ECB Launches Pontes to Settle Tokenised Assets in Central Bank Money

CoinDesk reported that the system connects the ECB's payment infrastructure to blockchain-based financial markets. The platform will begin with a core set of services, with additional features and extended operating hours added over time. According to Cointelegraph, full implementation is expected by 2028, with more participants joining as the rollout continues.

An initial group of banks and market infrastructure operators has already completed onboarding, including Deutsche Bank, Santander, Société Générale, DZ Bank, the European Investment Bank and Clearstream. The ECB said further participants are expected to connect in the coming months.

BitKE quoted ECB President Christine Lagarde as saying: "The Eurosystem is working to enable a more integrated, innovative and resilient European financial market in the digital age. We will continue to make progress in close collaboration with the market."

Bitcoin briefly traded above $85,000 on September 21, its highest level since January 2026, as a market recovery accelerated and short positions were liquidated.