Mark Johnston

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    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

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    Capital / Liquidity

    Bangladesh Bank to Conduct Reviews of 11 Additional Banks

    03/07/2025

    The initiative follows similar reviews of six other banks with irregularities, which resulted in Bangladesh Bank initiating a multi-bank merger process.

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    Securities / Derivatives

    CSRC Consults on Revisions to Brokerage Classification Framework

    27/06/2025

    The revised framework aims to refine the classification system and better align oversight with risk, governance, and national priorities.

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    Capital / Liquidity

    Bangladesh Insurance Reform Targets Family Control and Policyholder Risks

    26/06/2025

    The government is moving to overhaul the Insurance Act following scandals that left thousands of policyholders in financial limbo.

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    Capital / Liquidity

    IFC Examines Feasibility of Securitisation Market in Bangladesh

    26/06/2025

    The IFC is studying the possible establishment of a securitisation market in Bangladesh, though experts say foundation elements are lacking.

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    Securities / Derivatives

    DCE Optimises Options Exercise and Hedging Services

    26/06/2025

    The Dalian Commodity Exchange has enhanced its options exercise and hedging services, offering API access and abandonment features.

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    China Requiring State Developers to Avoid Debt Defaults

    25/06/2025

    SASAC imposed a new obligation on state-owned developers requiring them to avoid defaulting on publicly issued debt.

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    AML / KYC

    Vietnam Introduces New Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Rules

    25/06/2025

    The amended enterprise law introduces beneficial ownership disclosure rules and caps the debt-to-equity ratio for private corporate bond issuers.

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    Market Infrastructure

    SEBI Panel to Review Clearing Corporations’ Fee Independence

    25/06/2025

    SEBI has formed a working group to study the financial independence of clearing corporations and issues relating to their cost structures and transaction charges.

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    Securities / Derivatives

    China Tightens Bond Underwriting Rules to Curb Unfair Pricing

    22/06/2025

    NAFMII moves to boost transparency in China’s bond market, targeting fee abuse and profit transfers.

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    Capital / Liquidity

    KRX Preps Unfair Trading Rapid Investigation Unit Launch

    19/06/2025

    The new department would rely on an expanded team of market surveillance personnel to more quickly identify and respond to unfair trades.

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