SURETY CAPITAL CORP /DE/
S-1/A, 1996-02-22
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 22, 1996
    

                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 33-64789
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------

   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
    
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------

                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>                          <C>
          DELAWARE                       6021                    75-2065607
(State or other jurisdiction       (Primary Standard          (I.R.S. Employer
    of incorporation or        Industrial Classification   Identification Number)
       organization)                 Code Number)
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
          1845 Precinct Line Road                             C. Jack Bean
                 Suite 100                              1845 Precinct Line Road
             Hurst, Texas 76054                                Suite 100
               (817) 498-2749                              Hurst, Texas 76054
(Address, including zip code, and telephone                  (817) 498-2749
number, including area code, of registrant's    (Name, address, including zip code, and
        principal executive offices)           telephone number, including area code, of
                                                           agent for service)
</TABLE>

                           --------------------------

                                    COPY TO:
                              Dan R. Waller, P.C.
                            SECORE & WALLER, L.L.P.
                         One Galleria Tower, Suite 2290
                             13355 Noel Road, LB 75
                              Dallas, Texas 75240
                                 (214) 776-0200
                           --------------------------

        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
   AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.

    If  any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to  Rule 415 under the Securities Act  of
1933 check the following box.  / /

    If  this Form  is filed  to register  additional securities  for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list  the  Securities  Act  registration statement  number  of  the  earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  / /

    If  this Form  is a post-effective  amendment filed pursuant  to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act,  check the following box  and list the Securities  Act
registration  statement number  of the earlier  effective registration statement
for the same offering.  / /

    If delivery of the prospectus is expected  to be made pursuant to Rule  434,
please check the following box.  / /
                           --------------------------

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      PROPOSED MAXIMUM  PROPOSED MAXIMUM     AMOUNT OF
      TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF           AMOUNT TO       OFFERING PRICE      AGGREGATE        REGISTRATION
   SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED       BE REGISTERED       PER SHARE       OFFERING PRICE       FEE (1)
<S>                                 <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Common stock, $0.01 per share par
 value............................     2,100,000             $             $7,841,400          $2,704
</TABLE>

   
(1) The Registration fee is estimated based upon the average of the high and low
    market prices reported for the Common Stock of the Registrant carried on the
    Primary  List of the American Stock  Exchange during the week ended November
    24, 1995, which was $3.734 per share.
    

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                                    FORM S-1
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM NO.                          ITEM                                       PROSPECTUS CAPTION OR PAGE
- ---------  --------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                                 <C>
       1.  Forepart of the Registration Statement and Outside
            Front Cover Page of Prospectus...................  Facing Page of Registration Statement, ii, and 1
       2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
            Prospectus.......................................  57 and back cover page
       3.  Summary Information...............................  3
       3.  Risk Factors......................................  7
       3.  Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges...............  Not Applicable
       4.  Use of Proceeds...................................  8
       5.  Determination of Offering Price...................  Not applicable
       6.  Dilution..........................................  Not applicable
       7.  Selling Security Holders..........................  54
       8.  Plan of Distribution..............................  56
       9.  Description of Securities to be Registered........  56
      10.  Interests of Named Experts and Counsel............  Not applicable
      11.  Information with Respect to the Registrant........  9-56
      12.  Disclosure of Commission Position on
            Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities...  Not applicable
</TABLE>

                                       ii
<PAGE>
                                2,100,000 Shares

                           Surety Capital Corporation

                                  Common Stock

   
    Of the 2,100,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Common Stock") offered hereby,
1,925,061  shares are being  sold by Surety  Capital Corporation (the "Company")
and 174,939 shares are being sold by a shareholder of the Company (the  "Selling
Shareholder"). The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares
by  the Selling Shareholder.  The Common Stock  is traded on  the American Stock
Exchange ("AMEX")  under  the  symbol  "SRY". See  "Market  Price  and  Dividend
Policy".  On  February 21,  1996  the last  sale price  of  the Common  Stock as
reported on AMEX was $3.75.
    

    The Company  intends to  use  the proceeds  of  this Offering  primarily  to
finance  the Company's acquisition of  First Midlothian Corporation, Midlothian,
Texas and  its subsidiary,  First National  Bank, and  to retire  the  Company's
outstanding  indebtedness.  Any  remaining  proceeds will  be  used  for general
corporate purposes. See "Use of Proceeds" and "The Midlothian Bank Acquisition".

    THE SHARES  OF  COMMON STOCK  OFFERED  HEREBY  ARE NOT  SAVINGS  OR  DEPOSIT
ACCOUNTS  AND ARE NOT INSURED BY  THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE
BANK INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.

    SEE "INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS"  FOR A  DISCUSSION OF  CERTAIN FACTORS  THAT
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR.
                               -----------------

THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE  NOT  BEEN APPROVED  OR  DISAPPROVED  BY  THE SECURITIES
 AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY   STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION,  NOR   HAS
  THE   SECURITIES   AND   EXCHANGE  COMMISSION   OR   ANY   STATE  SECURITIES
   COMMISSION PASSED  UPON  THE  ACCURACY OR  ADEQUACY  OF  THIS  PROSPECTUS.
    ANY   REPRESENTATION   TO   THE   CONTRARY   IS   A   CRIMINAL  OFFENSE.
                              -------------------

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     PROCEEDS TO
                                                  UNDERWRITING      PROCEEDS TO        SELLING
                                PRICE TO PUBLIC    DISCOUNT(1)      COMPANY(2)     SHAREHOLDER(3)
<S>                             <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Per Share.....................       $3.75            $.26             $3.49            $3.49
Total(4)......................    $7,875,000        $546,000        $6,718,463        $610,537
</TABLE>
    

(1) The Company  and  the  Selling  Shareholder have  agreed  to  indemnify  the
    Underwriter  against  certain liabilities,  including liabilities  under the
    Securities  Act   of  1933,   as  amended   (the  "Securities   Act").   See
    "Underwriting".

(2) Before  deducting  offering expenses  payable by  the Company,  estimated at
    $324,704.

(3) Before deducting  offering  expenses  payable by  the  Selling  Shareholder,
    estimated at $30,000.

   
(4) The  Company has granted the  Underwriter a 30-day option  to purchase up to
    288,759 additional shares of Common Stock, on the same terms and  conditions
    as  set forth above, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If such option
    is exercised in full, the total  Price to Public, Underwriting Discount  and
    Proceeds   to  Company  will  be   approximately  $8,957,846,  $621,077  and
    $7,726,232, respectively. See "Underwriting".
    

   
    The shares of Common Stock  are offered by the  Underwriter when, as and  if
received  and accepted by it, subject to its right to withdraw, cancel or reject
orders in  whole or  in part  and subject  to certain  other conditions.  It  is
expected  that delivery of the certificates representing the shares will be made
against payment therefor on or about February 27, 1996 in Dallas, Texas.
    

                                HOEFER & ARNETT
                                  Incorporated

   
               The date of this Prospectus is February 22, 1996.
    
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                                OFFICE LOCATIONS
(THE MAP LOCATED HERE SHOWS THE SURETY CAPITAL LOCATIONS)

    IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR  EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK AT
A  LEVEL  ABOVE THAT  WHICH MIGHT  OTHERWISE  PREVAIL IN  THE OPEN  MARKET. SUCH
TRANSACTIONS  MAY   BE   EFFECTED   ON  THE   AMERICAN   STOCK   EXCHANGE,   THE
OVER-THE-COUNTER  MARKET OR  OTHERWISE. SUCH  STABILIZING, IF  COMMENCED, MAY BE
DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

    THE  FOLLOWING SUMMARY  IS QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY BY  THE MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL  INFORMATION (INCLUDING THE  NOTES THERETO)  APPEARING
ELSEWHERE  IN THIS  PROSPECTUS. AS  USED IN  THE PROSPECTUS,  UNLESS THE CONTEXT
OTHERWISE REQUIRES, THE TERM "COMPANY" MEANS SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION AND  ITS
SUBSIDIARY.  UNLESS  OTHERWISE  INDICATED, ALL  INFORMATION  IN  THIS PROSPECTUS
ASSUMES THAT THE UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION IS NOT EXERCISED.

                                  THE COMPANY

    Surety Capital  Corporation  (the  "Company")  is  a  bank  holding  company
headquartered  in Hurst,  Texas. The Company,  which is  a Delaware corporation,
owns 99% of  the outstanding shares  of Surety Bank,  National Association  (the
"Bank").  The  Company  operates  full  service  banking  offices  in  the Texas
communities  of  Chester,  Hurst,   Kennard,  Lufkin,  Waxahachie,  Wells,   and
Whitesboro.  At  September 30,  1995, the  Company had  $119.6 million  in total
assets, $108.2 million in  deposits and $10.0  million in shareholders'  equity.
The  Company's net income  has grown from  $16,424 in 1992  to $370,723 in 1993,
$472,760 in 1994  and $648,413  for the nine  months ended  September 30,  1995.
Additionally,  since 1990  the Company's total  assets have grown  at an average
annual rate of 40.4% while deposits have  grown at a 48.4% average annual  rate.
This  growth  has been  a  result of  a combination  of  internal growth  in the
Company's niche  lending products  and the  Company's acquisition  of  community
banks.

    Although  the Company provides the traditional  services of a community bank
in its market areas, it has  also attempted to distinguish itself by  developing
specialty  products. The  Company's primary  niche product  is insurance premium
finance ("IPF") lending, which  involves the lending of  funds to companies  and
individuals for the purpose of financing their purchase of property and casualty
insurance.  The  Company markets  this  product through  over  3,000 independent
insurance  agents  and  maintains  a  loan  portfolio  representing  nearly  400
insurance companies. At September 30, 1995, the Company reported gross IPF loans
of $24.3 million (34% of gross loans), a 16% increase over the December 31, 1994
total  balance of $20.9 million  in IPF loans (31.7%  of gross loans). The loans
are relatively short term,  generally with maturities of  eight to nine  months,
giving  the Company flexibility with regard to its asset/liability strategy. The
Company believes  that the  structure of  these loans  results in  more  limited
credit  losses than  other types  of loans.  Specifically, the  down payment and
monthly installments on  each loan  are calculated such  that at  all times  the
equity  or value of the  unearned premium in the  policy exceeds the net balance
due on the loan. If  the borrower does not make  the loan payments on time,  the
Company  has the right,  after notice to  the borrower, to  cancel the insurance
policy and  to  receive the  entire  amount of  the  unearned premium  from  the
insurance company writing the insurance. The unearned premium is then applied to
the  loan balance. Since 1992, the Company has experienced no net loan losses on
this product. See "Business -- Insurance Premium Financing".

   
    Another niche product in which the Company specializes is insurance  medical
claims  factoring. The Company purchases medical claims from a variety of health
care  providers,  including  individual  medical  practices,  medical   clinics,
hospitals,  and  out-patient  facilities.  At September  30,  1995,  the Company
reported $3.0 million  in medical  claims receivable, representing  4.3% of  net
loans outstanding. The Company purchases only insurance company claims that have
been  pre-approved for payment by the insurance company, funding only 50%-60% of
the face value of  each claim to  the provider. The  collection period on  these
receivables  is  approximately 60  to 90  days.  As of  September 30,  1995, the
Company has experienced no losses in this program, while realizing an annualized
yield in excess of 17.8%. See "Business -- Medical Receivables Factoring".
    

    The Company  funds  these  specialty  lending  products  using  core  retail
deposits  from its  network of  community banking  offices. For  the nine months
ended September 30, 1995, the Company's average cost of funds was 3.6%  compared
with a loan portfolio yield of over 11%. This relatively low cost of funds gives
the Company a pricing advantage over non-bank competitors for its loan products.
See  "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Deposit Activities".

                                       3
<PAGE>
    Since 1992, the Company  has established five new  full service branches  by
acquiring  four  community  banks  and  purchasing  a  branch  of  another bank.
Additionally, the Company has recently entered into an agreement to acquire  the
First  Midlothian  Corporation ("First  Midlothian")  and its  subsidiary, First
National Bank, Midlothian, Texas (the  "Midlothian Bank"), which reported  $52.1
million  in  total  assets,  $47.2  million  in  deposits  and  $3.8  million in
shareholders' equity  at  September  30,  1995. The  Company's  strategy  is  to
continue  to acquire  community banks  with low  loan-to-deposit ratios  and use
excess deposits  to  fund  IPF  and  other  niche  lending  products.  See  "The
Midlothian Bank Acquisition".

                                  THE OFFERING

<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
Securities Offered by the Company............  1,925,061 shares of Common Stock

Securities Offered by Selling Shareholder....  174,939 shares of Common Stock

Common Stock to be Outstanding after the
 Offering....................................  5,431,490 shares (1)

Use of Proceeds..............................  The proceeds of this Offering will be used to
                                               finance  the acquisition  of First Midlothian
                                               and   the   Midlothian    Bank,   to    repay
                                               indebtedness,   and  for   general  corporate
                                               purposes. See "Use of Proceeds".

Investment Considerations....................  Prospective   investors   are   advised    to
                                               carefully  review the matters discussed under
                                               "Investment Considerations".

AMEX Symbol..................................  "SRY"
</TABLE>

- ------------------------
(1) Excludes shares issuable upon  the exercise of  options under the  Company's
    incentive  stock option plans. See "Management -- Executive Compensation and
    Other Information".

                                       4
<PAGE>
                      SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

    The following summary consolidated financial  data of the Company should  be
read  in conjunction with  the Consolidated Financial  Statements of the Company
and the Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the information
contained in "Management's  Discussion and Analysis  of Financial Condition  and
Results  of Operations." The selected  historical consolidated financial data as
of and for the five years in the period ended December 31, 1994 are derived from
the Company's  Consolidated  Financial Statements  which  have been  audited  by
independent  public accountants. The  selected historical consolidated financial
data as of and for  the nine months ended September  30, 1995 and September  30,
1994 is unaudited.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                      SEPTEMBER 30,                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ----------------------  -------------------------------------------------------
                                                  1995 (1)    1994 (2)    1994 (2)    1993 (3)      1992       1991       1990
                                                  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
  ($ in 000's)
  Interest income...............................  $   6,872   $   3,743   $   5,387   $   3,995   $   3,344  $   2,953  $   2,175
  Interest expense..............................      2,537         972       1,488       1,124         978      1,380      1,071
    Net interest income.........................      4,335       2,771       3,899       2,871       2,366      1,573      1,104
  Provision for loan losses.....................         60          67         107          91         300        467        221
    Net interest income after provision for loan
     losses.....................................      4,275       2,705       3,792       2,781       2,067      1,107        883
  Noninterest income............................      1,056         801       1,160       1,182         784        488        455
  Noninterest expense...........................      4,382       3,205       4,462       3,592       2,835      2,185      1,933
  Extraordinary item - gain on debt settlement..         --          --          --          --          --         --        517
  Earnings before income taxes..................        949         301         490         371          16       (590)       (78)
  Income taxes..................................        301           8          17          --          --         --         --
  Net earnings (loss)...........................  $     648   $     294   $     473   $     371   $      16  $    (590) $     (78)
COMMON SHARE DATA: (4)
  Net earnings (loss)...........................  $    0.20   $    0.13   $    0.20   $    0.19   $    0.00  $   (0.45) $   (0.08)
  Book value....................................       2.85        2.52        2.65        2.32        2.05       1.85       1.43
  Weighted average common shares outstanding (in
   000's).......................................      3,208       2,344       2,394       2,002       1,952      1,310        963
  Period end shares outstanding (in 000's)......      3,506       2,373       3,041       2,273       1,981      1,767        988
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  ($ in 000's)
  Total assets..................................  $ 119,554   $  61,784   $ 102,294   $  49,036   $  30,964  $  26,877  $  22,088
  Insurance premium finance loans, net..........     23,724      20,254      20,497      14,209       7,051      8,016      6,801
  Other loans, net..............................     44,924      19,509      44,167      17,417      12,442     11,242      8,388
  Allowance for loan losses.....................        725         407         698         401         325        343        277
  Total deposits................................    108,209      55,552      92,027      43,596      26,840     23,335     20,012
  Shareholders' equity..........................     10,037       5,969       8,066       5,281       4,058      3,263      1,409
PERFORMANCE DATA: (5)
  Return (loss) on average total assets.........         .9%         .7%         .8%         .8%         .1%      (2.3)%       (.4)%
  Return (loss) on average shareholders'
   equity.......................................        9.6         6.8         7.4         8.7          .4      (30.4)      (7.2)
  Net interest margin...........................        6.3         7.4         7.1         7.0         8.7        7.0        7.0
  Loans to deposits.............................       63.4        71.6        70.3        72.5        72.6       82.5       75.9
ASSET QUALITY RATIOS: (5)
  Nonperforming assets to total assets..........         .1%         .1%         .2%         .3%         .7%       2.1%       3.8%
  Nonperforming loans to total loans............         .1          .1          .2          .3          .8        2.4        5.3
  Net loan charge-offs to average loans.........         .1          .3          .4          .3         1.6        2.3         .5
  Allowance for loan losses to total loans......        1.1         1.0         1.1         1.3         1.7        1.8        1.8
  Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming
   loans........................................    1,772.5       456.9       574.8       425.8       201.1       74.8       34.8
CAPITAL RATIOS:
  Tier I risk-based capital.....................       10.2%       11.0%       10.1%       11.4%       14.4%      13.2%       5.3%
  Total risk-based capital......................       11.1        11.7        11.2        12.6        15.7       14.7        6.8
  Leverage......................................        6.4         8.5         5.6        10.0        11.9       10.9        4.6
</TABLE>

- ----------------------------------
(1)  On  September 28,  1995 the  Company completed  the acquisition  of certain
     assets and the assumption of certain liabilities relating to the branch  of
     Bank One, Texas, National Association located in Waxahachie, Texas.

(2)  On  May 31, 1994 the Company acquired  100% of the outstanding common stock
     of The  Farmers Guaranty  State Bank  of Kennard,  Kennard, Texas,  and  on
     December  8, 1994 the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock
     of First National Bank, Whitesboro, Texas.

(3)  On March 23, 1993 the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock
     of the Bank  of East  Texas, Chester, Texas  and First  State Bank,  Wells,
     Texas.  Operations of  these two banks  have been  included in consolidated
     operations subsequent to February 28, 1993.

(4)  The information  provided for  1990, 1991  and 1992  has been  restated  to
     reflect a one for ten reverse stock split in June 1993.

(5)  All interim periods have been annualized.

                                       5
<PAGE>
             RECENT UNAUDITED SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

    The  following recent  selected consolidated  financial data  of the Company
(which is derived  from the financial  statements of the  Company for the  three
months  ended December 31,  1995 and 1994,  and for the  year ended December 31,
1995) is  unaudited but,  in the  opinion of  management, reflects  adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the
financial  position and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and
for the periods indicated. Audited financial statements as of, and for the  year
ended, December 31, 1995 were not available as of the date of this prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     YEAR ENDED             QUARTER ENDED
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,             DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------  ----------------------
INCOME STATEMENT DATA                                            1995          1994        1995        1994
                                                              -----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                              (UNAUDITED)                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>
Interest income.............................................  $ 9,534,781   $5,387,009  $2,663,014  $1,643,978
Interest expense............................................    3,677,479    1,487,731   1,140,537     516,167
                                                              -----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net interest income.......................................    5,857,302    3,899,278   1,522,477   1,127,811
Provision for loan losses...................................       60,000      106,899           0      40,000
                                                              -----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net interest income after provision for loan losses.......    5,797,302    3,792,379   1,522,477   1,087,811
Noninterest income..........................................    1,419,067    1,160,007     362,972     359,202
Noninterest expense.........................................    5,894,200    4,461,938   1,512,270   1,263,487
                                                              -----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
  Income before income taxes................................    1,322,169      490,448     373,179     183,526
Income taxes................................................      435,283       17,688     134,706       4,500
                                                              -----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
Net income..................................................  $   886,886   $  472,760  $  238,473  $  179,026
                                                              -----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                              -----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
Weighted-average common shares outstanding..................    3,279,448    2,393,841   3,506,429   2,540,279
Net earnings per share......................................  $      0.27   $     0.20  $     0.07  $     0.07
                                                              -----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                              -----------   ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      AS OF DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                  --------------------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA                                                                    1995          1994
                                                                                  ------------  ------------
                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                               <C>           <C>
Total assets....................................................................  $121,397,490  $102,294,311
Loans, net......................................................................    66,399,312    63,965,402
Allowance for loan losses.......................................................       702,927       697,948
Total deposits..................................................................   109,598,502    92,027,122
Shareholders' equity............................................................    10,294,472     8,065,681
Book value per share............................................................          2.94          2.65
Allowance for loan losses to total loans........................................          1.1%          1.1%
Allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans..........................        418.7%        574.8%
Nonperforming loans to total loans..............................................          0.1%          0.2%
Nonperforming assets to total assets............................................          0.1%          0.2%
Capital ratios
  Leverage ratio................................................................          6.9%          5.6%
  Tier I risk-based capital.....................................................         10.8%        10.13%
  Total risk-based capital......................................................         11.7%        11.17%
  Loans to deposit..............................................................         61.2%         69.5%
</TABLE>

    For  the fourth quarter of 1995, net  earnings were $238,473, a 33% increase
over $179,026  for the  fourth quarter  of 1994.  Earnings before  income  taxes
increased  103.4%  for the  quarter ended  December 31,  1995 compared  with the
quarter ended  December 31,  1994. Earnings  per share  were unchanged  for  the
quarters  ended December 31, 1995 and 1994. Earnings for the twelve months ended
December 31, 1995 increased  to $886,886, or 88%  over $472,760 in earnings  for
the twelve months ended December 31, 1994.

    At December 31, 1995, the Company had total assets of $121,397,490 and total
deposits   of  $109,598,502.  Total  nonperforming  assets  decreased  30.9%  to
$167,871, at  December  31,  1995,  from $242,791  at  December  31,  1994.  The
allowance  for loan losses was $702,927  (1.1% of loans outstanding) at December
31, 1995. The allowance  for loan losses was  4.19 times nonperforming loans  at
December  31, 1995, compared with 2.88 times nonperforming loans at December 31,
1994.

    At December 31, 1995, the Bank's  total risk-based capital ratio was  11.7%,
compared  with the  minimum capital  ratio of 8%.  The Bank's  leverage ratio at
December 31, 1995 was 6.9%. See "Supervision and Regulation".

                                       6
<PAGE>
                           INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS

    IN ADDITION  TO THE  OTHER  INFORMATION CONTAINED  IN THIS  PROSPECTUS,  THE
FOLLOWING  FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY IN EVALUATING THE COMPANY, ITS
BUSINESS AND  PROSPECTS BEFORE  PURCHASING ANY  OF THE  SHARES OF  COMMON  STOCK
OFFERED HEREBY.

    INSURANCE  PREMIUM FINANCING CONCENTRATION.   As of  September 30, 1995, IPF
loans represented approximately 34%  of the gross loans  of the Company. Such  a
high concentration of IPF loans may expose the Company to a greater risk of loss
than  would  a more  diversified loan  portfolio.  Losses or  other difficulties
encountered by any one insurance company could have a material adverse effect on
the Company.  In  addition,  regulatory  or  structural  changes  affecting  the
insurance  industry generally may have a material adverse effect on the Company.
The Company extends IPF loans with an  average maturity of nine months. Most  of
these  loans are  repaid in  monthly installments. If  the Company  is unable to
generate new IPF loans to replace those being repaid, it will have to  originate
other  types of loans or make other investments, some or all of which may not be
as profitable for the Company. As the Company expands through acquisitions  such
as  the Midlothian Bank, the  Company must increase the  aggregate amount of IPF
loans originated on  a continuous  basis in order  to maintain  its current  net
interest margin. See "Business -- Insurance Premium Financing".

    ADDITIONAL  FINANCING.    The  Company  has  in  the  past  expanded through
acquisitions,  and  has  financed  its  recent  acquisitions  primarily  through
offerings  of the  Company's Common  Stock. There can  be no  assurance that the
Company will continue to  expand as rapidly  in the future  or will continue  to
make acquisitions. However, if the Company does make additional acquisitions, it
is  likely to finance  the acquisitions through  offerings of its  stock. If the
Company does sell additional  shares of common and/or  preferred stock to  raise
funds  in  the future,  the terms  and conditions  of the  issuances may  have a
dilutive  effect  or  otherwise  adversely  impact  existing  shareholders.  See
"Management's  Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results of
Operations -- Capital Resources".

    RELIANCE ON KEY  PERSONNEL.   The Company and  the Bank  are dependent  upon
their executive
officers  and key employees. Specifically, the Company considers the services of
C. Jack Bean, G. M.  Heinzelmann, III, and Bobby W.  Hackler to be important  to
the  success of the Company. The unexpected loss of the services of any of these
individuals could have  a detrimental effect  on the Company  and the Bank.  The
Company  has  entered  into Change  in  Control Agreements  with  Messers. Bean,
Heinzelmann and Hackler under which each will receive certain benefits if  their
employment  is terminated  other than  for cause,  or constructively terminated,
following a change in control of the Company. See "Management".

    DIVIDEND HISTORY.  The Company has not previously paid any cash dividends on
its Common Stock, and the Company does  not intend to pay dividends in the  near
future.  The payment  of any cash  dividends by  the Company in  the future will
depend to a large extent on the receipt of dividends from the Bank. The  ability
of the Bank to pay dividends is dependent upon the Bank's earnings and financial
condition.  The payment of cash dividends by the  Bank to the Company and by the
Company to its shareholders are both subject to certain statutory and regulatory
restrictions. See  "Market  Price  and  Dividend  Policy"  and  "Regulation  and
Supervision".

    COMPETITION.   There is significant competition among banks and bank holding
companies, many of which have far greater assets and resources than the Company,
in the areas in which the Company operates. The Company also encounters  intense
competition   in  its  commercial   banking  business  from   savings  and  loan
associations,  credit  unions,  factors,  insurance  companies,  commercial  and
captive  finance companies,  and certain  other types  of financial institutions
located in other major  metropolitan areas in the  United States, many of  which
are  larger in terms of  capital, resources and personnel  than the Company. The
casualty IPF business of the Company  is also very competitive. Large  insurance
companies offer their own financing plans, and other independent premium finance
companies  and other financial institutions offer IPF. The Company believes that
such competition will  continue and  increase in  the future.  In addition,  the
manner in

                                       7
<PAGE>
which  and the means by which financial services are delivered to customers have
changed significantly in the past and can  be expected to continue to change  in
the  future.  It  is  not  possible to  predict  the  manner  in  which existing
technology, and changes in existing technology, will affect the Company. Changes
in technology are  likely to  require additional capital  investments to  remain
competitive.  Although the Company  has invested in new  technology in the past,
there can  be no  assurance  that the  Company  will have  sufficient  financial
resources  or access to  the proprietary technology which  might be necessary to
remain competitive in the future. See "Business -- Competition".

    REGULATION AND  SUPERVISION.   The  Company  and  the Bank  are  subject  to
extensive  federal  and  state  regulation and  supervision,  which  is intended
primarily for the protection of  insured depositors and consumers. In  addition,
the  Company and the  Bank are subject to  changes in federal  and state law, as
well as changes in regulations, governmental policies and accounting principles.
The effects  of  any such  potential  changes  cannot be  predicted,  but  could
adversely  affect the business and  operations of the Company  and the Bank. See
"Regulation and Supervision".

    REGULATION OF CONTROL.  Individuals, alone or acting in concert with others,
seeking to  acquire more  than 10%  of any  class of  voting securities  of  the
Company  must comply with  the Change in  Bank Control Act.  Entities seeking to
acquire 5%  or more  of  any class  of voting  securities  of, or  otherwise  to
control, the Company must comply with the Bank Holding Company Act. Accordingly,
prospective investors need to be aware of and to comply with these requirements,
if  applicable, in connection  with any purchase  of shares of  the Common Stock
offered hereby.

    GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND MONETARY  POLICY.  The operating income  and
net   income  of   the  Company  depend   to  a  substantial   extent  on  "rate
differentials", i.e., the  differences between the  income the Company  receives
from  loans, securities  and other earning  assets, and the  interest expense it
pays to obtain deposits and other liabilities. These rates are highly  sensitive
to  many factors which are beyond the  control of the Company, including general
economic conditions  and the  policies of  various governmental  and  regulatory
authorities. For example, in an expanding economy, loan demand usually increases
and the interest rates charged on loans increase. Increases in the discount rate
by  the  Federal Reserve  System usually  lead to  rising interest  rates, which
affect the Company's interest income, interest expense and investment portfolio.
Also, governmental  policies  such  as  the creation  of  a  tax  deduction  for
individual  retirement  accounts can  increase savings  and  affect the  cost of
funds.

    TRADING MARKET FOR THE  COMMON STOCK.  Although  the Common Stock is  listed
for  trading on the American Stock Exchange, the trading market in the Company's
Common Stock on such exchange historically has been less active than the average
trading market for companies listed on such exchange. As a result, the price  of
the  Company's Common Stock has ranged from $3.06 to $6.75 during 1995. A public
trading market  having  the  desired characteristics  of  depth,  liquidity  and
orderliness  depends upon the presence in  the marketplace of willing buyers and
sellers of Common Stock at any given time, which presence is dependent upon  the
individual  decisions of  investors and  general economic  and market conditions
over which  the  Company has  no  control. Consequently,  although  the  Company
believes  that this Offering  will improve the  liquidity of the  market for the
Common Stock, no  assurance can be  given that this  Offering will increase  the
volume of trading in the Common Stock. See "Market Price and Dividend Policy".

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

    The  Company has entered into an  agreement to acquire First Midlothian, and
its wholly-owned  subsidiary,  the  Midlothian  Bank.  In  connection  with  the
acquisition,  the shareholders of  First Midlothian will  receive cash for their
shares in that corporation. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the
sale of Common Stock  to finance this acquisition.  The Company also intends  to
use  approximately $375,000 of the net  proceeds to retire its outstanding debt.
Any remaining  proceeds  will be  used  by  the Company  for  general  corporate
purposes.   See  "The  Midlothian  Bank   Acquisition  --  Pro  Forma  Financial
Statements".

                                       8
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION

   
    The following table sets forth the unaudited consolidated capitalization  of
the  Company as of September 30, 1995, and the pro forma capitalization adjusted
to reflect (i) the sale by the Company  of the Common Stock offered hereby at  a
per  share price of  $3.75, net of underwriting  commissions and other estimated
offering expenses; (ii) the  consummation of the  acquisition of the  Midlothian
Bank;  and (iii)  the application  of net  proceeds as  described under  "Use of
Proceeds".
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
                                                                 ----------------------------
                                                                                PRO FORMA AS
                                                                    ACTUAL        ADJUSTED
                                                                 -------------  -------------
<S>                                                              <C>            <C>
Note payable...................................................  $     375,000  $           0
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized -- 20,000,000
   shares; Issued -- 3,516,595 shares, (5,441,656 as
   adjusted)...................................................         35,166         54,417
  Additional paid-in capital...................................      9,364,515     15,734,210
  Retained earnings............................................        573,311        573,311
  Treasury stock...............................................        (50,830)       (50,830)
  Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities.............        114,539        114,539
                                                                 -------------  -------------
    Total shareholders' equity.................................  $  10,036,701  $  16,425,647
                                                                 -------------  -------------
                                                                 -------------  -------------
</TABLE>

                        MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND POLICY

MARKET PRICE

    Since January 10,  1995 the Company's  Common Stock has  been traded on  the
Primary  List of the AMEX under the symbol "SRY". From February 23, 1994 through
January 9,  1995 the  Company's Common  Stock was  traded on  the AMEX  Emerging
Company  Marketplace under the symbol "SRY.EC".  Prior to February 23, 1994, the
Company's Common Stock was traded in the over-the-counter market on the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ").

    The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and  low
sale  price per  share of  the Company's  Common Stock  as reported  on the AMEX
Primary  List  since  January  10,  1995,  and  on  the  AMEX  Emerging  Company
Marketplace  from February 23, 1994, until January 9, 1995, and the high and low
bid price per share  as reported by  NASDAQ for prior  periods. All prices  have
been  adjusted  to reflect  a one-for-ten  reverse stock  split effected  by the
Company on June 14, 1993. The NASDAQ quotations reflect prices quoted by  market
makers  of  the  Company's  Common Stock,  without  retail  markup,  markdown or
commissions, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 HIGH        LOW
                                                                               ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                            <C>        <C>
1994 FISCAL YEAR:
  First quarter..............................................................  $    6.38  $    3.00
  Second quarter.............................................................       5.25       3.88
  Third quarter..............................................................       5.00       4.00
  Fourth quarter.............................................................       4.50       3.00
1995 FISCAL YEAR:
  First quarter..............................................................       4.38       3.06
  Second quarter.............................................................       6.75       3.19
  Third quarter..............................................................       5.13       3.50
  Fourth quarter.............................................................       5.00       3.50
</TABLE>

DIVIDEND POLICY

    THE COMPANY.  The Company has not  paid cash dividends in the past and  does
not  intend to pay dividends for the  foreseeable future. The Company intends to
retain any future earnings for use in the business of the Company and the  Bank.
The payment of any dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the
Board of Directors of the Company and will depend upon the operating results and
financial  condition of  the Company and  the Bank,  their capital requirements,
contractual agreements,

                                       9
<PAGE>
general business conditions and other factors. The Company's principal source of
funds to pay dividends in the future, if  any, on the Common Stock will be  cash
dividends  the Company receives from the  Bank. See "Regulation and Supervision"
for a  discussion of  regulatory  constraints on  the  payment of  dividends  by
national banks and bank holding companies generally.

    THE  BANK.   The  Bank is  subject  to various  restrictions imposed  by the
National Bank Act  relating to  the declaration  and payment  of dividends.  The
board  of  directors  of a  national  banking  association may,  subject  to the
following limitations, declare a quarterly, semiannual or annual dividend of  as
much  of its net profits as it may  judge expedient. The payment of dividends is
subject to  the provisions  of 12  U.S.C.  Section 60,  which provides  that  no
dividends  may be  declared or paid  without the  approval of the  Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") if the total of all dividends, including the
proposed dividend,  in any  calendar  year exceeds  the  total of  the  national
banking  association's net profits for that  year combined with its retained net
profits of the preceding two years. Under the provisions of 12 U.S.C. Section 56
no dividends may ever be paid in an amount greater than the bank's net  profits.
The  OCC also has authority to prohibit a national bank from engaging in what in
the OCC's  opinion  constitutes an  unsafe  or unsound  practice  in  conducting
business,  including the payment of a dividend. See "Regulation and Supervision"
for a  discussion of  regulatory  constraints on  the  payment of  dividends  by
national banks and bank holding companies generally.

                        THE MIDLOTHIAN BANK ACQUISITION

THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT

    The  Company intends  to acquire  First Midlothian  and its  subsidiary, the
Midlothian Bank. The  Company and the  Bank have entered  into a  reorganization
agreement  dated October  17, 1995  and amended on  January 16,  1996 with First
Midlothian, the Midlothian  Bank, and the  directors of the  Midlothian Bank  in
both   their   individual   and   representative   capacities   ("Reorganization
Agreement"). Under the Reorganization Agreement, an operating subsidiary of  the
Bank  (to be  formed) will  be merged  with and  into First  Midlothian, and the
shareholders of First Midlothian  will receive cash in  the aggregate amount  of
(i) 150% of the book value of the Midlothian Bank, as of the closing date, up to
a  book value of $4.5 million plus (ii) 100% of the book value of the Midlothian
Bank, as  of  the closing  date,  in excess  of  $4.5 million  minus  (iii)  all
outstanding  principal  and  accrued  interest  on  debentures  issued  by First
Midlothian. Immediately following the merger of the operating subsidiary of  the
Bank and First Midlothian, the Bank and the Midlothian Bank will be consolidated
under  the charter of the Bank. The Reorganization Agreement provides that First
Midlothian will pay for certain audit fees, agent fees and one-half the cost  of
canceling the Midlothian Bank's data processing contract, collectively estimated
in  the aggregate at  $272,500. The purchase  price paid by  the Company will be
increased  by  one-half  the  cost  of  canceling  the  Midlothian  Bank's  data
processing  contract.  The total  cost to  cancel the  contract is  estimated at
$125,000.

    If the acquisition had  been completed on September  30, 1995, the  purchase
price paid to the shareholders of First Midlothian would have been approximately
$5.4 million.

    The  obligations of the  parties to complete the  acquisition are subject to
certain conditions,  including the  conditions  that (i)  all approvals  of  any
regulatory  authority  having  jurisdiction  shall have  been  received  and all
applicable statutory waiting periods shall have expired; and (ii) at the closing
date, no litigation shall  be pending or threatened  to restrain or prohibit  or
obtain  damages  regarding the  acquisition  or as  a  result of  which,  in the
reasonable judgment of  the Company or  First Midlothian, the  parties could  be
deprived  of any of the material  benefits contemplated under the Reorganization
Agreement. In addition, the Company and  the Bank are not obligated to  complete
the  acquisition  unless  certain  conditions  set  out  in  the  Reorganization
Agreement have been satisfied or waived  by the Company and the Bank,  including
that   (i)  the  shareholders  of  First  Midlothian  shall  have  approved  the
transactions contemplated under the Reorganization Agreement; (ii) neither First
Midlothian nor the Midlothian Bank shall have, in the opinion of the Company and
the Bank, suffered  any material  adverse change in  their financial  condition,
business,  operations, prospects, properties or assets; (iii) holders of no more
than 5% of the outstanding shares of First Midlothian shall have dissented  from
the merger of First Midlothian and the Bank's operating subsidiary; and (iv) the
Company  shall  have  sufficient  financial  resources  available,  in  its sole
opinion, to consummate the acquisition.  The directors of First Midlothian,  and
the Midlothian Bank are not obligated to complete

                                       10
<PAGE>
the  transaction if certain conditions are not met, including the condition that
the shareholders of the Bank shall  have approved the consolidation of the  Bank
and  the Midlothian  Bank contemplated  under the  Reorganization Agreement. The
directors  of   First  Midlothian   have  agreed,   in  their   individual   and
representative capacities, jointly and severally, that they shall be responsible
for  all federal, state and local income, franchise and other tax liabilities of
First Midlothian or Midlothian Bank for all periods prior to the acquisition. In
addition, they shall  be responsible  for payment  of federal  income and  Texas
franchise tax liabilities incurred by the Company, the Bank, First Midlothian or
the  Midlothian  Bank  as  a  result  of  the  acquisition  and  the  subsequent
liquidation of  First Midlothian  being  held to  be  a taxable  acquisition  or
disposition  of assets  or other taxable  transaction. If the  Company elects to
terminate the Reorganization Agreement because, in its opinion, it does not have
sufficient financial  resources  available  to  complete  the  acquisition,  the
Company is obligated to pay First Midlothian a break-up fee of up to $50,000.

    The  closing date of the acquisition will be selected by mutual agreement of
the parties to the  Reorganization Agreement following  the satisfaction of  all
conditions  to closing.  As of  the date  of this  prospectus, OCC  approval and
approval of the shareholders of First Midlothian have been obtained. The Company
anticipates that  the closing  will take  place substantially  contemporaneously
with the closing of this Offering.

BUSINESS OF FIRST MIDLOTHIAN

    First  Midlothian is a Texas corporation located in Midlothian, Texas. First
Midlothian engages in no significant  activities other than owning and  managing
the  Midlothian Bank. First Midlothian has  48,000 shares of common stock issued
and outstanding. The  directors who  individually and  as a  group approved  and
executed  the Reorganization Agreement  are the record  and beneficial owners of
approximately 42% of the outstanding common stock of First Midlothian.

    At September 30,  1995, First  Midlothian had total  consolidated assets  of
approximately  $52.1 million, total consolidated deposits of approximately $47.2
million, and  total  consolidated  shareholders' equity  of  approximately  $3.8
million.  First Midlothian had $674,707 in principal amount of debentures issued
and outstanding at September 30, 1995. The Reorganization Agreement contemplates
that First Midlothian  will be liquidated,  and the debentures  repaid by  First
Midlothian, following the acquisition.

    First  Midlothian's  subsidiary, the  Midlothian Bank,  is a  community bank
which offers interest  and noninterest  bearing depository  accounts, and  makes
consumer  and commercial loans. As of  September 30, 1995, the Midlothian Bank's
loan portfolio consisted of $12.4 million of real estate loans (60% of the gross
loan portfolio),  $4.2  million of  commercial  loans  (20% of  the  gross  loan
portfolio),  and  $4.0  million of  installment  loans  (19% of  the  gross loan
portfolio). At September 30, 1995, the Midlothian Bank's total nonaccrual  loans
were  $128,621 (0.6%  of the gross  loan portfolio). The  allowance for possible
loan losses was $230,615, or  179% of total nonaccruing  loans, and 1.1% of  the
gross  loan  portfolio.  Other real  estate  owned  by the  Midlothian  Bank was
$713,268 at September 30, 1995. Midlothian Bank reported net income after  taxes
of $274,943 for 1994, and $306,264 for the nine months ended September 30, 1995.
See  the consolidated financial statements of  First Midlothian included in this
prospectus.

PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    The following  pro forma  financial statements  set forth  the  consolidated
balance  sheets at September 30, 1995 and  income statements for the nine months
ended September  30, 1995  and for  the year  ended December  31, 1994  for  the
Company   and  First   Midlothian,  the  adjustments   reflecting  the  proposed
acquisition, and  the  pro  forma combined  information.  The  information  with
respect  to the Company as  of September 30, 1995  and the pro forma information
are unaudited. The  pro forma  balance sheet  assumes that  the acquisition  was
consummated  on September 30, 1995. The  pro forma income statements assume that
the acquisition was consummated at the  beginning of the periods indicated.  The
pro  forma financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and footnotes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The pro
forma combined  balance  sheet  and  statement of  income  are  not  necessarily
indicative  of the combined financial position at consummation or the results of
operations following consummation.

                                       11
<PAGE>
                            PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       SURETY          FIRST
                                                      CAPITAL       MIDLOTHIAN                                    PRO FORMA
                                                    CORPORATION     CORPORATION         DEBITS        CREDITS      COMBINED
                                                    ------------  ---------------   --------------   ----------  ------------
                                                    (UNAUDITED)                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>               <C>              <C>         <C>
ASSETS:
  Cash and due from banks.........................  $  4,997,517  $ 3,586,274(B)    $6,013,946(A)    $6,051,946  $  8,545,791
  Federal funds sold..............................    21,660,000    7,100,000                                      28,760,000
                                                    ------------  ---------------                                ------------
    Cash and cash equivalents.....................    26,657,517   10,686,274        6,013,946        6,051,946    37,305,791
  Interest bearing deposits in financial
   institutions...................................     1,334,860           --                                       1,334,860
  Investment securities...........................    17,017,258   19,309,212(C)        40,336                     36,366,806
  Net loans.......................................    67,923,543   20,094,209                                      88,017,752
  Premises and equipment, net.....................     2,776,443      861,532(D)       319,468                      3,957,443
  Accrued interest receivable.....................       622,518      429,114                                       1,051,632
  Other real estate and repossessed assets........        92,830      653,035                                         745,865
  Other assets....................................       594,762       96,866                                         691,628
  Excess of cost over fair value of net assets
   acquired, net..................................     2,534,050           --(A)     1,254,334                      3,788,384
                                                    ------------  ---------------   --------------   ----------  ------------
      Total assets................................  $119,553,781  $52,130,242       $7,628,084       $6,051,946  $173,260,161
                                                    ------------  ---------------   --------------   ----------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ---------------   --------------   ----------  ------------
LIABILITIES:
  Demand deposits.................................  $ 13,914,468  $10,154,310       $       --       $       --  $ 24,068,778
  Savings, NOW and money markets..................    31,421,332   16,729,861                                      48,151,193
  Time deposits, $100,000 and over................    13,885,925    1,963,600                                      15,849,525
  Other time deposits.............................    48,986,950   18,312,770                                      67,299,720
                                                    ------------  ---------------                                ------------
      Total deposits..............................   108,208,675   47,160,541                                     155,369,216
  Note payable....................................       375,000      674,707(A)     1,049,707                             --
  Federal income tax payable......................       254,386           --                                         254,386
  Accrued interest payable........................       679,019      531,893                                       1,210,912
                                                    ------------  ---------------   --------------   ----------  ------------
      Total liabilities...........................   109,517,080   48,367,141        1,049,707                    156,834,514
                                                    ------------  ---------------   --------------   ----------  ------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Common stock....................................        35,166      480,000(A)       480,000(B)        19,251        54,417
  Additional paid in capital......................     9,364,515      679,493(A)       679,493(B)     6,369,695    15,734,210
  Retained earnings...............................       573,311    2,603,608(A)     2,603,608                        573,311
  Treasury stock..................................       (50,830)          --                                         (50,830)
  Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale
   securities.....................................       114,539           --                                         114,539
                                                    ------------  ---------------   --------------   ----------  ------------
      Total equity................................    10,036,701    3,763,101        3,763,101        6,388,946    16,425,647
                                                    ------------  ---------------   --------------   ----------  ------------
        Total liabilities and equity..............  $119,553,781  $52,130,242       $4,812,808       $6,388,946  $173,260,161
                                                    ------------  ---------------   --------------   ----------  ------------
                                                    ------------  ---------------   --------------   ----------  ------------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------

(A) To  record  the  purchase of  First  Midlothian. The  shareholders  of First
    Midlothian will receive  150% of the  book value of  the Midlothian Bank  at
    closing,  up to a book value of $4.5 million, plus 100% of any book value in
    excess of  $4.5  million,  plus 50%  of  the  cost to  cancel  an  EDS  data
    processing  contract, (estimated at $62,500),  minus the total principal and
    accrued interest  attributable  to  debt issued  by  First  Midlothian.  The
    adjustments  are  based upon  an estimated  aggregate  purchase price  as of
    September 30, 1995. First Midlothian will pay off its debt with part of  the
    proceeds  of the purchase  price. The difference  between the purchase price
    and the value of the assets purchased, estimated at $1,254,334, is  recorded
    as  goodwill and is amortized over a 15 year period. The Company anticipates
    that the book  value of the  Midlothian Bank will  be increased through  the
    retention of earnings prior to closing.

   
(B) To  record $6,388,946 net capital raised through the offering and the payoff
    of the Company's  debt of $375,000  based upon  a sales price  of $3.75  per
    share, net of underwriting and other estimated offering expenses.
    

