Abstract This study explores the application of adiabatic quantum computing to portfolio optimization, a critical problem in finance. By formulating the problem as a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) model, the study integrates constraints such as expected return, transaction cost, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores. Simulations using D-Wave’s quantum annealer demonstrate the feasibility of optimizing portfolios comprising hundreds of assets with reduced computational time compared to classical methods. While current quantum devices face limitations in precision, this work lays the foundation for leveraging quantum technologies in financial optimization.
Abstract This study explores the application of adiabatic quantum computing to portfolio optimization, a critical problem in finance. By formulating the problem as a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) model, the study integrates constraints such as expected return, transaction cost, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores. Simulations using D-Wave’s quantum annealer demonstrate the feasibility of optimizing portfolios comprising hundreds of assets with reduced computational time compared to classical methods. While current quantum devices face limitations in precision, this work lays the foundation for leveraging quantum technologies in financial optimization.
Quantum computing has the potential to improve financial portfolio optimization by addressing scalability and computational complexity issues. This article explores the application of quantum algorithms to portfolio optimization. It begins by discussing the limitations of classical optimization methods and introduces the basics of quantum computing. Two key quantum algorithms, quantum annealing and the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), are presented in detail. These algorithms are applied to solve the Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulation of the portfolio optimization problem. The article provides a high-level quantum algorithm, along with its pseudo-code Python implementation. The potential computational speedup of quantum algorithms is analyzed, highlighting the theoretical quadratic speedup over classical methods. However, the article also acknowledges the challenges and limitations currently facing quantum computing. It also concludes by emphasizing the promising future of quantum computing in finance and encourages further research to unlock the full potential of quantum technologies in portfolio optimization and other complex financial problems.
Quantum annealing has emerged as a promising computational paradigm for solving large-scale combinatorial optimization problems that are intractable for classical algorithms. Financial portfolio optimization, which involves balancing expected returns against risk under multiple practical constraints, represents one of the most challenging optimization tasks in quantitative finance. Traditional approaches based on mean-variance theory, heuristic meta-optimization, and classical quadratic programming often struggle to scale efficiently as the dimensionality of assets and constraints increases. This study explores the application of quantum annealing techniques to financial portfolio optimization by formulating the problem as a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization model suitable for quantum hardware. The paper provides a systematic mapping of portfolio objectives and constraints into the Ising Hamiltonian framework and analyzes how quantum tunneling and probabilistic state transitions can enhance convergence toward near-global optima. Comparative insights between classical solvers and quantum annealing-based approaches are discussed in terms of solution quality, computational efficiency, and scalability. Furthermore, the study highlights current hardware limitations, embedding challenges, and noise effects that influence optimization performance. The findings indicate that quantum annealing offers substantial potential for accelerating portfolio optimization in high-dimensional financial systems, particularly in scenarios involving complex constraints and dynamic market conditions, thereby establishing a foundation for future quantum-driven financial decision-support systems.
In this study, the portfolio optimization problem is explored, using a combination of classical and quantum computing techniques. The portfolio optimization problem with specific objectives or constraints is often a quadratic optimization problem, due to the quadratic nature of, for example, risk measures. Quantum computing is a promising solution for quadratic optimization problems, as it can leverage quantum annealing and quantum approximate optimization algorithms, which are expected to tackle these problems more efficiently. Quantum computing takes advantage of quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement. In this paper, a specific problem is introduced, where a portfolio of loans need to be optimized for 2030, considering ‘Return on Capital’ and ‘Concentration Risk’ objectives, as well as a carbon footprint constraint. This paper introduces the formulation of the problem and how it can be optimized using quantum computing, using a reformulation of the problem as a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problem. Two QUBO formulations are presented, each addressing different aspects of the problem. The QUBO formulation succeeded in finding solutions that met the emission constraint, although classical simulated annealing still outperformed quantum annealing in solving this QUBO, in terms of solutions close to the Pareto frontier. Overall, this paper provides insights into how quantum computing can address complex optimization problems in the financial sector. It also highlights the potential of quantum computing for providing more efficient and robust solutions for portfolio management.
This study explores the integration of quantum computing techniques, specifically the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), with classical portfolio optimization frameworks through the Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) approach. Using monthly turnover data from the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), this paper demonstrates the construction of a QUBO matrix by encoding expected returns and covariance-based risk profiles. Binary asset inclusion constraints are introduced into portfolios and then optimised using both brute force enumeration and quantum inspired solvers. The analysis reveals those combinations including Index Futures and Index Options exhibit superior risk-adjusted performance (Sharpe Ratio≈0.286). The hybrid approach suggests the promise of quantum inspired models as means to improve financial decision making under uncertainty. The results also give a robust template for scalable asset selection models that operate within the constraints of quantum computing infrastructure.
Quantum computing has emerged as a transformative computational paradigm, offering novel capabilities to tackle complex problems in finance—most notably in derivative pricing, risk management, and portfolio optimization. This review synthesizes recent advances in quantum algorithms and hybrid quantum–classical frameworks as applied to financial services, examining how technologies such as quantum-annealing, quantum amplitude estimation, and variational quantum circuits can improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability over classical methods. The study provides a systematic assessment of key use-cases: (1) derivative pricing and greeks computation via quantum Monte Carlo and amplitude estimation; (2) risk management enhancements, including Value-at-Risk (VaR) and conditional VaR through quantum gradient estimation; and (3) portfolio optimization via QUBO (quadratic unconstrained binary optimization) mapping, the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and quantum annealing approaches. In addition to reviewing technological potential, the paper addresses critical barriers—hardware noise, coherence limitations, data integration, regulatory considerations—and outlines future research directions, including quantum-resilient cryptography in finance and industry coupling. By bringing together algorithmic, financial and regulatory perspectives, this review seeks to guide academics and practitioners toward the next frontier in financial computing.
Portfolio optimization under realistic constraints represents a computationally intensive problem for classical financial models, particularly in volatile and high-dimensional markets such as India.Conventional mean-variance approaches become NP-hard when integer, cardinality, and regulatory constraints are incorporated.This paper investigates the applicability of quantum computing techniques for constrained portfolio optimization in the Indian financial context.The study analyzes quantum annealing and gate-based variational algorithms, including the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE), with emphasis on Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulations.In addition, quantum amplitude estimation methods are examined for accelerating financial risk metrics such as Value-at-Risk and Conditional Value-at-Risk.Empirical results derived from thematic and regression analyses indicate that perceived computational advantage and organizational readiness significantly influence adoption intent, while quantum-related security risks act as a moderating factor.The findings suggest that hybrid classical-quantum architectures provide a practical pathway during the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum era.The paper concludes that early-stage quantum adoption, combined with post-quantum cryptographic preparedness, can enhance portfolio efficiency and risk governance for Indian institutional investors