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
Capital / Liquidity
China Revises Financial Reporting Rules, Adds Overseas Asset Scrutiny
17/12/2025
The Ministry of Finance has updated its quarterly financial reporting framework, introducing new requirements for overseas assets and joint ventures.
Enforcement
Chinese Authorities Probe CNY 20 billion Default at Financial Asset Exchange
17/12/2025
The crisis has stranded nearly 10,000 investors, challenging the perception of "low-risk" wealth management products in the country.
Securities / Derivatives
CSRC to Launch New Governance Campaign, Deepen Market Reforms
17/12/2025
The regulator plans to introduce new supervision regulations, guide dividend payouts, and implement long-cycle assessments for institutional investors.
Securities / Derivatives
China Sets Strict New Boundaries for Bank Custody Business
17/12/2025
New measures prohibit banks from funding investment products and providing guarantees, elevating oversight from self-regulation to binding departmental rules.
Enforcement
China Imposes Record Fines on PE Fund Managers for Misappropriating Assets
17/12/2025
Chinese regulators have levied record fines totaling over CNY 35 million on a private equity firm for misappropriating client assets.
ESG / Sustainability
China Launches Mechanism to Channel Funding into ‘Green Factories’
16/12/2025
The MIIT and PBOC have instructed financial institutions to establish dedicated work plans and incentives to support national-level green manufacturing projects.
AML / KYC
KoFIU to Tighten AML Supervision in 2026 to Target ‘Weak Links’
16/12/2025
KoFIU announces stricter inspections for electronic financial service providers and mutual finance businesses to combat cross-border crime.
Securities / Derivatives
KRX to Revise Criteria for Issuing "Investment Warning” Designation on Stocks
16/12/2025
KRX plans to revise its criteria for designating ‘investment warning’ stocks after applying strict anti-manipulation rules to the country's second-largest company.
Enforcement
South Korea Scrutinises Binance over Upbit Breach Response
16/12/2025
Korean police had asked Binance to freeze Solana tokens from the Upbit breach, but only a partial amount was reportedly frozen after an initial delay.
Securities / Derivatives
Korean Lawmakers Propose Mandatory Public Tender Offer System
15/12/2025
The opposition Democratic Party of Korea proposes that the system could offer an alternative tool to defend against hostile mergers and acquisitions.
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