In this conversation, we’re joined by Chris Williston, President & CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT), representing over 2,000 banks and branches across 700 Texas communities.

🔍 In This Episode:

- The vital role of community banks in rural Texas towns

- Why swipe fee legislation (SB 2026 & HB 4124) could hurt small banks and benefit big-box retailers

- How alternative currencies and stablecoins could drain lending power from local banks

- The legacy of banking in the Williston family and why relationship-based lending still matters

- Behind-the-scenes challenges facing Texas' independent banks

- Chris breaks down complex policy issues in a way that makes sense for everyday Texans and small business owners. If you care about local economies, financial policy, and keeping banking close to home, this is a must-listen.

🔗 Learn more at: https://ibat.org

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