# ECB Launches Token Settlement System for Europe

> ECB's Pontes system blocks Ripple's euro trade ambitions.
- Title: ECB Launches Token Settlement System for Europe | Shortify
- Summary: ECB's Pontes system blocks Ripple's euro trade ambitions. The ECB's new system settles euro tokenized trades with central bank money, cutting RLUSD's market…
- Keywords: ecb, pontes, rlusd, xrp, eurozone, ripple, mica, stablecoin, tokenized, central bank, Launches, Token
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/investing/cryptocurrency/2026/09/21/the-ecb-just-launched-a-way-to-settle-tokenized-assets-without-stablecoins-what-it-means-for-rlusd-and-xrp-in-europe
- Author: Sam Daodu
- Published: 2026-09-21T21:54:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ecb, pontes, rlusd, xrp, eurozone, ripple, mica, stablecoin, tokenized, central bank
## ECB launches Pontes
The European Central Bank launched Pontes for eurozone bank tokenized trades.
## Pontes uses central bank money
Pontes settles trades with euro central bank money, not stablecoins.
## Pontes targets euro transactions
Thirteen eurozone banks and four ledger operators test Pontes from 8am to 4pm cest.
## Ripple's RLUSD faces challenge
RLUSD aims to settle euro bonds but Pontes blocks its euro lane.
## Qivalis consortium plans euro stablecoin
Thirty-seven european banks will launch a euro stablecoin by late 2026.
## Pontes excludes dollar flows
Pontes handles only euro-to-euro trades within the eurozone.
## XRP's role remains critical
Xrp enables cross-border payments outside eurozone systems.
## Pontes timeline limited
Pontes runs from 8am to 4pm cest until mid-2028 for continuous service.
## Ripple's market share shrinks
Ripple loses euro trade dominance with Pontes launch.
## XRP's future depends on timing
Xrp's european use hinges on cross-border transactions after 4pm cest.
## Key takeaway

The ECB's new system settles euro tokenized trades with central bank money, cutting RLUSD's market share in euro transactions and leaving XRP's role to cross-border payments.