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
PBOC Overhauls Approval Rules for Sub-Treasury Agent Banks
15/10/2025
New measures effective from 1 January 2026, will standardise the application, supervision and review process for banks handling state treasury business.
Sanctions
China Sanctions Five US-based Subsidiaries of Korean Firm
15/10/2025
China's blacklisting of five US-based subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean has sent a warning to third-country companies involved in the US-China industrial rivalry.
ESG / Sustainability
Vietnam Unveils Green Bond Handbook to Boost Transparency and Attract Investment
15/10/2025
Vietnam's State Securities Commission has launched a new guide for green bond disclosures to align with global standards.
Securities / Derivatives
Bangladesh to Mandate iXBRL for Financial Reporting in Phased Rollout
15/10/2025
The securities regulator will introduce mandatory digital reporting for listed companies to enhance data transparency and align with global standards.
Securities / Derivatives
OJK Indonesia Mandates Security Overhaul After Cyber-Attack on Brokers
15/10/2025
Regulators have ordered securities firms to strengthen digital defences and risk management following an attack that exploited system weaknesses.
Fintech / Regtech
China Finalises Sweeping AML Rule Changes for Financial Firms
14/10/2025
New rules expand scope to more firms, mandate 10-year data retention, and clarify internal responsibilities, effective from 1 December.
Enforcement
Korea to Require Banks to Compensate Voice Phishing Victims
14/10/2025
New data reveals that major Korean lenders cover just a fraction of voice phishing losses, prompting plans to impose mandatory compensation regardless of bank negligence.
RBI Proposes Major Overhaul of Customer Grievance Framework
13/10/2025
The RBI has released draft regulations to reform its external and internal ombudsman schemes for financial institutions.
Enforcement
CSRC Orders S&P Unit to ‘Rectify’ Operations Following Regulatory Breaches
13/10/2025
The CSRC's Beijing Bureau has ordered S&P's local subsidiary to overhaul its business practices, citing failures in consistency and disclosure.
AML / KYC
Indonesia Shifts to AML Effectiveness Model with New National Index
13/10/2025
Jakarta has launched a new data-driven index to measure real-world outcomes of its AML/CFT regime ahead of its 2029 FATF evaluation.
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