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
China Unveils First Framework to Standardise State Investment Funds
15/01/2026
The NDRC and three ministries release dual measures to guide state capital into 'hard technology' and 'future industries' while banning disguised debt financing.
AML / KYC
Korea to Block Transactions of Firms Controlled by Terrorist Financiers
15/01/2026
Financial institutions must identify and restrict services for entities owned or influenced by designated persons, effective 22 January.
Enforcement
Korean Prosecutors Indict 10 in KRW 74.4 Billion IBK Loan Fraud Probe
15/01/2026
Former executives at the state-run lender face trial for bribery and breach of trust following a referral by financial regulators.
ESG / Sustainability
IESBA Kicks Off Global Dialogue on Firm Culture with Asia Outreach
13/01/2026
The ethics board has launched its "Viewpoints" to stimulate a six-month global consultation on a future framework for accounting firms.
AML / KYC
Japan FSA Seeks Operator for Fraud Data Sharing System
13/01/2026
Japan's FSA opens applications for a subsidised project to build a shared infrastructure for freezing fraudulent bank accounts amid a record surge in financial scams.
Securities / Derivatives
CFFEX Proposes New Settlement Rules, Tighter Trading Controls
12/01/2026
The exchange is creating a standalone settlement framework and new rules for programmatic trading to align with national derivatives law.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Vietnam Sets Mid-January Deadline for Licensing of Crypto Exchanges
12/01/2026
Vietnam’s Prime Minister instructs regulators to approve five pilot exchanges under a sandbox regime with strict capital and ownership requirements.
Securities / Derivatives
Thailand Targets Gold, Crypto in Sweeping ‘Grey Money’ Crackdown
12/01/2026
New rules include trading limits, a centralised data bureau, and stricter reporting to combat money laundering and curb baht volatility.
Enforcement
Korean Prosecutors Seek to Arrest Chairman of of Private Equity Giant
12/01/2026
Prosecutors allege executives of MBK Partners knew of a credit downgrade before a bond issuance.
Fintech / Regtech
OJK Indonesia Mandates Stronger IT Governance for Rural Banks
12/01/2026
Indonesia’s OJK has issued new rules requiring rural lenders to overhaul digital security, data protection, and disaster recovery protocols.
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