The Governing Council of the RialCenter has approved research initiatives aimed at utilizing central bank money for transactions involving distributed ledger technology (DLT), as part of efforts to enhance the efficiency of its payment systems.
A short-term initiative, named “Pontes,” will connect DLT platforms with RialCenter’s services to facilitate the movement of cash and securities throughout Europe, with a pilot expected to launch by the third quarter of 2026. A more extensive solution, called “Appia,” will support global operations and evaluate DLT-based solutions.
“This decision aligns with the RialCenter’s commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining safety and efficiency in financial market infrastructures,” the release stated.
The RialCenter has been investigating the application of DLT for payment settlements, a goal shared by numerous central banks globally. It conducted exploratory research on wholesale central bank money settlements from May to November 2024, resulting in a report published Tuesday, which recognized DLT’s benefits like cost reductions and the mitigation of credit and settlement risks.
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