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
Korea Mulls 'Financial Conglomerate' Status for Crypto Firms Dunamu, Bithumb
05/11/2025
The Fair Trade Commission is researching the status of crypto firms, sparking debate over systemic risk and regulatory conflicts.
Anti-Money Laundering
Korea NTS Probes Prince and Huione Groups Tax Evasion, Laundering Links
05/11/2025
Tax agency investigating domestic offices of Prince Group and a Huione-linked currency exchange over suspected phishing proceeds and tax fraud.
Trading & Investment
South Korea's Ruling Party Pushes Policy Reform to Boost KOSPI
04/11/2025
Seoul is advancing legislation on dividend taxation and mandatory share buybacks, pursuing a pledge to elevate the KOSPI index to 5,000.
Structural Regulation
Philippines SEC Recommends Raising Audit Exemption Threshold
04/11/2025
The SEC wants to lift the requirement for firms with assets under PHP 3 million, citing lower costs and compliance burdens.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Korea Forms Task Force to Address Loan Misuse in Property Market
04/11/2025
New interagency body to launch as financial regulator plans data sharing to block violators from all financial institutions.
Reporting & Disclosures
China Urges Financial Sector to Link Green Trade Finance to Carbon Footprint Data
04/11/2025
New MOFCOM guidelines encourage financial institutions to create services based on carbon accounting, backed by a new national database and standards.
Structural Regulation
Philippines SEC Proposes Tighter Interest Rate Caps for Lenders
03/11/2025
Philippines SEC aims to curb predatory practices by expanding loan coverage and setting new ceilings on interest, fees, and penalties.
AI Risk & Governance
Indonesia Drafts Legal Roadmaps for AI and New Tech in Digital Finance
03/11/2025
Government preparing legal foundations for AI and semiconductors to support financial innovation, enhance security, and ensure data sovereignty.
Credit Risk
Indonesia Proposes Extending MSME Bad Loan Write-Off Policy
03/11/2025
Indonesia's OJK seeks to extend bad debt elimination programme to banks to accelerate recovery in the MSME sector.
Stablecoins
Taiwan Central Bank Seeks Oversight on Stablecoin Licensing, Warns of Risks
03/11/2025
Taiwan central bank advises regulator on reserve requirements, deposit risks, and its own role in licensing as Taiwan drafts new virtual asset law.
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