(C) In  order  to  adjust investment  securities  to estimated  market  value an
    increase of $40,336 is recorded.

(D) In order  to adjust  property and  equipment to  estimated market  value  an
    increase of $319,468 is recorded.

                                       12
<PAGE>
                           PRO FORMA INCOME STATEMENT
                  FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 PRO FORMA
                                                              SURETY         FIRST              ADJUSTMENTS
                                                              CAPITAL     MIDLOTHIAN    ---------------------------   PRO FORMA
                                                            CORPORATION   CORPORATION      DEBITS        CREDITS       COMBINED
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
                                                            (UNAUDITED)                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Interest Income:
  Commercial loans and real estate loans..................  $ 2,759,887   $ 1,240,594   $     --       $     --       $4,000,481
  Consumer loans..........................................      861,646       296,496                                  1,158,142
  Insurance premium financing.............................    2,080,915            --                                  2,080,915
  Federal funds sold......................................      358,600       320,679                                    679,279
  Investment securities and interest bearing deposits.....      810,719       866,236                                  1,676,955
  Other interest income...................................           --         1,757                                      1,757
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
      Total interest income...............................    6,871,767     2,725,762                                  9,597,529
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
Interest expense:
  Savings, NOW and money market...........................      569,783       368,646                                    938,429
  Time deposits, $100,000 and over........................      579,022       202,403                                    781,425
  Other time deposits.....................................    1,276,222       595,985                                  1,872,207
  Other interest expense..................................      111,915        68,011                                    179,926
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
      Total interest expense..............................    2,536,942     1,235,045                                  3,771,987
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
  Net interest income before provision for loan losses....    4,334,825     1,490,717                                  5,825,542
  Provision for loan losses...............................       60,000        35,000                                     95,000
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
      Net interest income.................................    4,274,825     1,455,717                                  5,730,542
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
Noninterest income........................................    1,056,095       469,788                                  1,525,883
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
Noninterest expense:
  Salaries and employee benefits..........................    2,143,694       720,361                                  2,864,055
  Occupancy & equipment...................................      668,483       156,170      7,987(C)                      832,640
  General & administrative................................    1,569,753       592,140    335,217(B)     159,300(A)     2,337,810
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
      Total noninterest expense...........................    4,381,930     1,468,671    343,204        159,300        6,034,505
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
      Income before income taxes..........................      948,990       456,834    343,204        159,300        1,221,920
Income tax expense:
  Current.................................................      300,577                   50,498(D)     108,796(D)       242,279
  Deferred................................................           --       150,570                                    150,570
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
      Net income..........................................  $   648,413   $   306,264   $393,702(F)    $268,096(F)    $  829,071
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
                                                            -----------   -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
Net income per share of common stock......................  $      0.20                                               $     0.16
                                                            -----------                                               ----------
                                                            -----------                                               ----------
Weighted average shares outstanding.......................    3,208,319                                                5,133,380(E)
                                                            -----------                                               ----------
                                                            -----------                                               ----------
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(A) To  record savings to be realized  in connection with the acquisition. These
    adjustments are a direct  result of the  elimination of director,  committee
    and  professional fees  which will  not continue  after the  acquisition. In
    addition  to  the  elimination  of  these  fees,  a  reduction  in  computer
    processing fees is also recorded.

(B) To  record  amortization of  the goodwill  recorded  in connection  with the
    acquisition of First Midlothian for the nine months ended September 30, 1995
    and to  record payment  of fees  by First  Midlothian (i.e.  agent's fee  of
    $170,000,  First Midlothian's share of the  estimated cost to cancel the EDS
    contract of $62,500 and estimated audit fee of $40,000).

(C) To record the additional depreciation to premises and equipment as a  result
    of  the write up to estimated market value for First Midlothian for the nine
    months ended September 30, 1995.

(D) To record tax effect of adjustments.

(E) The additional  shares  offered  hereby (1,925,061  shares)  increase  total
    outstanding shares.

(F) This  pro forma  income statement  does not  reflect all  adjustments to, or
    projected  changes  in,  income  the  Bank  expects  to  realize   following
    consummation of the acquisition.

                                       13
<PAGE>
                           PRO FORMA INCOME STATEMENT

                 FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             PRO FORMA
                                                           SURETY         FIRST             ADJUSTMENTS
                                                           CAPITAL     MIDLOTHIAN    -------------------------     PRO FORMA
                                                         CORPORATION   CORPORATION     DEBITS        CREDITS       COMBINED
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
                                                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Interest Income:
  Commercial loans and real estate loans...............  $ 1,422,911   $ 1,466,820   $     --      $     --      $2,889,731
  Consumer loans.......................................    1,059,188       351,874                                1,411,062
  Insurance premium financing..........................    2,172,038            --                                2,172,038
  Federal funds sold...................................      302,621       185,581                                  488,202
  Investment securities and interest bearing
   deposits............................................      430,251       963,043                                1,393,294
  Other interest income................................           --        32,621                                   32,621
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
      Total interest income............................    5,387,009     2,999,939                                8,386,948
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
Interest expense:
  Savings, NOW and money market........................      353,123       327,632                                  680,755
  Time deposits, $100,000 and over.....................      362,700       134,369                                  497,069
  Other time deposits..................................      760,833       627,142                                1,387,975
  Other interest expense...............................       11,075        81,777                                   92,852
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
      Total interest expense...........................    1,487,731     1,170,920                                2,658,651
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
  Net interest income before provision for loan
   losses..............................................    3,899,278     1,829,019                                5,728,297
  Provision for loan losses............................      106,899            --                                  106,899
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
      Net interest income..............................    3,792,379     1,829,019                                5,621,398
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
Noninterest income.....................................    1,160,007       627,846                                1,787,853
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
Noninterest expense:
  Salaries and employee benefits.......................    2,201,188       941,462                                3,142,650
  Occupancy & equipment................................      669,936       194,860     10,649(C)                    875,445
  General & administrative.............................    1,590,814       936,371    356,122(B)    212,400(A)    2,670,907
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
      Total noninterest expense........................    4,461,938     2,072,693    366,771       212,400       6,689,002
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
      Income before income taxes.......................      490,448       384,172    366,771       212,400         720,249
Income tax expense:
  Current..............................................       36,697            --     67,331(D)    116,266(D)      (12,239)
  Deferred.............................................      (19,009)      109,229                                   90,220
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
      Net income.......................................  $   472,760   $   274,943   $434,102(F)   $328,666(F)   $  642,268
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
                                                         -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -------------
Net income per share of common stock...................  $      0.20                                             $     0.15
                                                         -----------                                             -------------
                                                         -----------                                             -------------
Weighted average shares outstanding....................    2,393,841                                              4,318,902(E)
                                                         -----------                                             -------------
                                                         -----------                                             -------------
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(A) To record savings to be realized by the acquisition. These adjustments are a
    direct  result of  the elimination  of director,  committee and professional
    fees which  will not  continue after  the acquisition.  In addition  to  the
    elimination  of these fees, a reduction  in computer processing fees is also
    recorded.

(B) To record  amortization of  the  goodwill recorded  in connection  with  the
    acquisition  of First Midlothian for the year ended December 31, 1994 and to
    record payment of fees  by First Midlothian (i.e.  agent's fee of  $170,000,
    First Midlothian's share of the estimated cost to cancel the EDS contract of
    $62,500 and estimated audit fee of $40,000).

(C) To  record the additional depreciation to premises and equipment as a result
    of the write up to estimated market value for First Midlothian for the  year
    ended December 31, 1994.

(D) To record tax effect of adjustments.

(E) The  additional  shares  offered hereby  (1,925,061  shares)  increase total
    outstanding shares.

(F) This pro forma  income statement  does not  reflect all  adjustments to,  or
    projected  changes  in,  income  the Company  expects  to  realize following
    consummation of the acquisition.

                                       14
<PAGE>
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

    The  following summary consolidated financial data  of the Company should be
read in conjunction with  the Consolidated Financial  Statements of the  Company
and the Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the information
contained  in "Management's Discussion  and Analysis of  Financial Condition and
Results of Operations." The selected  historical consolidated financial data  as
of and for the five years in the period ended December 31, 1994 are derived from
the  Company's  Consolidated Financial  Statements  which have  been  audited by
independent public accountants. The  selected historical consolidated  financial
data  as of and for  the nine months ended September  30, 1995 and September 30,
1994 is unaudited..

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                       SEPTEMBER 30,                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    --------------------   -----------------------------------------------------
                                                    1995 (1)    1994 (2)   1994 (2)    1993 (3)     1992       1991       1990
                                                    ---------   --------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                        (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
 ($ in 000's)
  Interest income.................................  $  6,872    $ 3,743    $  5,387    $ 3,995    $ 3,344    $ 2,953    $ 2,175
  Interest expense................................     2,537        972       1,488      1,124        978      1,380      1,071
    Net interest income...........................     4,335      2,771       3,899      2,871      2,366      1,573      1,104
  Provision for loan losses.......................        60         67         107         91        300        467        221
    Net interest income after provision for loan
     losses.......................................     4,275      2,705       3,792      2,781      2,067      1,107        883
  Noninterest income..............................     1,056        801       1,160      1,182        784        488        455
  Noninterest expense.............................     4,382      3,205       4,462      3,592      2,835      2,185      1,933
  Extraordinary item -- gain on debt settlement...        --         --          --         --         --         --        517
  Earnings before income taxes....................       949        301         490        371         16       (590)       (78)
  Income taxes....................................       301          8          17         --         --         --         --
  Net earnings (loss).............................  $    648    $   294    $    473    $   371    $    16    $  (590)   $   (78)
COMMON SHARE DATA: (4)
  Net earnings (loss).............................  $   0.20    $  0.13    $   0.20    $  0.19    $  0.00    $ (0.45)   $ (0.08)
  Book value......................................      2.85       2.52        2.65       2.32       2.05       1.85       1.43
  Weighted average common shares outstanding (in
   000's).........................................     3,208      2,344       2,394      2,002      1,952      1,310        963
  Period end shares outstanding (in 000's)........     3,506      2,373       3,041      2,273      1,981      1,767        988
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 ($ in 000's)
  Total assets....................................  $119,554    $61,784    $102,294    $49,036    $30,964    $26,877    $22,088
  Insurance premium finance loans, net............    23,724     20,254      20,497     14,209      7,051      8,016      6,801
  Other loans, net................................    44,924     19,509      44,167     17,417     12,442     11,242      8,388
  Allowance for loan losses.......................       725        407         698        401        325        343        277
  Total deposits..................................   108,209     55,552      92,027     43,596     26,840     23,335     20,012
  Shareholders' equity............................    10,037      5,969       8,066      5,281      4,058      3,263      1,409
PERFORMANCE DATA: (5)
  Return (loss) on average total assets...........        .9%        .7%         .8%        .8%        .1%      (2.3)%      (.4)%
  Return (loss) on average shareholders' equity...       9.6        6.8         7.4        8.7         .4      (30.4)      (7.2)
  Net interest margin.............................       6.3        7.4         7.1        7.0        8.7        7.0        7.0
  Loans to deposits...............................      63.4       71.6        70.3       72.5       72.6       82.5       75.9
ASSET QUALITY RATIOS: (5)
  Nonperforming assets to total assets............        .1%        .1%         .2%        .3%        .7%       2.1%       3.8%
  Nonperforming loans to total loans..............        .1         .1          .2         .3         .8        2.4        5.3
  Net loan charge-offs to average loans...........        .1         .3          .4         .3        1.6        2.3         .5
  Allowance for loan losses to total loans........       1.1        1.0         1.1        1.3        1.7        1.8        1.8
  Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming
   loans..........................................   1,772.5      456.9       574.8      425.8      201.1       74.8       34.8
CAPITAL RATIOS:
  Tier I risk-based capital.......................      10.2%      11.0%       10.1%      11.4%      14.4%      13.2%       5.3%
  Total risk-based capital........................      11.1       11.7        11.2       12.6       15.7       14.7        6.8
  Leverage........................................       6.4        8.5         5.6       10.0       11.9       10.9        4.6
</TABLE>

- ------------------------------

(1) On  September 28,  1995 the  Company completed  the acquisition  of  certain
    assets  and the assumption of certain  liabilities relating to the branch of
    Bank One, Texas, National Association Texas located in Waxahachie, Texas.

(2) On May 31, 1994 the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of
    The Farmers Guaranty State Bank of Kennard, Kennard, Texas, and on  December
    8,  1994 the Company acquired 100% of  the outstanding common stock of First
    National Bank, Whitesboro, Texas.

(3) On March 23, 1993 the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common  stock
    of  the Bank  of East  Texas, Chester,  Texas and  First State  Bank, Wells,
    Texas. Operations  of these  two banks  have been  included in  consolidated
    operations subsequent to February 28, 1993.

(4)  The  information provided  for 1990,  1991  and 1992  has been  restated to
    reflect a one for ten reverse stock split in June 1993.

(5) All interim periods have been annualized.

                                       15
<PAGE>
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    The  following  discussion  highlights  the  major  changes  affecting   the
operations  and financial  condition of  the Company  for the  nine months ended
September 30, 1995 and  1994 and the  three years ended  December 31, 1994.  The
discussion  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated financial
statements and  accompanying  notes included  elsewhere  in this  prospectus.  A
summary  of the Company's consolidated financial condition as of, and results of
operations for, the three and twelve  month periods ended December 31, 1995  and
1994 is set forth under "Recent Unaudited Selected Consolidated Financial Data".

GENERAL

    The  Company derives substantially  all of its revenues  and income from the
operation of its subsidiary, the Bank, which provides a full range of commercial
and consumer banking  services to businesses  and individuals in  the north  and
east  Texas area  and has  attempted to  distinguish itself  by developing niche
products such  as insurance  premium  finance. As  of  September 30,  1995,  the
Company  had total assets of  $119.6 million, net loans  of $67.9 million, total
deposits of $108.2 million, and total shareholders' equity of $10.0 million. The
Company reported net income of $648,413 for the nine months ended September  30,
1995  compared with net income  of $293,734 for the  nine months ended September
30, 1994 as a result of internal  loan growth within its niche products and  its
acquisitions of community banks.

    During  1994, the Company had no  effective tax rate through the utilization
of its net operating losses. The Company returned to paying federal income taxes
at the effective rate of 32% during  1995. Income before taxes was $948,990  for
the nine months ended September 30, 1995, an increase of $647,756 or 215.0% when
compared with the same period for 1994.

    On  May 31, 1994,  the Company acquired  The Farmers Guaranty  State Bank of
Kennard, Texas. On  December 8,  1994 the  Company acquired  the First  National
Bank,  Whitesboro, Texas  and on  September 28,  1995, the  Company acquired the
assets and assumed the liabilities of the Waxahachie, Texas, branch of Bank One,
Texas, National Association. The Company views these acquisitions as a means  of
expanding  its  operations and  anticipates  they will  contribute  favorably to
future results  of the  Company. The  Company continues  to actively  serve  the
banking needs of these local communities, as it has served the local communities
of its other branches. The deposits at these new branches will allow the Company
to  increase its  niche lending activities  of IPF and  insurance medical claims
factoring. The Company's strategy is to continue to acquire community banks with
low loan-to-deposit ratios and use excess  deposits to fund IPF and other  niche
lending products. See "Business -- Acquisitions".

                             RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET EARNINGS

    Net  earnings  were $648,413  ($0.20 per  share) for  the nine  months ended
September 30, 1995, compared with net earnings of $293,734 ($0.13 per share) for
the nine months  ended September 30,  1994, an increase  of $354,679 or  120.7%.
Factors  contributing to  the increase  in earnings  in 1995  compared with 1994
include an increase in net interest  income, loan growth in the Company's  niche
lending products, and the growth of noninterest income mainly as a result of the
acquisition  of  The  Farmers  Guaranty State  Bank,  Kennard,  Texas  and First
National Bank, Whitesboro, Texas.

    Net earnings were  $472,760 for 1994  ($0.20 per share),  compared with  net
earnings  of $370,723 for 1993 ($0.19 per share) and $16,424 for 1992 ($0.00 per
share). The  earnings per  share for  1994 were  affected by  additional  shares
issued  in December  1994 in connection  with the acquisition  of First National
Bank, Whitesboro. The 27.5% increase and 2,157.2% increase in earnings for  1994
and  1993 respectively, were attributable to  an increase in net interest income
resulting from  improved  asset quality,  loan  growth in  the  Company's  niche
lending products and acquisitions of community banks.

                                       16
<PAGE>
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

    Earnings  before  income  taxes  were $948,990  for  the  nine  months ended
September 30, 1995, compared with $301,234 for the first nine months of 1994,  a
215%  increase. As previously mentioned, the  Company returned to paying federal
income taxes at the effective rate of  32% during 1995, compared with a  nominal
effective  tax rate for 1994. As a result of the return to paying federal taxes,
the net  income  for the  nine  months ended  September  30, 1995  may  be  more
indicative of operating trends in the future. Conversely, earnings before income
taxes  in the 1995 period  may be more useful  when comparing results with prior
periods.

    Earnings before income taxes were  $490,448 in 1994, compared with  $370,723
in  1993, an increase  of $119,725 or  32.3%. Earnings before  income taxes were
$16,424 in  1992. The  improvement  in earnings  before  income taxes  for  1994
compared  with 1993  was primarily attributable  to an increase  in net interest
income resulting from an  increase in net interest  margin. The increase in  net
interest  income in 1994, as  compared with 1993, was  the result of loan growth
within the Company's niche  lending products. The  average balance of  insurance
premium  finance loans  grew by 96.6%  to a  balance of $19.4  million from $9.9
million for 1994 and 1993, respectively. The 2,157.2% growth in earnings  before
income  taxes in 1993 as  compared with 1992 was  attributable to an increase in
net interest  income as  a result  of loan  growth. In  1993, the  Company  also
realized a gain on the sale of investment securities of approximately $94,000.

NET INTEREST INCOME

    Net   interest   income  is   the  difference   between  income   earned  on
interest-earning assets and  the interest expense  incurred on  interest-bearing
liabilities. The net yield on total interest-earning assets, also referred to as
interest  rate margin  or net  interest margin,  represents net  interest income
divided  by   average   interest-earning   assets.   The   Company's   principal
interest-earning  assets are  loans, investment  securities, medical receivables
factoring and federal funds sold.

    Net interest income was $4.3 million for  the first nine months of 1995,  an
increase  of $1.6 million or 58.1% compared  with the first nine months of 1994,
resulting principally from  an increase  in interest-earning  assets from  $55.3
million to $107.9 million, a significant portion of which was comprised of loans
(typically  the highest yielding asset). The increase in interest-earning assets
was offset by an increase in interest-bearing liabilities from $47.1 million  to
$94.7  million.  In addition,  the  Company experienced  a  decrease in  the net
interest spread of 110 basis points from 6.9% to 5.8% for the nine months  ended
September  30,  1994 and  1995,  respectively. The  foregoing  decrease resulted
principally  from  the  fact  that  the  cost  of  interest-bearing  liabilities
increased  more  than  the  yield  on  interest-earning  assets.  The  yield  on
interest-earning assets increased 10 basis points from 9.9% to 10.0%, while  the
cost  of interest-bearing  liabilities increased 120  basis points  from 3.0% to
4.2% for the nine  months ended September 30,  1994 and 1995, respectively.  Net
interest  income was $3.9 million for 1994, an increase of $1.0 million or 35.8%
compared with net interest income of $2.9 million for 1993, which represented an
increase of $505,224 or 21.4% compared with net interest income of $2.4  million
for  1992. The  Company's average  total interest-earning  assets increased from
approximately $41.2 million for 1993 to  $54.8 million for 1994, representing  a
33.1% increase resulting principally from an increase in loans. The net interest
margin  of  7.1% for  1994 increased  10 basis  points from  7.0% for  1993. The
Company's average total interest-earning assets increased from $27.1 million for
1992 to  $41.2  million  for  1993,  representing  a  51.7%  increase  resulting
principally from an increase in loans and investment securities.

    The  Company's net interest income is affected  by changes in the amount and
mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to  as
a  "volume  change".  It  is  also  affected  by  changes  in  yields  earned on
interest-earning assets and  rates paid on  interest-bearing deposits and  other
borrowed  funds, referred to as a "rate change". The decline in the net yield on
total interest-earning assets from  1994 through the first  nine months of  1995
resulted  principally from an increase in  investment securities as a percentage
of total interest-earning assets, which produced a lower average rate of  return
for  the Company than  loans, and the  addition of the  consumer, commercial and
real estate loans through  the acquisition of  First National Bank,  Whitesboro,
Texas. The yield on consumer, commercial and real estate loans declined to 10.9%
for  the first nine months of 1995 from 12% for the twelve months ended December
31, 1994. The following table

                                       17
<PAGE>
sets forth for  each category  of interest-earning  assets and  interest-bearing
liabilities the average amounts outstanding, the interest earned or paid on such
amounts  and the average rate paid for  the nine months ended September 30, 1995
and 1994 and for  the three years  ended December 31, 1994,  1993 and 1992.  The
table  also sets forth  the average rate earned  on all interest-earning assets,
the average rate paid on all interest-bearing liabilities, and the net yield  on
average interest-earning assets for the same periods.

           AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      NINE MONTHS ENDED                  NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                     SEPTEMBER 30, 1995                  SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
                                                              ---------------------------------   --------------------------------
                                                                             INTEREST                           INTEREST
                                                                AVERAGE      INCOME/    AVERAGE     AVERAGE     INCOME/    AVERAGE
                        A S S E T S                             BALANCE      EXPENSE     RATE       BALANCE     EXPENSE     RATE
                                                              ------------  ----------  -------   -----------  ----------  -------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>         <C>
Interest-earning assets:
  Interest-bearing deposits.................................  $  1,433,354  $   76,419   7.1%     $   783,493  $   40,389   6.9%
  U.S. Treasury and agency securities (1)...................    15,073,774     734,300   6.5        6,847,990     250,231   4.9
  Federal funds sold........................................     7,995,800     358,600   6.0        5,711,995     188,197   4.4
  Loans (2)(3)..............................................    67,992,319   5,702,448  11.2       37,313,907   3,264,214  11.7
  Allowance for loan losses.................................      (711,919)        N/A   N/A         (430,212)        N/A   N/A
                                                              ------------  ----------  -------   -----------  ----------  -------
    Total interest-earning assets...........................  $ 91,783,328  $6,871,767  10.0%     $50,227,173  $3,743,031   9.9%
                                                              ------------  ----------            -----------  ----------
  Cash and due from banks...................................     4,403,273                          3,047,360
  Premises and equipment....................................     2,402,578                          1,433,014
  Accrued interest receivable...............................       639,556                            167,977
  Other real estate owned...................................        71,545                             35,947
  Other assets..............................................     2,989,181                            742,739
                                                              ------------                        -----------
    Total assets............................................  $102,289,461                        $55,654,210
                                                              ------------                        -----------
                                                              ------------                        -----------
                   L I A B I L I T I E S
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest-bearing demand deposits..........................  $ 22,422,644  $  476,084   2.8%     $13,505,323  $  231,110   2.3%
  Savings deposits..........................................     4,697,675      93,699   2.7        3,844,726      74,622   2.6
  Time deposits.............................................    52,078,213   1,855,244   4.8       25,399,059     665,832   3.5
  Notes payable.............................................     1,297,565     111,915  11.5               --          --    --
                                                              ------------  ----------  -------   -----------  ----------  -------
    Total interest-bearing liabilities......................  $ 80,496,097  $2,536,942   4.2%     $42,749,108  $  971,564   3.0%
                                                              ------------  ----------            -----------  ----------
  Noninterest-bearing deposits..............................    12,297,624                          6,912,272
  Other liabilities.........................................       489,746                            244,682
                                                              ------------                        -----------
    Total liabilities.......................................    93,283,467                         49,906,062
Shareholders' equity........................................     9,005,994                          5,748,148
                                                              ------------                        -----------
    Total liabilities and equity............................  $102,289,461                        $55,654,210
                                                              ------------                        -----------
                                                              ------------                        -----------
Net interest income.........................................                $4,334,825                         $2,771,467
                                                                            ----------                         ----------
                                                                            ----------                         ----------
Net interest spread.........................................                             5.8%                               6.9%
                                                                                        -------                            -------
                                                                                        -------                            -------
Net interest margin.........................................                             6.3%                               7.4%
                                                                                        -------                            -------
                                                                                        -------                            -------
</TABLE>

- ------------------------
(1) Interest income on tax exempt securities does not reflect the tax equivalent
    yield.

(2) Loans  on nonaccrual status have been included in the computation of average
    balances.

(3) The interest  income on  loans does  not include  loan fees.  Loan fees  are
    immaterial and are included in noninterest income.

                                       18
<PAGE>
           AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1994                                     1993                        1992
                                ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------  ------------
                                               INTEREST                                 INTEREST
                                  AVERAGE       INCOME/                    AVERAGE       INCOME/                    AVERAGE
         A S S E T S              BALANCE       EXPENSE    AVERAGE RATE    BALANCE       EXPENSE    AVERAGE RATE    BALANCE
- ------------------------------  ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------  ------------
<S>                             <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>
Interest-earning assets:
  Interest-bearing deposits...  $    981,184  $    68,173         6.9%   $    636,420  $    20,853         3.3%   $    483,333
  U.S. Treasury and agency
   securities (1).............     7,648,411      362,078         4.7       9,567,829      507,273         5.3              --
  Federal funds sold..........     6,456,165      302,621         4.7       5,343,461      162,830         3.0       6,474,639
  Loans (2)(3)................    40,136,926    4,654,137        11.6      26,008,833    3,304,105        12.7      20,496,380
  Allowance for loan losses...      (444,805)         N/A         N/A        (388,255)         N/A         N/A        (311,970)
                                ------------  -----------         ---    ------------  -----------         ---    ------------
      Total interest-earning
       assets.................  $ 54,777,881  $ 5,387,009         9.8%   $ 41,168,288  $ 3,995,061         9.7%   $ 27,142,382
                                ------------  -----------                ------------  -----------                ------------
  Cash and due from banks.....     3,249,783                                2,705,248                                1,819,201
  Premises and equipment......     1,520,404                                1,094,260                                  885,511
  Accrued interest
   receivable.................       205,770                                  185,109                                   46,005
  Other real estate owned.....        51,043                                   31,715                                   19,195
  Other assets................     1,357,765                                  417,878                                  640,993
                                ------------                             ------------                             ------------
      Total assets............  $ 61,162,646                             $ 45,602,498                             $ 30,553,287
                                ------------                             ------------                             ------------
                                ------------                             ------------                             ------------
    L I A B I L I T I E S
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest-bearing demand
   deposits...................  $ 14,680,300  $   259,113         1.8%     12,538,376      209,937         1.7%      6,935,234
  Savings deposits............     3,104,155       94,010         3.0       3,165,466       96,962         3.1       1,305,089
  Time deposits...............    28,530,396    1,123,533         4.0      19,095,938      816,685         4.3      14,553,547
  Notes payable...............       146,756       11,075         7.5              --           --          --              --
                                ------------  -----------         ---    ------------  -----------         ---    ------------
    Total interest-bearing
     liabilities..............  $ 46,461,607  $ 1,487,731         3.2  % $ 34,799,780  $ 1,123,584         3.2  % $ 22,793,870
                                ------------  -----------                ------------  -----------                ------------
  Noninterest-bearing
   deposits...................     7,996,860                                6,375,876                                3,675,287
  Other liabilities...........       281,660                                  151,681                                  145,950
                                ------------                             ------------                             ------------
Total liabilities.............    54,740,127                               41,327,337                               26,615,107
Shareholders' equity..........     6,422,519                                4,275,161                                3,938,180
                                ------------                             ------------                             ------------
    Total liabilities and
     equity...................  $ 61,162,646                             $ 45,602,498                             $ 30,553,287
                                ------------                             ------------                             ------------
                                ------------                             ------------                             ------------
Net interest income...........                $ 3,899,278                              $ 2,871,477
                                              -----------                              -----------
                                              -----------                              -----------
Net interest spread...........                                    6.6  %                                   6.5  %
                                                                  ---                                      ---
                                                                  ---                                      ---
Net interest margin...........                                    7.1  %                                   7.0  %
                                                                  ---                                      ---
                                                                  ---                                      ---

<CAPTION>

                                 INTEREST
                                  INCOME/
         A S S E T S              EXPENSE    AVERAGE RATE
- ------------------------------  -----------  ------------
<S>                             <C>          <C>
Interest-earning assets:
  Interest-bearing deposits...  $    17,455         3.6%
  U.S. Treasury and agency
   securities (1).............           --          --
  Federal funds sold..........      222,146         3.4
  Loans (2)(3)................    3,104,367        15.2
  Allowance for loan losses...          N/A         N/A
                                -----------         ---
      Total interest-earning
       assets.................  $ 3,343,968        12.3%
                                -----------
  Cash and due from banks.....
  Premises and equipment......
  Accrued interest
   receivable.................
  Other real estate owned.....
  Other assets................

      Total assets............

    L I A B I L I T I E S
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest-bearing demand
   deposits...................      194,073         2.8%
  Savings deposits............       45,984         3.5
  Time deposits...............      737,658         4.9
  Notes payable...............           --          --
                                -----------         ---
    Total interest-bearing
     liabilities..............  $   977,715         4.3  %
                                -----------
  Noninterest-bearing
   deposits...................
  Other liabilities...........

Total liabilities.............
Shareholders' equity..........

    Total liabilities and
     equity...................

Net interest income...........  $ 2,366,253
                                -----------
                                -----------
Net interest spread...........                      8.0  %
                                                    ---
                                                    ---
Net interest margin...........                      8.7  %
                                                    ---
                                                    ---
</TABLE>

- --------------------------
(1) Interest income on tax exempt securities does not reflect the tax equivalent
    yield.

(2) Loans  on nonaccrual status have been included in the computation of average
    balances.

(3) The interest  income on  loans does  not include  loan fees.  Loan fees  are
    immaterial and are included in noninterest income.

                                       19
<PAGE>
    The  following table  reflects the changes  in net  interest income stemming
from changes in interest  rates and from asset  and liability volume,  including
mix.  The  change in  interest attributable  to  both rate  and volume  has been
allocated to the changes in the rate and the volume on a pro rata basis.

                  RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          YEARS ENDED
                                                           NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,             DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                                           1995 COMPARED WITH NINE MONTHS                COMPARED WITH
                                                              ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994                 DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                                         -----------------------------------  -----------------------------------
                                                             INCREASE (DECREASE) DUE TO           INCREASE (DECREASE) DUE TO
                                                         -----------------------------------  -----------------------------------
                                                         VOLUME(1)      RATE       CHANGES    VOLUME(1)      RATE       CHANGES
                                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Interest Income:
  Interest-bearing deposits in financial
   institutions........................................  $   34,602  $   1,428    $   36,030  $     (551) $  47,871    $   47,320
  U.S. Treasury and agency securities..................     378,968    105,101       484,069     (94,659)   (50,536)     (145,195)
  Federal funds sold...................................      89,525     80,878       170,403      38,998    100,793       139,791
  Loans................................................   2,578,263   (140,209)    2,438,234   1,659,906   (309,874)    1,350,032
                                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------
Total interest income..................................  $3,081,358  $  47,198    $3,128,736  $1,603,694  $(211,746)   $1,391,948
                                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------
Interest Expense:
  Interest-bearing demand deposits.....................  $  179,906  $  63,909    $  243,815  $   38,707  $  10,469    $   49,176
  Savings deposits.....................................      16,962      2,115        19,077      (1,827)    (1,125)       (2,952)
  Time deposits........................................     885,864    304,707     1,190,571     375,946    (69,098)      306,848
  Federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds.....     111,915         --       111,915      11,075         --        11,075
                                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------
Total interest expense.................................  $1,194,647  $ 370,731    $1,565,378  $  423,901  $ (59,754)   $  364,147
                                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------
Net interest margin....................................  $1,886,711  $(323,533)   $1,563,358  $1,179,793  $(151,992)   $1,027,801
                                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------
                                                         ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------

<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEARS ENDED
                                                                 DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                                                   COMPARED WITH
                                                                 DECEMBER 31, 1992
                                                         ---------------------------------

                                                            INCREASE (DECREASE) DUE TO
                                                         ---------------------------------
                                                         VOLUME(1)      RATE      CHANGES
                                                         ----------  ----------   --------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>          <C>
Interest Income:
  Interest-bearing deposits in financial
   institutions........................................  $    5,133  $  (1,735)   $  3,398
  U.S. Treasury and agency securities..................     507,273         --     507,273
  Federal funds sold...................................     (36,164)   (23,152)    (59,316)
  Loans................................................     750,748   (551,010)    199,738
                                                         ----------  ----------   --------
Total interest income..................................  $1,226,990  $(575,897)   $651,093
                                                         ----------  ----------   --------
Interest Expense:
  Interest-bearing demand deposits.....................  $  114,730  $ (98,866)   $ 15,864
  Savings deposits.....................................      57,705     (6,727)     50,978
  Time deposits........................................     206,265   (127,238)     79,027
  Federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds.....          --         --          --
                                                         ----------  ----------   --------
Total interest expense.................................  $  378,700  $(232,831)   $145,869
                                                         ----------  ----------   --------
Net interest margin....................................  $  848,290  $(343,066)   $505,224
                                                         ----------  ----------   --------
                                                         ----------  ----------   --------
</TABLE>

- ------------------------------
(1)  Nonaccrual loans are included  in the average  volumes used in  calculating
     this table.

                                       20
<PAGE>
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

    The  amount of the provision for loan  losses is based on periodic (not less
than quarterly) evaluations  of the  loan portfolio,  with particular  attention
directed  toward nonperforming and  other potential problem  loans. During these
evaluations, consideration is given to such factors as: management's  evaluation
of  specific loans; the level and composition of nonperforming loans; historical
loss experience; results  of examinations  by regulatory  agencies; an  internal
asset  review  process;  the  market  value  of  collateral;  the  strength  and
availability of  guaranties; concentrations  of  credits; and  other  judgmental
factors.  The Company determines separate general allowances for IPF and non-IPF
loans. The Company's loss  experience on insurance  premium finance lending  was
adversely affected during the second half of 1991 by the failure of a non-Best's
rated  insurance company.  The Company  has implemented  certain changes  in its
lending policies  and  procedures  with respect  to  insurance  premium  finance
lending which have reduced the maximum concentration by insurance carrier except
as  approved by  the Board  of Directors  and also  reduced the  amount of loans
secured  by  unearned  premiums  of  insurance  policies  written  by  non-rated
carriers.  See "Business --  Insurance Premium Financing". As  a result of these
changes in loan policy and recoveries  of previously charged-off IPF loans,  the
Company's historical loss factor on IPF loans has improved from 0.15% in 1993 to
0.00% in 1994 and as of September 30, 1995.

    The  Company recorded  a $60,000 provision  for loan losses  during the nine
months ended September  30, 1995  compared with  $66,898 during  the first  nine
months  of 1994.  As the  Company's ratio  of net  charge-offs to  average loans
remained unchanged for these periods, the Company provided amounts to compensate
for growth in the  loan portfolio in  order to maintain  the allowance for  loan
losses at an adequate level.

    The  1994 provision  for loan losses  was $106,899 compared  with $90,584 in
1993 and $299,555  in 1992.  The 18%  increase in  the 1994  provision for  loan
losses  when compared with 1993 is a result of the 54.3% growth in average loans
outstanding. The 69.8% reduction  in the provision for  1993 compared with  1992
was  a result  of successful  collection efforts  in both  the insurance premium
finance portfolio and the general loan portfolio.

NONINTEREST INCOME

    Noninterest  income  is  generated  primarily  from  fees  associated   with
noninterest  and interest-bearing accounts as well as fees associated with loans
(e.g., late fees).  Noninterest income  for the first  nine months  of 1995  was
$1,056,095, an increase of $255,290 or 31.9% compared with noninterest income of
$800,805  for the first nine months of  1994. The increase in noninterest income
is attributed to the acquisition of The Farmers Guaranty State Bank, Kennard and
First National Bank,  Whitesboro during 1994,  as well as  an increase in  loans
outstanding.  The acquisition of the two  banks during 1994 increased the number
and balance  of  loans outstanding  and  increased  the number  and  balance  of
noninterest   and  interest-bearing   accounts,  which   resulted  in  increased
noninterest income.

    Noninterest income was $1,160,007  for 1994, a decrease  of $20,801 or  1.8%
compared  with noninterest income  of $1,181,808 for  1993, which represented an
increase of $397,742 or 50.7% over 1992. While service charges and exchange fees
increased from 1993 to 1994, loan fees and other income decreased. The  decrease
in  loan  fees  was attributable  to  a  decision by  management  to discontinue
servicing outside loan  portfolios. The decrease  in other income  from 1993  to
1994  is the  result of  a gain  realized on  the sale  of investment securities
during 1993 in the amount of approximately $94,000. Noninterest income increased
from 1992 to 1993 in all categories, primarily as a result of the acquisition of
banks in Wells and Chester, Texas.

    The following table sets forth the various categories of noninterest  income
for  the nine months ended September 30, 1995  and 1994, and for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992.

                                       21
<PAGE>
                               NONINTEREST INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                      SEPTEMBER 30,               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                 ------------------------  --------------------------------------
                                                     1995         1994         1994          1993         1992
                                                 ------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  ----------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
Noninterest income
  Nonsufficient fund charges...................  $    214,501  $  202,674  $    263,315  $    248,890  $  145,365
  Late fee charges.............................       366,356     293,582       426,476       304,354     278,520
  Service charges..............................       163,648     119,684       163,336       120,143      47,717
  Collection fees..............................        93,536      77,001        96,162        71,760      44,351
  Credit life insurance........................        59,570      33,231        44,402        49,777      46,346
  Premium finance servicing....................            --          --            --       161,310     101,853
  Secured credit card annual fee...............         4,487      13,774        15,905        36,968      52,837
  Other........................................       153,897      60,859       150,411        97,843      67,077
  Gain on sale of investment...................           100          --            --        90,763          --
                                                 ------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  ----------
    Total noninterest income...................  $  1,056,095  $  800,805  $  1,160,007  $  1,181,808  $  784,066
                                                 ------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  ----------
                                                 ------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  ----------
</TABLE>

NONINTEREST EXPENSE

    Noninterest expense was  $4,381,930 for the  first nine months  of 1995,  an
increase  of $1,177,790 or 36.8% compared with noninterest expense of $3,204,140
for the first nine months of  1994. This increase resulted principally from  the
acquisition of The Farmers Guaranty State Bank, Kennard and First National Bank,
Whitesboro  during  1994. The  addition of  the  two banks  in 1994  resulted in
additional  personnel,  occupancy  and  office  expenses.  The  amortization  of
intangibles  increased in 1995 as a result of the addition of goodwill and costs
associated with the acquisition of The  Farmers Guaranty State Bank, Kennard  in
the  amount of $296,164 and  the addition of goodwill  and costs associated with
the acquisition of First National Bank, Whitesboro in the amount of $1,886,682.

    Deposits held by the Bank are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF")  of
the  Federal  Deposit Insurance  Corporation  ("FDIC"). The  FDIC  assessment is
calculated on the level of deposits held  by the Bank. The increase in the  FDIC
assessment  in 1995 over 1994  was tied to the  increased deposits added through
the two acquisitions completed in 1994. The BIF assessment rate is determined by
the FDIC for categories of banks based  upon the risk to the insurance fund.  On
August  8, 1995, the FDIC's Board of Directors voted to significantly reduce the
deposit insurance premiums paid  by most banks but  to keep existing  assessment
rates  intact  for  savings  associations. Under  the  new  rate  structure, the
best-rated institutions  insured  by the  BIF  pay  $.04 per  $100  of  domestic
deposits,  down from  the rate of  $.23 per  $100. The new  BIF assessment rates
apply from the  first day  of the  month after  the BIF  was recapitalized.  The
recapitalization  of  the BIF  occurred in  early September  1995. The  FDIC has
issued refunds to the best-rated institutions for assessments which exceeded the
recapitalization of  the  BIF. The  Bank  received a  refund  from the  FDIC  of
approximately   $42,000.  The   change  in   assessment  rate   is  expected  to
significantly reduce the cost of deposit  insurance for the Bank. In  connection
with  the new rate schedule, the FDIC  established a process for quickly raising
or lowering all rates  for BIF-insured institutions up  to twice a year  without
seeking public comment. See "Regulation and Supervision".

    Noninterest  expense was  $4,461,938 for  1994, an  increase of  $869,960 or
24.2%  compared  with  noninterest  expense   of  $3,591,978  for  1993,   which
represented  an increase of $757,638 or  26.7% compared with noninterest expense
of $2,834,340 for 1992. The increase  in noninterest expense for 1994 from  1993
was  attributable to a  28.3% increase in  salaries and employee  benefits and a
15.2% increase in general and administrative expenses. The increase in  salaries
and  benefits  for the  same  period was  due  primarily to  additional staffing
associated with the acquisition of the two banks and the Bank's loan and deposit
growth. Noninterest expense increased in 1993 from 1992 primarily as a result of
a 43.7%  increase in  salaries and  employee benefits  and a  12.4% increase  in
general  and administrative expenses. The increase  in salaries and benefits was
due primarily to additional staffing associated with the two 1993  acquisitions,
the  Bank's loan and deposit growth and  the establishment of the secured credit
card program.

                                       22
<PAGE>
                              NONINTEREST EXPENSE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                   SEPTEMBER 30,                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                             --------------------------  ----------------------------------------
                                                 1995          1994          1994          1993          1992
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                          <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Salaries and employee benefits.............  $  2,143,694  $  1,577,591  $  2,201,188  $  1,715,952  $  1,194,179
Occupancy and equipment....................       668,483       473,588       669,936       495,055       411,587
General and administrative expense:
  Professional fees........................       343,866       264,627       315,434       362,571       351,593
  Office supplies..........................       193,466       150,187       201,028       165,416       126,880
  Travel and entertainment.................        49,760        47,603        60,162        62,184        42,593
  Telephone................................       115,428        95,616       128,407       103,921        78,384
  Advertising..............................        65,216        43,146        54,683        60,302        88,589
  Postage..................................       150,301        97,349       133,887       125,092       105,229
  Amortization of intangibles..............       137,171        34,329        51,201        35,567        29,388
  Dues and subscriptions...................        28,322        36,704        54,609        26,707        20,935
  Insurance................................        97,200        78,420        97,473        59,882        25,519
  Credit cards.............................        14,707        44,698        59,573        63,298        83,941
  Bank service charge......................        29,914        18,901        25,808        29,018        17,922
  FDIC assessment..........................       114,541        90,623       133,112        71,003        56,594
  Credit reports...........................        40,911        15,025        17,714        48,495        27,256
  Operational losses.......................            --            --            --            --        62,044
  Other....................................       188,950       135,733       257,723       167,515       111,707
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Total general and administrative.......     1,569,753     1,152,961     1,590,814     1,380,971     1,228,574
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Total noninterest expense..............  $  4,381,930  $  3,204,140  $  4,461,938  $  3,591,978  $  2,834,340
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>

INCOME TAXES

    During 1993, the Company adopted STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
("SFAS") No. 109,  "Accounting for  Income Taxes".  The principal  effect is  to
allow a tax benefit for cumulative book loss reserves in excess of tax reserves.
SFAS  No. 109 provides  that deferred tax  assets may be  reduced by a valuation
allowance if, based on the weight of  available expense, it is more likely  than
not  that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In
accordance with  the provisions  of SFAS  No. 109,  the Company  elected not  to
restate   prior  years  and  has  determined   that  the  cumulative  effect  of
implementation was  not  significant. The  Company  and  the Bank  will  file  a
consolidated tax return for 1995.

    The  Company  estimates  that  its  effective  tax  rate  for  1995  will be
approximately 32% and has  recognized income tax expense  of $300,577 on  income
before  taxes  of $948,990  for  the nine  months  ended September  30,  1995 as
compared with income tax  expense of $7,500 on  income before taxes of  $301,234
for the nine months ended September 30, 1994.

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY MANAGEMENT

    The  operating income and  net income of  the Bank depend,  to a substantial
extent, on "rate differentials",  i.e., the differences  between the income  the
Bank  receives from loans, securities and other earning assets, and the interest
expense it pays to obtain deposits and other liabilities. These rates are highly
sensitive to many factors  which are beyond the  control of the Bank,  including
general  economic  conditions  and  the  policies  of  various  governmental and
regulatory authorities.  See  "Investment  Considerations  --  General  Economic
Conditions and Monetary Policy".

    The  objective of monitoring and managing the interest rate risk position of
the balance  sheet is  to contribute  to earnings  and to  minimize the  adverse
changes  in net interest  income. The potential  for earnings to  be affected by
changes in interest rates is inherent in a financial institution. Interest  rate
sensitivity  is the  relationship between changes  in market  interest rates and
changes in net interest  income due to the  repricing characteristics of  assets
and   liabilities.  An  asset   sensitive  position  in   a  given  period  will

                                       23
<PAGE>
result in more assets being subject  to repricing; therefore, as interest  rates
rise,  such  a position  will have  a  positive effect  on net  interest income.
Conversely, in a  liability sensitive position,  where liabilities reprice  more
quickly  than assets in  a given period, a  rise in interest  rates will have an
adverse effect on net interest income.

