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
Anti-Money Laundering
Japan Police Arrest OTC Dealers in Stablecoin Laundering Case
23/06/2026
The arrests in Osaka highlight a regulatory gap in Japan’s oversight of over-the-counter crypto asset trading used to launder the proceeds of fraud.
Anti-Money Laundering
Japan’s FSA Orders Moomoo Securities to Halt New Client Onboarding
23/06/2026
The regulator has imposed a three-month suspension, citing significant failures in compliance, customer protection, anti-money laundering, and cybersecurity controls.
Structural Regulation
China Adds US Rare Earths Firms to Export Control List
23/06/2026
Beijing has prohibited the export of dual-use items to ten US companies, including two rare earths producers, in a retaliatory move.
AI Risk & Governance
Japan Drafts Updated AI Strategy to Account for 'Mythos-class’ AI Models
22/06/2026
A draft revision to Japan’s AI Basic Plan flags escalating cyberattack and disinformation risks from advanced models, signalling a more agile approach to regulation.
Cybersecurity
Korea and Anthropic Forge Alliance on AI Safety and Cybersecurity
22/06/2026
The partnership will focus on AI model safety, red-teaming, and bolstering cyber defences, with a specific focus on the financial sector.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Korean Regulators Join Forces to Combat Illegal Online Financial Information
22/06/2026
Three agencies have signed an agreement to coordinate on blocking illicit content, strengthening platform self-regulation, and cracking down on ‘finfluencers’.
Payments & Settlements
Korea to Impose External Custody, Higher Capital Rules on Payment Gateways
22/06/2026
New rules will mandate external fund management and stricter oversight to protect merchant funds following a major settlement failure.
Credit Risk
Korea to Overhaul Delinquent Debt Sale Practices
22/06/2026
New guidelines will make originating lenders responsible for the conduct of debt buyers, aiming to curb aggressive and repetitive collection practices.
Clearing & Post-Trade
China to Launch Enhanced Foreign Currency Repo Services
22/06/2026
New services from the Shanghai Clearing House and CFETS will introduce collateral substitution and cash settlement options to improve market efficiency and collateral management.
Trading & Investment
Indonesia Secures Backing for Maiden Panda Bond Sale
22/06/2026
Finance minister secures fast-track approval from Beijing for a planned USD 1 billion issuance aimed at diversifying funding and reducing reliance on the US dollar.
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