Mark Johnston

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    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

    Enforcement

    BFIU Probes Three Former Central Bank Governors in Corruption Inquiry

    15/08/2025

    The FIU has ordered banks to provide account details for three former governors and six deputies at the request of the Anti-Corruption Commission.

    Capital / Liquidity

    Bangladesh Bank Eases FX Rules for Exporters in Specialised Zones

    15/08/2025

    New rules aim to create parity, improve liquidity management by allowing firms in special zones to hold full export proceeds temporarily.

    Macao Tightens Insurance Intermediary Rules with new Ordinance

    15/08/2025

    The new law introduces higher licensing standards, stronger supervision through an “appointing principal” mechanism, and increased penalties to better protect insurance customers.

    Capital / Liquidity

    South Korea to Offer Credit Amnesty Programme to Tackle Debt Overhang

    14/08/2025

    The programme targets up to 3.24 million small-sum borrowers with debts of KRW 50 million or less, aiming to boost credit scores and support economic recovery.

    ESG / Sustainability

    FSS Korea to Inspect Firms on New Accountability Regime

    14/08/2025

    Regulator to launch on-site and desk-based reviews of banks, insurers and investment firms on the new internal control responsibility framework.

    ESG / Sustainability

    Bangladesh Draft Law Proposes Major Overhaul of Central Bank Governance

    13/08/2025

    New ordinance would see the Bangladesh Bank governor hold ministerial rank, with presidential appointment and a board free of government officials.

    AML / KYC

    Bangladesh Forms Committee to Implement Global Tax Transparency Standard

    13/08/2025

    Bangladesh is moving to amend laws and adopt the OECD's Common Reporting Standard to boost tax transparency and curb illicit finance.

    Enforcement

    Indonesian Lawmakers Named in Bank Indonesia and OJK Social Funds Scandal

    13/08/2025

    Indonesia’s anti-graft agency has named two lawmakers as suspects in a case involving the alleged misuse of corporate social responsibility funds.

    Capital / Liquidity

    SBV Ordered to Prepare Roadmap for Ending Quota System for Credit Growth

    12/08/2025

    Instead of a quota, the SBV will build a new set of standards and criteria for credit institutions to ensure they operate in an "efficient and healthy" manner.

    Enforcement

    KoFIU Issues Warning Against Two Unregistered Crypto Firms

    11/08/2025

    KoFIU has referred KCEX and QXALX to law enforcement and warned registered firms to cease all transactions with them.

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