WO2013160906A1

WO2013160906A1 - Method and system for providing financial forecasting

Info

Publication number: WO2013160906A1
Application number: PCT/IN2012/000523
Authority: WO
Inventors: Indrajit R. SARKER; Colin Stone
Original assignee: Analec Infotech Private Limited
Priority date: 2012-04-24
Filing date: 2012-07-27
Publication date: 2013-10-31

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method and system for providing financial forecasting. The method includes receiving one or more financial models from one or more contributors and storing the one or more financial models in an encrypted format. Each financial model of the one or more financial models is capable of providing prediction values corresponding to one or more financial aspects of at least one of a company and a financial instrument. The method further includes receiving a request from a user for accessing a financial model of the one or more financial models and providing a pre-determined level of remote access to the financial model in response to the request subsequent to an authentication of an identity of the user. The pre-determined level of remote access is facilitated through a proprietary interface at a user terminal.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING FINANCIAL FORECASTING

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to financial modeling mechanisms, and more particularly, to a method and a system for providing financial forecasting of financial aspects of companies and/or financial instruments.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Financial modeling mechanisms, such as publicly available and/or proprietary tools and systems, are widely used for building an abstract representation of a financial decision making situation prior to making any financial investment. Financial modeling may typically involve reporting of actuals (for example, providing of current debt structures and breakdowns and the like) and/or financial forecasting, which is a process of estimating future financial outcomes for a business entity and/or a financial instrument based on associated historical data, external market conditions and other economic indicators.

[0003] Existing financial modeling mechanisms provide a financial model, which provides forecasts and estimates based on merely historical financial performance of business entities and/or financial instruments. Moreover, such mechanisms provide a limited selection of financial models for user consumption. Due to such limited selection, a user is unable to run elaborate financial forecasts and estimates, in a well-structured and transparent fashion. More specifically, such tools may also have limited capabilities in allowing the user to manipulate the financial models for providing a financial forecast of the business entities and/or financial instruments in a comprehensive manner.

[0004] Also, such existing tools suffer from security issues since the financial forecast models are not available across an efficient and secure environment and may fall into hands of unauthorized users. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior-art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a method and a system for providing financial forecasting of financial aspects of companies and/or financial instruments that is configured to include all advantages of the prior art and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art offering some added advantages.

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for providing financial forecasting. The method includes receiving one or more financial models from one or more contributors and storing the one or more financial models in an encrypted format. Each financial model of the one or more financial models is capable of providing prediction values corresponding to one or more financial aspects of at least one of a company and a financial instrument. The financial model may also be configured for the purpose of reporting of actuals, such as providing of current debt structures and breakdowns and the like. The method further includes receiving a request from a user for accessing a financial model of the one or more financial models and providing a predetermined level of remote access to the financial model in response to the request subsequent to an authentication of an identity of the user. The pre-determined level of remote access is facilitated through a proprietary interface at a user terminal. In an embodiment, the pre-determined level of remote access is one of a view level access, a read level access and a write level access. In an embodiment, the method includes receiving a user input for customizing the remotely accessed financial model. The user input for customizing the remotely accessed financial model is received when the predetermined level of remote access is one of the read level access and the write level access.

[0007] In an embodiment, the customized financial model is associated with a proprietary file format when stored in an external storage entity associated with the user. The proprietary file format is capable of being accessed through the proprietary interface at the user terminal. In an embodiment, the customized financial model is stored as a personalized financial model with access restricted to one of a user customizing the remotely accessed financial model and one or more authenticated users approved by a user associated with granting rights to access the financial model.

[0008] In an embodiment, the user requesting access to the at least one financial model is a user group entity, and, varying levels of remote access of the at least one financial model are provisioned to a plurality of authenticated users associated with the user group entity. In an embodiment, the financial model of the one or more financial models received from a contributor of the one or more contributors is configured to be distributed by the user to one or more associated users.

[0009] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for financial forecasting. The system includes a storage module, a user interface module and an access module. The storage module is configured to store one or more financial models in an encrypted format. Each financial model of the one or more financial models is capable of providing prediction values corresponding to one or more financial aspects of at least one of a company and a financial instrument. The user interface module is communicably associated with the storage module and is configured to receive a request from a user for accessing a financial model of the one or more financial models. The access module is communicably associated with the storage module and the user interface module and is configured to provide a pre-determined level of remote access to the financial model in response to the request subsequent to an authentication of an identity of the user. The pre-determined level of remote access is facilitated through a proprietary interface at a user terminal communicably coupled with the user interface module. In an embodiment, the user interface module is configured to receive the one or more financial models from one or more contributors. The received one or more financial models are stored in the storage module along with corresponding contributor related information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which: [0011] FIG. 1A depicts an overview of an environment for providing financial forecasting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. IB illustrates an architectural diagram representing various components of the environment explained in FIG. 1 A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a system for providing financial forecasting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2B illustrates a logical diagram of the system of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary process of subscribing to the system of FIG. 2A by a prospective user/contributor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary process of buying credits from the system of FIG. 2A by a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process of subscribing to one or more financial models in the system of FIG. 2Aby a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary process of consuming one or more financial models from the system of FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a proprietary file format associated with a financial model of the system of FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary process of adding a user as a corporate user in the system of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary process of creation of one or more financial models through the collaboration approach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary process of accessing one or more financial models based on the contributor approach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary process of creation of one or more financial models through the contributor approach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary process of accessing one or more financial models based on the hybrid approach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary process of creation of one or more financial models through the hybrid approach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a snapshot of proprietary interface depicting validation of a financial model and notification of the user in case of violation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for validation of a financial model according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 16 is a snapshot of proprietary interface depicting how a user may change assumptions of a parameter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIGS. 17A and 17B are snapshots of proprietary interface depicting source of collected data associated with a financial model according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0030] FIG. 18 is a snapshot of proprietary interface depicting a summary report generated by system of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIGS. 19 - 22 are snapshots of proprietary interface depicting provision of an option of summary report to a user either based on predetermined estimates or based on his/her estimates according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 23 is a snapshot of proprietary interface depicting company screening based on a screening criteria according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 24 is a snapshot of proprietary interface depicting a peer group analysis according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 25 is a snapshot of proprietary interface depicting a sensitivity analysis of impact of a change in an independent variable on a given dependent variable in a created scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIGS. 26A and 26B are snapshots of the proprietary interface depicting summarizing of a comparison between financial models of companies in particular portfolios/sectors/indices/regions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0036] FIG. 27 depicts a flow diagram of a method of providing financial forecasting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0037] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to a particular method and system for providing financial forecasting as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0038] The use of terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Further, the terms, "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0039] The present disclosure provides a method and a system for providing financial forecasting of financial aspects of companies and/or financial instruments. The term 'financial' as mentioned herein includes both historical and forecasted figures of key indicators of the company and/or the financial instrument. Suitable example of the key indicators may include, but not limited to, financial ratios, fixed working capital, income/revenues, profit/ loss, net interest income, and the like. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a method and a system for providing financial forecasting of financial aspects of companies and/or financial instruments based on financial models that may be manipulated by the user. It should be understood that the term 'forecasting' as used throughout the present disclosure relates to predicting future key performance indicators of a company and/or a financial instrument. The term 'company' as described herein may refer to any of a public limited company (i.e., stock exchange listed company), private limited company, limited liability partnership firm and the like. The term 'financial instrument' as described herein may refer to any of a common stock of a company, a debt instrument or a derivative instrument. Moreover, the term 'financial model' as described herein may refer to a mathematical model designed to represent the some aspect (e.g., performance/profitability/credit worthiness) of a company and/or a financial instrument. The financial model can make assumptions and use formulae to make predictions on the future aspects of the company or the financial instrument. However, it should be noted that a utilization of the financial models may not be limited to financial forecasting and that the financial models may be utilized for reporting of actuals, such as, for providing current debt structures and breakdowns and the like.

[0040] FIG. 1 A depicts an overview of an environment 1000 for providing financial forecasting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The environment 1000 includes a system 100 configured to communicate over a network 102 with a number of client terminals, such as a client terminal 104a, a client terminal 104b, a client terminal 104c, a client terminal 104d and a client terminal 104e. The client terminals 104a-104e will hereinafter be, individually or collectively, referred to as client terminals 104. The system 100 may utilize one or more servers, such as servers 100a, 100b and 100c, which may either individually or collectively enable providing of financial forecasting of one or more financial aspects of a company and/or a financial instrument. It should be noted that three servers 100a- 100c implementing the system 100 is depicted in FIG. 1 A for exemplary purposes and that the system 100 may include fewer or more number of servers, such as servers 100a- 100c. In an embodiment, the system 100 is a standalone device configured to provide financial forecasting of one or more financial aspects of a company and/or a financial instrument. For example, the system 100 may be an exemplary form of a computer system within which sets of instructions (for example, instructions for causing system 100 to perform one or more of the methodologies discussed herein) are executed.

