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
China's Stock Exchanges Revise Asset-Backed Securities Rules
29/07/2026
The revised guidelines introduce specific requirements for real estate assets and formally define 'inter-institutional REITs' across both bourses.
Data Privacy
China Finalises Simplified Data Protection Rules for Small Businesses
29/07/2026
New provisions aim to reduce the compliance burden on businesses processing personal data for fewer than 100,000 individuals, effective from September.
CBDCs
China Completes First Digital Yuan Payment to Singapore
29/07/2026
ICBC has settled the first cross-border digital yuan payment to Singapore using a new comprehensive settlement platform.
Market Abuse
China Fines Trader Over CNY 175 Million for Market Manipulation
29/07/2026
The penalty is one of several large fines issued this year, underscoring the regulator's zero-tolerance stance on market misconduct.
Cryptocurrency
Dozens of Foreign Crypto Apps Blocked on Google Play in Korea
29/07/2026
At least 29 overseas exchange apps, including OKX and Bybit, are now unavailable as Google enforces local VASP registration rules.
Structural Regulation
Taiwan to Draft Asset Management Law as Kaohsiung Hub Hits One-Year Mark
29/07/2026
The Kaohsiung hub has attracted TWD 728 billion in assets under management and will see some programmes expanded nationwide.
Market Risk
China Pilots New DR Benchmark for Loans in Key Reform Step
28/07/2026
Three major banks have issued the first loans pegged to a money-market rate, breaking the LPR's monopoly and diversifying loan pricing benchmarks.
Sustainable Finance
Taiwan Awards $3bn Investment Mandate to Global Firms
28/07/2026
Five global asset managers have been selected to manage a new passive mandate focused on climate transition infrastructure companies.
Structural Regulation
China to Revise Accounting Rules Ahead of New CPA Law
28/07/2026
The finance ministry is updating key regulations to support a new law that introduces tougher penalties for misconduct and stricter licensing for auditors.
Anti-Money Laundering
China Formalises 20 Percent Tax on Offshore Trusts
28/07/2026
Authorities have released detailed rules to close tax avoidance loopholes, targeting residents' overseas wealth held in trust structures with a 20 percent tax.
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