ETS Connect UK has published the draft contract for its proposed Accredited Partner (AP) programme supporting the UK bond Consolidated Tape (CT), following the publication of Draft AP Principles on 26 May. The draft contract, published on 10 June, opens a feedback window for market participants to submit comments ahead of final terms being confirmed in August.
The programme is designed to create a network of trusted partners able to provide frontline support to users of the consolidated tape, helping firms onboard, connect and operate efficiently.
Feedback window now open
Organisations are invited to review the draft contract and submit feedback by 5:00pm BST on 20 July to info@ets-connect.co.uk. Responses will inform the final terms and specifications to be published on 17 August, when official applications will also open to become Accredited Partners.
Building a scalable support ecosystem
Under the proposed model, Accredited Partners will operate independently within a shared framework established by ETS Connect UK, the appointed Consolidated Tape Provider (CTP). The aim is to create a consistent, high-quality support experience for market participants while enabling greater scalability and responsiveness.
Accredited Partners will provide Level 1 support for connectivity and usage-related queries, helping clients resolve operational issues more quickly and minimise disruption.
The programme is open, transparent and non-exclusive. Any licensed user meeting the accreditation criteria — spanning Controls & Security, Operational Capability, and Governance & Oversight — may apply from the 17 August 2026. Applications must be submitted by 30 October 2026 to enable timely review and onboarding ahead of the programme launch on 4 January 2027.
Programme rollout
An overview of the implementation milestones:
- 26 May 2026 – Draft principles and technical specifications published
- 10 June 2026 – Publication of draft contract and feedback submission open
- 20 July 2026 – Feedback submission closes
- 3 August 2026 – Consultative Committee meeting
- 17 August 2026 – Final terms and specifications published; applications open
- 30 October 2026 – Last date for applications to meet the AP go-live date
- 7 December 2026 – Accredited Partners enabled for production access
- 4 January 2027 – Formal start of support programme
Next steps
Organisations wishing to submit feedback on the draft contract or principles should email info@ets-connect.co.uk by 5pm BST on 20 July.
ETS Connect UK is a subsidiary of Etrading Software and has been awarded the mandate for operating the UK bond CT. Etrading Software is a financial technology company focused on providing market participants with robust, transparent, and cost-effective market infrastructure solutions. The company specialises in the design and operation of mission-critical platforms across asset classes, supporting global regulatory initiatives and promoting industry-wide collaboration.
For more information, visit ets-connect.co.uk
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