[0041] In an embodiment, the system 100 may be implemented based on a cloud computing configuration. In the cloud computing configuration, one or more shared servers, such as servers 100a- 100c, may be employed and the shared servers may represent a plurality of shared resources, software, and information that may be utilized for financial forecasting purposes. The servers may be shared on demand. In an exemplary embodiment, the system 100 may be implemented based on a grid computing configuration. In the grid computing configuration, multiple unrelated or unaffiliated websites may share a computing infrastructure provided by a set of shared servers. The shared servers in the grid may be pooled and provisioned to the system 100 on demand. In another embodiment, the system 100 may be implemented based on a virtualized server architecture configured to render services necessary for the system 100 from a specific virtual machine. The dedicated virtual machine may be embodied as software on a server and may be capable of serving all the services required by the system 100. The virtualized server architecture may provide virtual server-based hosting without the individually dedicated hardware.

[0042] In an embodiment, the client terminals 104 may be configured to include a proprietary interface, which may be utilized for establishing communication with the system 100. Examples of client terminals 104 may include a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a PDA, a mobile communication device and the like. In an embodiment, the client terminals 104 may be utilized by one of contributors of financial models and users of financial models. The term 'contributor' as used herein and throughout the disclosure may refer to a type of user who contributes one or more financial models to the system 100. The system 100 may receive the one or more financial models from one or more contributors and store the financial models in an encrypted format. The term 'user' as used herein may refer to individuals requesting access or individuals authorized access to financial models from the system 100. It should be noted that a contributor may contribute a financial model to the system 100 and may also operate as a user, when requesting access to financial model contributed by either him/her or by other contributors from the system 100.

[0043] Examples of the network 102 utilized for enabling communication between the system 100 and the client terminals 104 may include wired networks, wireless networks or a combination thereof. An example of a wired network may be a local area network (LAN). Examples of wireless networks may include cellular networks, wireless LANs, Zigbee networks and the like. A combination of the wired network and wireless network may include Internet which may use any of the above-mentioned networks for enabling provisioning of financial models for financial forecasting. An exemplary architectural diagram representing various components of the environment 1000 is explained in FIG. IB.

[0044] FIG. IB illustrates an architectural diagram 2000 representing various components of the environment 1000 explained in FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As explained, client terminals 104 may include a proprietary interface 106, which may facilitate establishing a communication with the system 100. In an example embodiment, the proprietary interface may be a Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) application, which may be accessed through a web browser on the client terminals 104. A user/contributor may first provide authentication information over the network 102 to the system 100 for authorizing the user/contributor. On successful authentication of an identity of the user/contributor, an access to the system 100 may be established for the user/contributor. The communication between the system 100 and the client terminals 104 may conform to framework 108 for facilitating encrypted communication. Examples of the framework 108 for facilitating encrypted communication may include, but are not limited to, a simple object access protocol (SOAP), a Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) layer technology and the like.

[0045] In an embodiment, the architecture of the system 100 may be a

Windows based three tiers WPF as depicted in FIG. IB. Accordingly, the system 100 is depicted to include web services 110 installed at port 80/443 which may facilitate communication with client terminals 104. For example, web services 110 may be equipped to handle hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP) traffic (corresponding to requests sent by users over network 102 for accessing financial models or corresponding to financial models contributed by one or more contributors).

[0046] The system 100 may further include a tier comprising authentication 112 for authorizing access to the financial models, core function library 114 configured for enabling access rights for users, database 116 for storing access rights configured for users and encryption 118 for encrypting communication with database 120. The database 120 may be configured to store a plurality of financial models capable of providing financial forecasting on various financial aspects of companies and/or financial instruments. In an embodiment, the database 120 may include primary database and audit database. In an exemplary embodiment, the database 120 may be Microsoft SQL server 2008 and may be configured to store procedures and the data for the system 100. Various functionalities of the system 100 are explained through functional modules in FIG. 2A.

[0047] FIG. 2 A is a block diagram of a system 100 for providing financial forecasting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As explained in FIG. 1A, the system 100 may be implemented as a stand-alone device or may be implemented utilizing one or more servers, such as servers 100a- 100c of FIG. 1A. Irrespective of the form of implementation, the system 100 may include a storage module 202, a user interface module 204, an access module 206 and a user authentication module 208. The storage module 202, the user interface module 204, the access module 206 and the user authentication module 208 may be communicatively associated with each other using bus 210. In an embodiment, the various components of the system 100, such as the storage module 202, the user interface module 204, the access module 206, the user authentication module 208 and the bus 210 may be implemented as hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof.

[0048] The storage module 202 is configured to store one or more financial models in an encrypted format. It is noted that the term "financial model" may be construed as referring to a mathematical model designed to represent an aspect of a business (e.g., performance, profitability or credit worthiness). The financial model is generated based on one or more assumptions and using formulae to make financial predictions on future aspects of a company or a financial instrument. Each financial model of the one or more financial models is capable of providing prediction values corresponding to one or more financial aspects of at least one of a company and a financial instrument. In an embodiment, the storage module 202 may be embodied as the database 120 of FIG. IB.

[0049] The user interface module 204 is communicably associated with the storage module 202 and configured to receive a request from a user for accessing a financial model of the one or more financial models. As explained in FIG. 1 A, a user may be any individual authorized to access the system 100. Examples of the user may include, but are not limited to, a private individual (e.g., a day trader or a high net worth individual), and an institution or an organization (e.g., a small hedge fund institution or a large global institution).

[0050] The access module 206 is communicably associated with the storage module 202 and the user interface module 204 and is configured to provide a predetermined level of remote access to the financial model in response to the request subsequent to an authentication of an identity of the user. The pre-determined level of remote access is one of a view level access, a read level access and a write level access. In view level access, the user is allowed to only view one or more financial models without being able to manipulate or save the financial model either locally on the client terminals 104 or in the storage module 202. In the read level access, the user is allowed to view one or more financial models with the ability to manipulate the one or more financial models for personal use, by either saving in an external storage entity (e.g. a local drive, a file system or any other storage media) associated with the user or uploading it to the storage module 202. In write level access, the user is allowed to view one or more financial models with the ability to manipulate the one or more financial models and save the financial model for personal use as well as upload the financial model into the storage module 202 to render the financial models to be accessible to other users of the system 100.

[0051] The pre-determined level of remote access is facilitated through a proprietary interface at a user terminal (e.g., client terminals 104 of FIG. 1A). The proprietary interface is communicably coupled with the user interface module 204. It is noted that the term "proprietary interface" is construed as referring to a graphical user interface viewable by all authenticated users of the system 100 and used to display the one or more financial models associated with the system 100 to the authenticated users.

[0052] In an embodiment, the user interface module 204 is further configured to receive the one or more financial models from one or more contributors. As explained in FIG. 1A, a contributor may be an individual who contributes one or more financial models to the system 100. Examples of contributors may include individuals, small research companies, corporate entities, and the like. The contributors create and upload one or more financial models into the system 100. In an embodiment, the uploaded one or more financial models are stored in the storage module 202 along with corresponding contributor related information. The contributor related information may include at least one of contributor identification information and cost information for accessing each of the one or more financial models uploaded by the contributor. In an embodiment, a contributor contributes a number of financial models and sets the price for a user to access those financial models. When a user accesses the financial model and pays for access, a portion of the charges may be paid to the contributor.

[0053] In an embodiment, contributors retain complete authority and control on which users get to see their contributed financial models and what access rights they may have. For example, company X may give a write access to a user for a model contributed by company X, while companies Y and Z may give the user only read and view, respectively, for the financial models contributed by them, respectively. The control over contributed financial models may be facilitated through the access module 206. The prescribed control over content as well protected dissemination of content via proprietary interface and proprietary file formats enables a protection of an content- ownership of the content provider, such as a contributor of the financial model, while precluding situations, such as misuse of financial models or copying of financial models to an environment outside of the purview of the system 100. In an embodiment, corporate contributors can upload their own financial models, and also re-brand models (for example, subscribe to financial models, change the branding associated with the financial models & resell them further) to their customers. In such a scenario, an ownership of the financial model of the original contributor and the subsequent customizing contributor may be maintained distinct to protect an ownership of the related content. In an embodiment, in addition to the contributor, a system administrator associated with the system 100 may also retain authority and control over viewership and subsequent consumption of the financial models by users.

[0054] In an embodiment, a financial model received from a contributor is configured to be distributed by the user to one or more associated users (e.g., users authorized with access to the financial models and associated with the user). In an embodiment, a financial model is received in a native file format and subsequently converted into a proprietary file format for storage into encrypted format. For example, the financial model may be received in a Microsoft Excel® format or such other spreadsheet application format and may be subsequently converted into proprietary format for storage purposes. The proprietary file format is capable of being accessed through the proprietary interface at the user terminal.

