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
Thailand Expands Bad Debt JV Rules to Include Non-Banks
10/11/2025
Central bank aims to help FIs manage rising non-performing assets by allowing non-banks into temporary bad debt joint ventures.
Fintech / Regtech
Japan FSA Backs Stablecoin Project Involving Megabanks
10/11/2025
Japan's FSA launches "Payment Innovation Project" to test joint issuance of stablecoins by Mizuho, MUFG, and SMBC under existing laws.
Capital / Liquidity
South Korea's FSC Eyes Tighter Real Estate PF Rules for Mutuals
10/11/2025
Seoul mulls extending 20 percent developer equity rule to mutual finance institutions, targeting KFCC amid rising delinquency rates.
Fintech / Regtech
South Korea’s FSS to Deploy Generative AI for Complaint Management
10/11/2025
South Korea's FSS aims to cut processing times for 100,000 annual complaints and detect unfair trading, amid bias concerns.
Enforcement
South Korea FSS, Police, Uncover $13M Cambodia-Based Investment Fraud Ring
10/11/2025
South Korea's FSS said 54 members of an organised ring were arrested for impersonating a UK firm to defraud investors.
Capital / Liquidity
India Moots Further Public Bank Consolidation
10/11/2025
Finance Minister Sitharaman confirms discussions with RBI on creating fewer, bigger "world-class" banks and simplifying access to credit.
Enforcement
IMF to Probe Bangladesh Banking Sector Over NPL Data Concealment
10/11/2025
The fund will look into how bad debt surged to BDT 6.5 trillion, examining manipulation or negligence, and breached a USD 4.7 billion loan condition.
ESG / Sustainability
ASEAN Capital Markets Forum Releases Simplified ESG Guide for SMEs
10/11/2025
New regional guide aims to simplify sustainability reporting for SMEs in supply chains and align disclosures with global standards.
Securities / Derivatives
Pakistan Allows Brokers to Operate Trading Accounts for Minors
10/11/2025
New rules developed under SECP guidance outline broker compliance, funding, and trading prohibitions for under-18s' accounts.
Sanctions
Australia Joins US in Issuing New North Korea Sanctions
10/11/2025
Australia said the action is intended to apply pressure on North Korea’s illegal revenue generation networks and address its persistent challenges to security and stability.
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