• The ECB Appia roadmap outlines a plan to build tokenized wholesale markets using settlements backed by central bank money across Europe.
• Pontes DLT system will connect blockchain market infrastructure with TARGET payment systems across the Eurosystem by 2026.
• ECB has invited banks, firms, and technology providers to submit feedback and join the development of Europe’s tokenized financial ecosystem.

The European Central Bank released the Appia roadmap to guide the development of tokenized wholesale financial markets. The plan outlines how Europe could integrate distributed ledger technology with existing financial infrastructure. The framework focuses on settlement anchored in central bank money. Additionally, the roadmap introduces Pontes, a new settlement system designed for distributed ledger environments.

The ECB structured the roadmap around two connected initiatives. Pontes serves as the technical settlement solution using distributed ledger technology. Meanwhile, Appia acts as the broader strategic framework for a tokenized financial ecosystem. Together, both initiatives aim to modernize financial market infrastructure while maintaining central bank oversight.

The ECB scheduled the launch of the Pontes system for the third quarter of 2026. Authorities expect the system to connect digital asset market infrastructure with the Eurosystem’s payment environment.

Pontes to Connect DLT Markets With TARGET Services

Pontes forms the operational core of the Appia roadmap. The system introduces a distributed ledger technology settlement solution operated by the Eurosystem. This system will enable settlement of market transactions using central bank money. Consequently, the framework aims to maintain trusted settlement standards in emerging tokenized markets.

The Eurosystem includes the ECB and national central banks across euro area member states. These institutions collectively manage monetary policy and financial infrastructure across the eurozone. Pontes therefore operates within the existing Eurosystem structure.

Moreover, Pontes plans to connect distributed ledger infrastructures with Eurosystem’s TARGET Services. TARGET Services handle euro-denominated payments and settlement across Europe. They currently support large financial institutions and payment systems.

TARGET Services include several major components within the European payment system. TARGET2 processes large-value euro payments across banks and institutions. Meanwhile, T2S supports securities settlement across financial markets. Additionally, TIPS enables instant payments across participating institutions.

Pontes aims to bridge distributed ledger market infrastructures with these systems. Authorities expect the connection to support secure settlement between tokenized markets and traditional payment systems.

ECB Opens Consultation on Appia Framework

Alongside the roadmap publication, the ECB launched a public consultation process. The bank invited both public and private sector participants to review the framework. Stakeholders can submit feedback on the roadmap’s structure and implementation approach.

The consultation includes two separate participation tracks. The first section gathers comments on the roadmap chapters. Authorities may publish these responses together with the respondent’s name.

The second section allows participants to propose contributions to the Appia infrastructure. These responses remain confidential and support direct participation in future development work. Therefore, the consultation aims to involve financial institutions, technology providers, and infrastructure operators.