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
Capital / Liquidity
Bangladesh Bank Expands OBU Trade Finance, Allowing Use of Other Banks' ADs
14/11/2025
New rules allow OBUs to finance enterprises via other banks' Authorised Dealers, subject to strict risk assessment requirements.
Capital / Liquidity
China Mandates Private Capital Access in Major Projects, Boosts SME Financing
14/11/2025
The State Council rules aim to lift financing for private firms and open sectors from nuclear power to commercial space.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Macau Digital Currency e-MOP Development Nearing Completion
14/11/2025
Monetary Authority confirms sandbox testing of the CBDC will follow, starting with a "whitelist" approach for pre-approved users.
Capital / Liquidity
Vietnam Introduces Basel II-Style Capital Rules for Securities Firms
14/11/2025
New circular tightens risk governance, hitting firms with concentrated portfolios and non-rated bonds, while clarifying margin lending rules.
Fintech / Regtech
BSP Flags Penalties, ISO 20022 Alignment in Push for 24/7 RTGS
14/11/2025
Philippines central bank consults FIs on regulatory adjustments and operational resilience for round-the-clock real-time payments.
AML / KYC
Singapore Jails Nominee Director in Multi-Million Dollar Shell Company Scam Case
13/11/2025
Singaporean man sentenced after shell firms he directed processed millions in proceeds from US and European scams.
Securities / Derivatives
Sri Lanka Cabinet Approves Drafting of New Investment Security Act
13/11/2025
Legislation aims to prevent 'capricious nationalisation' and establish a new board for resolving investor disputes.
Securities / Derivatives
TAIFEX to Implement Changes to Electronic and Equity Options Contracts
13/11/2025
Taiwan’s futures exchange details multiplier reduction for electronic options and launch of new weekly equity options, effective 8 December.
Capital / Liquidity
Thailand Launches 'Social AMC' Scheme to Buy THB 120b in Small-Value NPLs
13/11/2025
Programme to use state AMCs to buy NPLs under THB 100,000, funded by soft loans and reduced FIDF contributions.
Securities / Derivatives
HKEX to Take 20pc Stake in HKMA’s CMU OmniClear Holdings
13/11/2025
Partnership aims to build a major regional CSD and advance Hong Kong’s fixed-income ecosystem and status as an RMB hub.
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