    One way to  analyze interest rate  risk is  to evaluate the  balance of  the
interest  rate sensitivity  position. A mix  of assets and  liabilities that are
roughly equal in  volume and term  and repricing represents  a matched  interest
rate  sensitivity position. Any excess of  assets or liabilities in a particular
period results in an interest rate sensitivity gap. The following table presents
the interest  rate sensitivity  for the  Company's interest-earning  assets  and
interest-bearing liabilities at September 30, 1995:

                                       24
<PAGE>
                 INTEREST-RATE SENSITIVE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    3 MONTHS OR  3 MONTHS TO  6 MONTHS TO  1 YEAR TO 5    OVER 5
                                                       LESS       6 MONTHS      1 YEAR        YEARS        YEARS        TOTAL
                                                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Interest-earning assets:
  Interest-earning deposits in financial
   institutions...................................  $    90,179  $   285,689  $   284,768  $   674,224           --  $  1,334,860
  Investment securities...........................    2,244,856    1,029,188      138,479    6,108,666  $ 7,496,069    17,017,258
  Federal funds sold..............................   21,660,000           --           --           --           --    21,660,000
  Loans...........................................   26,278,756   13,691,539   12,558,560   13,985,289    1,409,399    67,923,543
                                                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Interest-earning assets...........................  $50,273,791  $15,006,416  $12,981,807  $20,768,179  $ 8,905,468  $107,935,661
                                                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest-bearing demand deposits................  $25,892,195           --           --           --           --  $ 25,892,195
  Savings deposits................................    5,529,137           --           --           --           --     5,529,137
  Time deposits...................................   16,234,083  $13,811,978  $21,682,568  $11,144,246           --    62,872,875
  Notes payable...................................           --      375,000           --           --           --       375,000
                                                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Interest-bearing liabilities......................  $47,655,415  $14,186,978  $21,682,568  $11,144,246           --  $ 94,669,207
                                                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Period interest sensitivity gap...................  $ 2,618,376  $   819,438  $(8,700,761) $ 9,623,933  $ 8,905,468  $ 13,266,454
                                                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap...............  $ 2,618,376  $ 3,437,814  $(5,262,947) $ 4,360,986  $13,266,454  $ 13,266,454
                                                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Cumulative gap as a percent of total assets.......         2.2%         2.9%        (4.4%)        3.6%        11.1%         11.1%
Cumulative interest-sensitive assets as percent of
 cumulative interest-sensitive liabilities........       105.5%       105.6%        93.7%       104.6%       114.0%        114.0%
</TABLE>

    The   cumulative   rate-sensitive   gap   position  at   one   year   was  a
liability-sensitive position of $5.3 million, or negative 4.4%, which  indicates
that  the  Company is  currently in  a  closely matched  interest rate-sensitive
position. Accordingly the Company believes it will not experience a  significant
impact from changes in interest rates.

    The  Company undertakes  this interest rate-sensitivity  analysis to monitor
the potential risk to future earnings from the impact of possible future changes
in interest rates on currently existing  net assets or net liability  positions.
However,  this  type of  analysis is  as of  a point-in-time,  when in  fact the
Company's interest rate  sensitivity can  quickly change  as market  conditions,
customer needs, and management strategies change. Thus, interest rate changes do
not affect all categories of assets and liabilities equally or at the same time.
The  Company's  investment policy  does not  permit  the purchase  of derivative
financial instruments or structured notes.

    The preceding  table does  not necessarily  indicate the  impact of  general
interest  rate  movements  on  the Company's  net  interest  income  because the
repricing of certain assets and liabilities  is discretionary and is subject  to
competitive  and other pressures.  Currently, the Bank  is holding approximately
$812,000 in mortgage-backed securities. Although the mortgage-backed  securities
have  a  stated  maturity  greater  than five  years,  it  is  not  uncommon for
mortgage-backed securities to fully pay down well ahead of stated maturities. As
a result, assets and liabilities indicated  as repricing within the same  period
may, in fact, reprice at different times and at different rate levels.

                                       25
<PAGE>
                        ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

LOANS AND ASSET QUALITY

    The  Company's loans  are diversified by  borrower and  industry group. Loan
growth has occurred every year over the past five years and can be attributed to
acquisitions, increased loan demand  and the addition  of new lending  products.
The  following  table describes  the composition  of  loans by  major categories
outstanding at September 30, 1995 and at December 31, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991 and
1990:

                            LOAN PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,   ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        1995           1994         1993         1992         1991         1990
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------

                                                                              AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Loans, net of unearned interest:
  Insurance premium financing.....................   $23,723,803    $20,496,562  $14,209,177  $ 7,051,266  $ 8,015,723  $ 6,801,483
  Commercial loans................................    15,590,320     13,205,698    5,198,223    4,142,926    4,029,111    2,609,485
  Installment loans...............................    10,139,550     10,968,948    7,961,350    6,395,752    5,558,513    4,679,965
  Real estate loans...............................    16,224,602     17,297,636    1,878,030      809,215      738,950      668,664
  Medical claims receivable.......................     2,969,812      2,694,506    2,379,482    1,094,461      915,259      429,412
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Total loans.....................................    68,648,087     64,663,350   31,626,262   19,493,620   19,257,556   15,189,009
  Less: Allowance for loan losses.................      (724,544)      (697,948)    (401,227)    (324,728)    (343,206)    (276,473)
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total net loans...............................   $67,923,543    $63,965,402  $31,225,035  $19,168,892  $18,914,350  $14,912,536
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------

<CAPTION>

                                                                          PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL LOAN PORTFOLIO
                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Loans, net of unearned interest:
  Insurance premium financing.....................          34.6%          31.7%        44.9%        36.1%        41.6%        44.8%
  Commercial loans................................          22.7           20.4         16.5         21.2         20.9         17.1
  Installment loans...............................          14.8           17.0         25.2         32.9         28.9         30.9
  Real estate loans...............................          23.6           26.8          5.9          4.2          3.8          4.4
  Medical claims receivable.......................           4.3            4.1          7.5          5.6          4.8          2.8
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total.........................................         100.0%         100.0%       100.0%       100.0%       100.0%       100.0%
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>

    As of September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1994 commitments of the Bank under
standby letters  of credit  and  unused lines  of credit  totaled  approximately
$2,448,000 and $2,353,000, respectively.

    Stated  loan  maturities  (including  floating rate  loans  reset  to market
interest rates)  of the  total loan  portfolio, net  of unearned  income, as  of
September 30, 1995 were:

                             STATED LOAN MATURITIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         WITHIN ONE     ONE YEAR TO    AFTER FIVE
                                                            YEAR        FIVE YEARS       YEARS          TOTAL
                                                        -------------  -------------  ------------  -------------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
Stated Loan Maturities/Floating Rates Reset:
  Insurance premium financing.........................  $  23,723,803  $    --        $    --       $  23,723,803
  Commercial & real estate loans......................     25,600,032      4,805,491     1,409,399     31,814,922
  Installment loans...................................        959,752      9,179,798       --          10,139,550
  Medical claims receivable...........................      2,969,812       --             --           2,969,812
                                                        -------------  -------------  ------------  -------------
    Total.............................................  $  53,253,399  $  13,985,289  $  1,409,399  $  68,648,087
                                                        -------------  -------------  ------------  -------------
                                                        -------------  -------------  ------------  -------------
</TABLE>

                                       26
<PAGE>
    Rate sensitivities of the total loan portfolio before unearned income, as of
September 30, 1995 were as follows:

                                 LOAN REPRICING

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         WITHIN ONE     ONE YEAR TO    AFTER FIVE
                                                            YEAR        FIVE YEARS       YEARS          TOTAL
                                                        -------------  -------------  ------------  -------------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
Fixed rate............................................  $  35,264,000  $  13,701,000  $  1,409,000  $  50,374,000
Variable rate.........................................     20,027,000        183,000       --          20,210,000
Nonaccrual............................................       --               27,000       --              27,000
                                                        -------------  -------------  ------------  -------------
  Total...............................................  $  55,291,000  $  13,911,000  $  1,409,000  $  70,611,000
                                                        -------------  -------------  ------------  -------------
                                                        -------------  -------------  ------------  -------------
</TABLE>

    The  maturities presented above are  based upon contractual maturities. Many
of these loans are made on a short-term basis with the possibility of renewal at
time of maturity.  All loans, however,  are reviewed on  a continuous basis  for
creditworthiness.

NONPERFORMING ASSETS

    The  Company's financial  statements are  prepared on  the accrual  basis of
accounting, including the recognition of interest income on its loan  portfolio,
unless  a loan is placed on a nonaccrual basis. Loans are placed on a nonaccrual
basis when there  are serious  doubts regarding the  complete collectibility  of
principal  and  interest. Amounts  received  on nonaccrual  loans  generally are
applied first to  principal and then  to interest after  all principal has  been
collected.  Troubled  debt  restructurings  are  those  for  which  concessions,
including reduction of interest rates or deferral of interest or principal, have
been granted,  due to  a borrower's  weakened financial  condition. Interest  on
restructured  loans is accrued at the  restructured rates when it is anticipated
that no loss of original principal will occur. It is the policy of the Bank  not
to  renegotiate  the terms  of a  loan  simply because  of a  delinquent status.
Rather, a loan is generally transferred to  a nonaccrual status if it is not  in
the  process of collection and  is delinquent in payment  of either principal or
interest beyond 90 days. Loans which are 90 days delinquent but are well secured
and in the process of collection are not included in nonperforming assets.

    Other nonperforming  assets consist  of real  estate acquired  through  loan
foreclosures  or  other workout  situations  and other  assets  acquired through
repossessions. The following table  summarizes nonperforming assets by  category
as of September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1994:

                              NONPERFORMING ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 30,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                          1995           1994
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>
Nonaccrual loans....................................................................   $    27,000    $   83,000
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest..................................        13,877        38,432
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
Total nonperforming loans...........................................................        40,877       121,432
Other real estate owned and other assets............................................        92,830       121,359
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
Total nonperforming assets..........................................................   $   133,707    $  242,791
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
                                                                                      -------------  ------------
Nonperforming assets to total assets................................................          0.01%         0.02%
Nonperforming loans to total loans..................................................          0.01%         0.02%
</TABLE>

    The  classification  of a  loan on  nonaccrual  status does  not necessarily
indicate  that  the  principal  is  uncollectible,  in  whole  or  in  part.   A
determination  as to collectibility is made by the Bank on a case-by-case basis.
The Bank considers both the adequacy  of the collateral and the other  resources
of  the borrower  in determining  the steps  to be  taken to  collect nonaccrual
loans. The  final determination  as to  these steps  is made  on a  case-by-case
basis.   Alternatives  that  are  considered   are  foreclosure,  collecting  on
guarantees, restructuring the loan or collection lawsuits.

                                       27
<PAGE>
    The following table  sets forth  a summary of  other real  estate owned  and
other collateral acquired as of September 30, 1995:

              OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED & OTHER COLLATERAL ACQUIRED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NUMBER OF        NET BOOK
DESCRIPTION                                                   PARCELS/AUTOS   CARRYING VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------  -------------   --------------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>
Developed property..........................................        2            $29,676
Vacant land or unsold lots..................................        2              3,429
Repossessed automobiles.....................................       15             59,725
                                                                  ---            -------
                                                                   19            $92,830
                                                                  ---            -------
                                                                  ---            -------
</TABLE>

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

    In  originating loans,  the Company  recognizes that  credit losses  will be
experienced and the  risk of loss  will vary with,  among other things,  general
economic  conditions, the type  of loan being made,  the creditworthiness of the
borrower over the term of  the loan and, in the  case of a collateralized  loan,
the  quality of  the collateral  for such  loan. The  allowance for  loan losses
represents the  Company's estimate  of the  allowance necessary  to provide  for
losses incurred in the loan portfolio. In making this determination, the Company
analyzes   the  ultimate   collectibility  of  the   Company's  loan  portfolio,
incorporating feedback provided by the  internal loan review staff and  provided
by  examinations performed by regulatory agencies.  The Company makes an ongoing
evaluation as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. To establish the
appropriate level of the allowance,  all loans (including nonperforming  loans),
commitments  to extend  credit and  standby letters  of credit  are reviewed and
classified  as  to  potential  loss  exposure.  Specific  allowances  are   then
established  for those loans, commitments to extend credit or standby letters of
credit with identified loss exposure  and an additional allowance is  maintained
based upon the size, quality, and concentration characteristics of the remaining
loan  portfolio  using both  historical  quantitative trends  and  the Company's
evaluation  of  qualitative  factors  including  future  economic  and  industry
outlooks. The determination by the Company of the appropriate level of allowance
amount was $724,544 at September 30, 1995.

    The  allowance for  loan losses is  based on estimates,  and ultimate losses
will vary from current  estimates. These estimates are  reviewed monthly and  as
adjustments,  either positive or negative, become necessary they are reported in
earnings in the periods in which they become known. The following table presents
a detailed analysis  of the  Company's allowance for  loan losses  for the  nine
months ended September 30, 1995 and for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993,
1992, 1991 and 1990:

                                       28
<PAGE>
                           ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,   ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        1995           1994         1993         1992         1991         1990
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Beginning balance.................................   $   697,948    $   401,227  $   324,728  $   343,206  $   276,473  $   108,513
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Charge-offs:
  Commercial loans................................        (6,000)       (41,537)     (48,681)    (202,777)     (71,000)     (52,658)
  Installment loans...............................       (76,750)      (163,669)    (179,713)    (287,113)    (179,140)     (17,189)
  Real estate loans...............................       --              (5,350)     --           --           --           --
  Insurance premium finance.......................       --              (1,710)     (19,380)    (182,423)    (231,000)     --
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Total charge-offs.................................       (82,750)      (212,266)    (247,774)    (672,313)    (481,140)     (69,847)
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Recoveries:
  Commercial loans................................         6,009         15,698        1,412       30,081        4,000        1,000
  Installment loans...............................        24,031         43,070       88,511       89,005       50,000       14,807
  Real estate loans...............................         9,125        --           --           --            15,373        1,000
  Insurance premium finance.......................       --               2,488       71,790      235,194       12,000      --
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Total recoveries..................................        39,165         61,256      161,713      354,280       81,373       16,807
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net charge-offs...................................       (43,585)      (151,010)     (86,061)    (318,033)    (399,767)     (53,040)
Bank acquisition..................................        10,181        340,832       71,976      --           --           --
Provision for loan losses.........................        60,000        106,899       90,584      299,555      466,500      221,000
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Ending balance....................................   $   724,544    $   697,948  $   401,227  $   324,728  $   343,206  $   276,473
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Period end total loans, net of unearned
 interest.........................................   $68,648,087    $64,663,350  $31,626,262  $19,493,620  $19,199,387  $15,142,843
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Average loans.....................................   $67,992,319    $40,136,926  $26,008,833  $20,496,380  $17,496,528  $11,303,522
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans.........          0.1%           0.4%         0.3%         1.6%         2.3%         0.5%
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Ratio of provision for loan losses to average
 loans............................................          0.1%           0.3%         0.4%         1.5%         2.7%         2.0%
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to ending total
 loans............................................          1.1%           1.1%         1.3%         1.7%         1.8%         1.8%
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total
 nonperforming loans..............................      1,772.5%         574.8%       425.8%       201.1%        74.8%        34.8%
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total
 nonperforming assets.............................        541.9%         287.5%       311.2%       148.5%        60.5%        32.9%
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                    -------------   -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>

                                       29
<PAGE>
    The  following  table sets  forth an  allocation of  the allowance  for loan
losses among categories  as of  September 30, 1995  and December  31, 1994.  The
Company  believes  that any  allocation of  the allowance  for loan  losses into
categories lends an appearance of precision which does not exist. The  allowance
is  utilized  as a  single unallocated  allowance available  for all  loans. The
following allocation table  should not be  interpreted as an  indication of  the
specific  amounts or the relative proportion of future charges to the allowance.
Such a table is  merely a convenient  device for assessing  the adequacy of  the
allowance  as  a  whole. The  following  allocation  table has  been  derived by
applying a  general  allowance to  the  portfolio as  a  whole, in  addition  to
specific  allowance amounts for internally  classified loans. In retrospect, the
specific allocation in any particular category may prove excessive or inadequate
and consequently may be  reallocated in the future  to reflect the then  current
condition.  Accordingly, the entire  allowance is available  to absorb losses in
any category.

                           ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          SEPTEMBER 30, 1995               DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                                                    ------------------------------   ------------------------------
                                                                              PERCENT OF ALLOWANCE             PERCENT OF ALLOWANCE
                                                                                 BY CATEGORY TO                   BY CATEGORY TO
                                                                                 LOANS, NET OF                    LOANS, NET OF
                                                                     AMOUNT     UNEARNED INCOME       AMOUNT     UNEARNED INCOME
                                                                    --------  --------------------   --------  --------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>       <C>                    <C>       <C>
Insurance premium financing loans.................................  $159,162          .23%           $136,326          .21%
Commercial loans..................................................   184,606          .27%            181,669          .28%
Installment loans.................................................   229,387          .33%            224,697          .35%
Real estate loans.................................................   151,389          .22%            155,256          .24%
                                                                    --------          ---            --------          ---
  Total...........................................................  $724,544          1.1%           $697,948          1.1%
                                                                    --------          ---            --------          ---
                                                                    --------          ---            --------          ---
</TABLE>

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

    The investment portfolio,  which was  15.8% of the  Company's earning  asset
base  as of September 30, 1995, is being managed to minimize interest rate risk,
maintain sufficient liquidity and  maximize return. Investment securities  which
are  classified as held-to-maturity are purchased with the intent and ability of
the Company to hold them to maturity as evidenced by the strong capital position
of the Company  and short maturity  of the portfolio.  Securities classified  as
held-to-maturity  are  carried  at  historical  cost.  The  Company's  financial
planning anticipates income streams based  on normal maturity and  reinvestment.
The  short duration of the portfolio  provides adequate liquidity through normal
maturities. Investment securities classified as available-for-sale are purchased
with the intent  to provide liquidity  and to increase  returns. The  securities
classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value. The Company does not
have any securities classified as trading.

   
    As  of  September  30, 1995,  $10.3  million in  investment  securities were
classified  as   held-to-maturity   and   $6.5  million   were   classified   as
available-for-sale.  On  December  8,  1994,  the  Bank's  investment  portfolio
increased by  $14.6 million  as  a result  of the  acquisition  of the  bank  in
Whitesboro.  The  securities  added  to  the  investment  portfolio  through the
acquisition increased  the size  of the  investment portfolio  by  approximately
301%.  This  large increase  resulted in  a need  to restructure  the investment
portfolio in an  effort to address  capital budgeting needs  and to address  the
Bank's  investment objectives. During the first quarter of 1995, $4.7 million in
available-for-sale securities were sold for gross realized gains of $100 and  no
gross recognized losses. As of September 30, 1995, proceeds from the maturity of
held-to-maturity   securities   were   $2.7   million   and   the   maturity  of
available-for-sale securities were $2.7  million. Purchases of  held-to-maturity
securities were $3.5 million and purchases of available-for-sale securities were
$4.0 million.
    

    Prior  to  the  acquisition  of  the  bank  in  Whitesboro,  all  investment
securities were classified as held-to-maturity with the exception of the Federal
Reserve Bank stock which was classified as available-for-sale. During 1994,  the
Bank's  investment  portfolio increased  by  $14.6 million  as  a result  of the
acquisition of the bank in Whitesboro. At the time of acquisition, $4.7  million
was   classified  as  held-to-maturity  and   $9.8  million  was  classified  as
available-for-sale. As of  December 31,  1994, the  net unrealized  loss on  the
available-

                                       30
<PAGE>
for-sale   securities  was  $4,301.  Proceeds  from  sales  of  held-to-maturity
investment securities  during the  twelve months  ended December  31, 1994  were
$500,000.  These securities were sold  within 90 days of  the call date and were
expected to be called.

    The amortized cost of  the held-to-maturity securities  was $9.5 million  as
compared with their estimated market value of $9.4 million on December 31, 1994.
The  net unrealized loss on the held-to-maturity securities was $189,970 and has
not been realized because  the Company has  the intent and  the ability to  hold
these  securities  to  maturity. The  securities  within  the available-for-sale
classification had an amortized  cost of $10.0 million  and an estimated  market
value  of $10.0  million on December  31, 1994.  The net unrealized  loss in the
available-for-sale  securities  was  $4,301  as  of  December  31,  1994.  These
unrealized  losses are  the result  of interest  rate movements  during 1994 and
other market forces, and would be realized in part or in whole if some or all of
the available-for-sale securities  were sold  and no changes  in the  respective
market values occurred.

    The  mortgage-backed securities held by the Bank include $511,554 fixed rate
and no variable rate  as held-to-maturity. The held-to-maturity  mortgage-backed
securities  are  stated  at  cost, adjusted  for  amortization  of  premiums and
accretion of fees and discounts using a method that approximates a level  yield.
The  available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities  includes $147,976 fixed rate
mortgage-backed securities and no variable rate mortgage-backed securities.  The
available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value.

    The  following  tables  describe  the composition  of  investments  by major
category and maturity at September 30, 1995:

                              INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         HELD-TO-      AVAILABLE-
                                                                                         MATURITY       FOR-SALE
                                                                                       -------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>            <C>
U.S. Treasury notes..................................................................  $      99,205  $    495,000
U.S. Government agencies.............................................................      5,476,904     5,909,800
Municipal securities.................................................................      4,735,574       --
Federal Reserve Bank stock...........................................................       --             280,850
Other investments....................................................................       --              19,925
                                                                                       -------------  ------------
  Total..............................................................................  $  10,311,683  $  6,705,575
                                                                                       -------------  ------------
                                                                                       -------------  ------------
</TABLE>

                                       31
<PAGE>
                INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO MATURITY/REPRICING SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   MATURING OR REPRICING
                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           AFTER 1 YEAR BUT WITHIN 5  AFTER 5 YEARS BUT WITHIN     OTHER
                                      WITHIN 1 YEAR                  YEARS                    10 YEARS           SECURITIES
                                -------------------------  -------------------------  -------------------------  ----------
                                   AMOUNT        YIELD        AMOUNT        YIELD        AMOUNT        YIELD       AMOUNT
                                ------------     -----     ------------     -----     ------------     -----     ----------
<S>                             <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
HELD-TO-MATURITY
- ------------------------------
U.S. Treasury notes...........  $     99,205         6.4%       --           --            --           --           --
U.S. Government agencies......       790,286         5.6%  $  2,508,963         5.8%  $  1,666,101         6.9%      --
Municipal securities..........       342,602         4.3%     2,576,414         4.1%     1,816,558         4.1%      --
Mortgage-backed securities....       --           --            --           --            511,554         5.9%      --
                                ------------               ------------               ------------
  Total.......................  $  1,232,093      --       $  5,085,377      --       $  3,994,213      --           --
                                ------------               ------------               ------------
                                ------------               ------------               ------------
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
- ------------------------------
U.S. Treasury notes...........  $    197,994         6.8%  $    297,006         7.3%
U.S. Government agencies......       203,709         6.6%     2,339,534         6.7%  $  3,218,581         7.6%
Mortgage-backed securities....       --                         --                         --                    $  147,976
Federal Reserve Bank stock....       --                         --                         --                       280,850
Other investments.............       --                         --                         --                        19,925
                                ------------               ------------               ------------               ----------
  Total.......................  $    401,703               $  2,636,540               $  3,218,581               $  448,751
                                ------------               ------------               ------------               ----------
                                ------------               ------------               ------------               ----------

<CAPTION>
                                   YIELD
                                   -----
<S>                             <C>
HELD-TO-MATURITY
- ------------------------------
U.S. Treasury notes...........      --
U.S. Government agencies......      --
Municipal securities..........      --
Mortgage-backed securities....      --
  Total.......................      --
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
- ------------------------------
U.S. Treasury notes...........
U.S. Government agencies......
Mortgage-backed securities....         6.3%
Federal Reserve Bank stock....
Other investments.............
  Total.......................
</TABLE>

DEPOSIT ACTIVITIES

    Deposits are attracted through  the offering of a  broad variety of  deposit
instruments, including checking accounts, money market accounts, regular savings
accounts,   term  certificate   accounts  (including   "jumbo"  certificates  in
denominations of $100,000 or more), and retirement savings plans. The  Company's
average  balance of  total deposits  was $91,496,156  for the  nine months ended
September 30, 1995, representing  an increase of  $37,184,445 or 68.5%  compared
with the average balance of total deposits for the year ended December 31, 1994.
The  Company's average  balance of total  deposits was $54,311,711  for the year
ended 1994,  an increase  of  $13,136,055 or  31.9%  compared with  the  average
balance  of total deposits  outstanding for 1993 of  $41,175,656, an increase of
$14,706,499 or  55.6%  compared  with  the average  balance  of  total  deposits
outstanding  for 1992 of $26,469,157. The increases  in deposits are due to both
acquisitions and internally generated growth.

    The following  table sets  forth certain  information regarding  the  Bank's
average deposits as of September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1994:

                                AVERAGE DEPOSITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             SEPTEMBER 30, 1995                            DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                 -------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                    AVERAGE     PERCENT OF    AVERAGE RATE       AVERAGE     PERCENT OF    AVERAGE RATE
                                    AMOUNT         TOTAL          PAID           AMOUNT         TOTAL          PAID
                                 -------------  -----------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  ---------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>          <C>              <C>            <C>          <C>
Noninterest-bearing demand
 deposits......................  $  12,297,624        13.4%           N/A     $   7,996,860        14.7%           N/A
Interest-bearing demand
 deposits......................     22,422,644        24.5%           2.8%       14,680,300        27.0%           1.8%
Savings deposits...............      4,697,675         5.2%           2.7%        3,104,155         5.7%           2.5%
Time deposits..................     52,078,213        56.9%           4.8%       28,530,396        52.6%           4.0%
                                 -------------       -----            ---     -------------       -----            ---
  Total average deposits.......  $  91,496,156       100.0%           4.2%    $  54,311,711       100.0%           3.2%
                                 -------------       -----            ---     -------------       -----            ---
                                 -------------       -----            ---     -------------       -----            ---
</TABLE>

                                       32
<PAGE>
    As   of  September  30,  1995,  non-brokered  time  deposits  over  $100,000
represented 12.8% of total deposits, compared with 8.6% of total deposits as  of
December  31, 1994, 12.9% as of December 31,  1993, and 16.2% as of December 31,
1992. As  of September  30, 1995,  jumbo certificates  of deposit  in excess  of
$100,000  accounted  for $13,885,925  of the  Bank's  deposits. Of  this amount,
$12,243,610 had a maturity of one year or less. The Bank does not have and  does
not solicit brokered deposits.

    The following table sets forth the remaining maturities for time deposits of
$100,000 or more at September 30, 1995 and at December 31, 1994:

                       TIME DEPOSITS OF $100,000 OR MORE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,  DECEMBER 31,
MATURITY RANGE                                                        1995           1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>
Three months or less............................................  $   5,459,318   $3,054,111
Three through six months........................................      2,165,640    1,562,924
Six through twelve months.......................................      4,618,652    3,125,847
Over twelve months..............................................      1,642,315      200,000
                                                                  -------------  ------------
  Total.........................................................  $  13,885,925   $7,942,882
                                                                  -------------  ------------
                                                                  -------------  ------------
</TABLE>

RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

    The  following are various ratios for the  Company for the nine months ended
September 30, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994:

                          RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    FOR THE NINE
                                                                    MONTHS ENDED      FOR THE YEAR
                                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,    ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                        1995            31, 1994
                                                                  -----------------  ---------------
<S>                                                               <C>                <C>
Return on average assets........................................            0.9%              0.8%
Return on average equity........................................            9.6%              7.4%
Average equity to average assets................................            8.8%             10.5%
</TABLE>

LIQUIDITY

    The Bank's investment  securities portfolio, including  federal funds  sold,
and  its cash and due from bank deposit balances serve as the primary sources of
liquidity.  At  September  30,  1995,  12.8%  of  the  Bank's   interest-bearing
liabilities   were  in  the  form  of   time  deposits  of  $100,000  and  over.
Substantially all of such  large deposits were obtained  from the Bank's  market
area, and none were obtained through brokers. Management believes these deposits
to  be  a stable  source of  funds. However,  if  a large  number of  these time
deposits matured at approximately the same time and were not renewed, the Bank's
liquidity could be adversely affected.  Currently, the maturities of the  Bank's
large  time deposits are  spread throughout the  year, with 40%  maturing in the
fourth quarter of 1995, 16% maturing in the first quarter of 1996, 33%  maturing
in  the  second  and third  quarter  of  1996, and  the  remaining  11% maturing
thereafter. The Bank  monitors those  maturities in  an effort  to minimize  any
adverse effect on liquidity.

    The  Company  raised $1.3  million during  1995,  $2.3 million  during 1994,
$852,000 during 1993, and $779,000 during  1992 through the sale, in  registered
offerings,  private  offerings  and  incentive stock  option  exercises,  of the
Company's Common  Stock.  Management  anticipates  that  future  registered  and
private  offerings of the Company's Common Stock may be used to raise additional
capital,  in  connection  with  acquisitions   or  if  the  regulatory   capital
requirements  with  which  the Bank  must  comply necessitate  the  injection of
additional capital  by  the  Company  into  the  Bank.  Failure  to  raise  such
additional  capital could adversely impact  the growth of the  Bank or result in
its failure to comply with applicable regulatory capital

                                       33
<PAGE>
requirements, which could necessitate  a reduction in the  volume of assets  and
deposits of the Bank. Such reductions could adversely affect the Bank's earnings
and liquidity. See "Regulation and Supervision -- Capital Adequacy Guidelines".

    In the longer term, the liquidity of the Company and its ability to meet its
cash  obligations will depend substantially on its receipt of dividends from the
Bank, which are limited by banking statutes and regulations. See "Regulation and
Supervision".

CAPITAL RESOURCES

    The Company's shareholders' equity at September 30, 1995 was $10.0  million,
compared  with $8.1 million at December 31,  1994. The growth in equity has been
the result of  the sale  of Common  Stock by the  Company and  the retention  of
earnings.  The  Company had  consolidated net  income of  $648,413 for  the nine
months ended September 30, 1995. There can be no assurance that the Company  can
continue  to operate profitably in the  future and failure to operate profitably
would have a material adverse effect on the Company.

    The Bank is expected to meet  a minimum risk-based capital to  risk-weighted
assets  ratio of 8%, of which  at least one-half (or 4%)  must be in the form of
Tier 1 (core) capital. The remaining one-half (or 4%) may be either in the  form
of  Tier 1  (core) or Tier  2 (supplementary)  capital. The amount  of loan loss
allowance that may be included in  capital is limited to 1.25% of  risk-weighted
assets.  The ratio of Tier 1 (core) and the combined amount of Tier 1 (core) and
Tier 2 (supplementary) capital to risk-weighted assets for the Bank were  10.17%
and  11.14%,  respectively,  at  September  30,  1995,  and  10.13%  and 11.17%,
respectively, at  December 31,  1994.  The Bank  is  currently, and  expects  to
continue  to  be,  in  compliance with  these  guidelines.  See  "Regulation and
Supervision -- Capital Adequacy Guidelines".

    While the  Company believes  it  has sufficient  financing for  its  current
working capital needs, the Company is considering acquiring banks in addition to
the  Midlothian Bank, the branch acquired in 1995 and the four banks acquired in
1993 and 1994. There can be no assurance that the Company's present capital  and
financing  will be  sufficient to finance  future operations  thereafter. If the
Company sells additional shares  of Common Stock to  raise funds, the terms  and
conditions  of the issuances and any dilutive  effect may have an adverse impact
on the existing shareholders. If  additional financing becomes necessary,  there
can  be no assurance that such financing  can be obtained on satisfactory terms.
In this event,  the Company could  be required to  restrict its operations.  See
"Investment Considerations -- Additional Financing".

    The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("FRB") has announced a
policy sometimes known as the "source of strength doctrine" that requires a bank
holding company to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its
subsidiary  banks. The  FRB has interpreted  this requirement to  require that a
bank holding  company,  such  as  the Company,  stand  ready  to  use  available
resources  to  provide adequate  capital funds  to  its subsidiary  banks during
periods of  financial stress  or adversity.  The FRB  has stated  that it  would
generally  view a  failure to  assist a troubled  or failing  subsidiary bank in
these circumstances as an unsound or  unsafe banking practice or a violation  of
Regulation  Y or both, justifying a cease  and desist order or other enforcement
action, particularly if appropriate resources are available to the bank  holding
company on a reasonable basis. The requirement that a bank holding company, such
as  the Company, make its assets and resources available to a failing subsidiary
bank could have an adverse effect upon the Company and its shareholders.

    The following table sets forth an analysis of the Bank's capital ratios:

                                       34
<PAGE>
                           RISK-BASED CAPITAL RATIOS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              SEPTEMBER 30,                 DECEMBER 31,                    MINIMUM       WELL-
                              -------------  -------------------------------------------    CAPITAL    CAPITALIZED
                                  1995           1994           1993           1992         RATIOS       RATIOS
                              -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>
Tier I risk-based capital...  $   7,596,000  $   6,790,000  $   3,821,000  $   2,978,000
Tier II risk-based capital..        725,000        698,000        401,000        258,000
Total capital...............      8,321,000      7,488,000      4,222,000      3,236,000
Risk-weighted assets........     74,692,000     67,011,000     33,594,000     20,622,000
Capital ratios (1):
  Tier I risk-based
   capital..................          10.17%         10.13%         11.37%         14.44%       4.00%        6.00%
  Tier II risk-based
   capital..................          11.14          11.17          12.57          15.69        8.00        10.00
  Leverage ratio............           6.41           5.56           9.96          11.92        4.00         5.00
Pro Forma Capital Ratios
 (2):
  Tier I risk-based
   capital..................          12.64%
  Total risk-based
   capital..................          13.59%
  Leverage ratio............           7.46%
</TABLE>

- ------------------------
(1) As a  national bank,  the  Bank is  subject  to certain  minimum  risk-based
    capital standards established by the OCC.

(2) The  pro  forma information  assumes the  sale  of the  Common Stock  in the
    Offering hereby and the consummation of the other transactions discussed  in
    this  prospectus, as if all such  transactions had occurred on September 30,
    1995.

ACCOUNTING MATTERS

    In May 1993, the  Financial Accounting Standards Board  issued SFAS No.  114
"Accounting  by Creditors of  Impairment of a  Loan" as amended  by SFAS No. 118
"Accounting by  Creditors  for  Impairment  of  a  Loan-Income  Recognition  and
Disclosures".  Together, these standards require that when a loan is impaired, a
creditor shall measure impairment based on the present value of expected  future
cash  flows discounted at the loan's effective  interest rate, the fair value of
the collateral if  the loan  is collateral  dependent or  the loan's  observable
market  price. A loan is considered  impaired when, based on current information
and events, it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts
due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The new  standards
also  require certain disclosures regarding  impaired loans. The Company adopted
these standards  effective January  1, 1995.  The adoption  of these  accounting
standards did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial
position   or  results  of  operations   since  the  Company's  recognition  and
measurement policies  regarding nonperforming  loans are  materially  consistent
with the accounting standards.

    In  March 1995, the FASB issued  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for  Long-Lived
Assets  to be Disposed  of". This Statement requires  that long-lived assets and
certain identifiable intangibles be held and  used by an entity be reviewed  for
impairment  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Measurement of an impairment
loss for long-lived assets and  identifiable intangibles that an entity  expects
to  hold and use should be based on  the fair value of the asset. This Statement
is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995.

    In October 1995, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 123, "Accounting  for Stock-Based  Compensation". This  Statement defines  a
fair  value based method of  accounting for an employee  stock option or similar
equity  instrument  and  encourages  all  entities  to  adopt  that  method   of

                                       35
<PAGE>
accounting for all employee stock compensation plans. However, it also allows an
entity  to  continue to  measure  compensation cost  for  those plans  using the
intrinsic value based  method of accounting  prescribed by APB  Opinion No.  25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees". Entities electing to continue to use
the method of accounting specified in Opinion 25 must make pro forma disclosures
of net income and, if presented, earnings per share, as if the fair value method
of  accounting defined  in this  Statement had  been applied.  This Statement is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995.

    In November  1995, the  FASB issued  a Financial  Accounting Series  Special
Report,  "A Guide to  Implementation of Statement 115  on Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity  Securities". The FASB concluded that  concurrent
with  the initial  adoption of this  implementation guidance, but  no later than
December 31,  1995,  an  enterprise  may reassess  the  appropriateness  of  the
classification of all securities held at that time and account for any resulting
reclassifications  at fair value and  such reclassifications should be disclosed
in accordance with the provisions of Statement 115.

    Management believes that the adoption of these pronouncements will not  have
a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

IMPACT OF INFLATION, CHANGING PRICES AND MONETARY POLICIES

    The  financial statements and related  financial data concerning the Company
presented in this  prospectus have  been prepared in  accordance with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles,  which require  the  measurement  of financial
position  and  operating  results  in   terms  of  historical  dollars   without
considering  changes in the relative purchasing power  of money over time due to
inflation. The primary effect of inflation  on the operations of the Company  is
reflected  in  increased  operating  costs.  Unlike  most  industrial companies,
virtually all  of the  assets and  liabilities of  a financial  institution  are
monetary  in  nature.  As  a  result, changes  in  interest  rates  have  a more
significant effect on  the performance of  a financial institution  than do  the
effects  of changes  in the  general rate  of inflation  and changes  in prices.
Interest rates do  not necessarily move  in the  same direction or  in the  same
magnitude  as  the  prices of  goods  and  services. Interest  rates  are highly
sensitive to many factors  which are beyond the  control of the Bank,  including
the  influence of domestic and foreign  economic conditions and the monetary and
fiscal  policies  of  the  United   States  government  and  federal   agencies,
particularly  the  FRB.  The FRB  implements  national monetary  policy  such as
seeking to curb inflation and combat recession by its open market operations  in
United  States government securities, control of the discount rate applicable to
borrowing by  banks  and  establishment of  reserve  requirements  against  bank
deposits.  The actions of  the FRB in  these areas influence  the growth of bank
loans, investments and deposits, and affect the interest rates charged on  loans
and  paid on deposits.  The nature, timing  and impact of  any future changes in
federal monetary and fiscal policies on  the Bank and its results of  operations
are   not  predictable.  See  "Investment  Considerations  --  General  Economic
Conditions and Monetary Policy".

                                       36
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS

THE COMPANY

    Surety Finance Company, the predecessor  to the Company, commenced  business
in  1985 as a sole proprietorship owned by C. Jack Bean and Lorene Sims Bean. On
December 30, 1989 the Company acquired approximately 98% of the common stock  of
the  Bank and subsequently increased its ownership to in excess of 99%. Prior to
acquisition of the Bank,  the Company operated as  a casualty insurance  premium
finance  company licensed  by the  State of Texas.  Upon its  acquisition by the
Company, the Bank began operating as  an insurance premium finance company,  and
the  Company ceased writing new IPF business to allow the Bank to succeed to the
existing business of the Company at that time. The Company is a registered  bank
holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act. The Company conducts all its
operations through the Bank.

    The  Company's principal executive offices are located at 1845 Precinct Line
Road, Suite 100, Hurst, Texas 76054, and its telephone number is (817) 498-8154.
At September 30, 1995 the Company had total assets of $119.6 million, total  net
loans   of  $67.9  million,   total  deposits  of   $108.2  million,  and  total
shareholders' equity of $10.0 million.

ACQUISITIONS

    In the  past  five years,  the  Company has  increased  its asset  size  and
geographically  diversified its  business through  a number  of acquisitions. On
March 22, 1993, the  Company acquired First State  Bank, Wells, Texas, for  $1.1
million.  On March  23, 1993,  the Company acquired  Bank of  the East, Chester,
Texas, for $645,676. On June 1, 1994, the Company acquired The Farmers  Guaranty
State Bank of Kennard for $1.2 million. The Company financed each of these three
acquisitions  with internally generated funds. On  December 9, 1994, the Company
acquired First National  Bank, Whitesboro,  Texas, for $6  million. The  Company
financed  the acquisition in part through  a private placement of 667,400 shares
of its common  stock, pursuant to  which the Company  raised approximately  $2.2
million,  and in part through a $1.75 million loan from a financial institution.
As of September 30, 1995, the principal amount of the loan outstanding had  been
reduced to $375,000.

    On  September 28, 1995, the Company acquired a branch located in Waxahachie,
Texas (the "Waxahachie branch") from  Bank One, Texas, National Association,  by
purchasing certain assets and assuming certain liabilities. The Company financed
the  acquisition with  internally-generated funds.  At the  closing, the Company
assumed deposits and other liabilities totaling approximately $16.6 million.  In
addition,  the  Company  acquired  certain  small  business  and  consumer loans
totaling approximately $875,000, certain real property, furniture and  equipment
related  to the Waxahachie branch totaling  approximately $271,000, and cash and
other assets  totaling  approximately  $15.5 million.  After  paying  a  deposit
premium  totaling  approximately  $331,000, the  Company  received approximately
$15.4 million  in  cash from  Bank  One as  consideration  for the  net  deposit
liabilities assumed. The Waxahachie branch has been incorporated into the Bank's
existing branch network.

THE BANK

    The Bank was chartered as a national banking association in 1963. The Bank's
principal  offices are located  at 600 South First  Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901,
and its telephone number is (409) 632-5541. The Bank also operates six  branches
in  Hurst, Chester, Wells, Kennard,  Waxahachie and Whitesboro, Texas. Following
the completion of this Offering and the acquisition of the Midlothian Bank,  the
Bank's principal offices will be located in Hurst, Texas.

    The  services  offered by  the  Bank and  its  branches are  generally those
offered by commercial banks of comparable size in their respective areas, except
that a significant portion of the Bank's loan portfolio represents IPF loans.

    At September 30,  1995 approximately 23%,  43% and 34%  of the Bank's  total
loan  portfolio  represented commercial  loans, consumer  banking loans  and IPF
loans, respectively.

                                       37
<PAGE>
INSURANCE PREMIUM FINANCING

    IPF involves lending money to purchasers of property and casualty  insurance
(the  "insureds") for the payment of their annual insurance premiums. This is an
established type  of  lending, which  has  typically been  provided  by  special
purpose  subsidiaries of major insurance companies and by finance companies. IPF
("premium financing") is  generally considered a  low risk form  of lending  for
three reasons:

    - Approximately 25% of the annual premium must be paid by the insured at the
      time the insurance is purchased, so the amount of the loan represents only
      approximately 75% of the annual insurance premium.

    - At any date before the end of the policy term, a portion of the premium is
      not  yet earned because it applies to the period from that date to the end
      of the policy  term. This unearned  premium is refunded  if the policy  is
      canceled  before the  end of  the policy term.  The amount  of the premium
      financed is generally payable over the  first nine months of the  policy's
      term,  so the unearned premium exceeds the outstanding balance of the loan
      and will repay the loan in full  if the policy is canceled before the  end
      of the policy term.

    - Even  though  the  insured is  responsible  for repayment  of  the premium
      finance loan, if the insured does not make the loan payments on time,  the
      lender  has the right to  cancel the policy (after  notice to the insured)
      and to  receive  the  entire  amount of  the  unearned  premium  from  the
      insurance  carrier. The  unearned premium is  usually more  than enough to
      repay the entire balance of the loan, including accrued interest.

The Company has engaged  in premium financing since  1986, and the business  has
grown  in terms  of volume  and outstanding loan  balances since  that time. The
following table shows the  outstanding balance of premium  finance loans at  the
end of each of the following periods:

                  INSURANCE PREMIUM FINANCE LOANS OUTSTANDING

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        GROSS LOANS
YEAR                                                                    OUTSTANDING
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>                                                                    <C>
1989.................................................................  $   4,682,321
1990.................................................................      7,061,880
1991.................................................................      8,265,490
1992.................................................................      7,267,889
1993.................................................................     14,518,680
1994.................................................................     20,931,642
September 30, 1995...................................................     24,283,325
</TABLE>

    The  typical premium finance loan has a nine month life. Because of the need
to bill policy holders  and to promptly cancel  policies when loan payments  are
not  received in  a timely fashion,  this niche lending  product requires highly
sophisticated data processing systems. Over the past several years, the  Company
has  developed a  customized computer system,  and has established  a variety of
policies and procedures that allow it to handle, on an integrated basis, all  of
the  administrative  aspects of  this  business. The  Company's  computer system
handles the  preparation  of  loan  documents, the  billing  of  borrowers,  the
preparation  of  notices,  the  calculation and  billing  of  late  charges, the
notification of  policy cancellations,  and the  preparation of  premium  rebate
requests to insurance companies when a policy is canceled.

    The  premium finance division, which is  headed by G.M. Heinzelmann, III, is
staffed by ten people in the Bank's offices in Hurst, Texas and by two people in
Atlanta, Georgia. Three of the employees of the premium finance division  devote
all of their time to developing and maintaining the Company's relationships with
both  insurance companies and insurance brokers. At the present time the Company
has  active  relationships  with  approximately  400  insurance  companies   and
approximately  3,000 insurance agents. These  parties refer insurance purchasers
who request financing to the Company,  although in most cases the  relationships
are not exclusive.

                                       38
<PAGE>
    The  vast majority  of insurance premiums  that are financed  by the Company
relate to commercial property and casualty policies. Since the premiums on these
policies can be quite high, many businesses prefer to pay the premiums over  the
course  of the policy life rather than to pay the entire premium at the time the
policy is purchased.

    Since the Company relies on a  rebate of the unearned premium as  collateral
to  pay  off  defaulted  insurance  premium  loans,  the  Company  evaluates the
financial strength of the insurance company as well as the insured. In order  to
avoid  excessive concentrations, the Company limits the dollar amount of premium
financing for policies written  by any single  insurance company. The  Company's
current  policy  limits  the aggregate  loans  related to  any  single insurance
company or any insurance syndicate  to a maximum of  35% of the Bank's  capital.
The  35% limit applies only to insurance companies  rated "A" or better by A. M.
Best, and  to  certain  unrated  insurance  organizations  which  the  Company's
management  has  determined to  be financially  strong. Lower  percentage limits
apply to insurance companies which have ratings of less than "A" from A. M. Best
or are not rated by A. M. Best. For example, the aggregate premium loans related
to any insurance entity that  is not rated by A.M.  Best and is not admitted  in
Texas  may  not exceed  10% of  the Bank's  capital unless  the Bank's  board of
directors  authorizes  a  higher  limit  based  on  a  review  of  the  insurer,
principally concerning its financial strength.

    A. M. Best is the most widely recognized rater of insurance companies in the
United  States. A. M. Best  only rates companies that  have been in business for
five years, and these companies are rated using the following system:

<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>
A++, A+.........................................  Superior
A, A-...........................................  Excellent
B++, B+.........................................  Very Good
B, B-...........................................  Adequate
C++,C+..........................................  Fair
C, C-...........................................  Marginal
</TABLE>

    In addition to these six  ratings, A. M. Best has  a variety of ratings  for
companies  for which the normal six ratings are not applicable. These additional
ratings simply indicate the reason no rating is assigned and are not necessarily
qualitative assessments. Set forth below is  a table showing a breakdown of  the
Company's  premium financing loans  outstanding as of September  30, 1995 by the
type and where applicable the rating of the entity providing the insurance.

