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
Fintech / Regtech
Cambodia and China Seal Corporate Pact for Cross-Border Payments
19/11/2025
The deal between China's TenPay Seal Pact to Link Bakong, Weixin Pay aims to strengthen payment connectivity and financial inclusion, boosting economic exchange across Asia.
Enforcement
China Mandates Stricter Accounting Controls and Digital Oversight to Curb Financial Fraud
19/11/2025
China's MOF has issued a comprehensive directive clarifying liability for corporate executives and auditors while enforcing a unified national accounting system.
Capital / Liquidity
Nepal Sets up Unit to Coordinate Foreign Investment and Banking Issues
19/11/2025
Nepal's Ministry of Finance establishes a dedicated unit under its International Economic Relations Division to facilitate services for international investors.
Securities / Derivatives
Indonesia Targets 25 Percent Free Float to Deepen Capital Markets
19/11/2025
Indonesia’s OJK plans a phased increase in public share requirements to boost liquidity in South-east Asia’s largest market.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Japan: FSA Guidance Prompts Termination of Crypto ETF Derivatives Offering
19/11/2025
Japanese brokerage IG Securities will withdraw Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF contracts after the FSA deemed offering derivatives on overseas crypto products ‘undesirable’.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Citi, Swift Demonstrate Hybrid Fiat-Digital Settlement Model to Mitigate FX Risk
19/11/2025
The pilot demonstrates how existing infrastructure can support synchronised payment-versus-payment settlement across traditional and distributed ledger networks.
Enforcement
Korea Customs Service Targets Crypto, Trade Finance in New Crackdown
19/11/2025
KCS launches special taskforce to block illicit funds from transnational crime, focusing on crypto and TBML.
ESG / Sustainability
SMU and Partners Launch 'Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Mapper' Platform
19/11/2025
The new tool aims to improve interoperability between diverse national sustainable finance standards to aid policymakers and financial actors.
Fintech / Regtech
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.
Securities / Derivatives
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.
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