It is a decentralized, peer-to-peer network launched in 2015 with the goal of connecting the world's financial systems. The network operates using its native digital currency, XLM, which acts as an intermediary currency for transactions and is used to pay fees. Stellar is designed to offer fast, simple and inexpensive cross-border transactions, and its target audience is primarily inhabitants of developing countries. The network also serves as a decentralized exchange, with a built-in order book that tracks ownership of Stellar assets. The network benefits from simplicity, decentralization, high speed of transfer and low transaction costs, and aims to challenge existing payment providers. The network's native token, lumens, serves as a bridge for trading assets across borders.