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
Reporting & Disclosures
Taiwan to Replace Corporate Governance Evaluation with ESG Framework in 2026
24/11/2025
Taiwan’s FSC will transition its corporate governance assessment to a three-pillar ESG Evaluation system comprising 75 indicators starting 2026.
Alternative Markets
Korea: KSD Launches Full Scale Operations of Venture Investment Platform
24/11/2025
The onboarding of a major CVC marks a turning point for the platform, which aims to digitise outdated manual processes.
Cybersecurity
FSC Korea Pledges to Overhaul Regulatory Framework for Payment Gateways
24/11/2025
FSC chairman warned of strict penalties for negligence regarding consumer data after a hacking incident at Lotte Card compromised millions of customers' personal data.
Cryptocurrency
South Korea's Naver Seeks Approval to Acquire Dunamu, Upbit
24/11/2025
The tech giant is seeking regulatory clearance to acquire Dunamu via an equity swap, and to integrate Korea's largest crypto exchange with its digital payments infrastructure.
Alternative Markets
Korea to Unlock Venture Capital Access for Fractional Investment Platforms
24/11/2025
Ministry of SMEs and Startups proposes regulatory revisions to prevent funding freezes for unlisted stock and fractional investment operators entering the formal financial system.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Korean Authorities Investigate $619,000 Embezzlement at Kwangju Bank
24/11/2025
A loans manager manipulated project financing interest rates to fund unsuccessful crypto investments, prompting criminal proceedings and internal audits.
Structural Regulation
CICC to Absorb Two Firms to Create 4th Largest Brokerage by Assets
24/11/2025
Top Chinese investment bank proposes share swap with two smaller rivals to create CNY 1 trillion entity, advancing Beijing’s securities consolidation agenda.
Payments & Settlements
Indonesia Eyes QR Payments Link with China, Korea by 2026
24/11/2025
Bank Indonesia expects to conclude negotiations next year to expand its QRIS payment standard to East Asia and India.
Structural Regulation
SEC Philippines Proposes Expanding REIT Asset Scope, Relaxing Float Rules
23/11/2025
The SEC is seeking feedback on a draft circular that will extend reinvestment periods and allow infrastructure assets and SPVs in REIT portfolios.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Bangladesh Court Remands Former Bank Chairman in $15.5m Fraud Case
23/11/2025
A Dhaka court has denied bail to Obayed Ullah Al Masud following an ACC petition linking him to a significant loan misappropriation scheme involving state-owned Agrani Bank.
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