HSBC has trialled the first application of quantum-secure technology for buying and selling tokenized physical gold as part of its efforts to protect critical applications from potential cyberattacks.

Last year, HSBC was the first global bank to offer tokenized physical gold to institutional investors using distributed ledger technology (DLT). This year saw another first, with the launch of HSBC Gold Token for retail investors in Hong Kong, allowing them to acquire fractional ownership of physical gold. Both launches use the technology of the HSBC Orion digital assets platform.

The bank also tested the interoperability of its gold tokens using post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to move digital assets safely across distributed ledgers via secure networks, addressing clients' evolving needs and regulations. This included the capability to convert HSBC’s gold tokens into ERC-20 fungible tokens, thereby enhancing distribution and interoperability with other DLTs and digital wallets.

As part of the quantum pilot, Quantinuum, an integrated quantum computing company, used PQC algorithms and its Quantum Origin quantum randomness technology to demonstrate holistic protection of digital assets such as HSBC gold tokens from a quantum computing attack, and prevent “store now, decrypt later” (SNDL) cyber incidents. SNDL is a cyber technique that seeks to steal sensitive data now, store it, and decipher it later by using powerful quantum computers.

Philip Intallura, global head of quantum technologies at HSBC, says: “HSBC was the first international bank to offer tokenized physical gold and is now building on that innovation with cutting-edge cybersecurity protection for the future. This pilot successfully demonstrated the viability of deploying these advanced technologies for a real-world business environment."

Ilyas Khan, Quantinuum founder and chief product officer, adds: “As long-time partners in exploring commercial quantum applications, HSBC and Quantinuum are together building the next generation of financial services featuring quantum-hardened defences, harnessing the power of today’s quantum computers to safeguard sensitive data now and into the future.”