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
Securities / Derivatives
Korea FSS Tightens Disclosure and Ad Rules Ahead of IMA Market Debut
22/12/2025
The FSS has mandated strict scenario analysis and reporting requirements for Integrated Investment Accounts to mitigate misselling risks as firms prepare year-end launches.
Enforcement
India’s NSDL Settles SEBI Probe with $1.74m Payment
22/12/2025
The NSDL resolved allegations regarding delayed account freezing, vendor contract irregularities and unpaid securities oversight.
Securities / Derivatives
FSS Korea Warns Against 'Reckless' Competition in Asset Management Industry
22/12/2025
FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin urges CEOs to end self-cannibalising competition while industry leaders request policy support for virtual asset products.
Fintech / Regtech
Japan's SBI Holdings to Launch Yen Stablecoin in Q2 2026
19/12/2025
The stablecoin will be structured as a “Type 3 Electronic Payment Instrument”, which means it will not be subject to a cap on domestic remittances and fund balances.
AML / KYC
Japan Tightens Foreign Property Reporting and Nationality Rules
19/12/2025
Tokyo unveils dual regulatory measures requiring nationality disclosure on registries and mandatory reporting for residential property acquisitions to curb speculation.
Enforcement
Singapore Charges Samtrade FX Executives Over ‘Copy Trading’ Scheme
19/12/2025
Three top executives face court over alleged conspiracy to tilt bid-ask spreads and launder millions in proceeds.
Enforcement
Singapore Jails CSP Directors in Landmark Ruling on Nominee Negligence
19/12/2025
First conviction of service provider under new sentencing framework highlights risks of “silent” directors and lax due diligence.
Securities / Derivatives
Korean Securities Firms Overhaul Rules as K-OTC Opens to Delisted Stocks
18/12/2025
KOFIA will launch a trading support mechanism for delisted shares in January, prompting brokers to update compliance and trading protocols.
ESG / Sustainability
Korea FSS Faces Criticism for Proposals on Banking Group Governance
18/12/2025
South Korea’s FSS plans to diversify outside director nominations to curb management entrenchment, sparking industry concerns over potential government interference.
Securities / Derivatives
Taiwan FSC Consults on Easing Securities Investment Rules for Banks
18/12/2025
Taiwan FSC seeks to align investment restrictions with lending rules for government-linked entities and expand eligible asset classes to include Islamic fixed-income instruments.
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