Fern Watson

Manager, Emerging Tech and Research FCA

Fern Watson holds a PhD in Quantum Computing from Imperial College and is the Manager of Emerging Tech and Research at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), conducting research and developing approaches on the intersection between technology and financial services regulation. Combining a strong technical and analytical background with an innovation mindset, Fern's work explores both the opportunities and regulatory challenges that emerging technologies present. She works closely with industry, academia, and global regulators to shape the FCA's approach, bridging technical innovation and regulatory insight.

DAY 1 THURSDAY JUNE 25TH

10:20 AM Keynote Panel: Where are we on the path to FTQC?

Fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) remains the defining milestone of the quantum era — the point at which quantum systems can reliably solve problems beyond the reach of classical machines. But how close are we really?

In this high-level panel, leaders from some of the world’s most advanced quantum hardware companies will assess the state of the field: current qubit performance, scaling challenges, error correction breakthroughs, system architectures, and realistic timelines to fault tolerance.

Each panelist will get an opportunity to deliver their own 10 minute address, where they will give the audience the latest updates on their respective technologies.

The session will then culminate in a shared panel.

Key questions include:

What technical hurdles remain before logical qubits outperform physical qubits?

How many physical qubits will meaningful fault tolerance actually require?

Are timelines converging — or diverging?

What milestones should industry and investors watch over the next 3–5 years?

Designed for researchers, industry leaders, investors, and policy stakeholders, this session will provide a candid look at progress, bottlenecks, and the roadmap ahead — separating momentum from hype in the race toward practical quantum advantage.

12:15 PM Beyond the breakthrough: why quantum needs policy to scale

3:00 PM Panel Discussion: From Lab to Enterprise, How is Emerging Tech Actually being Used?

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Fern.

Download The Latest Agenda

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