[0055] In an embodiment, the request for accessing the financial model is received based on selection of at least one of a company, a financial instrument and a contributor of the one or more contributors. Additionally, the user interface module 204 is also configured to receive a user input for customizing a remotely accessed financial model. Customizing may include changing one or more aspects associated with the financial model. In an embodiment, the user is capable of changing one or more forecasting assumptions for customizing the financial model for future time periods on expected performance. In an embodiment, the user interface module 204 is configured to receive a user input for performing related analytics on the one or more financial aspects of the company and the financial instrument. The term 'related analytics' may refer to analytical exercises performed on the one or more financial aspects of the company and the financial instrument and may include, but are not limited to, screening, valuation, charting, report generation, and the like. In an embodiment, the customized financial model is associated with the proprietary file format when stored in the external storage entity associated with the user.

[0056] In an embodiment, the user interface module 204 is configured to receive a user input for customizing a remotely accessed financial model when the predetermined level of remote access is one of the read level access and the write level access. The customized financial model is stored as a personalized financial model in the storage module 202 with access restricted to one of the user customizing the remotely accessed financial model and one or more authenticated users approved by a user associated with granting rights to access the financial model. For example, a user may customize and save a financial model on network drive/cloud storage and then provide the storage location to another colleague who has access to the network drive/cloud storage. If the colleague is an authenticated user (i.e. with appropriate access rights to access the financial model), then the colleague may view the financial model by accessing the network drive/cloud storage. In an embodiment, a contributor may be assigned an individual section within the system 100 for storing contributed financial models made available to users. The individual section may be configured to provide marketing space for the contributors.

[0057] In an embodiment, a user requesting access to the financial model is a user group entity. An example of a user group entity may be a corporate entity, which may seek access to one or more financial models for subsequent consumption by users within the corporate entity. In an embodiment, the user group entity may refer to a logical group of individuals functioning in a collaborative manner. The access module 206 is configured to provide varying levels of remote access of the financial model to a plurality of authenticated users associated with the user group entity. [0058] The provisioning of financial models for financial forecasting may be facilitated based on a plurality of approaches. In an embodiment, in a first approach of the plurality of approaches, a defined set of users associated with one corporate subscription may work together and share financial models amongst themselves. For example, an authenticated user may manipulate the financial model as per his/her assumptions/preferences and make the financial model available to a specified set of users who are a part of the same organization unit e.g. a corporate organization's department. This approach is explained herein with reference to FIG. 9 and may be referred to as 'collaborative approach'.

[0059] In an embodiment, in a second approach, the contributors are allowed to upload financial models into the system 100 for public dissemination to subscribed user. The financial models will then be rendered available to other users of the system 100. The financial models are displayed as a list of financial models with specific access rights to each financial model. In an embodiment, a latest version of the financial models are rendered available, either in an original state as uploaded by the contributor, or after being manipulated by a user. The second approach is explained herein with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 and may be referred to as 'contributor approach'.

[0060] In an embodiment, in a third approach, a user is allowed to use the financial models and combine it with their own financial models to produce a hybrid financial model. The users are allowed to upload the hybrid financial models to the system 100 and the hybrid financial models are rendered available to the users of the system 100 through a portal, referred hereinafter as account library, wherein all latest version of financial models either in its original state, derived financial model (for example, financial model obtained by combining a user-accessed financial model with financial models subscribed from other contributors) or as uploaded by or after being manipulated by user are showcased. The third approach is explained herein with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 and may be referred to as 'hybrid approach'.

[0061] In an embodiment, the user interface module 204 is configured to receive a user input for validating the one or more financial models by the system 100. The validating of the one or more financial model is based on a plurality of predetermined integrity checks comprising of accounting and reconciliation checks.

[0062] In an embodiment, the system 100 additionally includes a user authentication module 208 configured to perform an authentication of the identity of the user requesting remote access to the at least one financial model. In an embodiment, the system 100 allows a user to sign up with system 100 by remotely accessing the system 100 through the network 102 (e.g., by accessing a website associated with the system 100 through the network 102 to obtain the proprietary interface) and allots an account to the user. Subsequently, the system 100 approves one or more login credentials of the user to enable the user to request access to one or more financial models from the system 100. Also, the login credentials enable the user to subscribe to one or more financial models available on the system 100. The login and subscription processes are explained herein with reference to FIGS. 3-5. A logical diagram representing the system 100 is explained in FIG. 2B.

[0063] FIG. 2B illustrates a logical diagram of the system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The logical diagram depicts the system 100 to receive a plurality of inputs and provide a plurality of outputs. The plurality of inputs may include but are not limited to, inputs from research analysts 212 (associated with the system 100), inputs from one or more contributors 214 (excluding research analysts), market data 216, and news and announcements 218. The inputs from research analysts 212 and inputs from one or more contributors 214 may include one or more financial models associated with selected companies. The market data 216 may include, for example, pricing, exchange rates, and the like, provided by market data providers. The news or announcements 218 may include, for example, company news, financial announcements, annual reports, and other information pertaining to creation of financial models.

[0064] The system 100 generates one or more financial models based on the inputs and provides a plurality of outputs (e.g., 220-224) based on the financial models. The plurality of outputs includes for example, tools and reporting 220, model usage 222, and e-alerts/news/ announcements 224. The tools and reporting 220 includes, for example, one or more tools providing real-time analysis of financial information against one or more number of companies. The model usage 222 includes, for example, rendering one or more financial models to one or more users including authenticated users or contributors. In an embodiment, the model usage 222 allows one or more users to access the financial models from any device and manipulate the financial models. The e-alerts/news/announcements 224 includes, for example, personalized messages and/or email alerts sent to users (e.g., email alert including information pertaining to a company, sector or country of subscribed companies.) A process of subscribing to the system 100 is explained herein with reference to FIG. 3.

[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary process 300 of subscribing to the system 100 by a prospective user/contributor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the process 300 outlines a sign-up process for users/contributors for accessing the system 100. In an embodiment, the process 300 starts at step 302. At step 304, the prospective user accesses the system 100. In an embodiment, the system may be accessed through a website, hereinafter referred to as a system website. The access to the system website may be facilitated by a web browser on a user terminal (e.g., client terminals 104 of FIG. 1A) and through the network 102. On accessing the system 100, a user sign-up interface may be displayed to the user. In an embodiment, at step 306, the prospective user clicks on a sign up button provided on the user sign-up interface. In an embodiment, on clicking the sign up button, a prompt to enter details associated with the prospective user is displayed to the user. At step 308, the prospective user enters details including for example, at least one of personal details, corporate details, an email address, and a desired password. On receiving the details from the prospective user, at step 310 the system 100 sends out a verification email to the email address provided by the user. The verification email includes a link, clicking on which, generates a request to validate the email address,

[0066] In an embodiment, at step 312, an administrator of the system 100 evaluates the request for user sign-up. If the administrator approves the request, step 314 is performed. If the administrator rejects the request, the process 300 ends at step 320. At step 314, on approving the request, the system 100 sends out an email (e.g., a welcome email) to the prospective user with one or more login credentials for the user and a "download app" link to download the financial model application from the system 100. The prospective user logs into the system with the login credentials to become a user of the system 100. At step 316, the user clicks on the "download app" link. At step 318, the application on the system 100 opens where the user is already logged in and the user downloads the financial model application comprising the proprietary interface into a user terminal (e.g., client terminals 104). The process ends at step 320. In an embodiment, subsequent to downloading the financial model application into the user terminal, the user of the system 100 subscribes to one or more financial models available in the system 100. The subscription allows the user to purchase access rights to one or more financial models available on the system 100.

[0067] In an embodiment, the access rights are purchased for a time bound period. In an embodiment, the time bound period is extendable. In an embodiment, the access rights may be purchased through various payment modes. In an embodiment, the access rights are purchased by the user using credits from the system 100. In an embodiment, the user purchases credits by paying a prescribed amount to the system 100 during subscription. In an embodiment, the user purchases access rights from a contributor to access one or more financial models uploaded by the contributor into the system 100. In an embodiment, the contributor is allowed to set a price for his/her own contributed financial models and get paid by users when access is granted. In an embodiment, the system 100 levies a charge that is incurred at a prescribed frequency (e.g., monthly, quarterly or yearly). The term credit as used herein may be analogous to mobile phone recharge where the account credit falls based on usage. The process of buying credits by the user is explained herein with reference to FIG. 4.

