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
Crypto / Digital Assets
Korea Proposes Rule Amendments to Strengthen VASP Governance
02/04/2026
Proposed amendments will tighten entry requirements for virtual asset firms and expand the scope of the AML obligations.
Fintech / Regtech
SCBX Forms New Corporate Vehicle for Virtual Bank Venture
01/04/2026
SCBX-led consortium formalises structure ahead of a planned THB 5 billion capital injection and operational readiness assessment.
Market Infrastructure
Korea Sets 2030 Deadline to Phase Out CD Rate in Major Benchmark Reform
01/04/2026
Regulators will accelerate the adoption of the KOFR risk-free rate while unwinding the CD rate and KORIBOR benchmarks.
Securities / Derivatives
China Eases Refinancing Rules for 'Light-Asset' Tech Firms
01/04/2026
The change allows qualifying Main Board companies to exceed the 30 percent cap on using fundraising proceeds for working capital and debt repayment.
Fintech / Regtech
Cambodia and Singapore Launch 2nd Phase of Cross-Border QR Payment Link
01/04/2026
The now fully interoperable system allows two-way payments, a key step in the ASEAN regional payment connectivity initiative.
Fintech / Regtech
Bangladesh Sets 2026 Deadline for New Cybersecurity Framework
01/04/2026
The central bank has issued a mandatory framework for banks and payment firms, requiring a CISO, 72-hour incident reporting, and NIST-aligned controls.
Securities / Derivatives
SEBI Extends Ban on Key Agri-Derivatives to 2027
01/04/2026
The regulator has prolonged the suspension on futures trading for seven key commodities, citing persistent concerns over price stability and food inflation.
Securities / Derivatives
China to Open TSR 20, Bonded Copper Options to Foreign Investors
01/04/2026
The move marks a further step in opening China's commodity derivatives markets to international participants via the QFI scheme.
Capital / Liquidity
Bank Indonesia Launches FX Repo Facility to Deepen Markets
31/03/2026
The central bank will allow its foreign currency securities to be used as collateral in new repo transactions to boost liquidity and support the rupiah.
Securities / Derivatives
CSRC to Strengthen Legal Framework to Boost Long-Term Investment
31/03/2026
The regulator has detailed its 2026 legislative agenda, following a year that saw over CNY 15 billion in penalties and 172 criminal case referrals.
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