Abstract: A matching computer is provided for a negotiated matching system that includes a plurality of remote terminals associated with respective potential counterparties, a communications network for permitting communication between the remote terminals, and the matching computer. Each user enters first parameters for a trading instrument into his or her remote terminal. The matching computer uses the trading parameters from each user to identify potential transactions between counterparties that are mutually acceptable based on the first parameters, thereby matching potential counterparties to a potential transaction. Once a match occurs, the potential counterparties can transmit negotiating messages to negotiate some or all terms of the transaction. Thus, the matching computer first matches potential counterparties who are acceptable to each other based on first trading parameters, and then enables the counterparties to negotiate and finalize the terms of a transaction.