The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched Pontes, a solution that enables wholesale transactions in tokenised assets to be settled in central bank money. This marks the first step in implementing the Eurosystem's strategy for tokenised finance. Pontes builds on the outcome of the Eurosystem's 2024 tests using distributed ledger technology (DLT) for central bank money settlement. The solution will initially offer a core set of services, to be expanded over time in line with market needs and technological developments. Enhanced features and longer operating hours will be introduced gradually, with full implementation expected by 2028. An initial group of market participants and DLT operators has completed onboarding and is ready to start using Pontes immediately. Additional participants are committed to connecting to Pontes in the coming months. The development of an integrated ecosystem for DLT-based financial services continues under Appia, involving experimentation and analytical work by the Eurosystem, Danmarks Nationalbank and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, with the goal of delivering a blueprint by 2028. The Eurosystem's strategy for tokenised finance aims to make central bank money fit for a tokenised future and to support the development of this rapidly evolving financial ecosystem. Tokenisation is the process of issuing or representing assets in the form of digital “tokens”, typically recorded on distributed ledger technology (DLT) networks. For wholesale financial markets, this technology has the potential to make transactions faster and more efficient by bundling multiple steps of an asset’s lifecycle – from issuance and trading to settlement, custody and servicing – and by enabling automation and the development of innovative solutions through smart contracts. The market is already showing significant interest in Pontes, with major banks such as Deutsche Bank, Santander, and Société Générale among the initial group of market participants. The launch of Pontes demonstrates the Eurosystem's commitment to supporting the development of tokenised finance and its potential to transform the European financial market. The ECB will continue to work closely with market participants and stakeholders to enhance Pontes and support the growth of the tokenised finance ecosystem. The Eurosystem's initiatives in tokenised finance are part of its broader efforts to promote innovation and resilience in the European financial market. By providing a risk-free settlement asset, Pontes will help to increase confidence in the tokenised finance ecosystem and support its growth. The launch of Pontes is a significant step forward for the Eurosystem's strategy for tokenised finance and demonstrates its commitment to supporting the development of this rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.