Global Trustee and Fiduciary Services Bite Sized Issue 10 2025

FINTECH QuantumComputing Applications in Financial Services On 2 October 2025, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published a research note on Quantum Computing Applications in Financial Services. The FCA says the research was undertaken to explore the potential applications of quantum computing in UK financial services, and to assess how firms and regulators can prepare for their emergence. The FCA adds that it was triggered by the continued advancement of quantum technologies, and by the need to understand what their deployment could mean for financial markets, consumers, and the UK’s position as a global financial centre. The research note states that “now is a critical moment: while commercial applications are still emerging, progress is accelerating, and proactive regulatory engagement can help the UK capture opportunities while managing risks.” The key findings from the FCA’s research note include: • Quantum computing in financial services presents a national growth opportunity; • Near-term commercial applications may be viable, but the full quantum stack needs attention; • Leading firms are already building quantum readiness strategies; • Quantum applications for financial services broadly fall into three problem domains: – Optimisation; – Machine learning; and – Stochastic modelling. • The sentiment landscape varies across these domains: – Optimisation is seen as potentially promising but requiring more mature hardware; – Quantummachine learning is at an exploratory stage; and – Stochastic modelling offers a clear theoretical speed-up, which may not suffice for commercial advantage. • New regulations are unlikely to be required in the near term; • Quantum readiness relies on interdependent actions across the ecosystem; • For financial services firms, readiness strategies can balance direction with flexibility; • Regulatory awareness is low among quantum computing vendors; Investor Services Bite-Sized Global Trustee and Fiduciary Services QUICK LINKS Issue 10 | 2025 FINTECH MIFID II/MIFIR OPEN FINANCE SUSTAINABLE FINANCE/ESG T+1 ASIA AUSTRALIA EUROPE NORTH AMERICA UNITED KINGDOM