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
Crypto / Digital Assets
South Korea Passes Law to Protect Crypto Scam Victims
15/03/2026
The National Assembly has amended legislation requiring virtual asset exchanges to monitor suspicious transactions and compensate victims of digital financial crimes by October.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Korea Consults Brokers on Use of Stablecoins in STO Settlement
13/03/2026
Financial authorities in South Korea are urgently collecting regulatory feedback from securities firms regarding the use of stablecoins within the token securities market.
ESG / Sustainability
Taiwan FSC Mandates IFRS Sustainability Disclosures for Insurers
13/03/2026
The FSC has amended disclosure rules to require life and non-life insurers to publish board-approved sustainability information from 2026.
Fintech / Regtech
PBOC to Promote 'Safe and Orderly' AI Use in Financial Sector
13/03/2026
The PBOC has prioritised the cautious application of AI, alongside enhanced data security and stronger financial supervision for 2026.
ESG / Sustainability
ICMA Report Highlights Need for APAC Convergence of ESG Ratings Rules
13/03/2026
New report highlights the rise of voluntary codes and binding rules for ESG ratings providers across Asia-Pacific jurisdictions.
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.
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