout Mandates

    20/01/2026

    New decree grants tax breaks for high-dividend shareholders while raising mandatory earnings recirculation targets for financial institutions and conglomerates.

    Securities / Derivatives

    China Proposes Strict Derivatives Rules to Curb Speculation and Ring-Fence Risks

    20/01/2026

    The CSRC draft mandates professional trader standards, bans listed firms from trading their own stock derivatives, and enforces mandatory trade reporting.

    Capital / Liquidity

    Canada, China Revive Financial Talks, Ease Trade Tensions

    20/01/2026

    New agreement establishes a financial working group to coordinate on AML and capital flows while resetting tariff rules for strategic sectors.

    Enforcement

    China Pledges ‘Zero Tolerance’ for Illegal Activity to Ensure Market Stability

    19/01/2026

    The CSRC vows to rigorously punish speculation and manipulation following work conference, approving margin hike to curb risks.

    Fintech / Regtech

    China Proposes AI Security Guidelines Covering Full Application Lifecycle

    19/01/2026

    China’s cybersecurity standards body seeks industry feedback on four draft guidelines addressing AI application risks, training data cleaning and user security.

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