20/05/2018: SAMA grants licenses for full-fledged digital banks
SAMA issued licenses to two banks for providing digital banking services, reflecting a shift towards digitalization in the financial sector.
21/12/2016: Saudi Arabia introduces the SAR 200 note
A new 200 riyal banknote was introduced, featuring a portrait of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
18/05/2005: Removal of Ten Hong Kong Dollars Note
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced the removal of the HKD 10 paper note from circulation, encouraging the usage of electronic payment methods and reducing printing costs.
20/12/2003: Launch of Riyal Interbank Express (SARIE)
SAMA launched SARIE, a real-time gross settlement system, improving interbank transactions and money transfers.
01/07/1997: Hong Kong's Handover to China
Hong Kong was officially handed over to China, marking the end of British colonial rule but maintaining the Hong Kong Dollar as its currency under the 'one country, two systems' principle.
27/05/1997: Introduction of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency new design series
SAMA introduced a new series of banknotes with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting.
17/10/1991: Linked Exchange Rate System
The Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS) was implemented, establishing a narrow trading range of HKD 7.75 to 7.85 against the U.S. Dollar, backed by stringent measures to maintain stability.
30/06/1986: Saudi riyal pegged to the US dollar at 3.75 SAR per USD
Saudi Arabia pegged its currency to the USD, ensuring stability and ease of trade with international partners.
31/12/1983: Joint Declaration on the Future of Hong Kong
The Sino-British Joint Declaration was signed, affirming Hong Kong's return to China in 1997 and ensuring the continuity of the Hong Kong Dollar as its official currency.
22/05/1972: Pegging to the U.S. Dollar
As the British Pound faced pressures in the foreign exchange market, Hong Kong decided to switch the peg to the U.S. Dollar at a rate of HKD 5.65 to USD 1.
01/03/1952: Introduction of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA)
SAMA was established as the central bank of Saudi Arabia, responsible for issuing and managing the Saudi riyal.
12/09/1935: Pegging to the Sterling
The Hong Kong Dollar was pegged to the British Pound (Sterling) at a fixed exchange rate of HKD 16 to GBP 1, which helped stabilize the currency.
23/09/1932: Establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Saudi riyal currency was introduced following the unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz Al Saud.
01/01/1863: Introduction of the Hong Kong Dollar
The Hong Kong Dollar was first introduced as an official currency by the British colonial government to facilitate trade and commerce in Hong Kong.