The time for financial institutions to prepare for quantum-safe computing is now, and Nacha’s Payments Innovation Alliance has a new tool to help.

A federal initiative set a goal of making critical infrastructure sectors quantum-safe by December 2030. The financial services sector is considered critical infrastructure and will have to be ready to meet forthcoming minimum cryptographic bill of material (CBOM) elements from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

To help accomplish that, the Alliance’s Quantum Payments Project Team has created a Vendor Questionnaire which banks and credit unions of all sizes can use to confirm their vendors’ plans, timelines, impacts to an FI’s organization, and to support current and emerging cryptographic standards. With six sections covering topics including “Meeting Compliance and Regulatory Requirements” and “Preparing for the Unexpected,” the questionnaire contains more than 30 sample questions.

They also developed instructions for financial institutions to help administer the questionnaire. It includes how to use the questionnaire, helpful tips, the scope, and what steps to take after it is completed.

“This tool can help financial institutions start the discussion on the most critical questions which need to be answered by their vendors sooner rather than later. It is also customizable, so you can tailor questions to specific business needs,” said Jennifer West, AAP, AFPP, APRP, Nacha Senior Director, Payments Innovation Alliance, Education and Accreditation. “Vendors are key participants in the payments industry, making it crucial to know where they stand in quantum-safe readiness.”

The questionnaire and instructions for use are available on the Nacha Payments Innovation Alliance website.

Nacha’s Payments Innovation Alliance is a membership organization bringing together diverse, global stakeholders to grow and advance future payment trends, collaborate, and provide solutions. Visit the Nacha Payments Innovation Alliance website to discover more about what the Alliance does and ways to get involved with fellow payments industry leaders.

About Nacha

Nacha governs the thriving ACH Network, the payment system that drives safe, smart, and fast Direct Deposits and Direct Payments with the capability to reach all U.S. bank and credit union accounts. There were 35.2 billion ACH Network payments made in 2025, valued at $93 trillion. Through problem-solving and consensus-building among diverse payment industry stakeholders, Nacha advances innovation and interoperability in the payments system. Nacha develops rules and standards, provides industry solutions, and delivers education, accreditation, and advisory services.

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“This tool can help financial institutions start the discussion on the most critical questions which need to be answered by their vendors sooner rather than later."