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
Market Data & Technology
Korea: KSD and KRX Launch Real-Time Securities Data Sharing System
31/12/2025
The KSD and KRX have operationalised the first phase of a joint project to standardise issuance and distribution data, aiming to eliminate manual processing inefficiencies.
Reporting & Disclosures
Korea to Expand Stewardship Code, Mandate Compliance Checks
31/12/2025
Regulators will introduce phased-in compliance reviews and centralise disclosure to bolster institutional investors' fulfilment of their fiduciary duties.
Structural Regulation
KRX to Exclude Top 100 Stocks from Future 'Investment Warning' Label
30/12/2025
KRX has revised market surveillance rules to exclude top 100 large-cap stocks from investment warning designations effective 29 December.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
FSS Korea Fines Major Lenders for Procedural Breaches in High-Risk Product Sales
30/12/2025
The FSS sanctioned KB Kookmin, Hana and Shinhan banks for failing to record contracts or verify investor understanding.
KYC & CDD
Thailand Tightens Scrutiny on Inbound Foreign Currency Transactions
29/12/2025
The central bank is increasing documentation requirements for resident transactions over USD 200,000 to curb baht appreciation.
Data Privacy
South Korea Launches Sector-Wide Probe Following Shinhan Card Data Leak
29/12/2025
FSC convenes emergency meeting after internal employee leaks 192,000 merchant records; FSC to inspect all card issuers.
Supervision & Enforcement
South Korea Launches Task Force to Tackle 'Undue Interference' in Policy Finance
29/12/2025
South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups has launched a programme to combat illegal third-party interference in policy funding.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
China's Expands SOE Accountability Rules to Curb Misconduct
29/12/2025
The measures expand punishable offences to 98 scenarios, detail financial penalties, and introduce lifetime accountability for major decisions.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
China Urges Banks to Tighten Oversight Following Crime Crackdown
29/12/2025
A joint campaign by the MPS and NFRA dismantled 200 criminal gangs, prompting new warnings for financial institutions on outsourcing risks.
Structural Regulation
KRX Proposes Tailored KOSDAQ Listing Standards for AI, Energy, Space Firms
29/12/2025
The bourse aims to implement sector-specific qualitative review criteria for innovative industries, expanding beyond existing bio-focused standards.
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