1. A method for processing a transaction, the method comprising the computerimplemented steps of: receiving, from a first participant in the transaction, a request to process the transaction using a first currency that is not recognized by a second participant in the transaction; in response to receiving the request from the first participant, decrementing an amount of the first currency associated with the first participant, and incrementing an amount of second currency associated with the first participant, wherein the second currency is recognized by the second participant; and processing the transaction using the amount of second currency associated with the first participant.