Accelerated settlements: T+1 in the EU – Q1 2026 key findings

EU readiness for T+1 is building, but operational pressure remains material. Engagement has increased since Q3 2025, yet the path to implementation still depends heavily on automation timelines, service provider support and cross-market coordination.

Where is readiness improving across the EU? Which dependencies are becoming more important as firms move from planning towards practical delivery?

These key findings draw on input from more than 600 financial services professionals, with 73% of responses coming from Europe. The EU findings show where readiness is advancing, and where market participants continue to face pressure around technology, counterparties and trade-cycle change.

The research, produced in partnership with Euroclear and Clearstream, highlights:

• 80% of firms are actively engaged in EU T+1 preparations: this is up from 65% in Q3 2025

• Only 14% see themselves as compliant or fully prepared as of Q1 2026

• 57% of investors and 49% of custodians have yet to start development work

• 63% expect to complete automation work in 2027: key delivery work is moving closer to the testing window

• Clients, counterparties and custodians are a growing concern for up to 37% of firms