Mark Johnston

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    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

    India Moves to Permit Multi-Disciplinary Firms and Strengthen Audit Regulator

    20/11/2025

    The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has finalised plans to enable cross-profession partnerships and segregate the financial regulator’s investigative and disciplinary functions.

    Fintech / Regtech

    Bangladesh to Require Global Card Networks to Incorporate Locally

    20/11/2025

    Draft regulation mandates Visa and Mastercard register as local companies for tax purposes, prompting industry warnings over business continuity.

    ESG / Sustainability

    Major Banks Endorse ICC Sustainable Trade Finance Principles

    20/11/2025

    UOB, BNP Paribas and SocGen are among the new cohort of firms adopting the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance.

    Securities / Derivatives

    India: NSE Chief Urges Regulators to Overhaul Derivatives Counting and Ease FPI Norms

    20/11/2025

    Ashish Chauhan warns against policy-making based on 'random statistics' and calls for less intrusive foreign investor rules to attract capital.

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    South Korea Risks Fourth Delay to Implement Crypto Tax Regime - Reports

    20/11/2025

    South Korea still lacks necessary guidelines and systems for the January 2027 rollout, leaving policymakers lagging behind regional peers, experts warn.

    Capital / Liquidity

    China Details Hainan's Financial Opening with 'Electronic Fence' Account System

    20/11/2025

    Hainan's free trade port will launch special customs operations, underpinned by a new system for freer cross-border capital flows.

    Fintech / Regtech

    Cambodia and China Seal Corporate Pact for Cross-Border Payments

    19/11/2025

    The deal between China's TenPay Seal Pact to Link Bakong, Weixin Pay aims to strengthen payment connectivity and financial inclusion, boosting economic exchange across Asia.

    Enforcement

    China Mandates Stricter Accounting Controls and Digital Oversight to Curb Financial Fraud

    19/11/2025

    China's MOF has issued a comprehensive directive clarifying liability for corporate executives and auditors while enforcing a unified national accounting system.

    Capital / Liquidity

    Nepal Sets up Unit to Coordinate Foreign Investment and Banking Issues

    19/11/2025

    Nepal's Ministry of Finance establishes a dedicated unit under its International Economic Relations Division to facilitate services for international investors.

    Securities / Derivatives

    Indonesia Targets 25 Percent Free Float to Deepen Capital Markets

    19/11/2025

    Indonesia’s OJK plans a phased increase in public share requirements to boost liquidity in South-east Asia’s largest market.

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