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
Capital / Liquidity
Shanghai Cuts Commercial Property Loan Down Payment Requirements
19/03/2026
Shanghai's first commercial property lending adjustment in nearly 20 years signals a nationwide push to clear persistent inventory overhangs in the commercial real estate sector.
China Intensifies Banker Pay Reforms With Steep Bonus Cuts
18/03/2026
Regulators are enforcing bonus reductions of up to 50 percent at state-owned firms to correct pay imbalances and advance 'common prosperity'
Capital / Liquidity
China Introduces Rating System for Wealth Management Firms
18/03/2026
The new system will link ratings to market access and regulatory intensity, aiming to curb a focus on scale over quality.
Fintech / Regtech
China's NIFA Issues Security Alert on 'Openclaw' AI Agent
18/03/2026
China's internet finance body has warned firms and consumers about financial loss, data compliance, and fraud risks from the popular open-source AI tool.
Capital / Liquidity
China Mandates 'All-In' Cost Disclosure to Combat Predatory Personal Loans
17/03/2026
New rules from the NFRA and PBOC will force lenders to reveal the total annualised cost of loans, ending hidden fees.
Securities / Derivatives
China Overhauls Fund Disclosure Rules to Emphasise Long-Term Value
17/03/2026
New CSRC guidelines mandate the disclosure of investor profitability ratios and stock turnover rates to tackle short-termism.
Capital / Liquidity
China Considers Tighter Deposit Rules as Rate Cuts and Inversions Spread
17/03/2026
Regulators may tighten rules on certain deposits as banks aggressively cut rates to protect margins, with long-term rates now falling below short-term ones.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea's IBK Drives KOSDAQ Reform with Dual-Track Push
17/03/2026
IBK and the Korea Venture Capital Association are separately mobilising capital and lobbying for structural reform to revitalise the KOSDAQ market.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea FSS Urges Brokers to Tighten Illegal Short Selling Controls
17/03/2026
The FSS has told securities firms to strengthen internal controls and systems management amid fears of market disruption.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea FSC Names Managers for New Public-Private Growth Fund
16/03/2026
Mirae, Samsung, and KB Asset Management will raise retail capital for a new fund targeting advanced strategic industries.
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