TalkingTech: Quantum Computing: Implications for Financial Services
Description
Join us to explore what quantum really means for investment management today - across technology, security, regulation and operating models. This event goes beyond the theory to cover quantum computing, post‑quantum cryptography, software and system design, and what “readiness” looks like in practice.
We’ll also draw lessons from the rise of AI—how innovation is actually adopted, where firms succeed or struggle, and how to approach emerging technologies in a more structured way. The session will help distinguish near‑term priorities from longer‑term developments, giving senior leaders a clear, practical view of where to focus and what actions are worth taking now.
AGENDA
09:00 Registration & Networking
Meet peers as you collect your badge, grab a coffee, and complete a quick pre-event pulse check.
09:30 Welcome - Opening Remarks
A quick run-through of the agenda, safety notices, and a brief interactive activity to set the scene.
- John Allan, Director, Innovation and Operations Unit, The Investment Association
09:40 Opening Keynote
- Craig Skeldon, Head of Business & Operations, Quantum Software Lab, The University of Edinburgh
09:50 Quantum & Regulation: What Have We Learned So Far?
One year on from the FCA's quantum research note, this session reflects on how industry thinking has evolved. We'll explore what the research highlighted, how firms have responded, and whether early expectations are holding up in practice. The conversation will focus on where momentum is building, what remains uncertain, and how regulators and firms are beginning to shape a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks.
- Fern Watson, Manager of Emerging Tech and Research, FCA
- Ross Grassie, Global Strategy & Operations Manager, J-IJ
10:10 Preparing for a Quantum-Safe Future
A practical discussion on post-quantum cryptography and what it means for investment managers. We'll examine how firms are assessing future security risks, engaging with evolving standards, and building a proportionate roadmap for quantum readiness.
- Molly Nolan, Senior Government Affairs Manager, The Investment Association
- Jack Reynolds, Vice President, Technology & Cybersecurity Policy and Partnerships, J.P. Morgan Chase
- Andrew Lucas, Partner, DAC Beachcroft
10:40 Networking Break
11:00 Quantum Computing 101
A clear, accessible introduction to quantum computing. This session will explain what quantum is, how it differs from classical computing, and where it could have the biggest impact first.
- James Palles-Dimmock, CEO, Quantum Motion
11:10 Rigetti Keynote
- Marco Paini, VP Financial Services and EMEA, Rigetti Computing (TBC)
11:25 Becoming Quantum Ready
A practical, action-focused closing session on what "quantum readiness" actually means for investment firms today. Rather than waiting for the technology to mature, we'll outline simple steps firms can take now—building awareness, identifying potential use cases, engaging with the ecosystem, and preparing teams and governance structures.
- Moderator: John Allan, Director, Innovation and Operations Unit, The Investment Association
- Jonathan Legh-Smith MBE, Executive Director, UKQuantum
- Tim Ryan, Partner and Head of Commercial, Technology and Regulatory, DAC Beachcroft
11:45 Closing Remarks
How to stay involved, upcoming opportunities, and where today's conversations continue.
- John Allan, Director, Innovation and Operations Unit, The Investment Association
11:50 Networking
12:30 End
PRICING
IA Members: Free to attend
Non-members: £95.00 (exc. VAT)
SPEAKERS
Craig Skeldon, Head of Business & Operations, Quantum Software Lab, The University of Edinburgh
Craig is responsible for Quantum Software Lab's innovation strategy, partnerships, IP & commercialisation, and grant funding. He is an expert in forming high-value R&D partnerships with 10+ years of experience in emerging technology including AI, Blockchain, Cyber Security, IoT, Quantum Computing, and Robotics. He has secured >£50m R&D funding and supported the creation of 400+ new jobs through economic development programmes. He holds a BA with Distinction in Business & Enterprise, Certificate in Design Thinking & Learn Start-up Methodology, and a SVQ Modern Apprenticeship in Business & Administration.
James Palles-Dimmock, CEO, Quantum Motion
James is CEO at Quantum Motion, developing silicon-based qubit architectures which are compatible with standard CMOS fabrication. Quantum Motion has raised over $300m in grants and equity since inception from leading deep tech investors. James has over 15 years of experience delivering products from early stage concepts through R&D programmes; developing, protecting and commercialising new semiconductor technologies, in particular during his time at Japanese electronics company Sharp. James has transferred technology to factories both in the UK and Japan and his work has spanned the TRLs, from developing the first lab-based demonstration of a hot carrier solar cell to consulting on production issues in an assembly line. A physicist by background, James has a first class MSc in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, a PhD in Quantum Physics from Imperial College London and is a fellow of the Electrical Research Association (ERA).
Molly Nolan, Senior Government Affairs Manager, The Investment Association
Fern Watson, Manager of Emerging Tech and Research, FCA
FernWatson holds a PhD in Quantum Computing from Imperial College and is the Manager of Emerging Tech and Research at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK’s conduct regulator for financial services. In this role, she manages a team responsible for identifying and researching novel technologies that are impacting on the financial services sector, and using foresight methodologies to provide a basis for colleagues to think about how this might change in the future to inform our policy making or early regulatory thinking.
