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
Trading & Investment
SHFE Finalises Rules for International Access to Nickel Contracts
24/03/2026
The SHFE has issued detailed rules for international participation in its nickel contracts, leveraging the established 'Overseas Intermediary' model.
Emerging Prudential Risks
China Unifies Rules and Expands Capacity for Corporate Overseas Lending
24/03/2026
New regulations unify CNY and foreign currency rules and raise lending limits under a new macro-prudential framework.
Emerging Prudential Risks
China Unveils Draft Foundational Law to Overhaul Financial Regulation
23/03/2026
The comprehensive draft law aims to unify supervision, establish clear risk resolution mechanisms, and increase penalties for financial misconduct.
Liquidity Risk
Cambodian Central Bank Overhauls Emergency Liquidity Framework
23/03/2026
The new 'lender of last resort' regulation aims to boost depositor confidence and mitigate systemic risk amid changing economic conditions.
Structural Regulation
South Korea to Tighten SPAC Rules to Combat 'Irrational' Trading
23/03/2026
The FSS plans to enhance disclosures and close regulatory gaps as data shows rising speculation despite a contracting market.
Market Abuse
South Korea Cracks Down on Finfluencer Market Abuse
23/03/2026
Regulators are targeting front-running and rumour-spreading amid heightened market volatility, launching a whistleblower drive and promising stern action.
Conduct, Culture & Accountability
China Defines New Professional Framework for Investment Advisers
23/03/2026
The SAC has released its first-ever competency model for the country's nearly 87,000 investment advisers, pushing a shift from sales to fiduciary duty.
Anti-Bribery & Corruption
China Sentences ex-President of Bank of Guizhou for Taking $24m in Bribes
22/03/2026
A Chinese court has handed a suspended death sentence to a former bank president for nearly two decades of bribery, embezzlement and money laundering.
CBDCs
China Set to Expand of Digital Yuan Operator Network - Report
20/03/2026
China's central bank is preparing to more than double the number of banks authorised to operate the digital yuan, as a shift to interest-bearing status boosts commercial incentives.
Operational Risk
China Mandates Credit-Based Regulation for Transport Sector
20/03/2026
Five authorities have set a 2030 deadline for a unified credit system linking ratings to regulatory treatment, market access, and consumer services.
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