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
Clearing & Post-Trade
China to Expand Swap Connect With Standardised Derivatives
28/09/2026
China plans to add two onshore interest-rate derivatives to the Swap Connect scheme by 2028, expanding foreign market access.
Structural Regulation
China Standardises Cost Disclosures for Personal Loans
26/09/2026
Five Chinese financial industry associations have issued new guidelines requiring lenders to standardise the disclosure of all-in personal loan costs.
Clearing & Post-Trade
Shanghai Clearing House Adds SGD, NZD And THB To Central Clearing
25/09/2026
China's central counterparty clearing house has expanded its foreign exchange services to include the SGD, NZD and THB.
Supervision & Enforcement
China Establishes Fund Monitoring Centre for Private Funds Sector
25/09/2026
China is tightening its oversight of the CNY 23 trillion private fund industry with a new monitoring centre and stricter regulations.
CBDCs
Saudi Arabia Exits China-Led mBridge Digital Currency Project
25/09/2026
The Saudi Central Bank has formally concluded its participation in the cross-border digital currency platform following a planned testing phase.
Credit Risk
Chinese Banks Launch Retrospective Loan Probes Amid Rising Defaults
25/09/2026
Banks in China are reviewing personal loans issued since 2022 following regulatory scrutiny over misused funds and rising defaults.
Payments & Settlements
HSBC Launches Cash Pooling as China Expands Cross-Border Scheme
24/09/2026
HSBC has launched cross-border cash pooling services for multinationals following China's nationwide expansion of its liquidity management programme.
Structural Regulation
BlackRock Secures QDII Licence for China Overseas Investment
24/09/2026
BlackRock has become the first newly established wholly foreign-owned public fund manager to obtain QDII status in China.
AI Risk & Governance
China Intelligence Chief Outlines AI Security Risks And Governance Strategy
24/09/2026
China's state security minister has warned of AI-driven threats to national security, calling for accelerated legislation and enhanced regulatory oversight.
Structural Regulation
UBS to Close China Fund Sales Arm Amid Tighter Fee Regulations
23/09/2026
UBS is preparing to wind down its fund sales operations in China by end September, as new regulations and intense competition prompt a broader exit of foreign wealth managers from the sector.
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