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
Enforcement
Former China Construction Bank Executive VP Sentenced Jail
26/01/2026
The former exec was also fined CNY 4.1 million after a court found that he accepted bribes and issued loans that caused "heavy losses" to the bank.
Enforcement
Korea to Prosecute NH Securities Staff Over Unfair Trading Gains
26/01/2026
The regulator alleges current and former employees used non-public information, part of a wider ring that netted KRW 3.27 billion.
Fintech / Regtech
Bank of Korea Unveils 'World First ‘Sovereign’ AI Platform
25/01/2026
BOK's in-house LLM is a test case for data security, sovereignty, and reforming Korea's strict network separation rules.
Enforcement
South Korea’s FTC Fines Major Banks KRW 272 billion for LTV Collusion
23/01/2026
KFTC ruled that four lenders exchanged sensitive information to restrict competition in the secured loan market, prompting legal challenges.
Fintech / Regtech
Korea Proposes Stricter Oversight of Electronic Payment Agents and Fee Disclosures
23/01/2026
The FSC aims to dismantle multi-level payment structures and enhance merchant fee transparency through targeted regulatory amendments.
Enforcement
PBOC Fines Yinsheng Payment in Signal of Continued Sector Scrutiny
22/01/2026
Yinsheng Payment has been fined over CNY 15 million, its third major penalty, signalling continued strict supervision of China's payments sector.
Fintech / Regtech
Taiwan Proposes Expanding Outsourcing Scope for Bank Trade Finance Operations
22/01/2026
The regulator aims to boost efficiency by allowing L/C examination to be outsourced, but only to intra-group entities.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Korea Weighs Ending ‘One Exchange, One Bank’ Rule for Crypto
22/01/2026
Regulators aim to restructure the market monopoly by permitting corporate trading accounts and digital asset derivatives under upcoming legislative reforms.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea Proposes Tax Incentives to Encourage Repatriation of Overseas Investments
22/01/2026
South Korea’s MOEF targets June launch for National Growth Fund and introduces temporary tax breaks for repatriating overseas equity assets.
Enforcement
Indonesia: OJK Gains Civil Lawsuit Powers, Deepens Synergy with Prosecutors
21/01/2026
OJK can now sue on behalf of consumers and has renewed a pact with the Attorney General's Office to tackle complex financial crime.
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