CONNECTIONS: Net users chop time spent on bank websites

HONG KONG: A report has found that while traffic to online banking sites has increased, users are spending less time on such sites.

According to Jack Loo, president of NetValue, users were spending an average of 41 minutes to surf banking sites in 2000. However, in December 2001, that figure decreased by half to about 22 minutes. "People are getting more comfortable with e-banking, meaning they can move within sites much more easily than before,

said Loo. "On the other hand, banks have also simplified their website features to make e-banking more convenient."

The top banking sites were hsbc.com.hk, hangseng.com, aigcard.com, dashing.com and Citibank.com.hk.