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
Securities / Derivatives
FSS Korea Urges ETF Industry to Tighten Controls Amid Growth Risks
25/03/2026
FSS flags concerns over exaggerated advertising, rebalancing shocks, and advance portfolio disclosures amid rapid market growth and new product launches.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Australia's Hostplus Considers Offering Crypto Option to Pension Investors
25/03/2026
One of Australia’s largest pension funds is exploring a crypto investment option for members, subject to regulatory and consumer protection frameworks.
Enforcement
China Revamps Integrity Rules for State-Owned Enterprise Leaders
24/03/2026
The revised regulations expand their scope to cover enterprises under ‘actual control’ and introduce a 'negative list' of prohibited behaviours.
Securities / Derivatives
SHFE Finalises Rules for International Access to Nickel Contracts
24/03/2026
The SHFE has issued detailed rules for international participation in its nickel contracts, leveraging the established 'Overseas Intermediary' model.
Capital / Liquidity
China Unifies Rules and Expands Capacity for Corporate Overseas Lending
24/03/2026
New regulations unify CNY and foreign currency rules and raise lending limits under a new macro-prudential framework.
Market Infrastructure
China Unveils Draft Foundational Law to Overhaul Financial Regulation
23/03/2026
The comprehensive draft law aims to unify supervision, establish clear risk resolution mechanisms, and increase penalties for financial misconduct.
Capital / Liquidity
Cambodian Central Bank Overhauls Emergency Liquidity Framework
23/03/2026
The new 'lender of last resort' regulation aims to boost depositor confidence and mitigate systemic risk amid changing economic conditions.
Securities / Derivatives
South Korea to Tighten SPAC Rules to Combat 'Irrational' Trading
23/03/2026
The FSS plans to enhance disclosures and close regulatory gaps as data shows rising speculation despite a contracting market.
Enforcement
South Korea Cracks Down on Finfluencer Market Abuse
23/03/2026
Regulators are targeting front-running and rumour-spreading amid heightened market volatility, launching a whistleblower drive and promising stern action.
Securities / Derivatives
China Defines New Professional Framework for Investment Advisers
23/03/2026
The SAC has released its first-ever competency model for the country's nearly 87,000 investment advisers, pushing a shift from sales to fiduciary duty.
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