The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK financial regulator, is set to test whether quantum computing can give firms a decisive edge against money laundering and fraud, through a new collaborative initiative launching in early 2027.
Named the Quantum Experimentation Group, the programme will convene financial services firms, quantum technology providers and national research laboratories. The FCA describes it as the first group of its kind to be established by a regulator. Its opening focus will be on assessing whether quantum machine learning can improve the detection of fraud and money laundering, with activity due to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
A persistent obstacle to testing new technology in this area is obtaining appropriate data. To address this, participants will work with a synthetic dataset created by the FCA, made up of artificially generated information rather than real customer records.
The group is designed to help firms identify realistic applications for quantum computing across financial services, with participants sharing results to shape future rounds of testing. For the regulator, the exercise offers a clearer view of what the technology can and cannot do, the hurdles firms encounter when experimenting with it, and the potential consequences for regulatory policy.
The programme extends earlier FCA research examining the long-term prospects for quantum computing within financial services. Firms, quantum technology providers and national research laboratories wishing to take part have until 31 December 2026 to register their interest.
FCA chief data, information and intelligence officer Jessica Rusu said, ‘We want to help firms explore where quantum could make a meaningful difference, and early experimentation is essential to understanding its potential in financial services. By bringing together firms, technology providers and researchers we can build readiness and identify practical applications for common industry challenges, starting with financial crime.’
Copyright © 2026 RegTech Analyst
Copyright © 2026 RegTech Analyst
