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
China Considers Easing Bank Ownership Rules to Boost Capital
27/03/2026
The NFRA is reportedly weighing a relaxation of 2018 rules that limit how many banks a single major investor can own.
AML / KYC
Korea's Bithumb Sues Regulator to Overturn Business Suspension and Fine
27/03/2026
The virtual asset exchange is challenging a six-month suspension and a KRW 36.8 billion fine for alleged AML and customer due diligence failings.
Enforcement
Korean Regulator Sanctions Upbit for Misleading Fee Advertising
26/03/2026
The KFTC has issued a corrective order against the crypto exchange for advertising a fee discount that never existed.
Sanctions
Japanese Financial Firms Urged to Cut Ties Benefiting Myanmar Junta
26/03/2026
Rights groups allege that joint ventures involving Daiwa Institute of Research and JPX are facilitating fundraising for sanctioned entities.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Hainan Regulator Issues Warning on Unapproved RWA Trading Platforms
26/03/2026
The regulator has clarified that RWA tokenisation is strictly prohibited domestically and named several entities suspected of illegal financial activities.
GBA Officials Hold Inaugural Joint Financial Regulatory Meeting
26/03/2026
Regulators from Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and Shenzhen met to discuss banking, insurance, AI oversight, and consumer protection.
Securities / Derivatives
SEBI Panel Backs Phased FPI Entry Into Commodity Derivatives - Report
26/03/2026
A regulatory committee has recommended allowing foreign investors into the market, favouring cash-settled, non-agricultural contracts to start.
Enforcement
China Probes Senior Financial Regulator in Widening Graft Crackdown
26/03/2026
Zhou Liang, a vice-minister at the NFRA and a former anti-graft official, is the latest high-profile target in the country's finance-focused purge.
Chinese President Pushes to Build Xiong'an as Tech and Financial Innovation Hub
26/03/2026
President Xi Jinping has called for policy pilots and the accelerated relocation of state firms and financial institutions to his flagship city project.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea to Revise Main Debtor Group Evaluation System
25/03/2026
The move aims to better reflect industry-specific characteristics, particularly for sectors like petrochemicals undergoing restructuring.
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