From quantum advantage to quantum-safe security – what Canadian banking leaders must prioritize now.

Quantum computing offers breakthrough opportunities even as it undermines today’s encryption. Offensively, early quantum pilots are already delivering tangible gains in complex financial problems (from risk modeling to fraud detection), hinting at significant competitive advantages. Defensively, the threat of quantum-powered attacks makes transitioning to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) a board-level mandate: new global cryptographic standards are in place, and regulators expect major institutions to be quantum-safe by the early 2030s.

In this high-level roundtable, futurist Stephen Ibaraki will cut through the hype to provide strategic guidance on navigating both fronts. Stephen – a serial entrepreneur and founder of the UN’s AI for Good initiative – has spent decades advising CEOs (including chairing a council of 100 global bank leaders with 92.7 trillion AUM) on technology disruption and innovation. He will share a candid, pragmatic vision of where quantum computing will create near-term value in financial services and how to future-proof your organization against emerging quantum threats.

Join this peer-level conversation on how banks can prepare for a quantum future in a candid, Chatham House Rule roundtable.

Register now to secure your seat for this exclusive leadership roundtable

Agenda

5 - 5:45 pm – Networking 

5:45 - 6:30 pm – Keynote presentation by Stephen Ibaraki

6:30 - 8pm – Roundtable discussion among banking executives and Stephen Ibaraki, moderated by SAS

Speakers

Stephen Ibaraki
Chairman and Managing General Partner REDDS Capital, Founder UN ITU AI for Good, Futurist, Serial Entrepreneur

When global CEOs seek foresight on the future of AI, quantum technologies, and investment, they turn to Stephen Ibaraki. A serial entrepreneur and Managing Partner at REDDS Capital, Stephen has shaped over $100 trillion in sustainable investments and spearheaded AI-driven solutions adopted by governments, financial institutions, and Fortune 500 companies.

He is the founder of the Fintech Ideas Festival / Technology Advisory Council, where he guided the world’s top 100 CEOs in developing strategies and execution plans for technologies a decade ahead of their time—including blockchain, digital identity, mobile financial services, AI/ML, cybersecurity, biometrics, 5G/6G, quantum computing, workforce transformation, privacy and data analytics, precision services, and the convergence of digital, physical, and biological systems. His leadership brought these CEOs into execution-focused working groups, monthly innovation forums, and private summits.

As the founder of the UN ITU’s AI for Good initiative, Stephen’s work has reached billions worldwide. With more than 300 recognitions, 23 Microsoft Global Awards (including eight in AI), and advisory roles across Fortune 500 companies, Stephen continues to shape the next wave of technological and societal innovation.

Joan McGowan
Global Banking Industry Advisor at SAS

Joan McGowan is an authority on the potential of enabling technologies in the banking and payment industries. For the past 20 years, Joan has been analyzing the impact of new technologies on financial institutions and provides practical advice on how to innovate and create growth strategies that keep organizations relevant and financially healthy. Her expertise includes digital transformation, process automation, decision management, advanced analytics, AI, cloud computing and the disciplines of risk management, regulations and compliance. 

Prior to joining SAS, Joan worked as a Senior Analyst for Celent/Oliver Wyman and as a Senior Strategist for FIS Global, Fiserv and FICO.

Joan has published over 30 reports on banking and technology and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and client gatherings.  Her life before banking was as a journalist/editor for The Economist Group and as a Senior Research for BBC North.

Joan is a native of Leeds and a life-long supporter (and sufferer) of Leeds United.