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
Securities / Derivatives
CICC to Absorb Two Firms to Create 4th Largest Brokerage by Assets
24/11/2025
Top Chinese investment bank proposes share swap with two smaller rivals to create CNY 1 trillion entity, advancing Beijing’s securities consolidation agenda.
Fintech / Regtech
Indonesia Eyes QR Payments Link with China, Korea by 2026
24/11/2025
Bank Indonesia expects to conclude negotiations next year to expand its QRIS payment standard to East Asia and India.
Securities / Derivatives
SEC Philippines Proposes Expanding REIT Asset Scope, Relaxing Float Rules
23/11/2025
The SEC is seeking feedback on a draft circular that will extend reinvestment periods and allow infrastructure assets and SPVs in REIT portfolios.
Enforcement
Bangladesh Court Remands Former Bank Chairman in $15.5m Fraud Case
23/11/2025
A Dhaka court has denied bail to Obayed Ullah Al Masud following an ACC petition linking him to a significant loan misappropriation scheme involving state-owned Agrani Bank.
Securities / Derivatives
China Exchanges Revise Guidelines on ETF Naming, Subscription Rules
23/11/2025
New Shanghai Stock Exchange rules require fund managers to update product names by March 2026 and streamline cross-border ETF suspension protocols.
Enforcement
Former Chairman of New China Life Insurance Receives Suspended Death Sentence
21/11/2025
Li Quan will have to serve life imprisonment for illegally obtaining CNY 213 million over a period spanning more than a decade.
Enforcement
South Korea Secures Arbitration Award Annulment to Lone Star
21/11/2025
World Bank tribunal voids 2022 ruling on procedural grounds; Seoul owes no compensation and US fund must reimburse legal costs.
Enforcement
FSC Korea Updates Penalties Framework Under Consumer Protection Law
21/11/2025
The amendments clarify the definition of “income” for penalty baselines and introduce granular surcharge rates to ensure proportionality in sanctions.
Securities / Derivatives
FSC Korea Designates Brokerage Firms for 'Productive Finance' Initiative
21/11/2025
The FSC has authorised three new comprehensive financial investment entities while enforcing stricter venture funding quotas and real estate caps.
Crypto / Digital Assets
FSC Korea Plans Organisational Review to Bolster Crypto Oversight
21/11/2025
FSC study will explore options for optimising its structure to enhance its oversight of virtual assets and capital markets, and better manage other national priorities.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
A daily selection of top stories from the Regulation Asia editorial team