Abstract: Methods and systems for providing and implementing crossing markets are provided. These methods and systems preferably include facilitating trading at crossing markets by establishing crossing market trading rules, incentivizing crossing market participants, and improving the efficiency of crossing market trading.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for incentivizing a plurality of participants to exchange goods or services on a marketplace. In one embodiment, at least one warrant is issued a participant who trades on the marketplace. The warrant is issued in accordance to an agreement among the plurality of participants. The warrant provides the participant with a right for converting the warrant into at least one ownership share of the marketplace. The right is conditioned on the participant's performance on the marketplace. The participant's performance on the marketplace is determined by the system, and is used to determine a quantity of warrants that may be converted into the at least one ownership share of the marketplace. The quantity of warrants that may be converted is outputted and communicated to the participant.

Abstract: The system evaluates a set of incentives based upon a variety of factors and/or predetermined rules and consumers are provided incentives when they satisfy one or more criteria of making payments for their transaction accounts. The one or more criteria include making an early payment, paying more than a minimum amount due, and making the payment through an automatic payment scheme. If a received payment satisfies one or more predefined criteria, one or more incentives are selected for the consumer, tracked, and provided to the consumer. The system analyzes payment information to determine attributes and positive (desirable) behavior and provides incentives to the consumer based on such positive behaviors.

Abstract: A multi-session write-once computer tick database operable to store financial market data or “tick data.” The tick database stores market information regarding discrete market transactions in individual ticks. For example, information related to stock trades, and quotes may be stored in the database. The individual ticks vary in length dependent on the information available regarding the particular transaction. Null values are not stored in the database. Various field identifiers may be stored in the tick to identify the various metrics or parameters relevant to the transaction that are also stored in the tick. In various embodiments, one metric or parameter is associated with each field identifier. Different transactions may have different number of field identifiers stored within the tick, accordingly, different ticks may differ in length. The information stored within the ticks may be subsequently retrieved.

Abstract: A cash rebate award system with increased payout options is presented, wherein a consumer using a financial alternative to currency is rewarded based on the purchases made by the consumer within a given time frame, and is allowed to electronically transfer the award into any number of banking or investment accounts. A standard electronic currency transfer system, such as the ABA routing number system, or the ACH routing system, can be used so as not to limit the accounts into which the consumer can transfer their award. Consumers can also choose to transfer their award to multiple accounts, or accounts belonging to others, such as family or charities. Account information can also be saved for more efficient subsequent transfers, and automated transfers can also be set up by the consumer.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention advantageously provides rebates in association with purchases. These rebates are then automatically apportioned and distributed into various accounts, such as charitable and investment accounts, in accordance with the purchaser's directives.