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
Credit Risk
Taiwan Launches Cross-Industry Credit Checks to Curb Leverage
09/11/2026
Taiwan's FSC has introduced a cross-industry credit inquiry mechanism to prevent excessive retail leverage across banks and brokerages.
Reporting & Disclosures
CSRC Issues New Standards on Sustainability Reporting, LLM Selection
09/11/2026
The CSRC has introduced three new financial industry standards covering sustainability reporting, LLMs, and futures company data.
Structural Regulation
Orient Securities Deal Advances China Brokerage Consolidation
09/11/2026
China's securities industry consolidation is accelerating as Orient Securities' acquisition of Shanghai Securities passes regulatory review alongside CICC's merger completion.
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 finalised new rules to overhaul the asset management trust sector, introducing strict investment limits and fee caps.
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 Deploys Coordinated Policy Package to Stabilise Stock Market
04/11/2026
Chinese regulators have introduced a sweeping set of measures, including permanent relending facilities and an IPO pause, to shore up investor confidence.
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.
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