Stellar

Stellar is a blockchain platform that was created with the aim of facilitating fast and low-cost cross-border payments. The platform was launched in 2014 by Jed McCaleb, one of the co-founders of Ripple, and Joyce Kim, a lawyer and entrepreneur. Stellar is a decentralized and open-source platform that enables the creation and exchange of digital assets and tokens.

The native cryptocurrency of the Stellar platform is called Lumens (XLM), which is used for transactions and to pay for fees on the network. Lumens can be bought and sold on various cryptocurrency exchanges.

One of the key features of Stellar is its consensus algorithm, which is based on the Federated Byzantine Agreement (FBA) protocol. The FBA protocol enables faster and more efficient processing of transactions compared to other consensus algorithms. The platform is also designed to be more scalable and interoperable than other blockchain platforms.

Stellar is particularly well-suited for cross-border payments and remittances, as it enables fast and low-cost transactions in multiple currencies. The platform also allows for the creation and exchange of digital assets and tokens, which can be used for a wide range of applications such as crowdfunding, micropayments, and loyalty programs.

Stellar has a strong focus on social impact and financial inclusion, with a mission to enable affordable and accessible financial services for people around the world. The Stellar Development Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the development of the Stellar platform, works closely with partners in the financial industry and non-profit organizations to promote financial inclusion and improve access to affordable financial services.

Stellar has gained popularity in the cryptocurrency community due to its innovative approach to cross-border payments and its focus on social impact. As of 2021, Stellar is one of the top 50 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization and has a growing community of developers and supporters.