                      BREAKDOWN BY TYPE OF INSURING ENTITY

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                  <C>
Insurance companies rated "A++, A+, A or A-" by A. M. Best.........       54.6%
Insurance companies rated "B++, B+, B or B-" by A. M. Best.........        8.0%
Texas Workers Compensation Insurance Fund..........................       12.2%
Insurance syndicates operating through established insurance
 exchanges.........................................................        7.3%
Non-rated insurance companies admitted in Texas....................       14.3%
Non-rated insurance companies not admitted in Texas................        3.6%
                                                                         -----
    Total..........................................................      100.0%
                                                                         -----
                                                                         -----
</TABLE>

    The Company believes that  the structure of these  loans results in  limited
credit  losses. The Company may incur losses in its IPF business for a number of
reasons, including fraud, refusal of an  insurance company to refund a  premium,
insurance  company  insolvency, failure  of the  Company  to properly  notify an
insurance  company  of  the  Company's  interest  in  unearned  premiums   under
applicable  law and  other reasons. The  Company's loss  experience on insurance
premium finance lending was adversely affected during the second half of 1991 by
the failure  of a  non-rated  insurance company.  Since  1991, the  Company  has
limited  its  exposure  to  non-rated companies,  as  described  above,  and has
experienced no net  loan losses  on premium financing  loans. See  "Management's
Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial Conditions  and Results  of Operations --
Allowance for Loan Losses".

                                       39
<PAGE>
MEDICAL RECEIVABLES FACTORING

    The Company has engaged in medical receivables factoring since 1990. Medical
receivables factoring involves the purchase of accounts receivable from doctors,
hospitals, and other  health care organizations.  These accounts receivable  are
due  principally from major insurance companies and governmental agencies. These
receivables are purchased by the Company  at a price equal to approximately  50%
to 60% of their face amount. When the receivable is paid the Company retains the
purchase  price  it  paid for  the  receivables  plus a  discount  factor  and a
servicing fee. The remaining balance  of the payment is  paid to the party  from
which the receivable was initially purchased.

   
    The  turnover in the Company's medical receivables portfolio is rapid and is
attributable to each factored receivable having an average life of approximately
nine weeks. During the nine  months ended September 30,  1995, the yield on  the
funds  committed to this  activity was 17.8%. The  administration of the medical
receivables is handled for the Company by Providers Funding Corporation ("PFC"),
a company  which  specializes  in  the acquisition  and  processing  of  medical
receivables.  PFC has developed specialized computer systems which automate much
of the administration of the medical receivables. In addition to a review of the
receivables conducted  by  PFC, the  Company  has two  individuals  who  conduct
secondary  review of the receivables  to make sure that  they meet the Company's
criteria.
    

    The Company has experienced no  losses in its medical receivables  factoring
business  since the  Company began  this type of  lending in  1990. However, the
Company could incur losses in its  medical receivables factoring business for  a
number  of reasons, including fraud and the  failure of the insurance company or
the government  agency  to  pay  the receivable  for  any  reason.  The  Company
generally  has no  recourse against  the health care  provider for  payment of a
medical receivable which is not  otherwise paid, although the Company  generally
obtains  and perfects  a security  interest in  all medical  receivables of that
health care provider to secure  payment of the receivables. Therefore,  payments
on  any other receivable in excess of the balance due the Company regarding that
receivable may, under certain circumstances, be applied to an unpaid receivable.
Medical receivables factoring, like IPF, is a specialty type of financing  which
provides high yields and requires specialized expertise and systems. The Company
considers  the market for this type of  financing to be relatively broad, and to
extend beyond the local markets served by the Bank's branches.

COMMERCIAL AND CONSUMER BANKING

    The Bank  provides general  commercial banking  services for  corporate  and
other  business  clients through  its main  office  located in  Angelina County,
Texas, and  through  its  branches  located in  Tarrant  County,  Tyler  County,
Cherokee  County, Houston  County, Ellis County  and Grayson County,  Texas as a
part of the Bank's efforts to serve the local communities in which it  operates.
These  loans  are generally  made  to provide  working  capital, to  finance the
purchase of equipment, and for the expansion of existing businesses. The  Bank's
loans  are  secured by  the  assets of  the  businesses, including  real estate,
inventories, receivables, equipment and cash.  Virtually all of these loans  are
also  guaranteed by the owners of  the businesses. The commercial loan portfolio
also includes  a  significant  amount  of  agricultural  loans  to  farmers  and
ranchers.  These loans are normally secured by equipment, crops, livestock, real
estate and cash. The  average yield during the  nine months ended September  30,
1995  for  the  Bank's  commercial  lending  activities  was  10.9%.  The Bank's
commercial loans generally have maturities of twelve months or less.

    The Bank  provides a  full  range of  consumer banking  services,  including
checking   accounts,  "NOW"  and  "money  market"  accounts,  savings  programs,
installment and real estate loans, money transfers and safe deposit facilities.

COMPETITION

    There is significant competition among  banks and bank holding companies  in
Angelina  County, Tarrant County, Tyler County, Cherokee County, Houston County,
Ellis County, and  Grayson County,  Texas, and  the Company  believes that  such
competition  among such banks and bank holding companies, many of which have far
greater assets  and  financial resources  than  the Company,  will  continue  to
increase  in the  future. The  Bank also  encounters intense  competition in its
commercial and consumer  banking business  from savings  and loan  associations,
credit  unions,  factors, insurance  companies,  commercial and  captive finance
companies, and certain other  types of financial  institutions located in  other
major metropolitan areas in the United

                                       40
<PAGE>
States,  many of which are larger in  terms of capital, resources and personnel.
The casualty IPF business of the Bank is also very competitive. Large  insurance
companies offer their own financing plans, and other independent premium finance
companies and other financial institutions offer IPF loans.

EMPLOYEES

    As  of  September 30,  1995 the  Company  and the  Bank collectively  had 92
full-time employees and two  part-time employees. None of  the Company's or  the
Bank's  employees  are subject  to a  collective  bargaining agreement,  and the
Company and the Bank believe that their respective employee relations are good.

PROPERTIES

    The Bank has seven banking facilities.  The Bank's main office is  currently
located  in Lufkin,  Texas, and  the Bank's six  branches are  located in Hurst,
Chester, Wells, Kennard, Waxahachie and Whitesboro, Texas. Upon consummation  of
the acquisition of Midlothian Bank, which will become the Bank's seventh branch,
the  Bank plans to move  its main office to Hurst,  Texas, and the Lufkin office
will become a branch facility.

    The Lufkin  facility is  a two-story  building located  at 600  South  First
Street,  Lufkin, Texas 75901. This building and the underlying tract of land are
owned by the  Bank. The building  includes approximately 10,000  square feet  of
office space. A detached motor bank facility is also located on the land.

    The Hurst banking facility is located at 1845 Precinct Line Road, Suite 100,
Hurst,  Texas 76054. The Company  and a branch of  the Bank occupy approximately
13,000 square feet of leased space in  a two-story building under a lease  dated
February  14, 1994 for  a term of five  years and ten  months beginning March 1,
1994 and ending on December 31, 1999.

    The Chester facility  is located  in a  two-story building  located on  U.S.
Highway  287 in Chester, Texas. This building,  and the underlying tract of land
consisting of  approximately 15,000  square feet,  are owned  by the  Bank.  The
building includes approximately 5,600 square feet of office space. The Bank also
owns  an improved  tract of  land (containing  approximately 3,000  square feet)
located adjacent to the Chester facility.

    The Wells  facility is  located  in a  one-story  building located  on  U.S.
Highway  69 in  Wells, Texas.  This building, and  the underlying  tract of land
consisting of  approximately 9,000  square  feet, are  owned  by the  Bank.  The
building includes approximately 4,500 square feet of office space. The Bank also
owns  two unimproved tracts of land (one containing approximately 2.31 acres and
the other  approximately  1,800  square  feet) located  adjacent  to  the  Wells
facility.

    The  Kennard facility is located in a one-story building located at Broadway
and Main Streets, in Kennard, Texas. This building, and the underlying tract  of
land  consisting of approximately 14,000 square feet, are owned by the Bank. The
building includes approximately 2,790 square feet of office space. The Bank also
owns two storage buildings located on the same tract of land.

    The Waxahachie facility is  located in a two-story  building located at  104
Elm  Street, Waxahachie, Texas 75165. This building, and the underlying tract of
land consisting of approximately 14,100 square feet, are owned by the Bank.  The
building includes approximately 5,100 square feet of office space.

    The  Whitesboro facility is located in  a one-story building located at 2500
Highway 82 East, in Whitesboro, Texas.  This building, and the underlying  tract
of  land consisting of approximately 132,000 square feet, are owned by the Bank.
The building includes approximately 6,400 square feet of office space.

    The Company believes the  existing facilities are  adequate for its  present
needs.

   
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
    

   
    The  Bank is  a defendant  in two related  cases: TENNESSEE  EX REL. DOUGLAS
SIZEMORE, COMMISSIONER OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF TENNESSEE,  ET
AL.  VS. SURETY BANK, N.A., filed in June 1995 in the Federal District Court for
the Northern District  of Texas,  Dallas Division, (the  "Anchorage Case"),  and
UNITED  SHORTLINE INC.  ASSURANCE SERVICES,  N.A. ET  AL. VS.  MACGREGOR GENERAL
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.,  ET AL.,  now pending  in the  141st Judicial  District
Court  of  Tarrant County,  Texas (the  "MacGregor Case").  The claimant  in the
Anchorage Case is a liquidator (the "Liquidator"), the Tennessee Commissioner of
Commerce and  Insurance,  appointed by  the  Chancery  Court for  the  State  of
Tennessee, Twentieth Judicial
    

                                       41
<PAGE>
   
District,  Davidson County, to  liquidate Anchorage Fire  and Casualty Insurance
Company ("Anchorage"). The Liquidator seeks to recover compensatory and punitive
damages on  various alleged  causes  of action,  including violation  of  orders
issued  by a Tennessee court, fraudulent  and preferential transfers, common law
conversion, fraud, negligence, and bad faith, all of which are based on the same
underlying facts and  course of conduct.  The plaintiff in  the MacGregor  Case,
United  Shortline  Inc. Assurance  Services, N.A.  ("United Shortline"),  is the
holder of a Florida judgment  against MacGregor General Insurance Company,  Ltd.
("MacGregor")  and seeks to recover funds allegedly belonging to MacGregor which
were held by the Company. Both cases arise out of the Bank's alleged exercise of
control over funds held in accounts at the Bank under agreements with  Anchorage
and  MacGregor. The  exercise of  control included  the setoff  of approximately
$570,000,  and  the  interpleader,  in  the  MacGregor  Case,  of  approximately
$600,000.  The Bank  asserts that it  had a  right to exercise  control over the
funds, in the first instance under  contractual agreements between the Bank  and
the  respective insurance companies or  the Bank and the  policy holders, and in
the second instance  in order  to protect the  Bank against  the possibility  of
inconsistent  orders  regarding the  same funds.  The  Liquidator also  seeks to
recover funds allegedly  transferred from Anchorage/  MacGregor accounts at  the
Bank during approximately a four month period in 1993, which exceed $2.6 million
in  the aggregate. The Bank  believes that the claims  lack merit and intends to
defend the  cases  vigorously.  Although Anchorage  Fire  &  Casualty  Insurance
Company,  in Liquidation,  acting through  Jeanne Barnes  Bryant, Special Deputy
Commissioner and Liquidator under the Liquidation  Order dated May 13, 1993,  is
also the Selling Shareholder in this Offering, the sale of shares by the Selling
Shareholder will not release or waive any of the Liquidator's asserted claims in
these cases.
    

   
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                                       42
<PAGE>
                           REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

GENERAL

    The  Company and the Bank are subject  to the generally applicable state and
federal laws governing businesses  and employers. The Company  and the Bank  are
further  extensively regulated by special state and federal laws and regulations
applicable only to financial institutions and their parent companies.  Virtually
all  aspects  of the  Company's and  Bank's operations  are subject  to specific
requirements  or  restrictions  and  general  regulatory  oversight,  from  laws
regulating  consumer finance transactions, such as the Truth in Lending Act, the
Home Mortgage  Disclosure Act  and the  Equal Credit  Opportunity Act,  to  laws
regulating  collections and  confidentiality, such  as the  Fair Debt Collection
Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Right to Financial  Privacy
Act. With few exceptions, state and federal banking laws have as their principal
objective  either  the  maintenance of  the  safety and  soundness  of financial
institutions and  the federal  deposit  insurance system  or the  protection  of
consumers  or  classes  of consumers,  rather  than the  specific  protection of
shareholders of  the  Company.  To  the extent  that  the  following  discussion
describes statutory or regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by
reference  to the  particular statute  or regulation.  Any change  in applicable
laws, regulations  or policies  of  various regulatory  authorities may  have  a
material effect on the business, operations and prospects of the Company and the
Bank.  The Company is unable to predict the  nature or the extent of the effects
on its business or earnings that  fiscal or monetary policies, economic  control
or new federal or state legislation may have in the future.

REGULATION OF THE COMPANY

    The Company is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended ("BHCA"), and therefore is subject to regulation
and supervision by the FRB. The Company is required to file reports with, and to
furnish such other information as, the FRB may require pursuant to the BHCA, and
to  subject itself to examination by the FRB. The FRB has the authority to issue
orders to  bank holding  companies  to cease  and  desist from  unsound  banking
practices  and violations of conditions imposed  by, or violations of agreements
with, the FRB.  The FRB  is also empowered  to assess  civil monetary  penalties
against  companies or individuals who violate  the BHCA or orders or regulations
thereunder, to  order  termination  of  non-banking  activities  of  non-banking
subsidiaries  of bank holding  companies, and to  order termination of ownership
and control  of a  non-banking subsidiary  by a  bank holding  company.  Certain
violations  may  also result  in criminal  penalties. The  OCC is  authorized to
exercise comparable authority with respect to the Bank.

    The FRB takes the position that a bank holding company is required to  serve
as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks and may
not  conduct its operations in  an unsafe or unsound  manner. In addition, it is
the FRB's position that, in  serving as a source  of strength to its  subsidiary
banks,  a bank holding company should stand  ready to use available resources to
provide adequate  capital  funds  to  its subsidiary  banks  during  periods  of
financial  stress or adversity and should maintain the financial flexibility and
capital-raising capacity  to  obtain  additional  resources  for  assisting  its
subsidiary  banks. A bank  holding company's failure to  meet its obligations to
serve as  a  source  of strength  to  its  subsidiary banks  will  generally  be
considered  by  the  FRB to  be  an unsafe  and  unsound banking  practice  or a
violation of the FRB regulations or both. This doctrine has become known as  the
"source  of strength"  doctrine. In addition,  statutory changes  in the Federal
Deposit Insurance  Act  (the  "FDIA")  made by  the  Federal  Deposit  Insurance
Corporation  Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA")  now require the holding company
parent of  an undercapitalized  bank to  guarantee, up  to certain  limits,  the
bank's compliance with a capital restoration plan approved by the bank's primary
federal supervisory agency.

    The  BHCA  and the  Change in  Bank Control  Act, together  with regulations
promulgated by the FRB, require that, depending on the particular circumstances,
either FRB approval must be obtained or notice must be furnished to the FRB  and
not  disapproved prior to  any person or  company acquiring "control"  of a bank
holding company, such as the Company, subject to certain exemptions for  certain
transactions.  Control is  conclusively presumed  to exist  if an  individual or
company acquires 25%  or more  of any  class of  voting securities  of the  bank
holding  company. Control is  rebuttably presumed to exist  if a person acquires
10% or more but less than 25% of  any class of voting securities and either  the
company has registered securities

                                       43
<PAGE>
under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or no other
person  will  own  a  greater  percentage of  that  class  of  voting securities
immediately after  the  transaction. The  regulations  provide a  procedure  for
challenge  of the rebuttable control presumption. Control is rebuttably presumed
not to  exist  if a  company  acquires  less than  5%  of any  class  of  voting
securities of a bank or a bank holding company.

    As  a bank holding company, the Company is required to obtain approval prior
to merging or consolidating with any  other bank holding company, acquiring  all
or substantially all of the assets of any bank or acquiring ownership or control
of  shares of  a bank  or bank  holding company  if, after  the acquisition, the
Company would directly or  indirectly own or  control 5% or  more of the  voting
shares of such bank or bank holding company.

    The  Company is also prohibited from acquiring a direct or indirect interest
in or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company which is not a
bank or  bank  holding company  and  from  engaging directly  or  indirectly  in
activities  other  than  those  of banking,  managing  or  controlling  banks or
furnishing services to its  subsidiary banks, except that  it may engage in  and
may own shares of companies engaged in certain activities found by the FRB to be
so  closely related  to banking  or managing  and controlling  banks as  to be a
proper incident thereto.  These activities  include, among  others, operating  a
mortgage,  finance, credit card,  or factoring company;  performing certain data
processing operations; providing investment and  financial advice; acting as  an
insurance  agent for certain types of credit-related insurance; leasing personal
property on  a full-payout,  non-operating basis;  and providing  certain  stock
brokerage  and investment  advisory services.  In approving  acquisitions or the
addition of  activities,  the  FRB  considers whether  the  acquisition  or  the
additional  activities can  reasonably be  expected to  produce benefits  to the
public,  such  as  greater  convenience,  increased  competition,  or  gains  in
efficiency,  that outweigh such possible  adverse effects as undue concentration
of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest or  unsound
banking practices. In considering any application for approval of an acquisition
or  merger, the FRB  is also required  to consider the  financial and managerial
resources of the companies and the  banks concerned, as well as the  applicant's
record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (the "CRA").

    The  BHCA  generally  imposes  certain limitations  on  transactions  by and
between banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System and other banks and
non-bank companies in the same holding company structure, including  limitations
on  extensions  of  credit  (including  guarantees  of  loans)  by  the  Bank to
affiliates, investments in the stock or  other securities of the Company by  the
Bank,  and the nature and amount of collateral that the Bank may accept from any
affiliate to  secure  loans  extended  to the  affiliate.  The  Company,  as  an
affiliate of the Bank, is also subject to these restrictions. Under the BHCA and
the  FRB's  regulations,  a  bank  holding  company  and  its  subsidiaries  are
prohibited from engaging in certain  tie-in arrangements in connection with  any
extension of credit, lease or sale of property or furnishing of services.

    As  of September 30, 1995, the  Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching
Act of 1994  (the "Interstate  Banking Act") allows  adequately capitalized  and
managed  bank holding  companies to  acquire banks  in any  state, regardless of
whether the  acquisition  would  be  prohibited  by  applicable  state  law.  An
out-of-state  bank holding company seeking to  acquire ownership or control of a
Texas state bank, a national bank located  in Texas or any bank holding  company
owning  or controlling  a state bank  or a  national bank located  in Texas must
obtain the prior approval of both the FRB and the Banking Commissioner of Texas.
In addition, under the  Interstate Banking Act, a  bank holding company and  its
insured  depository institution affiliates may not complete an acquisition which
would cause it to control more than 10% of total deposits in insured  depository
institutions  nationwide or to control 30% or  more of total deposits in insured
depository institutions in  the home state  of the target  bank. However,  state
deposit  concentration  caps adopted  by various  states, such  as the  State of
Texas, which limit control of in-state insured deposits to a greater extent than
the Interstate Banking Act will be given effect. The State of Texas has  adopted
a  deposit concentration cap of 25% of in-state insured deposits; therefore, the
Texas state deposit concentration  cap will lower  the otherwise applicable  30%
federal  deposit concentration cap. Additionally, state provisions regarding the
minimum years  the target  has  been in  existence  will be  honored;  provided,
however, acquisitions may be

                                       44
<PAGE>
approved  when the target  bank has been  in existence for  at least five years,
notwithstanding state  provisions to  the contrary.  The minimum  age  provision
adopted  by the State of  Texas is five years  and therefore this provision will
not be preempted by the federal provision.

    The Interstate Banking  Act will  also allow  out-of-state branches  through
interstate  mergers commencing June 1, 1997, provided that each bank involved in
the merger is adequately capitalized and managed. States are permitted, however,
to pass legislation either providing for  earlier approval of mergers with  out-
of-state  banks or  "opting-out" of  interstate mergers  entirely, provided such
legislation  applies  equally  to  all  out-of-state  banks.  Texas  has  passed
legislation  to  "opt  out"  of  interstate  mergers  entirely  until  1999. The
Interstate Banking  Act  also  provides  for  interstate  mergers  involving  an
out-of-state  bank's  acquisition of  a branch  of an  insured bank  without the
acquisition of the entire bank, if permitted  under the laws of the state  where
the  branch  is located.  The  deposit concentration  caps  and the  minimum age
provisions applicable to interstate bank  acquisitions also apply to  interstate
bank mergers.

    The  Interstate Banking Act also provides for de novo branches in a state if
that state expressly elects to permit de novo branching on a  non-discriminatory
basis.  A "de novo branch" is defined as  a branch office of a national or state
bank that is originally established as a branch and does not become a branch  as
a  result  of  an  acquisition, conversion,  merger  or  consolidation.  De novo
interstate branching is subject to the same conditions applicable to  interstate
mergers  under  the Interstate  Banking  Act, other  than  deposit concentration
limits.

REGULATION OF THE BANK

    The Bank  is a  national banking  association and  therefore is  subject  to
regulation,  supervision, and examination by the OCC.  The Bank is also a member
of the FRB and  the FDIC. Requirements  and restrictions under  the laws of  the
United  States  include  the  requirement that  reserves  be  maintained against
deposits, restrictions on the nature and the amount of loans which can be  made,
restrictions on the business activities in which a bank may engage, restrictions
on  the payment of dividends to  shareholders, and minimum capital requirements.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results  of
Operations  -- Capital Resources".  As discussed above,  the OCC has enforcement
authority over the Bank that is similar to  that of the FRB with respect to  the
Company.  In addition,  upon making certain  determinations with  respect to the
condition of any insured national bank, such as the Bank, the FDIC may begin  to
terminate a bank's federal deposit insurance.

    There  are  certain statutory  limitations on  the  payment of  dividends by
national banks. Without approval of the OCC, dividends may not be paid in excess
of a bank's total net profits for  that year, plus its retained profits for  the
preceding  two  years,  less  any  required  transfers  to  capital  surplus. In
addition, a national  bank may  not pay dividends  in excess  of total  retained
profits,  including current year's earnings.  In some cases, the  OCC may find a
dividend payment that  meets these  statutory requirements  to be  an unsafe  or
unsound practice.

    Federal and Texas state laws generally limit the amount of interest and fees
which  lenders, including the  Bank, may charge  regarding loans. The applicable
law, and the applicable limits, may vary depending upon, among other things, the
identity, nature and location of the lender, and the type of loan or collateral.
In Texas,  the maximum  interest  rate applicable  to  most loans  changes  with
changes  in the average auction rate for  United States Treasury Bills, but does
not decline below 18% or rise above  24% (except for certain loans in excess  of
$250,000 for which the maximum annual rate may not rise above 28%). However, the
interest  which may be  charged on an IPF  loan is regulated  by the Texas State
Board of Insurance. See "Business -- Insurance Premium Financing".

    National banks  domiciled in  Texas  are permitted  to engage  in  unlimited
branch  banking,  subject to  the prior  approval  of the  OCC to  establish any
branch.

    Banks are affected  by the  credit policies of  other monetary  authorities,
including  the  FRB,  which affect  the  national  supply of  bank  credit. Such
policies  influence   overall   growth   of   bank   loans,   investments,   and

                                       45
<PAGE>
deposits  and  may also  affect  interest rates  charged  on loans  and  paid on
deposits. The monetary policies of the FRB have had a significant effect on  the
operating  results of commercial banks in the  past and are expected to continue
to do so in the future.

    FDICIA requires the OCC to take  "prompt corrective action" with respect  to
any  national bank which  does not meet  specified minimum capital requirements.
The  applicable  regulations  establish   five  capital  levels,  ranging   from
"well-capitalized"  to "critically undercapitalized," and  require or permit the
OCC to take supervisory action regarding any national bank that is not at  least
"adequately  capitalized".  Under  these  regulations,  which  became  effective
December 19, 1992, a national  bank is considered well  capitalized if it has  a
total  risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier I risk-based capital
ratio of 6.0% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, and it is not
subject to an order, written agreement, capital directive, or prompt  corrective
action  directive to meet and maintain a  specific capital level for any capital
measure. A national  bank is  considered "adequately  capitalized" if  it has  a
total  risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or  greater, a Tier I risk-based capital
ratio and leverage capital ratio of 4.0% or greater (or a leverage ratio of 3.0%
or greater if the institution is rated composite 1 in its most recent report  of
examination,  subject to appropriate federal banking agency guidelines), and the
institution does not meet the  definition of an undercapitalized institution.  A
national  bank is  considered "undercapitalized"  if it  has a  total risk-based
capital ratio that is less  than 8%, a Tier I  risk-based capital ratio that  is
less  than 4%, or a leverage  ratio that is less than  4.0% (or a leverage ratio
that is less  than 3.0%  if the  institution is rated  composite 1  in its  most
recent  report  of examination,  subject to  appropriate federal  banking agency
guidelines). A "significantly undercapitalized" institution  is one which has  a
total  risk-based capital  ratio that  is less  than 6.0%,  a Tier  I risk-based
capital ratio that  is less than  3.0%, or a  leverage ratio that  is less  than
3.0%.  A "critically undercapitalized"  institution is one which  has a ratio of
tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%.

    With certain  exceptions,  national banks  will  be prohibited  from  making
capital  distributions  or  paying  management  fees  if  the  payment  of  such
distributions or fees will cause  them to become undercapitalized.  Furthermore,
undercapitalized  national banks  will be  required to  file capital restoration
plans with the  OCC. Undercapitalized  national banks  also will  be subject  to
restrictions  on growth,  acquisitions, branching and  engaging in  new lines of
business unless they have an approved  capital plan that permits otherwise.  The
OCC  also may, among other things,  require an undercapitalized national bank to
issue shares or obligations,  which could be voting  stock, to recapitalize  the
institution or, under certain circumstances, to divest itself of any subsidiary.

    The  OCC  is  authorized to  take  various enforcement  actions  against any
significantly undercapitalized national bank  and any undercapitalized  national
bank  that fails to  submit an acceptable  capital restoration plan  or fails to
implement a plan accepted  by the OCC. The  powers include, among other  things,
requiring  the  institution  to  be  recapitalized,  prohibiting  asset  growth,
restricting  interest   rates  paid,   requiring  prior   approval  of   capital
distributions  by  any  bank  holding company  which  controls  the institution,
requiring divestiture by the institution of  its subsidiaries or by the  holding
company  of the institution  itself, requiring a new  election of directors, and
requiring the dismissal of directors and officers.

    Significantly and critically undercapitalized national banks may be  subject
to  more  extensive  control and  supervision.  The  OCC may  prohibit  any such
institutions from, among  other things, entering  into any material  transaction
not  in the ordinary course  of business, amending their  charters or bylaws, or
engaging in  certain  transactions  with  affiliates.  In  addition,  critically
undercapitalized  institutions generally will be prohibited from making payments
of principal or interest on outstanding  subordinated debt. Within 90 days of  a
national  bank's becoming  critically undercapitalized,  the OCC  must appoint a
receiver or conservator  unless certain findings  are made with  respect to  the
prospect for the institution's continued viability.

    Based  on  its  capital  ratios  as of  September  30,  1995,  the  Bank was
classified as "well capitalized" under  the applicable regulations. The  Company
does  not believe that  FDICIA's prompt corrective  action regulations will have
any material effect on the activities or operations of the Bank. However, if the
Bank were to become undercapitalized and these restrictions were to be  imposed,
the  restrictions,  either  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  could  have a
significant adverse effect on the operations of the Bank, and, as a result,  the
ability  of the Company to pay dividends on the Common Stock or service any cash
flow needs.

                                       46
<PAGE>
CURRENT REGULATORY ISSUES

    In  late 1993, the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States proposed a
wide-ranging restructuring of the bank  regulatory system in the United  States,
including  the merger  or other combination  of the  FRB, the OCC  and the FDIC,
among others. As of the date of this prospectus, the legislation to effect  such
a  restructuring has  not yet been  introduced in  Congress and there  can be no
certainty as to  the effect, if  any, that  such legislation would  have on  the
regulation of the Company or the Bank.

    FDICIA  requires the FDIC to establish a schedule to increase (over a period
of not more  than 15  years) the  reserve ratio of  the BIF,  which insures  the
deposits of the Bank to a maximum of $100,000 per depositor, to 1.25% of insured
deposits,  and  impose  higher deposit  insurance  premiums of  BIF  members, if
necessary, to  achieve  that  ratio. Generally,  banks  are  assessed  insurance
premiums  according to  how much risk  they are  deemed to present  to BIF. Such
premiums ranged from 0.23% of insured  deposits to 0.31% of insured deposits  in
1994  and 1995. Banks with higher levels of  capital and which have earned a low
degree of supervisory concern are assessed lower premiums than banks with  lower
levels  of capital or  a higher degree  of supervisory concern.  During 1994 and
1995 (until a new rate structure) the Bank was assessed at the rate of $0.23 per
$100 of  deposits. On  August 8,  1995, the  FDIC Board  of Directors  voted  to
significantly  reduce the  deposit insurance premium  paid by most  banks but to
keep existing assessment rates  intact for savings  associations. Under the  new
rate  structure,  which went  into effect  in October,  1995, the  highest rated
institutions insured by BIF  pay $0.04 per $100  of domestic deposits. Based  on
the  risk  category applicable  to the  Bank, the  premium paid  by the  Bank is
presently $.04 per  $100 of deposit.  On November 14,  1995, the FDIC  announced
that  commencing in 1996  it would eliminate insurance  deposit premiums for all
but the banks warranting the highest level of supervisory concern.

    FDICIA  contains  numerous  other  provisions,  including  new   accounting,
auditing  and reporting requirements, the termination (beginning in 1995) of the
"too big to fail" doctrine except in special cases, new regulatory standards  in
areas  such as asset  quality, earnings and  compensation and revised regulatory
standards for the  powers of state  chartered banks, real  estate lending,  bank
closures and capital adequacy.

    Under  CRA, a bank's  applicable regulatory authority (which  is the OCC for
the Bank) is required to assess  the record of each financial institution  which
it  regulates to  determine if  the institution  meets the  credit needs  of its
entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods served by the
institution, and  to take  that record  into account  in its  evaluation of  any
application  made by such  institution for, among other  things, approval of the
acquisition or establishment of  a branch or other  deposit facility, an  office
relocation,  a merger, or the acquisition of  shares of capital stock of another
financial institution. The regulatory authority prepares a written evaluation of
an institution's record of meeting the credit needs of its entire community  and
assigns a rating. The Bank has undertaken significant actions to comply with the
CRA.  The Bank  has received  a "satisfactory"  commendation in  its most recent
review by federal regulators with respect  to its compliance with the CRA.  Both
the  United States Congress and the banking regulatory authorities have proposed
substantial changes to the CRA and fair lending laws, rules and regulations, and
there can be no certainty as to the effect, if any, that any such changes  would
have on the Bank.

CAPITAL ADEQUACY GUIDELINES

    Capital  management consists of providing equity to support both current and
future operations.  The  Company is  subject  to capital  adequacy  requirements
issued  by the FRB, and  the Bank is subject  to similar requirements imposed by
the OCC.

    Specifically, the various  federal bank regulatory  agencies, including  the
FRB and the OCC, have adopted risk-based capital requirements for assessing bank
holding  company and bank  capital adequacy. These  standards define capital and
establish minimum capital  requirements in  relation to  assets and  off-balance
sheet  exposure,  adjusted for  credit  risk. The  risk-based  capital standards
currently in effect are  designed to make  regulatory capital requirements  more
sensitive to differences in risk profile among bank holding companies and banks,
to  account for  off-balance sheet  exposure and  to minimize  disincentives for
holding liquid assets. Assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to  broad
risk  categories,  each with  appropriate relative  risk weights.  The resulting
capital ratios represent capital as  a percentage of total risk-weighted  assets
and  off-balance sheet items. On  September 14, 1993, the  FRB together with the
FDIC and

                                       47
<PAGE>
the OCC jointly proposed  new rules implementing an  interest rate risk  ("IRR")
component  to the  risk-based standards  as required  by FDICIA.  The effect the
proposed IRR rule will  have on the Bank's  risk-based capital requirements,  if
any, cannot be determined until the rule is finalized.

    The  minimum  standard  for the  ratio  of capital  to  risk-weighted assets
(including certain off-balance  sheet obligations,  such as  standby letters  of
credit)  is 8.0%. At least half of the risk-based capital must consist of common
equity, retained  earnings,  and  qualifying  perpetual  preferred  stock,  less
deductions  for goodwill and  various other intangibles  ("Tier I capital"). The
remainder may consist of a limited  amount of subordinated debt, certain  hybrid
capital  instruments and other  debt securities, preferred  stock, and a limited
amount of the general valuation allowance  for loan losses ("Tier II  capital").
The sum of Tier I capital and Tier II capital is "total risk-based capital."

    The  FRB (for  the Company)  and the  OCC (for  the Bank)  have also adopted
guidelines which supplement  the risk-based  capital guidelines  with a  minimum
leverage ratio of Tier I capital to average total consolidated assets ("leverage
ratio")  of 3% for  institutions with well diversified  risk (including no undue
interest rate exposure; excellent asset quality; high liquidity; good earnings);
that  are  generally  considered  to  be  strong  banking  organizations  (rated
composite  1 under applicable federal guidelines); and that are not experiencing
or anticipating significant growth. Other banking organizations are required  to
maintain  a leverage ratio of at least 4.0% to 5.0%. These rules further provide
that banking organizations experiencing  internal growth or making  acquisitions
will  be expected to maintain capital  positions substantially above the minimum
supervisory levels and  comparable to peer  group averages, without  significant
reliance  on intangible assets. The FRB continues to consider a "tangible Tier I
leverage ratio" in evaluating proposals for expanding activities by bank holding
companies. The  tangible  Tier  I leverage  ratio  is  the ratio  of  a  banking
organization's  Tier  I  capital  (less  deductions  for  intangibles  otherwise
includable in Tier I capital) to total tangible assets.

    As of September 30, 1995, the Company's Tier I risk-based capital ratio  was
10.17%, its total risk-based capital ratio was 11.14% and its leverage ratio was
6.4%, which equaled or exceeded the federal minimum regulatory requirements.

    Bank  regulators  may  raise  capital  requirements  applicable  to  banking
organizations beyond current levels. However,  the Company is unable to  predict
whether  higher capital requirements will be imposed  and, if so, at what levels
and on what  schedules, and  therefore cannot  predict what  effect such  higher
requirements may have on the Company and the Bank.

    For  an analysis of the Company's  and the Bank's capital, see "Management's
Discussion and  Analysis of  Financial Condition  and Results  of Operations  --
Capital Resources" and "Recent Unaudited Selected Consolidated Financial Data."

                                       48
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

    The   Company  elected  eight  directors  at   the  annual  meeting  of  the
shareholders in April 1995. All directors  are elected annually and hold  office
until  the next annual meeting of shareholders, expected to be held in May 1996,
or until their respective successors have been duly elected and have  qualified.
The  following  table provides  information  about the  directors  and executive
officers of the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND AGE; YEARS SERVED
        AS DIRECTOR                     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR PAST FIVE YEARS; OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
- ---------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>
C. Jack Bean                 C. Jack Bean has  been Chairman of the  Board and a director  of the Company  since
Age 67                        March  1987, and served as President of the  Company from March 1987 to July 1992.
Director Since 1987           Mr. Bean was  the owner  and founder of  Surety Finance  Company, the  predecessor
                              company  to the Company's business,  from 1985 until March  1987. He has served as
                              Chairman of the Board and a director of the Bank since December 1989.
G. M. Heinzelmann, III       G. M. Heinzelmann,  III has been  President of the  Company since July  1992 and  a
Age 33                        director of the Company since July 1993. He previously served as Vice President of
Director Since 1993           the  Company from May 1987 to July 1992. Mr. Heinzelmann has served as Senior Vice
                              President and a director  of the Bank  since December 1989 and  as Manager of  the
                              Insurance  Premium Finance  Division of  the Company,  and subsequently  the Bank,
                              since May 1987. He has also served as Secretary, Treasurer and a director of Brian
                              Capital, Inc., a non-operating publicly held corporation, since November 1988.
Bobby W. Hackler             Bobby W. Hackler has been Vice President and Secretary of the Company since January
Age 49                        1992. He served as  Chief Financial Officer  of the Company  from January 1992  to
Director Since 1994           October 1995. He has served as President of the Bank since February 1994, as Chief
                              Executive Officer of the Bank since July 1992, and as a director of the Bank since
                              December 1990. Mr. Hackler previously served as the Bank's Chief Operating Officer
                              from  January 1992 to July 1992, as  its Senior Vice President and Controller from
                              March 1991 to December 1991, and as its Vice President and Controller from January
                              1990 to March 1991.
William B. Byrd              William B. Byrd has served  as a director of the  Company since April 1993. He  has
Age 63                        been  involved  in  personal  investment  activities,  real  estate  brokerage and
Director Since 1993           management, and  ranching for  the  past five  years. Mr.  Byrd  has served  as  a
                              director of the Bank since January 1994.
Joseph S. Hardin             Joseph  S. Hardin has served as a director  of the Company since April 1989. He has
Age 79                        been involved  in personal  investment activities  for the  past five  years.  Mr.
Director Since 1989           Hardin has served as a director of the Bank since May 1994.
Michael L. Milam             Michael  L. Milam has  served as a director  of the Company since  May 1994. He has
Age 43                        been president of Dallas Fire Insurance Company, a licensed Texas stock  insurance
Director Since 1994           company, since December 1988. Mr. Milam has served as a director of the Bank since
                              May 1994.
Garrett Morris               Garrett  Morris has served as a director of the Company since May 1994. He has been
Age 69                        a member of the law firm of Morris and Schiffer since 1989. Mr. Morris has  served
Director Since 1994           as a director of the Bank since May 1994.
Cullen W. Turner             Cullen  W. Turner has served as a director  of the Company since March 1987. He has
Age 54                        been involved  in personal  investment activities  for the  past five  years.  Mr.
Director Since 1987           Turner has served as a director of the Bank since December 1993.
</TABLE>

                                       49
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND AGE; YEARS SERVED
        AS DIRECTOR                     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR PAST FIVE YEARS; OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
- ---------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>
B. J. Curley                 B.J.  Curley has served as the Company's Chief Financial Officer and Vice President
Age 31                        since October 1995. Since December 1994  he has served as Chief Financial  Officer
                              of  the Bank and since May 1993 has served as the Bank's Controller. Prior to May,
                              1993, he served as controller for Environmental Engineering & Geotechnics.
</TABLE>

    G. M. Heinzelmann,  III, President  and a director  of the  Company, is  the
son-in-law  of C. Jack  Bean, Chairman of  the Board of  the Company. Otherwise,
there is no family relationship between  any of the directors and any  executive
officer of the Company.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

    SUMMARY  OF  CASH  AND  CERTAIN OTHER  COMPENSATION.    The  following table
provides certain summary information concerning compensation paid or accrued  by
the  Company to or  on behalf of the  Company's Chairman of  the Board and Chief
Executive Officer and each  of the two other  most highly compensated  executive
officers  of the  Company (determined  as of  the end  of the  last fiscal year)
(hereafter referred to as the "named  executive officers") for the fiscal  years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993:

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
                              ANNUAL COMPENSATION

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     NAME AND                                                            OTHER ANNUAL        ALL OTHER
                PRINCIPAL POSITION                     YEAR     SALARY (1)    BONUS    COMPENSATION (2)  COMPENSATION (3)
- ---------------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------------  -----------------
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>               <C>
C. Jack Bean                                              1995  $  111,350  $  17,000           --           $   4,000
 Chairman of the Board and Chief                          1994  $  107,653  $  14,500           --           $   3,740
 Executive Officer of the Company;                        1993  $   87,740  $   8,700           --           $   2,126
 Chairman of the Board of the Bank
G. M. Heinzelmann, III                                    1995  $   77,475  $  12,000           --           $   3,150
 President of the Company; Senior                         1994  $   71,872  $  10,100           --           $   2,600
 Vice President of the Bank                               1993  $   60,855  $   6,050           --           $   1,477
Bobby W. Hackler                                          1995  $   85,125  $  13,000           --           $   6,125
 Vice President, Secretary and Chief                      1994  $   78,879  $  11,100           --           $   2,857
 Financial Officer of the Company;                        1993  $   66,793  $   6,650           --           $   1,623
 President and Chief Executive Officer
 of the Bank
</TABLE>
    

- ------------------------
(1) Includes  salary and directors' fees paid  by the Company, before any salary
    reduction for contributions in 1994 and  1993 to the Company's Savings  Plan
    under  Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue  Code of 1986, as amended (the
    "Code").

(2) Excludes perquisites and  other personal benefits,  securities, or  property
    which,  in the aggregate, do not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or ten percent
    (10%) of  the annual  salary and  bonus, if  any, for  each named  executive
    officer.

(3) The  total amounts  shown in this  column consist  of matching contributions
    under the Company's Savings Plan under Section 401(k) of the Code, which was
    adopted by the Company in 1993 and includes the compensation associated with
    the use of a company vehicle. The amounts shown in this column for 1995  are
    estimates.

    1995  STOCK  OPTION  PLAN.    At the  annual  meeting  in  April,  1995, the
shareholders of the  Company adopted  the 1995  Incentive Stock  Option Plan  of
Surety  Capital Corporation  (the "1995  Stock Plan").  The purpose  of the 1995
Stock Plan  is to  permit officers  and key  employees of  the Company  and  its
subsidiaries  (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to acquire a proprietary
interest in the Company, thereby

                                       50
<PAGE>
providing them with an additional incentive for further promoting the success of
the Company's business operations and encouraging them to remain as officers and
key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries.

    All executive  officers and  other  key personnel  of  the Company  who  are
active,  full-time  employees  of  the  Company  or  its  subsidiaries,  and who
otherwise qualify under the 1995 Stock Plan, are eligible to participate in  the
1995  Stock Plan.  However, members  of the  Board who  are not  employed by the
Company or any  of its subsidiaries  on a full  time basis are  not eligible  to
participate in the 1995 Stock Plan.

    The  1995  Stock Plan  is administered  by the  Stock Option  Committee (the
"Committee"), which is comprised of five members of the Board, none of whom  are
eligible  to receive options under the 1995 Stock Plan while serving as a member
of the Committee and who have been ineligible to receive options under the  1995
Stock  Plan or any other  stock option or stock  appreciation rights plan of the
Company (including the 1988  Incentive Stock Option Plan  of the Company) for  a
period  of at least one year prior to  the date of their appointment as a member
of the Committee. The Committee is  empowered (i) to construe and interpret  the
1995  Stock  Plan and  all  options granted  thereunder,  (ii) to  recommend the
individuals to whom and the time or times at which options will be granted,  the
number of shares to be subject to each option and the option exercise price, and
(iii)   to  make  all  other  determinations  necessary  or  advisable  for  the
administration of the 1995 Stock Plan.

    Subject to provisions for proportionate adjustment occasioned by changes  in
the  Company's capital structure, a  total of 100,000 shares  of Common Stock of
the Company have been set aside under the 1995 Stock Plan for use upon  exercise
of  options granted thereunder. As of January 30, 1996 options have been granted
under the 1995 Stock Plan covering 15,000 shares of the Company's Common  Stock.
Options  under the  1995 Stock Plan  must be  granted on or  before February 20,
2005, and the options by their terms  may not be exercised after ten years  from
the  date the options are granted. The  exercise price for options granted under
the 1995 Stock Plan is determined by the Committee, except that in no event  may
such  exercise price be less than the  fair market value of the Company's Common
Stock on the date of the  grant. In the event an  option is granted to a  person
who,  at the  time the option  is granted,  owns stock possessing  more than ten
percent of  the total  combined voting  power of  all classes  of stock  of  the
Company,  the exercise price at the time the  option is granted must be at least
110% of the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock. The aggregate  fair
market  value (determined at the time the  options are granted) of the Company's
Common Stock with respect to which options of a participant are exercisable  for
the first time during any calendar year under the 1995 Stock Plan, together with
any  options granted to such participant under  any other plan of the Company or
its subsidiaries, may not exceed $100,000. The proceeds from the sale of  shares
of  Common Stock  pursuant to  options granted  under the  1995 Stock  Plan will
constitute general corporate funds of the Company.

                                       51
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS

    As  of  December 31,  1995, the  three executive  officers named  below held
options granted under the Company's 1988 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the  "1988
Plan")  covering 55,214  shares of  Common Stock.  No additional  options may be
granted under  the  1988  Plan.  The following  table  provides  information  on
incentive  stock  options granted  in fiscal  year 1995  to the  named executive
officers under the  1988 Plan  as of  December 31,  1995. No  options have  been
granted under the 1995 Stock Plan during 1995.

                     OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1995 (1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                                 INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                                     VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                           ------------------------------                              ANNUAL RATES OF
                                            NUMBER OF                                                    STOCK PRICE
                                           SECURITIES   PERCENT OF TOTAL                               APPRECIATION FOR
                                           UNDERLYING    OPTIONS GRANTED   EXERCISE OR                   OPTION TERM
                                             OPTIONS     TO EMPLOYEES IN   BASE PRICE   EXPIRATION   --------------------
NAME                                       GRANTED (2)     FISCAL YEAR      ($/SH)(3)      DATE       5% (4)     10% (4)
- -----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>                <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
C. Jack Bean.............................      16,266             41%       $   3.125       1-3-00   $  14,044  $  31,033
G. M. Heinzelmann, III...................      11,175             28%       $   3.125       1-3-00   $   9,648  $  21,320
Bobby W. Hackler.........................      12,328             31%       $   3.125       1-3-00   $  10,644  $  23,520
</TABLE>

- ------------------------
(1) This table reflects incentive stock options granted on January 3, 1995 under
    the  Company's  1988 Plan  to the  named  executive officers.  These options
    vested on the date  of grant. The  options have been granted  for a term  of
    five  years, subject to  earlier termination upon  the occurrence of certain
    events related to termination of  employment. See "Management -- 1988  Stock
    Option Plan" for a discussion of the 1988 Plan.

(2) Under  the terms  of the  1988 Plan,  the Committee  retains the discretion,
    subject to the 1988 Plan limits, to modify the terms of outstanding options.

