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
Market Infrastructure
Korea Eases Business Size Rules, Sparking Corporate Growth Debate
09/09/2025
A higher revenue cap for small businesses aims to help firms struggling with rising costs, but critics warn it reinforces a regulatory environment that discourages growth.
Fintech / Regtech
Vietnam Mandates Electronic Reporting for Fund Managers, Securities Firms
09/09/2025
New rules aim to boost transparency and efficiency by ending paper-based submissions for branches of foreign securities and fund firms.
Securities / Derivatives
Vietnam Scraps Planned Tax Hikes on Securities and Property Transfers
08/09/2025
The finance ministry has withdrawn contentious proposals for a 20 percent tax on gains, opting to maintain current rates to ensure market stability.
Securities / Derivatives
India's MSE Raises New Funds to Better Compete in Derivatives Market
03/09/2025
The Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India has secured fresh capital for its derivatives push and infrastructure upgrade but faces hurdles from dominant rivals and regulation.
Taiwan Brings Financial Leasing Sector Under Consumer Protection Rules
02/09/2025
FSC sets compliance rules for 13 finance lease companies, expanding oversight to strengthen consumer rights and disclosure standards.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea Move to Make Property Curbs Permanent for Foreign Investors
01/09/2025
Lawmakers are fast-tracking legislation to curb speculative foreign investment in real estate and address claims of reverse discrimination against locals.
Securities / Derivatives
China FIs Tighten Credit, Leverage as Stock Rally Sparks Bubble Fears
01/09/2025
Lenders clamp down on credit card-funded trades while brokers raise margin requirements amid a USD 1 trillion market surge.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea Passes Bill to Create KRW 100 Trillion KDB Fund for Tech Investments
01/09/2025
New law establishes advanced industries fund via Korea Development Bank, easing capital rules to scale support for strategic tech sectors.
Enforcement
S. Korea Regulators Raid MBK Partners in Homeplus Probe
29/08/2025
Financial authorities have widened an investigation into the private equity firm over its debt-laden 2015 takeover of the troubled discount retailer, Homeplus.
S. Korea Eyes Major Overhaul of State Policy Finance Institutions
29/08/2025
President Lee Jae-myung’s administration is considering a significant restructuring to consolidate financial institutions and address long-standing functional overlaps.
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