The HK Bank

In  the old days, Hong Kong people had a deep connection with “HK Bank,” as HSBC was fondly called. It was a bank we were proud of because it was a local institution  deeply rooted in Hong Kong with global significance.

When I was little, I didn’t fully understand what a bank did apart from issuing banknotes, but those notes fascinated me. The intricate designs, the iconic lions, and the details that captured Hong Kong’s spirit always caught my eye. My favorite was the red $100 note, vibrant and full of life. Yearsssss later, during my first summer job in Central, I walked past landmarks like the Final Court of Appeal and the HSBC headquarters every day on my way to the CKC Building. I felt proud – not just to work in Central but to be surrounded by a history and energy that defined Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre.

Do you still remember this 1980s version of the HSBC $100 banknote?

I’m keeping one, anyone else does the same?

Looks fun? Click here to experience the 3D model viewer – use two fingers to rotate on a phone or pad, or hold ‘Shift’ and drag with your mouse on a laptop!