Market Access Process

Navigating complex market access procedures when entering new markets can be daunting. At Time2Market, we simplify your journey with comprehensive market access services tailored to your needs.

We provide all necessary services for you to trade your target power or gas markets on your preferred exchanges the way you want – with a financial or physical setup.

What are the stages of a market entry project?

Market Scope

At Time2Market, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of your strategy, goals, and current operational setup, as well as all regulatory requirements in your target market. During this stage, we focus on the most efficient market access strategy to accelerate your time-to-market.

Obtaining a Trading or Shipping License

In licensed markets, a trading or shipping license is often the first step of a market entry procedure. What type of license you need is determined by the trading activities you plan to carry out on the market.

A license is usually issued by the market’s National Regulatory Authority (NRA) and the regulatory requirements differ across each market and commodity.

Read more about trading and shipping licenses →

Becoming a Balance Responsible Party(BRP)

A Balance Responsibility Agreement is granted by the local transmission system operator (TSO). TSOs are responsible for keeping the grid balanced. By becoming a BRP, you can take physical positions within the given power grid and are, therefore, financially responsible balancing the grid. Any imbalances you cause on the grid may be penalized.

Please note that in some markets, multiple TSOs manage a the national grid, which warrants multiple BRP applications.

Read more about becoming a balance responsible party (BRP) →

Exchange membership

We facilitate your membership with your preferred energy exchanges, enabling you to participate in intraday, day-ahead, and longer-term future markets.

Becoming a member of an Exchange can be a lengthy process, if you do not have the full picture on the interconnectivity between certain Exchanges and TSOs across Europe. It is up to you which and how many Exchanges you want to enter in a given market.

Some entry processes will be much simpler than others, depending on which markets you are already trading in. It all comes down to your strategy.  

Read more about becoming a member of an energy exchange →

Settlement & Clearing banks

Every TSO and exchange has banking requirements for settlement and clearing bank accounts. These requirements are influenced by your conditions and the markets you are currently a member of. It can be challenging to find a bank that can handle the complexity of trade settlements and clearing, which makes the process even more time-consuming, if you do not have a close relationship with a bank with sufficient capabilities.

We at Time2Market work in close collaboration with settlement banks across the Nordics and CWE to ensure accelerated setup for our clients.  

Cross-border trading

Trading across some national borders requires additional access to interconnectors and pipelines. This involves capacity auctions, regulatory approvals, and technical integration with market platforms.

Whether through explicit auctions, implicit market coupling, or long-term capacity bookings, we ensure your seamless cross-border trading setup.

Read more about interconnector access →

ISO Access

It is essential to differentiate between the North American and European markets. While in Europe, there is a clear distinction between NRAs, TSOs, and Exchanges, the system is quite different in North America.  

Because of the Nodal system in the North American energy industry, some states and markets have an independent system operator (ISO) that acts as both an Exchange and a TSO. Even if you are already active in some American markets, you usually still need to apply for each new ISO through a unique market access procedure.

Read more about the differences between European and American markets →

Important to know about market access procedures

Market entry processes in each market are unique, with differences stemming from cultural, regulatory, and linguistic backgrounds. Overlooking minor details can lead to significant delays or, in some cases, a rejection of your application.

The meticulous approach of our power and gas experts ensures that all aspects of the process are handled properly, allowing you to focus on your core business activities, while we take care of your market expansion in the background.

Disclaimer: The energy industry is extremely dynamic and ever-changing, which means regulations and market access procedures can change without notice. Please refer to each counterparty's website for up-to-date information specific to your case. Time2Market ApS is not responsible for the completeness, accuracy, and actuality of the information provided. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered business or legal advice.

Book a meeting with our experts

What can Time2Market's experts do for your business?

Time2Market offers non-binding consultations to help you find out how we can accelerate your market entry case and take your energy trading desk to the next level.

Our bespoke solutions are always tailored to your priorities, current trading setup, and target markets. Find out what that means for the timeline of your next market entry ⬇️

Eszter Pontenagel talking to a client on the phone

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