Fujitsu, Daiichi Life Partner on Quantum Computing to Optimize JPY 30trn Asset Portfolio
Tech giant Fujitsu and financial services heavyweight Daiichi Life Group have launched a joint research initiative to deploy quantum computing technology within asset management operations.
The year-long project, which commenced in April 2026 and is scheduled to run through March 2027, aims to modernize asset allocation strategies for Daiichi Life Insurance. As one of Japan’s leading institutional investors, Daiichi Life manages a massive portfolio valued at approximately ¥30 trillion.
Chasing the Basis Point: The Financial Stakes
The financial incentives driving the partnership are substantial. According to project documentation, an improvement of just a single basis point in Daiichi Life’s portfolio returns via quantum optimization would yield an additional ¥3 billion in investment income.
The research will focus on developing specialized quantum algorithms designed to handle complex, multi-asset allocations across stocks, bonds, and alternative assets. These models must simultaneously calculate risk-return profiles, regulatory requirements, investment constraints, and liability characteristics under a vast array of simulated economic scenarios.
Technical Execution and Roles
To validate the performance of these algorithms, the companies will run tests using both physical quantum computers and high-performance quantum computer simulators. The testing framework leverages Fujitsu's 40-qubit state-vector simulator, which is powered by 1,024 FX700 supercomputers.
The operational division of labor is structured as follows:
- Fujitsu is tasked with providing the underlying quantum algorithms, technical expertise, and simulation infrastructure.
- Daiichi Life will supply critical real-world asset management data, business workflows, and practical operational challenges to ground the research.
Long-Term Outlook
While immediate testing focuses on asset allocation, both entities stated intention to eventually scale these quantum solutions to broader applications within the insurance sector. The companies plan to publicly share their findings via academic papers, positioning the study as an early-stage blueprint for financial institutions preparing for the commercial reality of large-scale quantum computing.
Norbert Gehrke
