Abstract:
A computer system and related computer-implemented methods are designed and configured to store and deliver, upon request, information related to a plurality of asset-backed security pools, and to execute transactions between one or more parties relating to at least one of the plurality of asset backed security pools. The computer system generally comprises a computer including a computer usable medium storing a computer readable program and a network interface that includes software modules and a data storage system in communication with the computer via the network interface, the data storage system storing information relating to the plurality of asset backed securities, and account information related to at least the one or more parties. The computer is operative with the computer readable program to provide information related to a plurality of asset-backed security pools to at least one of the parties, enable the at least one party to select one or more asset-backed security pools for inclusion in a specified pool, provide aggregate pool data related to the selected specified pool, provide information related to the selected specified pool to at least one other party, receive pricing information from the at least one other party, and execute a trade for the asset-backed security pools in the specified pool.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to co-pending Provisional Patent Application No. 61/035,295, filed Mar. 10, 2008, and Provisional Patent Application No. 61/047,644, filed Apr. 24, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for specified pool trading and, in particular, to a system and method for the creation, communication, price quotation, and execution of trades for specified pools of asset-backed securities. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Arts 
         [0005]    Asset-backed securities are bonds that are backed by, or in other words “invested” in, a pool of assets, such as mortgages. Asset-backed securities use a pool of assets to diversify the security&#39;s holdings and reduce risk that the failure of any one asset in the pool will have a disproportional effect on the value of the whole. 
         [0006]    The trading of asset-backed securities, such as mortgage-backed securities (MBS), has typically been performed on a to-be-announced (TBA) basis in which the buyer (also known as the “liquidity taker”) and seller (also known as the “liquidity provider”) agree on the general terms of the trade for a pool of assets. However, the specific assets that will be included in the security are not selected and are only revealed by the seller days after the trade, but in advance of the settlement of the trade. Thus, while the buyer can achieve a general investment objective through TBA trading, the buyer is unable to truly customize the security. 
         [0007]    In the alternative, specified pool trading permits the buyer to select specific asset-backed securities to be included in the pool such that the details of the pool of assets is known to the buyer at the time of the trade. Thus, unlike TBA trading, the seller provides information to buyers about various asset-backed securities and the buyer makes its selections from the group of asset-backed securities provided by the seller. Due to the transparency, specified pool trading is generally higher cost than TBA trading. 
         [0008]    In the recent market environment, buyers of asset-backed securities may begin to focus on the need to pick and choose the specific asset pools, namely specified pools, that may outperform or meet more particularized goals than generic TBAs. The ability to more accurately forecast the behavior of individual pools by better understanding the specific characteristics of the loans (and their respective borrowers in the case of MBS) can provide buyers with an additional ability to develop trading strategies virtually regardless of the market environment. This is one, among many, objectives of the present invention. 
         [0009]    One of the technical problems with the current state of specified pool trading, particularly, in the mortgage-backed security markets, for example, is a lack of liquidity to adequately meet the needs of a growing focus on this type of financial instrument. This is because current systems and methods for trading specified pools of mortgage-backed securities are cumbersome and fail to provide an efficient and accessible platform for permitting liquidity providers (e.g., dealers; also known as market-makers) to offer various types of mortgage-backed securities, and for permitting liquidity takers (e.g., other dealers, investors and buy-side customers) to access a database of MBS, either specify criteria for stipulated pools or select one or more mortgage-backed securities to create a specified pool list, or select criteria for a to be created specified pool. Moreover, other systems fail to provide mechanisms permitting market participants to submit the selected pool(s) to one or more sellers, receive quotes from the sellers, and conduct trades for the specified pools. Additionally, current systems and methods fail to provide customers of asset-backed securities, such as MBS, the ability to specify criteria for a pool that is not currently listed in a seller&#39;s inventory, and submit that criteria to the seller for creation of a stipulated pool. The current methods for trading specified pools of asset-backed securities also fail to permit the straight-through-processing of specified pool trades. The lack of liquidity may ultimately lead to increased transaction costs and premiums over TBAs, and other inefficiencies. It, therefore, is another objective of the present invention, among others, to overcome some or all of the technical problems in the art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Embodiments of the present invention generally comprise a computer-implemented method for creating specified pools lists of asset-backed security pools, or alternatively creating characteristic sets for a customized specified pool to be created, and thereafter communicating, exchanging price quotations, and executing trades for specified pools of asset-backed securities using a system capable of communication with a buyer computer and a plurality of seller computers. Although certain examples provided herein describe the embodiments of the invention in the context of mortgages, persons skilled in the art will recognize that other assets may be utilized within the scope of the invention. One advantage, among others, of the present invention is that it reduces risk on the operational side of the trading, purchase or sale of asset-backed securities, and provides increased availability and liquidity in such products. 
