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
Fintech / Regtech
Philippines Proposes Steeper Fines for Payment Reporting Lapses
05/11/2025
The central bank is consulting on daily fines and non-monetary sanctions for non-compliant payment system operators.
Sanctions
US to Suspend 'Affiliates Rule' for Export Controls
05/11/2025
A one-year pause on the rule was agreed with China, though the rule technically remains in effect until a formal notice is issued.
Enforcement
Ex-CSRC Vice Chief Expelled for Taking Bribes on Listings, Financing
05/11/2025
Wang Jianjun was found to have illegally helped companies with listings and funding, China's anti-graft watchdog said.
Enforcement
China's NFRA Fines Five Banks in 'Institutionalised' Crackdown
05/11/2025
The NFRA signals “toothy and thorny” approach, targeting poor governance, loan and interbank business management.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Korea Mulls 'Financial Conglomerate' Status for Crypto Firms Dunamu, Bithumb
05/11/2025
The Fair Trade Commission is researching the status of crypto firms, sparking debate over systemic risk and regulatory conflicts.
Enforcement
Korea NTS Probes Prince and Huione Groups Tax Evasion, Laundering Links
05/11/2025
Tax agency investigating domestic offices of Prince Group and a Huione-linked currency exchange over suspected phishing proceeds and tax fraud.
Securities / Derivatives
South Korea's Ruling Party Pushes Policy Reform to Boost KOSPI
04/11/2025
Seoul is advancing legislation on dividend taxation and mandatory share buybacks, pursuing a pledge to elevate the KOSPI index to 5,000.
Philippines SEC Recommends Raising Audit Exemption Threshold
04/11/2025
The SEC wants to lift the requirement for firms with assets under PHP 3 million, citing lower costs and compliance burdens.
Enforcement
Korea Forms Task Force to Address Loan Misuse in Property Market
04/11/2025
New interagency body to launch as financial regulator plans data sharing to block violators from all financial institutions.
ESG / Sustainability
China Urges Financial Sector to Link Green Trade Finance to Carbon Footprint Data
04/11/2025
New MOFCOM guidelines encourage financial institutions to create services based on carbon accounting, backed by a new national database and standards.
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