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
AML / KYC
Vietnam's Crypto Hub Ambition Faces Slow Start Amid Strict Rules
07/10/2025
Hanoi aims to tap a USD 19 trillion global market for tokenised assets, but strict capital requirements for its new pilot framework have so far deterred any formal applications.
Securities / Derivatives
ICMA, AFME Release Standard Bond Deal NDA Template for Emerging Markets
07/10/2025
ICMA and AFME published a template confidentiality agreement to help streamline bond offerings for emerging market and infrequent issuers.
Enforcement
Korea Moves to Toughen Penalties in Market Manipulation Cases
07/10/2025
Policymakers are seeking to use existing laws to confiscate principal funds, not just illegal profits, to create a stronger deterrent.
Bangladesh Bank Approves Ordinance to Curb Political Influence
06/10/2025
The central bank's board has cleared a new ordinance aimed at strengthening its institutional autonomy in line with IMF recommendations.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea Signals Easing of Bank-Industry Separation Rules to Boost Tech Investment
06/10/2025
Seoul is considering relaxing long-standing regulations to allow greater investment by financial firms into strategic sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
ESG / Sustainability
Philippines Grants First Green Equity Label to Maynilad Ahead of IPO
06/10/2025
Water utility Maynilad has become the first recipient of the Philippines' new Green Equity label under a pioneering regional framework.
Securities / Derivatives
Philippines SEC to Fast Track Capital Raising for Agribusiness
06/10/2025
The new SEC FARMS programme aims to streamline securities registration and allows agribusinesses to raise up to PHP 500 million per project.
Securities / Derivatives
South Korea to Tighten Disclosure Rules for Listed Company Treasury Stock
03/10/2025
FSC Korea will lower the reporting threshold and increase the frequency of disclosures to boost shareholder value.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Thailand to Expand Crypto ETF Rules, Seeks Stronger Oversight
03/10/2025
The Thai SEC is drafting rules for domestic funds to offer crypto basket ETFs from early next year while also pushing for a bill to expand its oversight of capital markets.
Fintech / Regtech
SEBI Launches Validated UPI Payment System to Combat Fraud
03/10/2025
SEBI has rolled out a new verified payment system to protect investors from unauthorised fund collections.
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