         [0011]    Generally speaking, as known to industry and market participants, a “specified pool” is a specific security in which the buyer knows in advance what assets comprise the specified pool. In the case of mortgage-related securities, these pools are typically guaranteed (also known as “stamping”) by one of the three mortgage-related agencies or GSEs: (1) Fannie Mae, (2) Freddie Mac, and (3) Ginnie Mae. In the context of certain embodiments of the present invention (e.g., those where a set of characteristics for a yet to be created specified pool are defined by a buyer) the term “specified pools” is used more broadly to include asset-backed securities in which a buyer and seller come to an agreement on a specific grouping or pool of assets even though that pool may not yet have been, in the case of MBS, guaranteed and given a CUSIP by one of the GSEs. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, it is intended that such specified pools created using the methods and systems disclosed herein will be submitted to the appropriate GSE or other agency or entity, as applicable, to be guaranteed as is known in the art. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, a method in accordance with such a system generally comprises: (i) providing information relating to a plurality of asset-backed security pools (e.g., pools of mortgages) to buyer using the buyer computer; (ii) receiving from the buyer computer a selection of one or more asset-backed security pools; (iii) creating a specified pool list of asset-backed security pools based on the selection of one or more asset-backed security pools; (iv) causing the specified pool list to be displayed on at least one of the plurality of seller computers; (v) receiving pricing from the at least one of the plurality of seller computers for the specified pool list; and (vi) executing a transaction for the specified pool lists at the pricing received from the at least one of the plurality of seller computers for the specified pool list. 
         [0013]    The method may further comprise retrieving information for each of the asset-backed security pools from a source, and causing the display of the information on the buyer computer. Moreover, such a method may include receiving a criteria for the asset-backed security pools from the buyer computer and wherein the retrieving step comprises retrieving information for each of the mortgage-backed security pools from the source based on the criteria. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the method of creating the specified pool of asset-backed securities further comprises: generating a matrix of asset-backed security pools based on the selection of one or more asset-backed security pools, and calculating aggregate information related to the matrix of one or more asset-backed security pools. The aggregate information may include aggregated data related to at least one indicator for one or more of the selected asset-backed security pools, wherein, at least in some instances, such as in connection with mortgage-backed securities, the indicator is selected from the group consisting of a CUSIP or other identifier number, a pool number, a weighted average maturity, a weighted average coupon, a constant prepayment rate, an originator identifier, an average loan size, a maximum loan size, one or more geographic loan locations, and an average FICO score. 
         [0015]    In accordance with various embodiments, such methods may further comprise causing the specified pool list to be displayed on at least one of the plurality of seller computers, such the display of a matrix of asset-backed security pools. In this way, one or more sellers can provide pricing for the specified pool list (e.g., in the form of a spread from the at least one seller). The buyer may then select pricing from one of the plurality of sellers for all of the asset-backed security polls in the specified pool list, or select pricing from at least two of the plurality of sellers for a portion of the asset-backed security polls in the specified pool list. 
         [0016]    In an alternative embodiment, a method of creating the specified pool of asset-backed securities comprises: receiving an inquiry message from a buyer wherein the inquiry message includes one or more characteristics for a pool of assets; generating an inventory request message and causing the display of said inventory request message on a seller computer; and receiving an offer message from the seller computer including information related to an asset-backed security that corresponds to at least a portion of the characteristics for a pool of assets included in the inquiry message. As will be described in greater detail, the asset-backed security may be a security existing in the inventory of the seller or a new pool of assets created by the seller for the purpose of meeting the buyer&#39;s requested characteristics. 
         [0017]    A system in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention generally comprises a computer system designed and configured to store and deliver upon request information related to a plurality of asset-backed security pools. The computer system is capable of communication with one or more buyers and one or more sellers at any given time. The computer system is preferably programmed to provide information related to a plurality of asset-backed security pools, enable a buyer to select one or more pools for inclusion in a specified pool list, provide aggregate pool data related to the selected specified pool list, provide information related to the selected specified pool list to one or more sellers, receive pricing information from the one or more sellers, and execute a trade for one or more selected mortgage-backed securities in the specified pool list. 
         [0018]    In addition, an embodiment of the invention comprises a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for creating a specified pool of asset-backed securities, which includes (i) a pool section module comprising programming to cause a computer to: retrieve information relating to a plurality of asset-backed securities from a database in communication with the computer; transmit the information through a network to a buyer computer, and receive a selection signal from the buyer computer, the selection signal including an indication of at least one or more asset-backed security pools or individual asset-backed securities; (ii) an order creation module comprising programming to cause the computer to: create a specified pool list based on the selection signal received from the buyer computer; (iii) a trade negotiation module comprising programming to cause the computer to: transmit the specified pool list to at least one seller computer and receive a price signal representing a dollar amount for the asset-backed securities in the specified pool list identified from the seller computer; and (iv) an execution module comprising programming to cause the computer to: transmit the price signal to the buyer computer; receive an authorization signal from the buyer computer in response to the price signal, and execute a transaction based on the specified pool list and the price signal. 
