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
Capital / Liquidity
Thailand Launches THB 20 Billion Guarantee Fund to Reverse SME Credit Crunch
29/12/2025
Thailand’s central bank and finance ministry have unveiled a risk-sharing mechanism funded by a bank levy reduction to unlock THB 100 billion in new lending.
Securities / Derivatives
Korea Exchange to Extend Kill Switch Mechanism to Bond Market
29/12/2025
The exchange will gain authority to cancel problematic orders and suspend trading from February following similar measures for equities.
Capital / Liquidity
South Korea Increases Bank Contributions to Inclusive Finance Fund
29/12/2025
The FSC will raise bank contribution rates to 0.1 percent to bolster funding for policy-based microfinance and vulnerable borrowers.
Securities / Derivatives
FSS Korea to Ban Volume-Based Incentives for Overseas Trading
26/12/2025
FSS orders halt to certain promotional activities and plans ban on volume-based rewards after finding widespread investor losses.
Securities / Derivatives
China Launches Crackdown on Online Capital Market Misinformation
23/12/2025
The CAC and the securities regulator are targeting accounts fabricating IPO policies and using AI to generate fake news.
Capital / Liquidity
Taiwan Lifts Cap on Exporter Dollar Sales to Stem TWD Depreciation
23/12/2025
Regulators have communicated to large banks that daily limits on exporter FX sales have been relaxed to counter volatility.
Securities / Derivatives
China Not Currently Processing New QDLP Fund Registrations - Reports
23/12/2025
Global asset managers have been unable to register new offshore investment products under the QDLP programme since July.
Market Infrastructure
Vietnam Formally Launches International Financial Centre Project
23/12/2025
The project will have hubs in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, introducing new rules on capital flows, tax, and land.
Securities / Derivatives
Beijing Exchange Weighs Overhaul of IPO Subscription System
23/12/2025
BSE officials are assessing prerequisites for switching from cash-based subscriptions to market-capitalisation allocation to reduce capital freezes and speculation.
Sanctions
US Enacts Legislation to Curb Investments into China Tech and Military
23/12/2025
The 2026 National Defense Authorisation Act mandates strict oversight on outbound capital and blocking federal contracts for specific Chinese biotech firms.
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