Obtaining License

At Time2Market, we know how to enter markets efficiently. By using our services, your market entry will be planned and scoped precisely for an efficient and compliant process. We plan the onboarding process for obtaining a license, becoming a BRP, and becoming a trade participant so you get accelerated access. Via our network of legal partners, we can offer corporate pricing for your legal support in this process. You don’t need expertise; you save time, and you save money. Outsource your market entry now.

— Paul Pontenagel, Managing Director at Time2Market

What licenses do I need when entering a new market as a trading entity?

The most fundamental license you need when entering a new market is a trading or a shipping license. A trading or a shipping license is granted by the public authority governing the desired market. These public authorities, known as National Regulating Authorities (NRAs), grant market participants permission to trade or transport gas or power.  

Generally speaking, both power and gas traders are granted a trading or shipping license. Which type of license you need to apply for depends on whether you wish to trade physical or financial energy. Each NRA has its own unique requirements for applications.  

Eszter Pontenagel on the phone with a National Regulator Authority (NRA).

Why do I need to obtain licenses before I can trade in a new market?

You cannot access the overseeing TSO without a trading license in the markets where it's required. A trading license might be sufficient depending on the commodities you wish to trade and the methods you use. However, if you’re interested in gaining access to a gas interconnector, you will need a shipping license, too. Without being formally recognized as a shipper, you cannot bid in gas capacity auctions with PRISMA. Regarding power capacities, there is a wide range of options in terms of licensing that is heavily dependent on your current and desired activities.  

Because standard licensing requirements across Member States are yet to be established, each new market entry imposes a new licensing process. We at Time2Market understand the ins and outs of the process and can accelerate your access to the markets you desire.  

How do I get licensed to be a trader/shipper in a new energy market?

The licensing processes differ vastly between markets, even within the EU. Outside of the EU, they are usually even more complex.  

A license application usually includes a detailed overview of your business and operations. Depending on the market you are applying for, authorities might ask for anything from your source of income to your organization structure or even licenses you have obtained previously.  

NRAs might require that you mail all of these physically or electronically. Other standard requirements they could request are notarized and certified translations, which, in specific cases, might even have to be pre-approved by the NRA itself.  

We at Time2Market support the license application process through our worldwide network of legal partners and in-house expertise. Outsource your market access efforts today and focus on what you do best – trading.  

With close to 20 years of combined experience in the energy industry, in both market access and trading short-term, long-term, physical, and financial power, we know what we are doing.  

Reach out to Time2Market and let us accelerate your business.  

We deliver, you excel.

Disclaimer: 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.

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Eszter Pontenagel talking to a client on the phone

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