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
Anti-Money Laundering
Taiwan Freezes Over $500M in Assets Linked to Sanctioned Prince Group
06/11/2025
Co-ordinated regional enforcement actions follow US and UK sanctions on a multinational network accused of running forced-labour scam centres.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
China Sentences Myanmar Crime Family Leaders to Death Over $4B Fraud
06/11/2025
A Shenzhen court has issued death penalties to members of the Bai crime family amid Beijing's crackdown on cross-border telecom fraud networks.
Trading & Investment
Indonesia Taps Yuan Market with Debut 'Dim Sum' Bond
06/11/2025
Jakarta raised CNH 6 billion from its first-ever yuan-denominated bond, attracting strong demand from Asia Pacific and onshore Chinese investors.
Payments & Settlements
Philippines Proposes Steeper Fines for Payment Reporting Lapses
05/11/2025
The central bank is consulting on daily fines and non-monetary sanctions for non-compliant payment system operators.
PEPs & Sanctions
US to Suspend 'Affiliates Rule' for Export Controls
05/11/2025
A one-year pause on the rule was agreed with China, though the rule technically remains in effect until a formal notice is issued.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
Ex-CSRC Vice Chief Expelled for Taking Bribes on Listings, Financing
05/11/2025
Wang Jianjun was found to have illegally helped companies with listings and funding, China's anti-graft watchdog said.
Credit Risk
China's NFRA Fines Five Banks in 'Institutionalised' Crackdown
05/11/2025
The NFRA signals “toothy and thorny” approach, targeting poor governance, loan and interbank business management.
Cryptocurrency
Korea Mulls 'Financial Conglomerate' Status for Crypto Firms Dunamu, Bithumb
05/11/2025
The Fair Trade Commission is researching the status of crypto firms, sparking debate over systemic risk and regulatory conflicts.
Anti-Money Laundering
Korea NTS Probes Prince and Huione Groups Tax Evasion, Laundering Links
05/11/2025
Tax agency investigating domestic offices of Prince Group and a Huione-linked currency exchange over suspected phishing proceeds and tax fraud.
Trading & Investment
South Korea's Ruling Party Pushes Policy Reform to Boost KOSPI
04/11/2025
Seoul is advancing legislation on dividend taxation and mandatory share buybacks, pursuing a pledge to elevate the KOSPI index to 5,000.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
An exclusive weekly selection of top stories from the Regulation Asia editorial team.