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
Enforcement
Tokyo Court Rules Against MUFG Over AT1 Bond Losses
03/03/2026
A Japanese court has ordered Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities to compensate an investor over inadequate AT1 bond risk disclosures.
Market Infrastructure
Korea to Enable Same-day FX Settlement for Foreign investors
03/03/2026
South Korea will enable same-day currency exchange and securities settlement for foreign investors to support global index inclusion.
Enforcement
US Seizes $580m in Crypto from Southeast Asian Scam Networks
02/03/2026
A US task force has seized millions in cryptocurrency from transnational crime syndicates orchestrating investment frauds across Southeast Asia.
Fintech / Regtech
APAC Advancing Tokenised Money Frameworks But Paths Diverge - Report
24/02/2026
A new study highlights how Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan are forging distinct stablecoin rules, creating a fragmented regional landscape.
AML / KYC
AUSTRAC Publishes Proposed Funding Model for 2025-26
24/02/2026
The regulator is seeking stakeholder feedback on its proposed funding model, which exempts Tranche 2 entities pending a future comprehensive review.
Enforcement
Mizuho Loses Underwriting Deals Amid Insider Trading Probe
23/02/2026
Multiple corporate issuers have removed Mizuho Securities from bond underwriting mandates as the firm faces an insider trading investigation.
Fintech / Regtech
Taiwan Issues Progress Update on Fintech Development Roadmap
23/02/2026
The FSC outlines key achievements in AI governance, open banking, digital identity, and supervisory technology as part of its three-year strategic plan.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Bithumb Becomes First Korean Crypto Firm to Adopt Post-Quantum Security
23/02/2026
South Korean virtual asset exchange Bithumb is implementing post-quantum cryptography to align with the government's cryptographic transition policy.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Top Japanese Brokerages Preparing to Enter Crypto Exchange Market - Reports
23/02/2026
Nomura, Daiwa, and SMBC Nikko are preparing to enter the crypto market ahead of planned regulatory reforms.
Australia Issues Licensing Guidance for Employee Entitlement Schemes
20/02/2026
Operators must apply for a licence by 1 September and will face new governance and disclosure rules under a transitional framework.
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