Graph optimized message model parser

This invention relates to a system, method and computer program product for parsing a message against a message model, the message mode comprising hierarchical message element options organized into nodes and branches. The method includes: setting, by a computer device, a current node and current branch to a first node and first branch in the message model; setting, by the computer device, a return marker in the message at a point corresponding to the current node; parsing, by the computer device, the message from the return marker against the current branch of the message model; setting, by the computer device, the current branch to a further branch based on the current message model branch being not successfully parsed against the message; and parsing, by the computer device, the message again from the return marker whereby the parsing does not need to start from the beginning of the message model.