The European Central Bank (ECB) launched Pontes, a solution enabling wholesale settlement of tokenized asset transactions in central bank money, the ECB announced on September 21, 2026.
This initiative represents the first step in the strategic program of the European System of Central Banks aimed at making central bank money compatible with tokenized finance, a rapidly evolving sector.
Tokenization involves representing assets as digital tokens recorded on blockchain or distributed ledger technology (DLT) networks. This technology can accelerate and enhance the efficiency of financial transactions by integrating multiple stages of an asset’s lifecycle—from issuance to settlement, including custody and management—particularly through smart contracts.
Pontes builds on tests conducted in 2024 by the European System of Central Banks on settlement in central bank money via DLT, which demonstrated the importance of a risk-free settlement asset to promote adoption of this technology.
The solution will initially offer a set of basic services, with a gradual extension of functionalities and operating hours, aiming for full implementation by 2028.
Christine Lagarde, ECB President, emphasized the goal of integrating and innovating within the European financial market in the digital age, working closely with market participants.
An initial group of market participants and DLT operators has already been onboarded and can use Pontes immediately, while others plan to connect soon, reflecting strong interest in this innovation that could position Europe as a leader in transforming financial services.