         [0019]    Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described further below. This summary section is meant merely to illustrate certain features of the invention, and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The failure to discuss a specific feature or embodiment of the invention, or the inclusion of one or more features in this summary section, should not be construed to limit the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0020]    Embodiments of the invention will be described and shown in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is an alternate view of a system in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is an inventory filter graphical user interface for creating a security query in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a graphical user interface for reviewing the results of an inventory query in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a graphical user interface of a trade matrix in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a graphical user interface of a “list in” ticket in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a graphical user interface of a first type of “bid list” ticket in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a graphical user interface of a second type of “bid list” ticket in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a flow diagram showing an embodiment of a quoting protocol in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a graphical user interface for setting spot prices in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a trade completion message box in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a graphical user interface for specifying the attributes of an asset-backed security in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, and as shown in the FIGS., various systems and methods are disclosed which generally provide a platform for the creation, communication, price quotation, and execution of trades for specified pools of asset-backed securities. 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a preferred embodiment of a system  10 , which generally comprises one or more computer systems and databases and related database management systems. One skilled in the art will recognize that the computer systems may as a matter of design choice include any number and configurations of computers and databases, which may be used separately or in tandem to support the traffic and processing needs necessary in operation at one time. If multiple computers are used, the computer may be configured using a round-robin configuration to handle end user traffic. 
         [0035]    Although not depicted in the figures, the one or more computers of computer system  10  generally include such art recognized components as are ordinarily found in such computer systems, including but not limited to processors, RAM, ROM, hard disks or other computer readable mediums, clocks, hardware drivers, associated storage, and the like. References herein to the term “database” or “database system” generally refer to one or more storage devices or computers with storage media storing a collection of records or data, as well as software for managing such records or data (commonly known as a database management system (or DBMS)). The database may take the form of a relational, hierarchical, network, or other known structure as may be deemed to be most efficient. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention employs a relational database to store the various associations of data described herein. 
         [0036]    Furthermore, each of the computer systems described herein preferably includes a network connection (not shown). The network connection may be a gateway interface to the Internet or any other communications network through which the systems can communicate with other systems and user devices. The network connection may connect to the communications network through use of a conventional modem (at any known or later developed baud rate), an open line connection (e.g., digital subscriber lines or cable connections), satellite receivers/transmitters, wireless communication receivers/transmitters, or any other network connection device as known in the art now or in the future. 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , there is shown another view of a system architecture in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which system  10  is interconnected via network  50  to one or more buyer and seller computer systems  25 ,  35 . Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the system  10  preferably utilizes a distributed software application arrangement to provide the processing of transactions involving asset-backed securities. Although the embodiments described herein are described in terms of a distributed, networked software solution operative in a client-server environment, a wholly server-based or client-based approach could be adopted, so long as the system was configured to provide the functionality disclosed herein. As noted above, network  50  may be a gateway interface to the Internet or any other communications network through which the systems can communicate with other systems and user devices. The connection may also be a direct connection for security purposes. 
         [0038]    Buyer and seller computers  25 ,  35  can be any type of personal or network computer such as an IBM-compatible computer running an Intel chipset and having an operating system, such as Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista and the like, and, preferably, running a browser program such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, or Mozilla Firefox. Apple-based computer systems can also be used within the context of the system being disclosed. It is also within the scope of the present invention that computers  25 ,  35  may be handheld or table computing devices, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), pocket PC, and tablet PC, iPhone device, or the like. Computers  25 ,  35  preferably have access to a communications network via a modem or broadband connection to permit data communication between the participants and the system  10 . 
         [0039]    Various input and output devices are preferably provided with the buyer and seller computers  25 ,  35  including, by way of non-limiting example, a display (e.g., cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc.), and an input device (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, touch pad, or light pen). The buyer and seller computers  25 ,  35  would also preferably include a storage device such as, for example, a magnetic disk drive and magnetic disk, a CD-ROM drive and CD-ROM, DVD, or other equivalent device. The specific hardware combination/configuration may vary as a matter of design choice within the functional parameters disclosed herein. Buyer and seller users of the system  10  typically interact with the GUI&#39;s displayed by the software modules by “clicking” on numbers or graphics (e.g., buttons) that are displayed on the GUI&#39;s. Persons of skill will understand that the present invention is not limited to clicking with a computer mouse, but includes use of any other device for indicating an action with graphics-based software, such as a touch pad, light pen, touch sensitive display screen and the like. 
