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
Crypto / Digital Assets
Korea Prosecutors Lose KRW 70b in Seized Bitcoin to Phishing
28/01/2026
Incident highlights custodial risks for digital assets amid recent Supreme Court ruling classifying crypto as seizeable ‘electronic property’.
Fintech / Regtech
Ten Korean Institutions Partner to Digitise Corporate Document Submissions
27/01/2026
The 'Corporate Public MyData' service aims to eliminate red tape for businesses by streamlining administrative and financial document submissions.
AML / KYC
Taiwan Cabinet Approves WMD, Counter-Terror Law Amendments
27/01/2026
Taiwan’s Executive Yuan has approved amendments expanding counter-terrorism laws to include WMD proliferation and increase reporting obligations for financial institutions.
Enforcement
Korea’s FSS Initiates Sanction Proceedings Against Stonebridge Capital
27/01/2026
The regulator has issued an inspection opinion letter to the private equity firm, casting doubt over its current fundraising targets.
Fintech / Regtech
Korea to Permit Family Credit Cards for Minors, Streamline Finance Rules
26/01/2026
Proposals would allow family credit cards for children over 12, let finance firms broker leasing products, and clarify licensing review rules.
Securities / Derivatives
China Weighs Higher Threshold for Allowing Domestic Firms to List in HK
26/01/2026
China is considering raising compliance bars, including a minimum market capitalisation, to stem a flood of low-quality IPO applications in Hong Kong from mainland firms.
Securities / Derivatives
Taiwan FSC Digitises Buyback Reporting, Extends Disclosure History
26/01/2026
FSC shifts compliance to MOPS and requires five-year repurchase history, effective May 2026 to allow preparation.
Securities / Derivatives
China Extends Tax Incentives for Innovative Firms' CDR Pilot to End 2027
26/01/2026
Authorities renew preferential treatment for individual and institutional investors, including QFIIs and public funds, to support the domestic depositary receipt programme.
China NFRA Overhauls Licensing Rules With New Digital-first Framework
26/01/2026
New regulations taking effect 1 March mandate electronic filings, clarify review hierarchies and set strict penalty timelines for market entry and personnel approvals.
Securities / Derivatives
China Opens 14 Commodity Futures and Options Products to International Investors
26/01/2026
The CSRC has expanded the list of domestic specific commodities available to overseas traders to deepen financial market integration and bolster its influence over global commodity pricing.
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