Quantum Technologies Key Strategies and Opportunities for Financial Services Leaders 2025

Appendices A1 Explanation of indicators These indicators also influence one another, with risk being particularly affected by the combined impact of all other factors. Indicator explanations TABLE 1 IndicatorExplanation of indicator levelsQuantum computingQuantum sensingQuantum communications and security Maturity level How developed and ready the technology is for practical use High is desirableLow – Experimental stage, mainly theoretical, no real-world use cases Medium – Some proven applications, but large-scale deployment is limited High – Well-developed, widely adopted and integrated into various industriesMedium Emerging applications in financial modelling and  risk analysis; ongoing developmentLow Limited direct financial services applications, primarily in research phasesBetween medium and high Quantum-resistant algorithms and quantum- native cryptographic technologies being tested and deployed for cryptographic assurance and secure communications Scalability The ability of the technology to expand and handle increasing workloads High is desirableLow – Limited scalability due to hardware, cost or environmental requirements Medium – Some expansion possible, but significant improvements needed High – Easily scalable, deployable across industries with minimal barriersMedium Current hardware limitations restricting scalability; potential growth with advancementsBetween low and medium Niche applications limiting scalability within the financial services industryBetween medium and high High PQC and QRNG scalability potential across global financial networks, QKD scalability challenges to be overcome Level of expertise required The effort and expertise required to adopt and use the technology Low is desirableLow – Easy to learn and integrate, with user-friendly tools and widespread training available Medium – Specialized knowledge required (but practical applications are more intuitive) High – Very complex, requiring deep expertise in quantum physics and engineeringBetween medium and high Requires specialized knowledge in quantum algorithms and computingMedium Involves integration of quantum sensors; moderate complexityMedium Necessitates understanding of quantum cryptography principles Implementation time and cost The resources required to deploy the technology Low is desirableLow – Cost-effective and quick to implement at scale Medium – Moderate cost and time commitment, with potential long- term ROI High – Expensive, long-term investment with slow deploymentBetween low and medium Expensive and long-term investment required, with gradual improvementsBetween medium and high Costs associated with integrating quantum sensors into existing systemsBetween medium and high Significant investment in deploying quantum- secure communication networks Risk level Potential challenges or negative outcomes from adoption or non-adoption Low is desirableLow – Minimal risk, well- established technology with clear benefits Medium – Some uncertainties, but risks can be managed with strategic planning High – Significant risks, including high costs, security vulnerabilities or potential disruptions.Medium (for both adoption and inaction) Technical uncertainties and regulatory challenges persist, although are expected to dissipate as advancements continue; over time, inaction could reduce competitiveness and revenue opportunitiesBetween low and medium (for both adoption and inaction) Lower risk due to limited financial services application; adoption risks centre on poor implementationHigh (for inaction) Urgent need to address potential threats to data security from quantum advancements Risk level will be low for adoption; risks include poor implementation and lack of coordination with ecosystem partners Quantum Technologies: Key Strategies and Opportunities for Financial Services Leaders 24