Ep. 64 - Chris Williston

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 🎧 Subscribe for more deep-dive conversations from across the Lone Star State. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks   Follow us on social media X: @Texas_Dispatch Instagram: thetexasdispatch LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch TikTok: texas_talks_podcast   Find more at The Texas Dispatch Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism. https://thetexasdispatch.com