Optical computer beats quantum tech in tricky settlement task
Microsoft’s analog technology twice as accurate compared to IBM’s quantum kit in Barclays experiment

Barclays has entered a joint development agreement with Microsoft to explore an application for an optical computer that has already outperformed a quantum computer by two orders of magnitude.
In April, Microsoft released a paper detailing how it used its optical computer called Aim to solve optimization problems including one focused on transaction settlement that had been tackled in a 2019 Barclays-IBM quantum computing collaboration.
Hitesh Ballani, partner researcher at Microsoft Research
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@waterstechnology.com or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.waterstechnology.com/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
More on Emerging Technologies
Perceive, reason, act: Agentic AI, graph tech used to assess risk
Industry executive Jay Krish is experimenting with large language models to help PMs monitor for risk.
BNY standardizes internal controls around data, AI
The bank has rolled out an internal enterprise AI platform, invested in specialized infrastructure, and strengthened data quality over the last year.
NY Fed Home Loans Bank spurns multi-cloud model
The cost and complexity of diversifying away from the big three providers outweighs concentration risks.
Citi close to launching GenAI investment tools
The new tech will be used to improve investment recommendations and increase cross-selling opportunities.
Overnight trading, a new dealer-to-client credit biz, so much AI, and more
The Waters Cooler: TP Icap acquires Neptune, Sterling launches overnight trading, and Thoma Bravo gets billions from investors in this week’s news round-up.
First Citizens used AI to retain SVB customers
The firm’s retention efforts involved using AI to monitor customer behavior and sentiment—including profanities.
Waters Wavelength Ep. 320: Tradeweb’s Chris Bruner
This week, Tradeweb’s Chris Bruner joins the podcast to discuss digital assets and fixed income.
Tech vendors, exchanges see gains from GenAI code assistants
CME Group and others report their experiences using code assist tools to generate code, support tech migrations, and speed up testing, and support functions.