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
Korea FSS Fines Five Brokerages KRW 3b for ELS Mis-Selling
04/02/2026
Regulators have fined five firms and outlined specific sales practice violations at each, from bypassing recording rules to improper advertising.
Securities / Derivatives
China Proposes 5pc Minimum Stake for Strategic ‘Patient Capital’ Investors
03/02/2026
New draft rules expand the definition of strategic investors and set a 5% minimum stake to encourage long-term institutional investment.
ESG / Sustainability
BSP Taps Space Agency to Integrate Satellite Data into Financial Supervision
03/02/2026
The BSP will use geospatial tools to monitor physical risk exposures, inflation drivers and disaster impacts on economic stability.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Moves to Formalise Bond Council to Manage Issuance Concentration
03/02/2026
New regulation aims to coordinate supply and prevent market volatility through a permanent body involving regulators and issuing agencies.
Crypto / Digital Assets
KOFIA Restructures to Support Capital Market, Digital Assets
03/02/2026
KOFIA is establishing a new “K-Capital Market Division” and a new Digital Strategy Team, while moving to strengthen its influence on policy and regulation.
AML / KYC
FSC Korea to Double Pool of Appointed AML Sanctions Committee Experts
03/02/2026
The FSC has proposed expanding its sanctions committee to handle a rising caseload and ensure diverse expertise in deliberations.
ESG / Sustainability
China Finalises Technical ESG Guidelines Ahead of First Mandatory Reporting Cycle
02/02/2026
Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing bourses issue methodologies for energy, water and pollutant disclosures, enforcing double materiality standards for major indices.
Capital / Liquidity
AIA, Aegon Launch Insurance Asset Management Subsidiaries in Shanghai
02/02/2026
AIA Group and Aegon Group have established wholly-owned subsidiaries in Shanghai, with the latter pioneering a new direct market entry model.
ESG / Sustainability
Korea Approves First Investment by New National Growth Fund
02/02/2026
The FSC authorises the first of seven 'mega projects', deploying state capital to catalyse private investment in renewable energy.
AML / KYC
EU, Vietnam Agree to Cooperate on Banking Supervision, AML, Sustainable Finance
02/02/2026
New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership includes commitments to align financial standards, combat sanctions circumvention and develop emissions trading systems.
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