(3) Based on 100% of the fair market  value of the shares underlying options  on
    the date of grant.

(4) The dollar amounts under these columns are the result of calculations of the
    potential  realizable value under the 5% and 10% rates set by the Securities
    and Exchange  Commission.  The assumed  appreciation  rates of  5%  and  10%
    (compounded  annually on the $3.125 market value  at date of grant) from the
    date of grant are not intended to forecast possible future appreciation,  if
    any,  of the Company's stock price.  These amounts show potential realizable
    value of the options at the end of the five year term.

    OPTIONS EXERCISES AND  HOLDINGS.  The  following table provides  information
with  respect  to  the  named  executive  officers  concerning  the  exercise of
incentive stock options during  the last fiscal  year and unexercised  incentive
stock options held as of December 31, 1995:

                          AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES
                              IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                            AND FY-END OPTION VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     VALUE OF
                                                                                                   UNEXERCISED
                                                                                    NUMBER OF      IN-THE-MONEY
                                                                                   UNEXERCISED      OPTIONS AT
                                                                                   OPTIONS AT       FY-END ($)
                                                                                   FY-END (#)    ----------------
                                                                                  -------------    EXERCISABLE/
                                                   SHARES ACQUIRED     VALUE      EXERCISABLE/    UNEXERCISABLE
NAME                                               ON EXERCISE (#)  REALIZED ($)  UNEXERCISABLE        (1)
- -------------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------  -------------  ----------------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>           <C>            <C>
C. Jack Bean.....................................        16,266     $  30,498.75     11,900/-0-     $     -0-/-0-
G. M. Heinzelmann, III...........................             0     $          0     21,960/-0-     $7,217.33/-0-
Bobby W. Hackler.................................             0     $          0     21,354/-0-     $4,623.00/-0-
</TABLE>

- ------------------------
(1) Market  value of  underlying securities as  of the  fiscal year-end ($3.50),
    minus the exercise or base price.

                                       52
<PAGE>
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

    In 1995, the Company entered into an Executive Life Insurance Agreement with
Messrs. Hackler and Heinzelmann  pursuant to which the  Company has purchased  a
$250,000  insurance policy on  their respective lives. The  Company will pay the
premiums on such policies, which are  owned by the insureds, until the  insureds
reach  age  65. If  the insured  is terminated  prior to  reaching age  65 under
certain circumstances, the Company is obligated to continue to pay the  premiums
on  the policy until the insured reaches age  65 or dies. The annual premiums on
each such policy are approximately $2,500.

    The Company is a  party to termination of  employment and change in  control
agreements  with  certain  of its  employees.  While these  agreements  were not
adopted to deter takeovers, they may have an incidental anti-takeover effect  by
making  it more expensive  for a bidder  to acquire control  of the Company. The
Company believes that these agreements are  in the best interest of the  Company
in  order to encourage the continued attention  and dedication of members of the
Company's management to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of
potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in
control of the Company.  Specifically, the Company  has entered into  agreements
with  C. Jack Bean,  Chairman of the  Board, G. M.  Heinzelmann, III, President,
Bobby W.  Hackler,  Senior Vice  President,  and B.J.  Curley,  Vice  President,
providing that, if there is a change in control of the Company and any or all of
such  employees are  terminated as  employees of  the Company  or are materially
relieved of their duties, the Company will pay to such employee three times  his
annual  base salary at the  time of termination or relief  from duties as a lump
sum severance payment  or the equivalent  value in Common  Stock of the  Company
based  upon the  prevailing market  price for  the Common  Stock at  the time of
termination or  relief from  duties. A  change  in control  of the  Company  for
purposes  of  the  agreements is  (i)  the acquisition  of  20% or  more  of the
Company's outstanding voting  securities by any  person or entity  other than  a
fiduciary  of an employee benefit  plan of the Company, or  (ii) a change in the
persons constituting a majority of the Board of Directors over a two year period
unless the election of each  person who was not a  director at the beginning  of
the  two  years  was approved  in  advance  by directors  representing  at least
two-thirds of the directors then in  office who were directors at the  beginning
of the period.

    The Company has entered into Executive Deferred Compensation Agreements with
Messers. Hackler and Heinzelmann under which each is entitled to receive certain
deferred  compensation payments from the Company  after age 65. If employment is
terminated prior to age  65 due to  a change in  control, disability, death,  or
other  than for cause, each officer will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal
to the cash  surrender value of  a designated universal  key man life  insurance
policy.  The Company  is not required  to reserve  or accrue funds  to make such
payments.

    From time to time, the Bank makes loans to officers, directors and principal
shareholders (and their  affiliates) of the  Company or the  Bank. All loans  to
such  persons  are  made  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business;  are  made on
substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as  those
prevailing  at the time  for comparable transactions with  other persons; and do
not involve  more  than the  normal  risk  of collectibility  or  present  other
unfavorable  features. As of the date of  this prospectus, there are no loans to
officers, directors or principal shareholders outstanding.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

    Section 145 of  the General Corporation  Law of the  State of Delaware  (the
"Act")  empowers a  corporation to indemnify  its directors and  officers and to
purchase insurance with respect  to liability arising out  of their capacity  as
directors  and  officers.  The  Act further  provides  that  the indemnification
permitted thereunder shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to  which
the  directors and officers may be  entitled under the corporation's bylaws, any
agreement, vote of the shareholders, or otherwise.

    Section 6.04  of  the  Company's  Bylaws provides  that  the  Company  shall
indemnify  all persons to the full extent allowable by law who, by reason of the
fact that they  are or were  a director of  the Company, become  a party or  are
threatened  to be made a party to  any indemnifiable action, suit or proceeding.
The Company shall pay, in advance of the final disposition of any  indemnifiable
action, suit or proceeding under this bylaw, all reasonable expenses incurred by
the  director, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director to
repay such amount if it is ultimately  determined that he is not entitled to  be
indemnified by the

                                       53
<PAGE>
Company  under the law. The Company  may indemnify persons other than directors,
such as officers and  employees, as permitted by  law. The Company may  purchase
and  maintain  insurance  on behalf  of  directors, officers  and  other persons
against any liability  asserted against him,  whether or not  the Company  would
have  the power to indemnify such person against such liability, as permitted by
law.

                              SELLING SHAREHOLDER

    The Selling Shareholder,  Anchorage Fire  & Casualty  Insurance Company,  in
Liquidation,  acting through  Jeanne Barnes Bryant,  Special Deputy Commissioner
and Liquidator under  the Liquidation Order  dated May 13,  1993, issued by  the
Chancery  Division of  the Twentieth  Judicial District  Court, Davidson County,
Tennessee ("Liquidation Order"), is offering  an aggregate of 174,939 shares  of
Common  Stock in  the Offering,  which constitutes all  of the  shares of Common
Stock beneficially owned by the Selling  Shareholder. The shares are being  sold
by  the Selling Shareholder pursuant to  the Liquidation Order, which authorizes
the liquidation of all assets of Anchorage Fire & Casualty Insurance Company.

    The 174,939  shares were  acquired by  Anchorage Fire  & Casualty  Insurance
Company  in December 1991 under  a Regulation S offering  of Common Stock of the
Company. In December 1995, in order to eliminate the market overhang represented
by these shares and  to obtain the  advantages of a  larger public float,  among
other  things, the  Company and  the Selling  Shareholder agreed  to include the
Selling Shareholder's  shares of  Common  Stock in  this Offering.  The  Selling
Shareholder will bear the underwriting discount applicable to the shares sold by
it,  as well as a pro rata share of the expenses and filing fees associated with
this Offering.  The  Company and  the  Selling Shareholder  will  indemnify  the
Underwriter and each other from certain liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

                           BENEFICIAL STOCK OWNERSHIP

BY MANAGEMENT

    The  following table shows beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock of
the Company by all current directors and executive officers of the Company named
under the  caption  "Management" individually,  and  together with  all  current
executive officers of the Company as a group, as of November 30, 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  AMOUNT AND NATURE
                                                                                    OF BENEFICIAL       PERCENT OF
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL OR NUMBER OF PERSONS IN GROUP                                    OWNERSHIP (1)       CLASS (2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------   ------------
<S>                                                                               <C>                  <C>
C. Jack Bean....................................................................   206,019 shares(3)          5.86%
William B. Byrd.................................................................     5,800 shares         *
Bobby W. Hackler................................................................    21,482 shares(4)      *
Joseph S. Hardin................................................................   191,583 shares(5)          5.46%
G. M. Heinzelmann, III..........................................................    29,685 shares(6)      *
Michael L. Milam................................................................       250 shares         *
Garrett Morris..................................................................       250 shares         *
Cullen W. Turner................................................................    60,300 shares(7)          1.72%
All directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons).....................   515,369 shares(8)         14.47%
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

*   Less than 1% of all the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock.

(1)  Based on  information furnished by  persons named and,  except as otherwise
    indicated below,  each person  has sole  voting power  with respect  to  all
    shares of Common Stock owned by such person.

(2) Based on 3,506,429 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding at November
    30,  1995, as adjusted for shares  convertible or exercisable within 60 days
    which are deemed  outstanding for  a specific shareholder  pursuant to  Rule
    13d-3(d)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

                                       54
<PAGE>
   
(3) Includes 194,119 shares of Common Stock owned of record and 11,900 shares of
    Common Stock which Mr. Bean has the right to acquire within 60 days from the
    date  hereof pursuant to options  granted to him under  the 1988 Plan of the
    Company. See "Management -- Executive Compensation and Other Information  --
    Options Exercises and Holdings".
    

(4)  Includes 128 shares  of Common Stock  owned of record  and 21,354 shares of
    Common Stock which Mr. Hackler has the right to acquire within 60 days  from
    the  date hereof pursuant to  options granted to him  under the 1988 Plan of
    the Company. See "Management -- Executive Compensation and Other Information
    -- Options Exercises and Holdings".

(5) Represents 191,583  shares of Common  Stock held  by a trust  for which  Mr.
    Hardin serves as a co-trustee.

(6)  Includes 7,725 shares of Common Stock  owned of record and 21,960 shares of
    Common Stock which Mr. Heinzelmann has  the right to acquire within 60  days
    from  the date hereof pursuant to options granted to him under the 1988 Plan
    of  the  Company.  See  "Management  --  Executive  Compensation  and  Other
    Information -- Options Exercises and Holdings".

(7)  Includes 39,500 shares of Common Stock owned of record and 20,800 shares of
    Common Stock held by a trust for which Mr. Turner serves as trustee.

(8) Includes 55,214 shares of Common Stock of the Company currently  exercisable
    pursuant to the Company's 1988 Plan.

BY OTHERS

    The   following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  with  respect  to
shareholders of the Company who were known to be beneficial owners of more  than
5% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Common Stock of the Company as of
November 30, 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               AMOUNT AND NATURE     PERCENT
                                                 OF BENEFICIAL      OF CLASS
    NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER         OWNERSHIP (1)         (2)
- ---------------------------------------------  ------------------   ---------
<S>                                            <C>                  <C>
C. Jack Bean & the Estate of Lorene Sims Bean   206,019 shares(3)        5.86%
1845 Precinct Line Road, #100
Hurst, Texas 76054
Joseph S. Hardin                                191,583 shares(4)        5.46%
5310 Tanbark Road
Dallas, Texas 75229
John Hancock Bank & Thrift                      303,700 shares           8.66%
Opportunity Fund
c/o State Street Bank
61 Broadway
New York, New York 10009
Evergreen Limited Market Fund, Inc.             346,000 shares           9.87%
c/o Lieber & Company
2500 Westchester Avenue
Purchase, NY 10577
</TABLE>

- ------------------------
(1) Based  on information furnished by persons and entities named and, except as
    otherwise indicated below, each person and entity has sole voting power with
    respect to all shares of Common Stock owned by such person or entity.

(2) Based on 3,506,429 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding at November
    30, 1995, as  adjusted for  shares convertible or  exercisable within  sixty
    (60)  days which are deemed outstanding  for a specific shareholder pursuant
    to Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

                                       55
<PAGE>
   
(3) Includes 194,119 shares of Common Stock owned of record and 11,900 shares of
    Common Stock which Mr. Bean has the right to acquire within 60 days from the
    date hereof pursuant to options  granted to him under  the 1988 Plan of  the
    Company.  See "Management -- Executive Compensation and Other Information --
    Options Exercises and Holdings".
    

(4) Represents 191,583 shares  of Common  Stock held by  a trust  for which  Mr.
    Hardin serves as a co-trustee.

                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

COMMON STOCK

    The  Company is  authorized to issue  twenty million  (20,000,000) shares of
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per  share, 3,506,429 of which shares were  issued
and  outstanding as of  November 30, 1995 (not  including 55,216 shares issuable
upon the exercise of outstanding stock options).

    Holders of shares  are entitled to  one vote per  share, without  cumulative
voting, on all matters to be voted on by shareholders. Therefore, the holders of
a  majority of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect all the
directors  without  the  concurrence  of  any  other  shareholder.  Subject   to
preferences   that  may  be  applicable  to  any  outstanding  preferred  stock,
shareholders are entitled to receive ratably  such dividends as may be  declared
by  the Board of Directors out of funds legally available. See "Market Price and
Dividend Policy". In the  event of a liquidation,  dissolution or winding up  of
the  Company, shareholders are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining
after payment of liabilities and  the liquidation preference of any  outstanding
preferred  stock.  Shares  of  the  Common Stock  have  no  preemptive  or other
subscription rights, and there are no conversion rights or redemption or sinking
fund provisions with respect to such shares.

    The transfer agent and registrar of the common stock is Securities  Transfer
Corporation, 16910 Dallas Parkway, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75248.

PREFERRED STOCK

    The  Company  is  authorized  to issue  one  million  (1,000,000)  shares of
preferred stock,  par  value $0.01  per  share, none  of  which are  issued  and
outstanding  as of the  date of this  Prospectus. The Board  of Directors of the
Company may establish series of preferred stock with such rights and preferences
as may be fixed and determined by the Board of Directors.

                                  UNDERWRITING

    Subject to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement among  the
Company,  the  Selling Shareholder,  and  the Underwriter,  the  Underwriter has
agreed to purchase from the Company and the Selling Shareholder, and the Company
and the Selling Shareholder  have agreed to sell  to the Underwriter,  1,925,061
and 174,939 shares of Common Stock, respectively.

   
    The  Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriter
thereunder are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent.  The
Underwriter  is committed to purchase and pay for all 2,100,000 shares of Common
Stock if any are  purchased. The Company has  been advised that the  Underwriter
proposes  to offer  the shares  of Common  Stock directly  to the  public at the
public offering price set  forth on the  cover page of  this prospectus, and  to
certain securities dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $.14
per  share,  and that  the Underwriter  and  such dealers  may reallow  to other
dealers including any underwriter, a discount  not in excess of $.04 per  share.
After  commencement  of this  Offering, the  offering  price and  concession and
discounts may be changed by the Underwriter.  The Company has agreed to pay  the
Underwriter  an accountable expense allowance not  to exceed 2% of the aggregate
offering price.
    

    The Underwriter has obtained an option from the Company exercisable during a
30-day period after the date of this prospectus, under which the Underwriter may
purchase up to 288,759 additional shares of  Common Stock at the same price  per
share  which  the  Company  will  receive for  the  shares  offered  herein. The
Underwriter may exercise such option only once to cover over-allotments.

                                       56
<PAGE>
    The Company and its executive officers  and directors have agreed that  they
will not sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any equity securities of
the  Company for a period of 180 days  after the date of this prospectus without
the written consent of the Underwriter.

    The Company  and  the  Selling  Shareholder have  agreed  to  indemnify  the
Underwriter   against  certain  liabilities,   losses  and  expenses,  including
liabilities under the  Securities Act,  or to  contribute to  payments that  the
Underwriter may be required to make in respect thereof.

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

    Certain  matters with respect to the validity of the shares have been passed
upon by Secore &  Waller, L.L.P., Dallas, Texas.  Certain legal matters will  be
passed  upon  for the  Underwriter by  Bracewell  & Patterson,  L.L.P., Houston,
Texas.

                                    EXPERTS

    The consolidated balance sheets of the  Company as of December 31, 1994  and
1993  and the related  consolidated Statements of  Income, Shareholders' Equity,
and Cash Flows  for each of  the three years  in the period  ended December  31,
1994,  included in this prospectus and  elsewhere in the Registration Statement,
have been included herein in reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
independent accountants,  given on  the authority  of that  firm as  experts  in
accounting  and  auditing. The  consolidated financial  statements of  the First
Midlothian Corporation, Midlothian, Texas as of  December 31, 1994 and for  each
of  the two years in the period ended December 31, 1994, and as of September 30,
1995 and  for  the period  then  ended, also  included  in this  prospectus  and
elsewhere in the Registration Statement have been included herein in reliance on
the  report of Samson,  Robbins & Associates  P.L.L.C., independent accountants,
given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

    The Company  has  filed a  Registration  Statement  on Form  S-1  under  the
Securities  Act of 1933, as amended, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") with  respect to the  Common Stock offered  pursuant to  this
prospectus.  This prospectus, which forms a  part of the Registration Statement,
does not contain all of the  information included in the Registration  Statement
and   the  exhibits  thereto.  In  addition,  the  Company  is  subject  to  the
informational requirements  of  the  Securities  Exchange Act  of  1934  and  in
accordance  therewith files reports  and other information  with the Commission.
The Registration Statement filed with respect to this prospectus, and all  other
Company reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected free of
charge  at the offices of  the Commission at Room  1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C.  20549; and at 411  W. Seventh Street,  Eighth
Floor, Fort Worth, Texas 76102. Copies of such material may be obtained upon the
payment  of prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549.

    The Company's common stock is traded on the AMEX and copies of the Company's
periodic reports, proxy statements, and other information is also available  for
inspection  at the AMEX at  86 Trinity Place, Fifth  Floor Library, New York, NY
10006. The telephone number at the AMEX is (212) 306-1290.

                                       57
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                             ---------
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
Surety Capital Corporation:
  Report of Independent Accountants........................................................................        F-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1994, 1993 and September 30, 1995 (unaudited).............        F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and the nine
   months ended September 30, 1995 (unaudited) and 1994 (unaudited)........................................        F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and
   for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 (unaudited)................................................        F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and the nine
   months ended September 30, 1995 (unaudited) and 1994 (unaudited)........................................        F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................................................        F-7
First Midlothian Corporation:
  Report of Independent Accountants........................................................................       F-25
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1994...............................       F-26
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and the years ended
   December 31, 1994 and 1993..............................................................................       F-27
  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity as of December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994 and September 30,
   1995....................................................................................................       F-28
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and the years ended
   December 31, 1994 and 1993..............................................................................       F-29
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................................................       F-30
</TABLE>

                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Surety Capital Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas

    We  have  audited the  accompanying  consolidated balance  sheets  of Surety
Capital  Corporation  as  of  December  31,  1994  and  1993,  and  the  related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of  the  three years  in the  period  ended December  31, 1994.  These financial
statements  are   the   responsibility   of  the   Company's   management.   Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion  on these financial statements based on
our audits.

    We conducted  our  audits in  accordance  with generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence  supporting
the  amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles used  and  significant estimates  made  by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the financial  statements referred to above present  fairly,
in  all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Surety Capital
Corporation as of December  31, 1994 and 1993,  and the consolidated results  of
their  operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December  31,  1994,  in conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles.

    As  discussed  in  Note  2  to  the  financial  statements,  Surety  Capital
Corporation changed  its  method of  accounting  for investment  securities  and
income taxes in 1994 and 1993, respectively.

COOPERS & LYBRAND LLP

Fort Worth, Texas
January 27, 1995

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 SEPTEMBER 30, 1995, DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1993
                                     ASSETS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,   DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                      1995            1994          1993
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                               <C>             <C>           <C>
Assets:
  Cash and due from banks.......................................................  $   4,997,517   $  3,929,360  $  2,436,487
  Federal funds sold............................................................     21,660,000      7,265,000     4,450,000
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------
    Cash and cash equivalents...................................................     26,657,517     11,194,360     6,886,487
  Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions...........................      1,334,860      1,524,188       648,000
  Investment securities.........................................................     17,017,258     19,504,254     8,218,029
  Net loans.....................................................................     67,923,543     63,965,402    31,225,035
  Premises and equipment, net...................................................      2,776,443      2,393,601     1,304,845
  Accrued interest receivable...................................................        622,518        623,737       161,470
  Other real estate and repossessed assets......................................         92,830        121,359        34,676
  Other assets..................................................................        594,762        451,891       115,128
  Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired, net of accumulated
   amortization of $312,411, $175,240 and $124,039 at September 30, 1995, and
   December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively.....................................      2,534,050      2,515,519       442,588
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------
    Total assets................................................................  $ 119,553,781   $102,294,311  $ 49,036,258
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------

                                            LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
  Demand deposits...............................................................  $  13,914,468   $ 12,191,183  $  7,311,674
  Savings, NOW and money markets................................................     31,421,332     29,875,481    17,040,843
  Time deposits, $100,000 and over..............................................     13,885,925      7,942,882     5,639,734
  Other time deposits...........................................................     48,986,950     42,017,576    13,603,668
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------
    Total deposits..............................................................    108,208,675     92,027,122    43,595,919
  Note payable..................................................................        375,000      1,750,000       --
  Federal income tax payable....................................................        254,386        --            --
  Accrued interest payable and other liabilities................................        679,019        451,508       159,351
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------
    Total liabilities...........................................................    109,517,080     94,228,630    43,755,270
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Notes 9 & 14)
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 3,516,595,
   3,040,829 and 2,273,487 shares issued at September 30, 1995, December 31,
   1994 and 1995, respectively..................................................         35,166         30,408        22,734
  Additional paid-in capital....................................................      9,364,515      8,113,214     5,806,116
  Retained earnings/(deficit)...................................................        573,311        (75,102)     (547,862)
  Treasury stock, 10,166 shares carried at cost.................................        (50,830)       --            --
  Unrealized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities.......................        114,539         (2,839)      --
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------
  Total shareholders' equity....................................................     10,036,701      8,065,681     5,280,988
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------
  Total liabilities and shareholders' equity....................................  $ 119,553,781   $102,294,311  $ 49,036,258
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------
                                                                                  -------------   ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
    

                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of the consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
       FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND 1994 (UNAUDITED)
          AND THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1993 AND 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           SEPTEMBER 30,  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                               1995           1994           1994          1993          1992
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
                                            (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)
Interest income:
  Commercial and real estate loans.......   $ 2,759,887    $   898,537   $  1,422,911  $  1,034,793  $    774,203
  Consumer loans.........................       861,646        768,043      1,059,188       966,458       858,543
  Insurance premium financing............     2,080,915      1,597,634      2,172,038     1,302,854     1,471,226
  Federal funds sold.....................       358,600        188,197        302,621       162,830       222,146
  Investment securities and interest
   bearing deposits......................       810,719        290,620        430,251       528,126        17,455
  Other interest income..................       --             --             --            --                395
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Total interest income................     6,871,767      3,743,031      5,387,009     3,995,061     3,343,968
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Interest expense:
  Savings, NOW and money
   market................................       569,783        305,732        353,123       306,899       240,057
  Time deposits, $100,000 and over.......       579,022        206,173        362,700       198,151       207,547
  Other time deposits....................     1,276,222        459,659        760,833       618,534       530,111
  Other interest expense.................       111,915        --              11,075       --            --
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Total interest expense...............     2,536,942        971,564      1,487,731     1,123,584       977,715
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
      Net interest income before
       provision for loan losses.........     4,334,825      2,771,467      3,899,278     2,871,477     2,366,253
Provision for loan losses................        60,000         66,898        106,899        90,584       299,555
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Net interest income..................     4,274,825      2,704,569      3,792,379     2,780,893     2,066,698
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Noninterest income.......................     1,056,095        800,805      1,160,007     1,181,808       784,066
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Noninterest expense:
  Salaries and employee benefits.........     2,143,694      1,577,591      2,201,188     1,715,952     1,194,179
  Occupancy and equipment................       668,483        473,588        669,936       495,055       411,587
  General and administrative.............     1,569,753      1,152,961      1,590,814     1,380,971     1,228,574
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Total noninterest expense............     4,381,930      3,204,140      4,461,938     3,591,978     2,834,340
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
      Income before income taxes.........       948,990        301,234        490,448       370,723        16,424
Income tax expenses:
  Current................................       300,577          7,500         36,697
  Deferred...............................                                     (19,009)
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Net income...........................   $   648,413    $   293,734   $    472,760  $    370,723  $     16,424
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Net income per share of common stock.....          $.20           $.13           $.20          $.19          $.00
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Weighted average shares
 outstanding.............................     3,208,319      2,344,491      2,393,841     2,001,689     1,951,873
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                           -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>

                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of the consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1993 AND 1992
            AND THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  UNREALIZED
                                                                                                    GAIN/
                                                                         ACCUMULATED              (LOSS) ON
                                         COMMON STOCK       ADDITIONAL     RETAINED               AVAILABLE-
                                     ---------------------    PAID-IN     EARNINGS/    TREASURY    FOR-SALE
                                       SHARES    PAR VALUE    CAPITAL     (DEFICIT)      STOCK    SECURITIES  TOTAL EQUITY
                                     ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>
Balance at December 31, 1991.......   1,767,062  $  17,670  $ 4,180,134   $ (935,009)     --          --      $  3,262,795
Sale of common stock...............     214,385      2,144      776,999                                            779,143
Net income.........................                                           16,424                                16,424
                                     ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------------
Balance at December 31, 1992.......   1,981,447     19,814    4,957,133     (918,585)     --          --         4,058,362
Sale of common stock...............     292,040      2,920      848,983                                            851,903
Net income.........................                                          370,723                               370,723
                                     ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------------
Balance at December 31, 1993.......   2,273,487     22,734    5,806,116     (547,862)     --          --         5,280,988
Sale of Common Stock...............     767,342      7,674    2,307,098                                          2,314,772
Net Income.........................                                          472,760                               472,760
Unrealized loss on available-for-
 sale securities, net of income
 taxes.............................                                                               $   (2,839)       (2,839)
                                     ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------------
Balance at December 31, 1994.......   3,040,829     30,408    8,113,214      (75,102)     --          (2,839)    8,065,681
                                     ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------------
Sale of Common Stock...............     475,766      4,758    1,251,301                                          1,256,059
Purchase of Treasury Stock.........                                                      (50,830)                  (50,830)
Net Income.........................                                          648,413                               648,413
Unrealized gain on available-
 for-sale securities, net of income
 taxes.............................                                                                  117,378       117,378
                                     ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------------
Balance at September 30, 1995
 (unaudited).......................   3,516,595  $  35,166  $ 9,364,515   $  573,311   $ (50,830) $  114,539  $ 10,036,701
                                     ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------------
                                     ----------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------------
</TABLE>

                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of the consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
       FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND 1994 (UNAUDITED)
            AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1993 AND 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                         SEPTEMBER 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,   ----------------------------------------
                                                             1995            1994            1994          1993          1992
                                                         -------------   -------------   ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                          (UNAUDITED)     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income...........................................   $   648,413     $   293,734    $    472,760  $    370,723  $     16,424
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   provided by operating activities:
    Provision for loan losses..........................        60,000          66,898         106,899        90,584       299,555
    Depreciation and amortization......................       433,373         286,398         381,845       247,501       230,532
    Gain (loss) on sale or disposal of assets..........           100                         (15,508)      (99,049)       (5,587)
    Net change in other assets.........................      (639,798)       (293,047)       (217,868)      216,152       (41,185)
    Net increase/(decrease) in accrued interest payable
     and other liabilities.............................       996,211         (38,312)       (125,277)       (2,424)     (213,945)
                                                         -------------   -------------   ------------  ------------  ------------
      Net cash provided by operating activities........     1,498,299         315,671         602,851       823,487       285,794
                                                         -------------   -------------   ------------  ------------  ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale
   securities..........................................     4,736,538
  Proceeds from the sale of held-to-maturity
   securities..........................................                       500,000         500,000     6,084,844
  Proceeds from the maturity of held-to-maturity
   securities and interest bearing liabilities.........     2,716,665       4,885,510       5,269,724     2,799,980
  Proceeds from the maturity of available-for-sale
   securities..........................................     2,664,997                         169,971
  Purchase of premises and equipment...................      (460,784)       (351,371)       (420,487)     (560,529)     (156,906)
  Net increase in loans................................    (2,534,748)     (7,506,927)     (7,624,058)   (8,448,392)     (401,553)
  Proceeds from sale of assets.........................                                        16,308                      72,526
  Purchase of available-for-sale securities............    (3,954,573)
  Purchase of held-to-maturity securities..............    (3,487,203)        (94,429)       (316,276)
  Purchase of investment securities....................                                                  (3,532,926)     (543,500)
  Payments received on purchased medical claims
   receivable..........................................    12,961,663       9,195,279      12,290,141    11,585,316    11,120,480
  Purchase of medical claims receivable................   (13,569,897)     (7,249,097)    (11,229,044)  (12,564,026)  (11,299,682)
  Direct cost incurred for bank acquisition............                                      (115,039)                    (71,935)
  Net cash acquired through purchase of bank...........    15,418,983       7,485,325       2,624,200     1,441,254
                                                         -------------   -------------   ------------  ------------  ------------
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing
     activities........................................    14,491,641       6,864,290       1,165,440    (3,194,479)   (1,280,570)
                                                         -------------   -------------   ------------  ------------  ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net change in deposits...............................      (357,012)     (1,602,783)     (1,525,190)   (1,298,634)    3,505,370
  Payments on borrowings of note payable...............    (1,375,000)
  Purchase of treasury stock...........................       (50,830)
  Proceeds from the sale of common stock...............     1,256,059         394,713       2,314,772       851,903       779,143
  Proceeds from borrowings on note payable.............                                     1,750,000
                                                         -------------   -------------   ------------  ------------  ------------
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing
     activities........................................      (526,783)     (1,208,070)      2,539,582      (446,731)    4,284,513
                                                         -------------   -------------   ------------  ------------  ------------
Net increase in cash...................................    15,463,157       5,971,891       4,307,873    (2,817,723)    3,289,737
Beginning cash and cash equivalents....................    11,194,360       6,886,487       6,886,487     9,704,210     6,414,473
                                                         -------------   -------------   ------------  ------------  ------------
Ending cash and cash equivalents.......................   $26,657,517     $12,858,378    $ 11,194,360  $  6,886,487  $  9,704,210
                                                         -------------   -------------   ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                         -------------   -------------   ------------  ------------  ------------
Supplemental disclosure:
  Cash paid during the period for interest.............   $ 2,433,146     $   951,084    $  1,339,223  $  1,074,507  $  1,021,014
  Cash paid during the period for federal income
   taxes...............................................   $    18,608     $     7,500    $     12,000       --            --
</TABLE>

                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                    of the consolidted financial statements.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
    The  accompanying consolidated financial statements  include the accounts of
the Company and  its subsidiary,  Surety Bank,  National Association,  ("Bank"),
which  is  99% owned  and was  acquired  on December  30, 1989.  All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash
on hand, amounts  due from  banks, and  federal funds  sold. Generally,  federal
funds are sold for one day periods.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

    Effective  January  1,  1994,  the Company  adopted  STATEMENT  OF FINANCIAL
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS No. 115,  "Accounting for Certain  Investments in Debt  and
Equity  Securities" ("SFAS  115"). This  statement addresses  the accounting and
reporting for investments in equity securities that have readily determined fair
values for all investments in debt securities.

    Management determines the  appropriate classification of  securities at  the
time  of purchase. If the securities are  purchased with the positive intent and
the ability  to hold  the  securities until  maturity,  they are  classified  as
held-to-maturity  and carried at  historical cost, adjusted  for amortization of
premiums and accretion of  fees and discounts using  a method that  approximates
the  interest method. Securities to  be held for indefinite  periods of time are
classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Securities purchased
and held  principally for  the purpose  of selling  them in  the near  term  are
classified as trading. The Company has no securities classified as trading as of
December  31,  1994.  The cost  of  securities  sold is  based  on  the specific
identification method.

    The effect at September 30, 1995 was an increase in stockholders' equity  of
$117,378  (net of $56,219 of deferred income  tax) to reflect the net unrealized
holding gain on available-for-sale securities.  The effect at December 31,  1994
was  a decrease  in stockholders'  equity of $2,839  (net of  $1,462 of deferred
income tax) to  reflect the  net unrealized holding  loss on  available-for-sale
securities. The available-for-sale classification includes securities which were
acquired through the acquisition of the First National Bank of Whitesboro, which
were marked to market as of the acquisition date at December 8, 1994.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

    Loans  are stated  at the  amount of  unpaid principal,  reduced by unearned
interest and an  allowance for  loan losses. The  allowance for  loan losses  is
established  through  a  provision  for  loan  losses  charged  against  current
earnings.  Loans  are  charged  against  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  when
management  believes that the  collectibility of the  principal is unlikely. The
allowance for loan losses is an amount that management believes will be adequate
to absorb possible losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, based
upon evaluation of the collectibility of  loans and prior loan loss  experience.
The  evaluations take into  consideration such factors as  changes in the nature
and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of  specific
problem  loans, and current  economic conditions that  may affect the borrowers'
ability to pay.

    Interest income on insurance premium  financing loans and installment  loans
is  recognized  by a  method which  approximates  the interest  method. Interest
income on commercial and  real estate loans  is accrued daily  on the amount  of
outstanding  principal.  Accrual  of interest  is  discontinued on  a  loan when
management believes,  after considering  economic  and business  conditions  and
collection   efforts,  that  a  borrower's  financial  condition  is  such  that
collection of interest and principal is doubtful. Management evaluates the  book
value  (including  accrued interest)  and collateral  value  on loans  placed on
nonaccrual status  and provides  specific allowance  for loan  losses as  deemed
appropriate.

                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)
    Certain fees and costs associated with the origination of loans are deferred
and recognized over the estimated lives of the related loans as an adjustment to
yield.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

    Premises  and equipment  are stated  at cost  less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is computed using the  straight-line method at rates sufficient  to
amortize  the  cost over  the estimated  lives of  the assets.  Expenditures for
repairs and maintenance are expensed  as incurred, and renewals and  betterments
that   extend  the  lives  of  assets  are  capitalized.  Cost  and  accumulated
depreciation are eliminated from  the accounts when assets  are sold or  retired
and  any  resulting gain  or  loss is  reflected in  operations  in the  year of
disposition.

OTHER REAL ESTATE AND REPOSSESSED ASSETS

    Foreclosed real estate  and other assets  are recorded at  the lower of  the
unpaid balance of the related loan or the fair market value of the property. Any
write  down to fair market  value at the date  of acquisition is charged against
the allowance  for loan  losses. Any  subsequent write  downs are  reflected  in
operations.

INCOME PER SHARE

    Net  income per share  of common stock  is computed based  upon the weighted
average number of  shares of  common stock  outstanding during  the nine  months
ended  September 30, 1995 and  1994 and the years  ended December 31, 1994, 1993
and 1992.

INCOME TAXES

    During 1993, the Company adopted STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (SAS) No.
109 whereby the  method of  accounting for income  taxes utilized  an asset  and
liability  approach for  financial statement purposes.  Under SFAS  No. 109, the
types of differences between the tax  bases of assets and liabilities and  their
financial  reporting amounts that give rise  to significant portions of deferred
income tax liabilities or assets  include: allowances for possible loan  losses,
property   and  equipment,   investment  securities   and  net   operating  loss
carryforwards. The change in accounting did not have an effect on the  Company's
consolidated financial position or results of operations.

PURCHASE METHOD OF ACCOUNTING

    Net  assets acquired  in purchase  transactions are  recorded at  their fair
value at the date of acquisition. The  excess of purchase price over fair  value
of  net assets acquired is  amortized on a straight-line  basis generally over a
15-year period.  The  Company  continually re-evaluates  the  propriety  of  the
carrying amount of such intangible assets, as well as their amortization period,
to determine whether current events and circumstances warrant adjustments to the
carrying  value and/or revised estimates of the period of benefit. At this time,
the Company believes that  no significant impairment  of such intangible  assets
has occurred and that no reduction of amortization period is warranted.

RECLASSIFICATIONS

    Certain  balances for the  year ended December  31, 1994 and  1993 have been
reclassified to conform to  the presentation adopted for  the nine months  ended
September  30, 1995. These reclassifications had  no effect on net income, total
assets, total liabilities, or shareholders' equity as previously reported.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

    In March  1995, the  Financial Accounting  Standards Board  ("FASB")  issued
Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  121,  "Accounting  for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets  and for Long-Lived Assets  to be Disposed  Of."
This   Statement  requires  that  long-lived  assets  and  certain  identifiable
intangibles to be held and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances

                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)
indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  may  not  be  recoverable.
Measurement  of  an  impairment  loss  for  long-lived  assets  and identifiable
intangibles that an entity expects to hold  and use should be based on the  fair
value of the asset. This Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1995.

    In  October 1995, the FASB issued Statement of Accounting Standards No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." This  Statement defines a fair  value
based  method  of accounting  for  an employee  stock  option or  similar equity
instrument and encourages all  entities to adopt that  method of accounting  for
all  employee stock  compensation plans.  However, it  also allows  an entity to
continue to measure compensation cost for those plans using the intrinsic  value
based  method of  accounting prescribed  by APB  Opinion No.  25, Accounting for
Stock Issued  to Employees.  Entities  electing to  remain with  the  accounting
method  specified in Opinion  25 must make  pro forma disclosures  of net income
and, if presented, earnings per share, as if the fair value method of accounting
defined in this  Statement had  been applied.  This Statement  is effective  for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995.

    In  November 1995, the FASB issued  a Financial Accounting Series Report, "A
Guide to Implementation of Statement  115 on Accounting for Certain  Investments
in  Debt and  Equity Securities."  The FASB  concluded that  concurrent with the
initial adoption of this  implementation guidance, but  no latter than  December
31,  1995, an enterprise may reassess  the appropriateness of the classification
of  all  securities   held  at  that   time  and  account   for  any   resulting
reclassifications  at fair value and  such reclassifications should be disclosed
in accordance with the provisions of Statement 115.

    Management believes that the adoption of these pronouncements will not  have
a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

3.  ACQUISITIONS:

FIRST NATIONAL BANK, WHITESBORO, TEXAS

    On  May 24, 1994, Surety Bank entered  into an agreement for the acquisition
of First National Bank,  a national banking  association located in  Whitesboro,
Texas.  The acquisition was  effected through the merger  of First National Bank
with and into Surety Bank effective as  of the close of business on December  8,
1994. Pursuant to the merger, Surety Bank paid $6,000,000 to the shareholders of
First  National Bank in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of
common stock of First National Bank. The purchase price of $30.00 per share  was
based  on approximately  150% of  the book  value of  First National  Bank as of
December 31, 1993. As a result of the earnings of First National Bank during the
fiscal  year  1994,  the  purchase   price  of  $30.00  per  share   represented
approximately  130% of the book  value of First National Bank  as of the date of
consummation of the merger.

    In connection with the merger, Surety  Bank purchased all of the assets  and
assumed  all of the obligations  of First National Bank.  To finance the merger,
Surety Bank received  a $4,000,000  capital contribution from  the Company.  The
Company  raised  $2,169,050 under  a limited  offering of  its shares  of common
stock, pursuant to which  it sold 667,400  shares of common  stock at $3.25  per
share and the Company obtained a $1,750,000, 90-day note payable to Overton Bank
and  Trust, N.A. After the note matured on June 7, 1995, the Company reduced the
balance of the note to  $500,000 and a new note  was obtained for the  remaining
balance  with a maturity of January 23, 1996. As of September 30, 1995, the note
bore an  interest at  eleven and  one-half percent  (11.50%), had  a balance  of
$375,000, and provided for quarterly interest payments and one principal payment
at maturity.

    The  acquisition has  been accounted for  as a purchase  in the accompanying
consolidated financial  statements  and  the assets  and  liabilities  of  First
National Bank were recorded at their fair values as of November 30, 1994.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

3.  ACQUISITIONS: (CONTINUED)
    Included in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are
the  following amounts for First National Bank  as of September 30, 1995 and for
the nine months ended September 30, 1995:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>
Balance sheet data:
  Cash and due from banks..............................  $  509,620
  Federal funds sold...................................   4,310,000
  Investment securities................................   4,764,782
  Net loans............................................  22,225,087
  Premises and equipment, net..........................     836,314
  Accrued interest receivable..........................     290,723
  Other assets.........................................     241,827
                                                         ----------
  Total assets.........................................  $33,178,353
                                                         ----------
                                                         ----------
Income statement data:
  Total interest income................................  $1,826,948
  Total interest expense...............................     947,017
  Other income.........................................     231,661
  Noninterest expense..................................     756,667
                                                         ----------
  Net income...........................................  $  354,925
                                                         ----------
                                                         ----------
</TABLE>

    The consolidated  results  of operations  include  the operations  of  First
National  Bank subsequent to December 1, 1994. The unaudited information for the
nine months ended September 30, 1995 and the unaudited pro forma information for
the  nine  months  ended  September  30,  1994,  presented  below,  reflect  the
acquisition  of First National Bank, as if it had been acquired as of January 1,
1994. Pro  forma adjustments  consisting of  a provision  for income  taxes  and
interest  expense have been made to reflect the unaudited pro forma information.
Interest expense  on  short-term  debt  of $1,750,000  is  included  as  if  the
short-term debt had been incurred on January 1, 1994.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       NINE MONTHS    NINE MONTHS
                                                                                          ENDED          ENDED
                                                                                      SEPTEMBER 30,  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                          1995           1994
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>
Interest income.....................................................................   $ 6,871,767    $ 5,931,128
Net income..........................................................................       648,413        516,241
Net income per share of common stock................................................   $      0.20    $      0.17
</TABLE>

BANK ONE, TEXAS, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION BRANCH IN WAXAHACHIE, TEXAS

    On  June 16,  1995, Surety  Bank entered  into an  agreement with  Bank One,
Texas, National Association ("Bank One")  for the acquisition of certain  assets
(principally  cash)  and  the  assumption  of  certain  liabilities (principally
customer deposits) by Surety Bank relating to one branch of Bank One located  in
Waxahachie, Texas (the "Waxahachie Branch").

    The  acquisition was consummated on September 28, 1995. Surety Bank financed
the acquisition through the use of internally-generated funds.

    At the closing, Surety Bank assumed deposits and other liabilities  totaling
approximately  $16,642,000.  In  addition, Surety  Bank  acquired  certain small
business and  consumer  loans  totaling  approximately  $875,000,  certain  real
property,  furniture  and equipment  related to  the Waxahachie  Branch totaling
approximately  $271,000,  and  cash  and  other  assets  totaling  approximately
$15,496,000.  After paying a deposit premium of two percent (2%) on the deposits
assumed totaling approximately $331,000, Surety Bank

                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

3.  ACQUISITIONS: (CONTINUED)
received approximately $15,419,000 in  cash from Bank  One as consideration  for
the net deposit liabilities assumed. The Waxahachie Branch and deposits acquired
in  the acquisition  have been incorporated  into Surety  Bank's existing branch
network.

4.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES:
    Investment securities  consisted  of the  following  at September  30,  1995
(unaudited) and December 31, 1994 and 1993:

September 30, 1995 (Unaudited):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               GROSS        GROSS
                                                               AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED     ESTIMATED
                                                                 COST          GAINS       LOSSES     MARKET VALUE
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
HELD-TO-MATURITY:
  U.S. Treasury............................................  $      99,205                $      77   $      99,128
  Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and
   corporations............................................      5,476,904   $     256        5,987       5,471,173
  State and county municipals..............................      4,735,574     263,040                    4,998,614
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                10,311,683     263,296        6,064      10,568,915
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
  U.S. Treasury............................................        483,490      11,510                      495,000
  Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and
   corporations............................................      5,747,766     179,219       17,185       5,909,800
  Federal Reserve Bank Stock...............................        280,850                                  280,850
  Other investment securities..............................         19,925                                   19,925
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                 6,532,031     190,729       17,185       6,705,575
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                             $  16,843,714   $ 454,025    $  23,249   $  17,274,490
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
December 31, 1994

<CAPTION>

                                                                               GROSS        GROSS
                                                               AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED     ESTIMATED
                                                                 COST          GAINS       LOSSES     MARKET VALUE
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
HELD-TO-MATURITY:
  U.S. Treasury............................................  $   2,123,659                $  19,105   $   2,104,554
  Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and
   corporations............................................      2,668,466                  170,865       2,497,601
  State and county municipals..............................      4,748,920                                4,748,920
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                 9,541,045                  189,970       9,351,075
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
  U.S. Treasury............................................      1,964,627                    4,854       1,959,773
  Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and
   corporations............................................      7,702,108   $     553                    7,702,661
  Federal Reserve Bank stock...............................        280,850                                  280,850
  Other investment securities..............................         19,925                                   19,925
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                 9,967,510         553        4,854       9,963,209
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                             $  19,508,555   $     553    $ 194,824   $  19,314,284
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
</TABLE>

                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

4.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES: (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1993:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               GROSS        GROSS
                                                               AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED     ESTIMATED
                                                                 COST          GAINS       LOSSES     MARKET VALUE
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
U.S. Treasury..............................................  $   2,085,555   $  10,345                $   2,095,900
Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and
 corporations..............................................      6,023,774      21,537    $  23,196       6,022,115
Federal Reserve Bank stock.................................        108,700                                  108,700
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                             $   8,218,029   $  31,882    $  23,196   $   8,226,715
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
</TABLE>

    The  amortized cost and  estimated market value  of investment securities at
September 30, 1995 (unaudited)  and December 31,  1994 by contractual  maturity,
are  shown below.  Expected maturities  will differ  from contractual maturities
because borrowers  may have  the right  to call  or prepay  obligations with  or
without call or prepayment penalties.

