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
Cybersecurity
APAC Financial Sector Hit by Surge in AI-Driven and API-Targeted Cyberattacks
27/05/2026
A new report finds APAC is a top target for application-layer attacks, while EMEA sees the most persistent network attacks, driven by AI-bots and API vulnerabilities.
Structural Regulation
Thailand Issues First Virtual Bank Licence to Clicx Consortium
27/05/2026
The digital bank is set to launch next month pending a final readiness assessment, while two other approved applicants have requested operational extensions.
Payments & Settlements
Taiwan Considers Rule to Limit Dividend Currency Choice
27/05/2026
Taiwan’s central bank is drafting rules that would restrict foreign investors to a once-a-year dividend currency choice to manage foreign exchange volatility.
Cybersecurity
Cambodian Banks Pledge to Boost Cyber Defences Amid New Rules
26/05/2026
Industry leaders have committed to strengthening cyber defences in response to new, comprehensive technology and cyber risk guidelines issued by the central bank.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
Korea FSS Warns Asset Managers on Accountability, ETF Risks
26/05/2026
FSS shares pilot inspection failures and targets a July deadline for over 1,000 firms to submit accountability frameworks, known as 'duty maps'.
Supervision & Enforcement
Korea's Top Court Voids Sanctions on NH Securities in Optimus Fund Case
26/05/2026
The court ruled that regulators failed to prove the brokerage engaged in 'improper solicitation' when selling investment products that caused massive investor losses.
Trading & Investment
Zhengzhou Exchange Opens Full Polyester Chain to Global Traders
26/05/2026
The move gives overseas firms direct access to seven key contracts, boosting China’s influence on global polyester pricing and risk management.
Market Abuse
China Probes Firms and Funds Amid AI Stock Frenzy
26/05/2026
Stock exchanges are asking listed companies and fund managers to justify valuations and clarify their actual involvement with AI technology.
Capital Adequacy
Korea Grapples With Basel Endgame Impact on Productive Lending
25/05/2026
Experts and bankers warn the final Basel III rules may curb corporate lending, prompting calls for regulatory adjustments to balance financial stability with economic growth.
Trading & Investment
Taiwan to Introduce Dynamic Price Limits for Foreign ETF Derivatives
25/05/2026
The new rules, effective from 6 July, will introduce a three-stage price limit and cooling-off periods to curb volatility and enhance market stability.
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