Celo is a decentralized blockchain focused on providing financial services to financially underserved (unbanked/underbanked) communities around the world through mobile applications. Celo uses phone numbers as account identifiers and utilizes the Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) algorithm to achieve consensus within its network.
Celo is an open-source blockchain platform that aims to create an inclusive and open financial ecosystem for anyone using a smartphone. Some of Celo's key features are:
- Uses Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism which is more efficient than Proof-of-Work.
- Has two native assets: CELO (a utility token) and cUSD (a stablecoin tethered to the US dollar).
- CELO allows its owners to participate in governance and decision-making about the Celo platform.
- cUSD provides stable value for daily financial operations and keeps the value stable.
- Supports smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApp) built on Celo.
- Uses mobile identities and phone numbers as account addresses for easy access.
- Has an incentive structure and mechanism to engage the community in securing the network.
Celo seeks to be a mobile-friendly and financially inclusive blockchain, enabling access to financial services for anyone with a smartphone, especially in developing countries.