Compared to other cryptos, Stellar is fast. Compared to credit card networks, Stellar is very slow.
If one of their goals is to replace credit cards and other money movement mechanisms (as I believe is the case), they need to speed transactions up significantly.
Unlike Ripple, where the pre-mined tokens are held by individuals, the pre-mined stellar tokens are owned by Stellar Development Foundation, a nonprofit corporation.
Here are some quotes, but do check the link bellow too:
"SDF manages the execution of lumen distribution, with oversight and direction provided by SDF’s Expansion Board. The initial lumens held by SDF are required to be distributed to the world in the following manner:
50% for distribution via the Direct Sign-up Program
Can handle fiat currencies; supports regulatory compliance (KYC, AML). Compared to Bitcoin: lower transaction fees, faster, lower energy costs.
(Stellar without Lightning is magnitudes faster and cheaper than Bitcoin without Lightning. Stellar with Lightning should be faster and cheaper than Bitcoin with Lightning — assuming the Stellar network is equally well-connected, which it might not be.)
