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
Trending
China Eases Overseas Lending Rules for Foreign Banks and EXIM Bank
17/04/2026
Regulators have tripled the lending leverage ratio for foreign banks and raised the minimum loan cap fivefold to support overseas business and investment.
Securities / Derivatives
Beijing Stock Exchange Reinstates Inquiry-Based IPO Pricing
17/04/2026
The exchange is reviving its offline bookbuilding process after a three-year pause, aiming to improve price discovery and attract higher-quality technology listings.
Fintech / Regtech
Taiwan Eases Outsourcing Rules for Banks' Trade Finance Operations
16/04/2026
The regulator has amended rules to allow the outsourcing of letter of credit reviews to group entities, aiming to boost efficiency and flexibility.
Securities / Derivatives
Taiwan to Hold Off on Using Stabilisation Fund to Intervene in Stock Market
16/04/2026
The TWD 500 billion fund says it has no immediate plans to re-enter the market, citing strong economic fundamentals after booking significant profits.
Enforcement
China Court Orders Liquidation of Shadow Banking Giant Zhongzhi
16/04/2026
A Beijing court has ordered the consolidated bankruptcy liquidation of Zhongzhi and 316 affiliates, signalling a major move to contain systemic risk.
ESG / Sustainability
China Launches Eight-Point Plan to Tackle Corporate Fraud
16/04/2026
The CSRC has launched a special campaign focusing on eight key areas, including mandatory pay clawbacks for executives at firms engaged in financial fraud.
Sanctions
China Enacts Sweeping New Powers to Counter Foreign Sanctions
15/04/2026
The State Council has issued new regulations creating a framework to block foreign extraterritorial measures and penalise compliance within China.
Enforcement
Evergrande Founder Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Bribery Charges
15/04/2026
Hui Ka Yan has admitted to a range of financial crimes in a Shenzhen court, marking a pivotal moment in the developer's collapse.
Capital / Liquidity
Japan Proposes Easing Rules for Professional Investor Status
15/04/2026
FSA aims to boost funding for startups by relaxing the criteria for individuals to be classified as sophisticated investors.
Enforcement
China Issues Record Penalty Against Domestic Auditor in Fraud Case
15/04/2026
Regulators have imposed a CNY 243 million penalty and a one-year business suspension on Zhongxingcai Guanghua for major audit failures.
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