In the Stellar network, anchors are bridges connecting users to the Stellar blockchain. They enable users to process transactions in different fiat currencies and also exchange value in digital assets on Stellar.

Learn more about Stellar Anchors in this video:

What are Anchors on Stellar?

Anchors are regulated entities like banks, money transfer operators, and cryptocurrency exchanges that help users deposit or withdraw fiat currency (dollar, euro, or others) and digital assets to and from the Stellar network. When users deposit funds with an anchor, the anchor issues blockchain-based tokens called credits that represent the deposited value. These credits can then be freely transferred across Stellar's decentralized platform.

Check out Stellar anchors here

Types of Anchors

Anchors on Stellar can offer a range of interoperable services uniting fiat and digital asset economies:

On/Off Ramps: Provide fiat deposit/withdrawal services for digital assets
Issuers: Tokenize real-world assets as digital currencies on Stellar
Exchanges: Support trading of assets issued on the Stellar network
Interoperable: Bridge their services directly to Stellar's standards

Stellar anchors enable seamless connectivity between the Stellar network's capabilities and other currencies globally.
They form the link allowing Stellar's fast, cheap, and borderless transaction capabilities to be used globally.

Cover image by Stellar