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
Sanctions
China Enacts Sweeping New Powers to Counter Foreign Sanctions
15/04/2026
The State Council has issued new regulations creating a framework to block foreign extraterritorial measures and penalise compliance within China.
Enforcement
Evergrande Founder Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Bribery Charges
15/04/2026
Hui Ka Yan has admitted to a range of financial crimes in a Shenzhen court, marking a pivotal moment in the developer's collapse.
Capital / Liquidity
Japan Proposes Easing Rules for Professional Investor Status
15/04/2026
FSA aims to boost funding for startups by relaxing the criteria for individuals to be classified as sophisticated investors.
Enforcement
China Issues Record Penalty Against Domestic Auditor in Fraud Case
15/04/2026
Regulators have imposed a CNY 243 million penalty and a one-year business suspension on Zhongxingcai Guanghua for major audit failures.
Market Infrastructure
Bangladesh Replaces DIBOR With Transaction-Based Reference Rates
15/04/2026
BB launches two new benchmarks, BOFR and DOMMR, from 15 April to enhance money market transparency and align with global standards.
ESG / Sustainability
Bangladesh Passes Controversial Law Allowing Defaulters to Reclaim Banks
15/04/2026
The new law has sparked outrage, with critics warning it creates a legal path to "rehabilitate looters" with a nominal down payment.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea Details Mandates for National Growth Fund Managers
15/04/2026
New rules cover investment targets, manager responsibilities, and incentives for sub-funds of the new 'National Growth Fund'.
Enforcement
China Levels Playing Field in New Anti-Graft Rules
15/04/2026
A new judicial interpretation targets new forms of corruption and, crucially, aligns criminal standards for private sector and public sector graft.
Securities / Derivatives
Shenzhen Exchange Consults on Rule Revamp for ChiNext Market
15/04/2026
Regulators have introduced new listing standards, expanded financing options, and created a novel role for local governments to recommend IPO candidates.
Securities / Derivatives
Shanghai Stock Exchange Proposes Overhaul of Trading Rules
15/04/2026
The proposed changes include expanding post-market trading, altering fund closing mechanisms, and adjusting price limits for risk-warning stocks.
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