conv.

All stories
TechQuiet 3d · day 3

ECB launches Pontes, linking blockchain to euro payment system

The European Central Bank opened a service allowing banks to settle blockchain transactions in central-bank-backed euros, and began investing in digital securities.

newest coverage 3d agosummary written 1d ago4 pieces NewswiresMastodonGoogle News

What to know

  • The ECB's Pontes service allows banks to settle blockchain transactions directly in euros, avoiding reliance on private stablecoins or alternatives.
  • Major financial institutions including Deutsche Bank and Santander are already using the platform, which operates on business days between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CET.
  • The ECB is investing its own funds in blockchain-based securities and pursuing a consumer digital euro by 2029, reflecting central banks' broader adaptation to blockchain in finance.

European Central Bank Central bank launching blockchain payment serviceDeutsche Bank Initial Pontes userSantander Initial Pontes userClearstream Initial Pontes userIsabel Schnabel ECB board member

ECB launches Pontes, linking blockchain to euro payment system
Channel News Asia

How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts

Peak 3 pieces in one hour at Sep 21, 5 AM; 4 pieces over 3 days (3 articles · 1 post) Sep 21, 5 AM — 3 pieces · 2 articles · 1 post — Newswires 2, Mastodon 1Sep 21, 6 AM — quietSep 21, 7 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Google News 1Sep 21, 8 AM — quietSep 21, 9 AM — quietSep 21, 10 AM — quietSep 21, 11 AM — quietSep 21, 12 PM — quietSep 21, 1 PM — quietSep 21, 2 PM — quietSep 21, 3 PM — quietSep 21, 4 PM — quietSep 21, 5 PM — quietSep 21, 6 PM — quietSep 21, 7 PM — quietSep 21, 8 PM — quietSep 21, 9 PM — quietSep 21, 10 PM — quietSep 21, 11 PM — quietSep 22, 12 AM — quietSep 22, 1 AM — quietSep 22, 2 AM — quietSep 22, 3 AM — quietSep 22, 4 AM — quietSep 22, 5 AM — quietSep 22, 6 AM — quietSep 22, 7 AM — quietSep 22, 8 AM — quietSep 22, 9 AM — quietSep 22, 10 AM — quietSep 22, 11 AM — quietSep 22, 12 PM — quietSep 22, 1 PM — quietSep 22, 2 PM — quietSep 22, 3 PM — quietSep 22, 4 PM — quietSep 22, 5 PM — quietSep 22, 6 PM — quietSep 22, 7 PM — quietSep 22, 8 PM — quietSep 22, 9 PM — quietSep 22, 10 PM — quietSep 22, 11 PM — quietYesterday, 12 AM — quietYesterday, 1 AM — quietYesterday, 2 AM — quietYesterday, 3 AM — quietYesterday, 4 AM — quietYesterday, 5 AM — quietYesterday, 6 AM — quietYesterday, 7 AM — quietYesterday, 8 AM — quietYesterday, 9 AM — quietYesterday, 10 AM — quietYesterday, 11 AM — quietYesterday, 12 PM — quietYesterday, 1 PM — quietYesterday, 2 PM — quietYesterday, 3 PM — quietYesterday, 4 PM — quietYesterday, 5 PM — quietYesterday, 6 PM — quietYesterday, 7 PM — quietYesterday, 8 PM — quietYesterday, 9 PM — quietYesterday, 10 PM — quietYesterday, 11 PM — quietToday, 12 AM — quietToday, 1 AM — quietToday, 2 AM — quietToday, 3 AM — quietToday, 4 AM — quietToday, 5 AM — quietToday, 6 AM — quietToday, 7 AM — quietToday, 8 AM — quiet 1
Sep 22yesterdaynow · 9:44 AM ET
  1. 1

    ECB begins investing in blockchain-based securities

    The ECB announced it would invest a small portion of its €23 billion own funds in blockchain-based securities, focusing on highly rated euro-denominated debt issued by public institutions.

    “This technology has the potential to make transactions faster and more efficient by bundling multiple steps of an asset's lifecycle... and enabling automation.”
    — European Central Bank · source
    1. 2 outlets ECB opens blockchain link to financial markets

      first by Channel News Asia, 3d ago · also Bloomberg Economics

      1 more headline
  2. background

    Initial users including Deutsche Bank and Santander onboard Pontes — A first group of users including Deutsche Bank, Santander, and clearing giant Clearstream completed onboarding and became able to use Pontes from the start. The platform operates between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CET on business days with plans to expand over time.

  3. background

    ECB launches Pontes blockchain payment link — The European Central Bank launched Pontes, a new service connecting its payment system to blockchain-based financial markets. The service allows banks and investors to settle blockchain transactions using euros backed by the ECB rather than stablecoins or private money.