[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary process 400 of buying credits from the system 100 by a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process 400 starts at step 402. At step 404, the user accesses the system 100, for example through the system website, and enters login credentials. On entering the login credentials, the user logs into a user account on the system 100. On logging into the user account, a "buy credits" tab is displayed to the user by the system 100. At step 406, the user clicks on "buy credits" tab on the system 100. At step 408, the user enters an amount that the user would like to purchase. At step 410, the user provides payment details (e.g. credit card information or bank details and the like). At step 412, the user submits the payment details by clicking on submit. At step 414, the payment made by the user is either approved or disapproved by a payment gateway. On approving the payment, step 416 is performed. If the payment is disapproved, step 418 is performed. At step 416, the amount gets credited to the user's previous credits if any. Alternatively, at step 418, the user gets a failure message. The process 400 ends at step 420. Based on the credits available to the user, the user subscribes to one or more financial models in the system 100. The process of subscribing to one or more financial models in the system 100 is explained in FIG. 5.

[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process 500 of subscribing to one or more financial models in the system 100 by a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process 500 starts at step 502. At step 504, user accesses the system 100, for example through the system website. At step 506, the user selects the financial models for subscription purposes. At step 508, the user clicks on "add to my models" provided on the proprietary user interface corresponding to the system. At step 510, the availability of financial model is checked. If the financial model is available then, at step 512, the system 100 checks if credits are enough for providing accessing to the selected financial models. If the credits are not enough, at step 514, the user gets a message that the credits are not sufficient. At step 516, the user decides whether to buy credits or not. If the user decides to buy credits, then step 518 is performed. At step 518, the user performs a step of buying credits as explained in process 400 with reference to FIG. 4. Alternatively, if the financial model is not available at step 510, step 520 is performed. At step 520, a financial models access request is sent to an administrator associated with the system 100.

[0070] At step 524, the administrator decides whether to grant access to the user. If the administrator decides to grant access to the user, step 526 is performed. At step 526, the financial models get added to the user's list. If the administrator decides not to grant access to the user, at step 528 the process ends. If the user buys credits successfully at step 522, then step 526 is performed and the financial models get added to the user's list. If the user does not buy the credits successfully at 522 or the user decides against buying credits at 516 or if the administrator decides not to grant access at 524 the process 500 ends at 528.

[0071] In an embodiment, the subscription allows the user to view the list of financial models in the system 100 that the user may request access to. In an embodiment, the user is allowed to open all subscribed financial models. Also, the user is allowed to save one or more personalized copies for all subscribed financial models with read level access and write level access. Additionally, the user is allowed to view one or more bulletins associated with companies in coverage of all subscribed financial models. The bulletins may include, for example, macro bulletins. Moreover, the user is allowed to perform additional steps, such as setting and managing one or more e-alerts based on selected companies in the account library of the system 100, managing a user profile, viewing help videos and quick guides, unsubscribing from one or more financial models, viewing one or more pending invoices, cart details, shopping basket, and the like. The user may also be allowed to use a company screener, which allows the user to screen companies and/or financial instruments based on various parameters such as growth, valuation, profitability, leverage etc. This screening may be done based on user estimates or company estimates. The screening may help the user to compare companies and/or financial instruments on various parameters and can be used for investment decision making process or simply analyzing the "what-if ' scenario to match up with a users opinion. The user may also be allowed to use portfolio summary, which is a subset of a company screener that allows a user to obtain reports on specific financial attributes. The process of consuming one or more financial models in the system 100 is explained in FIG. 6.

[0072] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary process 600 of consuming one or more financial models from the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process 600 starts at 602. At step 604, a user logs into the system 100. In an embodiment, the user provides an identity information associated with the user to the system 100, for example from a web browser on a user terminal (e.g., client terminals 104) to a system website. Upon an authentication of the identity of the user (e.g., using the authentication module 208), the user may be logged into the system 100. Upon logging into the system 100, at step 606 the user is displayed a viewable selection of financial models (e.g., using the user interface module 204). Subsequent to step 606, at least one of steps 608, 610 and 612 may be performed. At step 608, the user views one or more financial models from the viewable selection of financial models. At step 610, the user views a personalized copy of one or more financial models on the system 100. As explained in FIG. 2A, a user may access a financial model and customize/manipulate the financial model based on his/her assumptions/preferences. Subsequent to the customization, the user may store the customized financial model in the system 200 as a personalized copy with access restricted from any other user. At step 612, the user views financial models from multiple contributors. In an embodiment, at step 614, the user manipulates one or more financial models by changing one or more assumptions. In an embodiment, the user is capable of changing one or more forecasting assumptions for customizing the financial model for future time periods on expected performance. The user may also perform related analytics on the one or more financial aspects of the company and the financial instrument. The related analytics may include screening, valuation, charting, report generation, and the like.

[0073] Subsequent to step 614, at least one of steps 616, 618 and 620 may be performed. At step 616, the user saves the manipulated financial model locally (e.g., on the client terminals 104) in a proprietary file format. The proprietary file format is explained further herein with reference to FIG. 7. In an embodiment, at step 618, the user uploads the financial model to the system 100 as a personalized copy. In an embodiment, in step 620, the user uploads the financial model into an account library associated with the system 100 for public dissemination. The process 600 ends at 622.

[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates a proprietary file format 700 associated with a financial model of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As explained in FIG. 2A, the financial models may be stored, for example in the storage module 202, in an encrypted format. In an embodiment, the financial model is encrypted within proprietary file format 700 (e.g., mvm file format). The proprietary file format 700 includes a version number 702, a metadata 704, an encrypted financial model 706 and other relevant information 706. The version number 702 may refer a current encryption version for encryption of the financial model. The metadata 704 may include information such a size of the file, a type of content and such other information. The encrypted financial model 706 may refer to financial model content in the encrypted form. The other relevant information 708 refers to any additional item that may be added over the course of time as the system 100 is enhanced. The encryption of the financial model within the proprietary file format 700 ensures that whether locally stored (e.g., on user terminal) or within the system 100 the user may only consume the financial model within the proprietary interface within the purview of the system 100. [0075] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary process 800 of adding a user as a corporate user in the system 100 according„to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the process starts at step 802. At step 804, an administrator of the system 100 accesses the system 100 and enters one or more login credentials and logs into the system 100. On logging into the system 100, at step 806, the administrator clicks on a "manage users" tab on the system 100. At step 808, the administrator clicks on "add user" tab on the system 100. At step 810, the administrator enters personal details and email address of the user and clicks on "add" tab. At step 812, the administrator decides whether to add more corporate users. On deciding to add more corporate users, step 810 is repeated. On deciding not to add more corporate users, step 814 is performed. At step 814, the administrator clicks on "done" tab to convey to the system 100 that requisite corporate users have been added.

[0076] At step 816, the system 100 sends out a verification email with a link to the newly added corporate users by the administrator. The corporate users may click on the link subsequent to which, the email address of the corporate users gets verified. At step 818, the system 100 sends out a welcome email to the corporate users with login credentials and a "download app" link to download the financial model application from the system 100. At step 820, each corporate user installs the financial model application on his/her user terminal (e.g., client terminals 104). At step 822, the process 800 ends.

[0077] On subscribing to the financial models, if the user opts to become a corporate subscriber, the administrator adds the user to a group of corporate users. In an embodiment, the multiple corporate users are allowed to share their customized financial models and arrive at a balanced view of each company by the sharing of the financial models with a user most qualified to assess the financial model. Also the system 100 enables the corporate users to evaluate financial models for a selected company from differing contributors to arrive at a balanced view of the financial models associated with the selected company. This balanced view may also be termed as 'account library', 'company library', 'microsite' and the like.

[0078] In an embodiment, the financial model application installed on the user terminal provides one or more plug-ins to be used with one or more pre-existing applications and/or programs on the user terminal. In an embodiment, the pre-existing programs may include, for example, Microsoft Excel®, Microsoft Word®, Microsoft Outlook®, and the like. In an embodiment, the Microsoft Excel® plug-in allows the contributors to contribute financial models directly into system 100 for public dissemination to subscribed users. Also, the Microsoft Excel® plug-in allows the contributors to work on the financial models in their established work environment and upload the financial models in an easy manner, such that the financial models gets encrypted, for example converted to a proprietary file format, and uploaded to the system 100.

