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
Structural Regulation
Korea Eases OTC Trading Rules for Foreign Investors
05/03/2026
South Korea's FSC has proposed amending investment rules to allow foreign investors to trade restricted shares over-the-counter without prior approval.
Stablecoins
Sony Bank and JPYC Explore Direct Stablecoin Integration
05/03/2026
Japan’s Sony Bank and stablecoin issuer JPYC will explore integrating bank deposits with blockchain infrastructure for seamless digital asset transactions.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
BSEC Seeks Public Feedback on Draft Whistleblower Protection Rules
05/03/2026
New regulations aim to shield whistleblowers from retaliation while enhancing transparency in Bangladesh's financial sector.
Payments & Settlements
China Implements Revised to Ease Foreign Lender Entry to CIPS
05/03/2026
New regulatory changes to China's cross-border payment system permit foreign lenders to appoint overseas custodians, aiming to boost market liquidity.
Trading & Investment
China Optimises Mechanism for Sci-Tech Innovation Bonds
04/03/2026
NAFMII has unveiled optimised rules for sci-tech innovation bonds to channel long-term funds towards technological advancement.
Credit Risk
China Revamps Microcredit Scheme, Doubles Loan Cap to CNY 100,000
04/03/2026
The new policy expands support to a wider rural population and provides greater flexibility for banks and borrowers after the post-poverty transition period.
Credit Risk
Korea Tightens Risk Rules for Mutual Finance Sector Over PF Loan Concerns
04/03/2026
The FSC proposes lending caps, stricter recovery estimates, and higher capital ratios for credit unions and cooperatives.
Data Privacy
China Proposes Tighter Oversight for Corporate Credit Reporting
04/03/2026
The PBOC has issued draft rules to strengthen the regulation and market exit mechanisms for corporate credit reporting agencies.
Emerging Prudential Risks
China Unveils New Guidelines for Sci-Tech Insurance Development
04/03/2026
New guidelines detail 20 measures to align insurance with innovation needs, guiding products, services, and insurance fund investments toward strategic tech sectors.
Anti-Money Laundering
Korea, Thailand to Share Crypto Data and Collaborate Against Tax Evasion
04/03/2026
Tax authorities in South Korea and Thailand have signed an agreement to exchange cryptocurrency data and tackle offshore evasion.
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