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
Structural Regulation
China’s CXMT Sues Pentagon Over Military Blacklist
08/09/2026
The country’s top memory chipmaker is challenging its ‘Chinese Military Company’ designation, alleging the decision was arbitrary and unlawful.
Capital Adequacy
China Deploys $54 Billion to Recapitalise State Banks and Insurers
08/09/2026
The move, funded by special treasury bonds, marks the first such capital support for state insurers amid growing financial system stress.
Data Privacy
Taiwan Issues New Rules on Data Sharing for Securities Firms
08/09/2026
The updated order requires board-approved controls and customer consent, aligning the sector with broader cross-industry data sharing guidelines.
Reporting & Disclosures
New Asset Management Disclosure Rules Take Effect in China
08/09/2026
New rules mandating unified disclosure for wealth products took effect on 1 September, but less than half of required announcements were compliant ahead of the deadline.
Structural Regulation
China Scraps Decades-Old Dividend Tax Break for Foreign Individuals
04/09/2026
The move ends a 1994 exemption and applies a standard 20 percent tax rate, part of a broader push for market unification.
Credit Risk
Korea Launches Support Centres to Ease Property Market Strain
04/09/2026
Authorities launch dedicated finance support centres and a new scheme to convert stalled projects into public rental housing.
Operational Risk
China Revamps Liability Insurance Rules for Accounting Firms
03/09/2026
New rules will double the minimum professional liability coverage for auditors of public-interest entities to enhance investor protection.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
China Consults on Draft Anti-Transnational Corruption Law
03/09/2026
The proposed law would establish a national anti-corruption mechanism and impose new compliance obligations on companies operating overseas.
Supervision & Enforcement
China Intensifies Brokerage Crackdown with Full-Chain Accountability
03/09/2026
Regulators have issued nearly 200 penalties this year, targeting failures in due diligence and account management, with enforcement now extending to senior managers.
Trading & Investment
China Regulators Grant $6.8 Billion in New QDII Quotas
02/09/2026
SAFE approved the largest batch of outbound investment quotas since 2021, in line with stated plans to move to more regular issuances.
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