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
Japan FSA to Mandate Registration for Crypto Exchange Tech Providers
12/11/2025
Regulator moves to close security loopholes exposed by the JPY 48.2 billion DMM Bitcoin breach, requiring third-party system providers to register.
ESG / Sustainability
ASEAN Regulators Set Out Carbon Market Guidance to Bolster Financial Integrity
12/11/2025
ASEAN Capital Markets Forum issues new voluntary carbon market guidance, outlining regulatory frameworks and obligations for financial institutions.
Securities / Derivatives
China Approves Registration for Platinum and Palladium Derivatives
12/11/2025
China’s securities regulator clears path for futures and options trading on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange, aimed at domestic price hedging.
ESG / Sustainability
China, EU Join Brazil-Led Coalition to Forge Common Carbon Market Rules
11/11/2025
The new group aims to align standards for emissions trading, MRV, and accounting.
Fintech / Regtech
Bangladesh Bank Proposes New Rules for PSOs and E-Money Issuers
11/11/2025
Draft regulations introduce stricter PSO liabilities and open the e-money market to non-bank entities.
Fintech / Regtech
Bangladesh Bank to Introduce AI Policy by December, Plans Open Banking Framework
11/11/2025
The central bank is developing new regulations for AI, including an in-house LLM, and setting a 2026 target for open banking guidelines.
Market Infrastructure
Indonesia Revives Plan to Redenominate Rupiah, Targeting 2027 Finalisation
11/11/2025
Finance ministry planning carryover bill to improve currency efficiency and credibility, aiming for finalisation within 24 months.
Capital / Liquidity
Sri Lanka Proposes New Resolution and Winding-Up Framework for Finance Firms
11/11/2025
Draft law grants CBSL new powers to resolve non-viable firms, introducing an administrator regime and stricter licensing rules.
Capital / Liquidity
Thailand Expands Bad Debt JV Rules to Include Non-Banks
10/11/2025
Central bank aims to help FIs manage rising non-performing assets by allowing non-banks into temporary bad debt joint ventures.
Fintech / Regtech
Japan FSA Backs Stablecoin Project Involving Megabanks
10/11/2025
Japan's FSA launches "Payment Innovation Project" to test joint issuance of stablecoins by Mizuho, MUFG, and SMBC under existing laws.
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