Four key players contribute to a successful credit card program – banks (issuers and agents); payment networks; transaction processors; and committed co-brand and affinity partners. Over the past two decades, Hal Erskine has brought together all four to build extremely successful programs across a range of marketing sectors and strategies, through a variety of economic cycles. Erskine Financial Services was created in 2014 by Hal Erskine, shortly after selling his interest in PartnersFirst, a credit-card company that was described by BusinessWeek in 2009 as “a different kind of credit card company,” committed to charting the industry’s future with a model of “keep rates steady, eliminate fees, and rigorously evaluate the risk of potential customers.” Hal founded PartnersFirst after nearly 15 years at MBNA America and Bank of America Card Services, which acquired MBNA in 2006. Running (and optimizing) a successful credit card program is complex at a time when regulatory scrutiny and risk concerns have rarely been higher. Erskine brings CEO-level, current-day experience to credit-card consulting, offering a hands-on perspective that few other consultants can offer in 2014. Where other industry influencers warn that Affinity is Dead, Erskine Financial Services believes that there’s never been a better time for issuers and co-brand/affinity partners to dip their toes back in the water. Erskine Financial Services focuses on strategic planning and execution (including credit-card marketing and account plans and P&Ls); portfolio growth and optimization; and RFP management and deal coaching. The value we bring to a client includes: -- Assessment of deal strengths and weaknesses. -- Relationships with partners that we can bring to the table to help you achieve your goals. -- Understanding of ALL the minefields that are out there, and how to avoid or overcome them. -- Ability to connect the dots and see trends and opportunities that others don't.