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
PEPs & Sanctions
China Lifts Sanctions on Two EU Banks in Reciprocal Move
27/04/2026
The action follows the EU's removal of two Chinese banks from a sanctions list, though fresh tensions have emerged over a separate, newer sanctions package.
Cryptocurrency
China Targets 'Finfluencers' and AI in Online Ad Crackdown
27/04/2026
New rules for financial product marketing are part of a broader push by regulators to govern the entire internet advertising ecosystem, from AI to livestreaming.
Trading & Investment
China Opens Government Bond Futures to Foreign Investors
26/04/2026
The move allows qualified foreign investors access to onshore government bond futures for hedging purposes, aimed at boosting the appeal of renminbi assets.
Clearing & Post-Trade
Taiwan Expands Digital Shareholder Notice Platform
26/04/2026
The expansion will add notifications for cash capital increases and public tender offers to the eNotice platform, aiming to cut costs and boost efficiency.
Structural Regulation
Taiwan Eases Fund Concentration Limits for Heavyweight Stocks
26/04/2026
The move allows certain domestic funds to hold larger positions in single companies that dominate the local stock index, reflecting market realities.
Structural Regulation
Korea to Introduce Cornerstone Investor System to Stabilise IPO Market
26/04/2026
The new rules allow pre-allocation of IPO shares to long-term institutional investors who commit to a six-month lock-up, aiming to improve price discovery and stability.
Capital Adequacy
Taiwan Amends Capital Adequacy Rules for Bills Finance Firms
25/04/2026
The amendments revise calculations for regulatory capital and risk-weighted assets, introducing stricter treatment for intra-group and certain financial instrument exposures.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
China Indicts Former CSRC Anti-Graft Chief for Bribery
25/04/2026
The case against Wang Huimin, who once led disciplinary inspections at the CSRC, is linked to allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for favours.
Clearing & Post-Trade
China and Brazil Launch Bond Market Connectivity Scheme
24/04/2026
Bank of Communications has been named the exclusive pilot bank for the new mechanism, which marks the first such link between China and another emerging market.
Trading & Investment
China Opens Onshore Nickel Futures to International Investors
24/04/2026
The move gives foreign firms direct access to key renminbi-denominated contracts, a significant step in the internationalisation of China's commodity derivatives market.
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