> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://academy.assetchain.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://academy.assetchain.org/module-1-getting-started/introduction-to-asset-chain.md).

# Introduction to Asset Chain

Asset Chain is the native blockchain for Xend Finance Real-World Asset OAE (Onchain Asset Environment); with its consensus based on Fantom's Lachesis consensus.

This enables a fast, scalable, and secure smart contract platform.

[Lachesis](https://docs.fantom.foundation/technology/lachesis-abft), is a revolutionary aBFT consensus mechanism, that allows Asset Chain to be faster and cheaper than previous technologies while retaining security.

Asset Chain is:

* Permissionless
* Decentralized
* Open source

Learn more about how AssetChain works here:

{% embed url="<https://docs.assetchain.org/readme/introducing-asset-chain>" %}