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
Trading & Investment
Korea Approves First Operators Under 'Investment Management Account' Framework
17/11/2025
The approved firms will be able to channel significant funds into corporate finance-related assets and venture investments, but must guarantee investor principal.
Credit Risk
Laos Sets 3pc NPL Target, Tighter FX Rules in New Five-Year Plan
17/11/2025
Bank of the Lao PDR outlines new policy targets following criticism over currency management and inflation control.
Trading & Investment
Korea’s New ATS Nextrade Breaches 15 Percent Volume Cap, Testing New Rules
17/11/2025
The alternative trading system exceeded the KRX volume limit for the first time, triggering a two-month regulatory grace period.
Cryptocurrency
JPX Mulls New Rules to Guard Against Crypto-Hoarding Firms
17/11/2025
The bourse operator is weighing new measures to protect investors after steep losses in listed “digital-asset treasury” firms.
Structural Regulation
CSRC Chairman Seeking to Step Down for Health Reasons - Reports
17/11/2025
Conflicting reports over Wu Qing’s tenure emerge as regulator highlights reforms to QFII programme and Hong Kong listings.
Trading & Investment
Pakistan, China Advance Plans to Launch Cross-Border ETF
17/11/2025
Regulators and market leaders gathered in Pakistan to advance a cross-border China ETF and push key policy reforms for Islamic finance and REITs.
Structural Regulation
GFTN and Qatar to Launch Doha FinTech Policy Centre with Asia Focus
17/11/2025
The new Centre of Excellence aims to connect regulators and promote harmonised policy frameworks, strengthening links with Singapore's ecosystem.
AI Risk & Governance
Taiwan FSC Releases Digital Inclusion Guidelines for FIs
17/11/2025
New guidance urges FIs to protect vulnerable customers and ensure services are fair, accessible, and barrier-free, including when using AI to make decisions.
PEPs & Sanctions
US Targets China, HK Firms in New Iran Sanctions Wave
17/11/2025
The sanctions targets include entities in China, Hong Kong and India that allegedly operate procurement networks supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and UAV production
Payments & Settlements
Myanmar Moves to Accept Chinese Yuan for Direct Investment
16/11/2025
New procedures are being implemented to facilitate CNY-kyat exchange, yuan bank accounts, and direct CNY settlements for investors.
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