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
Korea Launches KRW 5 Trillion Bond Buyback to Calm Markets
30/03/2026
The emergency measure to stabilise bond yields is part of a wider economic response plan that also includes a supplementary budget.
Securities / Derivatives
Osaka Exchange Proposes Daily Maturities for Nikkei 225 Mini Options
30/03/2026
The exchange has launched a public consultation on plans to introduce new weekly contracts, scheduled for implementation in April 2027.
Securities / Derivatives
Vietnam Drafts New Rules for Corporate Bond Market
30/03/2026
The proposed decree aims to enhance transparency, tighten accountability, and strengthen regulatory oversight to rebuild investor confidence in the country's capital market.
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.
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