Ian Johnston

Ian Johnston is a Professional Associate at Outer Temple Chambers with vast expertise at senior level in regulation, financial services and governance.

Ian was Chief Executive and Board Member of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) from 2022 to 2025, and also from 2012 to 2018. He joined the DFSA in 2006 as MD, Policy and Legal Services.

Between 2018 and 2022, Ian provided advice and consultancy to a number of regulatory bodies across the Middle East, Europe and Asia, including on projects funded by the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

As a lawyer, Ian held a number of senior positions within the financial sector, including as CEO of one of Australia’s major trustee companies. Mr Johnston then moved into regulation, joining the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as Executive Director, Financial Services Regulation, and spent several terms as an Acting Commissioner. He later served as a Special Advisor with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission from 2005.

Mr Johnston’s impact extends globally as he chaired the Joint Forum, which comprised representatives of major international regulatory standard-setters such as the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), and the Basel Committee.

Until mid-2025, Mr Johnston served as Vice Chair of IOSCO’s Africa and Middle East Regional Committee and as an IOSCO Board member. His wealth of experience and commitment to regulatory excellence positions him as a distinguished figure in the global financial landscape.

In 2026 Mr Johnston takes up the position as a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Valuation Standards Council, the global standard-setting body for valuation practice, based in London. He also serves on the advisory committee of the Dubai Chambers (International Chamber) and is a Board member of two not-for-profit organizations, the Fred Hollows Foundation (HK) and Opera Scholars Australia.