Hong Kong Monetary Authority

11 December 2000

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today unveiled the new security features of HSBC's $1,000 banknote. The new security features, which take advantage of the latest technology, will further help to deter counterfeiting.

HSBC's $1,000 notes bearing the new security features will begin circulation next Monday, 18 December. These notes will carry three new security features in addition to existing security features. The new features are:

• a clearly visible holographic windowed thread
• a highlight watermark showing the number '1000'
• fluorescent fibres in red, blue and green embedded in the banknote paper, visible under ultraviolet light

"The new security features will play an important part in our fight against counterfeiting," said Mr Joseph Yam, Chief Executive of the HKMA. "Although still low by international standards, the rate of discovery of counterfeit notes in Hong Kong increased earlier this year. To combat counterfeiting, the new security features have been applied first to HSBC's $1,000 notes. Once preparations have been completed, we expect that suitable new security features will also be applied to the $1,000 notes of Hong Kong's other two note-issuing banks," said Mr Yam. He added that, separately, a comprehensive review of the design and security features of all of Hong Kong's banknotes was making good progress.

"We have added a range of enhanced security measures to deter counterfeiting. We have also made sure that some of these features are easily identifiable so that the public will have confidence in recognising and using the banknotes," said Mr Raymond Or, General Manager of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. "There is no need for the public to rush to swap their existing notes with HSBC's newly printed $1,000 notes as both will continue to be legal tender in Hong Kong."

The enhanced $1,000 note, which bears the issue date of 1 September 2000, retains the basic layout and colour scheme of the existing series from HSBC. All the security features of the existing note have been retained with two minor modifications: to provide more space for the inclusion of the new security features, the security metal thread has been moved to the left and the number of fluorescent denomination blocks reduced from four to two.

During the coming week and beyond, the HKMA will be conducting an extensive campaign to ensure that banking staff, retailers and the general public are aware of the new security features. The campaign will include the distribution of leaflets and stickers both through banks and other outlets, and an HKMA student ambassador programme carried out over the weekend targetting major shopping areas throughout Hong Kong island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Further information can be obtained from the HKMA public enquiry line at 2878 8222.

Media enquiries:

Hong Kong Monetary Authority		HSBC
Thomas Chan	Tel: 2878 1480	David Hall	Tel: 2822 1133
Caitlin Wong	Tel: 2878 1687	Vinh Tran	Tel: 2822 4924

New security features

1. Holographic windowed thread

• A shiny metal thread, 3 mm wide, is woven into the paper.
• Holographic images of the bauhinia flower and '1000' appear on the thread.
• When the thread is held against the light, 'HK1000' and the bauhinia flower appear in clear text.

2. Highlight watermark

• A very bright watermark, showing the number '1000' when the note is held against the light.

3. Embedded fluorescent fibres

• Red, blue and green fibres randomly embedded in the paper show up under ultraviolet light.

Existing security features that have been altered

1. Security thread: looking at the note from the front, the security metal thread has been moved to the left. The security metal thread is visible on both sides.

2. Fluorescent denomination blocks: the number of denomination blocks, which are visible under ultraviolet light, has been reduced from four to two.

Existing security features that are unchanged

1. Intaglio printing: giving an embossed feel.
2. Asymmetrical serial number: printed both horizontally and vertically.
3. Concealed denomination: visible when the note is tilted.
4. Watermark of lion's head: can be viewed against the light on both sides.
5. See-through patterns: exactly aligned on both sides.

Size

The size of the new note is exactly the same as the existing note, at 82 mm x 163 mm.

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