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
Fintech / Regtech
Japan's SBI Holdings to Launch Yen Stablecoin in Q2 2026
19/12/2025
The stablecoin will be structured as a “Type 3 Electronic Payment Instrument”, which means it will not be subject to a cap on domestic remittances and fund balances.
AML / KYC
Japan Tightens Foreign Property Reporting and Nationality Rules
19/12/2025
Tokyo unveils dual regulatory measures requiring nationality disclosure on registries and mandatory reporting for residential property acquisitions to curb speculation.
Enforcement
Singapore Charges Samtrade FX Executives Over ‘Copy Trading’ Scheme
19/12/2025
Three top executives face court over alleged conspiracy to tilt bid-ask spreads and launder millions in proceeds.
Enforcement
Singapore Jails CSP Directors in Landmark Ruling on Nominee Negligence
19/12/2025
First conviction of service provider under new sentencing framework highlights risks of “silent” directors and lax due diligence.
Securities / Derivatives
South Korean Securities Firms Overhaul Rules as K-OTC Opens to Delisted Stocks
18/12/2025
KOFIA will launch a trading support mechanism for delisted shares in January, prompting brokers to update compliance and trading protocols.
ESG / Sustainability
Korea FSS Faces Criticism for Proposals on Banking Group Governance
18/12/2025
South Korea’s FSS plans to diversify outside director nominations to curb management entrenchment, sparking industry concerns over potential government interference.
Securities / Derivatives
Taiwan FSC Consults on Easing Securities Investment Rules for Banks
18/12/2025
Taiwan FSC seeks to align investment restrictions with lending rules for government-linked entities and expand eligible asset classes to include Islamic fixed-income instruments.
Securities / Derivatives
Taiwan Expands Early Disclosure Rules for AGM Materials to all Listed Firms
18/12/2025
All listed companies must upload meeting handbooks 30 days in advance and annual reports 14 days prior starting 2026.
Capital / Liquidity
China Revises Financial Reporting Rules, Adds Overseas Asset Scrutiny
17/12/2025
The Ministry of Finance has updated its quarterly financial reporting framework, introducing new requirements for overseas assets and joint ventures.
Enforcement
Chinese Authorities Probe CNY 20 billion Default at Financial Asset Exchange
17/12/2025
The crisis has stranded nearly 10,000 investors, challenging the perception of "low-risk" wealth management products in the country.
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