Inside Banking’s Quantum Future with Lloyd’s Banking Clare Schramm Fergus

Inside Banking’s Quantum Future with Lloyd’s Banking Clare Schramm Fergus

In this final episode of series one of Time to Talk Quantum (TTQ), Firgun Ventures co-founder Dr Kris Naudts speaks with Clare Schramm Fergus, Managing Director of Transaction Banking Technology Platforms at Lloyds Banking Group, about how the financial sector is preparing for the quantum era. Clare discusses the risks and opportunities quantum computing presents to global finance, from the threat it poses to today’s encryption systems to what a large-scale quantum attack could mean for financial markets. The discussion covers quantum readiness and the role of standards such as NIST in shaping preparation, as well as Lloyds’ collaboration with partners such as IBM and Google on quantum experiments and simulations. Together they explore how the financial sector is preparing, including broader discussion of how institutions such as JPMorgan and HSBC are engaging with quantum developments. They also discuss the wider implications for financial systems and society, from Bitcoin and dormant crypto wallets to digital public infrastructure, alongside the UK Government’s role in quantum regulation. About the guest:  Clare Schramm Fergus is Managing Director of Transaction Banking Technology Platforms at Lloyds Banking Group. Clare drives the modernisation of Lloyds’ core technology platforms to enhance business and transaction banking services, future‑proofing the bank for emerging technologies from AI to quantum. Over her 20-year career, she has led and grown global teams and delivered award-winning platforms at BT, Google, and IBM.  Follow Clare on LinkedIn Clare Schramm Fergus | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/clareschramm]  In the news: Lloyds Bank uses quantum computing to detect money mules [https://www.thetimes.com/business/technology/article/lloyds-bank-quantum-computers-financial-crime-7h5g0jgsg]  This podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures [https://firgun.vc/]. Follow Dr Kris Naudts on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kris-naudts-md-phd-10403838/] Firgun Ventures LinkedIn [https://uk.linkedin.com/company/firgun-ventures] Firgun Ventures Website [https://firgun.vc/news] Content advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. The podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific, or medical advice.

Quantum in the Age of AI, with Dr Robert Sutor & Yariv Adan

In this week’s episode of Time to Talk Quantum [TTQ], Firgun Ventures co-founder Dr Kris Naudts is joined by Yariv Adan and Dr Bob Sutor for a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the foundations of computing and what that means for quantum. Together, they focus on the breakdown of the traditional technology stack as large language models commoditise the application layer, shifting value toward compute, infrastructure, and data. Yariv shares an investor perspective on why many startups and VCs are misreading this shift, while Bob unpacks the realities of quantum computing and the long winding road towards scalable, fault-tolerant systems. The discussion also touches on geopolitics, supply chains, and the growing concentration of power in global tech infrastructure. Episode Themes:  * Why compute, scale, and infrastructure are becoming the new competitive moat * The reality of quantum computing today vs. long-term expectations * How AI can improve quantum systems and where quantum may enhance AI * The role of hybrid (classical + quantum) computing workflows * Supply chains, and the fragility of global tech infrastructure * What investors are getting wrong about AI and quantum Follow TTQ Podcast on social media:  * Instagram: @timetotalkquantum   * TikTok: @timetotalkquantum  * X @talk_quantum  About the guests:  Yariv Adan: Yariv is the founding General Partner at ellipsis venture, an early-stage AI deep tech VC, focused exclusively on transformative AI solutions. Previously, Yariv spent 17 years building AI at Google. He co-founded Google Assistant and Google Lens and led Google Cloud’s Conversational AI and Applied GenAI teams.  Dr Robert Sutor: Bob is the founder of Sutor Group Intelligence and Advisory. A theoretical mathematician by training, Bob’s industry role is to advance AI and quantum technologies, providing strategic and technical insight to build strong business and educational ecosystems. He is also the author of ‘Dancing with Qubits’, and a Non-Executive Director at Nu Quantum.  Links & Resources  * Substack: From 17 Years at Google to Venture: Yariv Adan, Founding General Partner at Ellipsis Ventures, on Building Defensible AI Companies [https://whoisraisingcom.substack.com/p/from-17-years-at-google-to-venture] * Book: Dancing with Qubits: How quantum computing works and how it can change the world: Amazon.co.uk: Robert S. Sutor: 9781838827366: Books [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dancing-Qubits-quantum-computing-change/dp/1838827366] This podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures [https://firgun.vc/]. Follow Dr Kris Naudts on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kris-naudts-md-phd-10403838/] Firgun Ventures LinkedIn [https://uk.linkedin.com/company/firgun-ventures] Firgun Ventures Website [https://firgun.vc/news] Content advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. The podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific, or medical advice.

