Tsinghua University, a research university in Beijing, and financial-security company Tzekwan created the first facial recognition ATM machine, according to Chinese reports.

SWIFT, the member-owned network that connects financial institutions, has opened its new Latin American headquarters in Miami, Florida to service the growing regional markets.

TodayTix, a US app that allows people to browse and purchase last-minute theatre tickets, has expanded its business into London’s West End to capitalise on the country’s increasing levels of mobile commerce.

Net 1 UEPS Technologies (Net1), a provider of alternative payment systems that operates primarily in South Africa and Korea, has announced the acquisition of Transact24 (T24), a Hong Kong-based payment services firm.

IFAN financial, a San Diego-based software developer concentrating on mobile payments, has reached a funding agreement with New York-based Sea Otter Global Ventures, in a deal that will total $2.5m.

Ripple Labs has announced a new addition to its advisory board, with Donald Donahue, former CEO of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), joining the company to offer security and financial expertise.