Abstract: A system comprises a memory operable to store a first closing value of an index for a first day, wherein the index is based at least in part on a cash account and a variance future. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to determine a first settlement value of a variance future for the first day and to determine a second settlement value of the variance future for a second day. The processor is further operable to determine an increase of cash in the cash account from the first day to the second day, wherein the determination is based at least in part on an interest rate. The processor is further operable to determine a second closing value of the index for the second day, wherein the determination is based at least in part on the determined increase of cash in the cash account, the first settlement value, and the second settlement value. The processor is further operable to store the second closing value in the memory.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the subject invention comprises a system for implementing computer network services and applications, comprising a front-end component comprising one or more applications; a back-end component comprising one or more services; and an abstraction layer component operable to communicate with the front-end and back-end components. In another preferred embodiment, the subject invention comprises a system for linking applications and services, comprising: a vendor connectivity component; a business integration component; a security component; a utility component; and a back end connectivity component.

Abstract: In a method for obtaining capital, a convertible or exchangeable financial instrument having an accreted value and that earns returns over a lifetime comprising at least a first and a second time period is offered. During a first time period, at least some of the returns earned are paid in cash. During a second time period all of the returns earned are accreted to the accreted value of the financial instrument. Returns may be earned during each period according to a rate associated with each period. The rate associated with each period may be fixed or variable and may be modified by one or more rate modifiers, such as a minimum or maximum rate. The financial instrument may include a provision describing how the instrument is serviced when the current value of a rate is negative.

Abstract: A computer system for managing, creating, and support of a novel investment instrument, known as a Security Receipt. This receipt provides translation of ownership of plural underlying securities to the holder of the receipt in a seamless and efficient way. The system permits enhanced security creation, and orderly support to facilitate liquidity and market trading of the Security Receipt.

Abstract: An investment structure for multiple classes of investors that combines the advantages of both the master feeder structure and the reverse master feeder structure with segregated accounts. In particular, an investment structure is formed in which investors invest in a common fund. The common fund, in turn, opens a common prime brokerage account, having at least three sub-accounts, for example: an unlevered account; one or more levered accounts and a general trading account. The prime broker provides class loans to the levered account and margin loans to the general trading account. To the extent class loans are provided to the levered account, levered investors will participate in the returns on the general account as if the levered investors invested capital plus the amount of any class loans to that levered account. The unlevered investors will participate in the returns on the general trading account on the basis of their capital contributions alone.

Abstract: One or more brokerage collateral accounts held at a financial institution are provided. A bank loan account secured by at least one of the collateral accounts with the financial institution is established. The bank loan account interfaces with the collateral accounts within the financial institution. The bank loan account has a credit limit that is based on a market value of the secured collateral accounts. The collateral accounts include various types of assets. The loan account includes a revolving line of credit, any number of term loans, or letters of credit. The interest rate of the line of credit may be based on a selected index rate. Further, the loan account may be used as an overdraft account for the secured collateral account. Clients may access both their collateral accounts and their loan account through the brokerage infrastructure including an integrated portal with a network of computers or via telephone.