A financial transaction network includes a customer network serviced by a host
processor. The financial transaction network provides customers with a plurality
of diverse and interchangeable financial products and financial services that customers
may utilize to directly manage their financial assets. The host processor acts
as a communications switch validating incoming transaction requests and routing
them to specialized subsystems. The host processor maintains central records that
can be accessed by network participants. The financial transaction network enables
customers to continually interchange account values relating to any financial product,
or financial service within the network. With its accessibility, speed and finality
of settlement, the network permits these interchanges to be accomplished with maximum efficiency.