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
Hong Kong Authorities Arrest Eight in Insider Trading, Corruption Probe
13/03/2026
Joint SFC-ICAC operation targets executives at two brokerages and a hedge fund in a scheme that allegedly netted HKD 315 million from illicitly obtained placement data.
Fintech / Regtech
Australia Issues Draft Legislation for New Payments Licensing Framework
13/03/2026
The reforms establish a dual ASIC-APRA model, setting a AUD 200 million threshold for prudential oversight and introducing new safeguarding rules.
Fintech / Regtech
China Curbs OpenClaw AI Use Amid Security Fears and Adoption Frenzy
12/03/2026
Beijing is restricting the viral AI agent in state-run firms over security risks, even as local governments offer subsidies to fuel adoption.
Securities / Derivatives
Indonesia Confirms New OJK Leadership to Push Market Reforms
12/03/2026
Indonesia has confirmed new OJK appointments tasked with implementing urgent governance reforms and restoring global confidence in the domestic market.
Securities / Derivatives
Hainan FTP Launches First Public Fund for Overseas Investors
12/03/2026
The move marks a milestone for the free trade port under a new cross-border asset management pilot programme.
Securities / Derivatives
Indonesia Tightens IPO Fund Rules with Special Accounts
12/03/2026
Indonesia's OJK has introduced new rules requiring issuers to hold public offering proceeds in separate bank accounts to improve market transparency.
ESG / Sustainability
Indonesia Reports Decline in Banking Sustainability Maturity Scores
11/03/2026
The decline is attributed to a stricter assessment framework that expanded the evaluation criteria, but has prompted calls for additional guidelines and data infrastructure.
Securities / Derivatives
Korean Lawmakers Propose Value-Up Disclosures For Undervalued Companies
11/03/2026
South Korean legislators have introduced a bill mandating corporate value enhancement plans for listed companies with persistently low price-to-book ratios to prevent market suppression.
Market Infrastructure
Indonesia Launches Roadmap for Developing National Bullion Ecosystem
11/03/2026
The five-year plan aims to integrate the gold sector with financial services, supported by new regulations for investment products and sharia compliance.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Pakistan Establishes Permanent Legal Basis for Crypto Regulator
10/03/2026
The new law formalises PVARA's powers, sets strict licensing mandates, and introduces severe penalties for non-compliance, fulfilling a key IMF condition.
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