Tefisto Partners, a consulting / outsourced category management practice focused on the emerging Prepaid Telecommunications, Financial Services and Stored Value space, and Intele-CardNews Magazine, the premier publication servicing the prepaid marketplace, today announced that Tefisto Partners has been named to the Intele-CardNews eighth annual "2005 10 + 1 to Watch" list. 

http://www.intelecard.com/features/03features.asp?A_ID=462

"The 2005 10 to Watch list highlights visionary firms Intele-CardNews believes should be watched in the coming year," according to Theresa Ward, Editor-in-Chief of Intele-CardNews.  "In making the selections," continued Ms. Ward, "many factors are weighed, including innovative services and products, steady and methodical growth over time, attention to customer satisfaction and creative marketing approaches."

"While we recognize that Tefisto Partners is newly established, Tefisto's service to the retailer community is well timed," continued Ms. Ward.  "It's always difficult making the final cut, and we look forward to following the progress of each of these companies in the coming year."

"We couldn't be more excited and pleased with to be included on this year's Intele-CardNews 10 + 1 to Watch list," said Keith Brand, founder and President of Tefisto Partners.  "2005 promises to be an exciting year within the Prepaid Telecom, Financial Services and Stored Value space, and we believe we are uniquely positioned to help our clients maximize their opportunity as they develop offerings targeted to meet the needs of the Unbanked population and beyond."

"It's our belief that chain store retailers will become banks for the unbanked" according to Mr. Brand, "where customers can pay their bills, cash their paychecks, transfer money and load value onto prepaid or stored value cards and products, while picking up a case of beer, or renting a video.  Our role is to work with interested parties on their offering, processes and communications in order to see this vision fulfilled"