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
China Unveils Plan for National Blockchain-Based Digital Identity
24/06/2026
Draft rules outline a new distributed digital identity system designed to interoperate with financial services, including the digital yuan (e–CNY).
Climate Risk
GFANZ Outlines Private Finance Role in Climate Adaptation
24/06/2026
New report showcases how FIs are financing climate resilience through existing tools, while calling for clearer government policy and public data to help scale investment.
Trading & Investment
China Launches First Commercial Property REITs in Market Expansion
24/06/2026
The listings mark a significant expansion of China's REIT market, offering a new financing channel for developers and a new asset class for investors.
Cryptocurrency
Korean Authorities Agree 20pc Cap on Crypto Exchange Ownership
24/06/2026
Regulators have agreed a 20 percent ownership limit for crypto exchanges, despite warnings that it could impede the industry’s growth.
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’.
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