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
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Korea FSS Prepares Special Unit to Target Livelihood Finance Crimes
25/11/2025
The FSS is securing personnel for a new investigative unit targeting illegal private lending following a presidential directive.
Data Privacy
Korea FSS Probes NH Nonghyup Life for Alleged Data Privacy Breaches
25/11/2025
FSS accuses insurer of accessing credit data without consent; company claims actions align with Credit Information Act exceptions.
Capital Adequacy
Taiwanese Insurers Propose Accounting Overhaul to Curb $2.9b in Hedging Costs
25/11/2025
The Life Insurance Association seeks to spread exchange rate impacts over time and bolster reserves while pledging domestic investment.
CBDCs
Macau to Use “Whitelisting” Approach for Digital Pataca Sandbox Testing
24/11/2025
Secretary of Economy and Finance confirms the digital currency system will be finalised this year, with risk-managed testing to follow.
Cryptocurrency
Pakistan Orders Removal of Hurdles for New Crypto Regulator
24/11/2025
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb demands removal of bottlenecks for the new virtual asset authority, while Chairman Bilal Bin Saqib joins WEF digital asset committee.
Trading & Investment
Thai SEC Proposes Mutual Fund Fee Overhaul
24/11/2025
The regulator seeks to implement a “fee for reasons” principle, requiring annual fee reviews and clearer disclosures on performance and trailer fees.
Reporting & Disclosures
Taiwan to Replace Corporate Governance Evaluation with ESG Framework in 2026
24/11/2025
Taiwan’s FSC will transition its corporate governance assessment to a three-pillar ESG Evaluation system comprising 75 indicators starting 2026.
Alternative Markets
Korea: KSD Launches Full Scale Operations of Venture Investment Platform
24/11/2025
The onboarding of a major CVC marks a turning point for the platform, which aims to digitise outdated manual processes.
Cybersecurity
FSC Korea Pledges to Overhaul Regulatory Framework for Payment Gateways
24/11/2025
FSC chairman warned of strict penalties for negligence regarding consumer data after a hacking incident at Lotte Card compromised millions of customers' personal data.
Cryptocurrency
South Korea's Naver Seeks Approval to Acquire Dunamu, Upbit
24/11/2025
The tech giant is seeking regulatory clearance to acquire Dunamu via an equity swap, and to integrate Korea's largest crypto exchange with its digital payments infrastructure.
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