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
Payments & Settlements
PBOC Directs Chinese Banks to Lower Dollar Deposit Rates
06/03/2025
The move is aimed at deterring dollar hoarding and encouraging depositors to convert USD holdings into yuan.
Market Abuse
China Tightens Scrutiny on Offshore Listings, Use of Proceeds
05/03/2025
Chinese firms need approval to deploy proceeds from Hong Kong share sales overseas. Small cap listings in New York are also facing scrutiny.
Structural Regulation
China Eases Rule for HK and Macau FIs Investing in Mainland Insurers
03/03/2025
Hong Kong and Macau FIs no longer have to meet the $2bn asset requirement to invest in mainland Chinese insurance companies.
Structural Regulation
SET Proposes Relaxed Free Float Requirements to Attract Listings
03/03/2025
The Stock Exchange of Thailand proposes lower free float requirements for companies with a paid-up capital over THB 10 billion.
Trading & Investment
ACLEDA Becomes Intermediary for Cambodian Government Bonds
01/03/2025
ACLEDA Bank is the first commercial bank in Cambodia authorised to act as an intermediary for government securities.
Credit Risk
PBOC Urges FIs to Strengthen Support for Private Enterprises
01/03/2025
FIs are asked to strengthen their service capabilities, diversify financing channels, and increase their allocation of financial resources to private enterprises.
Tokenisation
ChinaAMC HK Launches Asia-Pacific’s First Tokenised Retail Fund
01/03/2025
The fund introduces tokenised share classes, enabling investors to access critical information in real-time while benefiting from streamlined processes.
Sustainable Finance
China Issues Green Finance Implementation Plan for Banking, Insurance
28/02/2025
The green finance implementation plan is part of a broader strategy for China to achieve its peak carbon and carbon neutrality goals.
Structural Regulation
Indonesia Launches New Sovereign Wealth Fund
28/02/2025
The sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, will start with USD 20 billion but eventually grow to hold assets worth over USD 900 billion.
Trading & Investment
Korea: Resumption of Short-selling to Include All Stocks
27/02/2025
When the ban is lifted on 31 March, investors will be able to short-sell any Korean stock, not just KOSPI 200 and Kosdaq 150 stocks.
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