Nine months after opening its first branch, Banif Bank (Malta) plc has unveiled its new web portal at www.banif.com.mt and launched Banifast, the internet banking service which is available to all Banif Bank's personal and business clients.

"Banif Bank's customer service philosophy does not allow us to see internet banking simply as a way to avoid visiting a branch," Banif Bank chief operating officer Nuno Martins explained. "It is more than that. It's a relationship channel in its own right, tailored towards customers who prefer online banking services."

Individual customers are able to conduct virtually all day-to-day banking requirements and even subscribe to products specially designed for the Banifast channel. Business customers for the time being are able to access all information on their accounts. A comprehensive range of new services will also be launched soon for these clients.

Internet banking is in constant evolution and Banifast will keep abreast of such changes. New services and products will be launched frequently, in accordance with customers' demands and needs.

Access to the Banifast service is innovative in Malta: passwords and confirmation keys are inputted through onscreen virtual keyboards that alter the position of the keys every time the web page is accessed. Statistics show that phishing is where the big risk lies for internet banking users. Banif Bank states virtual keyboards are a proven security feature against phishing.

"The principle is similar to the one of the token keys used by other banks in Malta", Mr Martins points out. "The difference is that it's not the code that changes, but the way it's inputted. This method is safe and there is no need to carry additional gadgets in your pockets or wallets."

Customers can subscribe to Banifast at any branch of Banif Bank or by visiting www.banif.com.mt.