[0079] In an embodiment, the access to the plug-ins may be provided via a menu bar under Microsoft® windows Office XP and Office 2003. Under Microsoft® Office 2007 and Office 2010 the functionality is provided via a ribbon. In an embodiment, the plug-in may be configured to provide functionality based on a prevailing approach within the future versions of Microsoft Office. The Excel retriever provides the user with the ability to rapidly carry out corporate financial analysis and portfolio/sector/index/regional analysis, by generating output in pre-set formats/ templates with interactive graphics available in Microsoft Excel®. Also, the Excel retriever enables a generation of company summary and displays one or more user- defined parameters (e.g., key financial and valuation parameters, and leverage comparison) on a company in a summarized form (including both actual and forecast information). Additionally, the Excel retriever enables generation of a portfolio summary. In an embodiment, the Excel retriever enables generation of a quick sector comparison summary evaluating companies across the portfolio/ sector/index/region for various user-defined parameters. Further, the Excel retriever aids in generation of a scatter chart, which may involve an interactive two-dimensional graphics capability to show relationships between various financial & valuation variables by revealing patterns or concentrations of data points. Further, the plug-in enables making fundamental analysis of a stock in the light of outlook for the company's sector and the company itself for various user-defined variables. Moreover, in an embodiment, the Excel retriever enables the user to retrieve a stock's time series information including, for example, closing prices, traded volumes, money flow non-block and the like between two user- selected dates. The functionality also allows the user to retrieve time series information of a stock relative to another stock, provided such historical time series information is available within the storage module 202 and/or database 120.

[0080] In addition, the time series information allows the creation of valuation time series for example Price Earnings ratio over the last x years. In an embodiment, the functionality enables the user to aggregate a time series summary. The user is allowed to calculate an aggregated time series summary for a selection of stocks including, for example, indexes, sectors and countries. An example may include, but is not limited to, the Price to Earnings ratio for the telecommunications sector correctly weighted and adjusted cross border. In an embodiment, the Excel retriever provides a stock screening tool, which helps the user to retrieve a set of stocks from the storage module 202 and/or database 120 based upon the user defined criteria.

[0081] In an embodiment, a Microsoft Word® plug-in is provided by the financial model application. The Microsoft Word® plug-in enables the user to generate a Microsoft Word® based report that may be simple or detailed. The reports may be generated for any company within the system 100. An underlying template drives the content of the report with the end result being a report complete in information directly derived from the database. The user may be taken through a series of steps to input report information and report text contents for the finished report and presentation of such information on the front page. On completion, the system 100 automatically downloads a latest version of the relevant template as customized by the user and populates the relevant template with the relevant financial valuation and stock information, and the research text (as updated by the user in the word document itself). Once an opening page of the template for a research note on a particular stock is generated, the research note may be updated automatically for any changes made in the forecasts items in the database, at the click of a 'Refresh' icon In an embodiment, the access to the Microsoft Word® plug-in may be provided via a menu bar under Microsoft® windows Office XP and Office 2003. Under Microsoft® Office 2007 and Office 2010 the functionality is provided via a ribbon. In an embodiment, the plug-in may be configured to provide functionality based on a prevailing approach within the future versions of Microsoft Office. [0082] In an embodiment, a Microsoft Outlook® plug-in is provided by the financial model application. The Microsoft Outlook® plug-in for Microsoft Outlook® is used for launching the specific user bespoke customizable products that are mapped to Microsoft Outlook®. The Microsoft Outlook® plug-in allows the users of the system 100 to export any company report or sector report, into an email template, to be further shared with their users. The Microsoft Outlook® plug-in reduces the manual effort for our users to copy/paste the report into 'compose' template of Microsoft Outlook® and do not need to care for format setting and layouts, as the Microsoft Outlook® plug-in directly exports the company/sector report into a format that is ready to send, or may even be manipulated in the email before sending. In an embodiment, the access to the Microsoft Outlook® plug-in may be provided via a menu bar under Microsoft Windows Office XP® and Office® 2003. Under Microsoft Office® 2007 and Office 2010 the functionality is provided via a ribbon. In an embodiment, the plug-in may be configured to provide functionality based on a prevailing approach within the future versions of Microsoft Office®.

[0083] As explained in FIG. 2A, the provisioning of financial models for financial forecasting may be facilitated based on a plurality of approaches, such as the collaboration approach, contributor approach and/or the hybrid approach as explained in FIG. 2A. A process of creation of financial models in the collaboration approach is explained in FIG. 9.

[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary process 900 of creation of one or more financial models in proprietary file format through the collaboration approach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As explained in FIG. 2A, in a collaboration approach, a defined set of users associated with one corporate subscription may work together and share financial models amongst them. For example, an authenticated user may manipulate the financial model as per own assumptions/preferences and make the financial model available to a specified set of users who are a part of the same organization unit e.g. a corporate organization's department.

[0085] The process 900 starts at 902. In an embodiment, at step 904, a contributor, for example an analyst associated with the system 100, creates a financial model. The financial model may be created in a spreadsheet or any integrated tool. Alternatively, at step 906, the analyst updates an existing financial model of a company. In an embodiment, at step 908, the analyst uploads or imports the created or updated financial model into the system 100. At step 910, the system 100 creates a proprietary file containing the uploaded/ imported financial model. The proprietary file is in an encrypted format (e.g., proprietary file format 700 explained in FIG. 7). In an embodiment, at step 912, the analyst links the associated proprietary files. For example, the analyst links the proprietary files of financial models associated with a company or financial models created based on a predetermined criterion. At step 914, the system 100 performs integrity check on the linked proprietary files based on established criteria of a financial model application. The integrity checks are explained further with reference to FIG. 14.

[0086] At step 916, the analyst submits the updated financial models to be, replaced in an account library associated with the system 100 based on the integrity check performed. At step 918, a gatekeeper (such as for example a corporate user with special administrative rights to approve or reject the uploaded manipulated financial model to be replaced in the account library) decides whether to approve or reject replacing of the updated financial models in the account library. Upon approval from the gatekeeper, step 920 is performed and upon rejection from the gatekeeper, step 906 is performed. At step 920, the updated financial model is made publicly available on the system 100 for users. Upon rejection from the gatekeeper, at step 906, the analyst updates the other existing financial models of the company. In an embodiment, at step 922, users manipulate the financial model and save the manipulated financial model in the account library. At step 924, the manipulated financial model is made viewable to corporate users in the place of original financial model. At step 926, the users view the updated financial model. The process 900 ends at step 928.

[0087] In an embodiment, in collaboration approach, the user is allowed to perform one of more of viewing a list of unsubscribed financial models from the system 100, viewing a list of all financial models in the account library, requesting access to one or more financial models if the one or more financial models are already in the account library, requesting access to one or more financial models unavailable in the account library, opening all financial models with view level access under a list of financial models displayed to the user, opening and manipulating all subscribed financial models with read level access or write level access under the list, saving local or personalized copies of the financial models with read level access or write level access, saving a manipulated financial model into the account library, viewing company bulletins (e.g., macro bulletins) for all financial models in the account library and managing e-alerts based on companies in coverage for all financial models in the account library. Additionally, the user is also allowed to manage the user's profile, view help videos and quick guides, use the company screener, portfolio summary and the like.

[0088] In an embodiment, an administrator of the system 100 is allowed to add/ edit/ delete corporate users, add edit/ delete financial models in the account library 120, manage access rights (grant or revoke read level access or write level access) for corporate users for specific financial models, view pending invoices, cart details, shopping basket, and cancel checkout, approve or reject financial models submitted by a corporate user. The financial models created through the collaboration approach are encrypted and saved in a proprietary file format in the system 100. A process of accessing the financial models in the contributor approach is illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0089] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary process 1001 of accessing one or more financial models based on the contributor approach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As explained in conjunction with FIG. 2A, in the contributor approach, one or more contributors are allowed to upload financial models into the system 100 for public dissemination to subscribed user. The financial models will then be rendered available to other users of the system 100. The financial models are displayed as a list of financial models with specific access rights to each financial model. In an embodiment, a latest version of the financial models are rendered available, either in an original state as uploaded by the contributor, or after being manipulated by a user.

[0090] The process 1001 starts at 1002. In an embodiment, at step 1004, a user uploads a financial model into the system 100. At step 1006, the uploaded financial models are stored, for example, in an encrypted form in account library or in a microsite . associated with the system 100. It should be noted that the microsite as referred to herein is an individual section for each contributor within the system 100 that contains a list of financial models made available to users. In an embodiment, at step 1008, the user requests access to one or more financial models available in the system 100. The request is sent to an administrator of the system 100.

[0091] At step 1010, the administrator of the system 100 decides to either allow or reject the request of the user. In an embodiment, if the administrator approves the request of the user then an approval message is sent to the user. Alternatively, if the administrator rejects the request, the administrator sends a rejection message to the user. In an embodiment, at step 1012, it is verified if the access request is approved. If the access request is approved, then step 1014 is performed. At step 1014, the user accesses the one or more financial models and customizes/manipulates the accessed one or more financial models. If the access request is rejected the process ends at step 1016. A process of consuming financial models based on the contributor approach is explained herein with reference to FIG. 11.

