Patent ID: 7401044

Claim:
An apparatus comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores instructions, in which each of the instructions is executable by the processor and includes: instructions that direct the processor to apply a test to a plurality of orders that are submitted by a trader, in which the test is based on a volume of the plurality of orders; instructions that direct the processor to determine, based on a first result from the applied test, that the trader qualifies for an incentive, in which the incentive comprises executing orders that are submitted by the trader before executing orders that are submitted by at least one other trader, in which the trader's orders are submitted after the other trader's orders have been submitted, and the incentive expires after a period of time; instructions that direct the processor to receive a first order that is submitted by the trader before the period of time has expired, in which the first order is received after a second order that is submitted by the other trader has been received; instructions that direct the processor to execute the first order before executing the second order; after the period of time has expired, instructions that direct the processor to apply the test to the plurality of orders that are submitted by the trader; instructions that direct the processor to determine, based on a second result from the applied test, that the trader does not qualify for the incentive; instructions that direct the processor to receive a third order that is submitted by the trader after the period of time has expired; instructions that direct the processor to receive a plurality of orders that are submitted by the other trader after the period of time has expired; and instructions that direct the processor to execute the third order and the other trader's plurality of orders in order of receipt.