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
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.
Capital / Liquidity
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.
Enforcement
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.
Fintech / Regtech
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.
Capital / Liquidity
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.
ESG / Sustainability
BSEC Extends Deadline for Mandatory Appointment of Female Directors
07/08/2025
Bangladesh's securities regulator has given listed firms until 31 December to appoint a female independent director, after some failed to meet the original 29 April deadline.
Securities / Derivatives
KRX Considers 12-Hour Trading Day in Response to New Rival
07/08/2025
Korea Exchange is exploring a 12-hour trading day to counter its new rival, Nextrade, a move that could significantly alter market operations for financial firms.
Enforcement
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.
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.
Securities / Derivatives
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.
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