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
Structural Regulation
Japan's Securities Industry to Form Joint Venture for Back-Office Operations
07/01/2026
The new company, backed by the JSDA and major brokerages, aims to cut costs and ease the administrative burden for smaller firms.
Cryptocurrency
Japan Minister Signals Support for Integrating Crypto into Mainstream Finance
06/01/2026
Satsuki Katayama pledges government support for integrating digital assets into traditional market infrastructure and cutting taxes to drive the “first year of digitalisation".
Cryptocurrency
Korea Mulls 20 Percent Cap on Crypto Exchange Ownership
06/01/2026
The FSC is reviewing proposals to classify top exchanges as core infrastructure, potentially forcing founders to divest billions in KRW.
Capital Adequacy
Thai SEC Suspends KuCoin Unit Over Capital Adequacy Breach
06/01/2026
Thai SEC orders halt to operations after exchange’s capital ratio fell below 60 percent of minimum requirement for five consecutive days.
Credit Risk
Philippines Launches State Micro-Lending to Curb Predatory Credit
06/01/2026
The Department of Finance directs the Social Security System to partner with banks for a digital micro-loan pilot launching H1 2026.
Supervision & Enforcement
CSRC Codifies Enforcement with New Securities, Futures Rules
05/01/2026
The CSRC releases comprehensive rules standardising regulatory measures, enhancing procedural rights while retaining emergency powers to contain market risks.
Credit Risk
China NFRA Eases M&A Lending Rules for Commercial Banks
05/01/2026
New regulations permit loans for minority stakes for the first time and offer more generous terms for controlling acquisitions.
Trading & Investment
China Finalises New Rules on Fund Fees to Spur Long-Term Holding
05/01/2026
New rules effective 2026 cap subscription and service fees, standardise redemption charges and limit incentives for sales agencies.
Cybersecurity
China’s Revised Cyber Law Enters into Force with Stricter AI, Penalty Rules
02/01/2026
Financial institutions face fines of up to CNY 10 million under a new tiered penalty regime effective 1 January.
Trading & Investment
China Expands REITs Market with Commercial Property Pilot
02/01/2026
Regulators roll out a unified framework to activate commercial assets, with exchanges streamlining review processes and waiving fees to boost participation.
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