T+1 settlement: Are you still a day behind?

The UK market is moving toward T+1 settlement and the latest research from the UK T+1 Accelerated Settlement Taskforce reveals a mixed picture of readiness. The industry acknowledges the urgency, but the numbers tell a story of uneven progress. If you’re not already moving, now is the time to act.

Let’s review the research’s key findings.

95% of firms are preparing for T+1

This % suggests that almost all UK firms recognise the inevitability of accelerated settlement. The awareness is there, and planning has begun. However, preparation does not equal readiness. Many firms are still in the initial stages, focusing on impact assessments rather than execution. The challenge lies in translating intent into operational reality, and that requires investment, coordination, and a clear roadmap.

60% expect to meet the 2026 deadlines for trade date allocations and confirmations

This is the most critical number in the AST report. It tells us that 4 out of 10 firms surveyed are currently unsure they’ll achieve same-day allocations and confirmations by 31 December 2026.

Meeting the deadlines is foundational to T+1 success. Missing them could compress timelines, increase costs, and expose firms to settlement risk. For those in the uncertain 40%, it’s time to start analysing the roadblocks in your path. In a T+1 environment, delays in allocation or confirmation can cascade into failed settlements and possible financial penalties.

85% of fund managers plan to revise fund dealing cycles

This statistic highlights the ripple effect of T+1 beyond the middle office. Fund managers are already adjusting their operating models to accommodate shorter settlement windows, including changes to FX processes, funding timelines, and client reporting.

The transition touches every part of the trade lifecycle. Firms that embrace and anticipate these downstream impacts can avoid operational friction and client dissatisfaction.

T+1 is an operational transformation, and you need to act now

The numbers tell a clear story: while awareness is high, readiness is uneven, and dependencies are fragile.

T+1 isn’t just a regulatory requirement. It ’s an operational transformation that demands automation, data standardisation, and ecosystem coordination. Manual workflows may struggle to survive in a T+1 world.

Whether or not you count your firm among the 60% moving ahead, market participants that act now will gain a competitive edge. It’s time to embed T+1 readiness into your 2026 planning, invest in technology, and set clear milestones to hit T+1.

Those who wait risk being left more than just a day behind.