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
Structural Regulation
Korea to Introduce Cornerstone Investor System to Stabilise IPO Market
26/04/2026
The new rules allow pre-allocation of IPO shares to long-term institutional investors who commit to a six-month lock-up, aiming to improve price discovery and stability.
Capital Adequacy
Taiwan Amends Capital Adequacy Rules for Bills Finance Firms
25/04/2026
The amendments revise calculations for regulatory capital and risk-weighted assets, introducing stricter treatment for intra-group and certain financial instrument exposures.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
China Indicts Former CSRC Anti-Graft Chief for Bribery
25/04/2026
The case against Wang Huimin, who once led disciplinary inspections at the CSRC, is linked to allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for favours.
Clearing & Post-Trade
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.
Trading & Investment
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.
Structural Regulation
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.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
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.
Market Abuse
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.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
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.
Trading & Investment
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.
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