• Savings In a belated challenge to the internet-only banks, Abbey National yesterday launched the first of a series of products available only to online customers, a savings bond. Until now Abbey's website has allowed customers only to view products and request literature.

• New broker Sir John Quinton, the former chairman of Barclays Bank and the Premier League, is to be chairman of a new internet financial services company. Askzebra.com is said to be the first UK online execution-only broker to offer with profits bonds free of commission for the first year of investment. It will provide connections to the product ranges of firms such as Legal & General, Norwich Union and Prudential.

•Selling Britain's largest independent PC manufacturer, Tiny Computers , has begun selling its products on the internet. Tiny Online offers £230 of free gifts to customers who buy a PC through its website.