An automated trading exchange having integrated quote risk monitoring and
quote modification services. An apparatus is implemented using at least
one computer, having memory, and a processor. The computer is configured
to receive orders and quotes, wherein specified ones of the quotes are
contained in a quote group, and have associated trading parameters such
as a risk threshold. Not all received quotes are required to have trading
parameters as described herein. Preferably, the quote group contains all
the quotes, or a subset of quotes, belonging to an individual
market-maker for a given class of options contracts, or possibly the
quotes of two or more market-makers that have identified themselves as
belonging to a group for the purposes of risk monitoring and quote
modification. The computer typically generates a trade by matching the
received orders and quotes to previously received orders and quotes, and
otherwise stores each of the received orders and quotes if a trade is not
generated. The computer then determines whether a quote within the quote
group has been filled as a result of the generated trade, and if so,
determines a risk level and an aggregate risk level associated with said
trade. The computer then compares the aggregate risk level with the
market-maker's risk threshold, and if the threshold is exceeded,
automatically modifies at least one of the remaining quotes in the quote
group. The computer may also automatically regenerate quotes that have
been filled.