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
Trading & Investment
Korea FSC Names Managers for New Public-Private Growth Fund
16/03/2026
Mirae, Samsung, and KB Asset Management will raise retail capital for a new fund targeting advanced strategic industries.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Macau Regulator Opens Probe into Alleged Fraud at Local Bank
16/03/2026
The AMCM is investigating a local bank after a lawmaker filed a complaint alleging MOP 208 million in client losses.
Data Privacy
Korean Privacy Regulator Fines Lotte Card Over Data Breach
16/03/2026
The penalty follows a probe that found the firm illegally processed customer data and failed to implement adequate security measures.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
South Korea Passes Law to Protect Crypto Scam Victims
15/03/2026
The National Assembly has amended legislation requiring virtual asset exchanges to monitor suspicious transactions and compensate victims of digital financial crimes by October.
Stablecoins
Korea Consults Brokers on Use of Stablecoins in STO Settlement
13/03/2026
Financial authorities in South Korea are urgently collecting regulatory feedback from securities firms regarding the use of stablecoins within the token securities market.
Reporting & Disclosures
Taiwan FSC Mandates IFRS Sustainability Disclosures for Insurers
13/03/2026
The FSC has amended disclosure rules to require life and non-life insurers to publish board-approved sustainability information from 2026.
AI Risk & Governance
PBOC to Promote 'Safe and Orderly' AI Use in Financial Sector
13/03/2026
The PBOC has prioritised the cautious application of AI, alongside enhanced data security and stronger financial supervision for 2026.
ESG Data
ICMA Report Highlights Need for APAC Convergence of ESG Ratings Rules
13/03/2026
New report highlights the rise of voluntary codes and binding rules for ESG ratings providers across Asia-Pacific jurisdictions.
Market Abuse
Hong Kong Authorities Arrest Eight in Insider Trading, Corruption Probe
13/03/2026
Joint SFC-ICAC operation targets executives at two brokerages and a hedge fund in a scheme that allegedly netted HKD 315 million from illicitly obtained placement data.
Payments & Settlements
Australia Issues Draft Legislation for New Payments Licensing Framework
13/03/2026
The reforms establish a dual ASIC-APRA model, setting a AUD 200 million threshold for prudential oversight and introducing new safeguarding rules.
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