Stellar is a Ripple fork optimized for real-time FX transactions. Lumens (XLM), the platform’s native cryptocurrency, are used as an intermediary currency for cross-asset transfers. Cross-asset transactions are made possible through “anchors,” which bridge currencies on the network by acting as trusted entities that hold deposits and can issue credit. The Stellar network charges a small fee with every transaction to prevent spam attacks and has a fixed inflation rate of 1% per year.