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
Cybersecurity
Korea to Ease Network Separation Rules, Mandate Stricter AI Security
12/06/2026
Authorities are relaxing network separation rules to foster AI development while introducing new anti-phishing measures, including a strict liability regime.
Market Risk
Korea Launches FX Probes, Tightens Rules to Stem Won Slide
12/06/2026
Authorities are inspecting foreign banks and have issued new directives to curb speculation, as a multi-agency illegal FX task force is made permanent.
AI Risk & Governance
China Revises Rules for Service Industry Development Fund
12/06/2026
New measures extend the key central government fund to 2028, expanding its scope to boost consumption and support AI applications.
Structural Regulation
ACGA Praises South Korea’s Corporate Governance Reforms
12/06/2026
An influential investor group has lauded South Korea’s recent corporate governance reforms, including new director duties and disclosures, while urging authorities to maintain momentum.
AI Risk & Governance
China Launches Action Plan to Build High-Quality AI Datasets
11/06/2026
New plan aims to create high-quality, ‘AI-ready’ datasets for key industries, exploring assetisation and new commercial models like token-based pricing.
Emerging Prudential Risks
China’s New Regulator Vows to Prevent ‘Blow-Ups’, Tackle Risks
11/06/2026
New chief Ding Xiangqun has outlined priorities, targeting risks in small banks, property, and local government debt, while vowing to curb disorderly competition.
Credit Risk
China Proposes to Expand Use of Housing Provident Fund
10/06/2026
Draft rules would allow withdrawals for property fees and renovations, and open the mandatory savings scheme to flexibly employed workers.
Market Risk
China Proposes Overhaul of Bank Deposit and Loan Rate Rules
09/06/2026
Draft rules from the PBOC would give banks more autonomy on penalty loan rates and standardise interest calculations.
Market Abuse
China to Further Enhance Regulation of Programme Trading
09/06/2026
The CSRC will focus on fairness and compliance to prevent market manipulation and the abuse of technological advantages.
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.
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