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
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.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Indonesia Targets Bank Accounts in Online Gambling Crackdown
16/07/2026
Regulators are moving beyond blocking websites and instead freezing thousands of accounts at some of Indonesia's largest banks.
Clearing & Post-Trade
LCH Begins Accepting Offshore CNY Bonds as Collateral
15/07/2026
LCH will now accept offshore renminbi-denominated Chinese government bonds, a move seen as advancing RMB internationalisation.
Structural Regulation
Shanghai Futures Exchange Proposes New Market Maker Obligations
15/07/2026
The exchange is consulting on revised rules that include a one-year ban for disqualified firms and adjustments to quoting requirements.
Tokenisation
Citi and SCB Launch 24/7 Tokenised USD Clearing in Thailand
15/07/2026
Siam Commercial Bank becomes the first global client for Citi's blockchain-based service, enabling round-the-clock cross-border USD payments.
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