A real-time,
global system and method for controlling payments risk, liquidity risk and systemic risk arising between financial counterparties active in payments-based transactions. The
system comprises: a plurality of User Host Applications for use by plurality of Users; a plurality of
Third Party Host Applications for use by plurality of Third Parties; and a plurality of
Payment Bank Host Applications for use by a plurality of
Payment Banks operating a plurality of domestic
payment systems. All host applications communicate via cryptographically secure sessions via private communications networks and / or
the Internet global
computer network. User and
Payment Bank access is secured by digital certification. Each Payment
Bank Host Application has a mechanism for
processing payment messages, including payments instructions to be carried out in its domestic payments
system on behalf of a plurality of account holders (including
bank correspondents). In addition, each Payment Bank Host Application includes a filter
process module for
processing payments instructions, prior to being carried out by the domestic
payment system. In the event of a
counterparty payment failure or insolvency, the Filter
Process Module enables instantaneous, automated suspension of all further payments to the
counterparty in a multiplicity of chosen currencies on instruction from a
Third Party, User or Payment Bank. The filter
process module can also be instructed to override
risk control parameters to enable payments to proceed regardless for identified transactions, counterparties or intermediaries. All applications improve the availability and timeliness of payments information. The reduction in payments risk and liquidity risk to predetermined tolerances reduces the likelihood of contingent defaults in the event of payment failure due to
bank insolvency or other unforeseen event, and thereby reduces systemic risk to the global financial system.