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
Alternative Markets
Korea Advances Venture Capital Law Amendments to Ban Founder Liability
02/12/2025
Legislation passed by a parliamentary committee aims to boost private investment and remove barriers for entrepreneurs by overhauling investment rules.
Cryptocurrency
Japan Working Group Approves Draft Report on Future of Crypto Regulation
28/11/2025
The draft report outlines plans to combat insider trading, allow bank subsidiaries to invest in crypto, and reform Japan's IEO rules.
Alternative Markets
FSS Korea Proposes “Severe” Sanctions on MBK Partners
27/11/2025
The FSS alleges the private equity firm harmed pension fund interests, sparking debate over regulatory overreach and fund governance.
Payments & Settlements
Bangladesh Targets 2027 for Full Interoperability of Digital Payments
27/11/2025
Bangladesh Bank is partnering with the Gates Foundation to use its open-source 'Moojaloop' software while also preparing to order microfinance institutions to digitise all payments.
Liquidity Risk
Bangladesh Government Supplies BDT 10b to Support Capital Market
26/11/2025
The government is providing low-cost funds to the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh to enable it to invest more in the stock market.
Anti-Money Laundering
Korea Tightens AML Requirements to Combat Transnational Crime
26/11/2025
FIs are directed to strengthen oversight over offshore units, and KoFIU is introducing a mass suspicious transaction reporting mechanism.
Payments & Settlements
Bangladesh Mandates Instant Settlement for Bangla QR Payments
26/11/2025
Bangladesh Bank has directed financial institutions to credit funds immediately to small businesses by mid-December to boost cashless transactions.
Sustainable Finance
South Korea Opens Carbon Trading to Financial Firms
26/11/2025
Seoul permits asset managers and banks to trade emissions credits via brokerages to boost liquidity and price discovery mechanisms.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
China Prosecutes Former Top CSRC Official on Bribery Charges
26/11/2025
Wang Huimin, previously the top graft-buster at the CSRC, faces prosecution for allegedly taking bribes to manipulate IPOs and private placements.
Cryptocurrency
Cambodia to Introduce Digital Asset and ESG Rules under $50M ADB Scheme
26/11/2025
New ADB financing will support a multi-phase overhaul of Cambodia’s regulatory frameworks, covering cryptocurrency, P2P lending and green finance.
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