Abstract: The present invention facilitates efficient negotiations of trade terms and the generation of an electronic trade ticket in the trading of financial instruments. The negotiation process is preferably conducted through a secure online chat program using point-to-point messaging, though the negotiations can take place using the tradition exchanges of phone calls and faxes outside of the confines of an electronic trading system. Once the trade terms have been agreed upon by both parties, then the parties enter an electronic trading system in accordance with the present invention to select the traded financial instrument and generate an electronic trade ticket with can be stored by the trading system and/or the each of the trading parties.

Abstract: A switch engine module receives interest rate risk portfolios from a plurality of traders, and for each prospective trader, provides available switches based on positions in other counterparty portfolios that offset the viewing traders' positions. The offsetting positions are encoded with credit preference information in order to identify eligible trades based on both counterparties credit preferences. Another embodiment provides for a switch auction whereby users can use an auction process to trade for forward rate agreement switches with other counterparties. In the switch auction, the price is predetermined by the system prior to the auction so that parties can opt out of the transaction if desired. The credit preferences of the participating traders are taken in consideration in making matches.

Abstract: A switch engine module enables advantageous management of a risk portfolio. The switch engine receives interest rate risk portfolios from a plurality of traders, and for each prospective trader, provides available switches based on positions in other counterparty portfolios that offset the viewing traders' positions. The offsetting positions are encoded with credit preference information in order to identify eligible trades based on both counterparties credit preferences. The credit preferences of the participating traders can be taken in consideration in making switches.

Abstract: A switch engine module receive interest rate risk portfolios from a plurality of traders, and for each prospective trader, provides available switches based on positions in other counterparty portfolios that offset the viewing traders' positions. The offsetting positions are encoded with credit preference information in order to identify eligible trades based on both counterparties credit preferences. In particular, an embodiment provides for a switch auction whereby users can use an auction process to trade for forward rate agreement switches with other counterparties. In the switch auction, the price is predetermined by the system prior to the auction so that parties can opt out of the transaction if desired. The credit preferences of the participating traders are taken in consideration in making matches.

Abstract: A switch engine module enables anonymous switches between a first trader and a plurality of second traders. The switch engine module receives interest rate risk portfolios from a plurality of traders, and for each prospective trader, provides available switches based on positions in other counterparty portfolios that offset the viewing traders' positions. The offsetting positions are encoded with credit preference information in order to identify eligible trades based on both counterparties credit preferences. The credit preferences of the participating traders can be taken in consideration in making switches.

Abstract: A switch engine module receive interest rate risk portfolios from a plurality of traders, and for each prospective trader, provides available switches based on positions in other counterparty portfolios that offset the viewing traders' positions. The offsetting positions are encoded with credit preference information in order to identify eligible trades based on both counterparties credit preferences. Further, an embodiment of the provides for a switch auction whereby users can use an auction process to trade for forward rate agreement switches with other counterparties. In the switch auction, the price is predetermined by the system prior to the auction so that parties can opt out of the transaction if desired. The credit preferences of the participating traders are taken in consideration in making matches.

Abstract: A subject-based addressing scheme comprising a four-part subject code that includes a source field, a class field, a symbol field, and a currency field. The four-part subject code is derived by systematically dividing the perimeters, terms, and conditions of the various derivative instruments into four discreet parts. The source field identifies the source of the information. The class field identifies a principal product class into which the financial instrument falls. The symbol field provides the underlying structure of the derivative instrument, thus, is the principal code used to define each instrument. For each class, an identified list of perimeters are included in the symbol field for defining the derivative instrument. The currency field provides the currency code of the instrument.

Abstract: A switch engine module enables advantageous management of a risk portfolio. The switch engine receives interest rate risk portfolios from a plurality of traders, and for each prospective trader, provides available switches based on positions in other counterparty portfolios that offset the viewing traders' positions. The offsetting positions are encoded with credit preference information in order to identify eligible trades based on both counterparties credit preferences. The credit preferences of the participating traders can be taken in consideration in making switches.

Abstract: An internet-protocol based anonymous trading system which enables traders to identify bids and offers which they are eligible to trade based upon a color coded methodology which gives the trader credit preference information about the potential counterparty while still maintaining the anonymity of the potential counterparty. To that end, each bid or offer is prescreened against all possible counterparties' credit information in the system and each counterparty sees a unique color coded trading interface based upon their particular credit preference combinations and the others in the system. The system then shows all prices in the system, and the color-coding tells the trader which prices he is able to trade, and also shows him the full depth of the market, including those the trader is unable to trade.

Abstract: An anonymous trading system which enables derivative dealers to setup credit preferences based upon their own models and provides counterparties, end-users and dealers with the option of choosing to remain anonymous during a derivative trading bidding process. Additionally, the systems and methods restrict derivative trading activity with counterparties where there is an existing banking relationship. Using the system and methods, end-users will be able to obtain prices from multiple dealers without the problems inherent in using a voice-based system by utilizing an electronic reverse auctioning process to anonymously obtain derivative trading bids simultaneously from one or many participating derivative dealers.

Abstract: A credit monitoring system in an electronic trading system forms a complex check to determine if two particular counterparties will except each other for a particular trade based upon their respective predefined credit preferences. In accordance with an embodiment, credit preferences imputed by each counterparty with regard to the other counterparty are referenced to determine the trade eligibility of either party with respect to the other for a particular financial transaction instrument. Indication of whether a counterparty can enter into the proposed trade is conveyed to the respective trader, preferably using a color coding scheme in which various colors represent the relevant credit status with regard to the viewing trader. The complex check performed by the system may be embodied in a simple yes/no statement, in terms of maturity of a particular financial instrument, or in terms of a risk quotient (i.e., risk equivalent or RQ) initially determined by the system, though modifiable by the trader.

Abstract: An internet-protocol based anonymous trading system which enables traders to identify bids and offers which they are eligible to trade based upon a color coded methodology which gives the trader credit preference information about the potential counterparty while still maintaining the anonymity of the potential counterparty. To that end, each bid or offer is prescreened against all possible counterparties' credit information in the system and each counterparty sees a unique color coded trading interface based upon their particular credit preference combinations and the others in the system. The system then shows all prices in the system, and the color-coding tells the trader which prices he is able to trade, and also shows him the full depth of the market, including those the trader is unable to trade.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates efficient negotiations of trade terms and the generation of an electronic trade ticket in the trading of financial instruments. The negotiation process is preferably conducted through a secure online chat program using point-to-point messaging, though the negotiations can take place using the tradition exchanges of phone calls and faxes outside of the confines of an electronic trading system. Once the trade terms have been agreed upon by both parties, then the parties enter an electronic trading system in accordance with the present invention to select the traded financial instrument and generate an electronic trade ticket with can be stored by the trading system and/or the each of the trading parties.

Abstract: A credit monitoring system in an electronic trading system forms a complex check to determine if two particular counterparties will except each other for a particular trade based upon their respective predefined credit preferences. In accordance with an embodiment, credit preferences imputed by each counterparty with regard to the other counterparty are referenced to determine the trade eligibility of either party with respect to the other for a particular financial transaction instrument. Indication of whether a counterparty can enter into the proposed trade is conveyed to the respective trader, preferably using a color coding scheme in which various colors represent the relevant credit status with regard to the viewing trader. The complex check performed by the system may be embodied in a simple yes/no statement, in terms of maturity of a particular financial instrument, or in terms of a risk quotient (i.e., risk equivalent or RQ) initially determined by the system, though modifiable by the trader.