1. A computer implemented method for handling exceptions, the method comprising: receiving, at a global payment gateway server, an exception item request from an acquirer of an original transaction associated with the exception item request, the exception item request comprising a transaction reference identifier in which is embedded a cross reference identifier; responsive to receiving the exception item request, extracting, by the global payment gateway server, the cross reference identifier from the transaction reference identifier; using the transaction reference identifier, extracting information associated with the original transaction, including a client settlement identifier; sending, by the global payment gateway server, the exception item request along with an order identifier, the transaction reference identifier, and the client settlement identifier to a merchant associated with the original transaction; and providing, by the global payment gateway server, a cross reference table to associate the transaction reference identifier, the cross reference identifier, the client settlement identifier, and the order identifier.