[0092] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary process 1100 of creation of one or more financial models in proprietary file format through the contributor approach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process 1100 starts at step 1102. In an embodiment, at step 1104, a contributor creates a new financial model associated with a company. At step 1106, the contributor uploads or imports the financial model into the system 100. Alternatively, at step 1108, the contributor manipulates an existing financial model on the system 100. At step 1110, the contributor submits the manipulated financial model for replacement in an account library of the system 100. In an embodiment, at step 1112, the contributor creates a new financial model or updates an existing financial model using one or more integrated tools. Upon performing at least one of the steps 1106, 1110, and 1112, step 1114 is performed. At step 1114, the system 100 creates a proprietary file containing at least one of the uploaded financial model, the manipulated financial model, or the newly created financial model.

[0093] At step 1116, a gatekeeper, for example an administrator of the system 100, either approves or rejects the created proprietary file based on for example, one or more integrity checks. In an embodiment, the gatekeeper is a corporate user with special administrative rights to approve or reject the uploaded and/or manipulated financial models to be replaced in the account library. If the gatekeeper approves the created proprietary file, then step 1118 is performed. If the gatekeeper rejects the created proprietary file, then the process restarts at 1102. At step 1118, the newly uploaded financial model is made publicly available on the system 100. At step 1120, the users subscribe to /view the updated or newly uploaded financial models on the system 100. The process 1100 ends at 1122.

[0094] In an embodiment, in contributor approach, a contributor, such as a corporate user, is allowed to view list of all financial models uploaded in the account library, to open all financial modes with view level access, to view and manipulate financial models with read level access only for personal use of the users, to replace manipulated financial models in the account library, to save the manipulated financial modes in a local drive or on the server as a personal copy and to save and replace the financial models into the account library while maintaining compliance standards. Further, in the contributor approach, the contributors may view bulletins such as macro bulletins. Additionally, the contributors are allowed to manage the user's profile and view help videos and quick guides.

[0095] In an embodiment, an administrator of the system 100 is allowed to add/ edit/ delete a corporate user of the system 100 and add edit delete financial models in the account library. The administrator may additionally manage one or more access rights (read level access, write level access or view level access) for users of specific financial models. The administrator may view pending invoices, cart details, shopping basket. Also, the administrator may cancel checkout, approve or reject a financial model submitted by a contributor or a corporate user to be replaced in the account library. The checkout is a process where a user having a write level access on a financial model locks the financial model for manipulation and replacement in the account library, so that no other user with similar access rights is allowed to manipulate the same financial model at the same given time. A process of accessing one or more financial models based on the hybrid approach is explained herein with reference to FIG. 12.

[0096] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary process 1200 of accessing one or more financial models based on the hybrid approach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As explained in FIG. 2A, in the hybrid approach, a user is allowed to use the financial models and combine it with financial models subscribed from other contributors (derived financial models) to produce an exhaustive Account Library. The hybrid financial models are rendered available to the users of the system 100 through the account Library, where all latest version of financial models either in its original state or as uploaded or after being manipulated by user are showcased.

[0097] The process 1200 starts at 1202. At step 1204, a user uploads one or more financial models to the system 100. Alternatively, in an embodiment, at step 1206 the user subscribes to one or more financial models available on the system 100. Subsequently, at step 1208, the user rebrands the financial models and makes them derived financial models. At step 1210, the financial models uploaded by the user and other existing financial models on the system 100 are showcased on an account library 120 or a system 100 for public dissemination. In an embodiment, in step 1212, the users request access to a financial model on the system 100. The request may be forwarded to an administrator of the system 100. At step 1214, the administrator may either approve or reject the request. On approving the request, the administrator sends an approval message to the user. On rejecting the request the administrator sends a rejection message to the user. At step 1216, it is determined if the request is approved or rejected. If the request is approved, step 1218 is performed. At step 1218, the user utilizes/customizes the financial model. The process 1200 ends at 1220.

[0098] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary process 1300 of creation of one or more financial models in proprietary file format through the hybrid approach according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process 1300 starts at 1302. In an embodiment, at step 1304, a contributor subscribes to the updated financial model and makes the updated financial model a derived financial model. In an embodiment, at step 1306, the contributor creates a new financial model on a company. In an embodiment, at step 1308, the user/ contributor uploads or imports the derived financial model or the new/updated financial model into the system 100. In an embodiment, at step 1310, the contributor manipulates and updates an existing financial model. In an embodiment, at step 1312, the contributor submits the updated financial mode for replacement in an account library of the system 100. In an embodiment, at step 1314, the contributor creates new or updates existing financial models using integrated tools.

[0099] At step 1316, the system 100 creates a proprietary file containing the updated financial model, the derived financial model or the new financial model. The proprietary file may be encrypted. At step 1318, a gatekeeper of the system 100 either approves or rejects the proprietary file. If the gatekeeper approves the proprietary file then step 1320 is performed. At step 1320, the new financial model is made publicly available on the system 100. Subsequently, step 1322 is performed. At step 1322, the users may subscribe / view the updated or new financial model on the system 100. The process ends at 1324. If the gatekeeper rejects the proprietary file then the process restarts at 1302.

[00100] The hybrid approach enables providing broader research coverage to user and contributors as the original uploaded financial models are topped up with financial models of several companies that are rebadged and showcased for public dissemination further. The users are allowed to view the hybrid financial models for public dissemination. In the hybrid approach, the user is allowed to view list of one or more unsubscribed financial models in the system 100, to view a list of all financial models in the account library, to request access to the financial models already present in the account library and to request access to financial models not present in the account library 120. The financial models viewable and accessible by the users may include the financial models uploaded by the users themselves or by other contributors. The users are also allowed to open all subscribed financial models with view level access, to open and manipulate all subscribed financial models with read level access, to open and manipulate all financial models with write level access and to save local copies or save personalized copies for all subscribed financial models with read level access and write level access. The local copies may be saved in, for example, a local computer, a network drive or other writeable media. The users are also allowed to save a manipulated financial model and subsequently replace the financial model into the account library. The users may save upload own or corporate financial models into the account library while maintaining all compliance standards for all subscribed financial model with write level access.

[00101] Similar to the collaboration and the contributor approaches explained earlier, in the hybrid approach the users are allowed to view bulletins, manage e-alerts based companies in the account library, manage a user profile, view help videos and quick guides, use a company screener and a portfolio summary. As explained, the company screener allows a user to screen companies based various parameters such as growth, valuation, profitability, leverage, and the like. In the hybrid approach, an administrator of the system 100 is allowed to add/ edit/ delete users, add edit/ delete financial models in the account library, manage access rights (grant or revoke read level access/ write level access) for users for specific financial models. Also, the administrators are allowed to view pending invoices, cart details, shopping basket, cancel checkout, approve or reject a financial model submitted by a corporate user to be replaced in the account library.

[00102] In an embodiment, the system 100 may enable a user to validate the financial models on the system 100. The validation of the financial model ensures that the financial model may be free from inconsistencies and reconciliation issues. The validation of the financial model may be based on a plurality of predetermined integrity checks. The validation ensures that in case any of the values is wrongly inputted, the system 100 may not accept the value, and may intimate the user of such inconsistencies and discrepancies. The validation of the collected data also ensures total accuracy from an accounting perspective. Further, if the user makes any changes that violate one or more internal control parameters, the changes are clearly notified to the level of identification of cells where the violation exists. The validation is explained herein with reference to FIG. 14.

[00103] FIG. 14 is a snapshot of proprietary interface depicting validation of a financial model and notification of the user in case of violation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 14, if a user inputs a number in an income statement sheet of the system 100, then on clicking financial model validation tab 1402, the user is prompted an error message 1404, such as, "Net interest income for FY2011F does not tally with the items that make up the "Net Interest Income". An exemplary process of validation is explained herein with reference to FIG. 15.

[00104] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method 1500 for validation of a financial model according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 1500 starts at 1502. At step 1504, the financial model that is ready for upload is received by the system 100. In an embodiment, at step 1506, one or more forecast items (e.g., forecast codes and formatting) are checked. If the financial model fails the check at step 1506, step 1510 is performed. Alternatively, if the financial model passes the check at step 1506, step 1508 is performed. At step 1508, the data entered by the user in an input sheet may be checked so as to match one or more pre-determined calculations (e.g., accounting checks). If the financial model fails at step 1508, the violation in the number may be highlighted as error and step 1510 may be performed. At step 1510, the user may correct the error. Alternatively, if during step 1506, the received financial model passes the check, then the financial model is validated and step 1512 is performed. At step 1512, the user is allowed to upload the financial model into the system 100. The data associated with the validated financial model may be used as an estimate during subsequent validation checks. The method 1500 ends at 1514.