September 30, 1995 (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       AMORTIZED      ESTIMATED
                                                                                         COST       MARKET VALUE
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>            <C>
HELD-TO-MATURITY:
  Due within one year..............................................................  $   1,232,093  $   1,235,728
  Due after one year through five years............................................      5,085,377      5,163,506
  Due after five years through ten years...........................................      3,482,659      3,664,114
  Mortgage-backed securities.......................................................        511,554        505,567
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
    Total..........................................................................  $  10,311,683  $  10,568,915
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
  Due within one year..............................................................  $     398,835  $     401,703
  Due after one year through five years............................................      2,530,544      2,636,540
  Due after five years through ten years...........................................      3,160,588      3,218,581
  Mortgage-backed securities.......................................................        141,289        147,976
  Other securities.................................................................        300,775        300,775
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                         6,532,031      6,705,575
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
    Total..........................................................................  $  16,843,714  $  17,274,490
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
</TABLE>

                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

4.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES: (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       AMORTIZED      ESTIMATED
                                                                                         COST       MARKET VALUE
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>            <C>
HELD-TO-MATURITY:
  Due within one year..............................................................  $   3,144,762  $   3,039,407
  Due after one year through five years............................................      2,606,346      2,606,346
  Due after five years through ten years...........................................      2,121,471      2,121,471
  Mortgage-backed securities.......................................................      1,668,466      1,583,851
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                         9,541,045      9,351,075
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
  Due within one year..............................................................      3,352,504      3,344,039
  Due after one year through five years............................................      4,475,799      4,482,206
  Due after five years through ten years...........................................      1,520,328      1,522,789
  Mortgage-backed securities.......................................................        318,104        313,400
  Other securities.................................................................        300,775        300,775
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                         9,967,510      9,963,209
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
    Total..........................................................................  $  19,508,555  $  19,314,284
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
</TABLE>

    Proceeds  from sales of available-for-sale  investment securities during the
nine months ended September 30, 1995 were $4,736,538 with gross recognized gains
of $100 and no losses.

    Proceeds from  sales of  held-to-maturity investment  securities during  the
twelve  months ended December 31, 1994 were $500,000 with no recognized gains or
losses. These securities  were sold within  90 days  of the call  date and  were
expected to be called.

    Proceeds  from sales of investment securities during the twelve months ended
December 31, 1993  were $6,084,844  with gross  recognized gains  and losses  of
$93,859 and $3,096, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 1992, there
were no sales of investment securities.

    At  September 30, 1995,  December 31, 1994  and 1993 the  carrying values of
Federal Reserve Bank stock were  $280,850, $280,050 and $108,700,  respectively.
The  Federal Reserve Bank stock's  market value was estimated  to be the same as
its carrying value at all dates.

    At September  30,  1995, December  31,  1994  and 1993,  securities  with  a
carrying  amount of $12,871,040, $14,319,159  and $1,450,000, respectively, were
pledged as collateral for public deposits, as required or permitted by law.

                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

5.  NET LOANS:
    At September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1994 and 1993, the loan portfolio was
composed of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SEPTEMBER 30,   DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  1995            1994           1993
                                                              -------------   ------------   ------------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>            <C>
Insurance premium financing.................................   $ 24,283,325   $ 20,931,642   $ 14,518,680
Commercial loans............................................     15,590,320     13,205,698      5,204,120
Installment loans...........................................     11,519,839     12,029,243      9,016,179
Real estate loans...........................................     16,224,602     17,297,636      1,878,030
Medical claims receivable...................................      2,992,867      2,705,974      2,379,482
                                                              -------------   ------------   ------------
  Total gross loans.........................................     70,610,953     66,170,193     32,996,491
Unearned interest...........................................     (1,962,866)    (1,506,843)    (1,370,229)
Allowance for loan losses...................................       (724,544)      (697,948)      (401,227)
                                                              -------------   ------------   ------------
  Net loans.................................................   $ 67,923,543   $ 63,965,402   $ 31,225,035
                                                              -------------   ------------   ------------
                                                              -------------   ------------   ------------
</TABLE>

    Activity in  the  allowance  for  loan losses  for  the  nine  months  ended
September  30, 1995 (unaudited) and for the  years ended December 31, 1994, 1993
and 1992 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       SEPTEMBER    DECEMBER     DECEMBER     DECEMBER
                                       30, 1995     31, 1994     31, 1993     31, 1992
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                   <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Beginning balance...................   $ 697,948    $ 401,227    $ 324,728    $ 343,206
Provision for loan losses...........      60,000      106,899       90,584      299,555
Bank acquisition....................      10,181      340,832       71,976
Loans charged off...................     (82,750)    (212,266)    (247,774)    (672,313)
Recoveries..........................      39,165       61,256      161,713      354,280
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Ending balance......................   $ 724,544    $ 697,948    $ 401,227    $ 324,728
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>

    Loans on which  the accrual of  interest has been  discontinued amounted  to
approximately  $27,000, $83,000 and $48,000 at  September 30, 1995, December 31,
1994 and 1993, respectively.

6.  PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:
    Premises and equipment at September 30, 1995, December 31, 1994 and 1993 are
summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                  1995           1994        1993
                                                              -------------   ----------  ----------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>         <C>
Land........................................................   $  215,116     $  145,116  $   88,616
Building....................................................    1,383,819      1,183,960     495,040
Furniture, fixtures and computers...........................    2,073,093      1,666,434   1,189,832
Automobiles.................................................      226,788        225,282     142,851
Leasehold improvements......................................       92,118         92,118
                                                              -------------   ----------  ----------
                                                                3,990,934      3,312,910   1,916,339
Less accumulated depreciation...............................   (1,214,491)      (919,309)   (611,494)
                                                              -------------   ----------  ----------
Net premises and equipment..................................   $2,776,443     $2,393,601  $1,304,845
                                                              -------------   ----------  ----------
                                                              -------------   ----------  ----------
</TABLE>

                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

7.  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
    During the  nine months  ended September  30, 1995,  459,500 shares  of  the
Company's  common stock were sold in an  offering for a total consideration, net
of expenses, of $1,256,059.  During the twelve months  ended December 31,  1994,
767,342 shares of the Company's common stock were sold in private placements for
a  total consideration,  net of expenses,  of $2,314,772. During  the year ended
December 31, 1993,  292,040 shares of  the Company's common  stock were sold  in
private placements for total consideration, net of expenses, of $851,903. During
the  year ended December 31, 1992, 214,385  shares of the Company's common stock
were sold in  private placements for  total consideration, net  of expenses,  of
$779,143.

    On  April 22, 1993, the Company's  Board of Directors approved a one-for-ten
reverse split of the Company's common  stock. The reverse split was approved  by
the shareholders of the Company on May 27, 1993. This action became effective on
June  14,  1993 for  shareholders of  record as  of  June 11,  1993. A  total of
$178,331 was reclassified from par value  of common stock to additional  paid-in
capital  in connection  with the  reverse stock split.  The par  value of common
stock remains unchanged. All per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the
reverse stock split on a retroactive basis.

8.  STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS:
    Under the Company's 1988 Incentive Stock  Option Plan (the "1988 Plan"),  up
to  100,000 shares of the Company's common stock have been reserved for issuance
to key employees pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options granted  to
such key employees under the 1988 Plan. Options granted under the 1988 Plan vest
immediately  on the  date of  grant and have  a term  of five  years, subject to
earlier termination upon the occurrence of certain events related to termination
of employment. All options granted under the  1988 Plan were granted at 100%  to
110%  of fair market value. No additional  options may be granted under the 1988
Plan.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              SHARES
                                                                               UNDER
                                                                              OPTION    PRICE PER SHARE
                                                                             ---------  ----------------
<S>                                                                          <C>        <C>
Outstanding at December 31, 1991...........................................     25,895  $2.34 to $6.53
Granted during 1992........................................................      9,096  $6.56 to $7.22
Exercised during 1992......................................................    (16,438) $2.58 to $6.53
Canceled during 1992.......................................................     --
                                                                             ---------
Outstanding at December 31, 1992...........................................     18,553  $2.34 to $6.53
Granted during 1993........................................................     10,000  $5.00 to $5.50
Exercised during 1993......................................................     --
Canceled during 1993.......................................................     (1,840) $5.94
                                                                             ---------
Outstanding at December 31, 1993...........................................     26,713  $2.34 to $7.22
Granted during 1994........................................................     10,000  $4.50 to $4.95
Exercised during 1994......................................................     --
Canceled during 1994.......................................................     (5,000) $3.44 to $5.47
                                                                             ---------
Outstanding at December 31, 1994...........................................     31,713  $2.34 to $7.22
Granted during 1995........................................................     39,769  $3.13
Exercised during 1995......................................................    (16,266) $3.13
Canceled during 1995.......................................................     --
                                                                             ---------
Outstanding at September 30, 1995..........................................     55,216  $2.34 to $7.22
</TABLE>

    On February 21, 1995 the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the  1995
Incentive  Stock Option Plan (the "1995 Plan"),  pursuant to which up to 100,000
shares of the  Company's common  stock have been  reserved for  issuance to  key
employees  pursuant to the  exercise of incentive stock  options granted to such
key  employees  under  the  1995  Plan.  The  1995  Plan  was  approved  by  the
shareholders of the Company on

                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

8.  STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS: (CONTINUED)
April  28, 1995. Options granted  under the 1995 Plan vest  on the date of grant
and have a term of ten years, subject to earlier termination upon the occurrence
of certain events related to termination of employment. As of September 30, 1995
no options have been granted under the 1995 Plan.

    On April 1, 1994, the Company issued 4 warrants for the purchase of  355,000
shares  of Surety Capital Corporation common stock at an exercise price of $4.50
per share. These warrants expired on March 31, 1995. These warrants were  issued
in connection with the private placement completed in 1993.

    On  June 17, 1994, the  Company issued 1 warrant  for the purchase of 35,500
shares of Surety Capital Corporation common stock at an exercise price of  $4.50
per  share. This warrant  expired on June  16, 1995. This  warrant was issued in
connection with the private placement completed in 1993.

    As of September 30, 1995, there were no warrants outstanding.

9.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK AND CONCENTRATION OF
CREDIT RISK:
    The Company's  subsidiary  Bank  is  party  to  financial  instruments  with
off-balance-sheet  risk, entered into  in the normal course  of business to meet
the financing needs of its  customers. These financial instruments include  loan
commitments  and letters of credit. The instruments involve, to varying degrees,
elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized  in
the financial statements.

    The subsidiary Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance
by  counterparties to loan  commitments and letters of  credit is represented by
the contractual amount of those instruments.  The subsidiary Bank uses the  same
credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as are used in
underwriting on-balance sheet instruments.

    The  total amounts of  financial instruments with  off-balance sheet risk at
September 30, 1995, December 31, 1994 and 1993 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,   --------------------
                                                                                      1995           1994       1993
                                                                                  -------------   ----------  --------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                               <C>             <C>         <C>
Unfunded loan commitments.......................................................   $2,087,000     $1,833,000  $944,000
Letters of credit...............................................................      361,000        182,000   105,000
Credit card lines...............................................................      --             339,000   404,000
</TABLE>

    Since many of the loan commitments may expire without being drawn upon,  the
total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
Loans  are made in accordance with  formal written loan policies. The subsidiary
Bank evaluates each customer's  credit worthiness on a  case by case basis.  The
amount  of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the subsidiary Bank, upon
extension of credit  is based  on management's evaluation  of the  counterparty.
Collateral  held varies, but  may include cash,  accounts receivable, inventory,
property, equipment and real estate.

    The credit risk  involved in issuing  letters of credit  is essentially  the
same  as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The subsidiary
Bank had certificates of  deposit, or other deposit  accounts, in the amount  of
$133,200,  $254,400 and  $90,000 at  September 30,  1995, December  31, 1994 and
1993, respectively, as collateral supporting those letter of credit  commitments
for  which  collateral  is  deemed necessary.  Credit  card  lines  available at
December 31,  1994  and  1993  were collaterialized  by  deposits  held  at  the
Company's  subsidiary  Bank.  There  were  no  credit  card  lines  available at
September 30, 1995.

    The subsidiary Bank sold $21,660,000,  $7,265,000 and $4,450,000 in  federal
funds  at September  30, 1995, December  31, 1994 and  1993, respectively. These
funds represent uncollateralized loans made by the Bank, in varying amounts,  to
commercial  banks with whom the subsidiary Bank has correspondent relationships.
The subsidiary  Bank maintains  deposits with  other financial  institutions  in
amounts which exceed FDIC insurance coverage.

                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

9.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK AND CONCENTRATION OF
    CREDIT RISK: (CONTINUED)
    The  subsidiary Bank  has geographic concentrations  of credit  in its three
principal trade  areas,  Grayson County,  Angelina  County and  Tarrant  County,
Texas.  Additionally,  the subsidiary  Bank has  a significant  concentration of
credit, based upon like collateral, in its insurance premium finance  portfolio.
Insurance   premium   finance  comprises   approximately  $23,724,000   or  35%,
$20,496,000 or 32%  and $14,200,000 or  45% of consolidated  total loans net  of
unearned  interest  as  of  September  30, 1995,  December  31,  1994  and 1993,
respectively.

10. NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
    Net income per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and
for the years ended December 31, 1994,  1993 and 1992 was based upon  3,208,319,
2,393,841,   2,001,689,  and  1,951,873  shares  of  common  stock  outstanding,
respectively. The effects of the exercise of stock options and warrants are  not
material  and have not been  considered in the calculation  of income per common
share.

11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN:
    Effective October 1, 1993, the Company  adopted the Surety Bank 401(k)  Plan
("Plan").  All  full-time employees  are eligible  for participation.  Under the
terms of the Plan,  eligible employees are  allowed to contribute  up to 10%  of
their  base pay. The Company  contributes amounts equal to  5% of the employee's
contribution to a  maximum of  5% of the  employee's pay,  subject to  statutory
limits.  The expense for the  Plan for the nine  months ended September 30, 1995
and  for  1994  and  1993   was  $11,081,  $13,650  and  $2,889,   respectively.
Contributions  to  the  plan during  1994  and  1993 were  $30,000  and $25,000,
respectively.

12. FEDERAL INCOME TAX:
    Effective January  1,  1993,  the Company  adopted  Statement  of  Financial
Accounting  Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". In accordance with
the provisions of this statement, the Company elected not to restate prior years
and has  determined  that  the  cumulative  effect  of  implementation  was  not
significant.

                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

12. FEDERAL INCOME TAX: (CONTINUED)
    The  components of the  net deferred asset recognized  at September 30, 1995
(unaudited), December 31, 1994 and 1993 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           SEPTEMBER    DECEMBER     DECEMBER
                                                           30, 1995     31, 1994     31, 1993
                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                          (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
Deferred tax liability:
  Depreciation and amortization.........................   $ 365,599    $ 350,066    $ 135,696
  Securities............................................      34,286       34,286       34,286
  Deferred loan costs...................................      24,772       18,700       --
  Other.................................................      58,604       58,604       --
  Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale investment
   securities...........................................      56,219       --           --
                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                             539,480      461,656      169,982
Deferred tax asset:
  Tax net operating losses..............................      40,373      163,366      270,558
  Depreciation..........................................      55,988       55,988       47,973
  Allowance for loan losses.............................     148,480      128,080       26,307
  Securities............................................      83,667      224,238       --
  Other.................................................       3,095       25,758        9,429
                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                             331,603      597,430      354,267
Valuation allowance.....................................      --           --         (184,285)
                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                             331,603      597,430      169,982
                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net deferred tax asset/(liability)..................   $(207,877)   $ 135,774    $     -0-
                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>

    Gross net operating losses and the related valuation allowance disclosed  in
1993  were adjusted to exclude net operating  losses which the Company would not
be able to utilize. This adjustment had no impact on the net deferred tax asset.

    The Company's effective tax rate on income before income taxes differs  from
the U.S. statutory tax rate as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                                              SEPTEMBER 30,    ---------------------------
                                                                  1995          1994      1993      1992
                                                              -------------    -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                           <C>              <C>       <C>       <C>
U.S. statutory rate (benefit)...............................       34.0%        34.0%     34.0%     34.0%
Other.......................................................        (.1)        --        (2.9)     --
Goodwill....................................................        4.9         --        --        --
Valuation allowance.........................................     --            (33.0)    (31.1)     --
Utilization of net operating losses.........................     --             --        --       (34.0)
Tax-exempt interest.........................................       (7.1)        (1.1)     --        --
                                                                    ---        -------   -------   -------
Effective tax rate..........................................       31.7%         (.1)%     -0-       -0-
                                                                    ---        -------   -------   -------
                                                                    ---        -------   -------   -------
</TABLE>

    As  of December 31, 1994, the Company  has a net operating loss carryforward
of approximately $480,473 for  income tax reporting  purposes which expires,  if
not used, in 2002 through 2008. The utilization of approximately $353,652 of the
net  operating  loss carryforward  is  limited by  Section  382 of  the Internal
Revenue Code to approximately $59,000 annually until its expiration in 1999  and
$15,000 thereafter through 2004.

                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

13. OTHER NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE:
    Other noninterest income and expense for the nine months ended September 30,
1995  (unaudited) and for the  years ended December 31,  1994, 1993 and 1992 was
composed of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         SEPTEMBER 30,  SEPTEMBER 30,  DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,
                                             1995           1994           1994          1993          1992
                                         -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                      <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
Noninterest Income:
  Nonsufficient fund charges...........   $   214,501    $   202,674    $  263,315    $  248,890    $  145,365
  Late fee charges.....................       366,356        293,582       426,476       304,354       278,520
  Service charges......................       163,648        119,684       163,336       120,143        47,717
  Collection fees......................        93,536         77,001        96,162        71,760        44,351
  Credit life insurance................        59,570         33,231        44,402        49,777        46,346
  Premium finance servicing............       --             --             --           161,310       101,853
  Secured credit card annual fee.......         4,487         13,774        15,905        36,968        52,837
  Other................................       153,897         60,859       150,411        97,843        67,077
  Gain on sale of investment...........           100        --             --            90,763        --
                                         -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
    Total..............................   $ 1,056,095    $   800,805    $1,160,007    $1,181,808    $  784,066
                                         -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                         -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
General and administrative expense:
  Professional fees....................   $   343,866    $   264,627    $  315,434    $  362,571    $  351,593
  Office supplies......................       193,466        150,187       201,028       165,416       126,880
  Travel and entertainment.............        49,760         47,603        60,162        62,184        42,593
  Telephone............................       115,428         95,616       128,407       103,921        78,384
  Advertising..........................        65,216         43,146        54,683        60,302        88,589
  Postage..............................       150,301         97,349       133,887       125,092       105,229
  Amortization of intangibles..........       137,171         34,329        51,201        35,567        29,388
  Dues and subscriptions...............        28,322         36,704        54,609        26,707        20,935
  Insurance............................        97,200         78,420        97,473        59,882        25,519
  Credit cards.........................        14,707         44,698        59,573        63,298        83,941
  Bank service charge..................        29,914         18,901        25,808        29,018        17,922
  FDIC assessment......................       114,541         90,623       133,112        71,003        56,594
  Credit reports.......................        40,911         15,025        17,714        48,495        27,256
  Operational losses...................       --             --             --            --            62,044
  Other................................       188,950        135,733       257,723       167,515       111,707
                                         -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                          $ 1,569,753    $ 1,152,961    $1,590,814    $1,380,971    $1,228,574
                                         -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                         -------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>

14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

    As of September 30, 1995 the Company leased its office space in Hurst, Texas
under a noncancellable  operating lease.  The lease expires  December 31,  1999.
Future minimum lease payments are as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>
1995......................................................  $  94,713
1996......................................................    109,324
1997......................................................    114,253
1998......................................................    114,253
1999......................................................    119,181
                                                            ---------
Total.....................................................  $ 551,724
                                                            ---------
                                                            ---------
</TABLE>

                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: (CONTINUED)
    Rent  expense was $83,562 for  the nine months ended  September 30, 1995 and
$62,297 for the nine months ended September 30, 1994, $83,062 for the year ended
December 31, 1994, $56,982 for the year ended December 31, 1993, and $55,310 for
the year ended December 31, 1992.

    The  Company  adopted  an  agreement  which  compensates  certain  executive
officers at a rate of three times their annual salary for a change in control of
approximately 20%.

    The  Company is a defendant in two  related cases: TENNESSEE EX REL. DOUGLAS
SIZEMORE, COMMISSIONER OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF TENNESSEE,  ET
AL.  VS. SURETY BANK, N.A., filed in June 1995 in the Federal District Court for
the Northern District  of Texas,  Dallas Division, (the  "Anchorage Case"),  and
UNITED  SHORTLINE INC.  ASSURANCE SERVICES,  N.A. ET  AL. VS.  MACGREGOR GENERAL
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.,  ET AL.,  now pending  in the  141st Judicial  District
Court  of  Tarrant County,  Texas (the  "MacGregor Case").  The claimant  in the
Anchorage Case is  a liquidator  (the "Liquidator") appointed  by the  Tennessee
Commissioner  of Commerce and Insurance to liquidate Anchorage Fire and Casualty
Insurance Company ("Anchorage").  The Liquidator seeks  to recover  compensatory
and punitive damages on various alleged causes of action, including violation of
orders  issued  by a  Tennessee  court, fraudulent  and  preferential transfers,
common law conversion, fraud, negligence, and bad faith, all of which are  based
on  the  same underlying  facts  and course  of  conduct. The  plaintiff  in the
MacGregor  Case,  United  Shortline  Inc.  Assurance  Services,  N.A.   ("United
Shortline"),  is  the holder  of a  Florida  judgment against  MacGregor General
Insurance Company,  Ltd.  ("MacGregor") and  seeks  to recover  funds  allegedly
belonging  to MacGregor which were held by  the Company. Both cases arise out of
the Company's alleged  exercise of control  over funds held  in accounts at  the
Company  under agreements with Anchorage and  MacGregor. The exercise of control
included the  setoff of  approximately $570,000,  and the  interpleader, in  the
MacGregor  Case, of  approximately $600,000. The  Company asserts that  it had a
right  to  exercise  control  over  the  funds,  in  the  first  instance  under
contractual   agreements  between  the  Company  and  the  respective  insurance
companies or the Company and the policy  holders, and in the second instance  in
order  to protect  the Company  against the  possibility of  inconsistent orders
regarding the same funds. The Liquidator  also seeks to recover funds  allegedly
transferred from Anchorage/MacGregor accounts at the Bank during approximately a
four  month period  in 1993,  which exceed  $2.6 million  in the  aggregate. The
Company believes that  the claims  lack merit and  intends to  defend the  cases
vigorously.  Anchorage Fire &  Casualty Insurance Company,  in Liquidation, is a
shareholder of the Company.

                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

15. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
                           CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY ONLY
                            STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
        AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 (UNAUDITED), DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,   ----------------------
                                                                                      1995           1994        1993
                                                                                  -------------   ----------  ----------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                               <C>             <C>         <C>
Assets:
  Cash..........................................................................   $    122,849   $  324,658  $1,010,573
  Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions...........................       --             --         450,000
  Receivable from subsidiary....................................................       --            242,493      --
  Investment in Subsidiary, at equity...........................................     10,211,874    9,211,212   3,820,415
  Other assets..................................................................         83,170       51,232      --
                                                                                  -------------   ----------  ----------
    Total assets................................................................   $ 10,417,893   $9,829,595  $5,280,988
                                                                                  -------------   ----------  ----------
                                                                                  -------------   ----------  ----------
Liabilities:
  Note payable..................................................................   $    375,000   $1,750,000  $   --
  Accrued liabilities...........................................................          6,192       13,914      --
                                                                                  -------------   ----------  ----------
    Total liabilities...........................................................        381,192    1,763,914      --
                                                                                  -------------   ----------  ----------
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock..................................................................         35,166       30,408      22,734
  Additional paid-in capital....................................................      9,364,515    8,113,214   5,806,116
  Retained earnings (deficit)...................................................        573,311      (75,102)   (547,862)
  Treasury stock................................................................        (50,830)
  Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities.......................        114,539       (2,839)     --
                                                                                  -------------   ----------  ----------
    Total shareholders' equity..................................................     10,036,701    8,065,681   5,280,988
                                                                                  -------------   ----------  ----------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity................................   $ 10,417,893   $9,829,595  $5,280,988
                                                                                  -------------   ----------  ----------
                                                                                  -------------   ----------  ----------
</TABLE>

                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

15. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION: (CONTINUED)
                         CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY ONLY
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
       FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND 1994 (UNAUDITED)
            AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1993 AND 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           SEPTEMBER 30,               DECEMBER 31,
                                        --------------------  -------------------------------
                                          1995       1994       1994       1993       1992
                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                        (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Interest income.......................  $   6,459  $  20,912  $  24,685  $  12,813  $  13,517
Interest expense......................   (111,915)    --        (11,075)    --         --
                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net interest income (expense) before
   provision for loan loss............   (105,456)    20,912     13,610     12,813     13,517
Recovery on loan loss.................     --          3,101      3,101     64,416     65,445
                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net interest income.................   (105,456)    24,013     16,711     77,229     78,962
Noninterest expense...................   (184,868)  (163,487)  (207,473)  (255,999)  (355,862)
Equity in net income of subsidiary....    886,123    430,105    390,797    549,493    293,324
                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net income before income taxes....    595,799    290,631    200,035    370,723     16,424
Income tax expense (benefit):
  Current.............................    (52,614)    --       (242,493)    --         --
  Deferred............................     --         (3,103)   (30,232)    --         --
                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net income........................  $ 648,413  $ 293,734  $ 472,760  $ 370,723  $  16,424
                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

15. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION: (CONTINUED)
                         CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY ONLY
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
           FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND 1994 AND
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1993 AND 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SEPTEMBER 30,                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------  ----------------------------------
                                                                 1995         1994         1994         1993       1992
                                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ---------
                                                              (UNAUDITED)  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income................................................  $   648,413  $   293,734  $   472,760  $  370,723  $  16,424
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in
   operating activities:
    Equity in net income of subsidiary......................     (886,123)    (433,207)    (390,797)   (549,493)  (293,324)
    Recovery on loan losses.................................      --           --           --          (64,416)   (65,445)
    Depreciation and amortization...........................      --           --           --           --         35,015
    Net increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities..........      109,656      --            11,075      --       (155,648)
    Net increase in other assets............................      (31,938)    (119,743)     (51,232)     --         --
                                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ---------
      Net cash provided (used) in operating activities......     (159,992)    (259,216)      41,806    (243,186)  (462,978)
                                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from the maturity of interest....................      --           100,000      450,000      50,000     --
  Purchase of interest bearing deposits.....................      --           --           --           --       (500,000)
  Net (increase) decrease in receivable from subsidiary.....      242,493      --          (242,493)     --         --
  Net (increase) decrease in loans..........................      --           --           --          207,582    185,480
  Direct cost incurred for probable bank acquisition........      --           --           --           71,935    (71,935)
  Investment in subsidiary..................................     (114,539)  (1,000,000)  (5,000,000)     --         --
                                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ---------
      Net cash (used) provided in investing activities......      127,954     (900,000)  (4,792,493)    329,517   (386,455)
                                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Sale of common stock......................................    1,256,059      394,713    2,314,772     851,903    779,143
  Short-term debt...........................................   (1,375,000)     --         1,750,000      --         --
  Purchase of Treasury Stock................................      (50,830)
                                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ---------
      Net cash provided in financing activities.............     (169,771)     394,713    4,064,772     851,903    779,143
Net (decrease) increase in cash.............................     (201,809)    (764,503)    (685,915)    938,234    (70,290)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents.........................      324,658    1,010,573    1,010,573      72,339    142,629
                                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ---------
Ending cash and cash equivalents............................  $   122,849  $   246,070  $   324,658  $1,010,573  $  72,339
                                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ---------
                                                              -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ---------
</TABLE>

                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
    On October 17,  1995 and as  amended on  January 16, 1996,  the Company  and
Surety Bank entered into an agreement to acquire First National Bank, a national
banking  association located in Midlothian,  Texas. Under the proposed structure
of the transaction, a subsidiary of Surety Bank (to be organized by Surety  Bank
under  the name of  "Surety Acquisition, Inc.")  will first merge  with and into
First National  Bank's  parent  holding company,  First  Midlothian  Corporation
("First  Midlothian"), pursuant to which  merger (the "Merger") the shareholders
of First Midlothian will  receive cash in exchange  for their shares of  capital
stock  of First Midlothian in  an amount equal to  one hundred and fifty percent
(150%) of the book value of  First National Bank. Surety Acquisition, Inc.  will
be  a  Texas  corporation,  and  its  proposed  activities  will  be  limited to
facilitating Surety  Bank's acquisition  of  First Midlothian  and,  indirectly,
First National Bank.

    Immediately  following the Merger, First National  Bank and Surety Bank will
consolidate under  the  charter  of  Surety  Bank  (the  "Consolidation").  Upon
consummation of the Consolidation, First Midlothian will be dissolved.

    The   Company  is  in  the  process  of  preparing  the  various  regulatory
applications necessary to consummate the proposed acquisition.

    As of September 30,  1995 First Midlothian Corporation  had total assets  of
$52,130,000,  total  deposits of  $47,160,000, total  net loans  of $20,094,000,
total equity of $3,763,000  and net income for  the nine months ended  September
30, 1995 of $306,000.

    The  completion of the acquisition is  subject to a number of contingencies,
including regulatory approval by applicable banking authorities, the raising  of
sufficient  funds  by the  Company  to facilitate  the  acquisition, shareholder
approval, and other matters.  If consummated, the  transactions are expected  to
occur during the first quarter of 1996.

                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS'

Board of Directors and Shareholders
First Midlothian Corporation
Midlothian, Texas

    We  have  audited  the  accompanying consolidated  balance  sheets  of First
Midlothian Corporation as of September 30,  1995 and December 31, 1994, and  the
related  consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows
for the nine months ended  September 30, 1995 and for  each of the two years  in
the  period  ended  December  31,  1994.  These  financial  statements  are  the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express  an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

    We  conducted  our audits  in  accordance with  generally  accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to  obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also  includes
assessing  the  accounting principles  used  and significant  estimates  made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In  our opinion, the financial statements  referred to above present fairly,
in  all  material  respects,  the  consolidated  financial  position  of   First
Midlothian  Corporation as of September 30, 1995  and December 31, 1994, and the
consolidated results  of their  operations and  their cash  flows for  the  nine
months  ended September  30, 1995 and  for each of  the two years  in the period
ended December  31,  1994,  in conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles.

    As  discussed  in  Note  2 to  the  financial  statements,  First Midlothian
Corporation changed  its  method of  accounting  for investment  securities  and
income taxes in 1994 and 1993, respectively.

                                          SAMSON, ROBBINS & ASSOCIATES, P.L.L.C.

November 1, 1995
Dallas, Texas

                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                     ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                         1995           1994
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>            <C>
Assets:
  Cash and due from banks..........................................................  $   3,586,274  $   2,150,392
  Federal funds sold...............................................................      7,100,000      2,640,000
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
    Cash and cash equivalents......................................................     10,686,274      4,790,392
Investment securities..............................................................     19,309,212     20,512,375
Net loans..........................................................................     20,094,209     20,396,952
Premises and equipment, net........................................................        861,532        854,488
Accrued interest receivable........................................................        429,114        460,611
Other real estate and repossessed assets...........................................        653,035      1,046,724
Net deferred tax asset.............................................................         51,226        205,101
Other assets.......................................................................         45,640         48,423
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
      Total assets.................................................................  $  52,130,242  $  48,315,066
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
  Demand deposits..................................................................  $  10,154,310  $   9,191,492
  Savings, NOW and money markets...................................................     16,729,861     16,766,651
  Time deposits, $100,000 and over.................................................      1,963,600      1,546,147
  Other time deposits..............................................................     18,312,770     16,096,716
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
    Total deposits.................................................................     47,160,541     43,601,006
Subordinated debentures............................................................        674,707        674,707
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities.....................................        531,893        468,933
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
    Total liabilities..............................................................     48,367,141     44,744,646
Commitments and contingent liabilities.............................................       --             --
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, $10 par value, 48,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding....        480,000        480,000
Additional paid-in capital.........................................................        679,493        679,493
Retained earnings..................................................................      2,603,608      2,417,344
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities...................................              0         (6,417)
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
    Total shareholders' equity.....................................................      3,763,101      3,570,420
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity...................................  $  52,130,242  $  48,315,066
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
</TABLE>

                 The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                     the consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             FOR THE              FOR THE             FOR THE
                                                                        NINE MONTHS ENDED       YEAR ENDED          YEAR ENDED
                                                                        SEPTEMBER 30, 1995   DECEMBER 31, 1994   DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                  <C>                 <C>
Interest income:
  Commercial and real estate loans....................................      $1,240,594          $1,466,820          $1,555,773
  Consumer loans......................................................         296,496             351,874             299,759
  Federal funds sold..................................................         320,679             185,581             341,754
  Investment securities and interest bearing deposits.................         866,236             963,043             659,231
  Other interest income...............................................           1,757              32,621              35,923
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
    Total interest income.............................................       2,725,762           2,999,939           2,892,440
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
Interest expense:
  Savings, NOW and money markets......................................         368,646             327,632             363,056
  Time deposits, $100,000 and over....................................         202,403             134,369             121,505
  Other time deposits.................................................         595,985             627,142             641,687
  Other interest expense..............................................          68,011              81,777              88,846
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
    Total interest expense............................................       1,235,045           1,170,920           1,215,094
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
      Net interest income before provision for loan losses............       1,490,717           1,829,019           1,677,346
Provision for loan losses.............................................          35,000                   0                   0
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
      Net interest income.............................................       1,455,717           1,829,019           1,677,346
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
Noninterest income....................................................         469,788             627,846             645,961
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
Noninterest expense:
  Salaries and employee benefits......................................         720,361             941,462             881,923
  Occupancy and equipment.............................................         156,170             194,860             181,048
  General and administrative..........................................         592,140             936,371           1,035,401
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
    Total noninterest expense.........................................       1,468,671           2,072,693           2,098,372
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
      Income before income taxes......................................         456,834             384,172             224,935
Income tax expense:
  Current.............................................................               0                   0                   0
  Deferred............................................................         150,570             109,229              57,632
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
      Total tax expense...............................................         150,570             109,229              57,632
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
      Net income......................................................      $  306,264          $  274,943          $  167,303
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
Net income per share of common stock..................................      $     6.38          $     5.73          $     3.49
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
Weighted average shares outstanding...................................          48,000              48,000              48,000
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                                                        ------------------   -----------------   -----------------
</TABLE>

                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of the consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        UNREALIZED
                                                                                        GAIN/(LOSS)
                                                                                            ON
                                           COMMON STOCK       ADDITIONAL                 AVAILABLE       TOTAL
                                       ---------------------   PAID-IN      RETAINED     FOR SALE    SHAREHOLDERS'
                                        SHARES    PAR VALUE    CAPITAL      EARNINGS    SECURITIES      EQUITY
                                       ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
Balance at December 31, 1992 as
 previously reported.................     48,000  $  480,000  $  679,493  $  1,605,971   $       0    $ 2,765,464
Cumulative effect on prior years of
 change in accounting principle......                                          369,127                    369,127
                                       ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -------------
Balance at December 31, 1992 as
 restated............................     48,000     480,000     679,493     1,975,098           0      3,134,591
Net income...........................                                          167,303                    167,303
                                       ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -------------
Balance at December 31, 1993.........     48,000     480,000     679,493     2,142,401           0      3,301,894
Net income                                                                     274,943                    274,943
Unrealized (loss) on available-
 for-sale securities, net of income
 taxes...............................                                                       (6,417)        (6,417)
                                       ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -------------
Balance at December 31, 1994.........     48,000     480,000     679,493     2,417,344      (6,417)     3,570,420
Net income...........................                                          306,264                    306,264
Dividends paid.......................                                         (120,000)                  (120,000)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale
 securities, net of income taxes.....                                                        6,417          6,417
                                       ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -------------
Balance at September 30, 1995........     48,000  $  480,000  $  679,493  $  2,603,608   $       0    $ 3,763,101
                                       ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -------------
                                       ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -------------
</TABLE>

                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of the consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    FOR THE NINE
                                                                    MONTHS ENDED    FOR THE YEAR    FOR THE YEAR
                                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,  ENDED DECEMBER  ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                        1995          31, 1994        31, 1993
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                                 <C>            <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income......................................................  $     306,264  $      274,943  $      167,303
  Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
   operating activities:
    Provision for loan loss.......................................         35,000               0               0
    Depreciation..................................................         54,900          72,300          63,600
    (Discount accretion)/premium amortization.....................        (98,834)        (19,895)        155,671
    Loss on sale or disposal of other real estate.................         57,250          76,061         189,967
    Loss on sale of investment securities.........................              0          15,548               0
    Net change in accrued interest receivable.....................         31,497          (9,236)          4,123
    Net change in other assets....................................          2,137          24,696          15,224
    Net change in deferred tax asset..............................        150,570         109,227          57,632
    Net change in accrued interest payable and other
     liabilities..................................................         63,606         (13,800)        (88,163)
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
      Net cash provided by operating activities...................        602,390         529,844         565,357
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from the maturity of held-to-maturity securities and
   interest bearing deposits......................................     11,320,000      18,365,125      20,822,000
  Proceeds from maturity of available-for-sale securities.........      4,000,000               0               0
  Purchase of premises and equipment..............................        (61,945)        (87,408)        (62,953)
  Net decrease in loans...........................................        267,743         307,459          59,028
  Proceeds from sale of other real estate.........................        336,440         377,819         598,850
  Purchase of held-to-maturity securities.........................    (14,008,281)    (15,906,164)    (20,186,250)
  Purchase of available-for-sale securities.......................              0      (3,927,657)              0
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
      Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.........      1,853,957        (870,826)      1,230,675
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net change in deposits..........................................      3,559,535      (2,097,951)     (4,622,469)
  Payments on debentures..........................................              0         (99,040)        (62,203)
  Dividends paid..................................................       (120,000)              0               0
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.........      3,439,535      (2,196,991)     (4,684,672)
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash...................................      5,895,882      (2,537,973)     (2,888,640)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents...............................      4,790,392       7,328,365      10,217,005
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
Ending cash and cash equivalents..................................  $  10,686,274  $    4,790,392  $    7,328,365
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
Supplemental disclosure:
  Cash paid during the period for interest........................  $   1,127,892  $    1,182,505  $    1,267,670
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
  Cash paid during the period for income taxes....................  $           0  $            0  $            0
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                    -------------  --------------  --------------
</TABLE>

                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                    of the consolidated financial statements

                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
    The  accompanying consolidated financial statements  include the accounts of
the Company  and its  subsidiary, First  National Bank  in Midlothian  ("Bank"),
which is 100% owned. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have
been eliminated in consolidation.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash
on  hand, amounts  due from  banks, and  federal funds  sold. Generally, federal
funds are sold for one day periods.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

    Effective January  1,  1994,  the Company  adopted  STATEMENT  OF  FINANCIAL
ACCOUNTING  STANDARDS No. 115,  "Accounting for Certain  Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities" ("SFAS  115"). This  statement addresses  the accounting  and
reporting for investments in equity securities that have readily determined fair
values for all investments in debt securities.

    Management  determines the appropriate classification  of securities at time
of purchase. If the  securities are purchased with  the positive intent and  the
ability   to  hold  the  securities  until  maturity,  they  are  classified  as
held-to-maturity and carried  at historical cost,  adjusted for amortization  of
premiums  and  accretion  of fees  and  discounts using  the  effective interest
method. Securities to be held for  indefinite periods of time are classified  as
available-for-sale  and  carried at  fair value.  Securities purchased  and held
principally for the purpose of selling them  in the near term are classified  as
trading. The Company has no securities classified as trading as of September 30,
1995.  The  cost of  securities  sold is  based  on the  specific identification
method.

    The Company has no securities classified as available-for-sale at  September
30, 1995.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

    Loans  are stated  at the  amount of  unpaid principal,  reduced by unearned
interest and an  allowance for  loan losses. The  allowance for  loan losses  is
established  through  a  provision  for  loan  losses  charged  against  current
earnings.  Loans  are  charged  against  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  when
management  believes that the  collectibility of the  principal is unlikely. The
allowance for loan losses is an amount that management believes will be adequate
to absorb possible losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, based
upon evaluation of the collectibility of  loans and prior loan loss  experience.
The  evaluations take into  consideration such factors as  changes in the nature
and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of  specific
problem  loans, and current  economic conditions that  may affect the borrowers'
ability to pay.

    Interest income  on  installment  loans  is recognized  by  a  method  which
approximates  the interest method. Interest income on commercial and real estate
loans is  accrued daily  on  the amount  of  outstanding principal.  Accrual  of
interest  is discontinued on a loan  when management believes, after considering
economic and  business  conditions and  collection  efforts, that  a  borrower's
financial  condition  is  such  that collection  of  interest  and  principal is
doubtful. Management evaluates the book  value (including accrued interest)  and
collateral  value on  loans placed  on nonaccrual  status and  provides specific
allowance for loan losses as deemed appropriate.

    Certain fees  and  costs  associated  with  the  origination  of  loans  are
recognized  when received. Management has  determined that fees collected offset
actual expenses incurred to process the subject loans.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

    Premises and equipment  are stated  at cost  less accumulated  depreciation.
Depreciation  is computed using the straight-line  method at rates sufficient to
amortize the  cost over  the estimated  lives of  the assets.  Expenditures  for
repairs  and maintenance are expensed as  incurred, and renewals and betterments
that

                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)
extend the lives of  assets are capitalized.  Cost and accumulated  depreciation
are  eliminated  from the  accounts  when assets  are  sold or  retired  and any
resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations in the year of disposition.

OTHER REAL ESTATE AND REPOSSESSED ASSETS

    Foreclosed real estate  and other assets  are recorded at  the lower of  the
unpaid balance of the related loan or the fair market value of the property. Any
write  down to fair market  value at the date  of acquisition is charged against
the allowance  for loan  losses. Any  subsequent write  downs are  reflected  in
operations.

INCOME PER SHARE

    Net  income per share  of common stock  is computed based  upon the weighted
average number of  shares of  common stock  outstanding during  the years  ended
December 31, 1994 and 1993 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1995.

INCOME TAXES

    During 1993, the Company adopted STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
(SFAS)  No. 109 whereby  the method of  accounting for income  taxes utilized an
asset and liability approach  for financial statement  purposes. Under SFAS  No.
109,  the types of differences  between the tax bases  of assets and liabilities
and their financial reporting amounts that give rise to significant portions  of
deferred  income tax liabilities or assets include: allowances for possible loan
losses, property and  equipment, investment  securities and  net operating  loss
carryforwards.  The change in accounting did not have an effect on the Company's
consolidated financial  position  or  results of  operations.  First  Midlothian
Corporation and its subsidiary will file a consolidated tax return for 1995. The
Company has a tax sharing arrangement with its subsidiary.

3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES:
    At  September 30,  1995 the  amortized cost  and estimated  market values of
investment securities are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               GROSS        GROSS
                                                               AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED     ESTIMATED
                                                                 COST          GAINS       LOSSES     MARKET VALUE
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
Held-to-Maturity:
  U.S. Treasury............................................  $  18,000,874   $  45,676    $   5,340   $  18,041,210
  Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and
   corporations............................................      1,000,000       2,190            0       1,002,190
  State and county municipals..............................        263,938       2,964            0         266,902
  Federal Reserve Bank stock...............................         44,400           0            0          44,400
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                             $  19,309,212   $  50,830    $   5,340   $  19,354,702
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
</TABLE>

                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES: (CONTINUED)
    At December  31, 1994  the amortized  cost and  estimated market  values  of
investment securities are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               GROSS        GROSS
                                                               AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED     ESTIMATED
                                                                 COST          GAINS       LOSSES     MARKET VALUE
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
Held-to-Maturity:
  U.S. Treasury............................................  $  16,258,839   $       0    $ 170,257   $  16,088,582
  Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and
   corporations............................................              0           0            0               0
  State and county municipals..............................        283,736       1,623            0         285,359
  Federal Reserve Bank stock...............................         44,400           0            0          44,400
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                16,586,975       1,623      170,257      16,418,341
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
Available-for-Sale:
  U.S. Treasury............................................      3,935,122           0        9,722       3,925,400
  Obligations of other U.S. Government agencies and
   corporations............................................              0           0            0               0
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                 3,935,122           0        9,722       3,925,400
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                             $  20,522,097   $   1,623    $ 179,979   $  20,343,741
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                             -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
</TABLE>

    The  amortized cost and  estimated market value  of investment securities at
September  30,  1995,  by  contractual  maturity,  are  shown  below.   Expected
maturities  will differ from  contractual maturities because  borrowers may have
the right  to call  or prepay  obligations with  or without  call or  prepayment
penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             AMORTIZED      ESTIMATED
                                                                               COST       MARKET VALUE
                                                                           -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                        <C>            <C>
Held-to-Maturity:
  Due within one year....................................................  $   6,990,206  $   6,999,510
  Due after one year through five years..................................     12,249,938     12,285,792
  Due after five years through ten years.................................         24,668         25,000
  Other Securities.......................................................         44,400         44,400
                                                                           -------------  -------------
    Total................................................................  $  19,309,212  $  19,354,702
                                                                           -------------  -------------
                                                                           -------------  -------------
</TABLE>

    Proceeds  from maturities  of investment  securities during  the nine months
ended September 30,  1995 were  $15,320,000 with  no gross  recognized gains  or
losses.

    Proceeds  from maturities of investment  securities during the twelve months
ended December  31,  1994  were  $18,365,125 with  gross  recognized  losses  of
$15,548.  These securities  were sold  within ninety  (90) days  of the maturity
dates  and  did  not  impact   the  classification  of  other   held-to-maturity
securities.

    Proceeds  from maturities of investment  securities during the twelve months
ended December  31, 1993  were $20,822,000  with no  gross recognized  gains  or
losses.

    At  September 30, 1995, and December 31, 1994, the carrying value of Federal
Reserve Bank stock was  $44,400. The Federal Reserve  Bank stock's market  value
was  estimated to be the  same as its carrying value  at both September 30, 1995
and December 31, 1994.

    At September 30,  1995 and  December 31,  1994, securities  with a  carrying
amount of approximately $6,550,000 and $7,537,000, respectively, were pledged as
collateral for public deposits, as required or permitted by law.

                                      F-32
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

3.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES: (CONTINUED)
    At  September 30,  1995, there were  no investment  securities classified as
available-for-sale   securities.   The    gross   unrealized    loss   on    the
available-for-sale securities at December 31, 1994 was $9,722.

