DESPITE high-profile security lapses and fears about privacy, more and more people are signing up for online banking.

All the big name banks are investing heavily in the new technology and a recent survey of financial groups worldwide forecast that 25 per cent of all banking transactions will be online by the year 2003.

The scale of the move to e-banking can clearly be seen in figures published by the Nat West www.natwest.com. which reports 2,000 new customers a month and a total of 150,000 customers in the four months to March this year.

The Nat West offers customers clear, drop-down menu options and services such as a "youth zone" as well as corporate and personal banking facilities.

Lloyds TSBwww.lloydstsb.co.uk has re-vamped its site with a fresh, attractive design and easy to navigate service which also offers its customers news from the Press Association and advice on money-related topics.

Information includes a section on the Euro for corporate users and details about community projects. At the HSBC www.banking.hsbc.co.uk the emphasis is on putting the customer in control with buttons and clear navigation.

But the bank also offers customers extra services including the chance to test their driving skills online at racetracks around the world as part it its commitment to Jaguar Racing.

The Barclays online banking service www.barclays.co.uk has had a high-profile infancy with the controversy over branch closures. After several design changes the site now offers clear navigation within a somewhat austere design.

Anyone looking for the best deals, interest rates or credit card options will now find a host of suppliers on the web - many of which are now Internet only such as Eggwww.egg.com.

All laws surrounding credit and investments still apply and information about consumer rights can be found at the Financial Services Authoritywww.fsa.gov.uk.