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
PEPs & Sanctions
US Indicts Four Over Illicit Chip Shipments to China via Southeast Asia
25/11/2025
Alleged conspiracy involving USD 3.89 million in wire transfers and shell companies highlights sanctions evasion risks in cross-border trade.
CBDCs
China, UAE Deepen Financial Ties with CBDC Payment, System Interlinking
25/11/2025
The two nations launched the mBridge CBDC platform, linked instant payment systems, and introduced a co-branded prepaid card.
Payments & Settlements
Korea's FSC to Overhaul Rules on Credit Finance, Payment Gateways
25/11/2025
The FSC plans to ease rules for capital firms while imposing stricter oversight on card companies and payment gateways.
Market Abuse
JPX to Revise Derivatives Guidelines to Guard Against Spoofing
25/11/2025
JPX will issue updated guidelines to help Osaka Exchange members strengthen their internal oversight of government bond futures trading.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Korea FSS Prepares Special Unit to Target Livelihood Finance Crimes
25/11/2025
The FSS is securing personnel for a new investigative unit targeting illegal private lending following a presidential directive.
Data Privacy
Korea FSS Probes NH Nonghyup Life for Alleged Data Privacy Breaches
25/11/2025
FSS accuses insurer of accessing credit data without consent; company claims actions align with Credit Information Act exceptions.
Capital Adequacy
Taiwanese Insurers Propose Accounting Overhaul to Curb $2.9b in Hedging Costs
25/11/2025
The Life Insurance Association seeks to spread exchange rate impacts over time and bolster reserves while pledging domestic investment.
CBDCs
Macau to Use “Whitelisting” Approach for Digital Pataca Sandbox Testing
24/11/2025
Secretary of Economy and Finance confirms the digital currency system will be finalised this year, with risk-managed testing to follow.
Cryptocurrency
Pakistan Orders Removal of Hurdles for New Crypto Regulator
24/11/2025
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb demands removal of bottlenecks for the new virtual asset authority, while Chairman Bilal Bin Saqib joins WEF digital asset committee.
Trading & Investment
Thai SEC Proposes Mutual Fund Fee Overhaul
24/11/2025
The regulator seeks to implement a “fee for reasons” principle, requiring annual fee reviews and clearer disclosures on performance and trailer fees.
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