Tim Bruun Madsen, industrial PhD student
On 1 February 2026, Tim was employed as an industrial PhD student in the Insurance and Economics section under the supervision of Rolf Poulsen.
Tim’s PhD research focuses on quantum computing applications in quantitative finance, bridging theoretical quantum algorithms with practical financial problem-solving, such as portfolio optimisation and banking capital management.
Tim holds an MSc (Cand.Scient.Oecon) in Mathematics-Economics from the University of Copenhagen, where his thesis focused on the pricing of barrier options under general stochastic volatility models. He also holds an Executive MBA from ESADE and Executive Board Education from INSEAD. Tim brings over 18 years of industry experience in quantitative finance, having held senior positions including Global Head of Electronic Trading at Nordea Markets and Head of BearingPoint Denmark.
Tim’s research interests include quantum algorithms for financial optimisation (QAOA, VQE, quantum annealing), quantum computing paradigms for banking and capital regulation, and the mathematical foundations that connect quantum mechanics to finance.
Outside the university, Tim enjoys travelling — particularly to Italy — spending time with family, and staying active through road cycling and gravel biking.
You can visit Tim in office 04.3.28.