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
Trading & Investment
Guangzhou Exchange to Open Lithium Contracts to Foreign Traders
19/06/2026
Guangzhou Futures Exchange will allow international participation in its lithium carbonate futures and options from 3 July.
Market Data & Technology
China Launches Interbank Data Repository in Shanghai
19/06/2026
A new entity has opened in Shanghai to centralise and analyse high-frequency trading data, aiming to enhance macro-prudential management and market supervision.
Structural Regulation
China Opens STAR Market to Unprofitable AI Model Firms
19/06/2026
New rules allow pre-revenue AI large model developers to list, provided they meet specific technology and market potential criteria.
Trading & Investment
China Deepens Offshore Bond Market with New Rules for Banks
19/06/2026
New notice clarifies underwriting and investment rules for banks in Shanghai's free-trade zone, aiming to build on the market's first-year progress.
Trading & Investment
SSE and SZSE Set Rules for Actively Managed ETFs
19/06/2026
New guidelines detail eligibility, investment, and disclosure requirements for the new fund category, paving the way for their launch.
AI Risk & Governance
China Issues AI Governance Rules for Banking and Insurance
19/06/2026
New guidelines require financial institutions to integrate AI risk into their overall risk management frameworks and ensure human oversight for high-risk applications.
Structural Regulation
China Unveils Action Plan for Shanghai Offshore Finance Hub
19/06/2026
The plan sets a phased timeline, details pilot programmes to boost yuan use, and calls for coordination with Hong Kong.
Trading & Investment
LME and SHFE to Launch Shanghai-Linked Steel Futures
19/06/2026
The new cash-settled contract, planned for October, will give international investors direct exposure to China’s domestic steel prices, pending regulatory approval.
Emerging Prudential Risks
NFRA Chief Vows to Tackle Systemic Risk, Support Strategic Sectors
19/06/2026
The head of the NFRA has outlined plans to manage property and debt risks while channelling funds to future industries.
Structural Regulation
SSE Proposes to Expand STAR Market Scope to Future Industries
18/06/2026
SSE is seeking feedback on revised listing rules to include sectors like quantum technology and robotics, while tightening disclosure and due diligence obligations.
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