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
Enforcement
Philippines Weighs Total Ban on Online Gambling vs Tighter Rules
23/07/2025
The Philippines is weighing a potential ban on online gambling, balancing significant government revenues and job creation against mounting social concerns.
Fintech / Regtech
Indian Banks Urged to Accelerate ISO 20022 Migration Efforts to Avoid Disruption
23/07/2025
The IBA has warned bank CEOs of serious operational risks if migration to the SWIFT ISO 20022 messaging standard is further delayed.
Capital / Liquidity
Taiwan FSC Permits Securities Firms to Manage and Market PE Funds
23/07/2025
The new regulation expands the business scope for qualified brokers, subject to strict internal control and conflict of interest requirements.
Market Infrastructure
FSS Korea Developing Cyber Defence Blueprint for Financial Sector
22/07/2025
FSS is preparing a comprehensive response plan to bolster industry cybersecurity efforts after Seoul Guarantee Insurance suffered a major ransomware attack that paralysed key systems.
Enforcement
China Issues Judicial Directive to Bolster Defences Against Foreign Sanctions
21/07/2025
Top judicial bodies are directed to enhance their understanding of international law as part of a broader strategy to guard against foreign sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction.
Enforcement
Bangladesh Bank Audit Reveals False Reporting by Global Islami Bank
17/07/2025
A BDT 22.59 billion loss was masked as profit by Global Islami Bank. Regulators are investigating whether the misreporting stemmed from the bank’s management or the auditors.
Securities / Derivatives
Bangladesh Proposes to Reform Process for Appointing Top BSEC Officials
17/07/2025
A draft law aims to overhaul the appointment process for the BSEC and introduce tougher penalties for market manipulation.
Fintech / Regtech
GIFT City Regulator Amends Proposals for TechFin and Ancillary Services
17/07/2025
Feedback on IFSCA's proposed regulations highlights concerns over re-registration costs, mandatory officer appointments, and restrictive client eligibility criteria.
Market Infrastructure
India’s IFSCA Proposes Tighter Rules for Appointments to Boards of MIIs
15/07/2025
India’s IFSCA is proposing tighter rules for board appointments at financial market infrastructure institutions in GIFT City, aiming to bolster investor protection and global credibility.
ESG / Sustainability
Indonesia Launches REC Trading Platform to Power Clean Energy Future
15/07/2025
The renewable energy certificate trading market aims to boost renewable energy, attract global investors, and accelerate climate-aligned energy transition.
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