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
Data Privacy
China Issues Sweeping New Rules on Outbound Investment
02/06/2026
The new regulation, effective 1 July, formalises national security reviews, tightens controls on technology transfers, and creates a legal framework for countermeasures against foreign restrictions.
Emerging Prudential Risks
China Accelerates Major Financial Legislation to Bolster Stability
02/06/2026
Beijing is fast-tracking four key laws, including a new Financial Law and a Financial Stability Law, to overhaul its regulatory architecture and strengthen risk management.
Cybersecurity
Korea Forms Expert Panel to Advise on AI Security and Network Rules
02/06/2026
The new advisory body will help shape policy on risks from advanced AI and the potential relaxation of the country's strict network segmentation rules for financial firms.
Structural Regulation
China Brokers Directed to Shape Positive Stock Market Narrative - Reports
02/06/2026
The Securities Association of China has updated its evaluation criteria, requiring research to support national strategies and bolster confidence in domestic equities.
Market Abuse
Korea Raids Broker and Listed Firm in KRW 100 Billion Stock Probe
02/06/2026
The investigation is the first major case for a new joint task force targeting market abuse, involving alleged manipulation of DI Dongil shares.
Structural Regulation
E Fund First to Win Licence Under New Macau Fund Law
01/06/2026
The Chinese asset manager will establish a subsidiary, signalling Macau’s push to modernise its financial sector and deepen ties with the Greater Bay Area.
Trading & Investment
China Explores AI Token Futures to Hedge Compute Costs
01/06/2026
The Shanghai Futures Exchange is reportedly designing derivatives tied to AI service pricing, a different approach from US exchanges focused on raw computing power.
Trading & Investment
Guangzhou Exchange Considers Night Trading for Metals Futures
31/05/2026
The GFEX is studying the feasibility of after-hours sessions to manage volatility and better align with international market dynamics.
Trading & Investment
China Opens Bond Futures Market With First QFI Trade
30/05/2026
The move allows qualified foreign investors to hedge onshore bond exposures, with Standard Chartered facilitating the inaugural transaction as the only approved foreign bank.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
Korea Pushes for Deeper Reforms as Value-Up Programme Matures
30/05/2026
Regulators are calling for a cultural shift and greater board accountability as the two-year-old initiative shows early signs of success in tackling the ‘Korea discount’.
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