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
Capital / Liquidity
Taiwan FSC Proposes New Capital Reduction Rules for Insurers
30/03/2026
The proposal aligns capital adequacy requirements for insurance subsidiaries of financial holding companies with Taiwan's new solvency regime, set for implementation in 2026.
Enforcement
Korea to Ramp Up Penalties for Late Cyber Incident Reporting, Illegal Spam
30/03/2026
New amendments introduce fines of up to six percent of sales for spam violations and increase penalties for delayed cyber incident reporting for companies.
Securities / Derivatives
China Directs Smaller Banks to Use Centralised Bond Trading Systems
30/03/2026
Authorities have instructed some smaller banks to stop using over-the-counter platforms for proprietary bond trading in a move to tighten market oversight.
Enforcement
Korea Probes Nextrade Over Tech Theft; FSC Halts STO Licence
30/03/2026
The antitrust watchdog is investigating allegations of technology misappropriation, prompting the FSC to suspend the firm's STO licence review.
Enforcement
Thai SEC Charges Bitazza, Executives Over Unlicensed Dealing
27/03/2026
The regulator has filed a criminal complaint against the licensed broker for allegedly operating as an unlicensed digital asset dealer.
Capital / Liquidity
China Considers Easing Bank Ownership Rules to Boost Capital
27/03/2026
The NFRA is reportedly weighing a relaxation of 2018 rules that limit how many banks a single major investor can own.
AML / KYC
Korea's Bithumb Sues Regulator to Overturn Business Suspension and Fine
27/03/2026
The virtual asset exchange is challenging a six-month suspension and a KRW 36.8 billion fine for alleged AML and customer due diligence failings.
Enforcement
Korean Regulator Sanctions Upbit for Misleading Fee Advertising
26/03/2026
The KFTC has issued a corrective order against the crypto exchange for advertising a fee discount that never existed.
Sanctions
Japanese Financial Firms Urged to Cut Ties Benefiting Myanmar Junta
26/03/2026
Rights groups allege that joint ventures involving Daiwa Institute of Research and JPX are facilitating fundraising for sanctioned entities.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Hainan Regulator Issues Warning on Unapproved RWA Trading Platforms
26/03/2026
The regulator has clarified that RWA tokenisation is strictly prohibited domestically and named several entities suspected of illegal financial activities.
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