One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for facilitating a financial transaction. During operation, the system receives a request for a financial transaction from a merchant, wherein the financial transaction involves a payment to the merchant. Next, the system obtains a unique transaction identifier for the financial transaction. The system then associates the unique transaction identifier with the request to facilitate reconciliation of the financial transaction. Finally, the system forwards the request along with the unique transaction identifier to one or more financial institutions for subsequent processing of the financial transaction, which can involve reconciliation and/or settlement of the financial transaction.