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
Structural Regulation
Shenzhen Scraps Home Purchase Limits to Revive Market
17/09/2025
The southern Chinese technology hub has removed caps on home acquisitions in most areas and eased mortgage rules, following similar moves in Beijing and Shanghai to stabilise the property sector.
Anti-Money Laundering
Vietnam Overhauls AML/CFT Framework with New Inter-Agency Rules
17/09/2025
The Ministry of Public Security has been designated as lead coordinator and is able to set firm deadlines for information sharing among government bodies.
Sustainable Finance
Thai SEC Proposes Broader Rules for Sustainability-Linked Bonds
16/09/2025
Thailand's securities regulator is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to allow for more innovative and flexible sustainability-linked bond structures.
Credit Risk
Indian Exporters Press RBI for Loan Relief Amid Crippling US Tariffs
16/09/2025
Industry bodies seek moratoriums, NPA concessions and other banking support as punitive US import duties of up to 50 percent bite.
Credit Risk
China Eyes State Bank Loans to Clear Local Government Arrears
15/09/2025
Beijing is reportedly considering a multi-year plan to clear trillions of yuan in unpaid bills, shifting risk to already-strained state lenders.
Cybersecurity
FSS Korea Urges BigTech to Strengthen User Protection, Payment Governance
15/09/2025
FSS governor Lee Chan-jin calls for platform-centred regulation, secure payment environments, and fairer treatment of small merchants.
Credit Risk
Korea's 'Bad Bank' Plan Hits Snag Over FI Funding Dispute - Report
15/09/2025
A dispute over how to split the KRW 400 billion cost among financial institutions has stalled the planned October launch of a major debt restructuring programme.
Cybersecurity
Vietnam Investigates Major Cyberattack on National Credit Information Center
13/09/2025
Regulators launch investigation after hackers claim to have stolen data on most of the population; financial institutions told to review cybersecurity standards.
Emerging Prudential Risks
Philippines to Develop New Assessment System for Deposit Insurance
12/09/2025
The PDIC and World Bank will work to develop an assessment system that links the premiums banks pay for deposit insurance to their risk profiles.
Structural Regulation
S. Korea Financial Overhaul Faces Political Gridlock and Staff Revolt
11/09/2025
A government plan to reshape financial regulation is stalled by opposition parties, sparking protests and fears of a brain drain at key agencies.
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