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
Japanese Firms Weigh Return to NZAM With Less Demanding Climate Goals
16/01/2026
The Net Zero Asset Managers initiatives will restart with relaxed requirements to navigate US legal risks and political pressure.
Enforcement
South Korea to Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Debt Collection in 2026
16/01/2026
Financial regulators have unveiled a comprehensive plan to expand legal support for victims and strengthen enforcement against illegal private lenders this year.
ESG / Sustainability
Korea Pilots 'Responsibility Mapping' Initiative at Non-Bank Lenders
15/01/2026
Regulators are offering sanctions relief and consulting to large credit finance firms and savings banks that adopt new internal control accountability maps early.
Securities / Derivatives
China Tightens Margin Rules to Cool Speculative Stock Rally
15/01/2026
Regulators are raising margin financing requirements to 100 percent to rein in leverage, but grandfathering existing contracts to prevent market disruption.
Fintech / Regtech
Singapore to Advise Vietnam on Regulatory Framework for New Financial Hubs
15/01/2026
Singapore will share expertise on governance and risk management as Vietnam develops its dual-hub international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
Securities / Derivatives
China Unveils First Framework to Standardise State Investment Funds
15/01/2026
The NDRC and three ministries release dual measures to guide state capital into 'hard technology' and 'future industries' while banning disguised debt financing.
AML / KYC
Korea to Block Transactions of Firms Controlled by Terrorist Financiers
15/01/2026
Financial institutions must identify and restrict services for entities owned or influenced by designated persons, effective 22 January.
Enforcement
Korean Prosecutors Indict 10 in KRW 74.4 Billion IBK Loan Fraud Probe
15/01/2026
Former executives at the state-run lender face trial for bribery and breach of trust following a referral by financial regulators.
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.
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