Hang Seng Bank Enhances Internet Banking ServiceHang Seng Bank, the second largest locally incorporated bank in Hong Kong, announced Wednesday that it will extend its e-Banking services to more customers as a means of lowering its operation cost.From March 25, 2001, Hang Seng's Prestige Banking customers and sole proprietors are able to conduct ordinary banking transactions, securities and investment funds trading, bill payment and loan application via the Internet. "Our e-Banking services are not just a channel for banking transactions but also very popular for investments and have attracted more customers to try our investment services," said Paul To, assistant general manager and head of e-Banking and IT of Hang Seng Bank, at a press conference. Launched in August 2000, Hang Seng e-Banking services are currently offered to Bank Smart Account and Bank-In-One Account customers. Latest statistics indicate that more than 40 percent of the over 110,000 customers who have registered for the services have an online investment account, and that the total number of online transactions has exceeded 11 million since the August launch. To said Hang Seng plans to introduce more services to e-Banking customers, including instant loan approval and electronic bill presentment and payment. "By making use of the automatic system, we hope to ease the burden of our branches," To said. "Actually, banking transactions conducted on the counter have registered a 16 percent decrease since the launch of the e-Banking service." To said the e-Banking services are still in the investment stage, but the investment will gradually slow down. He predicted the cost of the e-Banking service is surely less than the traditional banking services conducted at the branches, and Hang Seng will extend the services to business banking customers in the near future. |
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