The Quantum Leap in Health and Medicine

In this week’s episode of Time to Talk Quantum [TTQ], Firgun Ventures co-founder Dr Kris Naudts is joined by Dr Lara Jehi & Professor John Morton to discuss all things quantum and health.  The conversation examines how quantum could unlock new approaches to drug discovery, diagnostics, and complex problem-solving. As data outgrows classical systems, quantum offers a path to simulate biology, accelerate innovation, and rethink what’s possible.  The episode also looks at what it will take to scale: from hardware and algorithms to talent, infrastructure, and early demand. With growing global momentum and new UK investment; the question is no longer if, but how quickly these technologies will start to deliver impact. Available to watch on YouTube Episode Themes:  * Quantum & Drug Discovery  * How Far Can Quantum Take Healthcare? *  New Investment  If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share.  Follow TTQ Podcast on social media:  * Instagram: @timetotalkquantum   * TikTok: @timetotalkquantum  * X @talk_quantum  About the guests: Dr Lara Jehi is the Chief Research Information Officer at Cleveland Clinic and Professor of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. She is also the Executive Program Lead for the Discovery Accelerator, which spans more than 50 projects focused on AI, quantum computing, data science education, and international initiatives. Dr John Morton is the Professor of Nanoelectronics and Nanophotonics at University College London and Director of the UCL Quantum Science and Technology Institute and co-founder of  Quantum Motion, developing quantum processors based on silicon transistor technology, and Phasecraft, the quantum algorithms company Music: NGN2 by ILĀ from their album Quantum Computer Music.  Content advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific, or medical advice.     This podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures [https://firgun.vc/]. Follow Dr Kris Naudts on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kris-naudts-md-phd-10403838/] Firgun Ventures LinkedIn [https://uk.linkedin.com/company/firgun-ventures] Firgun Ventures Website [https://firgun.vc/news] Content advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. The podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific, or medical advice.

Quantum Technologies and the Future of Security, with John Ridge CBE & Joab Rosenberg

In this week’s episode of Time to Talk Quantum [TTQ], Firgun Ventures co-founder Dr Kris Naudts is joined by Joab Rosenberg, Partner at US-Israeli deep tech fund Deep33, and John Ridge CBE, Chief Adoption Officer at the NATO Innovation Fund, for a conversation about the shifting relationship between venture capital, geopolitics, and emerging technologies. This conversation explores how quantum technologies are moving from theoretical science to strategic infrastructure and why the decisions made today about investment, governance, and innovation may define the technological landscape for decades to come. Available to watch on YouTube   Episode Themes:  * Why venture capital is driving the next generation of defence innovation * Quantum computing and the future of encryption * The growing technological competition between the West and China * The geopolitical stakes of emerging technologies * Silicon Valley’s renewed relationship with defence and government * The risks facing global technology supply chains If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share.  Follow TTQ Podcast on social media:  * Instagram: @timetotalkquantum   * TikTok: @timetotalkquantum  * X @talk_quantum  About the guests: Joab Rosenberg is Partner at US-Israeli deep tech fund, Deep33, [https://deep33.vc/] where he leads investments in quantum technologies.Joab served as a Colonel in IDF Intelligence, where he was commander of the prestigious Talpiot program and served as Deputy Head Analyst, overseeing the work of around 1,000 analysts.In 2015, he co-founded and was CEO of Epistema, now Ment.io, an AI platform for improved decision making. John Ridge CBE is Chief Adoption Officer at the NATO Innovation Fund [https://www.nif.fund/]. John spent over 30 years in the British Army and UK government. He joined as a reservist in 1989, was later commissioned into the Royal Engineers, and went on to command 8 Engineer Brigade and serve as Chief of Joint Force Operations at the UK’s crisis response headquarters. After leaving the Army, John joined the Civil Service, serving in Defence Intelligence, working at 10 Downing Street, and as Director Defence Innovation at the Ministry of Defence. Music: NGN2 by ILĀ from their album Quantum Computer Music.  Resources  * Books: The Technological Republic – Alexander C. Karp [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/744156/the-technological-republic-by-alex-karp/] * DIANA [https://www.diana.nato.int/]  * UK National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) [https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/national-security-strategic-investment-fund-nssif] * National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – Post-Quantum Cryptograph [https://www.nist.gov/pqcrypto]y This podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures [https://firgun.vc/]. Follow Dr Kris Naudts on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kris-naudts-md-phd-10403838/] Firgun Ventures LinkedIn [https://uk.linkedin.com/company/firgun-ventures] Firgun Ventures Website [https://firgun.vc/news] Content advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. The podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific, or medical advice.

