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
Securities / Derivatives
China and Brazil Launch Bond Market Connectivity Scheme
24/04/2026
Bank of Communications has been named the exclusive pilot bank for the new mechanism, which marks the first such link between China and another emerging market.
Securities / Derivatives
China Opens Onshore Nickel Futures to International Investors
24/04/2026
The move gives foreign firms direct access to key renminbi-denominated contracts, a significant step in the internationalisation of China's commodity derivatives market.
Fintech / Regtech
Taiwan to Ease Ownership and Board Rules for Internet-Only Banks
24/04/2026
The proposed changes aim to help Taiwan's three digital banks raise capital and attract diverse investors after three years of operation, addressing significant operational losses.
Enforcement
China Removes Senior Financial Regulator Zhou Liang From Post
24/04/2026
Zhou Liang's removal follows a high-profile corruption investigation launched last month, marking the latest development in Beijing's financial sector corruption crackdown.
Securities / Derivatives
CSRC Proposes Tiered Penalty System for Illegal Share Sales
23/04/2026
The CSRC has released draft rules that classify violations and set out specific, tiered fines to crack down on irregular disposals by major shareholders.
Securities / Derivatives
Securities Association of China Expands Pay Clawbacks to Former Staff
23/04/2026
The SAC has revised remuneration rules for brokerages, mandating longer-term performance metrics and stricter deferral and clawback arrangements.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Pledges 'No Barriers' to Investment Amid WGBI Inclusion
23/04/2026
Officials have reassured Japanese investors of continued market improvements as the country begins its phased entry into the FTSE World Government Bond Index.
Enforcement
KoFIU Fines Casino Operator KRW 564 Million for AML Breaches
23/04/2026
KoFIU has sanctioned Kangwon Land for widespread AML/CFT deficiencies, ordering corrective action and imposing a KRW 564 million fine.
Enforcement
Korea Triples Year-on-Year Fines for Pseudo-Investment Advisers
22/04/2026
Financial regulators have significantly increased penalties for unlicensed investment advisory firms following a sweep that uncovered widespread misconduct, particularly misleading advertising.
Enforcement
Korea FSS Resumes On-Site Inspections of Private Equity Firms
22/04/2026
The FSS has begun its first on-site inspection of 2026 at VIG Partners, signalling a continued regulatory crackdown on the sector.
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