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
Securities / Derivatives
Beijing Exchange Weighs Overhaul of IPO Subscription System
23/12/2025
BSE officials are assessing prerequisites for switching from cash-based subscriptions to market-capitalisation allocation to reduce capital freezes and speculation.
Sanctions
US Enacts Legislation to Curb Investments into China Tech and Military
23/12/2025
The 2026 National Defense Authorisation Act mandates strict oversight on outbound capital and blocking federal contracts for specific Chinese biotech firms.
Securities / Derivatives
FSS Korea Identifies Consumer Protection Deficiencies at Eight FIs
23/12/2025
The FSS found significant governance gaps across the sector, ordering improvement plans and management interviews for lagging institutions.
Enforcement
Taiwan Cooperative Bank Fined for Control Lapses After Cash Theft
22/12/2025
The FSC penalised the state-run lender after procedural violations by an employee resulted in the loss of client funds.
Capital / Liquidity
Thailand Cuts Risk Charge for Insurers' Equity Investments - Report
22/12/2025
Thailand’s insurance regulator has lowered equity risk charges to spur investment and is preparing a national fund to manage rising climate-related liabilities.
Capital / Liquidity
Taiwan Lifts Credit Cooperative Loan Threshold to TWD 2m
22/12/2025
Taiwan's FSC has increased the ceiling for small loans exempt from credit extension limits to reduce operational costs for credit cooperatives.
Fintech / Regtech
Indonesia to Launch Dedicated Digital Bank Supervision Unit in 2026
22/12/2025
Indonesia’s OJK will establish dedicated departments for digital banking supervision and MSME development effective 2026.
Enforcement
Thai Supreme Court Shifts Fraud Liability to Banks
22/12/2025
The ruling places the burden of proof on financial institutions, but consumer protection is not automatic and requires specific actions.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea FSS Tightens Disclosure and Ad Rules Ahead of IMA Market Debut
22/12/2025
The FSS has mandated strict scenario analysis and reporting requirements for Integrated Investment Accounts to mitigate misselling risks as firms prepare year-end launches.
Enforcement
India’s NSDL Settles SEBI Probe with $1.74m Payment
22/12/2025
The NSDL resolved allegations regarding delayed account freezing, vendor contract irregularities and unpaid securities oversight.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
A daily selection of top stories from the Regulation Asia editorial team