4.  NET LOANS:
    The loan portfolio was composed of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           SEPTEMBER 30,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                               1995           1994
                                                                           -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                        <C>            <C>
Commercial loans.........................................................  $   4,210,529  $   5,505,238
Real estate loans........................................................     12,378,272     11,550,776
Installment loans........................................................      3,958,983      3,659,907
Overdrafts...............................................................          5,613        122,934
                                                                           -------------  -------------
  Total loans............................................................     20,553,397     20,838,855
Deduct:
  Unearned interest......................................................       (228,573)      (185,320)
  Allowance for loan losses..............................................       (230,615)      (256,583)
                                                                           -------------  -------------
    Net loans............................................................  $  20,094,209  $  20,396,952
                                                                           -------------  -------------
                                                                           -------------  -------------
</TABLE>

    A  summary of  the changes  in the  allowance for  loan losses  for the nine
months ended September 30, 1995 and years  ended December 31, 1994 and 1993  are
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1995        1994        1993
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>
Beginning balance..................................................  $  256,583  $  317,372  $  346,582
Provision for loan losses..........................................      35,000           0           0
Loans charged off..................................................     (82,919)    (84,079)    (45,416)
Recoveries.........................................................      21,951      23,290      16,206
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                     $  230,615  $  256,583  $  317,372
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>

    Note  that no provision  for loan losses  was recorded during  the two years
ended December 31,  1993 and 1994,  respectively. During 1991,  the Company  was
required to increase the allowance for loan loss significantly based upon actual
experience  levels at  that time. Subsequent  to 1991,  the Company's experience
relative to loan  loss has  improved such that  no material  provision has  been
required.

    Loans  on which  the accrual of  interest has been  discontinued amounted to
approximately $128,621 and $52,663 at September 30, 1995 and December 31,  1994,
respectively. Included in commercial and installment loans at September 30, 1995
and  December 31, 1994, are approximately $934,378 and $1,414,804, respectively,
of loans to employees, officers, and/or directors, or their interests.

5.  OTHER REAL ESTATE AND REPOSSESSED ASSETS:
    Other real estate and repossessed assets consisted of the following at:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   1995           1994          1993
                                                               -------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                                            <C>            <C>           <C>
Other real estate............................................   $   713,268   $  1,173,812  $  1,511,764
Allowance for possible loss:
  Beginning balance..........................................      (127,088)      (140,151)     (250,613)
  Charge offs................................................        69,441         13,063       123,285
  Provision charged to expense...............................        (2,586)       --            (12,823)
                                                               -------------  ------------  ------------
  Ending balance.............................................       (60,233)      (127,088)     (140,151)
                                                               -------------  ------------  ------------
Net other real estate........................................   $   653,035   $  1,046,724  $  1,371,613
                                                               -------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>

                                      F-33
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

6.  PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:
    Premises and  equipment at  September 30,  1995 and  December 31,  1994  are
summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1995          1994
                                                                              ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                           <C>           <C>
Land........................................................................  $     64,277  $     64,277
Building....................................................................       989,222       971,697
Furniture, fixtures and computers...........................................       399,200       646,761
Automobiles.................................................................        53,289        53,289
                                                                              ------------  ------------
                                                                                 1,505,988     1,736,024
Less accumulated depreciation...............................................      (644,456)     (881,536)
                                                                              ------------  ------------
Net premises and equipment..................................................  $    861,532  $    854,488
                                                                              ------------  ------------
                                                                              ------------  ------------
</TABLE>

    During  1995,  the  Company  adjusted  premises  and  equipment  to  reflect
obsolete, non-utilized items  that were  fully depreciated in  prior years.  The
effect   was  to  reduce   the  asset  cost   and  accumulated  depreciation  by
approximately $291,000.

    Depreciation expense was $54,900, $72,300  and $63,600 for the period  ended
September 30, 1995 and the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

7.  SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES:
    Subordinated  Debentures at  September 30,  1995 and  December 31,  1994 are
summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1995        1994
                                                                                    ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>         <C>
1982 Subordinated Debentures.........................................         12%   $  339,707  $  339,707
1991 Subordinated Debentures:
  Series D...........................................................       9.75%       55,000      55,000
  Series E...........................................................       9.75%       70,000      70,000
  Series F...........................................................      10.00%       70,000      70,000
  Series G...........................................................      10.00%       70,000      70,000
  Series H...........................................................      10.00%       70,000      70,000
                                                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                                                    $  674,707  $  674,707
                                                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                                                    ----------  ----------
</TABLE>

    Interest is payable semiannually with the principle due at maturity.

    The following  is a  summary  of maturities  of Subordinated  Debentures  at
September 30, 1995.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
Due within one year.......................................................  $  55,000
Due after one year through five years.....................................    619,707
                                                                            ---------
                                                                            $ 674,707
                                                                            ---------
                                                                            ---------
</TABLE>

    The  1982 Subordinated  Debentures are held  by several  shareholders of the
Company. The  1991 Subordinated  Debentures are  held by  shareholders with  the
exception  of $100,000  which is  held by two  (2) significant  customers of the
Bank.

8.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK:
    The Company's  subsidiary  Bank  is  party  to  financial  instruments  with
off-balance  sheet risk, entered into  in the normal course  of business to meet
the financing needs of its  customers. These financial instruments include  loan
commitments  and letters of credit. The instruments involve, to varying degrees,
elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized  in
the financial statements.

                                      F-34
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

8.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK: (CONTINUED)
    The subsidiary Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance
by  counterparties to loan  commitments and letters of  credit is represented by
the contractual amount of those instruments.  The subsidiary Bank uses the  same
credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as are used in
underwriting on-balance sheet instruments.

    The  total amounts of  financial instruments with  off-balance sheet risk at
September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1994 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1995        1994
                                                                                  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                               <C>         <C>
Unfunded loan commitments.......................................................  $  708,561  $  761,132
Letters of credit...............................................................      79,597      80,602
</TABLE>

    Since many of the loan commitments may expire without being drawn upon,  the
total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
Loans  are made in accordance with  formal written loan policies. The subsidiary
Bank evaluates each customer's  credit worthiness on a  case by case basis.  The
amount  of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the subsidiary Bank, upon
extension of credit  is based  on management's evaluation  of the  counterparty.
Collateral  held varies, but  may include cash,  accounts receivable, inventory,
property, equipment and real estate.

    The credit risk  involved in issuing  letters of credit  is essentially  the
same  as that involved in  extending loan facilities to  customers. There was no
collateral required by management for the letters of credit.

    The subsidiary  Bank sold  $7,100,000  and $2,640,000  in federal  funds  at
September  30, 1995 and  December 31, 1994,  respectively. These funds represent
uncollateralized loans made by the Bank, in varying amounts, to commercial banks
with whom the  subsidiary Bank has  correspondent relationships. The  subsidiary
Bank  maintains  deposits with  other  financial institutions  in  amounts which
exceed FDIC insurance  coverage. At September  30, 1995 and  December 31,  1994,
approximately $1,998,006 and $0, respectively, of such balances were uninsured.

9.  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
    In  1982, the  Company acquired  all of the  common stock  of the subsidiary
Bank. Shareholders of the Bank  stock were issued the  same number of shares  of
common  stock of the Company as they had  held in the Bank. The Company does not
have any warrants or options issued or outstanding.

    The Company is not  subject to any restrictions  on the amount of  dividends
that it may declare by any regulatory agency, however dividends must be paid out
of  retained earnings. On June  30, 1995, the Company  declared and paid a $2.50
per share dividend for the shareholders of record as of that date.

10. NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
    Net income per  common share for  the periods ended  September 30, 1995  and
December  31, 1994 and 1993 was based upon the weighted average shares of common
stock outstanding of 48,000 shares, respectively.

11. FEDERAL INCOME TAX:
    Effective January  1,  1993,  the Company  adopted  STATEMENT  OF  FINANCIAL
ACCOUNTING   STANDARDS  (SFAS)  No.  109,  "Accounting  for  Income  Taxes".  In
accordance with the provisions of this statement, the Company elected to restate
prior years  by  recording the  cumulative  effect  of this  restatement  as  an
increase to retained earnings of approximately $370,000 at January 1, 1993.

                                      F-35
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

11. FEDERAL INCOME TAX: (CONTINUED)
    The  components of the  net deferred asset recognized  at September 30, 1995
and December 31, 1994 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1995        1994
                                                                                   ---------  ----------
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>
Deferred tax liability:
  Allowance for loan losses......................................................  $  20,477  $   32,379
                                                                                   ---------  ----------
                                                                                      20,477      32,379
                                                                                   ---------  ----------
Deferred tax asset:
  Tax net operating losses.......................................................     51,195     203,006
  Depreciation...................................................................      1,115       1,115
  Securities.....................................................................      8,945      12,250
  Allowance for real estate losses...............................................     10,448      21,109
                                                                                   ---------  ----------
                                                                                      71,703     237,480
                                                                                   ---------  ----------
Valuation allowance..............................................................          0           0
                                                                                   ---------  ----------
    Net deferred tax asset.......................................................  $  51,226  $  205,101
                                                                                   ---------  ----------
                                                                                   ---------  ----------
</TABLE>

    The Company's effective tax rate on income before income taxes differs  from
the U.S. statutory tax rate as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                              SEPTEMBER 30,   ---------------
                                                                  1995         1994     1993
                                                              -------------   ------   ------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>      <C>
U.S. statutory rate.........................................     34.0%        34.0%    34.0%
Tax-exempt interest.........................................     (1.0)%       (5.6)%   (8.4)%
                                                                  ---         ------   ------
Effective tax rate..........................................     33.0%        28.4%    25.6%
                                                                  ---         ------   ------
                                                                  ---         ------   ------
</TABLE>

    As  of September 30, 1995, the Company has a net operating loss carryforward
of approximately $150,000 for  income tax reporting  purposes which expires,  if
not used, in 2005 through 2008.

                                      F-36
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

12. OTHER NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE:
    Other noninterest income and expense for the nine months ended September 30,
1995,  and  the  years  ended  December 31,  1994,  1993  were  composed  of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SEPTEMBER 30,  DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                           1995           1994          1993
                                                                       -------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>           <C>
Noninterest income:
  Service charges....................................................   $   396,109    $  513,834    $  517,836
  Other fees.........................................................        39,772        50,559        51,940
  Other..............................................................        33,907        63,453        76,185
                                                                       -------------  ------------  ------------
    Total............................................................   $   469,788    $  627,846    $  645,961
                                                                       -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                       -------------  ------------  ------------
General and administrative expense:
  Data processing....................................................   $   150,706    $  207,875    $  195,821
  FDIC and exam assessments..........................................        38,078       134,600       154,201
  ORE expense........................................................        85,147       122,097       288,128
  Office expense.....................................................        80,410       119,314       121,804
  Directors fees.....................................................        58,600        64,095        67,820
  Advertising........................................................        50,026        53,939        58,645
  Professional fees..................................................        43,137        49,895        27,941
  Loss on maturity of securities.....................................       --             15,548        --
  Other..............................................................        86,036       169,008       121,041
                                                                       -------------  ------------  ------------
    Total............................................................   $   592,140    $  936,371    $1,035,401
                                                                       -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                       -------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
    In the  ordinary course  of business,  the Company  has various  outstanding
commitments   and  contingent  liabilities   that  are  not   reflected  in  the
accompanying financial statements. Management  does not anticipate any  material
adverse  effect on the financial  condition of the Company  as a result of these
commitments.

    The Company is party to various operating leases and contracts. The  Company
has  a contract  with Electronic Data  Systems (EDS) to  provide data processing
services for  the subsidiary  Bank. This  contract, which  expires February  28,
1997,  is based on usage and items  processed. The average cost of this contract
over the past past  three years is approximately  $10,000 -- $12,000 per  month.
This  agreement can be canceled with a six month notice but requires the Bank to
pay for the remaining term of the contract at 80% of the normal usage.

    In addition, the Company has a maintenance agreement for the drive-in  turbo
lanes  and leases offsite storage facilities. The maintenance agreement is for a
term of seven years and expires in March, 1996. The storage lease is for a  term
of  two years and expires in March,  1997. These agreements cost $1,800 per year
and $550 per month, respectively.

    The following is a  schedule of future  estimated minimum payments  required
under these operating leases:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>
1996......................................................  $ 112,650
1997......................................................     19,250
                                                            ---------
Total minimum payment.....................................  $ 131,900
                                                            ---------
                                                            ---------
</TABLE>

    In the normal course of business, the subsidiary Bank may become involved in
routine claims and lawsuits. While the results of litigation cannot be predicted
with  certainty, management, in  consultation with legal  counsel, believes that
the final outcome of any of these matters, or of any unasserted claims, will not
have a material adverse effect on  the Company's financial condition or  results
of operations.

                                      F-37
<PAGE>
                          FIRST MIDLOTHIAN CORPORATION
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

14. RESTRICTIONS ON RETAINED EARNINGS:
    The  primary source of  funds for cash  distributions by the  Company to its
shareholders is  dividends received  from  its subsidiary  Bank. The  amount  of
dividends  that  the subsidiary  Bank  may declare  in  a calendar  year without
approval by the OCC is  the Bank's net profits for  that year combined with  its
net  retained profits, as defined, for the two preceding years. At September 30,
1995, approximately $465,000 of the Bank's retained earnings were available  for
dividend distribution to the Company without prior regulatory approval.

15. REGULATORY MATTERS:
    The  Company's  subsidiary Bank  is  subject to  various  regulatory capital
requirements administered  by  the federal  banking  agencies. Failure  to  meet
minimum  capital  requirements can  initiate certain  mandatory --  and possibly
additional discretionary --  actions by  regulators that,  if undertaken,  could
have   a  direct  material  effect  on  the  Bank's  financial  statements.  The
regulations require the Bank to  meet specific capital adequacy guidelines  that
involve  quantitative measures  of the  Bank's assets,  liabilities, and certain
off-balance-sheet items as calculated under the regulatory accounting practices.
The Bank's capital classification  is also subject  to qualitative judgments  by
the  regulators about components,  risk weightings, and  other factors. The Bank
must maintain  a  minimum  of  qualifying total  capital  and  core  capital  to
risk-weighted  assets of  8% and  4%, respectively.  Management believes,  as of
September 30, 1995, that the Bank meets all capital requirements to which it  is
subject.  The following is a  summary of the Bank's  capital ratios at September
30, 1995 and December 31, 1994:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         SEPTEMBER 30,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                             1995             1994
                                                        ---------------  --------------
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>
Total capital to risk-weighted assets.................        19.67%          19.30%
Core capital to risk-weighted assets..................        18.66%          18.15%
Capital to total assets (leverage)....................         8.28%           8.56%
</TABLE>

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
    The Company has entered into a contract to be acquired by Surety Capital,  a
bank  holding company located  in Hurst, Texas. Surety  Capital intends to merge
the sole subsidiary of the Company, First National Bank of Midlothian, with  and
into  Surety  Capital's subsidiary,  Surety  Bank, National  Association.  It is
anticipated that First Midlothian Corporation will be dissolved upon  completion
of  the merger of  the two banks.  The current shareholders  of the Company will
receive cash in exchange for the stock held  in the Company as a result of  this
transaction.

    The  Board  of  Directors  of the  Company  has  approved  this transaction.
However, the completion of the purchase is subject to a number of contingencies,
including approval by the applicable  banking authorities, due diligence  review
of  the Company's business operations, the raising of sufficient funds by Surety
Capital to facilitate  the acquisition,  shareholder approval  by the  Company's
shareholders  and  Surety Bank  shareholders,  and other  matters.  Assuming all
activities are satisfactorily  completed, the transaction  is expected to  close
during the first quarter of 1996.

                                      F-38
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------

    THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER  TO BUY ANY  OF THE SECURITIES  OFFERED HEREBY IN  ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM  IT IS UNLAWFUL  TO MAKE SUCH  AN OFFER OR  SOLICITATION IN  SUCH
JURISDICTION.  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO  GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE
ANY REPRESENTATIONS  OTHER  THAN  THOSE  CONTAINED IN  THIS  PROSPECTUS  OR  THE
DOCUMENTS  INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE
HEREBY, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,  SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT  BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER.
NEITHER  THE DELIVERY  OF THIS PROSPECTUS  OR ANY PROSPECTUS  SUPPLEMENT NOR ANY
SALE MADE HEREUNDER  OR THEREUNDER  SHALL, UNDER ANY  CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE  ANY
IMPLICATION  THAT THE INFORMATION  HEREIN OR THEREIN  IS CORRECT AS  OF ANY TIME
SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF SUCH INFORMATION.

                              -------------------

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   PAGE
                                                 ---------
<S>                                              <C>
Prospectus Summary.............................          3
Summary Consolidated Financial Data............          5
Recent Unaudited Selected Consolidated
 Financial Data................................          6
Investment Considerations......................          7
Use of Proceeds................................          8
Capitalization.................................          9
Market Price and Dividend Policy...............          9
The Midlothian Bank Acquisition................         10
Selected Consolidated Financial Data...........         15
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
 Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations....................................         16
Business.......................................         37
Regulation and Supervision.....................         43
Management.....................................         49
Selling Shareholder............................         54
Beneficial Stock Ownership.....................         54
Description of Securities......................         56
Underwriting...................................         56
Legal Matters..................................         57
Experts........................................         57
Available Information..........................         57
Index to Financial Statements..................        F-1
</TABLE>

                                2,100,000 Shares

                                 Surety Capital
                                  Corporation

                                  COMMON STOCK

                               -----------------

                                   PROSPECTUS

                               -----------------

                                HOEFER & ARNETT
                                  Incorporated

   
                               February 22, 1996
    

- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

    The  following table  sets forth  the various  expenses to  be borne  by the
Company in connection  with the sale  and distribution of  the securities  being
registered other than underwriting discounts and commissions. All of the amounts
shown  are estimates, except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration
fee.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
Registration Fee..................................................  $   2,704
Printing and Electronic Filing Expenses...........................     50,000
Legal Fees and Expenses...........................................     50,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses......................................     30,000
Underwriting Expenses.............................................    172,000
Miscellaneous.....................................................     20,000
                                                                    ---------
    Total.........................................................  $ 324,704
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>

    Expenses of  the  Selling  Shareholder  in  connection  with  the  sale  and
distribution   of  its  securities  being  registered  other  than  underwriting
discounts and commissions are estimated to be approximately $30,000,  reflecting
underwriting, legal, and miscellaneous expenses.

ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

    Section  145 of the  General Corporation Law  of the State  of Delaware (the
"Act") empowers a  corporation to indemnify  its directors and  officers and  to
purchase  insurance with respect  to liability arising out  of their capacity as
directors and  officers.  The  Act further  provides  that  the  indemnification
permitted  thereunder shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which
the directors and officers may be  entitled under the corporation's bylaws,  any
agreement, vote of the shareholders, or otherwise.

    Section  6.04  of  the  Company's Bylaws  provides  that  the  Company shall
indemnify all persons to the full extent allowable by law who, by reason of  the
fact  that they are  or were a  director of the  Company, become a  party or are
threatened to be made a party  to any indemnifiable action, suit or  proceeding.
The  Company shall pay, in advance of the final disposition of any indemnifiable
action, suit or proceeding under this bylaw, all reasonable expenses incurred by
a director, upon  receipt of an  undertaking by or  on behalf of  a director  to
repay  such amount if it is ultimately determined  that he is not entitled to be
indemnified by the  Company under  the law.  The Company  may indemnify  persons
other  than directors, such as officers and  employees, as permitted by law. The
Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of directors, officers and
other persons against  any liability asserted  against him, whether  or not  the
Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability, as
permitted by law.

ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.

    1.    REGULATION S  OFFERING.   In  April  1994, Surety  Capital Corporation
offered up to 1,555,555 shares of common stock in an offering conducted pursuant
to Regulation S promulgated  under the Securities Act  of 1933, as amended.  The
sum  of 355,000 shares  was ultimately sold  to four investors  $4.50 per share,
resulting in aggregate  sale proceeds of  $1,597,500. For each  share of  common
stock  acquired  in  the Regulation  S  offering, purchasers  also  received one
warrant giving the holder thereof the  right to acquire one additional share  of
the  Company's common stock at a price of  $4.50 per share. All of such warrants
expired on April 1, 1994 without exercise.

    The shares were  sold on a  best efforts basis  by Masters Financial  Group,
Inc.,  a broker-dealer, registered  with the National  Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., which  received commissions  of 10%  of the  gross proceeds  from
sales. In addition to commissions, Masters Financial Group, Inc. also received a
warrant  to acquire 35,500 shares  of the Company's common  stock at an exercise
price of $4.50. This warrant expired unexercised on June 17, 1995.

    2.  REGULATION  D OFFERING.   In December  1994, the Company  offered up  to
1,538,462  shares of common stock in an  offering conducted pursuant to Rule 506
of Regulation D promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under  the
Securities  Act of 1933, as amended.  The Company ultimately sold 667,400 shares
at a price of $3.25 per share  to seven investors, resulting in aggregate  sales
proceeds of approximately

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
$2,169,050.  The shares were sold on a  best efforts basis by Bentley Securities
Corporation,  a  broker-dealer  registered  with  the  National  Association  of
Securities  Dealers, Inc.,  which received commissions  of 5%  of gross proceeds
from sales.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

    The exhibits and  financial statement schedules  listed on the  accompanying
Exhibit  Index are filed as part of this Registration Statement and such Exhibit
Index is hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.

    The Registrant hereby undertakes:

    (1) To file, during any  period in which offers or  sales are being made,  a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

        (i)  To  include  any prospectus  required  by Section  10(a)(3)  of the
    Securities Act of 1933;

        (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after  the
    effective   date  of  the   Registration  Statement  (or   the  most  recent
    post-effective amendment thereof) which,  individually or in the  aggregate,
    represent  a  fundamental  change  in  the  information  set  forth  in  the
    Registration Statement; and

       (iii) To include  any material information  with respect to  the plan  of
    distribution  not previously disclosed in  the Registration Statement or any
    material change to such information in the Registration Statement.

    (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the  Securities
Act  of 1933,  each such post-effective  amendment shall  be deemed to  be a new
Registration Statement  relating  to the  securities  offered therein,  and  the
offering  of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

    (3) To remove from registration by  means of a post-effective amendment  any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.

    (4)  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted  to directors, officers and controlling persons  of
the   registrant  pursuant  to  the  foregoing  provisions,  or  otherwise,  the
registrant has been advised that in  the opinion of the Securities and  Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and  is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the  payment by the registrant of  expenses
incurred  or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities  being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has  been settled  by controlling  precedent, submit  to a  court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such  indemnification by it is against  public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

    (5) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of  1933, the information omitted  from the form of  prospectus filed as part of
this registration statement in reliance upon  Rule 430A and contained in a  form
of  prospectus filed  by the  registrant pursuant  to Rule  424(b)(1) or  (4) or
497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this  registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.

    (6)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each  post-effective amendment that contains  a form of  prospectus
shall  be deemed to be  a new registration statement  relating to the securities
offered therein,  and the  offering of  such securities  at that  time shall  be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

    (7) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933,  each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be
deemed to be  a new registration  statement relating to  the securities  offered
therein,  and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                                      II-2
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

   
    Pursuant  to the requirements of the  Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
and has duly caused this  registration statement to be  signed on its behalf  by
the  undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the  City of Hurst, Texas on the
21st of February 1996.
    

                                                SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                                          By:          /s/ C. JACK BEAN
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                             C. Jack Bean, Chairman of the Board

    Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of   the  Securities  Act  of  1933,   this
Registration  Statement  has  been  signed  by  the  following  persons  in  the
capacities and on the dates indicated.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                SIGNATURE                                      CAPACITY                              DATE
- -----------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------  --------------------

<C>                                        <S>                                               <C>
            /s/ C. JACK BEAN               Chairman of the Board and Director (Principal      February 21, 1996
    --------------------------------        Executive Officer)
              C. Jack Bean

             /s/ BOB HACKLER               Senior Vice President,                             February 21, 1996
    --------------------------------        Secretary and Director
               Bob Hackler

             /s/ B.J. CURLEY               Vice President and Chief Financial Officer         February 21, 1996
    --------------------------------        (Principal Financial Officer and
               B.J. Curley                  Chief Accounting Officer)

          /s/ CULLEN W. TURNER             Director                                           February 21, 1996
    --------------------------------
            Cullen W. Turner

          /s/ G. M. HEINZELMANN            Director                                           February 21, 1996
    --------------------------------
            G. M. Heinzelmann

           /s/ GARRETT MORRIS              Director                                           February 21, 1996
    --------------------------------
             Garrett Morris
</TABLE>
    

                                      II-3
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                              EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- ---------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>
     1.01  Form of underwriting Agreement between Surety Capital Corporation, Hoefer & Arnett, Incorporated and
            Anchorage Fire & Casualty Insurance Company, in Liquidation with respect to the firm commitment
            underwriting of shares of the Company's common stock and the shares owned by Anchorage Fire & Casualty
            Insurance Company, in Liquidation.*
     2.01  Reorganization Agreement by and between Bancwell Financial Corp; Dan W. Brent, Jody Person and Joe M.
            Pearson; Texas Bank, N.A.; and Surety Capital Corporation dated July 23, 1992; and Agreement to Merge
            Bank of East Texas with and into Texas Bank, N.A. under the Charter of Texas Bank, N.A. and under the
            Title of Texas Bank, N.A., dated July 23, 1992. (4)
     2.02  Reorganization Agreement by and between Newell Bancshares, Inc.; Dan W. Brent, Jody Pearson and Joe M.
            Pearson; Texas Bank, N.A.; and Surety Capital Corporation, dated July 23, 1992; and Agreement to Merge
            First State Bank with and into Texas Bank, N.A. under the Charter of Texas Bank, N.A. and under the
            Title of Texas Bank, N.A., dated July 23, 1992. (4)
     2.03  Reorganization Agreement by and between The Farmers Guaranty State Bank of Kennard; Dr. Frank A. Smith,
            III; Surety Bank, National Association; and Surety Capital Corporation, dated February 4, 1994; and
            Agreement to Merge The Farmers Guaranty State Bank of Kennard with and into Surety Bank, National
            Association under the Charter of Surety Bank, National Association and under the title of Surety Bank,
            National Association, dated February 4, 1994. (6)
     2.04  Reorganization agreement by and between First National Bank, N.A.; Lloyd W. Butts; D.C. Deegan; Norman
            Denton; Murriel Gilbreath; Robert S. Light; Joe B. Turner, Jr. (the "Shareholders"); Surety Bank,
            National Association; and Surety Capital Corporation; dated May 24, 1994; and Agreement to Merge
            between Surety Bank, National Association, First National Bank and Joined in by the Shareholders and
            Surety Capital Corporation, dated May 24, 1994. (7)
     2.05  Reorganization Agreement by and between First Midlothian Corporation, First National Bank, N.A., certain
            individual shareholders and directors of First Midlothian Corporation, Surety Bank, National
            Association, and Surety Capital Corporation dated October 17, 1995; and form of Amendment Number One
            thereto.***
     2.06  Agreement to Merge SCC Acquisition, Inc. with and into First Midlothian Corporation Under the Charter of
            First Midlothian Corporation and Under the Title of First Midlothian Corporation between First
            Midlothian Corporation; SCC Acquisition, Inc.; and joined in by Surety Bank, National Association and
            the directors of First Midlothian Corporation and First National Bank, dated October 17, 1995.***
     2.07  Agreement to Consolidate First National Bank and Surety Bank, National Association under the Charter of
            Surety Bank, National Association and under the Title of Surety Bank, National Association between
            Surety Bank, National Association and First National Bank and joined in by SCC Acquisition, Inc. and
            Surety Capital Corporation, dated October 17, 1995.***
     3.01  Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. (1)
     3.02  Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 8, 1987. (2)
     3.03  Certificate of Amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as filed with the Delaware
            Secretary of State on April 4, 1988. (3)
     3.04  Certificate of Designations Establishing Series of Shares of Preferred Stock, as filed with the Delaware
            Secretary of State on April 4, 1988. (3)
     3.05  Certification of Elimination of Series of Shares of Preferred Stock of the Company as filed with the
            Delaware Secretary of State on January 31, 1992. (5)
     3.06  Certificate of Amendment to Company's Certificate of Incorporation as filed with Delaware Secretary of
            State on June 14, 1993. (6)
     3.07  Form of Common Stock certificate (specimen). (6)
     3.08  Restated Bylaws of the Company. (8)
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                              EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- ---------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     5.01  Opinion of Secore & Waller, L.L.P. with respect to the validity of the shares to be registered and
            issued.***
<C>        <S>
    10.01  Pledge Agreement by and between Surety Capital Corporation and Overton Bank and Trust, N.A., dated
            December 9, 1994. (9)
    10.02  Guaranty Agreement entered into by C. Jack Bean with Overton Bank and Trust, N.A. with respect to the
            repayment by Surety Capital Corporation of loan from Overton Bank and Trust, N.A., dated December 9,
            1994. (9)
    10.03  Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statement UCC-1 completed with respect to Overton Bank & Trust, N.A.'s
            security interest in the Shares of Stock of Surety Bank, N.A., owned by Surety Capital Corporation. (9)
    10.04  Promissory Note in the original principal amount of $500,000.00 with Surety Capital Corporation as
            borrower and Overton Bank and Trust, N.A. as lender with maturity date of June 23, 1996, dated June 23,
            1995; and related Security Agreement (collateral Pledge Agreement) dated June 23, 1995. ***
    10.05  Surety Capital Corporation 1988 Incentive Stock Option Plan of Surety. (5)
    10.06  Form of Change in Control Agreement dated August 16, 1994, as entered into between the Company and C.
            Jack Bean with schedule identifying parties to substantially similar agreements. (8)
    10.07  Lease agreement between Precinct Campus, Inc., as landlord, and Surety Capital Corporation, as tenant,
            regarding offices located in Hurst, Texas, dated February 14, 1994. (6)
    10.08  Surety Capital Corporation 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan. (8)
    10.09  Form of Executive Deferred Compensation Agreement and related Adoption Agreement entered into between
            Surety Capital Corporation and Bobby W. Hackler and G.M. Heinzelmann, III, dated August 15, 1995.***
    10.10  Form of Letter Agreements between Surety Capital Corporation and Bobby W. Hackler and G. M. Heinzelmann,
            III, regarding the provision by the Company of term life insurance coverage, dated August 15, 1995.***
    21.01  Subsidiaries of the Registrant.***
    23.01  Consent of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., dated November 28, 1995, with respect to the use of its January
            27, 1995 Report.***
    23.02  Consent of Samson, Robbins & Associates, P.L.L.C. with respect to the use of its November 1, 1995
            Report.***
    23.03  Consent of Secore & Waller, L.L.P.***
    23.04  Consent of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., dated February 2, 1996, with respect to the use of its January 27,
            1995 report.***
</TABLE>
    

- ------------------------
(1)  Filed with Registration Statement No.  33-1983 on Form S-1 and incorporated
    by reference herein.

(2) Filed with the Company's Form  10-K dated October 31, 1987 and  incorporated
    by reference herein.

(3)  Filed with the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 1988 and
    incorporated by reference herein.

(4) Filed with Registration Statement No. 33-44893 on Form S-3 and  incorporated
    by reference herein.

(5)  Filed with the Company's Form 10-K dated December 31, 1991 and incorporated
    by reference herein.

(6) Filed with the Company's Form 10-K dated December 31, 1993 and  incorporated
    by reference herein.

(7) Filed with the Company's Form 8-K dated December 8, 1994 and incorporated by
    reference herein.

(8)  Filed with  the Company's Annual  Report on  Form 10-K for  the fiscal year
    ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated by reference herein.

(9) Filed with Registration Statement No. 33-89264 on Form S-2 and  incorporated
    by reference herein.

  * Filed herein.
   
*** Filed previously.
    

<PAGE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION




                                2,100,000 SHARES*

                                  COMMON STOCK





                                 ______________

                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
                                 ______________





   
                                February 21, 1996
    


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Plus an option to purchase from the Company up to 288,759 additional shares to
cover over allotments.

<PAGE>

                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION

                         2,100,000 SHARES COMMON STOCK*


                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

   
                                                             February 21, 1996
    

Hoefer & Arnett Incorporated
353 Sacramento Street, 10th Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

Ladies and Gentlemen:

   
     SECTION 1.   INTRODUCTORY.  Surety Capital Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (the "COMPANY"), proposes to issue and sell 1,925,061 shares
("PRIMARY SHARES") of its authorized but unissued Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share ("COMMON STOCK"), and Anchorage Fire and Casualty Insurance
Company, in Liquidation acting through Jeanne Barnes Bryant, Special Deputy
Commissioner and Liquidator, ("SELLING SHAREHOLDER") proposes to sell 174,939
shares of Common Stock ("SECONDARY SHARES"), to Hoefer & Arnett Incorporated
("UNDERWRITER").  In addition, the Company proposes to grant to the
Underwriter an option to purchase up to 288,759 additional shares of Common
Stock ("ADDITIONAL SHARES") as provided in Section 5 hereof.  The Primary
Shares and the Secondary Shares are referred to herein as the "FIRM SHARES;"
the Firm Shares and, to the extent such option is exercised, the Additional
Shares, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "SHARES."
    

     You have advised the Company that you propose to make a public offering of
the Shares as soon as you deem advisable after the registration statement
hereinafter referred to becomes effective, if it has not yet become effective,
and the Pricing Agreement hereinafter defined has been executed and delivered.


_______________


*    Plus an option to acquire up to 288,759 additional shares to cover over
     allotments.

<PAGE>

     Prior to the purchase and public offering of the Shares by the Underwriter,
the Company, the Selling Shareholder and the Underwriter shall enter into an
agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto ("PRICING AGREEMENT").
The Pricing Agreement may take the form of an exchange of any standard form of
written telecommunication between the Company, the Selling Shareholder and the
Underwriter and shall specify such applicable information as is indicated in
Exhibit A hereto.  The offering of the Shares will be governed by this
Agreement, as supplemented by the Pricing Agreement.  From and after the date of
the execution and delivery of the Pricing Agreement, this Agreement shall be
deemed to incorporate the Pricing Agreement.

     The Company and the Selling Shareholder hereby confirm their agreements
with respect to the purchase of the Shares by the Underwriter as follows:

     SECTION 2.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.  The Company
represents and warrants to the Underwriter that:

   
          (a)  A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-64789) and a
related preliminary prospectus with respect to the Shares have been prepared and
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("COMMISSION") by the Company
and in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder
(collectively, the "1933 ACT"; all references herein to specific rules are rules
promulgated under the 1933 Act); and the Company has so prepared and has filed
such amendments thereto, if any, and such amended preliminary prospectuses as
may have been required to the date hereof.  In the event that the Company
determines to rely upon Rule 430A, the Company will prepare and file a
prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) that discloses the information previously
omitted from the prospectus in reliance upon Rule 430A.  There have been or will
promptly be delivered to you two signed copies of such registration statement
and amendments, including the exhibits filed therewith, and such number of
conformed copies of such registration statement and amendments (but without
exhibits) and of the related preliminary prospectus or prospectuses and final
forms of prospectus as the Underwriter may reasonably request.

          The registration statement and prospectus, as amended, on file with
the Commission at the time the registration statement became or becomes
effective, including the information deemed to be part of the registration
statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A(b), are hereinafter
called the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT" and the "PROSPECTUS", respectively, except
that if the prospectus filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b) differs from
the prospectus on file at the time the Registration Statement became or becomes
effective, the term "PROSPECTUS" shall refer to the Rule 424(b) prospectus from
and after the time it is filed with the Commission or transmitted to the
Commission for filing.
    

                                      -2-
<PAGE>


The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and
regulations of the Commission thereunder are hereinafter collectively
referred to as the "EXCHANGE ACT."

          (b)  The Commission has not issued any order preventing or
suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus, and each preliminary
prospectus has conformed in all material respects with the requirements of
the 1933 Act and, as of its date, has not included any untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which
they were made.  When the Registration Statement became or becomes effective,
and at the First Closing Date and the Second Closing Date hereinafter
defined, as the case may be, the Registration Statement, including the
information deemed to be part of the Registration Statement at the time of
effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A(b), and the Prospectus and any amendments
or supplements thereto, in all material respects conformed or will in all
material respects conform to the requirements of the 1933 Act, and neither
the Registration Statement nor the Prospectus, nor any amendment or
supplement thereto, included or will include any untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted or will omit to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
provided, however, that the Company makes no representation or warranty as to
information contained in or omitted from any preliminary prospectus, the
Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any such amendment or supplement in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company by or on behalf of the Underwriter specifically for use in the
preparation thereof.

          (c)  The Company and each of its subsidiaries, and First Midlothian
Corporation, a Texas corporation ("FIRST MIDLOTHIAN"), and each of its
subsidiaries, including, without limitation, Midlothian Bank, National
Association ("MIDLOTHIAN BANK"), have been duly incorporated and are validly
existing as corporations or banks in good standing under the laws of their
respective jurisdictions of incorporation, with full power and authority to own
or lease their properties and conduct their businesses as described in the
Prospectus; the Company's only subsidiaries are those listed on Exhibit 22 of
the Registration Statement; the Company and each of its subsidiaries, and First
Midlothian and each of its subsidiaries, are duly qualified to do business as
foreign corporations under the corporation law of, and are in good standing as
such in, each jurisdiction in which they own or lease substantial properties,
have an office, or in which substantial business is conducted and such
qualification is required except in any such case where the failure to so
qualify or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect upon the
condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, affairs, business or prospects of
the Company and its subsidiaries, or First Midlothian and its subsidiaries, as
the case may be, taken as a whole ("MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT"); and no proceeding
of which the Company has knowledge has been instituted in any such jurisdiction,
revoking, limiting or curtailing, or seeking to revoke, limit

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

   
or curtail, such power and authority or qualification.  Surety Bank, National
Association, a subsidiary of the Company ("Surety Bank") and
Midlothian Bank are referred to herein as the "BANKS."

          (d)  The Company has an authorized and outstanding capitalization
as set forth in the Prospectus under "Capitalization" and the Shares conform
in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the
Prospectus.  All of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock have
been duly authorized, validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable
and free of preemptive or other similar rights and there are no options,
agreements, contracts or other rights in existence to acquire from the
Company any shares of Common Stock, except as set forth in the Prospectus.
Except as set forth in the Prospectus, there are no holders of the securities
of the Company having rights to the registration thereof.  The Company and
First Midlothian have no banking subsidiaries other than Surety Bank and
Midlothian Bank, respectively.  All of the capital stock of each subsidiary
of the Company, other than Surety Bank, has been duly authorized, validly
issued and is fully paid and non-assessable.  First Midlothian has no
subsidiaries, other than Midlothian Bank.  All of the outstanding capital
stock of each of the Banks has been duly authorized, validly issued and is
fully paid and, subject to 12 U.S.C. Section 55 (1982), nonassessable.  Each
of the Company and First Midlothian, directly or indirectly, owns of record
and beneficially, free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or rights
of others, all of the issued and outstanding shares of each of its respective
subsidiaries, except as referred to in the Prospectus.  There are no options,
agreements, contracts or other rights in existence to purchase or acquire
from the Company or its subsidiaries, or First Midlothian or its
subsidiaries, any issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of such
subsidiaries.
    

          (e)  The Primary Shares to be sold by the Company pursuant to this
Agreement and the Pricing Agreement have been duly authorized and, when issued
and paid for in accordance with this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement, will
be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; the Secondary Shares to be
sold by the Selling Shareholder are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and non-assessable; the Shares are not subject to the preemptive rights of any
shareholder of the Company; the holders of the Shares will not be subject to
personal liability by reason of being such holders; and all corporate actions
required to be taken for the authorization, issue and sale of the Primary Shares
have been validly and sufficiently taken.

          (f)  The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this
Agreement and the Pricing Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of the Company and do not and will not violate any
provision of the Company's articles of incorporation (as amended) or bylaws (as
amended) and do not and will not constitute or result in the breach of, or be in
violation of, any of the terms or provisions of or constitute a default under,
or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon
any property or assets of the Company or its subsidiaries under

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

   
any material agreement, franchise, license, indenture, lease, mortgage, deed
of trust, or other instrument to which the Company or any subsidiary is a
party or by which the Company, any subsidiary or the property of any of them
may be bound or affected, or any law, order, judgment, decree, rule or
regulation applicable to the Company or any subsidiary of any government,
governmental instrumentality, court or regulatory body, administrative
agency, or other governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company or
any subsidiary or any of their respective properties, or any order of any
court or governmental agency or other regulatory authority entered in any
proceeding to which the Company or any subsidiary was or is now a party or by
which it is bound.  No consent, approval, authorization or other order of or
filing with, any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or other
governmental body is legally required for the execution and delivery of this
Agreement or the Pricing Agreement by the Company or the consummation by the
Company of the transactions contemplated herein or therein, except as may be
required under or by the 1933 Act, the American Stock Exchange, Inc. or the
blue sky laws of the various jurisdictions.  This Agreement and the Pricing
Agreement have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company
and constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable
against the Company in accordance with their terms except insofar as (i) such
enforcement may be subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or other laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors'
rights generally; (ii) the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and
other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to
the discretion of the court before which any proceeding thereafter may be
brought; and (iii) such enforcement may be subject to any limitations under
applicable law which relate to the indemnification and contribution
provisions of this Agreement.
    

          (g)  Each of Coopers & Lybrand LLP and Samson, Robbins & Associates,
P.L.L.C., who have expressed their opinion with respect to certain of the
financial statements included in the Registration Statement, are independent
accountants within the meaning of the 1933 Act.

   
          (h)  The consolidated financial statements, together with the notes
thereto, of the Company and First Midlothian included in the Registration
Statement comply in all material respects with the 1933 Act and present fairly
the consolidated financial position of the Company and First Midlothian,
respectively, as of the respective dates of such financial statements
(including, without limitation, the allowance for possible loan losses), and the
consolidated results of operations and cash flows of the Company and First
Midlothian for the respective periods covered thereby, are in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied throughout the
periods involved, except as disclosed in the Prospectus; and the supporting
schedules included in the Registration Statement present fairly the information
required to be stated therein.  No other financial statements are required to be
included in the Registration Statement.  The consolidated financial, statistical
and numerical information with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries, and
the financial
    


                                      -5-

<PAGE>

and statistical information with respect to Surety Bank, set forth in the
Prospectus are fairly presented, were derived from the consolidated financial
statements or the books and records of the Company and its subsidiaries and
are prepared on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements of
the Company.

          (i)  The PRO FORMA financial information of the Company and its
subsidiaries included in the Registration Statement presents fairly the
information shown therein; has been compiled on a basis consistent with that of
the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its
subsidiaries and of First Midlothian and its subsidiaries included in the
Registration Statement; has been prepared in accordance with the Commission's
rules and guidelines with respect to PRO FORMA financial statements; and the
assumptions used in the preparation thereof are reasonable.

          (j)  Neither the Company nor any subsidiary thereof, nor either First
Midlothian or any subsidiary thereof, is in violation of its articles of
incorporation, articles of association, or bylaws, in each case as amended, or
in default under any consent decree, formal agreement, memorandum of
understanding or similar agreement, or in default with respect to any provision
of any lease, loan agreement, franchise, license, permit or other contractual
obligation to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be
bound; there does not exist any state of facts which constitutes an event of
default by the Company as defined in such documents or which, with notice or
lapse of time or both, would constitute such an event of default, except for any
such violation or default of the articles of incorporation, articles of
association, bylaws, consent decrees, formal agreements, memoranda of
understanding or similar agreements, or any lease, loan agreement, franchise,
license, permit or other contractual obligations referred to in this
subparagraph (j) which, either individually or in the aggregate, would not have
a Material Adverse Effect.

          (k)  Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, (A) there is no action,
suit or proceeding before or by any court or governmental or regulatory agency
or body, domestic or foreign, or any arbitrator or arbitration panel, now
pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the
Company or any of its subsidiaries, or First Midlothian or any of its
subsidiaries, including without limitation proceedings relating to
discrimination or environmental matters, which could result in a Material
Adverse Effect, and (B) there is no decree, judgment, order, formal agreement or
memorandum of understanding of any kind in existence applicable to the Company
or any of its subsidiaries, or First Midlothian or any of its subsidiaries, or
any of their respective officers, employees or directors, requiring or
restraining the taking of any actions of any kind in connection with the
business of the Company and its subsidiaries or First Midlothian or its
subsidiaries, respectively.


                                      -6-
<PAGE>

          (l)  Each of the Company and First Midlothian is a bank holding
company duly registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System ("FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD") under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended.  Each Bank is a national bank duly chartered and organized by authority
of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC").  The deposit accounts
of each Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation through
the Bank Insurance Fund to the fullest extent permitted by law, and all premiums
and assessments required in connection therewith have been paid by such Bank.
Since January 1, 1991, the Company and each Bank has filed all material reports
and amendments thereto that they were required to file with the Federal Reserve
Board, the OCC and any other federal or state regulatory authorities.  Except as
set forth in the Prospectus, there is no unresolved material violation,
criticism or exception by any governmental or regulatory agency with respect to
any report or statement relating to any examinations of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries.  The conduct of the business of the Company and each of its
subsidiaries is in compliance in all respects with applicable federal, state,
local and foreign laws and regulations, and all formal agreements, memoranda of
understanding and similar agreements with regulatory authorities, except where
the failure to be in compliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  Each
of the Company and its subsidiaries, and each of First Midlothian and its
subsidiaries, own or possess or have obtained all governmental licenses,
permits, consents, orders, approvals and other authorizations necessary to lease
or own, as the case may be, and to operate their properties and to carry on
their businesses as presently conducted except where the failure to have any
such governmental licenses, permits, consents, orders, approvals and other
authorizations would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither the Company
nor any of its subsidiaries, nor First Midlothian or any of its subsidiaries,
has received any written notice of proceedings related to revocation or
modification of any such licenses, permits, consents, orders, approvals or
authorizations which singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an
unfavorable ruling or finding, would result in a Material Adverse Effect.
Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, none of the Company, First Midlothian or
the Banks is currently a party or subject to any agreement or memorandum with,
or directive or order issued by, the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC or any other
federal or state regulatory authorities, which imposes any material restrictions
or requirements not generally applicable to bank holding companies or commercial
banks.