         [0040]    With reference back to  FIG. 1 , system  10  is also preferably interconnected with a straight-through-processing system  5 , as is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 7,433,842 issued on Oct. 7, 2008, and entitled “Method and System for Effecting Straight-Through-Processing of Trades of Various Financial Instruments,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0041]    System  10  generally includes an order creation module  12 , a trade negotiation module  14 , a list response manager  15 , and an execution module  16 , as well as a database  18  for storing data related to asset-backed securities, market data, buyer account information, and related data. The order creation module  12 , trade negotiation module  14 , list response manager  15 , and execution module  16  generally comprise computer programming operative on one or more computers to perform the functions described herein. 
         [0042]    In general, order creation module  12  has two modes of functionality. In a first mode, order creation module  12  permits a buyer to search a database of specified pools and to select one or more pools from the inventory for pricing by a selected group of sellers. It will be understood from the following disclosure that, although multiple pools are selected, and number of pools less than the total number selected (or none at all) may be quoted and ultimately traded. In a second mode, a buyer is provided with the option to select the characteristics of a desired specified pool. These characteristics may be transmitted through system  10  to one or more sellers. The sellers can identify one or more pools in their respective inventories that substantially meet the buyers specified set of characteristics or agree to create a specified pool meeting such characteristics. 
         [0043]    With reference of a first mode of order creation module  12 , system  10  can provide functionality to buyers to review the details of various asset-backed securities which are stored in database  18 . Such details typically include, for instance in connection with a mortgage-backed security, a CUSIP number (or other identifier), a pool number, a weighted average maturity, a weighted average coupon, a constant prepayment rate, an originator identifier, an average loan size, a maximum loan size, one or more geographic loan locations, and an average FICO score. By way of example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , an inventory filter GUI  300  provides a number of filter options to enable the buyers to search for mortgage-backed securities meeting defined criteria. In the example shown, GUI  300  includes a criteria zone  310  and a dealer list zone  350 . The criteria zone  310  is used to define the criteria according to which the desired securities will be pulled from database  18 . The dealer list zone  350  includes a list of sellers and corresponding graphical toggle buttons  352  to enable the buyer to select the sellers (e.g., dealers) for which the buyer desires to view appropriate securities. In other words, by defining the criteria in criteria zone  310  and selecting dealers in dealer list zone  350 , the buyer can return specific securities meeting the defined criteria and being offered by the selected dealers. 
         [0044]    The criteria, as shown in  FIG. 300 , preferably includes a minimum size field  312 , a weighted average loan to value  314 , a coupon size field  316 , a weighted average coupon field  318 , a weighted average maturity field  320 , a weighted average loan age  322 , FICO score  324 , state limiters  326 ,  328 ,  330 , and an interest only drop down menu  332 . In a preferred embodiment, GUI  300  also includes a maximum loan balance field  334 , which includes a plurality of max loan balance levels selectable through use of radio buttons. As a further feature, in a preferred embodiment, GUI  300  also includes a sort order field  336 , which enables the buyer to customize the sort order of the results by various criteria, including but not limited to face value, issuer, weighted average coupon, weighted average maturity, coupon, and FICO score. 
         [0045]    In operation, by setting various criteria and through selection of one or more sellers, through the operation of order creation module  12 , buyers can create a customized inventory query which will return available asset-backed securities from database  18 . In the alternative, as described further below, the query can be submitted directly to the seller in order to determine whether the seller has or can stipulate to an asset-backed security meeting the buyer&#39;s requirements. This feature may be used when a security meeting the buyer&#39;s requirements is not in the inventory of one or more sellers. 
         [0046]    With reference now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a preferred embodiment of graphical interface  400  (generated by order creation module  12 ) for viewing the result of an inventory query submitted through GUI  300 . Inventory offering GUI  400  comprises an inventory list section  410  and a security data section  450 . The inventory list section  410  preferably includes a number of fields related to the display of asset-backed securities; namely, a seller identifier  412 , issuer identifier  414 , pool number  416 , coupon rate  418 , original face value  420 , current face value  422 , factor  424 , spread  426 , benchmark  428 , benchmark price  430  and other information know in the art to be pertinent to the trading of the particular asset-backed security at issue. 
         [0047]    Security data section  450  preferably also displays a variety of data relevant to the trading of the security. In the case of mortgage-backed securities, security data section  450  can include the following data, among other pertinent information: a CUSIP number (or other identifier), a pool number, a weighted average maturity, a weighted average coupon, a constant prepayment rate, an originator identifier, an average loan size, a maximum loan size, one or more geographic loan locations, and an average FICO score. Table I below sets forth a preferred embodiment of the list creation columns and various options: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE I 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Column 
                   
