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
KYC & CDD
Thailand Tightens Scrutiny on Inbound Foreign Currency Transactions
29/12/2025
The central bank is increasing documentation requirements for resident transactions over USD 200,000 to curb baht appreciation.
Data Privacy
South Korea Launches Sector-Wide Probe Following Shinhan Card Data Leak
29/12/2025
FSC convenes emergency meeting after internal employee leaks 192,000 merchant records; FSC to inspect all card issuers.
Supervision & Enforcement
South Korea Launches Task Force to Tackle 'Undue Interference' in Policy Finance
29/12/2025
South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups has launched a programme to combat illegal third-party interference in policy funding.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
China's Expands SOE Accountability Rules to Curb Misconduct
29/12/2025
The measures expand punishable offences to 98 scenarios, detail financial penalties, and introduce lifetime accountability for major decisions.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
China Urges Banks to Tighten Oversight Following Crime Crackdown
29/12/2025
A joint campaign by the MPS and NFRA dismantled 200 criminal gangs, prompting new warnings for financial institutions on outsourcing risks.
Structural Regulation
KRX Proposes Tailored KOSDAQ Listing Standards for AI, Energy, Space Firms
29/12/2025
The bourse aims to implement sector-specific qualitative review criteria for innovative industries, expanding beyond existing bio-focused standards.
Reporting & Disclosures
China Issues Climate Disclosure Standard With Path to Mandatory Reporting
29/12/2025
The trial standard, aligned with global frameworks, requires voluntary reporting for now but outlines a gradual transition to mandatory disclosure.
Credit Risk
Thailand Launches THB 20 Billion Guarantee Fund to Reverse SME Credit Crunch
29/12/2025
Thailand’s central bank and finance ministry have unveiled a risk-sharing mechanism funded by a bank levy reduction to unlock THB 100 billion in new lending.
Payments & Settlements
Korea Exchange to Extend Kill Switch Mechanism to Bond Market
29/12/2025
The exchange will gain authority to cancel problematic orders and suspend trading from February following similar measures for equities.
Credit Risk
South Korea Increases Bank Contributions to Inclusive Finance Fund
29/12/2025
The FSC will raise bank contribution rates to 0.1 percent to bolster funding for policy-based microfinance and vulnerable borrowers.
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