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
Payments & Settlements
China and UAE to Link Payment Networks to Boost Yuan Use
21/07/2026
The agreement will see UnionPay help build the UAE’s national QR code system and enable global acceptance for its domestic cards.
Data Privacy
China Issues National Standards for Management of Data Assets
21/07/2026
New rules provide a framework for classifying and registering data assets, aiming to unlock their value on corporate balance sheets.
Trading & Investment
China to Accelerate Issuance of Outbound Investment Quotas
21/07/2026
The foreign exchange regulator will issue new quotas on a regular basis, with a greater emphasis on public fund products.
Payments & Settlements
PBOC Officials Detail Strategy to Develop Offshore Yuan Market
21/07/2026
The PBOC will focus on boosting liquidity, enriching assets, activating trading, and enhancing infrastructure to promote the yuan’s global use.
Payments & Settlements
Libya to Connect Banks to China’s CIPS Payment System
21/07/2026
The agreement aims to facilitate yuan-denominated trade, reduce reliance on the US dollar, and give Libya access to Chinese bonds.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Taiwan Court Sentences Crypto Ringleader to 22 Years in Prison
20/07/2026
Shi Qiren has been jailed for orchestrating a USD 39 million fraud, a verdict delivered as Taiwan implements a stricter regulatory regime for virtual assets.
Credit Risk
Korea Curbs P2P Stock Loans Amid Surge in Leveraged Investing
17/07/2026
Regulators have introduced new caps on issuance volumes and individual borrower limits to mitigate concentration risk in the online lending sector.
AI Risk & Governance
China Proposes National Standard for AI Application Risk Grading
17/07/2026
The draft framework outlines a five-tier system for classifying AI risks, impacting developers and operators across all sectors, including finance.
Structural Regulation
Korea Mandates Electronic Shareholder Meetings for Large Firms
17/07/2026
The new rule, effective from 2027, aims to improve shareholder accessibility and participation for over 200 listed companies.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
China Drafts 5yr Plan to Strengthen Accounting Safeguards Against Fraud
16/07/2026
The Ministry of Finance's new draft plan for 2026-2030 will increase penalties for violations and strengthen supervision of accounting firms.
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