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# ECB launches Pontes platform to link payment system with blockchain
- URL: https://www.nupath.eu/ecb-launches-pontes-platform-to-link-payment-system-with-blockchain/
- Published: 2026-09-27T05:38:24.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-27T05:38:24.000Z
- Author: Christian Triantafillou Schade
- Tags: News, Payment and banking, #source_Cyprus-Mail

The European Central Bank introduced Pontes, a platform connecting its payment system to blockchain-based markets, enabling euro-backed transactions. Initial users include Deutsche Bank, Santander and Clearstream. The ECB will also invest part of its €23 billion own funds in blockchain-based securities, Reuters reports. **(REUTERS)**

[ECB connects payment system to blockchain with launch of Pontes platformThe European Central Bank launched a new service this week linking its payment system to blockchain-based financial markets and said ​it would invest some of its own money in digital ‌securities. The moves reflect a broader effort by central banks to adapt to the growing use of blockchain in finance, whereby assets are issued and traded using shared digital ledgers ​instead of traditional infrastructure. The new service, known as Pontes, allows ​banks and investors to settle blockchain-based transactions using euros backed ⁠by the ECB, rather than stablecoins or other forms of private ​money. The ECB said a first group of users, including Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE), Santander (SAN.MC) ​and clearing giant Clearstream, had completed onboarding and would be able to use Pontes from the start. The platform would initially operate between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ​CET (0600-1400 GMT) on business days and expand its services over time. “This ​technology has the potential to make transactions faster and more efficient by bundling multiple ‌steps ⁠of an asset’s lifecycle… and enabling automation,” the ECB said. ECB TO INVEST IN BONDS ON BLOCKCHAIN The central bank said it would also begin investing a tiny part of its €23 billion own funds in blockchain-based securities, ​focusing on highly ​rated, euro-denominated debt ⁠issued by public institutions. Last month, ECB board member Isabel Schnabel said central banks should “go on-chain”, arguing this would ​reduce reliance on private alternatives. Other central banks are pursuing ​similar ⁠initiatives. The Swiss National Bank is running Project Helvetia, which uses a wholesale digital currency to settle transactions in securities. The Bank of England is testing blockchain use ⁠through ​its Digital Securities Sandbox. The ECB is also working ​on a digital euro for consumers, partly to wean the bloc off US credit cards, and ​aims to launch it in 2029.![](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/09/27/ecb-connects-payment-system-to-blockchain-with-launch-of-pontes-platform&sz=64)Cyprus Mail![](https://cyprus-mail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/euro-cash-digital-euro-ecb-economy-banking.jpg)](https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/09/27/ecb-connects-payment-system-to-blockchain-with-launch-of-pontes-platform?ref=nupath.eu)