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
Taiwan Extends Bond Tax Exemptions to Boost Asset Management
08/10/2026
Taiwan’s Executive Yuan has approved a draft amendment to extend securities transaction tax exemptions for bonds and bond ETFs by 10 years.
Credit Risk
Guangzhou Overhauls Housing Sales with Deposit Caps and Tighter Oversight
08/10/2026
Guangzhou has issued detailed rules to overhaul its commercial housing sales system, capping deposits and tightening controls over developer funding.
Credit Risk
China Outlines Measures To Boost Domestic Trade Credit Insurance
07/10/2026
China's financial regulator and commerce ministry have issued nine key tasks to expand domestic trade credit insurance coverage.
AI Risk & Governance
Japan FSA to Launch AI Chief Inspector to Enhance Oversight - Report
07/10/2026
Japan's financial regulator is reportedly developing an AI agent to mentor on-site inspectors and revamp its supervisory framework.
Reporting & Disclosures
China Consults on Climate Disclosure Guidelines for Nine Key Industries
06/10/2026
China's MOF has published draft application guidelines to help enterprises implement the national climate sustainability disclosure standards.
Alternative Markets
Japan Approves Overseas Trading of Unlisted Startup Shares
06/10/2026
A Japanese asset manager has secured regulatory approval to broker unlisted domestic shares on global private markets, aiming to curb premature listings.
Trading & Investment
Chinese Banks Halt Retail Leveraged Precious Metals Trading
06/10/2026
More than 10 Chinese commercial banks are winding down retail leveraged gold and silver trading following exchange directives.
Supervision & Enforcement
China Forms Special Task Forces to Tax Offshore Wealth
05/10/2026
China has established specialist squads to track and tax ultra-high-net-worth individuals as the deadline for offshore trust declarations approaches.
Structural Regulation
China Revises Audit Regulations to Strengthen Oversight
05/10/2026
China has promulgated revised implementation regulations for its Audit Law, introducing stricter compliance and data requirements for state-owned financial institutions.
Payments & Settlements
China Issues Guidelines to Boost Financing for Service Sector
02/10/2026
China's central bank and seven other government agencies have introduced new guidelines urging financial institutions to expand funding for asset-light service enterprises.
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