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
Trading & Investment
China to Grant Pension Fund Access to Offshore Bonds via Connect Scheme
16/09/2026
The CNY 3.8 trillion National Social Security Fund will be able to bypass outbound investment quotas to buy bonds in Hong Kong, a significant move to bolster the city's debt market.
Structural Regulation
CSRC Finalises Rule Changes for Futures Firms to Curb Risk
16/09/2026
The new measures, effective January 2027, introduce tiered capital requirements, stricter ownership limits, and new governance standards for futures firms.
Trading & Investment
Shanghai Launches Steel and Fuel Oil Options, Open to Foreign Investors
16/09/2026
The new contracts for hot-rolled coil, stainless steel, and low-sulphur fuel oil will expand risk management tools and be accessible to overseas participants.
Structural Regulation
China Signals Higher Bar for Robotics IPOs After Volatile Debut
16/09/2026
Regulators have informally advised investment banks to apply stricter standards for listings of humanoid robotics companies.
Trading & Investment
Dalian Exchange Launches Coke Options, Completing Ferrous Hedging Toolkit
15/09/2026
The new derivative provides a more sophisticated risk management tool for China's vast coal-coke-steel industrial chain, completing the exchange's "black series" product suite.
Structural Regulation
China Approves CICC Mega-Merger to Forge Brokerage Giant
14/09/2026
The CSRC has greenlit a three-way, state-backed merger, creating a brokerage with over CNY 1.25 trillion in assets.
Resolution & Recovery
China Blocks Key Debt Restructuring Tool for Property Developers
11/09/2026
The CSRC is declining to register mandatory convertible bonds used in offshore workouts, impacting firms like Country Garden and jeopardising existing deals.
Structural Regulation
China’s Regulators Detail Five-Year Plan to Build ‘Financial Powerhouse’
11/09/2026
Top officials have detailed plans for monetary policy reform, stricter supervision, and deeper capital market opening under the country's 15th Five-Year Plan.
Credit Risk
China Outlines New Investment Framework for Rural Revitalisation
11/09/2026
New plan directs financial institutions to increase support for the rural sector through credit, insurance, and capital market innovations.
Structural Regulation
China Proposes Unified Information Disclosure Rules for Banks and Insurers
10/09/2026
The new draft rules aim to consolidate fragmented regulations, enhance corporate governance, and strengthen regulatory oversight across the financial sector.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
An exclusive weekly selection of top stories from the Regulation Asia editorial team.