Stellar (XLM): what you need to knowStellar (XLM): what you need to know

Stellar is an open blockchain network designed for fast and cheap cross-border payments and the issuance of digital assets. The network explicitly focuses on financial inclusion and provides infrastructure for representing and trading fiat currencies, stablecoins and other assets. The native token XLM is used as a bridge currency and for transaction fees.

Source: https://stellar.org/learn/stellar-consensus-protocol

Stellar uses the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), its own consensus mechanism based on Federated Byzantine Agreement (FBA). Instead of mining or staking, nodes choose which other nodes they trust ('quorum slices') and reach consensus on new ledgers that way. Transactions are very fast (a few seconds) and typically cost a fraction of a cent.

• Ticker: XLM

• Category: Payment Coin / Cross-border payments

• Blockchain: Stellar

• Protocol: Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP)

• Year of launch: 2014

The Stellar network has native support for issuing custom tokens, a built-in DEX, multi-signing and path payments, in which a payment can be automatically routed through multiple currencies. With Soroban, Stellar also offers its own smart contract platform for more complex financial applications on top of the base protocol.

The Stellar ecosystem includes banks, fintechs, NGOs and payment providers that use Stellar for cross-border payments, remittances and stablecoin issuance. Well-known projects include MoneyGram (cash in/out), Circle (USDC) and Franklin Templeton (tokenised money market funds). The Stellar Development Foundation supports the ecosystem with grants and infrastructure.

Stellar was founded in 2014 by Jed McCaleb (co-founder of Ripple) and Joyce Kim, with the goal of creating an open network for cheap global payments and financial inclusion. The network is maintained by the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF), a non-profit organisation that coordinates the open-source development of the protocol.

BTC Direct has been the European entry point to crypto since 2013. We make buying Stellar straightforward, even if it is your first time:

• Trusted in Europe. BTC Direct is registered with the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and operates under MiCA, the EU regulation for crypto.

• Familiar payment methods. Pay with iDEAL, Bancontact, Sofort, SEPA bank transfer, credit card, PayPal or Apple Pay. Your XLM is on its way within minutes.

• Your coins, your control. We do not store your XLM. After your purchase, your coins are sent straight to your own wallet address.

• Based in the Netherlands, serving all of Europe. Our experts are based in the Netherlands and answer in your language across the SEPA zone. Need help? We are here.

• Start with a small amount. From just €30. The minimum varies per coin.

Ready to buy your first XLM?

Buy Stellar now

Click here for more information about the impact on the environment by this specific coin.

More questions about Stellar or BTC Direct? Visit our help center for more answers.

For more technical information about Stellar, visit the official website.

Cryptocurrencies, including Stellar (XLM), are volatile and carry risks. The value of XLM can fluctuate greatly and investments can lead to financial losses. Always do your own research and only invest money that you are willing to lose.

The BTC Direct disclaimer can be found here.