Quantum Technologies Key Strategies and Opportunities for Financial Services Leaders 2025

Sustained collaboration between policy-makers, regulators, academia and industry (including start-ups) is essential for advancing quantum technologies. These collaborations provide access to expertise and innovation while facilitating risk-sharing and accelerating infrastructure development. In a nascent ecosystem like quantum for financial services, regulators play a pivotal role in facilitating international cooperation. By working to harmonize cybersecurity standards and regulatory approaches across jurisdictions, they help ensure the secure and ethical integration of quantum technologies into the global financial system. Initiatives like the UK’s Responsible Quantum Industry Forum (RQIF) exemplify how governments are working with industry leaders to promote ethical innovation, aligning technical progress with public interest protections.33 Several financial regulatory authorities have taken proactive measures to specifically address quantum security challenges. For instance, in February 2024, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issued an advisory urging financial institutions to maintain an inventory of cryptographic assets and prioritize critical assets for migration to quantum-resistant encryption and key distribution.34 In April 2024, the EU released a memorandum to its member states advocating for a coordinated transition to quantum-safe digital infrastructure.35 In November 2024, the Group of Seven (G7) Cyber Expert Group (which advises G7 finance ministers and central bank governors on cybersecurity policy matters important to the security and resilience of the financial system) endorsed a unified approach to combatting financial sector risks from quantum computing.36 Similarly, in January 2025, the Bank of Israel mandated financial entities to develop a preparedness plan for cyber risks associated with quantum computing capabilities.37 Many financial institutions are actively participating in various collaborative initiatives to tackle security challenges. The FS-ISAC PQC working group, for example, has published multiple reports and guidelines, and Europol’s Quantum Safe Financial Forum released a position paper in February 2025.38 Additionally, several organizations are encouraging public-public and private-private collaborations. In February 2025, for instance, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) organized the “quantum-readiness for central banks and supervisors conference”, which saw participation from over 40 central banks worldwide.39 Cultivating entrepreneurial activity and attracting private capital are critical to developing the quantum economy. Policy-makers and regulators can support this by promoting start-up formation through targeted incentives, dedicated incubators and simplified regulatory pathways. Additionally, de-risking early-stage ventures via grants, public- private co-investment mechanisms or government- backed funding instruments can help catalyse innovation and unlock long-term value. Initiatives at the local and federal levels demonstrate how targeted support can help build a robust ecosystem. As an example, in Singapore, MAS committed SGD 100 million (Singaporean dollars) under the Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Grant Scheme to support financial institutions in building capabilities in quantum. This funding was also directed towards the advancement of quantum- and AI-related innovation and adoption in financial services.40 In the United Arab Emirates, efforts are under way to raise awareness of the potential of quantum computing in financial services. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has publicly recognized the significance of quantum computing and is working to position the United Arab Emirates as a hub for quantum computing applications in finance, thereby creating fertile ground for start-ups and venture capital.41 The UK, a leading global financial centre, is emerging as a hotspot for quantum innovation in finance. Start-ups in this area are exploring funding opportunities from government initiatives and collaborations with research centres, especially through Innovate UK grants and the National Quantum Technologies Programme. More established organizations are also taking note. For instance, a collaboration between Toshiba Europe, HSBC and British Telecom (BT) aims to expand the capabilities of QKD networks.425.3 Public-private collaborations 5.4 Entrepreneurship support De-risking early-stage ventures via grants, public-private co-investment mechanisms or government- backed funding instruments can help catalyse innovation. Quantum Technologies: Key Strategies and Opportunities for Financial Services Leaders 20