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
Korea Mandates Lower Credit Card Fees for Over 3 Million Merchants
15/08/2025
The move, affecting 93.2% of all businesses, requires credit card firms to apply preferential rates to ease the financial burden on small enterprises.
ESG / Sustainability
Malaysia Sees First Ever Issuance of ASEAN Social SRI Sukuk
15/08/2025
The MYR 200 million issuance will be used by the national mortgage corporation to fund the purchase of affordable home financing.
Enforcement
BFIU Probes Three Former Central Bank Governors in Corruption Inquiry
15/08/2025
The FIU has ordered banks to provide account details for three former governors and six deputies at the request of the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Capital / Liquidity
Bangladesh Bank Eases FX Rules for Exporters in Specialised Zones
15/08/2025
New rules aim to create parity, improve liquidity management by allowing firms in special zones to hold full export proceeds temporarily.
Macao Tightens Insurance Intermediary Rules with new Ordinance
15/08/2025
The new law introduces higher licensing standards, stronger supervision through an “appointing principal” mechanism, and increased penalties to better protect insurance customers.
Capital / Liquidity
South Korea to Offer Credit Amnesty Programme to Tackle Debt Overhang
14/08/2025
The programme targets up to 3.24 million small-sum borrowers with debts of KRW 50 million or less, aiming to boost credit scores and support economic recovery.
ESG / Sustainability
FSS Korea to Inspect Firms on New Accountability Regime
14/08/2025
Regulator to launch on-site and desk-based reviews of banks, insurers and investment firms on the new internal control responsibility framework.
ESG / Sustainability
Bangladesh Draft Law Proposes Major Overhaul of Central Bank Governance
13/08/2025
New ordinance would see the Bangladesh Bank governor hold ministerial rank, with presidential appointment and a board free of government officials.
AML / KYC
Bangladesh Forms Committee to Implement Global Tax Transparency Standard
13/08/2025
Bangladesh is moving to amend laws and adopt the OECD's Common Reporting Standard to boost tax transparency and curb illicit finance.
Enforcement
Indonesian Lawmakers Named in Bank Indonesia and OJK Social Funds Scandal
13/08/2025
Indonesia’s anti-graft agency has named two lawmakers as suspects in a case involving the alleged misuse of corporate social responsibility funds.
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