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
Trading & Investment
Indonesia Taps Panda Bond Market in De-Dollarisation Push
24/07/2026
The inaugural USD 1 billion issuance is part of a strategy to diversify funding and leverage local currency settlement frameworks with China.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
Korea’s FSS Partners With Industry to Bolster Consumer Protection
24/07/2026
The regulator has signed agreements with six industry bodies to launch new training programmes targeting senior management and embedding a top-down compliance culture.
CBDCs
China’s Digital Yuan Entering New Phase of Adoption
24/07/2026
BOC reported record transactions on the mBridge platform, while a new dedicated infrastructure for cross-border e-CNY payments system was launched.
Trading & Investment
China Broker Withdraws as Market Maker for Korea ETF
23/07/2026
China Merchants Securities has withdrawn as a liquidity provider for a key semiconductor ETF, citing extreme price swings and risks in Korea’s stock market.
Supervision & Enforcement
China Drafts Five-Year Plan to Overhaul CPA Profession
23/07/2026
The plan proposes new rules for standardisation, supervision, and digital transformation to enhance audit quality and curb financial fraud.
AI Risk & Governance
China Launches Global AI Body With 29 Founding Nations
22/07/2026
The Shanghai-based World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization aims to promote development-focused governance and provide an alternative to Western-led initiatives.
Stablecoins
South Korea Unveils Roadmap for Won Internationalisation
22/07/2026
The plan aims to make the won freely convertible through a new offshore settlement system and a formal framework for digital assets.
Trading & Investment
China Intervenes to Halt Stock Rout with US$8.9 Billion State Buying
22/07/2026
Regulators have pledged to ensure stability and state-backed funds have deployed billions after a sharp sell-off in China's stock markets.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
Former ICBC Wealth Chief Jailed for Life in Corruption Case
22/07/2026
The ruling highlights systemic flaws in the bank's external investment processes and is part of a wider anti-corruption crackdown.
AI Risk & Governance
China Unveils Global AI Plan Focusing on Data Flows and Governance
21/07/2026
New action plan and presidential speech outline a vision for international cooperation, shared standards, and support for developing nations.
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