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

    Market Infrastructure

    China Proposes Tighter Oversight for Corporate Credit Reporting

    04/03/2026

    The PBOC has issued draft rules to strengthen the regulation and market exit mechanisms for corporate credit reporting agencies.

    Capital / Liquidity

    China Unveils New Guidelines for Sci-Tech Insurance Development

    04/03/2026

    New guidelines detail 20 measures to align insurance with innovation needs, guiding products, services, and insurance fund investments toward strategic tech sectors.

    Enforcement

    Korea, Thailand to Share Crypto Data and Collaborate Against Tax Evasion

    04/03/2026

    Tax authorities in South Korea and Thailand have signed an agreement to exchange cryptocurrency data and tackle offshore evasion.

    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.

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