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
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Regulator Probes Brokerages After Trading Systems Crash
09/03/2026
Extreme market volatility triggered widespread mobile trading system failures, prompting the FSS to launch a formal inspection into several firms.
Securities / Derivatives
CSRC Vows Sweeping Capital Market Reforms and Tougher Oversight
09/03/2026
CSRC chairman Wu Qing outlined plans to ease listing rules for innovative firms, crack down on fraud, and enhance investor protection to bolster market confidence.
Enforcement
Korea FSS Introduces Mechanism to Nullify Predatory Loans
09/03/2026
South Korea’s FSS has introduced a mechanism to nullify ultra-high interest loan agreements, providing victims with official certification to halt illegal debt collection.
AML / KYC
Thai Police Request Interpol Notice for Alleged KuCoin Money Launderer
08/03/2026
Thailand has requested an Interpol Red Notice for a fugitive businessman accused of laundering funds through cryptocurrency exchanges and regional scam networks.
Capital / Liquidity
China Signals Major Financial Push Including Bank Capital Injections
06/03/2026
Beijing unveils a multi-pronged strategy using bank injections, special bonds, and targeted monetary policy to bolster the economy and foster "new quality productive forces".
Capital / Liquidity
Korea FSS Urges Savings Banks to Be 'Dependable Partners' for Local Economies
06/03/2026
The call comes as the regulator mandates new executive responsibility maps and offers incentives for inclusive lending to smaller businesses.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Korea’s Crypto Exchange Ownership Cap Faces Constitutional Challenge
06/03/2026
A plan to cap shareholder stakes at 20% has been delayed and faces warnings it may infringe on property rights.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Eases OTC Trading Rules for Foreign Investors
05/03/2026
South Korea's FSC has proposed amending investment rules to allow foreign investors to trade restricted shares over-the-counter without prior approval.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Sony Bank and JPYC Explore Direct Stablecoin Integration
05/03/2026
Japan’s Sony Bank and stablecoin issuer JPYC will explore integrating bank deposits with blockchain infrastructure for seamless digital asset transactions.
Securities / Derivatives
BSEC Seeks Public Feedback on Draft Whistleblower Protection Rules
05/03/2026
New regulations aim to shield whistleblowers from retaliation while enhancing transparency in Bangladesh's financial sector.
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