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
Cybersecurity
South Korea Probes Woori Bank Over Data Leak Incident
10/07/2026
Regulators are investigating a leak that affected over 17,000 customers, scrutinising the bank’s internal controls and potential executive accountability.
Sustainable Finance
Indonesia Launches Carbon Market Framework with New Registry
10/07/2026
New rules and a national registry aim to create a transparent, high-integrity market, starting with forestry and backed by financial regulators.
Structural Regulation
China Issues Measures to Build Shanghai as Global Reinsurance Hub
10/07/2026
The new rules, jointly issued by the NFRA and Shanghai’s government, aim to attract institutions and streamline cross-border business.
Cybersecurity
China Proposes Sweeping Cybersecurity Rules for Financial Sector
08/07/2026
Draft measures aim to unify cybersecurity standards, protect data, and introduce heightened obligations for critical infrastructure operators.
Credit Risk
China Takes Over Zhongbang Bank Citing ‘Severe Credit Risks’
08/07/2026
The move marks a significant step by China’s top financial regulator to address vulnerabilities in the country’s smaller regional lenders.
Structural Regulation
Shanghai, Shenzhen Exchanges Propose Major Refinancing Reforms
08/07/2026
New draft rules introduce a shelf registration system and tighten private placement requirements for listed companies.
Cybersecurity
Alibaba to Ban Anthropic AI Tools Amid Data Theft Claims
07/07/2026
The move follows allegations of a ‘distillation attack’ and the discovery of hidden tracking code in Anthropic’s Claude AI models.
Structural Regulation
China Proposes Overhaul of Refinancing Rules for Listed Firms
07/07/2026
The proposals aim to improve financing efficiency through shelf registration, optimised pricing, and revised lock-up period requirements for listed companies.
Credit Risk
China: Wanda Ordered to Pay Suning CNY 1.75 Billion Over Failed IPO
07/07/2026
A court has ruled in favour of retailer Suning.com in a long-running dispute stemming from a 2018 strategic investment.
Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime
Fugitive Chinese Tycoon Jailed for 30 Years Over Billion Dollar Fraud
07/07/2026
A New York court has sentenced Guo Wengui for orchestrating a massive fraud scheme that targeted his online followers.
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