Confirmation of the UK’s bond consolidated tape provider has been delayed until midnight tonight, its second extension, indicating open questions around the award still exist.
eTrading Software was confirmed as the supplier on 29 August initially, with a contract value of £4 million, with the the earliest signing date set for 2 January 2026.
Under UK rules, standstill periods provide a pause after the award decision so participants and authorities can do further due diligence on the tender outcome and possibly challenge the decision before the contract is signed. Authorities can lengthen the period beyond the minimum where necessary.
Today’s extension follows our earlier reporting that the standstill had already been moved beyond the standard minimum eight-day period, to 17 September 2025.
The multiple extensions indicate either the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and/or participants were not entirely happy with the process or outcome of the decision.
Read more: “Clouds gather around UK transparency as consolidated tape decision delayed.”
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