The trend: US tech companies are increasingly hiring remote workers in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The move is especially strong for software developer positions that only require a laptop and an internet connection. Last month, 75% of companies hiring US engineers also looked for engineers in Latin America, up from 55% a year ago, per Insider.

Mastercard plans to launch similar pilots in the Middle East and Asia. Why it matters: Biometric payments may be an answer to heightened demand for contactless payments and transaction security. Contactless payments have become more popular—especially during the pandemic, as consumers opt for more touchless checkout experiences.