Susan Baier, formerly Circle K’s Category Manager for Financial Services, Joins Tefisto Partners as Chief Strategy and Implementation Consultant

Will Advise Chain Store Retailers and Other Interested Parties on “Fringe Banking” Market Opportunities Focused on the Unbanked, Including Check Cashing, Money Transfer, Walk-Up Bill Payment, Prepaid Debit Cards, ATMs and Money Orders

Tempe, AZ (PRWEB) September 2, 2004

Tefisto Partners, a consulting practice focused on the emerging Prepaid Telecommunications, Financial Services and Stored Value space, today announced that Susan Baier, formerly in charge of Financial Services for Circle K Stores, will now be available to Tefisto Partners clients as Chief Strategy and Implementation Consultant for Financial Services.

Tefisto Partners advises chain store retailers, distributors, processors, private equity firms and product and service providers on how to maximize opportunities in the rapidly expanding “Fringe Banking” space - non-traditional Financial Services now available to the unbanked and underbanked population.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Baier to our team,” said Keith Brand, President of Tefisto Partners. “Susan has years of category leadership experience in the Financial Services space, including strategic planning, product and service development, and store implementation. She has a reputation in the industry for insight, energy and a keen ability to craft effective programs. Combined with a deep understanding of the unbanked and underbanked population, her passion for maximizing sales and profitability will be a real asset to Tefisto Partners clients.”

“The United States is experiencing an explosion of new products and services designed to meet the previously unmet communication and financial service needs of the unbanked, underbanked, credit challenged, youth and minorities” continued Mr. Brand. “These “Fringe Banking” offerings now include Prepaid Telecommunications, Prepaid Debit Cards, Stored Value Gift Cards, Check Cashing, Money Transfer and Walk-up Bill Payment, and more.”

“With Susan joining the firm, Tefisto Partners’ team of seasoned industry experts is uniquely positioned to help our clients unlock their true potential in this space” concluded Mr. Brand. “Our unbiased advice and insider industry information, combined with implementation services when needed, will allow our clients to quickly recognize opportunities, fast-track their time to market, and achieve competitive advantage.”

For additional information on Tefisto Partners, contact Keith Brand at 602.750.8055, or keith@tefistopartners.com. Interested parties should also visit http://www.tefistopartners.com.

About Tefisto Partners:

Tefisto Partners, based in Tempe, Arizona, is a consulting / outsourced category management practice made up of retail industry veterans who specialize in product development, marketing communications and supply chain management within the Prepaid Telecom / Financial Services / Stored Value space.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Keith Brand

President

Tefisto Partners, Inc.

602.750.8055

http://www.tefistopartners.com

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