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
Fintech / Regtech
APAC Advancing Tokenised Money Frameworks But Paths Diverge - Report
24/02/2026
A new study highlights how Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan are forging distinct stablecoin rules, creating a fragmented regional landscape.
AML / KYC
AUSTRAC Publishes Proposed Funding Model for 2025-26
24/02/2026
The regulator is seeking stakeholder feedback on its proposed funding model, which exempts Tranche 2 entities pending a future comprehensive review.
Enforcement
Mizuho Loses Underwriting Deals Amid Insider Trading Probe
23/02/2026
Multiple corporate issuers have removed Mizuho Securities from bond underwriting mandates as the firm faces an insider trading investigation.
Fintech / Regtech
Taiwan Issues Progress Update on Fintech Development Roadmap
23/02/2026
The FSC outlines key achievements in AI governance, open banking, digital identity, and supervisory technology as part of its three-year strategic plan.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Bithumb Becomes First Korean Crypto Firm to Adopt Post-Quantum Security
23/02/2026
South Korean virtual asset exchange Bithumb is implementing post-quantum cryptography to align with the government's cryptographic transition policy.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Top Japanese Brokerages Preparing to Enter Crypto Exchange Market - Reports
23/02/2026
Nomura, Daiwa, and SMBC Nikko are preparing to enter the crypto market ahead of planned regulatory reforms.
Australia Issues Licensing Guidance for Employee Entitlement Schemes
20/02/2026
Operators must apply for a licence by 1 September and will face new governance and disclosure rules under a transitional framework.
AML / KYC
Philippines Identifies Cybercrime and Swindling as Top Illicit Finance Threats
19/02/2026
STR analysis identifies the US, Australia, and the UK as the top source countries for inward remittances tied to child exploitation.
ESG / Sustainability
China Mandates Sweeping Financial Support for Rural Revitalisation
18/02/2026
Regulators have detailed a permanent mechanism using credit, capital markets, and insurance to prevent poverty and boost underdeveloped regions.
Securities / Derivatives
UK Proposes to Ease Audit Rules for Chinese GDR Listings
18/02/2026
The UK's FRC has proposed a temporary rule change to allow auditors of certain Chinese firms to use local standards for London listings.
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