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
Fintech / Regtech
China and Ethiopia to Deepen Financial Cooperation on Payments and CBDCs
07/04/2026
Central banks discussed establishing bilateral swap lines and integrating payment systems, including potential access to China's CIPS network for Ethiopian banks.
Capital / Liquidity
Bangladesh Launches Bank-Backed Venture Fund Under Central Bank Guidance
07/04/2026
A new BDT 6 billion venture capital firm, funded by 39 banks under a central bank directive, will launch this month.
Canada, China Sign Pact to Deepen Financial Cooperation
07/04/2026
The agreement follows a high-level visit to Beijing aimed at boosting trade and gaining greater market access for Canadian financial firms.
Enforcement
China Probes Data Collection Practices in Finance and Other Sectors
07/04/2026
Regulators will scrutinise illegal data collection and use by banks, insurers, and online loan platforms as part of a nationwide enforcement action.
Market Infrastructure
China's Insurance Sector Gets New Product Suitability Code
07/04/2026
The self-regulatory rules introduce detailed product and customer classifications to curb misselling and protect consumers' rights and interests.
Enforcement
Thai SEC Sanctions Deloitte Auditor for Falsifying Financial Statements
06/04/2026
The regulator has filed a criminal complaint and imposed a six-year ban on the auditor for serious professional misconduct that facilitated financial fraud.
Securities / Derivatives
TAIFEX to Introduce Dynamic Price Limits for ETF Derivatives
06/04/2026
The exchange is replacing fixed price limits for futures and options on ETFs with foreign components with a new three-stage circuit breaker mechanism.
Enforcement
Korean Banks Face Signficant Annual Costs for Fraud Compensation
06/04/2026
Proposed legal amendments that would force financial firms to compensate fraud victims could cost financial firms up to KRW 281.1 billion annually.
Securities / Derivatives
Thailand, Laos Sign MOU on Stock Market Integration
06/04/2026
The agreement aims to strengthen cross-border connectivity, explore dual listings, and enhance regulatory cooperation between the two Southeast Asian markets.
Capital / Liquidity
China Mandates Unified Corporate Credit Evaluation Framework
06/04/2026
The plan aims to standardise credit ratings, eliminate fragmented rules, and integrate public and market-based evaluations to support supervision and financing.
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