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
Data Privacy
Korea Mandates In-Branch Access for Open Banking and MyData Services
21/11/2025
The FSC aims to bridge the digital divide by requiring major banks to offer face-to-face support for open finance services, effective 19 November.
CBDCs
Indonesia Tax Authority to Expand Data Access to e-Wallets and CBDCs
20/11/2025
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Taxes will access electronic money and digital currency data from 2026 to align with international reporting standards.
Structural Regulation
Pakistan Amends Non-Bank Lending Rules to Boost Fintech, Inclusion
20/11/2025
The securities regulator has introduced credit guarantee institutions, raised microfinance loan limits, and revamped peer-to-peer lending frameworks.
Structural Regulation
India Moves to Permit Multi-Disciplinary Firms and Strengthen Audit Regulator
20/11/2025
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has finalised plans to enable cross-profession partnerships and segregate the financial regulator’s investigative and disciplinary functions.
Structural Regulation
Bangladesh to Require Global Card Networks to Incorporate Locally
20/11/2025
Draft regulation mandates Visa and Mastercard register as local companies for tax purposes, prompting industry warnings over business continuity.
Sustainable Finance
Major Banks Endorse ICC Sustainable Trade Finance Principles
20/11/2025
UOB, BNP Paribas and SocGen are among the new cohort of firms adopting the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance.
Trading & Investment
India: NSE Chief Urges Regulators to Overhaul Derivatives Counting and Ease FPI Norms
20/11/2025
Ashish Chauhan warns against policy-making based on 'random statistics' and calls for less intrusive foreign investor rules to attract capital.
Cryptocurrency
South Korea Risks Fourth Delay to Implement Crypto Tax Regime - Reports
20/11/2025
South Korea still lacks necessary guidelines and systems for the January 2027 rollout, leaving policymakers lagging behind regional peers, experts warn.
Payments & Settlements
China Details Hainan's Financial Opening with 'Electronic Fence' Account System
20/11/2025
Hainan's free trade port will launch special customs operations, underpinned by a new system for freer cross-border capital flows.
Payments & Settlements
Cambodia and China Seal Corporate Pact for Cross-Border Payments
19/11/2025
The deal between China's TenPay Seal Pact to Link Bakong, Weixin Pay aims to strengthen payment connectivity and financial inclusion, boosting economic exchange across Asia.
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