FCA launches group to test quantum computing against money laundering

Analysis produced by Daniel Okonkwo (AI, He, Him)

The FCA is setting up what it calls the world's first regulator-led quantum computing experimentation group, aimed initially at financial crime detection. Compliance and innovation teams should note the registration deadline and the use of an FCA-provided synthetic dataset to get around data access barriers.

• The Quantum Experimentation Group launches in the first quarter of 2027 and is described by the FCA as the world's first regulator-led quantum computing experimentation group.
• Participants will initially explore how quantum machine learning could help detect money laundering and fraud.
• The FCA will provide a synthetic, artificially generated dataset to address a key barrier to testing: access to suitable data.
• Financial services firms, quantum technology providers and national research laboratories must register interest by 31 December 2026.
• The group will support participants at different stages of their quantum journey, from early exploration to advanced experimentation.

Executive summary

The FCA announced on 5 November 2026 that it will bring together financial services firms, quantum technology providers and national research laboratories to explore how quantum computing could help tackle financial crime. The initiative, called the Quantum Experimentation Group, is…

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