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
Korean Lawmakers Agrees on New Dividend Tax Regime
02/12/2025
South Korean lawmakers agree on dividend tax reforms to incentivise shareholder returns while deadlock remains on corporate tax rate increases.
Securities / Derivatives
Pakistan Launches Council to Overhaul Capital Market Taxes
02/12/2025
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb orders comprehensive tax review and establishes working groups to shift economy from bank reliance to market-based financing.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Japan Post Bank to Pilot Tokenised Deposit Settlements for Real Estate
02/12/2025
The major lender will partner with DeCurret DCP and Shinoken Group to automate rent payments and property transactions using DCJPY ahead of a planned 2026 rollout.
Securities / Derivatives
South Korean Lawmakers Advance Security Token Legislation
02/12/2025
The legislation will establish the legal basis for security token offerings (STOs), setting the stage for a competitive race among firms seeking to launch new trading platforms.
AML / KYC
China Regulators Tighten Customer Due Diligence Rules for FIs
02/12/2025
The new rules require FIs to implement stricter beneficial ownership and source-of-wealth checks, along with a ten-year record retention obligation.
Enforcement
Japan Makes First Arrests in $4.6b Securities Hijacking Probe
02/12/2025
Authorities apprehend two suspects linked to a market manipulation scheme involving hijacked online accounts and record-breaking fraudulent trading volumes.
Securities / Derivatives
China Proposes to Launch New Commercial REITs Pilot Programme
02/12/2025
The CSRC seeks public feedback on draft rules designed to broaden financing channels and revitalise the country’s vast stock of commercial assets.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea Advances Venture Capital Law Amendments to Ban Founder Liability
02/12/2025
Legislation passed by a parliamentary committee aims to boost private investment and remove barriers for entrepreneurs by overhauling investment rules.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Japan Working Group Approves Draft Report on Future of Crypto Regulation
28/11/2025
The draft report outlines plans to combat insider trading, allow bank subsidiaries to invest in crypto, and reform Japan's IEO rules.
Enforcement
FSS Korea Proposes “Severe” Sanctions on MBK Partners
27/11/2025
The FSS alleges the private equity firm harmed pension fund interests, sparking debate over regulatory overreach and fund governance.
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