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
Structural Regulation
China Toughens Penalties for Accounting Fraud in Major Law Overhaul
02/07/2026
The revised law doubles maximum fines for fraudulent reports, introduces lifetime bans, and extends liability to clients who collude with auditors.
PEPs & Sanctions
China Expands Export Controls on Japanese Defence and Tech Firms
02/07/2026
China has added 40 more entities to its trade restriction lists, citing Japan’s "remilitarisation" and escalating a regulatory tit-for-tat between the two nations.
Trading & Investment
China to Launch Sulphur Futures in Response to Price Volatility
02/07/2026
The new contracts are designed to provide a hedging tool for industry and enhance China’s pricing power for the key commodity.
Credit Risk
Asset Managers Reviewing China Bond Holdings Amid Ratings Scrutiny
02/07/2026
Regulators are tightening standards for top-rated corporate bonds, prompting asset managers to reassess their holdings for potential downgrade risks.
Supervision & Enforcement
Futu Holdings Faces Investor Lawsuit Over China Regulatory Breaches
02/07/2026
The online brokerage is accused of misleading investors by operating in mainland China without proper licences, leading to significant proposed penalties.
Structural Regulation
PBOC Proposes Rule Amendments to Enhance Transparency of NCD Market
01/07/2026
PBOC is seeking feedback on revised rules for negotiable certificates of deposit to enhance macro-prudential management and market transparency.
Anti-Money Laundering
China Proposes New Rules to Streamline and Tighten Gold Trade
01/07/2026
China’s central bank and customs agency are seeking feedback on draft rules to facilitate the gold trade while tightening compliance checks for licensees.
Emerging Prudential Risks
China Opens Proposed Foundational Financial Law for Public Consultation
01/07/2026
A new draft law aims to bring all financial activities under supervision, strengthen Party leadership, and establish a 'bottom-line' mechanism to prevent systemic risk.
Liquidity Risk
PBOC Debuts Overnight Repo to Manage Short-Term Liquidity
01/07/2026
PBOC has launched a new overnight liquidity tool, injecting CNY 300 billion but surprising markets by not disclosing the rate.
CBDCs
China Proposes Major Overhaul of Central Bank Law
01/07/2026
The draft law, the first major revision in over two decades, would grant legal status to the digital yuan and formalise a ‘dual-pillar’ policy framework.
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