Mark Johnston

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    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

    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.

    Structural Regulation

    China Mandates Trader Information Reporting For Interbank Market

    23/09/2026

    China's NAFMII has introduced mandatory information reporting requirements for trading personnel to enhance market standardisation and transparency.

    Supervision & Enforcement

    China Regulator Rewards Whistleblowers Under Upgraded Scheme

    23/09/2026

    The CSRC opened claims for the first batch of 17 cases under its upgraded whistleblower reward programme.

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