21 September 2026
- Pontes enables wholesale tokenised asset transactions to be settled in central bank money
- Launch marks first step in implementing the Eurosystem’s strategy for tokenised finance
- Banks and market infrastructures to join in a gradual approach
The Eurosystem today launched Pontes, a solution that enables wholesale transactions in tokenised assets to be settled in central bank money. Pontes is the first initiative under the Eurosystem’s strategic programme to make central bank money fit for a tokenised future and to support the development of this rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.
Pontes builds on the outcome of the Eurosystem’s 2024 tests using DLT for central bank money settlement, during which stakeholders from the public and private sectors indicated that access to a risk-free settlement asset was crucial for the wider adoption of this new technology. Pontes will initially offer a core set of services, to be expanded over time in line with market needs and technological developments. Enhanced features and longer operating hours will be introduced gradually, with full implementation expected by 2028.
“Pontes brings the stability and trust of central bank money to the European tokenised finance ecosystem,” said Piero Cipollone, member of the ECB’s Executive Board. “It will give an important advantage to help it scale.”
The market is already showing significant interest in Pontes. An initial group of market participants and DLT operators has completed onboarding and is ready to start using Pontes immediately. Additional participants are committed to connecting to Pontes in the coming months.
The development of an integrated ecosystem for DLT-based financial services continues under Appia, involving experimentation and analytical work by the Eurosystem, Danmarks Nationalbank and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, with the goal of delivering a blueprint by 2028.