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
Structural Regulation
India Moots Further Public Bank Consolidation
10/11/2025
Finance Minister Sitharaman confirms discussions with RBI on creating fewer, bigger "world-class" banks and simplifying access to credit.
Credit Risk
IMF to Probe Bangladesh Banking Sector Over NPL Data Concealment
10/11/2025
The fund will look into how bad debt surged to BDT 6.5 trillion, examining manipulation or negligence, and breached a USD 4.7 billion loan condition.
Reporting & Disclosures
ASEAN Capital Markets Forum Releases Simplified ESG Guide for SMEs
10/11/2025
New regional guide aims to simplify sustainability reporting for SMEs in supply chains and align disclosures with global standards.
Trading & Investment
Pakistan Allows Brokers to Operate Trading Accounts for Minors
10/11/2025
New rules developed under SECP guidance outline broker compliance, funding, and trading prohibitions for under-18s' accounts.
PEPs & Sanctions
Australia Joins US in Issuing New North Korea Sanctions
10/11/2025
Australia said the action is intended to apply pressure on North Korea’s illegal revenue generation networks and address its persistent challenges to security and stability.
Anti-Money Laundering
Philippines Authorises Migrant Worker Officials as AML Investigators
10/11/2025
The move aims to combat money laundering and human trafficking targeted at overseas Filipino workers by empowering DMW staff.
Resolution & Recovery
Bangladesh Dissolves Boards of Five Banks in State-Led Rescue Merger
10/11/2025
BB has formally initiated the resolution process for five Shariah-based banks, after 76 percent of their total disbursed loans defaulted.
Cybersecurity
China Launches 2nd Cyber Insurance Pilot Targeting Key Sectors
10/11/2025
Regulators aim to improve standards and integrate financial and cyber services, with banks, asset managers, and insurers named as key targets.
AI Risk & Governance
Hong Kong Digital Banks Win High Public Trust: HKAB Survey
10/11/2025
New HKAB survey finds user confidence in digital banks is strongly linked to awareness of HKMA oversight and deposit protection.
Tokenisation
Franklin Templeton Launches Tokenised Fund Under Hong Kong's New 'Fintech 2030' Plan
10/11/2025
The launch is the first initiative under the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s new five-year strategy to embed AI and blockchain in finance.
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