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
ESG / Sustainability
Taiwan to Mandate Nomination Committees for Banks, FHCs
20/04/2026
Taiwan’s FSC is moving to make nomination committees compulsory for all financial holding companies and domestic banks to strengthen governance.
Fintech / Regtech
Japanese Firm to Launch QR-based Payments in Taiwan
19/04/2026
Japanese mobile payments giant PayPay will enable QR payments at 400,000 locations, integrating with Taiwan's unified "TWQR" standard in a regulated expansion.
ESG / Sustainability
Taiwan Launches TWD 300 Billion Scheme for Insurer Investments
19/04/2026
The FSC is offering incentives to steer insurance funds into strategic sectors including semiconductors, AI, and infrastructure over the next three years.
Capital / Liquidity
Taiwan Proposes to Allow Foreign Bonds as Loan Collateral
19/04/2026
The FSC proposes to allow investment-grade foreign bonds as collateral for securities-based loans, aiming to improve investor liquidity and expand brokerage services.
Capital / Liquidity
Shenzhen Taps 12 Financial Firms for Property Crisis Taskforce
17/04/2026
The city has formed an advisory group of banks, brokerages and an asset manager to provide financing solutions for distressed real estate and other key projects.
Market Infrastructure
Vietnam Taps London Stock Exchange for Financial Hub Development
17/04/2026
A series of agreements aim to connect Vietnamese firms to international capital markets and support Ho Chi Minh City’s ambitions to become a next-generation financial centre.
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.
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