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
Structural Regulation
China to Revise Accounting Rules Ahead of New CPA Law
28/07/2026
The finance ministry is updating key regulations to support a new law that introduces tougher penalties for misconduct and stricter licensing for auditors.
Anti-Money Laundering
China Formalises 20 Percent Tax on Offshore Trusts
28/07/2026
Authorities have released detailed rules to close tax avoidance loopholes, targeting residents' overseas wealth held in trust structures with a 20 percent tax.
Market Abuse
Taiwan Fund Managers Push to End Trading Hour Mobile Phone Ban
27/07/2026
The asset management industry is lobbying for a relaxation of strict rules on personal device use, citing talent retention and efficiency concerns.
Trading & Investment
China Expands Floor on Bill Re-discount Rates to All Market Players
27/07/2026
Regulators have extended guidance on minimum bill re-discount rates to all participants, aiming to curb the practice of using the market to meet lending quotas.
Structural Regulation
China to Start Mapping Panda Bond Ratings to Global Standards
27/07/2026
NAFMII has ordered credit rating agencies to align domestic grades with international scales to boost transparency and attract foreign investors.
Supervision & Enforcement
Korea FSS Penalises KB Securities for Widespread Compliance Failures
26/07/2026
The FSS has penalised the firm for a raft of violations spanning several years, from unapproved derivatives trades to mis-selling and data security lapses.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Indonesia OJK Hands Over Findings in IDR 2.4 Trillion Fintech Fraud Case
26/07/2026
The OJK has submitted asset tracing results to police as legal proceedings begin against executives of PT Dana Syariah Indonesia and a former official.
Stablecoins
Korea's Major Card Companies Conclude Stablecoin Payments PoC
26/07/2026
A consortium of South Korea’s major credit card companies has successfully completed a proof-of-concept for won-based stablecoin payments.
Trading & Investment
Indonesia Taps Panda Bond Market in De-Dollarisation Push
24/07/2026
The inaugural USD 1 billion issuance is part of a strategy to diversify funding and leverage local currency settlement frameworks with China.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
Korea’s FSS Partners With Industry to Bolster Consumer Protection
24/07/2026
The regulator has signed agreements with six industry bodies to launch new training programmes targeting senior management and embedding a top-down compliance culture.
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