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
Cryptocurrency
Japan: FSA Guidance Prompts Termination of Crypto ETF Derivatives Offering
19/11/2025
Japanese brokerage IG Securities will withdraw Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF contracts after the FSA deemed offering derivatives on overseas crypto products ‘undesirable’.
Custody & Infrastructure
Citi, Swift Demonstrate Hybrid Fiat-Digital Settlement Model to Mitigate FX Risk
19/11/2025
The pilot demonstrates how existing infrastructure can support synchronised payment-versus-payment settlement across traditional and distributed ledger networks.
Anti-Money Laundering
Korea Customs Service Targets Crypto, Trade Finance in New Crackdown
19/11/2025
KCS launches special taskforce to block illicit funds from transnational crime, focusing on crypto and TBML.
Reporting & Disclosures
SMU and Partners Launch 'Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Mapper' Platform
19/11/2025
The new tool aims to improve interoperability between diverse national sustainable finance standards to aid policymakers and financial actors.
Data Privacy
Malaysia Issues Draft Rules for Open Finance Mandate
19/11/2025
BNM proposes phased-in data sharing requirements for banks, DFIs and e-money issuers starting in 2027.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
Korea FSS to Impose Joint Liability on Fund Manufacturers, Sellers
18/11/2025
Regulator plans new risk disclosure rules and joint compensation liability framework following misselling scandals involving ELS and property funds.
Stablecoins
Alibaba Explores Bank-Backed Deposit Token to Streamline Cross-border Payments
18/11/2025
The tech giant seeks a compliant path for cross-border payments as Chinese regulators increase pressure on private digital money.
Trading & Investment
China AMAC Consults on New Suitability Rules for Funds
18/11/2025
AMAC is consulting on rules covering risk assessment frequency, high-risk sales to seniors, and live-streamed promotions.
Structural Regulation
PBOC Sets New Rules for Interbank Market Brokerage Business
18/11/2025
PBOC issued new administrative measures on internal controls, data handling, and client management effective from 1 January 2026.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Taiwan Cabinet Approves Draft Law to Mandate FI, VASP Anti-Fraud Cooperation
18/11/2025
Amendments establish four mechanisms, including cross-industry data sharing and tech platforms, to combat financial crime.
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