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
Enforcement
China Revamps Integrity Rules for State-Owned Enterprise Leaders
24/03/2026
The revised regulations expand their scope to cover enterprises under ‘actual control’ and introduce a 'negative list' of prohibited behaviours.
Securities / Derivatives
SHFE Finalises Rules for International Access to Nickel Contracts
24/03/2026
The SHFE has issued detailed rules for international participation in its nickel contracts, leveraging the established 'Overseas Intermediary' model.
Capital / Liquidity
China Unifies Rules and Expands Capacity for Corporate Overseas Lending
24/03/2026
New regulations unify CNY and foreign currency rules and raise lending limits under a new macro-prudential framework.
Market Infrastructure
China Unveils Draft Foundational Law to Overhaul Financial Regulation
23/03/2026
The comprehensive draft law aims to unify supervision, establish clear risk resolution mechanisms, and increase penalties for financial misconduct.
Capital / Liquidity
Cambodian Central Bank Overhauls Emergency Liquidity Framework
23/03/2026
The new 'lender of last resort' regulation aims to boost depositor confidence and mitigate systemic risk amid changing economic conditions.
Securities / Derivatives
South Korea to Tighten SPAC Rules to Combat 'Irrational' Trading
23/03/2026
The FSS plans to enhance disclosures and close regulatory gaps as data shows rising speculation despite a contracting market.
Enforcement
South Korea Cracks Down on Finfluencer Market Abuse
23/03/2026
Regulators are targeting front-running and rumour-spreading amid heightened market volatility, launching a whistleblower drive and promising stern action.
Securities / Derivatives
China Defines New Professional Framework for Investment Advisers
23/03/2026
The SAC has released its first-ever competency model for the country's nearly 87,000 investment advisers, pushing a shift from sales to fiduciary duty.
Enforcement
China Sentences ex-President of Bank of Guizhou for Taking $24m in Bribes
22/03/2026
A Chinese court has handed a suspended death sentence to a former bank president for nearly two decades of bribery, embezzlement and money laundering.
Crypto / Digital Assets
China Set to Expand of Digital Yuan Operator Network - Report
20/03/2026
China's central bank is preparing to more than double the number of banks authorised to operate the digital yuan, as a shift to interest-bearing status boosts commercial incentives.
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