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
Sustainable Finance
China Issues First Yuan-Denominated Green Sovereign Bonds in Canada
11/11/2026
China issued CNY 4 billion in green sovereign bonds in Canada, marking its first offshore yuan issuance in North America amid warming bilateral ties.
Cybersecurity
Japan Unveils Emergency Cybersecurity Package Following Breaches
11/11/2026
Japan has adopted an emergency cybersecurity package to bolster national defences and support businesses following a wave of data breaches.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
China Targets Crypto and Blockchain in Anti-Corruption Campaign
10/11/2026
The CCP has directed investigators to target corruption involving virtual currencies, blockchain technology, and cross-border capital flows.
Structural Regulation
NAFMII Tightens Disclosure Rules for Debt Financing Instruments
10/11/2026
Issuers of debt financing instruments must disclose detailed accounts payable information in their registration and issuance documents.
Trading & Investment
NAFMII Announces Measures to Support Financing for Advanced Manufacturing
10/11/2026
China's interbank bond market regulator has introduced a new framework to facilitate debt financing and asset securitisation for advanced manufacturing enterprises.
Payments & Settlements
SAFE Proposes Current Account FX Facilitation Policy Package
10/11/2026
China's foreign exchange regulator has drafted new rules to ease current account transactions, expand payment institution services, and reduce settlement costs.
Supervision & Enforcement
China Outlines Priorities for Financial Regulation and AI Integration
10/11/2026
China's State Council has outlined its next phase of financial development, prioritising enhanced supervision, AI integration, and legislative reforms.
Market Risk
Shanghai Launches Pilot Scheme for Overseas Investment of Reinsurance Funds
10/11/2026
Shanghai regulators have introduced a pilot programme allowing domestic insurers to invest cross-border reinsurance premium income in overseas assets.
Structural Regulation
China Tightens Foreign Access in Second Draft of New Financial Law
09/11/2026
China's top legislature has published the second draft of its foundational Financial Law, proposing stricter rules for foreign institutions and online marketing.
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.
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