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
Credit Risk
Thailand Launches 'Social AMC' Scheme to Buy THB 120b in Small-Value NPLs
13/11/2025
Programme to use state AMCs to buy NPLs under THB 100,000, funded by soft loans and reduced FIDF contributions.
Clearing & Post-Trade
HKEX to Take 20pc Stake in HKMA’s CMU OmniClear Holdings
13/11/2025
Partnership aims to build a major regional CSD and advance Hong Kong’s fixed-income ecosystem and status as an RMB hub.
Structural Regulation
China Issues New Rules for Investment Consultation, Links Fees to Quality
13/11/2025
New measures effective 1 December mandate "assess first, decide later" principle and introduce strict penalties for poor-quality reports.
Structural Regulation
Taiwan FSC Proposes New Rules to Attract Foreign Bond Issuers
13/11/2025
Taiwan's FSC plans to expand eligibility for foreign FIs and special purpose vehicles to issue bonds, seeking to boost “Asia Innovation Capital” platform.
Structural Regulation
Taiwan FSC Revises Financial Holding Company Rules to Streamline M&A
12/11/2025
Taiwan FSC updates rules on ownership thresholds, governance, and disclosures to align with market practices and speed up consolidation.
Clearing & Post-Trade
APAC Firms Lagging in Readiness for US Treasury Clearing Rules
12/11/2025
A global survey reveals 80 percent of Asia-based firms are still in the 'scoping' phase for looming US Treasury clearing rules.
Trading & Investment
BSEC Moves to Ban Closed-end Funds, Hike AMC Capital Requirements
12/11/2025
BSEC cited investor protection and a history of irregularities, while also proposing new capital and governance rules for asset managers.
Clearing & Post-Trade
China Revises Rules for Securities Settlement Risk Fund
12/11/2025
CSRC and Ministry of Finance update fund measures, expanding investment options and adding risk control requirements effective 8 December.
Data Privacy
Bangladesh Enacts New Data Laws with Enhanced Protection for Financial Information
12/11/2025
New ordinances establish citizen data ownership and create a national authority to regulate sensitive data, including financial and biometric information.
Trading & Investment
S. Korea 'Me-conomy' Trend Drives Uptake of Death Benefit Annuitisation
12/11/2025
South Koreans are converting whole life insurance policies into annuities, a new service driven by financial authorities and a desire for pre-retirement liquidity.
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