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
Supervision & Enforcement
China Targets Offshore Trusts in Widening Tax Crackdown - Reports
03/04/2026
Authorities are demanding detailed financial data from wealthy individuals, creating uncertainty for Hong Kong IPOs and long-standing wealth planning structures.
Structural Regulation
Indonesia Finalises Market Reforms to Avert MSCI Downgrade
03/04/2026
OJK says Indonesia has completed reforms on transparency and free float after a market rout in January was triggered by concerns from MSCI.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
China Prosecutes Former Top Securities Regulator for Bribery
02/04/2026
The move against a former CSRC vice chairman Wang Jianjun is part of a wider anti-corruption campaign targeting China's financial regulatory bodies and IPO approval process.
Credit Risk
Korea Caps Single-Country Exposure for Target Date Funds
02/04/2026
New rules will limit concentration risk in the rapidly growing TDF market and introduce stricter standards for funds used in retirement pensions.
Cryptocurrency
Korea Proposes Rule Amendments to Strengthen VASP Governance
02/04/2026
Proposed amendments will tighten entry requirements for virtual asset firms and expand the scope of the AML obligations.
Structural Regulation
Korea Sets 2030 Deadline to Phase Out CD Rate in Major Benchmark Reform
01/04/2026
Regulators will accelerate the adoption of the KOFR risk-free rate while unwinding the CD rate and KORIBOR benchmarks.
Structural Regulation
China Eases Refinancing Rules for 'Light-Asset' Tech Firms
01/04/2026
The change allows qualifying Main Board companies to exceed the 30 percent cap on using fundraising proceeds for working capital and debt repayment.
Payments & Settlements
Cambodia and Singapore Launch 2nd Phase of Cross-Border QR Payment Link
01/04/2026
The now fully interoperable system allows two-way payments, a key step in the ASEAN regional payment connectivity initiative.
Cybersecurity
Bangladesh Sets 2026 Deadline for New Cybersecurity Framework
01/04/2026
The central bank has issued a mandatory framework for banks and payment firms, requiring a CISO, 72-hour incident reporting, and NIST-aligned controls.
Trading & Investment
SEBI Extends Ban on Key Agri-Derivatives to 2027
01/04/2026
The regulator has prolonged the suspension on futures trading for seven key commodities, citing persistent concerns over price stability and food inflation.
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