ECB Launches Pontes System for Tokenized Asset Settlement

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched Pontes, a system that enables financial institutions to settle tokenized-asset transactions using central bank money.

Pontes is part of the ECB's tokenized finance strategy and will initially offer a limited set of core functions. The ECB plans to gradually expand services, operating hours, and participating institutions through 2028.

The system was built on the Eurosystem's 2024 experiment on settling DLT transactions in central bank money. This move aims to allow blockchain-based financial transactions without relying on privately issued assets like stablecoins.