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
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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