Fintech start-up Airfox has joined forces with Mastercard, Cielo, and Zurich Insurance to expand the availability of its financial products and services across Brazil. It's emphasising security, convenience, and inclusivity to help overcome a historical resistance to online banking in the country.

Brazilian bank Itau Unibanco has launched a new instant payments platform powered by QR codes. Tapping into the Brazilian appetite for mobile payments, it also provides a solution for those with less formal banking credentials.

Brazilians are not unfamiliar with national crises, but amid rising crime, high unemployment, a series of political scandals, and a recession fresh in people’s memories, things are taking a heavy toll on the population. How are they reacting to the difficulties? And how do they see the future?

With poor public transport and jammed roads, cars are a status symbol in Brazil – and the more powerful, the better. And with 46 million cars, there's nearly one for every four people. But why do people dream of buying a SUV if they'll only drive it to the shop round the corner?