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
Stablecoins
Taiwan Unveils Draft Rules for Virtual Asset Providers and Stablecoins
06/11/2026
Taiwan's FSC has proposed comprehensive regulations for virtual asset service providers and stablecoin issuers, setting strict capital and reserve requirements.
Structural Regulation
China Issues New Rules for Asset Management Trusts
06/11/2026
China’s NFRA has released new measures to govern asset management trusts, strictly prohibiting guaranteed returns and cash pool businesses.
Structural Regulation
China Industry Body Clarifies Online Financial Marketing Rules
06/11/2026
China's internet finance association has released new guidelines to regulate online financial marketing, targeting misleading payment displays and third-party routing.
Liquidity Risk
PBOC Raises FX Reserve Requirement to Cool Yuan
04/11/2026
The central bank will increase the foreign exchange reserve requirement ratio for financial institutions to manage liquidity and stabilise the yuan.
Liquidity Risk
China Halts IPOs and Ramps Up Liquidity to Prop Up Stock Market
04/11/2026
Chinese regulators have paused IPOs, eased buyback rules, and expanded central bank liquidity tools to stabilise markets following a severe October sell-off.
DeFi & Web3
Japan Weighs US-Style Regulatory Framework for On-Chain Finance
04/11/2026
Japan's ruling party is considering comprehensive regulatory overhauls for decentralised finance, stablecoins, and prediction markets following a recent US fact-finding mission.
Trading & Investment
LME Launches USD-Priced Steel Contract Based on Shanghai Prices
03/11/2026
The LME has introduced a new cash-settled hot-rolled coil contract, marking the first overseas authorisation of Chinese metal futures prices.
Resolution & Recovery
Korea Proposes Rapid Resolution Regime for Failing Financial Firms
03/11/2026
The FSC is seeking to slash the wind-down time for distressed institutions from 150 days to three to prevent systemic contagion.
Anti-Money Laundering
Thailand to Classify Environmental Crimes as Money Laundering Predicate Offences
02/11/2026
Thailand is amending its AML legislation to include environmental crimes as predicate offences, enabling authorities to trace assets and target beneficial owners.
Structural Regulation
Shanghai Exchange Caps Single-Stock Index Weights at 15 Percent
30/10/2026
The SSE has implemented new index compilation rules, capping single-stock weights to mitigate volatility and enhance market representation.
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