HK banks backward and inefficient

In 1985 I had a combined cheque, savings and credit-card account with my Australian bank. No passbook, everything was done with the card, and I got itemised monthly statements.

Similar accounts only became available in Hong Kong in the mid-1990s.

Today, using the Internet I can contact my Australian bank and - pay my bills; transfer funds between my accounts; transfer funds to any bank account in the country at any bank; check my account balances; check the last 100 days of my bank transactions; order cheque books and statements; set up periodic transfers and payments; and purchase term deposits.

I can do all this on-line, and all 24 hours a day.

American friends tell me that they can do similar things at major US bank Web sites.

Today, using the Internet, I can see what products and services my Hong Kong bank offers - nothing more.

How long must I wait for Internet banking in Hong Kong? For such a 'world financial centre', why are most Hong Kong banks so backward, inefficient and lacking in customer focus? RICHARD WHITFIELD Tsim Sha Tsui