European Central Bank launches Pontes service to settle blockchain transactions with euros

On September 21, 2026, the European Central Bank launched a new service called Pontes, which links its payment system to blockchain-based financial markets. This service allows banks and investors to settle transactions using euros backed by the ECB, rather than stablecoins or private money. The first users include Deutsche Bank, Santander, and Clearstream. The ECB also announced it will invest a small part of its 23 billion euro own funds in blockchain-based securities. This move is part of a broader effort by central banks to adapt to blockchain technology, with similar initiatives in Switzerland and the UK.