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
Data Privacy
Korean Police Probe Kakao Pay Over Data Transfer to Alipay
15/05/2026
The investigation follows a referral from the FSS, which has already fined Kakao Pay over KRW 12.9 billion for the breaches.
Cybersecurity
Japan Megabanks to Gain Access to Anthropic's Mythos AI to Bolster Cyber Defences
15/05/2026
New public-private working group will develop countermeasures as top banks prepare to use the powerful, restricted cybersecurity model.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Dubai Leads Global Sting on Transnational Crypto Fraud Networks
15/05/2026
A coordinated operation involving the UAE, US, and China has led to the arrest of 276 individuals and the closure of nine scam centres engaged in investment and virtual currency fraud.
Anti-Money Laundering
Korea Arrests Man in KRW 747 Billion Crypto Laundering Case
14/05/2026
A man has been arrested for allegedly using a sanctioned Cambodian payment system, crypto exchanges, and duty-free shoppers to launder criminal funds.
Emerging Prudential Risks
PBOC to Maintain Accommodative Policy, Deepen Rate Reforms
13/05/2026
China’s central bank will continue its moderately accommodative policy stance while focusing on interest rate reforms, credit optimisation, and financial risk prevention.
Payments & Settlements
China Expands FX Facilitation Pilots in Greater Bay Area
13/05/2026
New foreign exchange pilots in Guangdong's Nansha and Hengqin zones will ease rules on capital account funds and streamline non-resident account refunds.
Anti-Money Laundering
Korea to Crack Down on ‘Tether Laundromat’ Schemes
13/05/2026
Police will intensify enforcement against unregistered crypto exchanges used to launder criminal proceeds, allocating new resources and partnering with KoFIU.
AI Risk & Governance
China Issues New Framework to Govern AI Agents
12/05/2026
New rules aim to balance innovation with security, setting clear guidelines for AI agent development and application across various key sectors.
Cryptocurrency
Korea Mandates Registration for Overseas Crypto Transfers - Report
12/05/2026
A new law requires virtual asset service providers to register with the finance ministry, bringing cross-border flows under the country's foreign exchange controls.
Cryptocurrency
Korea Confirms 2027 Launch of Crypto Tax Policy, Despite Critics
12/05/2026
The government will proceed with a 22 percent tax on crypto gains, despite criticism over fairness and the readiness of enforcement systems.
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