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
Data Privacy
Malaysia Issues Draft Rules for Open Finance Mandate
19/11/2025
BNM proposes phased-in data sharing requirements for banks, DFIs and e-money issuers starting in 2027.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
Korea FSS to Impose Joint Liability on Fund Manufacturers, Sellers
18/11/2025
Regulator plans new risk disclosure rules and joint compensation liability framework following misselling scandals involving ELS and property funds.
Stablecoins
Alibaba Explores Bank-Backed Deposit Token to Streamline Cross-border Payments
18/11/2025
The tech giant seeks a compliant path for cross-border payments as Chinese regulators increase pressure on private digital money.
Trading & Investment
China AMAC Consults on New Suitability Rules for Funds
18/11/2025
AMAC is consulting on rules covering risk assessment frequency, high-risk sales to seniors, and live-streamed promotions.
Structural Regulation
PBOC Sets New Rules for Interbank Market Brokerage Business
18/11/2025
PBOC issued new administrative measures on internal controls, data handling, and client management effective from 1 January 2026.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Taiwan Cabinet Approves Draft Law to Mandate FI, VASP Anti-Fraud Cooperation
18/11/2025
Amendments establish four mechanisms, including cross-industry data sharing and tech platforms, to combat financial crime.
Credit Risk
Bangladesh Orders Loan Data Crackdown Ahead of National Election
17/11/2025
Bangladesh Bank has ordered FIs to update loan data to bar defaulters from polls amid deepening financial sector concerns.
Structural Regulation
KRX to Mandate Registered Domestic Auditors for Foreign Listings
17/11/2025
The KRX is closing a regulatory "blind spot" to enhance accounting transparency and investor confidence in overseas firms listing in Korea.
Anti-Money Laundering
Sri Lanka Tables 2026 Budget Targeting Digitisation, AML, Tax Reforms
17/11/2025
Budget 2026 includes plans for a beneficial ownership registry, a national e-invoicing system, and expanded digital payment incentives.
Trading & Investment
Korea Approves First Operators Under 'Investment Management Account' Framework
17/11/2025
The approved firms will be able to channel significant funds into corporate finance-related assets and venture investments, but must guarantee investor principal.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
An exclusive weekly selection of top stories from the Regulation Asia editorial team.