ETS Connect UK launches consultation on UK bond CT AP contract

ETS Connect UK published a draft contract for its Accredited Partner (AP) programme on 10 June and opened a market consultation that runs until 5pm BST on 20 July. The draft follows AP principles published on 26 May and seeks feedback ahead of final terms due in August.

According to ETS Connect UK, responses to the consultation will inform the final terms and the technical specifications scheduled for publication on 17 August. Formal applications to become an Accredited Partner will open the same day. A consultative committee meeting is scheduled for 3 August. Market participants and potential partners may submit comments to [email protected] by the 20 July deadline.

The AP programme is designed to create a network of third-party firms that provide frontline operational support to users of the UK bond Consolidated Tape (CT). Accredited Partners would operate independently within a shared framework established by ETS Connect UK, the appointed Consolidated Tape Provider. Partners are expected to offer Level 1 support for connectivity and usage-related queries to help clients resolve operational issues and reduce disruption.

ETS Connect UK described the programme as open, transparent and non-exclusive. Any licensed user that meets the accreditation criteria may apply from 17 August 2026. Applications must be submitted by 30 October 2026 to allow for review and onboarding prior to the programme go-live. Accredited Partners will be enabled for production access on 7 December 2026, and the formal support programme is scheduled to start on 4 January 2027.

Eligibility for accreditation will be assessed against criteria covering Controls & Security, Operational Capability, and Governance & Oversight. The company said the shared framework is intended to create a consistent support experience while allowing the support network to scale and respond to user needs across the market.

ETS Connect UK is a subsidiary of Etrading Software and has been awarded the mandate to operate the UK bond Consolidated Tape. Etrading Software is a financial technology firm that builds market infrastructure platforms across asset classes and works with regulatory initiatives and industry partners.