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 Promotes Floating-Rate Bonds to Manage Market Risks
28/04/2026
NAFMII is encouraging greater issuance and trading of floating-rate instruments to manage interest rate volatility and improve policy transmission.
Structural Regulation
China Drafts Rules to Curb Client Control Over Family Trusts
27/04/2026
New regulations would ban wealthy clients and their advisors from directing investments, aiming to shift power from private banks to trust companies.
Structural Regulation
China Overhauls Corporate Governance and Trading Rules Nationwide
27/04/2026
New CSRC rules redefine the board secretary role, creating a hiring wave, while stock exchanges in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing align trading mechanisms.
Structural Regulation
Shenzhen Exchange Releases New Rules for ChiNext Board Reform
27/04/2026
The new rules aim to improve market inclusiveness for innovative companies and strengthen corporate governance standards on the Nasdaq-style board.
Climate Risk
China Rolls Out New Assessment System to Enforce Climate Goals
27/04/2026
The new framework introduces a binding annual evaluation for provincial governments, linking officials’ performance reviews directly to carbon reduction targets.
PEPs & Sanctions
China Lifts Sanctions on Two EU Banks in Reciprocal Move
27/04/2026
The action follows the EU's removal of two Chinese banks from a sanctions list, though fresh tensions have emerged over a separate, newer sanctions package.
Cryptocurrency
China Targets 'Finfluencers' and AI in Online Ad Crackdown
27/04/2026
New rules for financial product marketing are part of a broader push by regulators to govern the entire internet advertising ecosystem, from AI to livestreaming.
Trading & Investment
China Opens Government Bond Futures to Foreign Investors
26/04/2026
The move allows qualified foreign investors access to onshore government bond futures for hedging purposes, aimed at boosting the appeal of renminbi assets.
Clearing & Post-Trade
Taiwan Expands Digital Shareholder Notice Platform
26/04/2026
The expansion will add notifications for cash capital increases and public tender offers to the eNotice platform, aiming to cut costs and boost efficiency.
Structural Regulation
Taiwan Eases Fund Concentration Limits for Heavyweight Stocks
26/04/2026
The move allows certain domestic funds to hold larger positions in single companies that dominate the local stock index, reflecting market realities.
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