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
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
FSC Korea Reviews Bonus Clawbacks as Bank Accidents, Pay Surge
02/11/2025
South Korea's FSC rules to reclaim performance pay as accidents at top banks rise, contrasting with surging executive bonuses.
Trading & Investment
Sri Lanka to Regulate Financial Planners, Proposes ‘Portfolio for Everyone’ Initiative
31/10/2025
Regulator aims to professionalise personal financial advice and introduce a mass investment scheme via the 2026 budget.
Cryptocurrency
Taiwan FSC Permits, Caps Fund Investment in Bitcoin ETFs
31/10/2025
Regulator limits Bitcoin ETF holdings to five percent of NAV for multi-asset and funds of funds, details other asset caps.
Data Privacy
China Details New Certification Path for Personal Data Exports
27/10/2025
New measures, effective 1 January 2026, set specific criteria for processors to certify outbound personal information transfers.
Structural Regulation
China's Supreme Court Advances Major Company Law Interpretation
27/10/2025
Draft text clarifies shareholder liability, investor rights, and invalidates certain proxy-holding structures for financial institutions.
Structural Regulation
Korea Extends Fee Reforms for Early Loan Repayment to Mutual Finance Firms
27/10/2025
The FSC is mandating that mutual finance institutions limit early repayment fees to actual costs, aligning them with the broader financial sector.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Vietnam Banks, Regulator Mandate Coordinated Action on Digital Fraud
27/10/2025
The SBV and the Vietnam Banks Association are implementing new directives and procedures to tackle soaring high-tech financial crime.
Emerging Prudential Risks
Japan Plans New Body to Screen Foreign Investment for Security Risks
27/10/2025
Takaichi government aims to create a CFIUS-style committee by the end of 2026 amid rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over China.
Trading & Investment
KRX Launching Direct Listing System for Public Funds
26/10/2025
South Korea’s new “X class” funds will trade like ETFs from 27 October, a move integrating over-the-counter and on-exchange frameworks.
Market Abuse
Korea to Launch Person-Based Surveillance, Raise Unfair Trading Penalties
26/10/2025
The FSC is shifting the KRX from account-based to person-based surveillance and increasing minimum fines for unfair trading and disclosure violations.
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