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
Anti-Money Laundering
Chinese Regulators Impose Over ¥30M in Fines on Bank of Shanghai
07/08/2025
The PBOC and NFRA imposed fines on the bank over AML-related and other failures. 15 managers also held individually accountable.
Cryptocurrency
Thailand to Introduce Tax Exemption on Foreign-Sourced Income
07/08/2025
The measure aims to encourage the repatriation of an estimated THB 2 trillion in funds held abroad and stimulate the domestic economy.
Trading & Investment
South Korea Extends Tax Guidance to Off-Market Share Trades
07/08/2025
The tax authority will now use data from securities firms to guide minority shareholders on capital gains obligations for over-the-counter transactions.
Market Abuse
FSS Korea Sanctions Securities Chairman Over Collusive Trading Scheme
06/08/2025
South Korea’s FSS has sanctioned the chairman of Yuhwa Securities over collusive trading and misleading stock buyback practices.
Trading & Investment
China Directs Financial Sector to Fuel 'New Industrialisation' Drive
06/08/2025
Regulators have outlined a multi-year plan to steer loans, bonds, and equity financing towards strategic sectors like semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
Emerging Prudential Risks
PBOC Forms New Stability Committee Amid Property Sector Strain
05/08/2025
PBOC will prioritise defusing risks from local government debt and key institutions while maintaining loose monetary policy.
Credit Risk
Vietnam Central Bank Expands Credit Growth Quotas
04/08/2025
The SBV raised lending limits for banks to support growth targets, though it faces calls to scrap the long-standing quota system.
Credit Risk
FSC Korea Signals Overhaul of Personal Debt Management Practices
04/08/2025
The FSC has flagged potential curbs on debt sales and statute of limitations extensions, aiming to shift focus from collection to debtor rehabilitation.
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.
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