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
Crypto / Digital Assets
Alibaba Explores Bank-Backed Deposit Token to Streamline Cross-border Payments
18/11/2025
The tech giant seeks a compliant path for cross-border payments as Chinese regulators increase pressure on private digital money.
Securities / Derivatives
China AMAC Consults on New Suitability Rules for Funds
18/11/2025
AMAC is consulting on rules covering risk assessment frequency, high-risk sales to seniors, and live-streamed promotions.
Securities / Derivatives
PBOC Sets Issues New Rules for Interbank Market Brokerage Business
18/11/2025
PBOC issued new administrative measures on internal controls, data handling, and client management effective from 1 January 2026.
AML / KYC
Taiwan Cabinet Approves Draft Law to Mandate FI, VASP Anti-Fraud Cooperation
18/11/2025
Amendments establish four mechanisms, including cross-industry data sharing and tech platforms, to combat financial crime.
Capital / Liquidity
Bangladesh Orders Loan Data Crackdown Ahead of National Election
17/11/2025
Bangladesh Bank has ordered FIs to update loan data to bar defaulters from polls amid deepening financial sector concerns.
Securities / Derivatives
KRX to Mandate Registered Domestic Auditors for Foreign Listings
17/11/2025
The KRX is closing a regulatory "blind spot" to enhance accounting transparency and investor confidence in overseas firms listing in Korea.
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
Korea Approves First Operators Under 'Investment Management Account' Framework
17/11/2025
The approved firms will be able to channel significant funds into corporate finance-related assets and venture investments, but must guarantee investor principal.
Capital / Liquidity
Laos Sets 3pc NPL Target, Tighter FX Rules in New Five-Year Plan
17/11/2025
Bank of the Lao PDR outlines new policy targets following criticism over currency management and inflation control.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea’s New ATS Nextrade Breaches 15 Percent Volume Cap, Testing New Rules
17/11/2025
The alternative trading system exceeded the KRX volume limit for the first time, triggering a two-month regulatory grace period.
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