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
Emerging Prudential Risks
PBOC to Maintain Accommodative Policy, Deepen Rate Reforms
13/05/2026
China’s central bank will continue its moderately accommodative policy stance while focusing on interest rate reforms, credit optimisation, and financial risk prevention.
Payments & Settlements
China Expands FX Facilitation Pilots in Greater Bay Area
13/05/2026
New foreign exchange pilots in Guangdong's Nansha and Hengqin zones will ease rules on capital account funds and streamline non-resident account refunds.
AI Risk & Governance
China Issues New Framework to Govern AI Agents
12/05/2026
New rules aim to balance innovation with security, setting clear guidelines for AI agent development and application across various key sectors.
Cryptocurrency
Korea Mandates Registration for Overseas Crypto Transfers - Report
12/05/2026
A new law requires virtual asset service providers to register with the finance ministry, bringing cross-border flows under the country's foreign exchange controls.
Cryptocurrency
Korea Confirms 2027 Launch of Crypto Tax Policy, Despite Critics
12/05/2026
The government will proceed with a 22 percent tax on crypto gains, despite criticism over fairness and the readiness of enforcement systems.
AI Risk & Governance
Japan FSA to Develop Shared AI Agent for Regional Banks
12/05/2026
The project aims to improve efficiency and ease staffing pressures by providing a centrally developed conversational AI for customer service at around 100 institutions.
PEPs & Sanctions
JPMorgan and Citigroup Sued in China Over Sanctions Compliance
12/05/2026
A Chinese energy firm is suing the US banks after they blocked payments several months before sanctions were officially imposed.
AI Risk & Governance
KOTEC Becomes Korea's First 'AI Ethics Compliant' Public Institution
11/05/2026
KOTEC will partner with the National Information Society Agency to establish an AI ethics framework and promote responsible adoption among SMEs.
Cryptocurrency
Korea Exchange Announced Plans to Pursue Crypto Derivatives
11/05/2026
KRX has announced plans to introduce virtual asset derivatives as part of a strategy to develop Busan into a global financial hub.
Trading & Investment
Institutional Investors Call for Deeper Reforms to China Bond Futures Market
11/05/2026
China has opened its onshore government bond futures market to qualified foreign investors, but market participants cite significant constraints.
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