HSBC - world's local bank ? No way!

I have been banking with HSBC and a Premier customer at that for a while. However, I think they are not keeping up with the local Indian banks when it comes to use of technology in online services. I have another salary account with ICICI from which I move the salary to the HSBC account.

There are many things that ICICI provide that HSBC doesn't or isn't interested in. For example, mobile banking - I get SMSed as soon as some sizeable transaction happens in my account, especially salary credited, quick check on balance etc. HSBC has a security device which they claim to make the online more secure, but has been very restrictive. Most of the online services out of India would have ICICI online account integration, whereas HSBC(and other foriegn ones) never figure in that.

The recent experience of having to pay some extra income tax brought this out. On sunday, I was told by my CA that I have to pay more money as taxes. He also told me about the online facility available. But I was sure HSBC wouldn't figure in it. So I tried transferring some money to my ICICI account. But their transfer thing wouldn't let me transfer on the next working day and instead I had to do it a day later. Also the status page was very slow most of the time. However, I could get it done early morning and within few hours I got the tax paid. But it left a very sour taste about HSBC online experience and I am a bit puzzled about the far more better online experience I have been having with ICICI. BTW, I hear that dealing with human beings in ICICI bank is a different story.

There is no way HSBC can be the "world's local bank" with such poor IT folks around who are not being competitive enough with the Indian banks!