Chartered unveils new notes

STANDARD Chartered Bank has introduced new $500 and $1,000 bank notes, in line with government policy of changing currency before the hand-over of sovereignty in 1997.

The new notes, designed by Henry Steiner, reflect contemporary Hongkong with the bauhinia flower replacing the traditional royal coat of arms.

The drawing of Standard Chartered's old headquarters has been replaced by one of its new building in Central.

But the colours and mythical creatures on the notes remain - the brown $500 note featuring the phoenix and the golden-yellow $1,000 note the dragon.

The new notes are also in the same size as the old issue.

The move follows the bank's release of $10 and $100 designs at the beginning of this year.