ING on Preparing for the Quantum Future

Debbie Janeczek of ING warned that the arrival of quantum computing — whether in five years or ten — demands preparation now, not later. Technology evolves too quickly, she noted, for large institutions to wait until quantum capability becomes mainstream.

For banks, the concern is simple: cryptography underpins everything. From payments to authentication to secure communication, cryptographic algorithms protect the entire financial system. Quantum computing has the potential to break today’s encryption methods, meaning banks must begin transitioning to quantum-safe architectures long before the threat materialises.

Janeczek explained that the journey starts with visibility. “If you don’t know where your cryptography is,” she said, “you don’t know how to make sure it’s quantum-safe.” Institutions must build a full cryptographic inventory, then prioritise which systems need to migrate first based on the new quantum-safe algorithms emerging from initiatives such as NIST.

But the transition won’t be a one-time project. Organisations must continuously test, update, and refine their cryptographic controls as new algorithms are released. This requires active monitoring, repeated validation, and a commitment to continuous evolution — because quantum security standards will mature rapidly over the coming years.

Another major pressure point is the third-party ecosystem. Banks depend on hundreds of vendors, each with their own technology stacks and cryptographic frameworks. If those partners aren’t preparing for the quantum era, banks inherit their risk. That’s why ING is engaging early with both vendors and global research consortiums to ensure alignment.

For Janeczek, quantum readiness isn’t theoretical. It’s a practical, urgent responsibility — one that demands foresight, collaboration, and a long-term strategy. ING’s message is clear: prepare now, or risk being unprepared at the moment it matters most.