Fern oversees the FCA’s research into the applications of quantum technologies in financial services, exploring both the opportunities and regulatory challenges that quantum computing, communications, and security present. She works closely with industry, academia, and regulators to shape the FCA's approach, bridging technical innovation and regulatory insight, helping to ensure the safe, trustworthy adoption of quantum technologies in financial markets.
Ross Grassie, Global Strategy & Operations Manager, Jij Inc.
Ross Grassie is Global Strategy & Operations Manager at Jij Inc., a quantum and mathematical optimisation software company. He has worked at the intersection of quantum computing and financial services throughout much of his career, co-authoring the FCA’s 2025 research note on quantum computing in financial services, leading quantum machine learning initiatives at Oxford Quantum Circuits, and working with HSBC on quantum approaches to fraud detection as a Senior Researcher at the University of Edinburgh’s Quantum Software Lab. Ross also contributes to BSI and IEC/ISO quantum standards and holds a PhD in mathematical physics from the University of Edinburgh.
Andy Lucas is a leading City of London technology lawyer specialising in digital transformation, cyber security, digital assets and emerging technologies. He advises financial institutions, asset managers, investment funds, FinTechs and technology providers on complex technology transactions, operational resilience, cyber risk and regulatory change.
With an early career as a software project manager and programmer, Andy brings a practical understanding of the technologies that are reshaping financial markets, including tokenisation, distributed ledger technology, cryptography and quantum computing. He regularly advises organisations operating in highly regulated and security-sensitive environments on encryption, cyber resilience, dual-use technologies and emerging technology risk.
Andy is a sought-after lecturer on technology law and author of the cybersecurity chapter in the British Computer Society’s A Practical Guide to IT Law.
Lawrence Baker, Policy Adviser, The Investment Association
Lawrence Baker is a Policy Adviser within the Innovation and Operations Unit at the Investment Association (IA). Operating at the intersection of emerging technology, regulatory policy, and industry strategy, Lawrence directs the IA’s response to artificial intelligence while helping member firms navigate technically complex frontiers, including tokenisation, digital market infrastructure, and wider market modernisation. A practical innovator as well as a policy expert, Lawrence serves as the "Lab Master" for the IA’s internal AI Sandbox, where he has championed the secure adoption of agentic AI and LLMs to transform internal workflows and policy analysis.
Jonathan Legh-Smith, Executive Director, UKQuantum
Jonathan Legh-Smith is Executive Director for UKQuantum, the association for the UK’s quantum industry. Jonathan represents the interests of UKQuantum members nationally and internationally. Jonathan is also a member of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme Strategic Advisory Board, the National Quantum Computing Centre Strategic Advisory Committee, UK coordinator for the NATO Transatlantic Quantum Community Industry Network, NPL’s Quantum Strategy Board and co-chair of the UK’s Responsible Quantum Industry Forum. Jonathan was awarded an MBE for services to science & technology in 2024
Tim Ryan, Partner and Head of the Commercial, Technology and Regulatory, DAC Beachcroft
Tim Ryan is a Partner and Head of the Commercial, Technology and Regulatory advisory Group. He is a highly experienced commercial lawyer who advises on complex technology projects, commercial transactions and a broad range of digital business matters, including software development, cloud and hosting arrangements, data and AI-driven services, digital transformation and emerging technologies.
He has extensive experience advising organisations across a range of sectors, including financial services, on emerging technologies and deep tech, including artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, helping clients navigate the commercial, regulatory and governance challenges associated with innovation and technology adoption.
Tim is a member of the City of London Law Society's Artificial Intelligence Committee, contributing to policy discussions on AI regulation and governance. He is also a regular speaker and commentator on technology, AI and digital business matters. Tim continues to be recognised by Thomson Reuters as a "Stand-Out Lawyer".
SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
Why Sponsor?
Topic Authority:
TalkingTechs are Engine’s most focused events, each dedicated to a single, high-impact theme. This makes them a prime opportunity to align your brand with cutting-edge thought leadership across an array of topics
Elite Audience Access:
These events attract a curated group of asset management professionals, including senior leaders from IA member firms. Sponsorship ensures visibility among those driving innovation within our dynamic community.
Premium Sponsorship Benefits:
Sponsorship opportunities include standalone presentations, panel participation, branding across event materials and the website, access to the delegate list, logo placement in the digital brochure and more. This ensures your brand is not only present but actively engaged in the event’s narrative and networking.
For more details on sponsorship packages, you can contact the IA at Events@theia.org
Event kindly hosted by
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Designed for leaders across investment, operations, technology, risk and policy who want an actionable overview rather than a deep dive.
Anyone interested in the event topic.
WHY ATTEND
- Understand quantum computing in simple, practical terms and what it means for investment firms.
- Learn how the financial sector is approaching quantum regulation and emerging risks.
- Discover lessons from AI adoption that can help firms prepare for the next wave of innovation.
- Gain practical steps to become “quantum ready” today across strategy, governance, and skills.
- Network with fintech, investment, and regulatory professionals in a focused half-day format.