Mark Johnston

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    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

    CBDCs

    China: Jiangsu Universities to Mandate Digital Yuan for Salary Payments

    29/10/2026

    Several universities in China's Jiangsu province will begin distributing staff salaries through CBDC wallets in November 2026.

    Alternative Markets

    China Proposes New Rules to Regulate Private Investment Fund of Funds

    29/10/2026

    The CSRC has issued draft guidelines to standardise private investment fund of funds and encourage long-term capital allocation.

    AI Risk & Governance

    China Mandates Employment Friendly AI Adoption Nationwide

    29/10/2026

    China's State Council has released new directives to mitigate AI-driven job losses, mandating algorithmic regulation and employment risk assessments.

    Cryptocurrency

    Korea Delays Decision On Fourth Postponement of Crypto Tax

    29/10/2026

    Korean officials have failed to reach an agreement on delaying the planned 2027 crypto gains tax, extending market uncertainty.

    Emerging Prudential Risks

    China Sets Out Insurance Sector Roadmap and Risk Prevention Priorities

    29/10/2026

    The strategic priorities for the next five years emphasise regulatory oversight, risk prevention, and market reform.

    Structural Regulation

    China Proposes Trade Secret Rules Targeting Foreign Entities

    28/10/2026

    MOFCOM issued draft regulations proposing trade and investment restrictions on foreign entities that infringe on domestic trade secrets.

    Payments & Settlements

    China Proposes Easing Cross-Border Investment and Financing Rules

    28/10/2026

    SAFE has proposed 11 new measures to optimise cross-border investment, expand borrowing capacity, and streamline registration.

    Structural Regulation

    China Tightens Scrutiny on Listed Company Spinoffs

    28/10/2026

    Chinese regulators are intensifying their review of corporate spinoffs to protect parent company shareholders and curb rapid fundraising.

    Trading & Investment

    AMAC Consults on Revised Fund Valuation Guidelines

    28/10/2026

    The AMAC has proposed updates to eight self-regulatory rules to standardise fund valuation practices.

    Cryptocurrency

    Beijing Financial Court Issues White Paper on Belt and Road Dispute Resolution

    28/10/2026

    New white paper outlines judicial approaches to cross-border financial disputes, highlighting strict compliance rules for overseas investments and arbitration.

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