The financial services industry stands at the precipice of a quantum revolution. According to the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) report released in July 2025, quantum computing use cases in the financial services industry could generate up to $622 billion in value by 2035. And it's happening now, with banks like HSBC, Santander, and Yapı Kredi already deploying quantum solutions for everything from fraud detection to quantum-safe infrastructure.
The urgency is real: while quantum computers promise unprecedented computational power for portfolio optimisation and risk modelling, they simultaneously threaten to break current encryption methods that protect trillions of dollars in daily transactions. Forward-thinking financial institutions are embracing a dual strategy—harnessing quantum advantages while building quantum-resistant defences.
The financial services sector, known for early technology adoption,faces a unique quantum paradox: the same technology that will revolutionise operations could simultaneously render current security infrastructure obsolete. The question isn't whether quantum will transform finance—it's whether your institution will lead or lag in this transformation.
Chart Reference: Figure 2 - Mapping of financial services domains to benefits and case studies (WEF Report - Page Number 6)
Quantum computing isn't just faster computing—it's fundamentally different computing. By leveraging quantum mechanics principles like superposition and entanglement, quantum systems can process information in ways classical computers never could.
Real-World Success Story - Yapı Kredi Bank: The Turkish bank developed a quantum model to identify potential failure points in its SME network. An analysis that would traditionally take years to compute was completed in just seven seconds using D-Wave quantum technology, covering 4,297 out of over 600,000 corporate clients.
Chart Reference: Figure 4 - Quantum sensing case studies and maturity indicators (WEF Report - Page No.12)
While quantum sensing applications in finance are more niche, they offer unprecedented precision that could transform high-frequency trading and ESG reporting.
Future Impact: Quantum optical atomic clocks provide 100x greater precision than conventional atomic clocks, enabling financial institutions to better understand trade sequences and market impacts in real-time.
The graphics below show the overall benefits and case studies financial institutions can gain by implementing Quantum safe cybersecurity to protect data at all layers in various circumstances.
This is where urgency meets opportunity. As cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) approach viability, current encryption methods face existential threats.
HSBC's Quantum-Safe Gold Tokenisation: HSBC integrated PQC and QRNG technologies into its Orion digital assets platform, making its gold tokenisation quantum-secure. The solution maintains efficiency with minimal performance impact while upgrading security against quantum threats.
The WEF report highlights several quantum security implementations, with particular relevance to QNu Labs' approach. QShield™, QNu's patented full-stack quantum-safe platform, exemplifies the defence-in-depth strategy recommended by the WEF report.
This aligns perfectly with the WEF's recommendation for integrating both quantum-resistant and quantum-native technologies.
India's National Quantum Mission positions the country as a quantum leader. For Indian BFSI institutions:
The global financial system faces a quantum transition that will:
As highlighted in the WEF report's emphasis on defence-in-depth strategies, QNu Labs offers the world's only full-stack, end-to-end integrated quantum-safe platform.
A: The WEF report emphasises that organisations must begin the journey towards crypto agility now, as cryptographically relevant quantum computers could render current encryption vulnerable. While the exact timeline is uncertain, the "store now, decrypt later" threat means sensitive data collected today could be vulnerable to future quantum attacks.
A: Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) uses classical algorithms designed to resist quantum attacks, while quantum cryptography leverages quantum mechanics for security. PQC is immediately deployable and NIST-standardised, while quantum cryptography (like QKD) offers physics-based security but requires specialised infrastructure.
A: Yes, through phased implementation. Start with PQC upgrades (cost-effective), then add QRNG for enhanced security, and finally consider QKD for critical communications. Cloud-based quantum computing services also make quantum applications accessible without massive infrastructure investments.
A: Intesa Sanpaolo's study showed quantum machine learning classifiers outperformed traditional methods in fraud detection, achieving better accuracy and efficiency with fewer data features. Quantum algorithms can identify complex patterns in transaction data that classical systems miss.
A: Multiple authorities have issued guidance: Singapore's MAS urged cryptographic asset inventory, the EU released PQC transition memoranda, and the G7 Cyber Expert Group endorsed unified quantum risk approaches. NIST has also released finalised post-quantum encryption standards.
A: Follow the WEF's three-phase approach: 1) Foundation and exploration (assess technologies, identify use cases), 2) Pilot and scaling (launch proof-of-concepts, develop partnerships), 3) Optimisation and leadership (refine solutions, engage stakeholders). Start with a cryptographic asset inventory and PQC planning.
A: Key skills include understanding quantum principles, cryptographic agility, risk assessment of quantum threats, and quantum algorithm applications. Specialised training programs like CFTE's quantum finance courses and IBM's quantum readiness programs are already available.
A: Primary applications include ultra-precise timestamping for high-frequency trading compliance, infrastructure monitoring for data centres, and environmental data collection for ESG reporting. Quantum optical atomic clocks offer 100x greater precision than conventional clocks.
A: QKD is becoming practical for specific high-value use cases. HSBC joined the UK's commercial quantum secure metro network, and Singapore's MAS collaborated with banks on QKD pilots. While infrastructure requirements are significant, costs are decreasing, and capabilities are expanding.
A: Focus on risk mitigation value (avoiding quantum-enabled cyberattacks), competitive advantage (enhanced trading and risk models), operational efficiency (faster computations), and regulatory compliance (avoiding penalties). The WEF estimates quantum computing could generate up to $622 billion in value by 2035, suggesting significant ROI potential for early adopters.
The quantum revolution in financial services isn't coming—it's here. As evidenced by the comprehensive case studies in the WEF report, from Yapı Kredi's 7-second risk analysis to HSBC's quantum-safe gold tokenisation, leading financial institutions are already harnessing quantum advantages while building quantum-resistant defenses.
The choice facing financial services leaders is clear: lead the quantum transformation or risk being left behind. The $622 billion opportunity awaits those bold enough to embrace quantum technologies while thoughtful enough to implement them responsibly.
The quantum future of finance starts today. The question is: will you be ready?
