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
Cryptocurrency
Korea Plans New Statutory Body for Crypto Regulation
02/09/2026
New legally-recognised association will absorb functions from the DAXA as part of second-phase digital asset legislation.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Korea to Offer Leniency to Voice Phishing Whistleblowers
02/09/2026
New law will grant reduced or exempted sentences to voice phishing insiders who cooperate with authorities to help dismantle criminal organisations.
Credit Risk
China Unveils Sweeping Property Reforms, Tightening Presale Financing
31/08/2026
New rules delay mortgage disbursement until project completion, promote completed-home sales, and extend financing channels for developers.
Structural Regulation
Shanghai Financial Court Issues Guidance on Cross-Border Disputes
28/08/2026
The court has released an 18-point opinion clarifying judicial rules for offshore finance, cross-border transactions, and other key growth areas.
Resolution & Recovery
China's Draft Bankruptcy Law to Enhance Restructuring, Cross-Border Rules
28/08/2026
A second draft of the Enterprise Bankruptcy Law introduces pre-restructuring negotiation mechanisms and refines rules on cross-border insolvency and payment priorities.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
China to Hold Banks Liable for Staff Misconduct in Draft Law
28/08/2026
A second draft of China’s banking law proposes new consumer protection rules, including holding institutions liable for damages caused by employees.
Credit Risk
China Expands Loan Subsidy Scheme, Widens Bank Participation
27/08/2026
The finance ministry has broadened its fiscal-financial support package, increasing loan caps and quadrupling the number of eligible banks to boost domestic demand.
AI Risk & Governance
China Issues First Rules for AI-Driven Payments, Introduces ‘Know Your Agent’
27/08/2026
China’s payments association has released a self-regulatory pact introducing a novel ‘Know Your Agent’ mechanism to govern the use of AI in payments.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
China Charges 17 in Human Trafficking Ring Supplying Myanmar Scam Centres
27/08/2026
Prosecutors in Shanghai have indicted a criminal group for luring victims to Myanmar to be sold into forced labour at fraudulent telecom operations.
Clearing & Post-Trade
China Completes First Cross-Border Futures Delivery
27/08/2026
The Shanghai International Energy Exchange has completed the first cross-border delivery of its rubber futures, a key milestone in opening China's derivatives market and promoting its prices globally.
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