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
Fintech / Regtech
Sri Lanka Tables 2026 Budget Targeting Digitisation, AML, Tax Reforms
17/11/2025
Budget 2026 includes plans for a beneficial ownership registry, a national e-invoicing system, and expanded digital payment incentives.
Securities / Derivatives
South Korea Taps First IMA Operators, Mandates Venture Capital Investment
17/11/2025
Seoul designates first IMA operators, requiring them to guarantee principal and channel significant funds into corporate finance and venture capital.
Capital / Liquidity
Laos Sets Three Percent NPL Target, Tighter FX Rules in New Five-Year Plan
17/11/2025
BOL outlines new monetary policy targets following criticism over currency management and inflation control.
Securities / Derivatives
South Korea’s Nextrade ATS breaches 15 Percent Volume Cap, Testing New Rules
17/11/2025
The alternative exchange exceeded the KRX volume limit for the first time, triggering a two-month regulatory grace period amid investor disruption.
Crypto / Digital Assets
JPX Mulls New Rules to Guard Against Crypto-Hoarding Firms
17/11/2025
The bourse operator is weighing new measures to protect investors after steep losses in listed “digital-asset treasury” firms.
Securities / Derivatives
CSRC Chairman Seeking to Step Down for Health Reasons - Reports
17/11/2025
Conflicting reports over Wu Qing’s tenure emerge as regulator highlights reforms to QFII programme and Hong Kong listings.
Securities / Derivatives
Pakistan, China Advance Plans to Launch Cross-Border ETF
17/11/2025
Regulators and market leaders gathered in Pakistan to advance a cross-border China ETF and push key policy reforms for Islamic finance and REITs.
Fintech / Regtech
GFTN and Qatar to Launch Doha FinTech Policy Centre with Asia Focus
17/11/2025
The new Centre of Excellence aims to connect regulators and promote harmonised policy frameworks, strengthening links with Singapore's ecosystem.
Fintech / Regtech
Taiwan FSC Releases Digital Inclusion Guidelines for FIs
17/11/2025
New guidance urges FIs to protect vulnerable customers and ensure services are fair, accessible, and barrier-free, including when using AI to make decisions.
Sanctions
US Targets China, HK Firms in New Iran Sanctions Wave
17/11/2025
The sanctions targets include entities in China, Hong Kong and India that allegedly operate procurement networks supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and UAV production
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