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IBM and Basque Government announce plan to install Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center in Spain

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IBM Quantum System Two to be powered by a utility-scale 156-qubit IBM Quantum Heron processor.Installation of IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center expected to be completed by the end of 2025.Members of the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center intend to use IBM’s most performant architecture to advance discovery and solutions in physics, information science, and materials science.

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y., March 13, 2025 /CNW/ — The Basque Government, and IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced plans to install Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center on Ikerbasque Foundation’s main campus in San Sebastian, Spain (Gipuzkoa, Spain). The deployment builds on the organizations’ partnership, which began in 2023 as part of the BasQ initiative to further establish the Basque Country as a leading technology hub. Since the initial announcement, the parties have agreed to update the original plan to install an IBM Quantum System One, to now deploy IBM’s most advanced modular quantum computer, IBM Quantum System Two, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

BasQ’s IBM Quantum System Two, to be managed by IBM, will be powered by an IBM Quantum Heron, the company’s most performant quantum processor to date, engineered to expand to multiple processors in the future. IBM Heron is capable of executing utility-scale algorithms beyond the capabilities of brute-force, classical simulation methods, including leveraging Qiskit software to accurately run certain classes of quantum circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations.

This installation dedicated to Spain’s quantum innovators across academia, research labs, and industries represents IBM’s continued effort to expand Europe’s quantum ecosystem. Members of the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center will have access to these capabilities and resources to help build a quantum workforce, promote economic development, and develop new, useful algorithms to, in turn, help accomplish the Basque Country Government’s IKUR 2030 vision for quantum technologies. These efforts in algorithm development would be directly applied toward accomplishing IKUR 2030 goals, such as research into modeling new materials, research into how quantum computing can be used as part of the initiative’s broader sustainability efforts.

“With this scientific infrastructure, the Basque Country will be positioned as a global reference hub in quantum computing. This technology will help progress in the digital transformation and provide us with a state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure that will strengthen the scientific, technological and innovation ecosystem that must facilitate this transformation. The IBM Quantum System Two will be a key tool for the Basque Network for Science, Technology and Innovation to generate cutting-edge knowledge in the Basque Country, to implement highly specialized higher education programs at our universities, and to be prepared for the impact of quantum computing in the coming years by both the Basque public sector and the industry. The arrival of this computer will be a great opportunity for the Basque Country’s economic and social development and will enable us to cooperate with other regions, countries and actors in the development and impact of this technology,” said the President of the Basque Country Government, Mr. Imanol Pradales.

“The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center’s dedicated IBM Quantum System Two will give Spain’s quantum community of researchers, developers, and industry experts unparalleled access to our most performant, most advanced quantum technologies—including the tools to develop algorithms that will help drive the entire quantum ecosystem toward achieving a quantum advantage within the next two years,” said Jay Gambetta, Vice President, IBM Quantum.

About the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center

The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center was announced in 2023 to promote the use of advanced technology across all the Basque Country Government and the General Deputations (Araba, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa), further elevating research institutions by expanding international research collaborations, performing world-class fundamental scientific research, and increasing the quantum-trained talent in the region. The center will provide computational infrastructure for researchers from the Basque Government and its partners to help researchers meet these goals.

IBM and the Basque Government are also collaborating to develop workforce programs aimed at building and establishing world-class talent in the Basque Country and across Spain. The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center programs are driving internal and external awareness, education, and skill building through the development of immersive and integrated learning programs.

About IBM

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider, helping clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

For more information, visit https://research.ibm.com.

About Ikerbasque

In 2007, The Basque Government created Ikerbasque to reinforce the Basque scientific system through the attraction, recovery and retention of researchers from all around the world. The Basque Foundation for Science is a consolidated organization with 373 researchers from 35 different countries, from all fields of knowledge, and currently working in 25 partner institutions.

*L-R: Horacio Morell, IBM Spain, Portugal, Greece, Israel General Manager; Jay Gambetta, Vice President, IBM Quantum; Mr. Imanol Pradales, President of the Basque Country Government; Eider Mendoza, General Deputy of Gipuzkoa.

