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
Capital / Liquidity
S. Korea to Launch New Task Force to Stem Won Slide
11/12/2025
Seoul heightens scrutiny on securities firms and exporters while considering unprecedented debt issuance by the National Pension Service to stabilise the KRW.
Enforcement
S. Korea Indicts Ex-Reporter, Securities Staff in Front-Running Case
11/12/2025
Seoul prosecutors and regulators crack down on market manipulation involving media professionals, seizing assets and pursuing broader investigations.
Korea Mandates Detailed Funding Disclosures for Foreign Property Investors
11/12/2025
South Korea to require foreign homebuyers to identify overseas financial institutions and prove residency under new anti-speculation rules effective 10 February.
Capital / Liquidity
China Cuts Capital Charges for Insurers to Spur Long-Term Equity Investment
10/12/2025
The NFRA has lowered risk weightings for insurers’ stock holdings to cultivate “patient capital.”
AML / KYC
S. Korea to Unify Remittance Limits, Launch Real-Time FX Monitoring
10/12/2025
The Ministry of Economy and Finance will abolish the designated bank system in 2026, levelling the playing field for non-bank operators under a new oversight framework.
FSS Korea Overhauls Financial Consumer Service Charter
10/12/2025
The regulator’s first full revision of the charter in 24 years emphasises preventive supervision and swift dispute resolution for financial consumers.
Securities / Derivatives
S. Korean Lawmakers Propose Measures to Strengthen KOSDAQ Market
10/12/2025
Lawmakers and industry experts call for a massive liquidity injection and structural reforms to address the junior bourse’s high volatility and low institutional participation.
Enforcement
China Executes ex-Huarong Chief in Graft Crackdown
10/12/2025
Former general manager of distressed asset manager’s offshore unit put to death for accepting bribes exceeding CNY 1.1 billion.
Securities / Derivatives
China to Mandate Pay Cuts for Underperforming Fund Managers
10/12/2025
China's fund industry body has issued draft rules tying pay to long-term investor returns, mandating co-investment and introducing clawback provisions.
Enforcement
Thailand Cracks Down on Chinese Bitcoin Mining Tied to THB 5bn Flows
09/12/2025
Thailand's “Operation Copperhead” has exposed a transnational Bitcoin mining ring, triggering focus on money laundering and digital asset crime.
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