Abstract: The present invention provides an automated settlement system and method for receiving appropriate information, monitoring and controlling the timely interaction between the participants to settle trade and to guarantee the irrevocable and inseparable exchange of cash against securities. Two market participants which have agreed to exchange securities against cash forward their request to the automated settlement system of the present invention. The settlement system takes over control of the further procedure by initiating and monitoring a timely transfer of cash to a trust account, initiating and monitor the transfer of securities from the seller's securities deposit account to the buyer's securities deposit account, and to finally credit the seller's cash account. The central settlement system is responsible for involving and processing the interactions between the market participants, the custodians/((I)CSDs) and cash correspondent banks.