The End of the Era???

This is the first note without the stamp of BOC, HSBC or SCB. Does this mean that the HK govt have taken the note-printing over from these banks, permanently?

No, the HK government has not taken over note-printing. 

The three commercial banks that are still allowed to issue HK banknotes do not issue the $10 denomination anymore. Their banknotes start with the $20 denomination. The HK government only issues the $10 denomination – at least thus far. 

The reasons the HK government is printing the $10 notes as there is still a strong demand for this denomination, despite the 3 major banks ceased printing them. The note was initially replaced by a coin and the government has no choice and decided to reissue this note again, This note is also very popular as many people use this note as red packet during the Chinese new year celebration. While the value is small, it is a gesture and having a $10 coin in a red packet does not look nice. We all like to have a banknote, and can just hoping for one that come with the right colour. 😁