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.