I have no idea to be honest, I remember with all of my bank accounts I would have to download software and use a USB dongle just to login as the OP said. I think it's partly because of how awful the security on Chinese websites is, but no idea really.

That's interesting. I was thinking that perhaps the usability of WeChat for banking is partly due to the lack of pervasive keylogging and remote access tool malware on Android that exists on Windows. All those security threats may be the reason desktop banking requires all the dongles and such.

i would think it's both, horrible security situation on desktop machines plus old attitude to build websites usually not supported in modern browsers (mostly IE only), but in general Chinese websites are extremely heavy on browser, not optimized with very dense layout

don't get me started on official monopoly railways website ​for selling tickets, straight outta 90s

though TBH Amazon website is also straight from 90s and it's hard to find even in China major shipping site which would look more dated