                 Hide if 
                   
                 Default 
                 Global 
               
               
                 Name 
                 Description 
                 OUTRIGHGT 
                 Control 
                 Value 
                 Setting 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Select Box 
                 Check Box 
                   
                 Check Box 
                 Selected 
                 Yes 
               
               
                 # Dealers 
                 The number of dealers 
                   
                 Output only 
                 Not selectable 
                 No 
               
               
                   
                 currently selected for 
               
               
                   
                 the line item 
               
               
                 Buy/Sell 
                 Clicking B/S button 
                   
                 Toggle 
                 Not selected 
                 Yes 
               
               
                   
                 flips field. 
                   
                 Button 
                 unless user cut 
               
               
                   
                 For AON Swap list, the 
                   
                   
                 and pastes the 
               
               
                   
                 benchmark &amp; pool 
                   
                   
                 value from or 
               
               
                   
                 directions must be 
                   
                   
                 EXCEL 
               
               
                   
                 inversed 
               
               
                 Original 
                 Minimum value = 1k 
                   
                 Input 
                 None 
                 Yes - 
               
               
                 Pool Qty 
                 Existing limits on 
                   
                   
                   
                 applies 
               
               
                 (000) 
                 outright tickets should 
                   
                   
                   
                 same 
               
               
                   
                 be respected. 
                   
                   
                   
                 quantity 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 to entire 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 column 
               
               
                 CUSIP/ 
                 User can enter pool 
                   
                 Input 
                 None 
                 No 
               
               
                 Identifier 
                 description or CUSIP. 
               
               
                   
                 System will “look up” 
               
               
                   
                 security from user entry 
               
               
                   
                 Multiple matches will 
               
               
                   
                 display in the 
               
               
                   
                 benchmark field. 
               
               
                   
                 Summary line will 
               
               
                   
                 display total number of 
               
               
                   
                 pools 
               
               
                 Pool Desc. 
                 If a partial match is 
                   
                 Output 
                 TWEB 
                 No 
               
               
                   
                 found during a paste or 
                   
                   
                 Standard 
               
               
                   
                 manual entry, this field 
                   
                   
                 description 
               
               
                   
                 will display Choose 
               
               
                   
                 Security 
               
               
                 Current 
                 Summary line displays 
                   
                 Output 
                 Pool current 
                 No 
               
               
                 Face 
                 the total current face of 
                   
                   
                 face from 
               
               
                   
                 all pools 
                   
                   
                 security 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 database 
               
               
                 Benchmark 
                 If AON is set, the user 
                   
                 Drop Down 
                 Use the 
                 Yes - 
               
               
                   
                 can enter a single 
                   
                   
                 benchmark 
               
               
                   
                 benchmark in the 
                   
                   
                 associated 
               
               
                   
                 GLOBAL field to set 
                   
                   
                 with the first 
               
               
                   
                 for the entire list. 
                   
