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
ESG / Sustainability
BSEC Extends Deadline for Mandatory Appointment of Female Directors
07/08/2025
Bangladesh's securities regulator has given listed firms until 31 December to appoint a female independent director, after some failed to meet the original 29 April deadline.
Securities / Derivatives
KRX Considers 12-Hour Trading Day in Response to New Rival
07/08/2025
Korea Exchange is exploring a 12-hour trading day to counter its new rival, Nextrade, a move that could significantly alter market operations for financial firms.
Enforcement
Chinese Regulators Impose Over ¥30M in Fines on Bank of Shanghai
07/08/2025
The PBOC and NFRA imposed fines on the bank over AML-related and other failures. 15 managers also held individually accountable.
Thailand to Introduce Tax Exemption on Foreign-Sourced Income
07/08/2025
The measure aims to encourage the repatriation of an estimated THB 2 trillion in funds held abroad and stimulate the domestic economy.
Securities / Derivatives
South Korea Extends Tax Guidance to Off-Market Share Trades
07/08/2025
The tax authority will now use data from securities firms to guide minority shareholders on capital gains obligations for over-the-counter transactions.
Enforcement
FSS Korea Sanctions Securities Chairman Over Collusive Trading Scheme
06/08/2025
South Korea’s FSS has sanctioned the chairman of Yuhwa Securities over collusive trading and misleading stock buyback practices.
Capital / Liquidity
China Directs Financial Sector to Fuel 'New Industrialisation' Drive
06/08/2025
Regulators have outlined a multi-year plan to steer loans, bonds, and equity financing towards strategic sectors like semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
Capital / Liquidity
PBOC Forms New Stability Committee Amid Property Sector Strain
05/08/2025
PBOC will prioritise defusing risks from local government debt and key institutions while maintaining loose monetary policy.
Capital / Liquidity
Vietnam Central Bank Expands Credit Growth Quotas
04/08/2025
The SBV raised lending limits for banks to support growth targets, though it faces calls to scrap the long-standing quota system.
Capital / Liquidity
FSC Korea Signals Overhaul of Personal Debt Management Practices
04/08/2025
The FSC has flagged potential curbs on debt sales and statute of limitations extensions, aiming to shift focus from collection to debtor rehabilitation.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
A daily selection of top stories from the Regulation Asia editorial team