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
Structural Regulation
Korea Tightens Treasury Share Rules to Boost Corporate Value
26/06/2026
New rules expand disclosure requirements and ban certain disposal methods, aiming to increase transparency and encourage shareholder returns ahead of a new cancellation duty.
Structural Regulation
China Restricts Offshore Swaps to Curb Capital Outflows
26/06/2026
Regulators have verbally ordered brokerages to halt the expansion of derivative products used to invest in overseas stock markets, closing a popular loophole.
Structural Regulation
Korea Urged to Mandate Bond Trustees After Retail Investor Losses
26/06/2026
A leading financial think tank is calling for urgent reforms, including mandatory trustees and improved meeting rights, following a string of corporate defaults.
Anti-Money Laundering
Thailand Uncovers $300M Crypto Laundering Ring with Official Links
26/06/2026
A probe into illegal mining has revealed a vast network tied to Chinese capital, US fraud cases, and corruption within state agencies.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
China Proposes Harsher Penalties for Accounting-related Misconduct, Fraud
26/06/2026
A draft law doubles maximum fines for audit fraud and extends legal liability to clients and other colluding third parties.
Structural Regulation
China Submits Foundational Financial Law to Legislature
25/06/2026
The draft law seeks to create a unified regulatory framework, strengthen risk prevention, and provide a legal cornerstone for building a 'financial powerhouse'.
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.
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