The European Central Bank (ECB) today announced the launch of its Pontes solution, designed to enable wholesale transactions of tokenized assets to be settled using central bank money. This solution is the first initiative under the ECB's strategic plan to adapt central bank money for a tokenized future and support this rapidly evolving financial ecosystem. ECB President Christine Lagarde stated that this move will promote integration, innovation, and resilience in European financial markets in the digital age. Pontes will initially offer core services, with full implementation planned by 2028 to meet market demand and technological developments.