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 Issues Sweeping New Rules for Private Fund Sector
08/06/2026
New guidelines aim to curb financial risks, eliminate non-compliant players, and steer capital towards national strategic priorities like technology innovation.
Emerging Prudential Risks
China Taps State Firm to Coordinate Overseas Mining Deals
07/06/2026
China's NDRC is centralising oversight of foreign mining investments, using a new state-owned firm to manage geopolitical risk and secure resources.
Cryptocurrency
Korea Investment & Securities Takes Stake in Crypto Exchange Coinone
07/06/2026
The acquisition of a strategic stake in Coinone is the latest in a series of announcements by Korean TradFi firms to invest in digital asset platforms.
CBDCs
China Steps Up Digital Yuan Push with New Bank Incentives
05/06/2026
The central bank is expanding the e-CNY’s use in domestic payments and cross-border trade, but faces significant hurdles to widespread adoption.
Structural Regulation
Bangladesh Continuing to Face Protests Over Leadership Change at Islami Bank
05/06/2026
Bangladesh Bank is standing firm on a controversial chairman appointment at the country's largest Islamic lender, despite street protests and clashes with police.
Trading & Investment
Korea to Launch 24-Hour FX Trading Amid Volatility Concerns
05/06/2026
The move, effective from July, is part of a push for MSCI developed market status but raises concerns about currency stability during illiquid hours.
Trading & Investment
Shanghai Unveils Roadmap to Become Global Asset Management Hub
04/06/2026
The plan sets a CNY 55 trillion target for 2030 and details measures to expand product offerings, enhance cross-border access, and integrate new technologies.
Market Risk
BOJ Faces Calls to Slow Bond Taper Amid Rising Yields
03/06/2026
A summary of investor opinions and recent market volatility are increasing pressure on BOJ to consider a more gradual approach to quantitative tightening.
Payments & Settlements
China and Malaysia Launch Electronic System for Trade Documents
03/06/2026
The new system digitises the exchange of certificates of origin under the RCEP and China-ASEAN agreements to streamline customs clearance for importers.
Stablecoins
Japan’s Ruling Party Proposes Rules for Crypto ETFs, Yen Stablecoins
02/06/2026
A policy panel has urged the government to create a legal framework for crypto ETFs and promote yen-denominated stablecoins for payments.
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