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
Enforcement
China Pledges ‘Zero Tolerance’ for Illegal Activity to Ensure Market Stability
19/01/2026
CSRC vows to rigorously punish speculation and manipulation following work conference, approving margin hike to curb risks.
Fintech / Regtech
China Proposes AI Security Guidelines Covering Full Application Lifecycle
19/01/2026
China’s cybersecurity standards body seeks industry feedback on four draft guidelines addressing AI application risks, training data cleaning and user security.
Securities / Derivatives
China Extends Tax Exemptions for Foreign Bond Investors Through 2027
19/01/2026
The Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration confirm a two-year extension of income tax and VAT waivers to support market opening.
Enforcement
FSS Korea Launches Special Governance Probe at Major Banking Groups
19/01/2026
FSS Korea launches probe into eight major banking groups amid concerns over entrenched CEOs, weakened board oversight, and alleged ‘inner circle’ influence.
Securities / Derivatives
China to End HFT Speed Advantage with Co-location Ban, Latency Delay
19/01/2026
Exchanges order removal of co-located servers and propose artificial lags to curb volatility and protect retail investors.
Securities / Derivatives
South Korea Passes Legislation to Legalise Security Tokens
19/01/2026
New laws, effective January 2027, will institutionalise security token offerings and open up fractional investment in non-traditional assets.
ESG / Sustainability
Japanese Firms Weigh Return to NZAM With Less Demanding Climate Goals
16/01/2026
The Net Zero Asset Managers initiatives will restart with relaxed requirements to navigate US legal risks and political pressure.
Enforcement
South Korea to Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Debt Collection in 2026
16/01/2026
Financial regulators have unveiled a comprehensive plan to expand legal support for victims and strengthen enforcement against illegal private lenders this year.
ESG / Sustainability
Korea Pilots 'Responsibility Mapping' Initiative at Non-Bank Lenders
15/01/2026
Regulators are offering sanctions relief and consulting to large credit finance firms and savings banks that adopt new internal control accountability maps early.
Securities / Derivatives
China Tightens Margin Rules to Cool Speculative Stock Rally
15/01/2026
Regulators are raising margin financing requirements to 100 percent to rein in leverage, but grandfathering existing contracts to prevent market disruption.
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