【Did the ECB fix its own settlement route, bypassing stablecoins? 🏦🌉
Join the X-Insider Fan Group on the homepage 🔥
Today, the ECB didn’t beat around the bush—it stepped right in. The new system is called Pontes. In Latin, it means “bridge.” What it does is straightforward: it bridges on-chain settlement. It enables banks to trade large tokenized assets between themselves. The payments come directly from the central bank—no touching private tokens. 🏦
This is far bigger than it looks. In the past, what did this kind of settlement rely on? Many proposals used stablecoins as the stepping stone. Issuers set the terms themselves—rules are written by them. If they want to freeze, they can freeze. No need to ask anyone. This time, the ECB is leaning the other way and doesn’t give this route an opening. 🏛️
The first batch of names is a bit beyond expectations. Deutsche Bank is on the list. Santander and Societe Generale are also included. The European Investment Bank and Crédit pour la Renaissance—yes, they’re on it too. Four DLT operators showed up at once. Even the German central bank is involved. 📋
They even released the timeline. In 2024, they carried out a first round of tests. During the tests, institutions kept raising one requirement: the settlement assets must be risk-free. Pontes is the answer to that problem. The full version is expected to roll out in 2028. ⏳
Alongside this system, there’s also a project called Appia. Its goal is to build the ecosystem end-to-end. The blueprint is also set for 2028. The Danish central bank is on the participant list too. The two tracks are moving forward together now. Europe wants to secure a foothold in this space. 🇪🇺
For people in crypto, the picture feels a bit complicated. On one side, mainstream institutions are taking blockchain seriously. On the other, the settlement role is being taken over by central banks. The room for private stablecoins will be squeezed step by step. The ECB clearly isn’t here to be a cheering crowd. The rules of this track are being rewritten. 💶
📌 The central bank isn’t against putting things on-chain—it just wants to be the settlement party itself.
How much do you think the central bank will take over of the stablecoin settlement business?
Join the X-Insider Fan Group on the homepage 🔥
Today, the ECB didn’t beat around the bush—it stepped right in. The new system is called Pontes. In Latin, it means “bridge.” What it does is straightforward: it bridges on-chain settlement. It enables banks to trade large tokenized assets between themselves. The payments come directly from the central bank—no touching private tokens. 🏦
This is far bigger than it looks. In the past, what did this kind of settlement rely on? Many proposals used stablecoins as the stepping stone. Issuers set the terms themselves—rules are written by them. If they want to freeze, they can freeze. No need to ask anyone. This time, the ECB is leaning the other way and doesn’t give this route an opening. 🏛️
The first batch of names is a bit beyond expectations. Deutsche Bank is on the list. Santander and Societe Generale are also included. The European Investment Bank and Crédit pour la Renaissance—yes, they’re on it too. Four DLT operators showed up at once. Even the German central bank is involved. 📋
They even released the timeline. In 2024, they carried out a first round of tests. During the tests, institutions kept raising one requirement: the settlement assets must be risk-free. Pontes is the answer to that problem. The full version is expected to roll out in 2028. ⏳
Alongside this system, there’s also a project called Appia. Its goal is to build the ecosystem end-to-end. The blueprint is also set for 2028. The Danish central bank is on the participant list too. The two tracks are moving forward together now. Europe wants to secure a foothold in this space. 🇪🇺
For people in crypto, the picture feels a bit complicated. On one side, mainstream institutions are taking blockchain seriously. On the other, the settlement role is being taken over by central banks. The room for private stablecoins will be squeezed step by step. The ECB clearly isn’t here to be a cheering crowd. The rules of this track are being rewritten. 💶
📌 The central bank isn’t against putting things on-chain—it just wants to be the settlement party itself.
How much do you think the central bank will take over of the stablecoin settlement business?
