Global Fintech news summary – we have stories from Europe, China and the US with news of growth, new funds, government and contactless cars. London fintech startup investment is on the rebound in the first quarter of 2017 Figures complied by London and Partners reveal the best quarter since 2015 with Funding Circle raising £82m and Monzo and Currency Cloud receiving a further £20m each. The total amount invested across the tech sector since the EU referendum has been reported to be passed the £1bn mark with the Fintech sector attracting the most money over the last five years. Barclays opens Europe’s largest fintech site in London Barclays who also has six other innovation sites in New York, Manchester (UK), Mumbai, Cape Town, Vilnius and Tel Aviv have now opened a new open innovation centre, Rise London, in Shoreditch. As Europe’s largest co-working space dedicated to Fintech it will be a place for startups and corporate clients to work together and build new products. Ping An to launch $1bn fintech and healthcare fund In what could indicate a move outside of its home market Ping An is launching a $1bn fund to invest in financial and healthcare technology. They are the largest insurer in the world by capitalization and are currently developing a Chinese wealth management platform valued at $19bn. “Ping An is predominantly Chinese but they are at the point where they are interested in looking at expansion opportunities and this fund potentially provides a way”. US fintech charter imperiled as Curry leaves A federal plan to issue bank charters in the U.S. in order to encourage innovation by Fintech companies faces uncertainty due to the imminent replacement of the comptroller of the currency head, Thomas Curry by Keith Noreika who is a member of the Trump transition team who has extensive experience advising banks on regulatory issues. If the Fintech charter fails some may decide against the process of applying for a full banking license in the US. Hyundai to launch ‘Contactless Cars’ that can receive donations and thank you as well In a novel approach to charity fund raising Hyundai have converted a IONIQ electric car into a ‘Contactless Car’ to enable a frictionless way of donating to charity. The car will be showcased in King’s Cross station, London on 22nd May where members of the public will be rewarded with an audio, visual or electronic gesture for each contactless donation. Stand Up To Cancer has raised more than £38 million to date. The car will accept payments through Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, V Pay, Maestro and Android Pay.