Internet bank Egg has taken steps towards a move into the US.

The London-based online operator also said it had cut group pre-tax losses by 80 per cent in 2002 to £16.6 million, from £87.8 million a year earlier.

Chief executive Paul Gratton said the group was committed to developing Egg as a global business and had been researching different territories.

He said: "Specifically, we have been exploring potential entry strategies for the US market."