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
Sanctions
US Targets China, HK Firms in New Iran Sanctions Wave
17/11/2025
The sanctions targets include entities in China, Hong Kong and India that allegedly operate procurement networks supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and UAV production
Market Infrastructure
Myanmar Moves to Accept Chinese Yuan for Direct Investment
16/11/2025
New procedures are being implemented to facilitate CNY-kyat exchange, yuan bank accounts, and direct CNY settlements for investors.
Securities / Derivatives
Bursa Malaysia Launches Platform for Vetting Research, Online Commentary
16/11/2025
The exchange aims to counter unlicensed online commentary by having licensed advisers review and publish public research submissions.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Delays Decision on Penalties for Mis-Selling ELS Products
15/11/2025
A decision on penalties, potentially in the trillions of won, is pushed back as authorities clarify rules on 'revenue'.
Capital / Liquidity
Bangladesh Amends OBU Rules to Allow Greater Trade Finance Flexibility
14/11/2025
New rules allow OBUs to finance enterprises via other banks' Authorised Dealers, subject to strict risk assessment requirements.
Capital / Liquidity
China Mandates Private Capital Access in Major Projects, Boosts SME Financing
14/11/2025
The State Council rules aim to lift financing for private firms and open sectors from nuclear power to commercial space.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Macau Digital Currency e-MOP Development Nearing Completion
14/11/2025
Monetary Authority confirms sandbox testing of the CBDC will follow, starting with a "whitelist" approach for pre-approved users.
Capital / Liquidity
Vietnam Introduces Basel II-Style Capital Rules for Securities Firms
14/11/2025
New circular tightens risk governance, hitting firms with concentrated portfolios and non-rated bonds, while clarifying margin lending rules.
Fintech / Regtech
BSP Flags Penalties, ISO 20022 Alignment in Push for 24/7 RTGS
14/11/2025
Philippines central bank consults FIs on regulatory adjustments and operational resilience for round-the-clock real-time payments.
AML / KYC
Singapore Jails Nominee Director in Multi-Million Dollar Shell Company Scam Case
13/11/2025
Singaporean man sentenced after shell firms he directed processed millions in proceeds from US and European scams.
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