ECB launches Pontes for tokenized settlement in central bank money

The European Central Bank has launched Pontes, a platform designed to connect private blockchain networks with the TARGET settlement system.
According to ECB President Christine Lagarde, the infrastructure will allow banks to settle tokenized assets directly in central bank money, effectively providing a digital-euro settlement layer for financial institutions.
Pontes is the first step toward the ECB's broader Appia ecosystem for tokenized financial markets. Consumer-facing digital euro testing is planned for mid-2027.