Abstract: A system for processing and monitoring trade data receives and transforms trade activities to a musical piece representation, converts the representation to a metrical tree, and performs analysis that provides more accurate onset detection at accelerated speed with more efficient use of computing resources by placing more emphasis on the information hierarchically contained in the metrical tree than on the tree structure when comparing and matching trade patterns, such as potential market manipulation, market change signal, synthetically created trades, or likelihood that the set of trade activities will result in a market price move of one or more financial assets against plans. The analytical system further weights-in the identified signals and determines scores to reflect likelihood of trade irregularities. When the score does not meet a preconfigured threshold, a corresponding action is executed.