Mark Johnston

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    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

    Thailand Expands Bad Debt JV Rules to Include Non-Banks

    10/11/2025

    Central bank aims to help FIs manage rising non-performing assets by allowing non-banks into temporary bad debt joint ventures.

    Fintech / Regtech

    Japan's FSA Backs Megabank Stablecoin Pilot, Scraps JPY 1M Limit

    10/11/2025

    Japan's FSA launches "Payment Innovation Project" to test joint issuance of stablecoins by Mizuho, MUFG, and SMBC under existing laws.

    Capital / Liquidity

    South Korea's FSC Eyes Tighter Real Estate PF Rules for Mutuals

    10/11/2025

    Seoul mulls extending 20 percent developer equity rule to mutual finance institutions, targeting KFCC amid rising delinquency rates.

    Fintech / Regtech

    South Korea’s FSS to Deploy Generative AI for Complaint Management

    10/11/2025

    South Korea's FSS aims to cut processing times for 100,000 annual complaints and detect unfair trading, amid bias concerns.

    Enforcement

    South Korea FSS, Police, Uncover $13M Cambodia-Based Investment Fraud Ring

    10/11/2025

    South Korea's FSS said 54 members of an organised ring were arrested for impersonating a UK firm to defraud investors.

    Capital / Liquidity

    India Moots Further Public Bank Consolidation

    10/11/2025

    Finance Minister Sitharaman confirms discussions with RBI on creating fewer, bigger "world-class" banks and simplifying access to credit.

    Enforcement

    IMF to Probe Bangladesh Banking Sector Over NPL Data Concealment

    10/11/2025

    The fund will look into how bad debt surged to BDT 6.5 trillion, examining manipulation or negligence, and breached a USD 4.7 billion loan condition.

    ESG / Sustainability

    ASEAN Capital Markets Forum Releases Simplified ESG Guide for SMEs

    10/11/2025

    New regional guide aims to simplify sustainability reporting for SMEs in supply chains and align disclosures with global standards.

    Securities / Derivatives

    Pakistan Allows Brokers to Operate Trading Accounts for Minors

    10/11/2025

    New rules developed under SECP guidance outline broker compliance, funding, and trading prohibitions for under-18s' accounts.

    Sanctions

    Australia Joins US in Issuing New North Korea Sanctions

    10/11/2025

    Australia said the action is intended to apply pressure on North Korea’s illegal revenue generation networks and address its persistent challenges to security and stability.

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