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
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.
Credit Risk
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.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
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.
Structural Regulation
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.
Anti-Money Laundering
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.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
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.
Credit Risk
SBV Ordered to Prepare Roadmap for Ending Quota System for Credit Growth
12/08/2025
Instead of a quota, the SBV will build a new set of standards and criteria for credit institutions to ensure they operate in an "efficient and healthy" manner.
Anti-Money Laundering
KoFIU Issues Warning Against Two Unregistered Crypto Firms
11/08/2025
KoFIU has referred KCEX and QXALX to law enforcement and warned registered firms to cease all transactions with them.
Payments & Settlements
RBI Governor Addresses UPI Fee Speculation
11/08/2025
RBI Governor clarified that end-users will not necessarily pay for UPI, but stressed that a sustainable cost-recovery model is needed.
Liquidity Risk
RBI Panel Recommends Overhaul of Central Bank Liquidity Framework
11/08/2025
RBI panel recommends retaining call money rate as policy target and shifting to 14-day to 7-day operations to refine liquidity management.
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