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
Securities / Derivatives
BSEC Moves to Ban Closed-end Funds, Hike AMC Capital Requirements
12/11/2025
BSEC cited investor protection and a history of irregularities, while also proposing new capital and governance rules for asset managers.
Securities / Derivatives
China Revises Rules for Securities Settlement Risk Fund
12/11/2025
CSRC and Ministry of Finance update fund measures, expanding investment options and adding risk control requirements effective 8 December.
Fintech / Regtech
Bangladesh Enacts New Data Laws with Enhanced Protection for Financial Information
12/11/2025
New ordinances establish citizen data ownership and create a national authority to regulate sensitive data, including financial and biometric information.
Fintech / Regtech
S. Korea 'Me-conomy' Trend Drives Uptake of Death Benefit Annuitisation
12/11/2025
South Koreans are converting whole life insurance policies into annuities, a new service driven by financial authorities and a desire for pre-retirement liquidity.
Capital / Liquidity
South Korea’s Top FIs Commit $350B to ‘Productive Finance’
12/11/2025
Five major financial groups align with a government agenda to shift capital from real estate, establishing new governance structures amid rising credit concerns.
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.
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