ECB Advances DLT Settlement with Central Bank Money via Pontes and Appia Initiatives
The European Central Bank has greenlit a two-phase plan to integrate distributed ledger technology with traditional settlement systems. Pontes, the short-term track, will pilot a bridge between DLT platforms and TARGET Services by Q3 2026, ensuring euro-denominated settlements retain central bank money backing. Appia represents a strategic long-term vision for DLT-powered financial ecosystems.
This MOVE signals institutional recognition of blockchain's infrastructure potential while maintaining the Eurosystem's strict standards for safety and efficiency. The pilot phase will test technical interoperability and explore enhancements to existing payment systems.