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
China Touts 'New Stage' of AML Development with Sweeping Legal Reforms
25/06/2026
A revised AML law, a new beneficial ownership registry, and a risk-based approach mark a significant overhaul of China's financial crime framework.
Structural Regulation
South Korea to Enforce Sweeping Delisting Reforms From July
25/06/2026
Hundreds of firms face delisting risk under accelerated new rules, sparking shareholder backlash over a lack of preparation time.
Cryptocurrency
Vietnam Sets 'Controlled' Pilot for Crypto Market, Restricts Domestic Access
25/06/2026
The framework prioritises attracting foreign capital and meeting international AML standards, while initially limiting participation for local investors and banning derivatives.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
Korea FSS Identifies Gaps in Implementation of Accountability Regime
25/06/2026
Responsibility maps at credit firms and savings banks suffer from over-concentrated duties and persistent governance weaknesses.
Structural Regulation
Vietnam Misses MSCI Watchlist Despite Ongoing Reforms
25/06/2026
MSCI acknowledged recent progress but said significant barriers around foreign ownership and currency access remain unresolved.
Data Privacy
China Finalises Rules for Mandatory Data Security Risk Assessments
24/06/2026
New measures effective in August will require 'important data processors' to conduct annual risk assessments and report findings to authorities.
Structural Regulation
MSCI Defers Indonesia Downgrade Decision to November
24/06/2026
The index provider has postponed its decision until November, giving Jakarta more time to prove its market reforms are effective.
Structural Regulation
China Unveils New Action Plan to Boost Investment Inflows
24/06/2026
China has unveiled a new action plan to attract foreign investment, focusing on wider capital market access, streamlined M&A rules, and greater financial sector openness.
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.
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