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
Structural Regulation
Vietnam Misses MSCI Watchlist Despite Ongoing Reforms
25/06/2026
MSCI acknowledged recent progress but said significant barriers around foreign ownership and currency access remain unresolved.
Data Privacy
China Finalises Rules for Mandatory Data Security Risk Assessments
24/06/2026
New measures effective in August will require 'important data processors' to conduct annual risk assessments and report findings to authorities.
Structural Regulation
MSCI Defers Indonesia Downgrade Decision to November
24/06/2026
The index provider has postponed its decision until November, giving Jakarta more time to prove its market reforms are effective.
Structural Regulation
China Unveils New Action Plan to Boost Investment Inflows
24/06/2026
China has unveiled a new action plan to attract foreign investment, focusing on wider capital market access, streamlined M&A rules, and greater financial sector openness.
Data Privacy
China Unveils Plan for National Blockchain-Based Digital Identity
24/06/2026
Draft rules outline a new distributed digital identity system designed to interoperate with financial services, including the digital yuan (e–CNY).
Climate Risk
GFANZ Outlines Private Finance Role in Climate Adaptation
24/06/2026
New report showcases how FIs are financing climate resilience through existing tools, while calling for clearer government policy and public data to help scale investment.
Trading & Investment
China Launches First Commercial Property REITs in Market Expansion
24/06/2026
The listings mark a significant expansion of China's REIT market, offering a new financing channel for developers and a new asset class for investors.
Cryptocurrency
Korean Authorities Agree 20pc Cap on Crypto Exchange Ownership
24/06/2026
Regulators have agreed a 20 percent ownership limit for crypto exchanges, despite warnings that it could impede the industry’s growth.
Anti-Money Laundering
Japan Police Arrest OTC Dealers in Stablecoin Laundering Case
23/06/2026
The arrests in Osaka highlight a regulatory gap in Japan’s oversight of over-the-counter crypto asset trading used to launder the proceeds of fraud.
Anti-Money Laundering
Japan’s FSA Orders Moomoo Securities to Halt New Client Onboarding
23/06/2026
The regulator has imposed a three-month suspension, citing significant failures in compliance, customer protection, anti-money laundering, and cybersecurity controls.
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