[00105] In an embodiment, the system 100 is enabled to provide a financial forecast of a company based on a forecasting capability of a validated financial model. Each financial model combines historical financial information with forecasting methodologies for individual variables to determine a future expected financial performance of the company, based on a plurality of forecast assumptions. Also, the user may be capable of changing at least one of a plurality of forecasting assumptions, on which the financial model may be based, for manipulating the financial model. The manipulation feature of the system 100 enables the user to customize one or more forecasting assumptions according to the choice of the user. An exemplary scenario of changing forecasting assumptions is explained herein with reference to FIG. 16.

[00106] FIG. 16 is a snapshot of proprietary interface depicting how a user may change assumptions of a parameter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the exemplary scenario of FIG. 16, the user changes the forecasting assumption by right clicking on a parameter 1602 and changing the value of the parameter 1602. On changing the forecasting assumption, the forecasting assumption is manipulated into a new assumption 1604.

[00107] In an embodiment the system 100 enables a user to view a source of a data associated with a financial model. Accordingly, the user may drill down to one or more documents from where the data is sourced. Also, the user may download the data if required. The user is enabled with an option of quickly verifying authenticity and integrity of the collected data, in terms of sourcing, by electing to view the source of the documents. For example, if the user intends to drill down to source of a key indicator, such as operating profit, then the user may be able to view the reported financial statements of the company with the operating profit indicator highlighted. Viewing of source of the collected data is explained in FIGS. 17 A and 17B.

[00108] FIG. 17A is a snapshot of proprietary interface depicting source of collected data associated with a financial model according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 17A, the user may view the financial statements as released by the company by referring to associated files section 1702 on right hand side of the exemplary user interface view depicted in FIG. 17 A. The section 1702 includes a plurality of source documents such as, for example, annual reports and corporate presentations. Also the user may also right click on a particular cell in the proprietary interface of FIG. 17A to retrieve the source document corresponding to the collected data. If the user clicks on the collected data, and selects drill-down to a source option 1704, the exemplary user interface view of FIG. 17A changes to a user interface view of FIG. 17B. The user is navigated to a source document depicted in the proprietary interface of FIG. 17B with a specific data 1706 highlighted in within a circular region.

[00109] In an embodiment, the system 100 may further enable generating analytical charts based on the financials of a company. In an embodiment, the analytical charts may be generated based on a user-defined criterion. More specifically, the data associated with one or more key indicators may be reorganized, and thereafter the data may be used to prepare the analytical charts. Additionally, in an embodiment, the system 100 enables generating summary reports using the generated financial forecasts. An exemplary summary report is depicted in FIG. 18.

[00110] FIG. 18 is a snapshot of proprietary interface depicting a summary report generated by system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system 100 may enable generation of various kinds of reports such as, for example, a company profile, one pager report, two-pager report, and company report. However, the generation of the aforementioned reports should not be construed as a limitation to the present disclosure. [00111] Further, the system 100 provides an option to the user to generate the summary reports based on his/her estimates or predetermined estimates. FIG. 19 depicts a snapshot of the proprietary interface illustrating a plurality of options provided to the user for generating a summary report, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the system 100 provides the user with two options for each type of summary report. In the first option, the user is allowed to generate the summary reports based on predetermined estimates 1902. In the second option, the user is allowed to generate the summary report based on the user's estimates 1904. If the user chooses the predetermined estimates 1902 option, a summary report similar to that shown in FIG. 18 is generated. If the user chooses the option of generating summary report based on the user's estimates 1904, then the user may be allowed to manipulate any assumption.

[00112] FIG. 20 is a snapshot of the proprietary interface depicting a plurality of exemplary assumptions allowed to be changed by the user of the system 100 for manipulating a financial model according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the system 100 may enable the user to manipulate an exemplary assumption of a total revenue figure 2002 as shown in FIG. 20 by changing average revenue per minute in the financial model sheet. FIG. 21 is a snapshot of the proprietary interface depicting a change in the average revenue per minute in the financial model sheet. In an embodiment, the average revenue per minute corresponding to the total revenue figure 2002 may be changed from a figure 2104 of 0.7 to a figure 2106 of 55 NT$ per minute as shown in FIG. 21. The change in the average revenue per minute changes the summary report. FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary summary report obtained by changing the average revenue per minute as per FIG. 21, according to an embodiment. The change may reflect in a summary report as shown by a figure 2202 in FIG. 22.

[00113] In an embodiment, the system 100 may also enable the user to create one or more scenarios and view companies that fall into the created scenarios. More specifically, the user may have an option of creating new scenarios based on plurality of available filters, enabling the user to view some of the key financial parameters associated with companies. In an embodiment, the system 100 may enable screening companies based on an investment criteria, such as for example a sector, a country, an investment characteristic, fundamental and valuation filters, and the like. In an embodiment, the company screening may rely on the fundamental and valuation data, and may deliver a focused list of companies for the user. The company screening is described herein with reference to FIG. 23. As depicted in FIG. 23, the company screening may include a screening criteria section 2302 and a list of companies 2304.

[00114] In an embodiment, the system 100 may enable the user to perform a peer group analysis of the company. The peer group analysis may include comparing financials of the company to the financials of competitor companies. Further, the peer group analysis may include presenting the result of the comparison to the user. The peer group analysis may be shown with reference to FIG. 24. In an embodiment of the system 100 may enable the user to analyze impact, referred to herein as 'sensitivity analysis', of a change in an independent variable on a given dependent variable in a created scenario. The analysis is depicted in FIG. 25. As depicted in FIG. 25, a sensitivity detail section 2502 presents the User with an option to change the independent variable. The analysis of the sensitivity is shown in an output grid section 2504.

[00115] Additionally, the system 100 also enables the user to summarize comparison between companies in particular portfolios/sectors/indices/regions that are under coverage of the firm for various parameters. The user may select companies, forecast items, forecast periods for summarizing the comparison. The summarizing is depicted by FIG. 26A and 26B. A method of providing financial forecasting is explained herein with reference to FIG. 27.

[00116] FIG. 27 depicts a flow diagram of a method 2700 of providing financial forecasting, according to an embodiment. The method 2700 starts at step 2702. At step 2702, one or more financial models are received (e.g., by the system 100 of FIG. 2A) from one or more contributors. It is noted that the term "financial model" may be construed as referring to a mathematical model designed to represent an aspect of a business (e.g., performance, profitability or credit worthiness). The financial model is generated based on one or more assumptions and using formulae to make financial predictions on future aspects of a company or a financial instrument (e.g., a debt instrument). Each financial model of the one or more financial models is capable of providing prediction values corresponding to one or more financial aspects of at least one of a company and a financial instrument. However, it should be noted that a utilization of the financial models may not be limited to financial forecasting and that the financial models may be utilized for reporting of actuals, such as, for providing current debt structures and breakdowns and the like.

[00117] In an embodiment, at step 2704, the one or more financial models are stored (e.g., using storage module 202 of FIG. 2A) in an encrypted format. In an embodiment, the encrypted financial models may be saved in a proprietary file format. The proprietary file format is described herein with reference to FIG. 7. The financial model is accessible through the proprietary interface at the user terminal. It is noted that the term "proprietary interface" is construed as referring to a graphical user interface viewable by all authenticated users. In an embodiment, at step 2706, a request is received (e.g., using user interface module 204 of FIG. 2A) from a user for accessing a financial model of the one or more financial models. The request for accessing the financial model is received based on selection of at least one of a company and a financial instrument and a contributor of the one or more contributors of the financial models. In an embodiment, a process of accessing the financial models by one or more users is described with reference to FIGS. 5-6.

[00118] In an embodiment, at step 2708 a pre-determined level of remote access is provided (e.g., using access module 206 of FIG. 2A) to the financial model in response to the request subsequent to an authentication of an identity of the user. The pre-determined level of remote access is facilitated through the proprietary interface at a user terminal. In an embodiment, the pre-determined level of remote access is one of a view level access, a read level access and a write level access. In an embodiment the predetermined level of remote access is provided to the user based on a plurality of approaches. The various approaches are described with reference to FIGS. 9-13. In an embodiment, the user input for customizing the remotely accessed financial model is received when the pre-determined level of remote access is one of the read level access and the write level access.

[00119] In an embodiment, a user input is received for customizing the remotely accessed financial model. In an embodiment, the remotely accessed financial model is customized by changing one or more forecasting assumptions. An exemplary process of customizing the financial models is described with reference to FIG. 16. The customized financial model is associated with the proprietary file format when stored in an external storage entity associated with the user. The customized financial model is stored as a personalized financial model with access restricted to one of a user customizing the remotely accessed financial model and one or more authenticated users approved by a user associated with granting rights for access to the financial model. For example, a user may customize and save a financial model on network drive/cloud storage and then provide the storage location to another colleague who has access to the network drive/cloud storage. If the colleague is an authenticated user (i.e. with appropriate access rights to access the financial model), then the colleague may view the financial model by accessing the network drive/cloud storage.

