Lion Rock as backdrop - in tribute to the "Hong Kong Spirit"

5 banknotes from $20 to $1000, forming a shape of Lion rock

The design concept behind Standard Chartered’s 2018 Hong Kong Banknotes Series is “Hong Kong Spirit”. It showcases our unique values by incorporating the city’s signature attributes.

The design has subtly embedded a special feature – when you put the five banknotes together, their backgrounds form a silhouette of the Lion Rock, which is considered the pride of Hong Kong and a symbol of the “Hong Kong spirit”.

The new series was created jointly by the Standard Chartered team and a team of local designers, with the support of a group of technical experts from Germany. We hope to bring to Hong Kong a new series of banknotes that is truly made by Hong Kong, made for Hong Kong, and made with Hong Kong.

$1000: Wit and Wisdom

The $1000 banknote highlights Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre with the signature Central skyline as its key visual. The symbols of technology and the stock market show the wit and dynamics of the financial industry in Hong Kong. With wit and wisdom, Hong Kong people can create new opportunities for the future.

Standard chartered $1000 bank note issued in 2018
Standard chartered $500 bank note issued in 2018

$500: Resilience and Perseverance

The $500 banknote depicts the magnificent view of the “Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark”. Originating from one of the world’s largest volcanic eruptions 140 million years ago, the massive acidic volcanic hexagonal columnar rock has transformed itself over time into the unrivalled and rare light-coloured volcanic rocks that we now see. Sitting in the eastern waters of Hong Kong, these rocks are symbols of Hong Kong people's resilience and perseverance.

$100: Inheritance and Innovation

The $100 banknote shows the city’s cultural heritage with two young Cantonese opera artists performing against the backdrop of the world-class Xiqu Centre of the West Kowloon Cultural District. The pattern of silver fins highlights the contemporary architectural design of the Xiqu Centre and injects a sense of vitality and creativity into the traditional art form.

Standard chartered $100 bank note issued in 2018
Standard chartered $50 bank note issued in 2018

$50: Better Together

Pollinating a Lantana, the Blue-spotted Crow on the $50 banknote is one of the few native butterflies that can survive the winter. They stay together to fend off the challenge of the harsh weather. The larva, pupa and adult butterfly on the $50 banknote demonstrate a process of renewal and rebirth. They also represent the unity of Hong Kong people.

$20: Sharing and Caring

The $20 banknote shows a family enjoying their time together over dim sum. The lantern is covered with the Chinese characters “Gather”. The background is interspersed with circular patterns that are linked together to symbolise the connection among family, friends and everyone in Hong Kong. We highly value interpersonal relationships and this is fully reflected in our yum cha culture.

Standard chartered $20 bank note issued in 2018

Front panel design

The front panel of the banknotes features the Standard Chartered Bank Building and the Forum in Central. They symbolise our commitment to the city, having worked side by side with Hong Kong for nearly 160 years and we will continue to contribute to the community going forward. The background with a geometric cut is inspired by the glass façade design of the Forum. The Standard Chartered logo at the centre uses different motifs based on the respective theme of each denomination and is echoing with the back panel designs.