Abstract: A system and method for distributing information (collectively the “system”) is disclosed. The system can, but need not, include category-based and geography-based attributes to better “focus” the information distributed by the system. In the processing of listing-based attributes (e.g. attributes limited to a particular listing), the system can also be influenced by relationship-based attributes (e.g. attributes between the administrator of the system and the advertisers, and even potentially users). If desired, the system can accommodate the ability of advertisers to modify or enhance the display characteristics relating to information records in order to further differential listings and advertisers. The ability to organize listings into tiers can also be incorporated into the system. By organizing listings into tiers, the system may be more effective in maximizing competition at all ends of the listing continuum, and not just the competition for the top position or two.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology associated with providing a flexible unified view of key performance indicators (KPIs). Retrieving KPI values from a store is not always trivial and may require submitting multiple queries to in order to obtain desired results. The present system and method makes it easier for front-end applications to access and display KPIs in an easily customizable form. Furthermore, third parties can leverage off the provided architecture in connection with their own applications to facilitate quick and easy access to a single view of performance indicators.

Abstract: A technique for making a payment to a payee on behalf of a payor by a payment service provider is provided. The service provider identifies one or more risk reduction techniques available for use in fulfilling a received payment request. The risk reduction techniques are identified based upon the received payment request. An identified technique is selected and payment is made according to that selected risk reduction technique.

Abstract: A data construct represents a financial asset in a data processing system. The data construct comprises description data, a cash flow map, and process instructions. The description data further comprises creation, purpose, and transaction information data describing the financial asset. The cash flow map further comprises information on cash flows that flow into the financial asset. The process instructions include information on cash flow processing for the cash flows that flow into the financial asset.

Abstract: A system for analyzing financial data to determine the cost of fraud related to financial presentation devices that are presentable to providers of goods or services is provided. A fraud assessment module executable by a processor receives sales data and operating cost data both related to financial presentation devices and determines a direct fraud loss and fraud operating cost based on the received data.

Abstract: Banking software application development includes defining a plurality of banking object terms, each of these terms relating to components of a banking relationship. Additionally, the software is developed by defining a plurality of responsibility area terms, each of these terms relating to banking activities, wherein each of the responsibility area terms includes at least one of the banking object terms. From the defined relationships, the software is developed by generating a solution foundation for at least one of the responsibility area terms by defining relationships between the plurality of business object terms. Therefore, the banking software application is developed based on the solution foundation.

Abstract: A factor risk model based method for generating risk forecasts. In one embodiment, the method includes: selecting a set of securities; selecting a set of risk factors; determining the risk factor returns; constructing a risk factor covariance matrix; constructing an idiosyncratic variance matrix; determining, for each risk factor, a factor loading coefficient for each selected security; projecting the risk factor covariance matrix into a future forecast; and projecting the idiosyncratic variance matrix into a future forecast. The factor loading coefficients, the future forecast of the risk factor covariance matrix, and the future forecast of the idiosyncratic variance matrix can be used to determine a forecast of the variance-covariance matrix for the selected securities. In some embodiments, the step of estimating factor loadings includes performing a time series regression to obtain the sensitivity of each stocks' return to variations in the factor's return.

Abstract: An anonymous information system is capable of maintaining anonymity of data while improving safety with regard to loss of anonymity caused by hacking of secret information, or the like. Conversion processing for converting from individual specifying information to anonymous individual information is split between an information providing device and an anonymity server device. Further, the manner in which the conversion processing is split is varied for each information providing device. A parameter generating device calculates Xinv to satisfy Xi×Xinv=1 mod q, a first characteristic parameter KAi=G^Xinv mod q, and a second characteristic parameter KBi=Xi. The information providing device generates a semi-anonymous individual identifier C=(KAi)^D mod P. The anonymity server device calculates an anonymous individual identifier E=(C)^KBi mod P.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes modeling demand and/or future supply for a good in a differentiated market. In accordance with the method, demand/supply in a differentiated market is modeled by first modeling demand and/or supply for a good in a non-differentiated market based upon a price sensitivity distribution of a unit purchase of the good, as well as a market potential distribution of a number of units of the good in a market associated with the good. Thereafter, the model of demand and/or supply in the non-differentiated market is integrated to thereby model demand and/or supply for a good in a differentiated market. The method can further include modeling cost and/or profitability of the good in a differentiated market. Profitability can be modeled based upon the demand model and the cost model for the differentiated market.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes defining a plurality of independent component markets for a good. In accordance with the method, each component market can be defined a respective price sensitivity distribution of a unit purchase of the good, as well as a market potential distribution of a number of units of the good. The demand and/or supply in the aggregate market can thus then be modeled based upon the price sensitivity distributions and market potential distributions of the component markets. The method can further include modeling cost and/or profitability of the good in an aggregate market. Profitability can be modeled based upon the demand model and the cost model for the aggregate market.

Abstract: A method for leasing multiple vehicles, including the steps of compiling information as to vehicles available for leasing and time periods in which the vehicles are available for leasing; presetting at least one group of N vehicles from the compiled information; setting a total lease term for each group of N vehicles; dividing the total lease term into P sub-lease terms; selecting a plurality of M individuals for leasing the vehicles in each group, where N, P and M are integers and M is less than or equal to N; calculating lease costs for leasing each vehicle in each group for each sub-lease term; entering into a lease agreement with each individual for leasing a plurality P of the vehicles in the P sub-lease terms for a preset one of the groups of N vehicles; and removing the selected vehicles from the compiled information.

Abstract: A computer-based method, system and apparatus for pricing a tax flow-through annuity product. The resulting product is superior to traditional VA's, offering: lifetime income guarantees; capital gains tax treatment on annuity withdrawals; stock dividends taxed as dividends, not ordinary income; ETF-like tax efficiency by minimizing capital gains distributions, even on actively-managed funds; and wealth transfer efficiency through step-up in basis on death. The product benefits life insurance carriers and distributors. Investor benefits include: the ability to realize the full benefit of recent tax reform; the potential for better tax treatment than existing mutual funds; a guarantee of lifetime income; and the ability to pass assets on to heirs efficiently.

Abstract: A system for facilitating payment of accounts payables from a foreign financial institution for a customer of a domestic financial institution, software, and methods are provided. The system includes a first financial institution computer positioned at a domestic financial institution site to define a domestic financial institution server, having memory associated therewith, and foreign exchange analyzing software stored in the memory of the domestic financial institution server to analyze a foreign exchange transaction. The system also includes an area network in communication with the server, and a second customer computer in communication with the area network, positioned remote from the server at a customer site, and positioned to transmit an accounts payable batch data file having a plurality of accounts payable to the foreign exchange analyzing software stored on the server.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for determining accurate estimates of punitive damages in bifurcated cases. The method increases the accuracy of punitive damages predictions through the use of mock juries that have completed the liability phase of the mock trial and have found the defendant liable. Prior art methods of estimating punitive damages typically skip the liability phase of the trial and ask jurors to simply assume liability, an assumption that ignores the fact that the experience of going through the process of finding the defendant liable changes the nature and dynamic of the jury in a fundamental and unpredictable manner. The method provided takes the totality of that experience into account, including the perceptions, coalitions, and antagonisms that develop during liability deliberations.