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
China Instructs Banks to Curb Low-Quality IPOs: Reports
18/09/2026
Regulators have told investment banks to keep offering prices low and block weaker firms to prevent a market frenzy, according to reports.
Trading & Investment
Korea Exchange After-Hours Debut Marred By Volatility Spikes
18/09/2026
Retail investors dominated the new after-hours trading session, triggering over 1,600 volatility halts amid thin liquidity.
Stablecoins
Thailand's SEC Proposes Daily Cap on Stablecoin Transfers
17/09/2026
The SEC has launched a public consultation on new rules aimed at curbing money laundering and cybercrime risks via digital assets.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
Korea’s FSS Under Fire as Staff Investment Breaches Go Unpunished
17/09/2026
Just 2.7 percent of 147 employees found violating stock investment rules since 2020 faced formal disciplinary action.
Sustainable Finance
Korea Details Regulatory Framework for Climate Finance Plan
16/09/2026
Regulators have detailed plans to link new transition finance guidelines with industry-specific carbon reduction roadmaps and data reporting platforms.
Trading & Investment
China to Grant Pension Fund Access to Offshore Bonds via Connect Scheme
16/09/2026
The CNY 3.8 trillion National Social Security Fund will be able to bypass outbound investment quotas to buy bonds in Hong Kong, a significant move to bolster the city's debt market.
Structural Regulation
CSRC Finalises Rule Changes for Futures Firms to Curb Risk
16/09/2026
The new measures, effective January 2027, introduce tiered capital requirements, stricter ownership limits, and new governance standards for futures firms.
Trading & Investment
Shanghai Launches Steel and Fuel Oil Options, Open to Foreign Investors
16/09/2026
The new contracts for hot-rolled coil, stainless steel, and low-sulphur fuel oil will expand risk management tools and be accessible to overseas participants.
Structural Regulation
China Signals Higher Bar for Robotics IPOs After Volatile Debut
16/09/2026
Regulators have informally advised investment banks to apply stricter standards for listings of humanoid robotics companies.
Trading & Investment
Dalian Exchange Launches Coke Options, Completing Ferrous Hedging Toolkit
15/09/2026
The new derivative provides a more sophisticated risk management tool for China's vast coal-coke-steel industrial chain, completing the exchange's "black series" product suite.
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