In order to become registered users of the Web site, customers must open a savings account with the BOC Group. Existing customers will automatically get member login names and passwords to access their account information and other services.

BOC launched mobile online banking services in March that allow WAP mobile phone users to access account information using their handsets. In addition, through its credit card specialist arm BOC Credit Card (International), BOC has already made available voice-activated stock quotes and a warrants listed information retrieval system.

Liu Jinbao, chief executive of the BOC's Hong Kong-Macau regional offices said 'There is still much room for development in modern banking services, be it in real or virtual realms. By capitalizing on the ever ongoing technological development, the BOC Group would continue to keep abreast of time to explore vigorously our e-banking and e-commerce offerings, adding new dimension to our banking services.'

Services offered by iT's Online Bank include deposit accounts and a bill payment facility and customers will also be able to make balance enquiries and conduct transfers. The site also aims to introduce a range of online value added services to customers, the first feature of this kind being Financial Express, which offers free real-time stock quotes and financial information to customers.

Liu is optimistic that the site will grow in popularity and that the Internet has really become part of daily life: 'Nowadays, the number of registered accounts of Internet users has exceeded some two million, while their browsing time spent on the Internet has also witnessed a significantly upward trend.'