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
Trading & Investment
LME and SHFE to Launch Shanghai-Linked Steel Futures
19/06/2026
The new cash-settled contract, planned for October, will give international investors direct exposure to China’s domestic steel prices, pending regulatory approval.
Emerging Prudential Risks
NFRA Chief Vows to Tackle Systemic Risk, Support Strategic Sectors
19/06/2026
The head of the NFRA has outlined plans to manage property and debt risks while channelling funds to future industries.
Structural Regulation
SSE Proposes to Expand STAR Market Scope to Future Industries
18/06/2026
SSE is seeking feedback on revised listing rules to include sectors like quantum technology and robotics, while tightening disclosure and due diligence obligations.
PEPs & Sanctions
China to Bolster Legal Toolkit Against Foreign Sanctions
18/06/2026
Vice Premier He Lifeng says Beijing will embed blocking and countermeasure provisions into financial legislation to counter what he called unreasonable foreign pressure.
Liquidity Risk
China Unveils Major Financial Opening Policies to Boost Yuan
18/06/2026
Regulators announce new liquidity tools, offshore yuan trading pilots, and wider capital account access to bolster Shanghai's global hub ambitions.
Structural Regulation
Korea Venture Industry Pushes Back on KOSDAQ Reforms
17/06/2026
Industry groups are calling for a reconsideration of government plans to segment the KOSDAQ market, fearing the move will stifle funding for innovative firms.
Trading & Investment
Korea Expands Probe into Mirae Asset Over SpaceX IPO Allocation Failure
17/06/2026
The FSS is investigating Mirae Asset Securities over risk disclosures after the firm failed to secure any shares in the SpaceX IPO.
Data Privacy
China Issues Data Classification Guidelines for Financial Information Services
17/06/2026
Six regulators released detailed rules establishing a four-tier data classification system for financial information service providers to implement nationwide.
CBDCs
China Readies Commercial Launch of mBridge CBDC Platform
17/06/2026
The multi-CBDC payment platform is readying for commercial launch as 26 banks join China’s official cross-border digital yuan settlement network.
Trading & Investment
China Adds Savings Bonds to Private Pension Scheme
17/06/2026
Regulators have expanded the investment scope for the national private pension scheme to include government savings bonds, aiming to boost participation and product diversity.
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