The tape that never sleeps: How ETS Connect Plus helps navigate the UK CTP’s changing client support model

ETS Connect Plus describes the meaningful benefits that accrue to its end user and redistributor clients where it becomes an Accredited Partner to the UK bond CTP by year end.

 

Announcement: On 5 May 2026, ETS Connect UK—the UK bond Consolidated Tape Provider (CTP)—announced that, from January 2027, it will withdraw front-line (Level 1) client support outside of UK market hours (8:00am–6:00pm).  This removal of support applies equally to routine queries, an incorrectly reported trade or a licensing query for example, as well as critical issues, including full data outages between the CTP and a redistributor or enterprise client.

 

Despite the importance of this announcement, it appeared to attract limited attention—likely due to the industry’s focus on the upcoming launch or the delayed implementation timeline.  It is important however that end users and redistributors of tape data understand the implications of this highly significant change.

 

In parallel with the announcement, the CTP clarified that, from year end, its support  SLA will only apply during UK market hours.

 

Impact: The impact of these changes is clear, with a standard 20-hour response window, an issue arising at midday on a Monday could, in practice, remain addressed until midday Wednesday without the CTP breaching SLA terms.

 

The challenges that this new model creates are significant.  For firms relying on the Tape for trading algos, such delays are clearly unacceptable.  Arguably worse, extended outages introduce operational risk and may also create downstream SLA breaches for redistributors.

 

Accredited Partner programme: To address the gap its withdrawal of front line support will create, the CTP announced the introduction of its Accredited Partner (AP) programme.  APs, with direct access to the CTP’s technology stack, will be able to provide continuous support to their clients (in place of the CTP).

 

Whilst the nature and extent of the support services that an AP provides are not dictated by the CTP, the minimum service levels and requirements are.  In summary, a series of ISO/SOC style certifications are required along with on-going oversight.  There is also a legal commitment to comply with the CTP’s support obligations.

 

ETS Connect Plus: From the standpoint of ETS, we have already signalled our intent to become an AP when possible to do so.  We expect to achieve this objective around October time.

 

From year end, where an end user or redistributor accesses the tape via ETS Connect Plus, the additional, support related benefits, become embedded within the service.  Client support reverts to a ‘round the clock’ model.  Queries and incidents are addressed immediately.  The same data outage described above would be addressed, at worst, within 2 hours for ETS Connect Plus to meet its stated SLA commitment.  Furthermore, ETS Connect Plus will NOT impose additional fees to end users for the enterprise grade support it provides.

 

Conclusion: There are around six months between the launch of the CTP and its withdrawal of 24×5 support.  The CTP has published all the relevant documentation to elicit feedback from potential APs.  Only time will tell how many other entities ultimately become Accredited Partners.

 

If you are interested in ETS Connect Plus, or would like to discuss the statistical methodologies in more detail, please contact [email protected]