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
Enforcement
Japan Makes First Arrests in $4.6b Securities Hijacking Probe
02/12/2025
Authorities apprehend two suspects linked to a market manipulation scheme involving hijacked online accounts and record-breaking fraudulent trading volumes.
Securities / Derivatives
China Proposes to Launch New Commercial REITs Pilot Programme
02/12/2025
The CSRC seeks public feedback on draft rules designed to broaden financing channels and revitalise the country’s vast stock of commercial assets.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea Advances Venture Capital Law Amendments to Ban Founder Liability
02/12/2025
Legislation passed by a parliamentary committee aims to boost private investment and remove barriers for entrepreneurs by overhauling investment rules.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Japan Working Group Approves Draft Report on Future of Crypto Regulation
28/11/2025
The draft report outlines plans to combat insider trading, allow bank subsidiaries to invest in crypto, and reform Japan's IEO rules.
Enforcement
FSS Korea Proposes “Severe” Sanctions on MBK Partners
27/11/2025
The FSS alleges the private equity firm harmed pension fund interests, sparking debate over regulatory overreach and fund governance.
Fintech / Regtech
Bangladesh Targets 2027 for Full Interoperability of Digital Payments
27/11/2025
Bangladesh Bank is partnering with the Gates Foundation to use its open-source 'Moojaloop' software while also preparing to order microfinance institutions to digitise all payments.
Capital / Liquidity
Bangladesh Government Supplies BDT 10b to Support Capital Market
26/11/2025
The government is providing low-cost funds to the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh to enable it to invest more in the stock market.
AML / KYC
Korea Tightens AML Requirements to Combat Transnational Crime
26/11/2025
FIs are directed to strengthen oversight over offshore units, and KoFIU is introducing a mass suspicious transaction reporting mechanism.
Fintech / Regtech
Bangladesh Mandates Instant Settlement for Bangla QR Payments
26/11/2025
Bangladesh Bank has directed financial institutions to credit funds immediately to small businesses by mid-December to boost cashless transactions.
ESG / Sustainability
South Korea Opens Carbon Trading to Financial Firms
26/11/2025
Seoul permits asset managers and banks to trade emissions credits via brokerages to boost liquidity and price discovery mechanisms.
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