Entangled: Art, AI & Quantum, with Refik Anadol & Professor Bob Coecke

In this week’s episode of Time to Talk Quantum [TTQ], Firgun Ventures co-founder Dr Kris Naudts is joined by Refik Anadol, an internationally renowned media artist, and Professor Bob Coecke, a theoretical physicist and former chief scientist at Quantinuum, to discuss the intersection of art and quantum.  Refik shares the story behind Quantum Memories, [https://refikanadol.com/works/quantummemories/] his collaborations with Google’s AI and quantum teams, and his vision for DATALAND, the world’s first museum dedicated to AI art, set to open in LA soon. Bob dives into ancient Greece, relational quantum mechanics, diagrammatic languages, quantum natural language processing, and building a quantum guitar. The conversation soon turns into something broader; more philosophical. Could art be the fastest path to real-world quantum applications? Might gaming and entertainment pioneer adoption before the wider industry does? And could quantum thinking itself offer a new, more relational way of understanding reality? This conversation explores what it means to be alive at a moment when science, art, and imagination are evolving together. Available to watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnL_rdwZo9k]  Episode Themes:  * When Art Meets Science * Turning Quantum Into Something You Can See * What Does Quantum Music Sound Like? * Building a Museum for the Age of AI * Doing AI Art the Ethical Way * Can Art Make Quantum Understandable for Everyone? * Will Entertainment Be Quantum’s First Breakthrough? * Could Quantum Art Ever Be Controversial? * Are We Ready for a New Universal Language? This podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures [https://firgun.vc/], the first venture capital firm specialising in early growth-stage quantum scaleups.  Music: NGN2 by ILĀ from their album Quantum Computer Music.  About the guests:  Refik Anadol is an internationally renowned media artist and a pioneer in the aesthetics of data and machine learning. He teaches in UCLA’s Department of Design Media Arts, serves as director & co-founder of Refik Anadol Studio, and is co-founder of DATALAND [https://dataland.art/about]. Prof Bob Coecke is a theoretical physicist and former chief scientist at Quantinuum. He previously served as professor of Quantum Foundations, Logics and Structures at the University of Oxford. Links & Resources  * Quantum Concept Music Score from Quantum Picturalism: Musical Incarnation of a Bell-Pair under Measurements Paper: Quantum Concept Music Score from Quantum Picturalism: Musical Incarnation of a Bell-Pair under Measurements [https://arxiv.org/pdf/2510.05391] * Refik Anadol talks to the FT about his art: Refik Anadol on his immersive AI-generated art [https://www.ft.com/content/d2b5236e-a623-432c-8af9-297a77155603] This podcast is brought to you by Firgun Ventures [https://firgun.vc/]. Follow Dr Kris Naudts on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kris-naudts-md-phd-10403838/] Firgun Ventures LinkedIn [https://uk.linkedin.com/company/firgun-ventures] Firgun Ventures Website [https://firgun.vc/news] Content advisory: Time to Talk Quantum explores the intersections between quantum technology and AI, health, finance, defence and art. Some discussions may cover sensitive or technical subjects related to cybersecurity, global security, geopolitics or emerging technologies. The podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, scientific, or medical advice.