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
KRX Halts Launch of New Weekly Options Amid Extreme Volatility
29/06/2026
The abrupt postponement comes as regulators clash over high-risk products and extreme market volatility, fueling investor confusion and triggering a high-level audit.
Anti-Money Laundering
Korean Banks Review Partnerships With Domestic Crypto Exchanges
29/06/2026
Lenders are conducting AML audits as mandatory real-name account contracts come up for renewal, with market leader Upbit's partnership undecided.
AI Risk & Governance
China Directs FIs to Boost Support for Women, Tackle AI Bias
28/06/2026
Regulators have ordered banks and insurers to enhance credit access, develop tailored products, and prevent gender bias in AI models.
Alternative Markets
Korea Overhauls Venture Rules to Boost Startup Funding
28/06/2026
The government is easing investment regulations and linking public funds to help startups scale and attract more private capital.
Structural Regulation
Korea Tightens Treasury Share Rules to Boost Corporate Value
26/06/2026
New rules expand disclosure requirements and ban certain disposal methods, aiming to increase transparency and encourage shareholder returns ahead of a new cancellation duty.
Structural Regulation
China Restricts Offshore Swaps to Curb Capital Outflows
26/06/2026
Regulators have verbally ordered brokerages to halt the expansion of derivative products used to invest in overseas stock markets, closing a popular loophole.
Structural Regulation
Korea Urged to Mandate Bond Trustees After Retail Investor Losses
26/06/2026
A leading financial think tank is calling for urgent reforms, including mandatory trustees and improved meeting rights, following a string of corporate defaults.
Anti-Money Laundering
Thailand Uncovers $300M Crypto Laundering Ring with Official Links
26/06/2026
A probe into illegal mining has revealed a vast network tied to Chinese capital, US fraud cases, and corruption within state agencies.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
China Proposes Harsher Penalties for Accounting-related Misconduct, Fraud
26/06/2026
A draft law doubles maximum fines for audit fraud and extends legal liability to clients and other colluding third parties.
Structural Regulation
China Submits Foundational Financial Law to Legislature
25/06/2026
The draft law seeks to create a unified regulatory framework, strengthen risk prevention, and provide a legal cornerstone for building a 'financial powerhouse'.
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