                   
                 pool in the list 
               
               
                   
                 If individual, the user 
               
               
                   
                 can change any issue 
               
               
                 Benchmark 
                   
                 YES 
                 Input 
                 Same as Orig 
               
               
                 Qty 
                   
                   
                   
                 pool Qty 
               
               
                 Type 
                 Defaults from user 
                   
                 Toggle 
                 User 
                 Yes 
               
               
                   
                 preference 
                   
                 Button 
                 preference 
               
               
                   
                 Only appears on the 
               
               
                   
                 summary line for AON 
               
               
                   
                 lists. 
               
               
                   
                 Displays on each line 
               
               
                   
                 for individual lists 
               
               
                 Pool Settle 
                 Global setting applies to 
                   
                 Dropdown 
                 Same as 
                 Yes 
               
               
                   
                 pools only 
                   
                   
                 benchmark 
               
               
                 TBA Settle 
                   
                 Yes 
                 Output 
                 TBA settle 
                 No 
               
               
                 Brkdn 
                 Opens the account 
                   
                 Toggle 
                   
                 No 
               
               
                   
                 breakdown page 
                   
                 Button 
               
               
                 Note 
                 Max characters is 
                   
                 Input 
               
               
                   
                 This column should be 
               
               
                   
                 added to all products 
               
               
                   
                 and associated dealer 
               
               
                   
