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
Market Infrastructure
Bangladesh Replaces DIBOR With Transaction-Based Reference Rates
15/04/2026
BB launches two new benchmarks, BOFR and DOMMR, from 15 April to enhance money market transparency and align with global standards.
ESG / Sustainability
Bangladesh Passes Controversial Law Allowing Defaulters to Reclaim Banks
15/04/2026
The new law has sparked outrage, with critics warning it creates a legal path to "rehabilitate looters" with a nominal down payment.
Capital / Liquidity
Korea Details Mandates for National Growth Fund Managers
15/04/2026
New rules cover investment targets, manager responsibilities, and incentives for sub-funds of the new 'National Growth Fund'.
Enforcement
China Levels Playing Field in New Anti-Graft Rules
15/04/2026
A new judicial interpretation targets new forms of corruption and, crucially, aligns criminal standards for private sector and public sector graft.
Securities / Derivatives
Shenzhen Exchange Consults on Rule Revamp for ChiNext Market
15/04/2026
Regulators have introduced new listing standards, expanded financing options, and created a novel role for local governments to recommend IPO candidates.
Securities / Derivatives
Shanghai Stock Exchange Proposes Overhaul of Trading Rules
15/04/2026
The proposed changes include expanding post-market trading, altering fund closing mechanisms, and adjusting price limits for risk-warning stocks.
Enforcement
China Social Security Fund Vice Chairman Under Graft Probe
14/04/2026
The investigation is targeting Wang Wenling, a long-serving executive who oversaw securities investments for China’s National Council for Social Security Fund.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Korea Drafts Bill to Regulate Stablecoins and Tokenised Assets
14/04/2026
New draft bill from the ruling party proposes bringing stablecoins under foreign exchange laws and requiring real-world assets to be held in trust.
Enforcement
Thailand Seizes Further $260 Million in Major Anti-Scam Crackdown
14/04/2026
Authorities have now frozen over USD 620 million in assets linked to a transnational cybercrime ring, signalling a major multi-agency regulatory enforcement effort.
Securities / Derivatives
Philippines Finalises New Regulatory Framework for Umbrella Funds
14/04/2026
The new framework allows a single investment company to offer multiple, segregated sub-funds, aiming to boost market growth and efficiency.
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