Media Contacts: 

Chris Nay
IBM Research Communications
cnay@us.ibm.com

Paola Ortega Hernández
IBM Brand, Social and Communications Leader
Spain, Portugal, Greece and Israel
paola.ortega@ibm.com 

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SOURCE IBM

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How President Xi Jinping Has Charted the Course for Boosting China’s Strength in Finance: Nurturing a Financial Culture with Chinese Characteristics

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BEIJING, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from en.qstheory.cn:

Boosting strength in finance requires us to enhance not only China’s hard power but also its soft power. With an outstanding financial culture, we can shape the values that orient the financial sector, create internal incentives and constraints, and provide the moral foundations for the law and supervision. In this regard, President Xi Jinping has stressed the need to operate in an honest and trustworthy way and never cross the line; to prioritize the greater good in the pursuit of interests, rather than placing self-interest above all else; to adopt a steady and prudent approach and resist the urge to recklessly seek quick gains; to uphold fundamental principles while breaking new ground and ensure finance does not become decoupled from the real economy; and to uphold the law, ensure regulatory compliance, and refrain from misconduct. These requirements not only draw on the essence of traditional Chinese culture, but also articulate the philosophy underpinning modern finance.

Honesty is the lifeblood of finance. Since its advent, finance has been intrinsically tied to trust. China’s commercial traditions have long placed a premium on honoring one’s commitments. The requirement to operate in an honest and trustworthy way and never cross the line aims to turn the pursuit of honesty into a binding code of conduct that spans all dimensions of financial activity and ensure that financial institutions and practitioners consciously honor their commitments. In this way, the spirit of the contract, market rules, and professional ethics will become conscious norms throughout the financial sector, leaving no room for fraud or breaches of trust.

Properly managing the relationship between principle and profit is the linchpin for balancing the dual nature of finance. While capital is inherently profit-seeking, it must adhere to the baseline requirement of upholding principle. Finance is both functional and profit-driven in nature. The unique wisdom of Chinese culture lies in valuing both principle and profit, while placing greater emphasis on the former. At its core, the requirement to prioritize the greater good in the pursuit of interests aims to ensure that the pursuit of profit gives way to the functional role of finance. Financial activities must remain anchored in the overriding goals of enhancing the efficiency of the real economy and improving public wellbeing. The financial sector must fulfill its social responsibilities and develop symbiotically with the economy, society, and the environment.

Prudence can be thought of as an “immune system” preventing the spread of risk. As finance carries risk in its very DNA and has the effect of amplifying leverage, the reckless pursuit of quick gains must be avoided at all costs in the financial sector. So-called innovation and growth pursued without sufficient prudence will ultimately backfire. A steady and prudent approach must therefore become an innate part of the self-discipline and conscious practice guiding the sector. Institutions must cultivate the correct perspectives on operations, performance, and risk management. They need to strike the right balance between stability and progress, between short-term and long-term development, and between development and security, all aimed at steady and sustainable high-quality development.

*This is an excerpt from an article titled “How President Xi Jinping Has Charted the Course for Boosting China’s Strength in Finance” by Qiushi Editorial Department published in Qiushi Journal, English edition, No. 2, 2026. Full text: https://en.qstheory.cn/2026-05/25/c_1184007.htm 

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SOURCE en.qstheory.cn

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Mashreq launches generative AI capabilities to strengthen fraud risk management with Clari5

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BENGALURU, India, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mashreq, a leading financial institution in the MENA region, has launched new generative AI capabilities within its fraud platform in collaboration with Clari5 – A Perfios Company. The move brings tangible benefits across three priority areas: enhancing fraud detection effectiveness, improving analyst productivity, and supporting stronger investigative decision-making.

Announced at Mashreq’s Innovation Hub in Dubai in the presence of senior leadership from both organizations, the launch demonstrates how generative AI can be applied within a banking environment to complement the expertise and judgement of fraud professionals.

Ahmed Abdelaal, Group Chief Executive Officer at Mashreq, said: “In an increasingly digital financial landscape, fraud is becoming more sophisticated, and the way banks respond must adapt accordingly. At Mashreq, we are committed to implementing AI responsibly in areas where it can have a meaningful impact, strengthening the resilience of our operations and the trust our customers place in us.”

Nitin Chugh, MD and Group CEO, Perfios, said: “Our collaboration with Mashreq demonstrates how generative AI can help banks tackle the growing complexity of financial crime by bringing together disparate information, accelerating investigations and enabling better-informed decisions. The goal is to augment investigators’ expertise, not automate judgement, while ensuring AI operates with the rigour and accountability that financial crime management demands.”

Rivi Varghese, Co-Founder and CEO, Clari5, said: “Banks don’t need AI that acts on its own. They need AI they can govern by their own rules. Clari5 has shown how AI can operate on-premises inside a bank’s own environment, grounded in the bank’s context, and remain auditable, explainable and under human control. We are proud to have gone live with Mashreq and set an example of how enterprise-grade AI should operate in managing financial crime.”

Rania Nerhal, Group Chief Client Experience & Conduct Officer at Mashreq, said: “The value of generative AI lies in its ability to help us interpret relevant information and respond to emerging risks with greater speed, consistency, efficiency, and precision. This launch is part of our continued investment in deploying the latest technology to evolve our fraud risk management framework.”