                 software list tickets. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0048]    In one embodiment, on inventory offering GUI  400 , a buyer can select one of the specified pools or a plurality of pools to be included in a specified pool list. In a preferred embodiment, order creation module  12  can be programmed to display the selected securities on a trade matrix GUI  500 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The trade matrix GUI  500  preferably includes a security list section  510 , which preferably contains similar information and layout to the inventory list section  410  of inventory offering GUI  400 . The security list section  510  can include one or more additional features for defining the type of transaction (e.g., buy, sell, or swap), as depicted by graphical button  512 , or for defining the settlement date, as depicted by field  514 , or for performing an action, as depicted by action button  516 . 
         [0049]    GUI  500  can also include an aggregate pool data section  550  in addition to a static security data section  570 . Aggregate pool data section  550  preferably displays aggregate data for the asset-backed securities in the security list section  510 , in order to provide the buyer an indication of the nature of the pool being created by including one or more of the securities listed in the security list section  510 . In this way, order creation module  12 , in a preferred embodiment, can be programmed to generate aggregated pool data for the selected pools, so that the buyer can efficiently and effectively customize the desired order. In a preferred embodiment, aggregate pool data section  550  includes an aggregate original face value field  552 , an aggregate current face value field  554 , and an aggregate market value field  556 . 
         [0050]    In an alternative embodiment, wherein one or more desired securities are not in inventory order creation module  14  can be programmed to permit, a buyer to send an inquiry message to one or more sellers inquiring as to the availability of a security meeting the buyer&#39;s needs. In this embodiment, a buyer typically creates an order query using system  10 &#39;s order creation module  12  to determine whether the desired security is listed in database  18 . As previously described in connection with  FIG. 3 , such query details typically include, for instance in connection with a mortgage-backed security, a CUSIP number (or other identifier), a pool number, a weighted average maturity, a weighted average coupon, a constant prepayment rate, an originator identifier, an average loan size, a maximum loan size, one or more geographic loan locations, and an average FICO score. While the buyer will generally first use inventory filter GUI  300 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , to enable the buyer to search for mortgage-backed securities meeting defined criteria, in some instances, the desired security may not be available. In those instances, the buyer can use criteria zone  310  to define the criteria according to which an inquiry message will be generated and transmitted to one or more sellers. The dealer list zone  350  includes a list of dealers, acting as sellers, and corresponding graphical toggle buttons  352  to enable the buyer to select the dealers to which the inquiry message will be transmitted. 
         [0051]    Once the buyer completes the process of inputting desired criteria and selecting dealers, the criteria and dealer data is transmitted to and received by system  10 . System  10  then generates an inquiry message which includes the characteristics for the pool of assets defined by the buyer. The data in the inquiry message is then transmitted to the selected dealer computer  35 .  FIG. 12  depicts a preferred embodiment of an inventory request message that includes data in the inquiry message and which is caused to be displayed on the dealer computer  35 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , on the top portion of GUI  1200 , several desired characteristics of a desired security are displayed. In the example shown in  FIG. 12 , such characteristics for a mortgage-backed security include, but are not limited to, size  1202 , max loan balance  1204 , issuer  1206 , program  1208 , coupon range  1210 , weighted average coupon  1212 , weighted average maturity  1214 , weighted average loan age  1216 , FICO score  1218 , weighted loan to value  1220 , and geographic percentages  1222 . 
         [0052]    Using the inventory request GUI  1200 , the dealer can review the criteria desired by the buyer and either offer a pool from the dealer&#39;s inventory or stipulate to a new pool by defining some or all of the pool&#39;s characteristics. An inventory pool can be selected using the “pool #” drop-down menu  1230 , which includes a plurality of available pool securities in the dealer&#39;s internal inventory. Alternatively, the dealer can use the mine functionality (see graphical button  1275 ) to search for additional available pool securities. In another alternative, the dealer can define certain characteristics of a stipulated, to be created pool, using the fields located on the lower half of GUI  1200 . Specifically, in a preferred embodiment for a mortgage-backed security, such fields include, but are not limited to, a CUSIP/Identifier field  1232 , coupon rate  1234 , weighted average maturity  1236 , weighted average coupon  1238 , weighted average loan age  1240 , size  1242 , spread  1244 , maximum loan balance  1246 , benchmark  1248 , and factor  1250 . 
         [0053]    The data defined by the dealer is then transmitted to system  10  and on to the buyer computer  25 . The securities defined by the dealer can then preferably be reviewed side-by-side with the securities initially found in the inventory listing of database  18 . 
         [0054]    Once the buyer is satisfied with the list of asset-backed security pools (e.g., MBS pools), the specified pool list can be transmitted through system  10  to the list of selected sellers. In a preferred embodiment, this action causes the calling of trade negotiation module  14 , which operates in conjunction with list response manager  15  and execution module  16  to spot (or price) the specified pool list, otherwise negotiate the trade details, and ultimately execute a trade for the requested specified pool list. In operation, the trade negotiation module  14  will call the list response manager  15  to enable the seller, using the seller computer  35 , to provide quotes in response to the receipt of a specified pool list. Preferably, the trade negotiation module  14  then transmits the quoted list information back to the buyer for review and acceptance. If there are multiple competing sellers, the buyer will need to choose between the buyers. Once there is acceptance, trade negotiations module  14  will call execution module  16  which will execute a trade and provide any “last look” options, as described in greater detail below, that may be optionally programmed into execution module  16 . 
