One of the innovations that resulted from the mobile phone craze in recent years in the advent of mobile banking systems. These systems allow mobile phone users to carry out a range of banking tasks anytime, anywhere by using their mobile phones.

Mobile phone banking is spreading like wildfire. Initial take up was in the US, quickly followed by Europe. User numbers are expected to double over the next four years with the major new adopters being in the Far East, especially China according to analysts. The greater uptake will also result from greater consumer confidence in improved security measures.

Mobile banking systems offer the ultimate in flexibility and convenience. Most available services permit customers to at least check balances, view statements and transactions histories, send money and receive money.

One of the great attractions of mobile banking systems is that they allow instant transactions and confirmations. Money can be transferred immediately and confirmation received instantly. No more waiting around the statements to arrive.

Mobile banking is also more secure. You can elect to receive notification of any transaction involving your account sent to you as soon as it's made. So if your credit card is used without your authorisation, you'll know immediately.

Banks have also worked to make the user interface as intuitive and as easy to use as possible in order to cater for computerphobes.

So no matter whether you're on the beach or stuck in traffic, your bank is always in your pocket, ready to use anytime.