European Central Bank Launches Pontes Blockchain Settlement Service

The European Central Bank launched Pontes on September 21, 2026, a new settlement service that links the central bank's payment system to blockchain-based financial markets. The platform allows banks and investors to settle wholesale transactions in tokenized assets using euros backed by the central bank, providing a regulated alternative to stablecoins and private money. Thirteen institutions, including the European Investment Bank, have already onboarded to the system.

Alongside the launch, the bank announced it will invest a small portion of its own-funds portfolio—used for operating expenses rather than monetary policy—into highly rated, euro-denominated debt issued by euro-area governments, public agencies, and European supranational institutions on the blockchain. By acting as a direct market participant, the bank intends to gain first-hand experience in the full investment lifecycle, including trade execution and portfolio management.

While Pontes currently operates within existing market hours, the bank expects the service to reach full capability by 2028. This initiative, combined with the Appia blueprint for tokenized finance, aims to integrate central bank money into digital markets to reduce credit risks. The ECB Executive Board will determine the specific investment amounts and start dates following the completion of preparatory work.