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
Payments & Settlements
Bangladesh Targets 2027 for Full Interoperability of Digital Payments
27/11/2025
Bangladesh Bank is partnering with the Gates Foundation to use its open-source 'Moojaloop' software while also preparing to order microfinance institutions to digitise all payments.
Liquidity Risk
Bangladesh Government Supplies BDT 10b to Support Capital Market
26/11/2025
The government is providing low-cost funds to the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh to enable it to invest more in the stock market.
Anti-Money Laundering
Korea Tightens AML Requirements to Combat Transnational Crime
26/11/2025
FIs are directed to strengthen oversight over offshore units, and KoFIU is introducing a mass suspicious transaction reporting mechanism.
Payments & Settlements
Bangladesh Mandates Instant Settlement for Bangla QR Payments
26/11/2025
Bangladesh Bank has directed financial institutions to credit funds immediately to small businesses by mid-December to boost cashless transactions.
Sustainable Finance
South Korea Opens Carbon Trading to Financial Firms
26/11/2025
Seoul permits asset managers and banks to trade emissions credits via brokerages to boost liquidity and price discovery mechanisms.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
China Prosecutes Former Top CSRC Official on Bribery Charges
26/11/2025
Wang Huimin, previously the top graft-buster at the CSRC, faces prosecution for allegedly taking bribes to manipulate IPOs and private placements.
Cryptocurrency
Cambodia to Introduce Digital Asset and ESG Rules under $50M ADB Scheme
26/11/2025
New ADB financing will support a multi-phase overhaul of Cambodia’s regulatory frameworks, covering cryptocurrency, P2P lending and green finance.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
China’s State FIs Brace for New Caps on Compensation - Reports
26/11/2025
Industry insiders warn that new government guidelines to flatten pay structures at state-owned firms risk driving talent away.
Capital Adequacy
BCBS Planning Rework of Crypto Capital Rules - Reports
25/11/2025
BCBS admits a “different approach” is required regarding risk weightings for stablecoins after major jurisdictions refused implementation.
Clearing & Post-Trade
CCP Global Calls for Broader Access to Central Bank Deposit Accounts
25/11/2025
Global clearing group urges regulators to grant PFMIs-compliant CCPs access to central bank deposit accounts to enhance financial stability.
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