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
Capital / Liquidity
Bangladesh Bank to Vet Large Corporate Loans Before Approval
09/04/2026
The central bank is formulating a new policy to directly scrutinise large loan proposals in a bid to curb rising defaults.
Fintech / Regtech
Japan's FSA Publishes New Cybersecurity Framework for Crypto Exchanges
09/04/2026
The policy introduces a three-tiered approach of self-help, mutual assistance, and public support to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Fintech / Regtech
China Directs Banks to Adopt Blockchain for Credit and Tax Data Sharing
08/04/2026
Chinese regulators have ordered banks to use blockchain and privacy computing to improve lending for small businesses by standardising data sharing.
Securities / Derivatives
Indonesia Advances Merger of State Asset Managers in IDR 2.7 Trillion Deal
08/04/2026
Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund is consolidating the investment units of four state lenders in a deal pending regulatory approval.
ESG / Sustainability
Japan Revises Corporate Governance Code to Spur Growth Investment
08/04/2026
Listed firms will be urged to use resources for R&D and human capital, with new governance reports due by July 2027.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Enforces Shareholder Reporting for Large Unlisted Firms
08/04/2026
The regulator has reminded large unlisted companies to report controlling shareholder stakes or face penalties, including executive dismissal recommendations.
Fintech / Regtech
China and Ethiopia to Deepen Financial Cooperation on Payments and CBDCs
07/04/2026
Central banks discussed establishing bilateral swap lines and integrating payment systems, including potential access to China's CIPS network for Ethiopian banks.
Capital / Liquidity
Bangladesh Launches Bank-Backed Venture Fund Under Central Bank Guidance
07/04/2026
A new BDT 6 billion venture capital firm, funded by 39 banks under a central bank directive, will launch this month.
Canada, China Sign Pact to Deepen Financial Cooperation
07/04/2026
The agreement follows a high-level visit to Beijing aimed at boosting trade and gaining greater market access for Canadian financial firms.
Enforcement
China Probes Data Collection Practices in Finance and Other Sectors
07/04/2026
Regulators will scrutinise illegal data collection and use by banks, insurers, and online loan platforms as part of a nationwide enforcement action.
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