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
Market Risk
China's SAFE Instructs Banks to Promote FX Hedging by Corporates
22/09/2026
China's foreign exchange regulator has issued informal guidance instructing banks to increase corporate currency hedging ratios to mitigate exporter risks.
Data Privacy
China Implements Entry-Exit Regulations Citing Tech Security
21/09/2026
New exit-entry regulations aim to safeguard China's national security and technological interests, introducing stricter controls and raising surveillance concerns.
AI Risk & Governance
China Updates AI Safety Framework to Address Agentic Risks
21/09/2026
China's cybersecurity standards committee has released an updated AI safety governance framework and lifecycle security guidelines for application developers.
Structural Regulation
OJK Indonesia Issues Regulations For New Commodity Exchange
21/09/2026
Indonesia’s OJK is set to enact new rules for a strategic commodities exchange, with trading slated for January 2027 to enhance price transparency and state control.
Structural Regulation
China Instructs Banks to Curb Low-Quality IPOs: Reports
18/09/2026
Regulators have told investment banks to keep offering prices low and block weaker firms to prevent a market frenzy, according to reports.
Trading & Investment
Korea Exchange After-Hours Debut Marred By Volatility Spikes
18/09/2026
Retail investors dominated the new after-hours trading session, triggering over 1,600 volatility halts amid thin liquidity.
Stablecoins
Thailand's SEC Proposes Daily Cap on Stablecoin Transfers
17/09/2026
The SEC has launched a public consultation on new rules aimed at curbing money laundering and cybercrime risks via digital assets.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
Korea’s FSS Under Fire as Staff Investment Breaches Go Unpunished
17/09/2026
Just 2.7 percent of 147 employees found violating stock investment rules since 2020 faced formal disciplinary action.
Sustainable Finance
Korea Details Regulatory Framework for Climate Finance Plan
16/09/2026
Regulators have detailed plans to link new transition finance guidelines with industry-specific carbon reduction roadmaps and data reporting platforms.
Trading & Investment
China to Grant Pension Fund Access to Offshore Bonds via Connect Scheme
16/09/2026
The CNY 3.8 trillion National Social Security Fund will be able to bypass outbound investment quotas to buy bonds in Hong Kong, a significant move to bolster the city's debt market.
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