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
Supervision & Enforcement
China Finalises Rules for Financial Sector 'Dishonesty' Blacklist
14/07/2026
The new framework from the NFRA will see firms and individuals guilty of serious misconduct blacklisted for three years.
Trading & Investment
Japan Urges Pension Giant to Boost Domestic Investment Amid Scepticism
14/07/2026
The finance minister’s call for the USD 1.8 trillion GPIF to buy more local assets sparks a market rally, but faces significant governance hurdles.
Climate Risk
China Outlines Carbon Peak Plan with New Financial Sector Mandates
14/07/2026
The national strategy includes establishing a low-carbon transition fund and encouraging carbon accounting for FIs’ investment portfolios.
Market Abuse
Citadel Securities Joins Insider Trading Suit Over China Broker Crackdown
14/07/2026
Two major US market makers allege combined losses of nearly USD 100 million from trades made on non-public information.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Korea to Deploy AI to Combat Illegal Lending on Social Media
13/07/2026
The FSS will expand its AI monitoring system to proactively detect and remove posts related to illicit debt collection and new loan scams.
Liquidity Risk
China Moves to Curb Short-Term LGFV Bond Issuance
13/07/2026
Regulators have issued guidance to underwriters to lengthen debt maturities, aiming to reduce rollover risks for local government financing vehicles.
Cybersecurity
South Korea Probes Woori Bank Over Data Leak Incident
10/07/2026
Regulators are investigating a leak that affected over 17,000 customers, scrutinising the bank’s internal controls and potential executive accountability.
Sustainable Finance
Indonesia Launches Carbon Market Framework with New Registry
10/07/2026
New rules and a national registry aim to create a transparent, high-integrity market, starting with forestry and backed by financial regulators.
Structural Regulation
China Issues Measures to Build Shanghai as Global Reinsurance Hub
10/07/2026
The new rules, jointly issued by the NFRA and Shanghai’s government, aim to attract institutions and streamline cross-border business.
Cybersecurity
China Proposes Sweeping Cybersecurity Rules for Financial Sector
08/07/2026
Draft measures aim to unify cybersecurity standards, protect data, and introduce heightened obligations for critical infrastructure operators.
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