[00120] In an embodiment, the user requesting access to the at least one financial model is a user group entity and varying levels of remote access of the at least one financial model are provisioned to a plurality of authenticated users associated with the user group entity. The financial model of the one or more financial models received from a contributor is configured to be distributed by the user to one or more associated users. The received financial models are stored along with corresponding contributor related information. The contributor related information includes at least one of contributor identification information and cost information for accessing each of the one or more contributed financial models.

[00121] In an embodiment, a financial model of the one or more financial models received in a native file format is converted to a proprietary file format for storage into the encrypted format. In an embodiment, the one or more financial models are validated. The validation of the one or more financial model is based on a plurality of predetermined integrity checks comprising of accounting and reconciliation checks. An exemplary process of validation is described herein with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. The user is capable of changing one or more forecasting assumptions for customizing the financial model for future time periods on expected performance. The user is capable of performing related analytics on the one or more financial aspects of the company and the financial instrument. The related analytics include screening, valuation, charting, report generation, and the like. All that related analytics may be driven off estimates, company estimates and the like. Various related analytics performable of the by the user in accordance with the method 2700 are described herein with reference to FIGS. 18 to 26. [00122] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, advantages of one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein include providing financial forecasting of one or more financial aspects of at least one of a company and/or financial instrument. The methods and systems of the present disclosure enable provision of a plurality of financial models received from multiple contributors for user consumption, thereby bringing contributors and users to a single platform. Further, the present technology enables a content provider to maintain complete control over content through protected dissemination of content via proprietary interface, proprietary file formats & prescribed access rights, thereby precluding situations, such as misuse of financial models or copying of financial models to an environment outside of the purview of the system. Further, the present technology enables corporate contributors to share their financial models with their clients (with subscription to the system). Further, corporate contributors can upload their own financial models, and also re-brand models (for example, subscribe to financial models, change the branding associated with the financial models & resell them further) to their customers. In such a scenario, an ownership of the financial model of the original contributor and the subsequent customizing contributor may be maintained distinct to protect an ownership of the related content.

[00123] Furthermore, the present technology enables multiple users within a corporate subscription to share their manipulated financial models and arrive at a "balanced" view of each company by the sharing of the financial models with the user most qualified to assess the financial models. Also, users can evaluate financial models for the same company from differing contributors to arrive at a "balanced" view of the company. The present technology also enables the user to manipulate any financial model, and upload it back to the system, for personal use, and access it from anywhere in the world via the Internet. Further, users can manipulate any financial model and save a copy to any file system, cloud or network while maintaining the integrity and security of the financial model.

[00124] The present technology also enables contributors to upload models from Microsoft Excel plug-in, work on Microsoft Excel, but manage the distribution and protection of their financial models in the system to a controlled list of recipients. Also, number of individuals from differing organizations (or even single individuals) can come together to form a large "Virtual Organization" where each individual can submit his/her financial models; the net effect can be to produce a sizable "Virtual Organization" covering a large number of companies. This provides the user with a large choice and coverage of financial models without having any information regarding the contributor of the financial forecast model. Also, the present technology enables a contributor to set a price for his/her financial model within the system and ultimately get paid by users when access is granted. For example, a contributor to the system contributes a number of financial models and sets the price for a user to access those financial models. When a user accesses the financial model and pays the system, the amount net of any service charges is paid to the contributor.

[00125] Embodiments of the present disclosure include one or more computer programs stored or otherwise embodied on a computer-readable medium, wherein the computer programs are configured to cause a processor to perform one or more steps. A computer-readable medium storing, embodying, or encoded with a computer program, or similar language, may be embodied as a tangible data storage device storing one or more software programs that are configured to cause a processor to perform one or more steps. Such steps may be, for example, any of the steps described herein. Additionally, a tangible data storage device may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and/or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices.

[00126] Also, techniques, devices, subsystems and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present technology. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be coupled through some interface or device, such that the items may no longer be considered directly coupled to each other but may still be indirectly coupled and in communication, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise, with one another. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations ascertainable by one skilled in the art, upon studying the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. [00127] It should be noted that reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages should be or are in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages may be understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, discussions of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method for providing financial forecasting, the method comprising: receiving one or more financial models from one or more contributors, wherein each financial model of the one or more financial models is capable of providing prediction values corresponding to one or more financial aspects of at least one of a company and a financial instrument;

storing the one or more financial models in an encrypted format;

receiving a request from a user for accessing a financial model of the one or more financial models; and

providing a pre-determined level of remote access to the financial model in response to the request subsequent to an authentication of an identity of the user, wherein the pre-determined level of remote access is facilitated through a proprietary interface at a user terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a user input for customizing the remotely accessed financial model, wherein the customized financial model is associated with a proprietary file format when stored in an external storage entity associated with the user, and, wherein the proprietary file format is capable of being accessed through the proprietary interface at the user terminal.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein customizing the remotely accessed financial model comprises changing one or more forecasting assumptions associated with the financial model for future time periods on expected performance.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a user input for performing related analytics on the one or more financial aspects of at least one of the company and the financial instrument.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the pre-determined level of remote access is one of a view level access, a read level access and a write level access.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the user input for customizing the remotely accessed financial model is received when the pre-determined level of remote access is one of the read level access and the write level access.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the customized financial model is stored as a personalized financial model with access restricted to one of a user customizing the remotely accessed financial model and one or more authenticated users approved by a user associated with granting rights to access the financial model.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the user requesting access to the financial model is a user group entity, and, wherein varying levels of remote access of the financial model are provisioned to a plurality of authenticated users associated with the user group entity.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein a financial model of the one or more financial models received from a contributor of the one or more contributors is configured to be distributed by the user to one or more associated users.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the received one or more financial models are stored along with corresponding contributor related information.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the contributor related information comprises at least one of contributor identification information and cost information for accessing each of the one or more financial models.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the request for accessing the financial model is received based on selection of at least one of a company, a financial instrument and a contributor of the one or more contributors.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising converting a financial model of the one or more financial models received in a native file format to a proprietary file format for storage into the encrypted format.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising validating the one or more financial models, wherein the validating of the one or more financial model is based on a plurality of predetermined integrity checks comprising of accounting and reconciliation checks.

15. A system for providing financial forecasting, the system comprising: a storage module configured to store one or more financial models in an encrypted format, wherein each financial model of the one or more financial models is capable of providing prediction values corresponding to one or more financial aspects of at least one of a company and a financial instrument;

a user interface module communicably associated with the storage module and configured to receive a request from a user for accessing a financial model of the one or more financial models; and

an access module communicably associated with the storage module and the user interface module and configured to provide a pre-determined level of remote access to the financial model in response to the request subsequent to an authentication of an identity of the user, wherein the pre-determined level of remote access is facilitated through a proprietary interface at a user terminal communicably coupled with the user interface module.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a user authentication module configured to perform the authentication of the identity of the user requesting remote access to the financial model.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the user interface module is further configured to receive the one or more financial models from one or more contributors, and, wherein the received one or more financial model are stored in the storage module along with corresponding contributor related information.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein a financial model of the one or more financial models received from a contributor of the one or more contributors is configured to be distributed by the user to one or more associated users.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein a financial model of a plurality of financial models is received in a native file format and subsequently converted into a proprietary file format for storage into encrypted format.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the request for accessing the financial model is received based on selection of at least one of a company, a financial instrument and a contributor of the one or more contributors.

21. The system of claim 15, wherein the user interface module is further configured to receive a user input for customizing a remotely accessed financial model, and, wherein the customized financial model is associated with a proprietary file format when stored in an external storage entity associated with the user, and, wherein the proprietary file format is capable of being accessed through the proprietary interface at the user terminal.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the pre-determined level of remote access is one of a view level access, a read level access and a write level access.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the user interface module is further configured to receive a user input for customizing the remotely accessed financial model when the pre-determined level of remote access is one of the read level access and the write level access.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the customized financial model is stored as a personalized financial model in the storage module with access restricted to one of the user customizing the remotely accessed financial model and one or more authenticated users approved by a user associated with granting rights to access the financial model.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein customizing the remotely accessed financial model comprises changing one or more forecasting assumptions associated with the financial model for future time periods on expected performance.

26. The system of claim 15, wherein the user interface module is configured to receive a user input for performing related analytics on the one or more financial aspects of at least one of the company and the financial instrument.

27. The system of claim 15, wherein the user requesting access to the financial model is a user group entity, and, wherein the access module is configured to provide varying levels of remote access of the financial model to a plurality of authenticated users associated with the user group entity.

28. The system of claim 15, wherein the user interface module is configured to receive a user input for validating the one or more financial models, wherein the validating of the one or more financial model is based on a plurality of predetermined integrity checks comprising of accounting and reconciliation checks.