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
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.
Structural Regulation
China Proposes Overhaul of Certificate of Deposit Rules
16/06/2026
PBOC has released draft measures to enhance supervision, standardise pricing, and improve disclosure for large-denomination certificates of deposit.
Reporting & Disclosures
China Targets Greenwashing and Style Drift in New Fund Rules
16/06/2026
AMAC has released three new guidelines to boost investor protection and standardise ESG and thematic fund management.
Liquidity Risk
Korean REITs Urge Reforms to Avert Liquidity Crisis
16/06/2026
The industry has called for urgent systemic reforms following a landmark default, warning of a potential market collapse without government action.
Trading & Investment
China Eases Stock Option Rules, Boosts Market Access
15/06/2026
New exchange guidelines introduce account interoperability between Shanghai and Shenzhen, raise position limits, and formalise access for qualified foreign investors.
Cybersecurity
Korea to Ease Network Separation Rules, Mandate Stricter AI Security
12/06/2026
Authorities are relaxing network separation rules to foster AI development while introducing new anti-phishing measures, including a strict liability regime.
Market Risk
Korea Launches FX Probes, Tightens Rules to Stem Won Slide
12/06/2026
Authorities are inspecting foreign banks and have issued new directives to curb speculation, as a multi-agency illegal FX task force is made permanent.
AI Risk & Governance
China Revises Rules for Service Industry Development Fund
12/06/2026
New measures extend the key central government fund to 2028, expanding its scope to boost consumption and support AI applications.
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