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
Enforcement
Korean Banks Face Signficant Annual Costs for Fraud Compensation
06/04/2026
Proposed legal amendments that would force financial firms to compensate fraud victims could cost financial firms up to KRW 281.1 billion annually.
Securities / Derivatives
Thailand, Laos Sign MOU on Stock Market Integration
06/04/2026
The agreement aims to strengthen cross-border connectivity, explore dual listings, and enhance regulatory cooperation between the two Southeast Asian markets.
Capital / Liquidity
China Mandates Unified Corporate Credit Evaluation Framework
06/04/2026
The plan aims to standardise credit ratings, eliminate fragmented rules, and integrate public and market-based evaluations to support supervision and financing.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Taiwan Cabinet Approves Draft Virtual Asset Management Act
06/04/2026
The proposed legislation introduces a comprehensive licensing regime, stringent fraud penalties, and specific rules for stablecoin reserves and issuance.
Fintech / Regtech
Korea to Pilot Deposit Token Payments at Major Convenience Store Chains
06/04/2026
BOK is partnering with commercial banks and retailers to test deposit token payments in real-world consumer settings.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Simplifies Foreign Investor Onboarding With New LEI System
06/04/2026
The Korea Securities Depository has launched a real-time certificate service, replacing cumbersome translation and notarisation requirements for account opening.
Crypto / Digital Assets
China More Than Doubles E-Yuan Operators in Regulatory Expansion
06/04/2026
The central bank has licenced 12 new institutions, including city commercial banks for the first time, in a significant expansion of its CBDC pilot.
Korea Forms High-Level Council to Tackle Economic Volatility
06/04/2026
Top finance, budget, and regulatory chiefs will meet monthly to coordinate policy amid currency weakness and geopolitical shocks.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Enacts Tax Breaks to Lure Retail Funds Onshore
03/04/2026
A revised tax law creates a new investment account and offers tiered capital gains tax exemptions to stabilise the Korean won.
Fintech / Regtech
China Drafts Security Guidelines for Open-Source AI Agents
03/04/2026
China's national cybersecurity standards body has released a detailed practice guide for "OpenClaw" agents, focusing on organisational governance, shadow IT risks, and secure deployment.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
An exclusive weekly selection of top stories from the Regulation Asia editorial team.