OSC publishes the first article in its Q-Bits series alongside a technical report on quantum computing risks and opportunities to help market participants prepare for the quantum future

TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) today published the first article in its OSC Q-Bits series, alongside a technical report examining the risks and opportunities that quantum computing may present for capital market participants. The OSC Q-Bits series will include articles that examine the latest developments in quantum technologies and their implications for capital markets.

The publication of this article by the OSC marks the launch of its new series of articles called OSC Q-Bits. Quantum Computing and Capital Markets: Opportunities, Risks, and Timelines to Readiness provides a plain language summary of the technical report and outlines the oversight role the OSC can play as quantum technologies are developed. It examines the growing threat that malicious actors may collect and store encrypted information today with the expectation that future quantum computers could be capable of decrypting it, called the "harvest now, decrypt later" strategy.

The technical report, Impact of Advancements in Quantum Computing on its Potential Use in Capital Markets, highlights how quantum computing is advancing and what those developments could mean for Ontario's capital markets. While quantum computing has not yet delivered a production-capable economic advantage for financial markets, rapid progress in technology suggests firms should start assessing both the opportunities and risks associated with the technology.

"Effective regulation requires looking around corners and helping market participants understand emerging risks before they become immediate challenges," said Grant Vingoe, Chief Executive Officer of the OSC. "Quantum computing has the potential to drive significant innovation across the economy, including financial services. At the same time, firms need to be thinking today about how future advances could affect cybersecurity, data protection and operational resilience. Early preparation will help support confidence in Ontario's capital markets as these technologies continue to develop."

The report was prepared with the OSC's regulatory and capital markets perspective combined with the specialized technical expertise of softwareQ Inc. evolutionQ Inc., and the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo.

The OSC Q-Bits series is designed to help investors, registrants, and market participants better understand developments in quantum technologies and their potential implications for Ontario's capital markets.

The report and Q-Bits article are available on the OSC website.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is quantum computing?
Quantum computing is a form of computing that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information, enabling certain types of calculations that may be infeasible or impractical for classical computers.

What is "harvest now, decrypt later"?
"Harvest now, decrypt later" refers to a strategy where cybercriminals collect encrypted data today and store it for future decryption. The concern is that advances in quantum computing could eventually allow certain forms of encryption to be broken, potentially exposing sensitive information that remains valuable over long periods.

Why should firms be preparing now if large-scale quantum computers do not yet exist?
Transitioning critical systems, infrastructure and cryptographic tools can take years. Organizations that begin planning early will be better positioned to manage future technology changes, protect sensitive information and maintain operational resilience as quantum computing capabilities evolve.

What steps can registrants and financial businesses take today?
Firms can begin by understanding where and how encryption is used across their operations, identifying sensitive long-term data, monitoring developments in post-quantum cryptography, and incorporating quantum-related risks into existing cybersecurity and risk management programs.

The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. Investors are urged to check the registration of any persons or company offering an investment opportunity and to review the OSC investor materials available at www.osc.ca.

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SOURCE Ontario Securities Commission

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