world's largest investment banks as its financial advisor.

EarthPort.com Plc, which was set up in 1997 and is listed on the Bermuda Stock Exchange, announced the appointment of Nomura International Plc yesterday.

EarthPort.com provides a way of paying for goods and services on the internet, with a facility for a two-way system from customer-to-customer and business-to-business.

The service also allows direct bank account debiting, so payment can be made without credit cards. The system is available in participating retailers and institutions on the web.

The EarthPort.com system was originally developed to service PLUSLotto.com, the only Internet-based charity lottery, and facilitates e-commerce for customers from 220 countries.

David Vanrenen, Executive Chairman of EarthPort.com, said: "We have appointed Nomura to assist us in developing the strategic opportunities which we have identified, and to manage any future fund raising on our behalf.

"We selected Nomura because they demonstrated a sound understanding of our sector, combined with the necessary research and distribution capability which will be needed as we grow the company.'' EarthPort.com is also listed on OFEX. The company focuses on the provision of a seamless, secure, fast and economical Internet payment and clearing system to banks, merchants and their customers.