Computer-based method and system for aiding transactions

A method to aid a transaction carried out electronically among a plurality of parties, the method comprising:

• receiving, to an institution from a party to the transaction, electronic signals representing an electronic request for an assurance that a requirement or attribute that must be met by the party or an other party to the transaction to carry out the specific transaction is or will be met;
• sending, from the institution to another institution, electronic signals representing first electronic information, the first electronic information including identification information regarding the party or the other party and information about the nature or content of the specific transaction;
• receiving, to the institution from the other institution, electronic signals representing second electronic information, the second electronic information including information about the nature or content of the specific transaction;
• and
• providing, to the party from the institution, electronic signals representing a status of the requested assurance.