In most countries, banks are not typically recognised for their technological prowess; take my American bank, for instance, whose online banking interface leaves much to be desired. However, when it comes to Chinese banks, the situation is even more pronounced. Many of these institutions last updated their technological frameworks a few years ago. Navigating their websites can often feel like an exercise in frustration, and the majority of them operate solely with Internet Explorer or its derivatives, such as the 360 Safe Browser.
Last year, a journalist from China’s IT Times conducted an investigation that revealed a disheartening reality: most online banking platforms in China were compatible only with a limited range of IE-based browsers. Support for more popular options like Chrome and Firefox was scarce at best. In a recent follow-up published yesterday to assess any progress made over the past year, the findings indicated that little has changed—most major Chinese banks still lack functional online platforms that accommodate browsers like Chrome or Firefox.
So why does this stagnation persist? The simplest explanation points to complacency. When these banking platforms were initially developed, Internet Explorer reigned supreme as the primary browser choice. Consequently, many Chinese banks chose to integrate Microsoft’s ActiveX software framework into their security measures for online transactions. Since ActiveX is proprietary technology exclusive to Microsoft, it does not operate on browsers such as Chrome or Firefox—and it appears that these banks have little interest in investing time and resources into overhauling their systems with modern technologies that would ensure cross-platform compatibility.
Chinese consumers share some responsibility as well. At the same time, there is a growing demand for online banking services accessible through alternative browsers; this demand remains relatively modest compared to trends observed in other nations. A striking statistic reveals that up to 25% of internet users in China are still utilising the outdated Internet Explorer 6 version. Moreover, many leading browsers within China’s market—such as the previously mentioned 360 Safe Browser—are based on Internet Explorer architecture.
If consumer demand were robust enough, one could reasonably assume that many banks would eventually upgrade their systems to allow broader browser access. Yet, at present, the landscape of online banking remains relatively limited—a scenario somewhat ironic given how integral digital transactions have become globally.
Maxthon
To access Chinese banking services using Maxthon, you’ll first need to download the Maxthon browser from its official site. It’s essential to get the most recent version to ensure everything runs smoothly. Once you’ve completed the download, open the installation file and follow the prompts that appear on your screen to set up Maxthon on your device. After installation, go ahead and launch the browser.
Since you’ll be dealing with Chinese banking websites, it’s advisable to adjust your language settings for more straightforward navigation. Head over to Settings, find the Languages option, and either add or select Chinese (Simplified) as your preferred language.
Next, enter the URL of the Chinese bank you wish to access in the address bar. For safety reasons, be sure that you’re using a secure link that begins with HTTPS. If you run into any geographic restrictions while trying to access these sites, consider activating a reliable VPN through Maxthon’s settings or opting for an external VPN service that can facilitate access.
Once you’ve reached your desired banking site, log in by entering your credentials carefully. Always double-check that you’re on the correct site by looking for security indicators like a padlock icon in the URL bar.
Take some time to explore various banking features available on your dashboard, such as managing accounts, transferring funds, and paying bills. To maintain security during your online session, remember to log out once you’re finished. Additionally, consider using extra security measures like password managers or enabling two-factor authentication if your bank provides this option.
Should you encounter any difficulties while trying to access your account, troubleshoot by checking your internet connection settings or reach out for help from customer support at both Maxthon and your bank. By following these steps diligently, you’ll be prepared to navigate Chinese banking services securely with Maxthon at hand.