Cardweb
Started as RAM Research in 1986, Naples, FL-based CardWeb.com Inc. is a industry leading payment card information company
Background
CardWeb.com, Inc.® is a leading publisher of information pertaining to the payment industry, including, but not limited to, credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, prepaid cards, ATM cards, loyalty cards and phone cards. The firm uniquely serves all constituencies connected to the payment card business: consumers, institutions, merchants, acquirers, processors, manufacturers, consultants, news reporters and many others. The company is renowned for its independence, credibility and fairness.
RAM Research Group, founded in 1986, quickly emerged among the foremost research firms focused on the payment card industry. In September, 1995, RAM Research Group launched a web site to pioneer the distribution of new and existing information services. CardFlash, the world's first daily news and advisory service for payment card executives, was among the new services launched with the web site in 1995. Due to the success, RAM Research began building the CardWeb.com® brand in early 1998. In 2000, CardWeb.com became a separate entity from RAM Research Group.
Founder - Robert B. McKinley
Robert B. McKinley is the founder of RAM Research Group, LLC, which produced CardWeb.com, CardTrak.com, and many other related endeavors. Robert has been featured in thousands of articles, referred to as “pioneer” and “expert” as relates to the credit card industry. This expertise has been tested as he has served as an expert witness in several high profile court cases. Robert’s family business was even featured on Good Morning America. He has written and assisted several well-known authors with their publications. Robert has prepared presentations (speeches) and/or chaired various financial and/or credit card conferences. He has interviewed, been interviewed, and/or provided background information regularly for various national and local financials radio and television shows. Robert has been quoted, provided background and charts, and other involvement in more than 18,000 articles since the late 1980’s. Robert has been interviewed on various national network television programs since 1990. He has been quoted, provided background and charts regularly, for national magazines. Robert has worked with the federal government by assisting and/or providing consultation to various federal agencies including the Federal Reserve, Department of Justice and General Accounting Office. He has testified as an expert witness in seven litigations including Visa v Discover (1993) and United States Department of Justice (DOJ) v Visa/MasterCard Debit (1999). Robert has assisted the several Lawmakers with background and data for legislation. He has provided private consultation in various meetings with banks, credit card companies and various financial institutions. Robert has been the featured guest and/or research provider for three PBS Frontline shows. He has conducted in-person interviews related to national media tours on behalf of Visa and Great Western Bank.