Abstract: An enhanced system and method for the “smart” routing of orders in an electronic options environment is disclosed. The method of routing includes different rules and protocols for orders that are allowed to route using a traditional intermarket linkage than for orders that are allowed to route using an alternative private direct connection or third-party service provider. The system and method of routing has at its basis a configurable, rules-based routing table that allows orders to be routed using different protocols based on the account type of the incoming order.

Abstract: An enhanced system and method for handling, matching and executing a diverse group of limit-priced orders in an electronic options environment is disclosed. Most of the order types disclosed are automatically repriced and reposted as the NBBO changes to increase their execution opportunities. Market maker entitlements are integrated with the order processing, so that the market maker is guaranteed an allocation of the trade if the market maker is at the NBBO when an order priced at or better than the NBBO is received. Once posted to the order book, the displayed price of an order may be eligible for preferential execution in a market maker entitlement process, regardless of whether the displayed price is original or has been automatically repriced.

Abstract: A program trade order process and related market center are disclosed which accumulate program trade orders throughout the trading day and execute the accumulated program trade orders at a designated time. The process disclosed provides trade reporting and order surveillance capabilities as well.

Abstract: An efficient data dissemination method and system for disseminating financial information is disclosed. The system and method designate instruments listed on a reporting market center that have not traded within a pre-defined time period as “dark.” The information for instruments designated as “dark” is suppressed and not reported to the market, through data consolidators, until the instrument trades again or is manually overridden.

Abstract: A liquidity analysis system and method are disclosed for monitoring, analyzing and reporting on liquidity generated in a market or in a market center. The reports generated by the liquidity engine may be used for many differing purposes, including analyzing the effectiveness of market makers, the proportionate re-distribution of market data fees or as the basis for a liquidity generation financial incentive program.

Abstract: A cross and post order and related market center and process are disclosed which automatically convert any unfilled balance of a cross order that was broken up due to interaction with the posting market center's order book to a limit order at the same price. The process also automatically associates the transactions that are used to fill the generated limit order with the cross and post order that was originally sent to the posting market center for execution.

Abstract: A reprice-to-block order and related market center and process are disclosed which automatically reprice a posted limit order to the price of a block trade executed at an inferior price on a market away from the market center that posted the limit order.

Abstract: An anti-internalization order modifier and related market center and process are disclosed which prevent orders sent from the same trading firm from executing against one another on the posting market center the orders are posted on.

Abstract: A posting market center and process are disclosed for maintaining a market center-restricted order on a selected market center. In a market which allows price exemptions, the market center and process disclosed hide a received market center-restricted order which technically crosses or locks the away market, but would be marketable if an acceptable contra-side order was then available in the posting market center's internal order book. The posting market center then maintains this hidden order until it is fully executed, is canceled or can be displayed on the public order book.

Abstract: A posting market center and process are disclosed for maintaining a market center-restricted order on a selected market center. The market center and process disclosed aggressively maintain a market center-restricted order that would normally lock or cross an away market by initially pricing the order a tick increment away from the contra side market best bid or offer and then dynamically re-pricing the order in increasing aggressiveness as the away market best bid or offer moves its quotes further away from the order's currently displayed price. The disclosed market center-restricted order stands its ground to an updated away market best bid or offer that moves to its price or through it.