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
Capital / Liquidity
Korea Extends Fee Reforms for Early Loan Repayment to Mutual Finance Firms
27/10/2025
The FSC is mandating that mutual finance institutions limit early repayment fees to actual costs, aligning them with the broader financial sector.
Fintech / Regtech
Vietnam Banks, Regulator Mandate Coordinated Action on Digital Fraud
27/10/2025
The SBV and the Vietnam Banks Association are implementing new directives and procedures to tackle soaring high-tech financial crime.
Japan Plans New Body to Screen Foreign Investment for Security Risks
27/10/2025
Takaichi government aims to create a CFIUS-style committee by the end of 2026 amid rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over China.
Securities / Derivatives
KRX Launching Direct Listing System for Public Funds
26/10/2025
South Korea’s new “X class” funds will trade like ETFs from 27 October, a move integrating over-the-counter and on-exchange frameworks.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea to Launch Person-Based Surveillance, Raise Unfair Trading Penalties
26/10/2025
The FSC is shifting the KRX from account-based to person-based surveillance and increasing minimum fines for unfair trading and disclosure violations.
Securities / Derivatives
TAIFEX Announces Rule Changes to Support New Weekly Stock Options
26/10/2025
Under the amended rules, TAIFEX will be permitted to list weekly contracts that commence on a Wednesday and expire on the second Wednesday thereafter.
ESG / Sustainability
Korea PE Body to Develop Principles for Socially Responsible Investment
24/10/2025
The new chairman of the Private Equity Fund Council announced the creation of a new committee that will codify principles in areas such as ESG and social value creation.
Securities / Derivatives
BSEC Finalises Margin Rules to Cleanse Market of Negative Equity - Reports
24/10/2025
Investors retreated following reports that the regulator has approved new margin rules that aim to resolve a negative equity problem in the domestic market.
Capital / Liquidity
Bank Capital Shortfall Hits Record $12.6B in Bangladesh
24/10/2025
24 banks breached Basel III requirements as the average capital ratio collapsed to 3.8 percent, prompting calls for liquidation and governance reform.
Philippine Business Groups Demand Reforms at State Pension Fund GSIS
24/10/2025
Coalition urges new accountability and transparency standards for state-owned corporations following board conflict at state pension fund GSIS.
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