An Australian study has found that the proportion of that nation's smartphone users who conduct banking transactions on their phones is now greater than 20 percent. Meanwhile, the percentage of smartphone users who bank online has dropped: Fewer than half of smartphone owners now use a computer for banking transactions, said the study from Roy Morgan Research.

"PCs are becoming less popular for everyday tasks as the capabilities of smartphones increase," said Andrew Braun, mobile, Internet and technology industry director at Roy Morgan Research. "Where internet banking gave people the convenience of banking at home, smartphones now give them the convenience of banking anywhere."

The adoption of mobile banking differs between brands, the study found — 28 percent of iPhone users, compared with 18 percent of Samsung users. However, it is Samsung users who are driving growth in mobile banking — their numbers nearly doubled during the past year.

This growth reflects the increased availability of mobile banking applications on Samsung's Android operating systems, the study said.

In the past year, users of both brands have made a move away from the personal computer as their online banking device.

"Banks are rightly investing in mobile technologies to give their customers increased flexibility and security," Braun said. "The introduction of Near Field Communications technology — which allows smartphones to be used as a credit or debit card — will no doubt impact further on the trend."

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