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
Supervision & Enforcement
APRA Tells Underperforming Super Funds to Merge or Exit
03/10/2025
Australia's prudential regulator has warned some super funds they face heightened scrutiny and must devise credible plans or leave the industry.
Anti-Money Laundering
India to Block 25 Offshore Crypto Platforms for AML Non-compliance
03/10/2025
FIU-IND has ordered the blocking of platforms including CEX.IO, BitMex, and Poloniex for regulatory non-compliance.
Payments & Settlements
BB Relaxes Reporting Rules to Attract Foreign Investment
02/10/2025
The move scraps the requirement for immediate reporting of temporary foreign investment accounts, aiming to facilitate overseas capital inflows.
Anti-Money Laundering
Philippines Freezes More Assets, Signs New Pact in Widening Graft Probe
02/10/2025
Regulators have frozen assets worth PHP 2.9 billion and formalised cooperation with a new anti-graft body.
Sustainable Finance
Sri Lanka Launches First Blue Bond Under New Regulatory Framework
02/10/2025
The issuance by DFCC Bank will fund ocean sustainability projects, aligning with international standards and marking a first for the nation.
Payments & Settlements
Thailand Unveils Payments Roadmap Targeting DLT and Informal Economy
02/10/2025
The central bank has outlined a new multi-year strategy to upgrade existing payment systems and embrace emerging financial technologies.
Structural Regulation
Vietnam Overhauls ODA Framework to Accelerate Sluggish Disbursement
01/10/2025
A new decree simplifies procedures and decentralises authority to tackle project delays and boost foreign capital use.
Structural Regulation
Sri Lanka SEC Launches 10-year Roadmap to Overhaul Capital Markets
01/10/2025
Regulator unveils 12 key projects including stock exchange demutualisation and a new derivatives market to boost economic growth.
Structural Regulation
BSP to Halt New Digital Bank Applications from December
29/09/2025
The regulator has set a 30 November deadline for submissions, citing the need to balance digital innovation with financial stability.
Clearing & Post-Trade
South Korea to Revise Tax Rules to Support Foreign Bond Investment
29/09/2025
Seoul will exempt international depositories from withholding tax obligations to attract foreign capital ahead of a major bond index inclusion.
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