         [0055]    On the seller computer  35 , in a preferred embodiment, a list-in ticket  600 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , can be caused by system  10  to be displayed on the seller computer  35 . List-in ticket  600  can include a “due at” time  605 , a buyer identifier  610 , an aggregate size indicator  615 , and a number of items indicator  620  (e.g., to identify the number of specified pools in the list). List-in ticket  600  can also include an “open list” selection item  625  and a “defer list” selection item  630 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , selection items  625 ,  630  are preferably graphical buttons. 
         [0056]    If the “open list” selection item  625  is “clicked” by a seller, a bid list ticket  700 , as shown in  FIG. 7  can be displayed. From the seller perspective, a list response manager module  15  (depicted on  FIG. 1 ) preferably provides traders with the ability to “construct” their bid list responses. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a bid list ticket  700  preferably includes a pool list section  705 , which includes relevant data (e.g., pool quantity, pool identifier, benchmark, benchmark quantity, type, spread, etc.) concerning the pools selected at the buyer computer  25  to be included in the specified pool. Additionally, several graphical selection items  710 ,  712 , and  714  can be included to permit the seller to customize the transaction. For example, using “+/−” buttons  710 , the seller can enter spread in the spread field  707 . The “+/−” button  710  preferably increments spread in ⅛th of a 32nd. The send buttons  712 , cause the spread to be transmitted through system  10  to the buyer computer  25 . Clicking on the pass buttons  714  will send a pass to the buyer. It is preferred, however, that the seller can “UnPass” a trade and resubmit a spread to the buyer. With reference to the top right hand corner of GUI  700 , a “due in” time indicator  720  and a “good for” time indicator  722  are preferably displayed to the seller to facilitate timely creation of the trade. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a portion  730  of the bid list ticket can be a context sensitive area that preferably shows some fundamental data about the security. 
         [0057]    With reference now to  FIG. 8 , the seller can use the bid list ticket  800  to input the individual spot trade for each specified pool (unless the trade has been designated as an AON trade). In a preferred embodiment, bid list ticket  800  includes a spot field  805  that preferably defaults to the TBA composite price generated by system  10 &#39;s pricing engine. The seller can increase or decrease the spot pricing by using “+/−” buttons  810 . The “send” button  815  transmits the spot price to the buyer for negotiation. 
         [0058]    A preferred embodiment of a quoting protocol will now be described with reference to  FIG. 9 . In one embodiment, the quoting protocol is all or none (i.e., AON). In other words, the seller submits a spread for the entire specified pool list, such that the spread is applied to each individual pool in the list, and the final pool price is computed after the TBA is spotted. Alternatively, a buyer can request spot prices for multiple trades. In a preferred embodiment, the trades must be from the same specified list, of the same direction (e.g., buy or sell), and share the same benchmark. Referring back to  FIG. 9 , the ‘Due In’ time is preferably set at the discretion of the buyer. Once the specified ‘Due In’ time is equal to zero, in step  905 , the buyer defined “Trading Session” will begin ticking to zero, in step  910 . As this point, selling traders can (i) update quotes any time prior to expiration of “Trading Session” (step  915 ); or (ii) send an initial quote any time prior to the end of the “Trading Session” (step  920 ). 
         [0059]    During the execution phase, as operative by the execution module  16 , it is preferred that when a buyer executes, the seller will have a “last look” option in order to accept, pass, or counter the trade, in step  925 . Seller can preferably manage the “last look” actions via the bid list ticket. Thus, if an individual trade is being executed, the relevant trade for which the buyer is attempting to execute will be highlighted and active and all other trades will be disabled. 
         [0060]    If the buyer requests spot prices, in step  930 , the system  10  can cause the display of a GUI  1000 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , with the selected pools to be spotted  1010 , relevant information for the list  1020 , and “+/−” buttons  1030  for setting the spot price. As each individual pool is spotted, in step  935 , another GUI  1100 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , can be caused to be displayed to either or both of the buy-side or sell-side users indicating that the trade is completed. GUI  1100  preferably includes several details of the trade, including without limitation a description  1105 , face value  1110 , current face value  1115 , spread  1120 , spot  1125 , price  1130 , and the settlement date  1135 . At this point in the process, in step  940 , the trade(s) can be imported into the system  10 &#39;s straight-through-processing module. 
         [0061]    In a preferred embodiment, as a further feature, the list response manager  15  is programmatically configured to provide various aggregation features that generally permit certain like pool trades to be aggregated for spotting purposes. Typically, if a specified pool list has not been designated all-or-none, then each individual pool in the list must be spotted to a benchmark, i.e., the seller will provide a spread for each pool. However, this process is highly inefficient. In the preferred embodiment being described, these inefficiencies are technically solved through the addition of a logical aggregation component to the list response manager  15  wherein, for example, similar pools in a list (e.g., Fannie Mae 5½ mortgage backed securities) are aggregated and spotted as a group. In this way, a single spread can be applied by a seller to an entire group of like securities. Alternatively, the aggregation component of the list response manager  15  preferably may be configured to provide aggregation across multiple trade requests that include like securities and which are submitted to the same seller. For instance, a buyer may create two specified pool lists wherein each list includes Fannie Mae 5½ MBSs and wherein the lists are both received by the same dealer. Here, a single spread quote can be efficiently applied to all of the Fannie Mae 5½ MBSs even though the securities are in separate lists. In the AON context, in a preferred embodiment, a seller must take all or none and, therefore, the quoting protocol is preferably performed as a single pay-up for the entire list, as opposed to providing spread quotes for individual or aggregated securities. 
         [0062]    While there have been shown and described fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.