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.