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
Securities / Derivatives
Shenzhen Exchange Consults on Rule Revamp for ChiNext Market
15/04/2026
Regulators have introduced new listing standards, expanded financing options, and created a novel role for local governments to recommend IPO candidates.
Securities / Derivatives
Shanghai Stock Exchange Proposes Overhaul of Trading Rules
15/04/2026
The proposed changes include expanding post-market trading, altering fund closing mechanisms, and adjusting price limits for risk-warning stocks.
Enforcement
China Social Security Fund Vice Chairman Under Graft Probe
14/04/2026
The investigation is targeting Wang Wenling, a long-serving executive who oversaw securities investments for China’s National Council for Social Security Fund.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Korea Drafts Bill to Regulate Stablecoins and Tokenised Assets
14/04/2026
New draft bill from the ruling party proposes bringing stablecoins under foreign exchange laws and requiring real-world assets to be held in trust.
Enforcement
Thailand Seizes Further $260 Million in Major Anti-Scam Crackdown
14/04/2026
Authorities have now frozen over USD 620 million in assets linked to a transnational cybercrime ring, signalling a major multi-agency regulatory enforcement effort.
Securities / Derivatives
Philippines Finalises New Regulatory Framework for Umbrella Funds
14/04/2026
The new framework allows a single investment company to offer multiple, segregated sub-funds, aiming to boost market growth and efficiency.
Enforcement
Bithumb Pursuing Legal Action to Recover Assets Lost in BTC Payout Error
13/04/2026
Some users argue that they have no obligation to return bitcoin that was distributed to them as a result of Bithumb's operational failure.
Market Infrastructure
China Establishes New Bureau to Centralise Supervision of State Assets
13/04/2026
The new body will centralise supervision and risk management for state-owned enterprises as they expand their global footprint amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.
ESG / Sustainability
Chinese Banks Claw Back Bonuses Amid Regulatory Pressure and Economic Strain
13/04/2026
Lenders are recovering performance pay and cutting salaries as Beijing's "common prosperity" drive and tight profit margins force a sector-wide belt-tightening.
Capital / Liquidity
China Targets Harmful Competition in New Rural Finance Rules
13/04/2026
NFRA shifts focus from rapid growth to sustainable lending quality and is cracking down on harmful price wars in rural finance.
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