Mark Johnston

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    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

    Korea FSS Set to Launch Investigations Unit, Sanction Crypto Firms

    31/03/2026

    FSS Governor also warned of mis-selling risks in overseas private debt and confirms internal control flaws at Bithumb crypto exchange.

    Capital / Liquidity

    South Korea Mandates Coordinated Support for Small Businesses

    31/03/2026

    The FSC and MSS have partnered with private banks and public agencies to create a one-stop support network for struggling firms.

    Capital / Liquidity

    Korea Policy Lenders Form 'One Team' to Expand Productive Finance

    31/03/2026

    Six state-backed financial institutions have signed an MOU to coordinate support for innovation industries, following a directive from the FSC.

    AML / KYC

    Japan Proposes Mandatory Information Sharing for Banks to Combat Fraud

    31/03/2026

    The FSA has released draft amendments requiring deposit-taking institutions to share data on fraudulent accounts through a centralised platform.

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Japan FSA Warns KuCoin Amid Broader Crypto Oversight Push

    30/03/2026

    The regulator has flagged several offshore platforms for unregistered services ahead of planned legislative changes to strengthen its enforcement powers.

    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.

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