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
Credit Risk
PBOC Issues Guidelines to Boost Rural Financial Services
30/07/2025
China’s central bank issues comprehensive guidelines for rural financial services, instructing FIs on credit support, infrastructure and governance.
Structural Regulation
South Korea Considers New Rules for Asset Valuation Firms
28/07/2025
Financial authorities are exploring binding regulations for external evaluators to curb accounting fraud, but face industry concerns over the potential burden.
Resolution & Recovery
Bangladesh Central Bank Establishes New Bank Resolution Department
28/07/2025
The new department was created to ensure timely resolution of capital shortfalls, liquidity crisis or any other risk threatening the existence of a bank and to protect the interest of the depositors.
Market Abuse
Korea's New Stock Manipulation Task Force Launches This Week
28/07/2025
The multi-agency unit will start under an acting chief after its designated head retired, raising concerns about its initial effectiveness.
Stablecoins
Korean Fintech KONA I Set to Showcase KRW-Backed Stablecoin
28/07/2025
The stablecoin will feature dual support for both QR code payments and existing credit card payment infrastructure.
Alternative Markets
South Korea Advances Bill to Promote Venture Capital Investments
28/07/2025
The amendment bill will pave the way for the introduction of business development companies (BDCs), a type of investment vehicle designed to provide growth support to innovative enterprises.
Trading & Investment
China's NAFMII Expands Bond Underwriting Probe to Guangfa Bank
28/07/2025
An investigation that began with six underwriters over low fees for a capital bond issuance has now been extended to the bank itself.
Credit Risk
Kazakhstan and China Deepen Financial Regulatory Ties
28/07/2025
Kazakhstan and China have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in banking and insurance supervision, aiming to bolster financial system security.
KYC & CDD
Indonesia's OJK Boosts Oversight with Integrated GRC System and Data-Sharing Pact
28/07/2025
OJK has launched a real-time risk platform and signed a data-sharing pact to tighten supervision of financial firms.
Anti-Money Laundering
India’s ED Raids Anil Ambani Firms in Bank Fraud and Money Laundering Probe
26/07/2025
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating an alleged INR 30 billion Yes Bank loan fraud, involving multiple regulatory violations and suspected bribery.
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