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
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Korean Regulators Join Forces to Combat Illegal Online Financial Information
22/06/2026
Three agencies have signed an agreement to coordinate on blocking illicit content, strengthening platform self-regulation, and cracking down on ‘finfluencers’.
Payments & Settlements
Korea to Impose External Custody, Higher Capital Rules on Payment Gateways
22/06/2026
New rules will mandate external fund management and stricter oversight to protect merchant funds following a major settlement failure.
Credit Risk
Korea to Overhaul Delinquent Debt Sale Practices
22/06/2026
New guidelines will make originating lenders responsible for the conduct of debt buyers, aiming to curb aggressive and repetitive collection practices.
Clearing & Post-Trade
China to Launch Enhanced Foreign Currency Repo Services
22/06/2026
New services from the Shanghai Clearing House and CFETS will introduce collateral substitution and cash settlement options to improve market efficiency and collateral management.
Trading & Investment
Indonesia Secures Backing for Maiden Panda Bond Sale
22/06/2026
Finance minister secures fast-track approval from Beijing for a planned USD 1 billion issuance aimed at diversifying funding and reducing reliance on the US dollar.
Market Risk
Bank Indonesia Hikes Rate, Tightens Forex Purchase Rules
22/06/2026
The central bank has raised its benchmark rate and lowered the limit on undocumented foreign exchange purchases to support the rupiah.
Trading & Investment
Guangzhou Exchange to Open Lithium Contracts to Foreign Traders
19/06/2026
Guangzhou Futures Exchange will allow international participation in its lithium carbonate futures and options from 3 July.
Market Data & Technology
China Launches Interbank Data Repository in Shanghai
19/06/2026
A new entity has opened in Shanghai to centralise and analyse high-frequency trading data, aiming to enhance macro-prudential management and market supervision.
Structural Regulation
China Opens STAR Market to Unprofitable AI Model Firms
19/06/2026
New rules allow pre-revenue AI large model developers to list, provided they meet specific technology and market potential criteria.
Trading & Investment
China Deepens Offshore Bond Market with New Rules for Banks
19/06/2026
New notice clarifies underwriting and investment rules for banks in Shanghai's free-trade zone, aiming to build on the market's first-year progress.
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