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
Market Infrastructure
Korea: Resumption of Short-selling to Include All Stocks
27/02/2025
When the ban is lifted on 31 March, investors will be able to short-sell any Korean stock, not just KOSPI 200 and Kosdaq 150 stocks.
Enforcement
KoFIU Partially Suspends Upbit’s Business Over AML Violations
27/02/2025
Upbit is prohibited from transferring virtual assets for new customers for three months. Disciplinary action also taken against 9 employees.
Securities / Derivatives
IDX Launches Foreign Index Futures to Enhance Market Appeal
26/02/2025
IDX partnered with MSCI to launch Foreign Index Futures based on the MSCI Hong Kong Listed Large Cap index.
Capital / Liquidity
Hong Kong Secures Win from Updated Trade Deal With Mainland
26/02/2025
Hong Kong’s Trade in Services agreement with Mainland China has been updated, providing benefits to various sectors including financial services.
Sanctions
US Encourages FDI, Restricts China Over Security Concerns
26/02/2025
The US has introduced measures to attract foreign investments while excluding China from key sectors.
Crypto / Digital Assets
FSB to Prioritise Implementation of Post-Crisis Reforms
26/02/2025
The FSB will conduct a strategic review of 15 years of post-crisis reforms to identify areas for improvement in ensuring consistent, global implementation.
Enforcement
SEBI Fines Axis Securities for Multiple Regulatory Violations
25/02/2025
Axis Securities was fined INR 1 million for violating stock broker rules, mishandling client funds, and reporting requirements.
Securities / Derivatives
KRX to Tighten Scrutiny of Contracts of Large Shareholders in IPOs
25/02/2025
The move is seen as a response to a 2020 controversy involving Hybe’s IPO and undisclosed contracts its chairperson had in place with PE funds.
Market Infrastructure
KRX Signs Cooperation MoU With Istanbul Stock Exchange
25/02/2025
The agreement includes cooperation on developing new products, improving IT infrastructure, and enhancing the trading environment for their respective members.
China Opens More Domestic Industries to Foreign Investment
24/02/2025
The government’s 20-point action plan opens more industries to foreign investors and calls on domestic FIs to offer more financing to foreign companies.
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