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
Credit Risk
China: Wanda Ordered to Pay Suning CNY 1.75 Billion Over Failed IPO
07/07/2026
A court has ruled in favour of retailer Suning.com in a long-running dispute stemming from a 2018 strategic investment.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Fugitive Chinese Tycoon Jailed for 30 Years Over Billion Dollar Fraud
07/07/2026
A New York court has sentenced Guo Wengui for orchestrating a massive fraud scheme that targeted his online followers.
Supervision & Enforcement
Alibaba and Ant Group Unit to Pay USD 600 Million in US Settlement
06/07/2026
The settlement resolves a US probe into the sale of illegal pharmaceuticals and other prohibited goods via the firm’s e-commerce platforms.
Market Abuse
US Probes Alleged Insider Trading Ahead of China Broker Crackdown
06/07/2026
A court filing alleges unknown traders illicitly profited by over USD 100 million from options bets placed just before Beijing announced penalties against Futu and Tiger Brokers.
AI Risk & Governance
China Issues Security Guidelines for AI Agent Deployment
04/07/2026
The new practice guide from national standards body TC260 provides a lifecycle framework for managing the risks of using intelligent agents in organisations.
Market Abuse
Korea Cracks Down on Crypto Manipulation, Refers 'Whale' Cases to Prosecutors
04/07/2026
The FSC is leveraging new powers under the Virtual Asset User Protection Act to tackle cross-border and algorithmic manipulation schemes.
Anti-Money Laundering
China Jails Five in USD 29.4 Million Crypto-Linked Forex Scheme
03/07/2026
A Shanghai court has imposed prison sentences for an illegal currency exchange operation that used cryptocurrency to bypass the nation’s strict capital controls.
Cloud & Infrastructure
China Issues New Rules to Drive Digitalisation of Financial Shared Services
03/07/2026
The new management accounting guidelines aim to standardise operations, enhance data governance, and promote the use of AI and big data.
Structural Regulation
China Toughens Penalties for Accounting Fraud in Major Law Overhaul
02/07/2026
The revised law doubles maximum fines for fraudulent reports, introduces lifetime bans, and extends liability to clients who collude with auditors.
PEPs & Sanctions
China Expands Export Controls on Japanese Defence and Tech Firms
02/07/2026
China has added 40 more entities to its trade restriction lists, citing Japan’s "remilitarisation" and escalating a regulatory tit-for-tat between the two nations.
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