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
Enforcement
Thai SEC Sanctions Deloitte Auditor for Falsifying Financial Statements
06/04/2026
The regulator has filed a criminal complaint and imposed a six-year ban on the auditor for serious professional misconduct that facilitated financial fraud.
Securities / Derivatives
TAIFEX to Introduce Dynamic Price Limits for ETF Derivatives
06/04/2026
The exchange is replacing fixed price limits for futures and options on ETFs with foreign components with a new three-stage circuit breaker mechanism.
Enforcement
Korean Banks Face Signficant Annual Costs for Fraud Compensation
06/04/2026
Proposed legal amendments that would force financial firms to compensate fraud victims could cost financial firms up to KRW 281.1 billion annually.
Securities / Derivatives
Thailand, Laos Sign MOU on Stock Market Integration
06/04/2026
The agreement aims to strengthen cross-border connectivity, explore dual listings, and enhance regulatory cooperation between the two Southeast Asian markets.
Capital / Liquidity
China Mandates Unified Corporate Credit Evaluation Framework
06/04/2026
The plan aims to standardise credit ratings, eliminate fragmented rules, and integrate public and market-based evaluations to support supervision and financing.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Taiwan Cabinet Approves Draft Virtual Asset Management Act
06/04/2026
The proposed legislation introduces a comprehensive licensing regime, stringent fraud penalties, and specific rules for stablecoin reserves and issuance.
Fintech / Regtech
Korea to Pilot Deposit Token Payments in Nationwide Retail Chain
06/04/2026
The central bank, IBK Bank, and GS Retail will test a digital currency payment system in convenience stores nationwide.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Simplifies Foreign Investor Onboarding With New LEI System
06/04/2026
The Korea Securities Depository has launched a real-time certificate service, replacing cumbersome translation and notarisation requirements for account opening.
Crypto / Digital Assets
China More Than Doubles E-Yuan Operators in Regulatory Expansion
06/04/2026
The central bank has licenced 12 new institutions, including city commercial banks for the first time, in a significant expansion of its CBDC pilot.
Korea Forms High-Level Council to Tackle Economic Volatility
06/04/2026
Top finance, budget, and regulatory chiefs will meet monthly to coordinate policy amid currency weakness and geopolitical shocks.
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