Straight Through Processing: mandatory digitally signed trade instructions with centralized hub routing and verified acknowledgments. STP requires STP users to digitally sign instructions; sending STP service providers verify signatures and either forward to a co provider or encapsulate and sign messages for the STP centralized hub. The centralized hub verifies the provider's signature, acknowledges receipt, signs and forwards messages to recipient providers, which verify signatures, confirm recipient association and return signed acknowledgments via the hub. The recipient provider delivers the message to the user, who verifies provider and originator signatures. The hub will supply utility/client software for interface; PKI implementation is planned for a later stage.