Mark Johnston

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    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

    India's NIPL and NTT DATA Sign Pact to Bring UPI to Japan

    16/10/2025

    MOU aims to allow the growing number of Indian tourists in Japan to use the popular mobile payment system.

    AI Risk & Governance

    India Enlists Accounting Body for Sovereign AI Model Development

    16/10/2025

    The ICAI will provide financial data from listed companies to support the nation's sovereign AI ambitions.

    Structural Regulation

    PBOC Overhauls Approval Rules for Sub-Treasury Agent Banks

    15/10/2025

    New measures effective from 1 January 2026, will standardise the application, supervision and review process for banks handling state treasury business.

    PEPs & Sanctions

    China Sanctions Five US-based Subsidiaries of Korean Firm

    15/10/2025

    China's blacklisting of five US-based subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean has sent a warning to third-country companies involved in the US-China industrial rivalry.

    Reporting & Disclosures

    Vietnam Unveils Green Bond Handbook to Boost Transparency and Attract Investment

    15/10/2025

    Vietnam's State Securities Commission has launched a new guide for green bond disclosures to align with global standards.

    Structural Regulation

    Bangladesh to Mandate iXBRL for Financial Reporting in Phased Rollout

    15/10/2025

    The securities regulator will introduce mandatory digital reporting for listed companies to enhance data transparency and align with global standards.

    Cybersecurity

    OJK Indonesia Mandates Security Overhaul After Cyber-Attack on Brokers

    15/10/2025

    Regulators have ordered securities firms to strengthen digital defences and risk management following an attack that exploited system weaknesses.

    Anti-Money Laundering

    China Finalises Sweeping AML Rule Changes for Financial Firms

    14/10/2025

    New rules expand scope to more firms, mandate 10-year data retention, and clarify internal responsibilities, effective from 1 December.

    Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

    Korea to Require Banks to Compensate Voice Phishing Victims

    14/10/2025

    New data reveals that major Korean lenders cover just a fraction of voice phishing losses, prompting plans to impose mandatory compensation regardless of bank negligence.

    Conduct, Culture & Accountability

    RBI Proposes Major Overhaul of Customer Grievance Framework

    13/10/2025

    The RBI has released draft regulations to reform its external and internal ombudsman schemes for financial institutions.

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