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
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
China to Launch Global Alliance Against Online and Telecoms Fraud
30/07/2026
The intergovernmental body aims to formalise intelligence sharing and joint operations, with over 40 countries already expressing interest in joining the initiative.
Tokenisation
Korea: POSCO, LG CNS Trial Blockchain for Trade Finance Using Live Invoices
29/07/2026
The PoC with South Korea’s largest trading company used the Injective public blockchain to tokenise real commercial receivables and automate document checks.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Korea Pushes 'No-Fault' Voice Phishing Compensation, Banks Resist
29/07/2026
A government-backed proposal that would make financial firms liable for phishing losses could cost the industry up to KRW 281 billion annually.
Structural Regulation
China Releases 2026 Broker Ratings, Adds M&A Incentive
29/07/2026
The CSRC has maintained a stable distribution of ratings for 106 firms while adding a new bonus-point category to encourage industry consolidation.
Structural Regulation
China's Stock Exchanges Revise Asset-Backed Securities Rules
29/07/2026
The revised guidelines introduce specific requirements for real estate assets and formally define 'inter-institutional REITs' across both bourses.
Data Privacy
China Finalises Simplified Data Protection Rules for Small Businesses
29/07/2026
New provisions aim to reduce the compliance burden on businesses processing personal data for fewer than 100,000 individuals, effective from September.
CBDCs
China Completes First Digital Yuan Payment to Singapore
29/07/2026
ICBC has settled the first cross-border digital yuan payment to Singapore using a new comprehensive settlement platform.
Market Abuse
China Fines Trader Over CNY 175 Million for Market Manipulation
29/07/2026
The penalty is one of several large fines issued this year, underscoring the regulator's zero-tolerance stance on market misconduct.
Cryptocurrency
Dozens of Foreign Crypto Apps Blocked on Google Play in Korea
29/07/2026
At least 29 overseas exchange apps, including OKX and Bybit, are now unavailable as Google enforces local VASP registration rules.
Structural Regulation
Taiwan to Draft Asset Management Law as Kaohsiung Hub Hits One-Year Mark
29/07/2026
The Kaohsiung hub has attracted TWD 728 billion in assets under management and will see some programmes expanded nationwide.
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