New Hong Kong Banknotes (2010 Series)

Press Releases

22 Jul 2011

New Hong Kong Banknotes (2010 Series)

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the three note-issuing banks (Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited) today (Friday) unveiled the designs of the $100, $50 and $20 of the Hong Kong 2010 Series New Banknotes.

The new $100, $50 and $20 banknotes incorporate the same state-of-the-art security features as the new $1,000 and $500 banknotes (which are already in circulation) and also the design to facilitate the visually impaired to differentiate the denomination.

Mr Norman Chan, the Chief Executive of the HKMA, said “The new $100, $50 and $20 banknotes will be gradually put into circulation starting from this November, after which the entire Hong Kong 2010 Series New Banknotes will be in full circulation in the community. The new $1,000 and $500 banknotes, which have been in circulation since last December and this February respectively, receive very positive response from the public. I am confident that the new $100, $50 and $20 banknotes will be equally well received. ”

The Hong Kong 2010 Series New Banknotes were designed by the respective note-issuing banks and approved by the Financial Secretary. They are printed by Hong Kong Note Printing Limited.

The HKMA will launch an extensive education programme to raise public awareness of the new banknotes. Seminars will be conducted for banks, retailers and money changers; and special outreach seminars for centres for the elderly and people with visual impairments. Exhibitions will be held in different districts in Hong Kong (see schedule of exhibitions at Annex). The interactive online-learning programme on the HKMA website at www.hkma.gov.hk has been updated to include the design and security features of the whole 2010 Series Hong Kong Banknotes. Education leaflets are available to the public at the HKMA office, branches of the note-issuing banks and District Offices.

Mr Benjamin Hung, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited said, “Standard Chartered Bank issued its first Hong Kong banknotes in 1862, and we celebrate a history of 150 years of note issuance in this vibrant financial centre. The new series of banknotes from Standard Chartered Hong Kong represents the continuous evolution of a design theme first commissioned in the 1980s. This latest series incorporates an overarching theme on the reverse side of the notes that pays tribute to the heritage of Chinese inventions whilst contrasting such early breakthroughs with those of modern security technology. Standard Chartered is proud to have played a part in contributing to Hong Kong’s financial sector as one of the SAR’s three note-issuing banks. We look forward to continuing to grow with Hong Kong in the next 150 years – and beyond.”

Mr Peter Wong, Chief Executive of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, said “HSBC’s legacy as Hong Kong’s largest note issuer begins another exciting chapter with the official launch of our new notes. HSBC’s new banknote series strongly reflects on Hong Kong’s culture for inspiration, showcasing local celebrations and festivals, Chinese calligraphy and traditional symbols and patterns within the unique design. As the bills enter circulation, we take great pride in the fact that this new series marks the first time that the Hong Kong community has been featured on HSBC’s banknotes.”

Mr He Guangbei, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “Building a Better Tomorrow is what Bank of China (Hong Kong) is committed to, which also echoes in the designs of our new series of Hong Kong Banknotes. With roots in Hong Kong for more than 94 years, we have encountered ups and downs together with the society. While providing professional financial services to the public, we are also committed to protecting the environment in Hong Kong as a responsible corporate citizen. In designing the new banknotes, we not only honour these natural wonders, but encourage the public to join us to build a green Hong Kong and contribute to the sustainability of the society.”

All existing banknotes continue to be legal tender. They will circulate along with the new banknotes and be gradually withdrawn from circulation when they become physically unfit for circulation.

For further enquiries, please contact

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Anissa Wong
Manager (Communications)
Tel: 2878 1802

Natalie Wu
Officer (Communications)
Tel: 2878 8246

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

Gabriel Kwan
Head of Corporate and Business Communications, Corporate Affairs
Tel: 2820 3036

Avis Kong
Senior Corporate Affairs Manager, Corporate Affairs
Tel: 2820 3009

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Gareth Hewett
Head of Group Communications (Hong Kong), Group Communications (Asia)
Tel: 2822 4929

Helen Lam
Senior External Communications Manager, Hong Kong, Group Communications (Asia)
Tel: 2822 4992

Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited

Angel Yip
Chief Corporate Communications Manager
Tel: 2826 6159

Carol Tam
Senior Corporate Communications Manager
Tel: 2826 6133

Hong Kong Monetary Authority
22 July 2011

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Last revision date : 03 August 2011