Developed through the ongoing collaboration between Mashreq and Clari5, the new capabilities further strengthen the bank’s fraud detection platform. They are designed to deliver two key benefits:

Seamless customer experience: Supporting faster, more consistent, and more effective fraud detection.Greater consumer trust: Reinforcing confidence in the bank’s ability to protect customers and respond to emerging risks.

About Mashreq:

Mashreq is a leading financial institution headquartered in Dubai, serving individuals, entrepreneurs, corporates, and institutions across the UAE and key regional and international markets. With a heritage spanning nearly six decades, Mashreq combines digital-first innovation with deep relationship banking across retail banking, corporate and investment banking, global markets, transaction banking, Islamic banking, wealth management, and treasury. The bank delivers secure, advanced, and customer-centric experiences while actively driving the transition toward a sustainable economy. Through a robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, Mashreq is committed to facilitating sustainable finance, fostering responsible operations, and delivering positive societal impact.

With an extensive international footprint spanning the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Pakistan, Türkiye, India, the UK, the US, and Hong Kong, Mashreq seamlessly connects regional businesses with global markets while maintaining deep local expertise.

Guided by its core purpose to help customers Rise Every Day, Mashreq partners with clients to navigate change, unlock sustainable growth opportunities, and achieve long-term success.

For more information, please visit: www.mashreq.com

About Clari5:

Clari5 – A Perfios Company, is the leading provider of real-time financial crime management platforms for banks, insurance companies, telcos and other financial institutions worldwide. Powered by AI-native capabilities, Clari5 helps detect, prevent, report and investigate financial crime in real time. Trusted by 80+ banks across 30+ countries for over two decades, Clari5 unifies fraud and AML on a single platform. It processes 12+ billion transactions every month and protects more than 1 billion accounts. Clari5 is part of the Perfios group, India’s largest B2B SaaS TechFin, serving over 1,000 financial institutions across 18 countries. To know more, visit www.clari5.com.

 

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RedotPay Deepens Hong Kong Investment as OASES Strategic Enterprise Partner

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RedotPay is investing in global talent in Hong Kong to scale the city’s stablecoin payments industry and entrepreneurial ecosystem

HONG KONG, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RedotPay, a global stablecoin-based payments fintech company, has expanded its hiring and infrastructure presence in Hong Kong. The company is part of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) program and has received OASES support since being included in its strategic enterprise cohort in April 2026.

RedotPay, which serves over nine million users across more than 100 countries, has worked alongside OASES to strengthen Hong Kong’s stablecoin payments industry and entrepreneurial landscape, directing significant investment toward local infrastructure and talent.

RedotPay has added more than 125 employees in Hong Kong since 2025, recently expanding its office in Central and establishing a research and development (R&D) center in Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park with the support of OASES.

RedotPay is one of the OASES strategic enterprises exhibiting at Hong Kong FinTech Week, where it is engaging with public and private sector stakeholders and showcasing its future investment plans in Hong Kong.

Established by the Hong Kong SAR Government in 2022, OASES supports the growth of high-potential companies like RedotPay to cement the city’s position as a leader in financial technology and digital assets. To date, OASES has attracted 142 strategic enterprises, which are expected to invest HK$84 billion and create around 27,000 jobs in the coming years.

“Hong Kong has become one of the world’s foremost centers of financial innovation, and we are committed to working with OASES to strengthen its position as a leading hub for the stablecoin payments industry,” said Michael Gao, co-founder and CEO of RedotPay. “Going forward, we plan to invest further in talent and infrastructure here in Hong Kong to better serve our users around the world.”

“We are pleased that RedotPay has joined the OASES cohort, with Hong Kong serving as its headquarters and R&D center. We look forward to continuing our support for RedotPay’s development and to working with partners across the ecosystem,” said Bryan Peng, Executive Director of OASES. “Its investment in local R&D and talent strengthens the digital asset ecosystem here and shows how Hong Kong can serve as a launchpad for companies with global ambitions. We look forward to continuing to support the company’s growth.”

About RedotPay

RedotPay is a global stablecoin-based payment fintech that integrates blockchain solutions with traditional banking and finance infrastructures. Its intuitive platform empowers millions around the world to spend and send digital assets, ensuring faster, more accessible, and inclusive financial services. RedotPay advances financial inclusion for the unbanked and supports crypto enthusiasts, driving global adoption of secure and flexible stablecoin-powered financial solutions to bring crypto to real life. For more information, visit www.redotpay.com.

About OASES

The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) is a dedicated HKSAR Government agency—operating directly under the Financial Secretary—established to attract high-potential and representative strategic enterprises from around the globe to set up or expand operations in Hong Kong.

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