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
ESG / Sustainability
IESBA Kicks Off Global Dialogue on Firm Culture with Asia Outreach
13/01/2026
The ethics board has launched its "Viewpoints" to stimulate a six-month global consultation on a future framework for accounting firms.
AML / KYC
Japan FSA Seeks Operator for Fraud Data Sharing System
13/01/2026
Japan's FSA opens applications for a subsidised project to build a shared infrastructure for freezing fraudulent bank accounts amid a record surge in financial scams.
Securities / Derivatives
CFFEX Proposes New Settlement Rules, Tighter Trading Controls
12/01/2026
The exchange is creating a standalone settlement framework and new rules for programmatic trading to align with national derivatives law.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Vietnam Sets Mid-January Deadline for Licensing of Crypto Exchanges
12/01/2026
Vietnam’s Prime Minister instructs regulators to approve five pilot exchanges under a sandbox regime with strict capital and ownership requirements.
Securities / Derivatives
Thailand Targets Gold, Crypto in Sweeping ‘Grey Money’ Crackdown
12/01/2026
New rules include trading limits, a centralised data bureau, and stricter reporting to combat money laundering and curb baht volatility.
Enforcement
Korean Prosecutors Seek to Arrest Chairman of of Private Equity Giant
12/01/2026
Prosecutors allege executives of MBK Partners knew of a credit downgrade before a bond issuance.
Fintech / Regtech
OJK Indonesia Mandates Stronger IT Governance for Rural Banks
12/01/2026
Indonesia’s OJK has issued new rules requiring rural lenders to overhaul digital security, data protection, and disaster recovery protocols.
Sanctions
China Restricts Dual-Use Exports to Japan for Military-Related Uses
08/01/2026
Beijing has banned the export of dual-use items to Japanese military users or for any purpose that enhances military strength.
Securities / Derivatives
JPMorgan, DBS Secure China Interbank Bond Underwriting Licence
08/01/2026
The US bank is one of two foreign lenders granted a general lead underwriting licence for corporate bonds in China.
Capital / Liquidity
China Extends Bulk Bad Loan Disposal Policy to 2026 Amid Rising Defaults
08/01/2026
Regulators give banks another year to offload soured loans as lenders grapple with rising consumer defaults and deteriorating asset quality.
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