FT.com breaks 1m barrier

Hong Kong - The Financial Times has secured more than 1 million registered users to the FT.com, with its relaxed access helping to boost numbers.

FT.com said customer acquisition rates have soared since the launch of its access model in October 2007; which allows blogs, news aggregators and other websites to access FT.com content and link to it more freely. The model works by allowing users access to up to three articles a month for free, followed by a ‘light' registration. For more than 10 articles a month readers need to subscribe.

The news comes as The Financial Times appoints Robert Shrimsley as managing editor of FT.com. Shrimsley will help steer the ongoing digital and print integration at the FT, while leading on the ongoing design improvements on FT.com and its editorial content.

He will work closely with FT.com managing director Rob Grimshaw who is responsible for the website's commercial performance and overall strategy. Grimshaw said the FT is now in a real position of strength online.

"The number of registered users is significant as information on the FT's targetable users is particularly compelling for advertisers," he said.