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
Big Picture
S. Korea Financial Overhaul Faces Political Gridlock and Staff Revolt
11/09/2025
A government plan to reshape financial regulation is stalled by opposition parties, sparking protests and fears of a brain drain at key agencies.
Securities / Derivatives
South Korea Reverses Plan to Lower Shareholder Tax Threshold
11/09/2025
Following widespread investor backlash, the presidential office will maintain the current KRW 5 billion threshold for the capital gains tax.
Securities / Derivatives
FSS Korea Calls for Stronger Consumer Protection Governance at FIs
11/09/2025
New management principles are being introduced to bolster consumer safeguards and internal controls following losses from HSCEI-linked securities.
Capital / Liquidity
Bangladesh to Create Nation's Largest Bank Through Five-Lender Merger
11/09/2025
Government to create the nation’s largest bank through a forced merger to stabilise troubled lenders, prompting resistance from stakeholders.
South Korea Raises Revenue Thresholds for SME Classification
09/09/2025
The regulatory change, the first in a decade, will allow larger companies to qualify for state support and tax benefits.
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The finance ministry has withdrawn contentious proposals for a 20 percent tax on gains, opting to maintain current rates to ensure market stability.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.
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