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
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.
Fintech / Regtech
Philippines SEC Proposes Tighter Interest Rate Caps for Lenders
03/11/2025
Philippines SEC aims to curb predatory practices by expanding loan coverage and setting new ceilings on interest, fees, and penalties.
Fintech / Regtech
Indonesia Drafts Legal Roadmaps for AI and New Tech in Digital Finance
03/11/2025
Government preparing legal foundations for AI and semiconductors to support financial innovation, enhance security, and ensure data sovereignty.
Capital / Liquidity
Indonesia Proposes Extending MSME Bad Loan Write-Off Policy
03/11/2025
Indonesia's OJK seeks to extend bad debt elimination programme to banks to accelerate recovery in the MSME sector.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Taiwan Central Bank Seeks Oversight on Stablecoin Licensing, Warns of Risks
03/11/2025
Taiwan central bank advises regulator on reserve requirements, deposit risks, and its own role in licensing as Taiwan drafts new virtual asset law.
Enforcement
LME Fines Mizuho Unit $350k for Systemic OTC Reporting Failures
03/11/2025
The London Metal Exchange penalised the Mizuho unit for failing to report affiliate OTC positions for over two years due to internal control deficiencies.
AML / KYC
Thailand Eyes New Digital Asset, Banking Rules Amid Scam Infiltration Probe
03/11/2025
Regulators confirm listed firms under scrutiny as AMLO seizes THB 350 million in assets linked to cross-border networks.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Kyrgyzstan Advances Digital Asset Framework with Stablecoin Launch and CBDC Pilot
03/11/2025
Kyrgyzstan has introduced the som-pegged KGST stablecoin and directs its central bank to begin a three-phase digital som pilot.
Fintech / Regtech
Sri Lanka Launches Registry for Movable Asset Lending
03/11/2025
The new system, based on the 2024 Secured Transactions Act, allows lenders to register security interests in movable and intangible collateral.
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