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
Korea Launches Task Force to Overhaul NPS Currency Hedging and FX Rules
09/02/2026
A new government body will review the National Pension Service’s investment framework to mitigate its impact on domestic financial markets.
Enforcement
Korea Probes Bithumb Over Misleading Liquidity Claims
09/02/2026
KFTC investigates allegations that Bithumb exaggerated its market position and unfairly altered conditions for a cash giveaway promotion.
AML / KYC
Korea to Grant FIU Powers to Freeze Accounts in AML Overhaul
06/02/2026
The plan will also expand the crypto “travel rule”, impose AML duties on stablecoin issuers, and target lawyers and accountants to meet FATF standards.
Capital / Liquidity
APRA Reduces Liquidity Add-On Requirements for Macquarie Bank
05/02/2026
APRA has cut the bank's NCO add-on from 25% to 15% and removed its ASF adjustment, but a A$500 million capital overlay remains.
Securities / Derivatives
Taiwan Opens Door for Discretionary Mandates to Invest in Private Equity
05/02/2026
The FSC has set strict due diligence, disclosure requirements, and a 40% combined exposure cap for PE and commodity investments in discretionary accounts.
Enforcement
Korea Hands Down First Prison Sentence Under New Virtual Asset Law
05/02/2026
A Seoul court has jailed a crypto executive for market manipulation in the first conviction under the Virtual Asset User Protection Act.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Korea Fintech Industry Opposes Proposed Crypto Exchange Ownership Cap
05/02/2026
Industry body warns the 15-20% limit will stifle innovation and suggests market-friendly governance alternatives instead.
Market Infrastructure
UK and China Launch Technical Dialogue, Designate New RMB Clearing Bank
05/02/2026
Regulators establish technical cooperation on stability and supervision while designating Bank of China’s London Branch as a second RMB clearing bank.
ESG / Sustainability
Vietnam and ADB Launch $2m Initiative to Boost Green Banking Capacity
04/02/2026
The collaborative project aims to strengthen green banking practices, develop green taxonomy frameworks, and help the sector manage climate risks.
Securities / Derivatives
Thailand Mandates Machine-Readable Portfolio Reporting for Securities Firms
04/02/2026
The regulator requires operators to provide real-time, digital access to investment data by July 2026 to support long-term planning.
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