The internet continues to make a major impact on HSBC's business, according to the banking giants' financial results released today.

In the UK, 12 per cent of personal loan applications are now being made online, using an automated system enabling approved loans to be paid into customers’ accounts within minutes.

HSBC also accounted for 18 per cent of the whole credit card sales market for May 2007, with online sales representing 27 per cent of total new account openings.

Globally internet sales have risen 68 per cent since the same period last year, and the number of customers actively using HSBC’s internet banking services is up 11 per cent.

Trading income increased by 32 per cent globally as a result of the recently launched online e-trading platform and increased customer demand for hedging products overseas and online trades were up 98 per cent on the second half of 2006.