Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKMA launches quantum preparedness whitepaper and index to support banking sector’s readiness for quantum era
The Whitepaper covers a survey conducted in early 2026, which suggests that awareness of quantum-related developments is building across the sector. Based on the survey findings, the HKMA released the first QPI. As a forward-looking benchmark, the QPI is assessed across four key dimensions: Awareness, Planning, Pilots and Practical Preparedness.
The initial QPI score is 2.3 on a 10-point scale, reflecting the sector is at an early stage of preparedness, and currently focused on laying the foundation for the quantum era. During the transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), banks should also continuously enhance their cyber resilience, tech maturity and innovation capabilities.
Regarding the current state of play, around 68 per cent of the banks surveyed demonstrate awareness or are progressing to planning or piloting stages, while 32 per cent have not yet embarked upon their transition journey. Furthermore, preparedness for the transition to PQC remains uneven, with around half of the banks surveyed having no formal post-quantum planning in place.
The survey also indicates that, while quantum computing is still in its initial phase, some banks have started to engage with both the opportunities and implications of quantum technologies, albeit practical implementation remains limited. Around half of surveyed banks reported that quantum computing had been discussed at board level. In addition, about one-third of all surveyed banks indicated that they had already begun exploring or piloting quantum-related initiatives.
The HKMA will continue to support the banking sector’s PQC transition, with the aim of achieving full sectoral readiness (a QPI score of 10) by 2030 through practical guidance, training and industry engagement. Relevant measures include:
The full Whitepaper, including detailed QPI findings and recommendations, is available on the HKMA websitehttps://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/press-releases/2024/04/20240426-4/
[Note 2] Fintech Promotion Blueprint, HKMA (2026)
https://www.hkma.gov.hk/media/eng/doc/key-information/press-release/2026/20260203e3a1.pdfIssued at HKT 18:25
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