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
China Tightens Rules on Fund Performance Benchmarks
28/01/2026
New rules will transform benchmarks from a loose reference into a binding constraint on investment, disclosure, and even fund manager compensation.
Securities / Derivatives
China Hits Private Fund with Record CNY 41M Fine for Systemic Fraud
28/01/2026
Regulators impose a record penalty and lifetime ban for a scheme involving market manipulation, misappropriated funds, and a vast fundraising network.
Enforcement
SHFE Imposes Trading Curbs on 16 Firms Trading Metals Markets
28/01/2026
The Shanghai exchange has imposed trading curbs on 16 clients and tightened position limits, sending tin prices tumbling.
Enforcement
Korea: KDIC to Deploy AI to Recover Overseas and Digital Assets
28/01/2026
South Korea’s deposit insurer outlines 2026 plans to utilise artificial intelligence and third-party litigation funding to recover hidden overseas and digital assets.
Securities / Derivatives
Shanghai Rolls Out 18-point Roadmap to Cement Global Metals Pricing Influence
28/01/2026
Authorities in China’s financial hub unveil measures to integrate futures and spot markets, aiming to align pricing power with the nation’s dominance in production and consumption.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Korea Prosecutors Lose KRW 70b in Seized Bitcoin to Phishing
28/01/2026
Incident highlights custodial risks for digital assets amid recent Supreme Court ruling classifying crypto as seizeable ‘electronic property’.
Fintech / Regtech
Ten Korean Institutions Partner to Digitise Corporate Document Submissions
27/01/2026
The 'Corporate Public MyData' service aims to eliminate red tape for businesses by streamlining administrative and financial document submissions.
AML / KYC
Taiwan Cabinet Approves WMD, Counter-Terror Law Amendments
27/01/2026
Taiwan’s Executive Yuan has approved amendments expanding counter-terrorism laws to include WMD proliferation and increase reporting obligations for financial institutions.
Enforcement
Korea’s FSS Initiates Sanction Proceedings Against Stonebridge Capital
27/01/2026
The regulator has issued an inspection opinion letter to the private equity firm, casting doubt over its current fundraising targets.
Fintech / Regtech
Korea to Permit Family Credit Cards for Minors, Streamline Finance Rules
26/01/2026
Proposals would allow family credit cards for children over 12, let finance firms broker leasing products, and clarify licensing review rules.
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