VARA's ETD framework: What was published and why it matters

Key Points

• A practical compliance reference for licensed and licence-seeking VASPs navigating VARA's new Exchange-Traded Derivatives framework, effective 31 March 2026.

• Maps the eleven obligation areas under Part V of the Exchange Services Rulebook to core requirements, implementation challenges and a prioritised action sequence.

Who is this for

• VASPs operating derivatives under pilot arrangements who must now assess operations against the new rulebook.

• Licensed VASPs seeking to add ETD Services and preparing a VARA authorisation submission.

• Firms building their target operating model where derivatives are part of the commercial proposition from day one.

What will you get

• A structured breakdown of all eleven Part V obligation areas, from regulatory authorisation and client suitability through to Insurance Fund governance, close-out mechanics and reporting.

• Practical guidance on where the gap between regulatory requirement and operational reality is widest, and how to close it before authorisation.

• A prioritised eight-step action sequence from immediate gap assessment through to recordkeeping architecture and ongoing compliance monitoring.

• An overview of how j. awan & partners supports VASPs through authorisation, remediation planning and ongoing supervision readiness.