          (m)  Each of the Company and its subsidiaries, and each of First
Midlothian and its subsidiaries, have valid and indefeasible title to all of the
properties and assets reflected as owned by them in the financial statements
hereinabove described (or described elsewhere in the Prospectus), subject to no
lien, mortgage, pledge, charge, encumbrance or title defect of any kind except
those, if any, reflected in such financial statements (or described elsewhere in
the Prospectus) or which are not material to the Company and its subsidiaries,
or First Midlothian and its subsidiaries, as the case may be, taken as a whole.
Each of the Company and its subsidiaries, and each of First Midlothian

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

and its subsidiaries,  hold their respective leased properties that are
material to the Company and its subsidiaries, or First Midlothian and its
subsidiaries, respectively, taken as a whole under valid and binding leases.

   
          (n)  None of the Company or its subsidiaries has taken, and none
will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or which has
constituted or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result, under
the Exchange Act or otherwise, in stabilization or manipulation of the price
of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares.
    

          (o)  Since the respective dates as of which information is given in
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as otherwise stated or
contemplated therein, there has not been (i) any material adverse change in the
condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, affairs, business or prospects of
the Company or its subsidiaries, or of the earnings, affairs, business or
prospects of  First Midlothian or its subsidiaries, whether or not arising in
the ordinary course of business, (ii) any material transaction entered into, or
any material liability or obligation incurred, by the Company or its
subsidiaries or by First Midlothian or its subsidiaries  other than in the
ordinary course of business, (iii) any change in the capital stock, or increase
in the short-term debt or long-term debt of the Company or its subsidiaries or
of First Midlothian or its subsidiaries, or (iv) any dividend or distribution of
any kind declared, paid or made by the Company or First Midlothian in respect of
its capital stock.

   
          (p)  There are no contracts or other documents required to be
described in the Registration Statement or to be filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement by the 1933 Act which have not been described or filed as
required.  The contracts so described in the Prospectus are in full force and
effect on the date hereof; and neither the Company nor any of the subsidiaries,
nor to the knowledge of the Company, any other party, is in breach of or default
under any of such contracts.

          (q)  The Company together with its subsidiaries, and First Midlothian
together with its subsidiaries, own and possess sufficient right, title and
interest in and to, or has duly licensed from third parties the right to use,
all trademarks, trade names, copyrights and other proprietary rights ("TRADE
RIGHTS") material to the business of the Company and each of its subsidiaries,
or First Midlothian and its subsidiaries, in each case  taken as a whole.  None
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or First Midlothian or any of its
subsidiaries has received any written notice of infringement, misappropriation
or conflict from any third party as to such material Trade Rights which has not
been resolved or disposed of, and none of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, or First Midlothian or any of its subsidiaries,  has infringed,
misappropriated or otherwise conflicted with material
    

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

Trade Rights of any third parties, which infringement, misappropriation or
conflict would have a Material Adverse Effect.

   
          (r)  All offers and sales of equity securities prior to the date
hereof by the Company, or any of its subsidiaries were at all relevant times
either exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and the
registration requirements of all applicable state securities or blue sky
laws, or were duly registered in accordance with the provisions thereof.
    

          (s)  Each of the Company and its subsidiaries, and each of First
Midlothian and its subsidiaries, has timely filed all necessary federal and
state income and franchise tax returns required to be filed through the date
hereof and have paid all taxes shown as due thereon, and there is no tax
deficiency that has been, or to the knowledge of the Company might reasonably be
expected to be, asserted against the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any
of their properties or assets, or against First Midlothian or any of its
subsidiaries or any of their properties or assets, that could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (t)  The Company's Common Stock is registered pursuant to
Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and listed for trading on the American Stock
Exchange, Inc. ("AMEX").  The Company has filed an additional listing
application with the Amex with respect to the Primary Shares, and has received
notification from the Amex that the listing of the Primary Shares has been
approved, subject to notice of issuance or sale thereof.

          (u)  Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries (and neither
First Midlothian nor any of its subsidiaries) is, and neither the Company nor
any of its subsidiaries intends to conduct its business in a manner in which it
would become, an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended.

   
          (v)  No labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries, or with the employees of First Midlothian and its
subsidiaries, is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened that
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each employee
benefit plan within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), for which the Company or any subsidiary,
acts as sponsor within the meaning of ERISA is and has been in all material
respects operated and administered in accordance with the provisions of ERISA
and applicable law. The present value of all benefits vested under each
employee benefit plan which is subject to Title IV of ERISA did not exceed,
as of the end of the most recent plan year, the value of the assets of the
plan allocable to such vested or accrued benefits, and no such plan or any
trust created thereunder has incurred any "accumulated funding deficiency"
within the meaning of the Internal
    

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

   
Revenue Code ("CODE") since the effective date of ERISA. No employee benefit
plan or any trust created thereunder or any trustee fiduciary or
administrator thereof has engaged in a "prohibited transaction" within the
meaning of the Code or ERISA or violated any of the fiduciary standards of
ERISA, and there has been no "reportable event" within the meaning of ERISA
with respect to any such plan.  Neither First Midlothian nor its subsidiary
maintains an employee benefit plan within the meaning of ERISA.

          (w)  Each of the Company and its subsidiaries, and, to the
knowledge of the Company, each of First Midlothian and its subsidiaries,  (A)
makes and keeps books, records and accounts which, in reasonable detail and
in all material respects, accurately and fairly reflect its transactions and
dispositions of its assets and (B) maintains a system of internal accounting
controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (1) transactions are
executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorizations,
(2) transactions are recorded as necessary (i) to permit the preparation of
financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied or any other criteria applicable to such
statements and (ii) to maintain accountability for assets, (3) access to
assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific
authorizations and (4) the recorded accountability for assets is compared
with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken
with respect to any differences.
    

          (x)  Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, (A) none of the Company,
First Midlothian or any of their respective subsidiaries is presently engaged in
negotiations for the acquisition of all or a portion of the stock or other
equity interest or all or a portion of the assets of any person (including
without limitation any company, corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, partnership, joint venture or sole proprietorship), and (B) has no
agreements or understandings with respect to the acquisition of all or a portion
of the stock or other equity interest or all or portion of the assets of any
specific person.

          (y)  Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, as of the date of the
Prospectus and as of each Closing Date, (A) no extension of credit made by
either Bank to an executive officer, director, or affiliate of the Company,
First Midlothian or either of the Banks is (1) delinquent, past due, on non-
accrual status or non-performing, (2) identified as a potential problem loan on
any internal "watch list" or (3) constitutes a restructured loan; and (B) all
extensions of credit to any director or executive officer or any member of their
immediate family (1) were made in the ordinary course of business, (2) were made
on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as
those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and
(3) did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other
unfavorable features.

          (z)  That certain Reorganization Agreement dated October 17, 1995
among First Midlothian, Midlothian Bank, the directors of Midlothian Bank in
their individual and representative capacities and the Company covering the
transactions between

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

the Company, First Midlothian and Midlothian Bank described in the Prospectus
under the caption "The Midlothian Bank Acquisition -- The Reorganization
Agreement" and the transactions contemplated thereby have been authorized by
all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company, been executed and
delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto and constitutes a
valid and binding obligation of the Company (assuming the due authorization,
execution and delivery thereof by the other parties thereto) enforceable
against the Company in accordance with its terms, except insofar as (i) such
agreement may be subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or other laws relating to creditors' rights generally, and (ii) the
remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable
relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the
court before which any proceeding thereafter may be brought.

          (aa) The Company intends to apply the net proceeds from the sale of
the Primary Shares for the purposes set forth in the Prospectus under the
caption "Use of Proceeds."

          (bb) Since January 1, 1991 the Company has, and at each Closing Date
the Company will have, made all filings required to be made by it under the
Exchange Act; and all such filings conformed and will conform in all material
respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act, and none of such filings
contained an untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in lieu of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

          (cc) The Company is not required to comply with Florida Statute
Section 517.075.

   
     SECTION 3.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER.
The Selling Shareholder represents and warrants to the Company and the
Underwriter, that:

          (a)  The Selling Shareholder has placed in custody under a Custody
Agreement ("Custody Agreement") with Securities Transfer Corporation, as
Custodian ("Custodian"), for delivery under this Agreement, certificates in
negotiable form representing the Secondary Shares to be sold by the Selling
Shareholder hereunder.  The Selling Shareholder specifically agrees that the
Secondary Shares represented by the certificates so held in custody for such
Selling Shareholder are subject to the interests of the Underwriter
hereunder, that the arrangements made by the Selling Shareholder for such
custody are to that extent irrevocable and not subject to termination and
that the obligations of the Selling Shareholder hereunder shall not be
terminated by any act of the Selling Shareholder, by operation of law, or by
the occurrence of any other event.
    

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

          (b)  All consents, approvals, authorizations and orders necessary for
the execution and delivery by the Selling Shareholder of this Agreement, and for
the sale and delivery of the Secondary Shares to be sold by the Selling
Shareholder hereunder, have been obtained; and the Selling Shareholder has full
right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to sell, assign,
transfer and deliver the Shares to be sold by the Selling Shareholder hereunder.

          (c)  This Agreement and the Custody Agreement have been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Selling Shareholder and constitute
valid and binding obligations of the Selling Shareholder enforceable against the
Selling Shareholder in accordance with their terms except insofar as (i) the
remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable
relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court
before which any proceeding thereafter may be brought; and (ii) such enforcement
may be subject to any limitations under applicable law which relate to the
indemnification and contribution provisions of this Agreement.

   
          (d)  The sale of the Secondary Shares to be sold by the Selling
Shareholder hereunder and the compliance by the Selling Shareholder with all
of the provisions of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
herein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation
of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any
statute, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other
agreement or instrument to which the Selling Shareholder is a party or by
which the Selling Shareholder is bound, or to which any of the property or
assets of the Selling Shareholder is subject, nor will such action result in
any violation of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or
By-laws of the Selling Shareholder or any statute or any order, rule or
regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction
over the Selling Shareholder or the property of the Selling Shareholder.
    

          (e)  The Selling Shareholder has, and immediately prior to each Time
of Delivery (as defined in Section 5 hereof) the Selling Shareholder will have,
good and valid title to the Shares to be sold by the Selling Shareholder
hereunder, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims; and,
upon delivery of such Shares and payment therefor pursuant hereto, good and
valid title to such Shares, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities
or claims, will pass to the Underwriter.

   
          (f)  The information pertaining to the Selling Shareholder under
the caption "Selling Shareholder" in the Prospectus does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading.
    

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

          (g)  In order to document the Underwriter's compliance with the
reporting and withholding provisions of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility
Act of 1982 with respect to the transactions herein contemplated, such Selling
Shareholder will deliver to you prior to or at the First Time of Delivery (as
hereinafter defined) a properly completed and executed United States Treasury
Department Form W-9 (or other applicable form or statement specified by Treasury
Department regulations in lieu thereof).

   
          (h)  The Selling Shareholder has not taken, nor will it take,
directly or indirectly, any action designed to or which has constituted or
which might reasonably be expected to cause or result, under the Exchange Act
or otherwise, in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security
of the Company to facilitate its sale or resale of the Shares.
    

          (i)  The Selling Shareholder agrees to cooperate to the extent
reasonably necessary to cause the Registration Statement and any post-effective
amendment thereto to become effective at the earliest possible time.  The
Selling Shareholder agrees to do or perform all things reasonably required to be
done or performed by the Selling Shareholder prior to the First Closing Date to
satisfy all conditions precedent to the delivery of and the payment for the
Secondary Shares being sold by the Selling Shareholder pursuant to this
Agreement.

     SECTION 4.  REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTY OF THE UNDERWRITER.  The
Underwriter represents and warrants to the Company that the information set
forth with respect to the Shares (a) on the cover page of the Prospectus with
respect to price, underwriting discount and terms of the offering and (b) under
"Underwriting" in the Prospectus constitutes the only information furnished to
the Company by and on behalf of the Underwriter for use in connection with the
preparation of the Registration Statement and such information is correct in all
material respects.

     SECTION 5.  PURCHASE, SALE AND DELIVERY OF SHARES.  (a)  On the basis of
the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, but subject to
the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell
to the Underwriter, and the Selling Shareholder agrees to sell to the
Underwriter, and the Underwriter agrees to purchase from the Company and the
Selling Shareholder, the Firm Shares.  The purchase price per share to be paid
by the Underwriter to the Company and the Selling Shareholder shall be the price
per share set forth in the Pricing Agreement.

     Delivery of certificates for the Firm Shares to be purchased by the
Underwriter and payment therefor shall be made at the offices of Hoefer & Arnett
Incorporated, 353 Sacramento Street, 10th Floor, San Francisco, California (or
such other place as may be agreed upon by the Company and the Underwriter) at
such time and date, not later than the

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

third full business day following the first date that any of the Common
Shares are released by you for sale to the public, as you shall designate by
at least 48 hours prior notice to the Company (the "First Closing Date");
provided, however, that if the Prospectus is at any time prior to the First
Closing Date recirculated to the public, the First Closing Date shall occur
upon the later of the third full business day following the first date that
any of the Common Shares are released by you for sale to the public or the
date that is 48 hours after the date that the Prospectus has been so
recirculated.

     Delivery of certificates for the Firm Shares shall be made by or on behalf
of the Company and the Selling Shareholder to you, against payment by you of the
purchase price therefor by certified or official bank checks payable in next day
funds to the order of the Company and the Selling Shareholder.  The certificates
for the Firm Shares shall be registered in such names and denominations as you
shall have requested at least two full business days prior to the First Closing
Date, and shall be made available for checking and packaging on the business day
preceding the First Closing Date at a location in New York, New York, as may be
designated by you.  Time shall be of the essence, and delivery at the time and
place specified in this Agreement is a further condition to the obligations of
the Underwriter.

   
     (b)  In addition, on the basis of the representations, warranties and
agreements herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set
forth, the Company hereby grants an option to the Underwriter to purchase up to
an aggregate of 288,759 additional Shares, at the same purchase price per share
to be paid for the Firm Shares, for use solely in covering any over allotments
made by the Underwriter in the sale and distribution of the Firm Shares.  The
option granted hereunder may be exercised at any time (but not more than once),
in whole or in part, within 30 days after the date of the final Prospectus upon
written notice by you to the Company setting forth the aggregate number of
Additional Shares as to which the Underwriter is exercising the option, the
names and denominations in which the certificates for such shares are to be
registered and the time and place at which such certificates will be delivered.
Such time of delivery (which may not be earlier than the First Closing Date),
being herein referred to as the "SECOND CLOSING DATE," shall be determined by
you, but if at any time other than the First Closing Date, shall not be earlier
than three nor later than ten full business days after delivery of such notice
of exercise.  Certificates for the Additional Shares will be made available at
the Company's expense for checking and packaging at 9:00 A.M., local time, on
the first full business day preceding the Second Closing Date at a location in
New York, New York as may be designated by you.  The manner of payment for and
delivery of the Additional Shares shall be the same as for the Firm Shares as
specified in Section 5(a).
    

     (c)  If the Company has elected not to rely upon Rule 430A, the initial
public offering price of the Shares and the purchase price per share to be paid
by the Underwriter

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

for the Shares shall have each been determined and set forth in the Pricing
Agreement, dated the date hereof, and an amendment to the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus will be filed before the Registration Statement
becomes effective.

     (d)  If the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 430A, the purchase price
per share to be paid by the Underwriter for the Shares shall be an amount equal
to the initial public offering price, less an amount per share to be determined
by agreement between the Underwriter and the Company.  The initial public
offering price per share of the Shares shall be a fixed price to be determined
by agreement between the Underwriter and the Company.  The initial public
offering price per share and the purchase price, when so determined, shall be
set forth in the Pricing Agreement.  In the event that such prices have not been
agreed upon and the Pricing Agreement has not been executed and delivered by the
parties thereto by the close of business on the second business day following
the date of this Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate forthwith, without
liability of any party to any other party, unless otherwise agreed to by the
Company, the Selling Shareholder and the Underwriter.

     SECTION 6.  COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.  The Company covenants and agrees
with the Underwriter that:

          (a)  The Company will use its best efforts to cause the Registration
Statement to become effective.  The Company will advise you promptly of the
issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement (and make every reasonable effort to obtain the
withdrawal of such order as early as possible) or of the institution of any
proceedings for that purpose, or of any notification of the suspension of
qualification of the Shares for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or
threatening of any proceedings for that purpose, and will also advise you
promptly of any request of the Commission for amendment or supplement of the
Registration Statement, of any preliminary prospectus or of the Prospectus, or
for additional information, and will not file any amendment or supplement to the
Registration Statement, to any preliminary prospectus or to the Prospectus of
which you have not been furnished with a copy prior to such filing or to which
you reasonably object.

          (b)  If at any time when a prospectus relating to the Shares is
required to be delivered under the 1933 Act, any event occurs as a result of
which the Prospectus, including any amendments or supplements, would include an
untrue statement of a material fact, or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or if it is
necessary at any time to amend the Prospectus, including any amendments or
supplements thereto and including any revised prospectus which the Company
proposes for use by the Underwriter in connection with the offering of the
Shares which differs from the prospectus on file with the Commission at the time
of effectiveness

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

of the Registration Statement, whether or not such revised prospectus is
required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) to comply with the 1933 Act, the
Company promptly will advise you thereof and will promptly prepare and, if
required pursuant to Rule 424(b), file with the Commission an amendment or
supplement which will correct such statement or omission or an amendment
which will effect such compliance.

          (c)  Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries will, prior to
the earlier of the Second Closing Date or termination or expiration of the
related option, incur any material liability or obligation, direct or
contingent, or enter into any material transaction, other than in the ordinary
course of business, except as contemplated by the Prospectus.

          (d)  The Company will not declare or pay any dividend or make any
other distribution upon the Common Stock payable to shareholders of record on a
date prior to the earlier of the Second Closing Date or termination or
expiration of the related option, except as contemplated by the Prospectus.

          (e)  Not later than 90 days after the close of the period covered
thereby, the Company will make generally available to its security holders an
earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering a period of at least 12
months beginning after the effective date of the Registration Statement, which
will satisfy the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 11(a) of the 1933
Act and Rule 158 thereunder.

          (f)  During such period as a prospectus is required by law to be
delivered in connection with offers and sales of the Shares by an Underwriter or
dealer, the Company will furnish to you at its expense (and consents to the use
thereof), subject to the provisions of subsection (b) hereof, copies of the
Registration Statement, the Prospectus, each preliminary prospectus and all
amendments and supplements to any such documents in each case as soon as
available and in such quantities as you may reasonably request, for the purposes
contemplated by the 1933 Act.

   
          (g)  The Company will cooperate with the Underwriter in qualifying or
registering the Shares for sale under the blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as
you designate, and will continue such qualifications in effect so long as
reasonably required for the distribution of the Shares.  The Company shall not
be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a general consent to
service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not currently qualified
or where it would be subject to taxation as a foreign corporation.

          (h)  During the period of three years after the date of the Pricing
Agreement, the Company will furnish to the Underwriter a copy (i) as soon as
practicable after the filing thereof, of each report filed by the Company with
the Commission, any
    

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

securities exchange or the NASD and (ii) as soon as available, of each report
of the Company mailed to any class of its securityholders.

          (i)  The Company will use the net proceeds received by it from the
sale of the Shares in the manner specified in the Prospectus under the caption
"Use of Proceeds."

          (j)  If, at the time of effectiveness of the Registration Statement,
any information shall have been omitted therefrom in reliance upon Rule 430A,
then immediately following the execution and delivery of the Pricing Agreement,
the Company will prepare, and file or transmit for filing with the Commission in
accordance with such Rule 430A and Rule 424(b), copies of an amended prospectus,
or, if required by such Rule 430A, a post-effective amendment to the
Registration Statement (including an amended prospectus), containing all
information so omitted.

   
          (k)  The Company will comply with all of the provisions of each
undertaking contained in the Registration Statement.

          (l)  The Company will not, without the prior written consent of the
Underwriter, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any equity
security of the Company (including shares of Common Stock) for a period of
180 days after the effective date of the Registration Statement, other than
(i) Common Stock issued and sold to the Underwriter pursuant to this
Agreement, and (ii) Common Stock issued upon exercises of outstanding stock
options granted under the Company's 1988 Stock Option Plan or 1995 Stock
Option Plan (as such terms are defined in the Prospectus) in the aggregate
not to exceed 156,000 shares of Common Stock.  The Company will cause each of
its executive officers and directors to deliver to the Underwriter on or
before the date of this Agreement an agreement satisfactory in form and
substance to the Underwriter and its counsel, whereby each agrees, for a
period of 180 days after the effective date of the Registration Statement,
not to offer, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock without
the prior written consent of the Underwriter ("LOCK-UP LETTER").
    

     SECTION 7.  PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.  (a) The Company will pay, or reimburse if
paid by the Underwriter, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are
consummated or this Agreement is terminated, all costs and expenses incident to
the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement and the
Pricing Agreement, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
(i) preparation, printing, filing and distribution (including postage, air
freight charges and charges for counting and packaging)

                                      -17-
<PAGE>

   
of the Registration Statement, each preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus,
each amendment and/or supplement to any of the foregoing, and this Agreement
and the Selected Dealers Agreement; (ii) the furnishing to the Underwriter
and dealers of copies of the foregoing materials (provided, however, that any
such copies furnished by the Company more than nine months after the first
date upon which the Shares are offered to the public shall be at the expense
of the Underwriter or dealer so requesting as provided in paragraphs 6(b)
above); (iii) the registrations or qualifications referred to in paragraph
6(g) above (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in
connection therewith) and expenses of printing and delivering to the
Underwriter copies of the preliminary and final Blue Sky memoranda, provided
that in no event shall the Company be required to pay in excess of $15,000
with respect to the fees, disbursements and expenses referred to in this
clause (iii), exclusive of filing fees; (iv) the review of the terms of the
public offering of the Shares by the NASD (including the filing fees paid to
the NASD in connection therewith); (v) the performance by the Company of its
other obligations under this Agreement, including the fees of the Company's
counsel and accountants; (vi) the issuance of the Shares and the preparation
and printing of the stock certificates representing the Shares including any
stamp taxes payable in connection with the original issuance of the Shares;
and (vii) the furnishing to the Underwriter of copies of all reports and
information required by Section 6(h) above, including costs of shipping and
mailing; PROVIDED, however, that except in the circumstances described in the
following paragraph, the aggregate amount of costs and expenses of the
Underwriter reimbursed hereunder shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the
proposed maximum aggregate offering price set forth on the facing page of the
Registration Statement.

          (b)  If the sale to the Underwriter of the Firm Shares on the First
Closing Date is not consummated because (i) this Agreement is terminated by
the Underwriter in accordance with the provisions of Section 11(i) hereof,
(ii) any condition of the Underwriter's obligations hereunder is not
satisfied, or (iii) of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the
Company to perform any agreement herein or to comply with any provision
hereof (unless such failure to satisfy such condition or to comply with any
provision hereof is due to the default or omission of the Underwriter), the
Company agrees to reimburse you upon demand for all out-of-pocket expenses
(including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) that shall have been
reasonably incurred by you and them in connection with the proposed purchase
and the sale of the Shares.
    

          (c)  The provisions of this Section 7 shall not affect any agreement
between the Company and the Selling Shareholder regarding the allocation or
sharing of the expenses and costs of the public offering and sale of the
Shares. Moreover, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
the Liquidator (as that term is defined in the Prospectus) is without prejudice
to any claim the Liquidator has or may have against Surety Bank or the Company.

                                      -18-


<PAGE>

     SECTION 8.  CONDITIONS OF THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE UNDERWRITER.  The
obligations of the Underwriter to purchase and pay for the Firm Shares on the
First Closing Date and the Additional Shares on the Second Closing Date shall
be subject to the accuracy in all material respects of the representations
and warranties on the part of the Company and the Selling Shareholder herein
set forth as of the date hereof and as of the First Closing Date and the
Second Closing Date, as the case may be, to the accuracy of the statements of
the Company and the Selling Shareholder made pursuant to the provisions
hereof, to the performance in all material respects by the Company and the
Selling Shareholder of their respective obligations hereunder, and to the
following additional conditions:
   
          (a)  The Registration Statement shall have become effective either
prior to the execution of this Agreement or not later than 5:00 P.M., Eastern
Time, on the first full business day after the date of this Agreement, or
such later time as shall have been consented to by you but in no event later
than 5:00 P.M., Eastern Time, on the third full business day following the
date hereof; and prior to the First Closing Date or the Second Closing Date,
as the case may be, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that
purpose shall have been instituted or shall be pending or, to the knowledge
of the Company or you, shall be contemplated by the Commission.  If the
Company has elected to rely upon Rule 430A, the information concerning the
initial public offering price of the Securities and price-related information
shall have been transmitted to the Commission for filing pursuant to Rule
424(b) within the prescribed period and the Company will provide evidence
satisfactory to the Underwriter of such timely filing (or a post-effective
amendment providing such information shall have been filed and declared
effective in accordance with the requirements of Rules 430A and 424(b)).
    
          (b)  The Shares shall have been qualified for sale under the blue
sky laws of such states as shall have been specified by you.

          (c)  The legality and sufficiency of the authorization, issuance
and sale of the Shares hereunder, the validity and form of the certificates
representing the Shares, the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
Pricing Agreement, and all corporate proceedings and other legal matters
incident thereto, and the form of the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus (except financial statements) shall have been approved by your
counsel.
   
          (d)  Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement,
there shall not have occurred any material adverse change, or any development
involving a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting the business
or properties of the Company and its subsidiaries, or First Midlothian and
its subsidiary, in each case taken as a whole, whether or not arising in the
ordinary course of business, which, in your reasonable judgment, makes it
impractical to proceed with the
    

                                       -19-

<PAGE>

public offering or delivery of the Shares as contemplated hereby or to
attempt to enforce contracts for the purchase of the Shares.

          (e)  There shall have been furnished to you on the First Closing
Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be:

               (i)  An opinion of Secore & Waller, L.L.P., Dallas, Texas,
     counsel for the Company, addressed to you and dated the First Closing Date
     or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, to the effect that:
   
                    (1)  Each of the Company and First Midlothian is validly
          existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State
          of Delaware and the State of Texas, as the case may be, with full
          corporate power and authority to own or lease its properties and
          conduct its business as described in the Prospectus; each of the
          Company and First Midlothian is a bank holding company duly registered
          with the Federal Reserve Board; and each of the Company and First
          Midlothian has been duly qualified to do business as a foreign
          corporation under the corporation law of, and is in good standing as
          such in, every jurisdiction where the ownership or leasing of
          property, or the conduct of its business, requires such qualification
          except where the failure so to qualify would not have a Material
          Adverse Effect.
    
                    (2)  Each Bank is a national bank duly chartered and
          organized by authority of the OCC, validly existing and in good
          standing under the laws of the United States of America.  Each
          subsidiary of the Company or First Midlothian is validly existing as a
          corporation in good standing under the laws of its state of
          incorporation with full corporate power and authority to own or lease
          its properties and conduct its business as described in the
          Prospectus; and each subsidiary of its Company or First Midlothian has
          been duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation under the
          corporation law of, and is in good standing as such in, every
          jurisdiction where the ownership or leasing of property, or the
          conduct of its business, requires such qualification except where the
          failure so to qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                    (3)  The Company has an authorized capitalization as set
          forth in the Prospectus and the Shares conform, in all material
          respects, to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus.

                    (4)  No consent, approval, authorization or other order of
          or filing with, any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or
          other


                                       -20-

<PAGE>

          governmental body is legally required for the execution, delivery and
          performance of this Agreement by the Company, except as may be
          required under or by the 1933 Act, the Amex or the blue sky laws of
          the various jurisdictions.

                    (5)  Each of this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement have
          been duly and validly authorized and executed by the Company and
          constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company except only
          insofar as (i) such agreement may be subject to bankruptcy,
          insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to
          creditors' rights generally, (ii) the remedy of specific performance
          and injunctive and other equitable relief may be subject to equitable
          defenses, and (iii) such enforcement may be subject to any limitations
          under applicable federal securities laws relating to indemnification
          and contribution.

                    (6)  The Registration Statement has become effective under
          the 1933 Act, and, to the best knowledge of such counsel, no stop
          order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has
          been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted
          or are pending or contemplated by the Commission under the 1933 Act,
          and the Registration Statement (including the information deemed to be
          part of the Registration Statement at the time of effectiveness
          pursuant to Rule 430A(b), if applicable), the Prospectus and each
          amendment or supplement thereto (except for the financial statements
          and other statistical or financial data included therein as to which
          such counsel need express no opinion) comply as to form in all
          material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act; and the
          Primary Shares to be issued to the Underwriter have been approved for
          listing on the Amex upon official notice of issuance.

                    (7)  There are no contracts or documents required to be
          described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or to be filed
          as exhibits to the Registration Statement which are not described or
          filed, as required, and such contracts and documents as are summarized
          in the Registration Statement or Prospectus are fairly summarized in
          all material respects; and there are no statutes or regulations or any
          legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of such
          counsel, threatened, required to be described in the Prospectus which
          are not described as required.

                    (8)  All of the issued and outstanding shares of the
          Company's capital stock have been duly authorized, validly issued and
          are


                                       -21-

<PAGE>

   
          fully paid and non-assessable and free of preemptive or other
          similar rights under the General Corporation Law of the State of
          Delaware, and to such counsel's knowledge there are no options,
          agreements, contracts or other rights in existence to acquire from
          the Company any shares of Common Stock, except as set forth in the
          Prospectus.  Except as set forth in the Prospectus, to such counsel's
          knowledge there are no holders of the securities of the Company
          having rights to the registration thereof.  The Company has no
          subsidiary which conducts business as a bank under the laws of the
          State of Texas or Federal law, other than Surety Bank.  All of the
          capital stock of each subsidiary of the Company, other than
          Surety Bank, has been duly authorized, validly issued and is fully
          paid and non-assessable.  All of the outstanding capital stock of each
          of the Banks has been duly authorized and validly issued and is fully
          paid and, subject to 12 U.S.C. Section 55 (1982), nonassessable.
          The Company, directly or indirectly, owns of record, free and clear
          of any liens, claims, encumbrances or rights of others, all of the
          issued and outstanding shares of each of its subsidiaries, except as
          described in the Prospectus.  To such counsel's knowledge, there are
          no options, agreements, contracts or other rights in existence to
          purchase or acquire from the Company or its subsidiaries any issued
          and outstanding shares of such subsidiaries.

                    (9)  The Primary Shares to be sold by the Company pursuant
          to this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement have been duly authorized
          and, when issued and paid for in accordance with this Agreement and
          the Pricing Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-
          assessable; the holders of the Shares will not be subject to personal
          liability under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
          by reason of being such holders; the Shares are not subject under
          the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware to the preemptive
          rights of any shareholder of the Company.
    
                    (10) This Agreement and the Pricing Agreement have been duly
          and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.

                    (11) The statements in the Prospectus under the captions
          "Regulation and Supervision" and "Description of Securities," insofar
          as they constitute conclusions of law, are correct in all material
          respects.

                    (12) The execution, delivery and performance by the Company
          of this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement have been duly authorized
          by all necessary corporate action and do not and will not violate any
          provision of the Company's articles of incorporation (as amended) or
          bylaws (as amended) and do not and will not result in the breach of,
          or


                                       -22-

<PAGE>

          violate, any of the terms or provisions of or constitute a default
          under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or
          encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company or its
          subsidiaries under any material agreement, franchise, license,
          indenture, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, or other instrument known
          to such counsel to which the Company or any subsidiary is a party or
          by which the Company, any subsidiary or the property of any of them
          may be bound or affected, or, to such counsel's knowledge, any law,
          order, judgment, decree, rule or regulation applicable to the Company
          or any subsidiary of any government, governmental instrumentality,
          court or regulatory body, administrative agency or other governmental
          body having jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary or any of
          their respective properties, or any order of any court or governmental
          agency or other regulatory authority entered in any proceeding to
          which the Company or any subsidiary was or is now a party or by which
          it is bound.

                    (13) There is no material legal proceeding pending or, to
          such counsel's knowledge, threatened against the Company except as
          disclosed in the Prospectus.

                    (14) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is an
          "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act
          of 1940, as amended.

                    (15) That certain Reorganization Agreement dated October 17,
          1995 among First Midlothian, Midlothian Bank, the directors of
          Midlothian in their individual and representative capacities and the
          Company and the transactions contemplated thereby has been authorized
          by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company, has been
          executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto
          and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company
          (assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the
          other parties thereto) enforceable against the Company in accordance
          with its terms, except insofar as (i) such agreement may be subject to
          bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws
          relating to creditors' rights generally, and (ii) the remedy of
          specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable
          relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of
          the court before which any proceeding thereafter may be brought.


                                       -23-

<PAGE>

   
                    In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely, provided
          that the opinion shall state that you and they are entitled to so
          rely, as to factual matters on certificates of the officers and
          employees of, and accountants for, the Company, and as to certain
          legal matters, the opinnion of Tracy & Holland. Such opinion may
          contain such other qualifications and assumptions as are reasonably
          acceptable to counsel for the Underwriter.
    
                    In addition, counsel shall state that they have participated
          in conferences with officers and other representatives of the Company,
          representatives of the independent public accountants for the Company,
          and representatives of the Underwriter and its counsel, at which the
          contents of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and related
          matters were discussed and, although such counsel is not passing upon,
          and does not assume any responsibility for, the accuracy, completeness
          or fairness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement
          or the Prospectus and has not made any independent check or
          verification thereof, on the basis of the foregoing (relying as to
          factual matters upon the statements of officers and other
          representatives of the Company), no facts have come to such counsel's
          attention that have led them to believe that the Registration
          Statement (other than financial statements, the notes thereto and
          related schedules and other financial, statistical and accounting data
          included therein or omitted therefrom, as to which such counsel need
          express no belief), as amended or supplemented, if applicable, at the
          time such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment
          became effective, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or
          omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
          necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (other than
          information omitted therefrom in reliance on Rule 430A under the 1933
          Act), or that the Prospectus (other than financial statements, the
          notes thereto and related schedules and other financial, statistical
          and accounting data included therein or omitted therefrom, as to which
          such counsel need express no view) as amended or supplemented, if
          applicable, as of its date and the First Closing Date or the Second
          Closing Date, as applicable, contained an untrue statement of a
          material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to make
          the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances
          under which they were made.
   
               (ii) Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, Nashville, Tennessee, counsel to the
     Selling Shareholder, shall have furnished to you their written opinion,
     dated the First Closing Date to the effect that:
    

                                       -24-

<PAGE>

   
                    (1)  The Selling Shareholder has been duly appointed
          pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann, SECTION 56-9-402 as Liquidator for
          Anchorage. The Selling Shareholder has been duly authorized to take
          possesion of and to liquidate the assets of Anchorage and to wind
          up its affairs. To our knowledge after due inquiry, the Selling
          Shareholder has valid and unencumbered title to, and all requisite
          authority and power to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Shares
          in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Tranaction
          Documents. Upon delivery of such Shares and payment therefor,
          assuming the Underwriter is a "bona fide purchaser" within the
          meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code, the Underwriter will acquire
          valid and unencumbered title to the Shares.

                    (2)  No consent, approval, authorization, order or other
          action by, or filing with, any court or other governmental
          authority of the United States or Tennessee is required of the
          Selling Shareholder for the execution and delivery of and
          performance by the Selling Shareholder,of its obligations under the
          Transaction Documents except for the  Court orders which have
          already been obtained and filings made and approvals required
          pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and such filings
          and approvals as may be required under state securities laws.

                    (3)  The execution, delivery and performance of the
          Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions therein
          contemplated, will not result in a breach or violation of any (i)
          statute, rule, regulation, or order of any court or other governmental
          authority of the United States or Tennessee applicable to or having
          jurisdiction over the Selling Shareholder, or (ii) to our knowledge
          after due inquiry, any material written agreement or instrument to
          which the Selling Shareholder is a party or by which the Selling
          Shareholder is bound or to which the Shares are subject, which
          breach, violation or default would encumber the Shares or render the
          transaction contemplated by the Transaction Documents void.

                    (4)  The Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
          delivered by the Selling Shareholder and constitutes a legal, valid
          and binding obligation of the Selling Shareholder enforceable against
          the Selling Shareholder in accordance with its terms, except insofar
          as (i) the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other
          forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and the
          discretion of the court before which any proceeding thereafter may be
          brought, (ii) such enforcement may be subject to any limitations
          under applicable federal securities laws relating to  indemnification
          and contribution and (iii) any liability for indemnification and
          contribution cannot exceed the assets of Anchorage in possession of
          the Selling Shareholder.
    
                    (5)  The Custody Agreement has been duly executed and
          delivered by the Selling Shareholder and constitutes a legal, valid
          and binding obligation of the Selling Shareholder enforceable against
          the Selling Shareholder in accordance with its terms except insofar as
          the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of
          equitable relief may


                                       -25-

<PAGE>

   
          be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court
          before which any proceedings thereafter may be brought.

                    (6) In our capacity as counsel to the Selling
          Shareholder, we have reviewed the registration statement on Form S-1
          (Registration No. 33-64789) filed by the Company with the Securities
          and Exchange Commission ("Registration Statement"). Although we are
          not passing upon and do not assume responsibility for the accuracy,
          completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the
          Registration Statement, except as otherwise indicated herein, we
          advise you that no facts have come to our attention which lead us
          to believe that the information included under the caption "Selling
          Shareholder" in the Registration Statement and the prospectus
          contained therein, as of the date the Registration Statement was
          declared effective, contained any untrue statement of material fact
          or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein
          or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or that
          the information included under the caption "Selling Shareholder" in
          the prospectus as of the date hereof contains an untrue statement
          of material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make
          the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
          which they were made, not misleading.
    

                         In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely,
          provided that the opinion shall state that you and they are entitled
          to so rely, as to factual matters on certificates of the officers and
          employees of, the Selling Shareholder.  Such opinion may contain such
          other qualifications and assumptions as are reasonably acceptable to
          counsel for the Underwriter.




               (iii)     Such opinion or opinions of Bracewell & Patterson,
     L.L.P., counsel for the Underwriter, dated the First Closing Date or the
     Second Closing Date, as the case may be, to such matters as you may
     reasonably require.

               (iv) A certificate of the Company executed by the chief executive
     officer and the principal financial officer of the Company, dated the First
     Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, to the effect
     that:

                    (1)  the representations and warranties of the Company set
          forth in Section 2 of this Agreement are true and correct, in all
          material respects, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the
          First Closing Date or the Second Closing Date, as the case may be, and
          the Company has complied, in all material respects, with all the
          agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be
          performed or satisfied at or prior to such Closing Date; and

                    (2)  the Commission has not issued an order preventing or
          suspending the use of the Prospectus or any preliminary prospectus
          filed as part of the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto;
          no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
          Statement has been issued; and to the best knowledge of the respective
          signers, no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are
          pending or contemplated under the 1933 Act.

                    The delivery of the certificate provided for in this
          subsection shall be and constitute a representation and warranty of
          the Company as to the facts required in the immediately foregoing
          paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection to be set forth in said
          certificate.

               (v)  A certificate of the Selling Shareholder executed by the
     Special Deputy Commissioner and Liquidator of the Company, dated the First
     Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the
     Selling

                                       -26-

<PAGE>


     Shareholder set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement are true and correct,
     in all material respects, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the
     First Closing Date, and the Selling Shareholder has complied, in all
     material respects, with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions
     on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the First Closing
     Date.  The delivery of the certificate provided for in this subsection
     shall be and constitute a representation and warranty of the Selling
     Shareholder as to the facts required in this subsection to be set forth in
     said certificate.
   
               (vi) At the time the Pricing Agreement is executed and also on
     the First Closing Date and the Second Closing Date, as the case may be,
     there shall be delivered to you letters addressed to you and the Board
     of Directors of the Company from Coopers & Lybrand LLP, and Samson,
     Robbins & Associates, P.L.L.C., independent accountants, the first one to
     be dated the date of the Pricing Agreement, the second one to be dated the
     First Closing Date and the third one (in the event of a second closing)
     to be dated the Second Closing Date, to the effect set forth in Exhibit B.

               (vii)     All conditions to the consummation of the transactions
     among the Company, First Midlothian, Midlothian Bank and the directors of
     Midlothian Bank described in the Prospectus under the caption "The
     Midlothian Bank Acquisition" shall have been satisfied in a manner
     satisfactory to the Underwriter in its reasonable discretion,
    
               (viii)    The Underwriter shall have received a Lock-Up Letter
     from each executive officer and director of the Company.

               (ix) Such further certificates and documents as you may
     reasonably request.

     All such opinions, certificates, letters and documents shall be in
compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are satisfactory to you and
to Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P., counsel for the Underwriter.  The Company and
the Selling Shareholder shall furnish you with such manually signed or conformed
copies of such opinions, certificates, letters and documents as you reasonably
request.

     If any condition to the Underwriter's obligations hereunder to be satisfied
prior to or at the First Closing Date is not so satisfied, this Agreement at
your election will terminate upon notification to the Company and the Selling
Shareholder without liability on the part of the Underwriter, the Company or the
Selling Shareholder, except for the expenses to be


                                       -27-

<PAGE>


paid or reimbursed by the Company and the Selling Shareholder pursuant to
Sections 7 hereof and except to the extent provided in Section 9 hereof.

   
     SECTION 9.  INDEMNIFICATION.  (a)  The Company agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls the
Underwriter within the meaning of the 1933 Act or the Exchange Act, from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses
whatsoever (including but not limited to reasonable attorneys' fees and any
and all expenses whatsoever incurred in investigating, preparing or defending
against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, any
and all amounts paid in settlement of any claim or litigation), joint or
several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the 1933 Act,
the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities and expenses arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement
of a material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus or the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement
thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission
to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein not misleading, or arise out of or are based
in whole or in part on any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties
of the Company contained herein or any failure of the Company to perform its
respective obligations hereunder or under law, except insofar as such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arise out of or are based upon any
such untrue statement or omission or allegation thereof which has been made
therein or omitted therefrom in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of the
Underwriter expressly for use therein; provided, however, that the
indemnification contained in this paragraph with respect to any preliminary
prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of the Underwriter (or of any
person controlling the Underwriter) with respect to any action or claim
arising from the sale of the Shares by the Underwriter brought by any person
who purchased Shares from the Underwriter to the extent it is determined by a
court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable decision that (i) a
copy of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if any amendment or
supplements thereto shall have been furnished to the Underwriter prior to the
written confirmation of the sale involved) shall not have been given or sent
to such person by or on behalf of the Underwriter with or prior to the
written confirmation of the sale involved and (ii) the untrue statement or
omission of a material fact contained in such preliminary prospectus was
corrected in the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if amended or
supplemented as aforesaid). In addition to its other obligations under this
Section 9(a), the Company agrees that, as an interim measure during the
pendency of any such claim, action, investigation, inquiry or other
proceeding arising out of or based upon any statement or omission, or any
alleged statement or omission, described in this Section 9(a), it will
promptly reimburse the Underwriter and the Selling Shareholder for all
reasonable legal expenses as they are
    

                                       -28-

<PAGE>


incurred in connection with investigating or defending such claim, action,
investigation, inquiry or other proceeding.  To the extent that any such
interim reimbursement payment is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to
have been improper, each recipient thereof will promptly return it to the
Company.
   

          (b) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Selling
Shareholder and each person, if any, who controls the Selling Shareholder
within the meaning of the 1933 Act or the Exchange Act, from and against any
and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses whatsoever
(including but not limited to reasonable attorneys' fees and any and all
expenses whatsoever incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against
any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, any and all
amounts paid in settlement of any claim or litigation), joint or several, to
which they or any of them may become subject under the 1993 Act, the Exchange
Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and
expenses arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement of a material
fact contained in any preliminary prospectus or the Registration Statement or
the Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a mateial
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, or arise out of or are based in whole or in part on
any failure of the Company to perform its respective obligations hereunder or
under the 1933 Act or the Exchange Act, except insofar as such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arise out of or are based upon any
such untrue statement or omission or allegation thereof which has been made
therein or omitted therefrom in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of the
Selling Shareholder expressly for use therein; provided, however, that the
Company shall have no obligation to indemnify or hold harmless the Selling
Shareholder with respect to any action or claim arising out of or based in
whole or in part upon, or related to, any alleged disclosure or omission or
inaccuracy or failure regarding TENNESSEE EX REL DOUGLAS SIZEMORE,
COMMISSIONER OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, ET AL. VS.
SURETY BANK, N.A., OR UNITED SHORTLINE INC. ASSURANCE SERVICES, N.A., ET AL.
VS. MACGREGOR GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD., ET AL. or any related
proceedings.

          (c)  The Selling Shareholder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company, each of its officers and directors who sign the Registration Statement
and each person, if any, controlling the Company within the meaning of the 1933
Act or the Exchange Act, and to indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriter and
each person, if any, controlling the Underwriter within the meaning of the 1933
Act or the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the
Company to the Underwriter and the Selling Shareholder, but only with respect to
information relating to the Selling Shareholder furnished in writing to the
Company or the Underwriter by or on behalf of the Selling Shareholder expressly
for use in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any preliminary
prospectus, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto.

          (d)  The Underwriter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and any
person controlling the Company within the meaning of the 1933 Act and the
Exchange Act, and to indemnify and hold harmless the Selling Shareholder and
each person, if any, controlling the Selling Shareholder within the meaning of
the 1933 Act and the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity
from the Company to the Underwriter and the Selling Shareholder, but only with
respect to information relating to the Underwriter furnished in writing to the
Company by or on behalf of the Underwriter expressly for use in the Registration
Statement, the Prospectus or any preliminary prospectus, or any amendment
thereof or supplement thereto.

          (e)  If any action or claim shall be brought against any indemnified
party under this Section 9, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect
thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party under this Section 9,
promptly notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof.
No indemnification shall be available to any party who shall fail to give notice
as provided in this Section 9(e) if the party to whom notice was not given was
unaware of the proceeding to which such notice would have related and was
prejudiced by the failure to give such notice, but otherwise the omission so to
notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it from any liability that it may
have to an indemnified party under this Section 9.  In case any such action is
brought against an indemnified party, and it notifies the indemnifying party of
the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate
therein, and to the extent that it may elect by written notice delivered to the
indemnified party promptly after receiving the aforesaid notice from such
indemnified party, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably
satisfactory to such indemnified party.  Upon receipt of notice from the
indemnifying party to such
    

                                       -29-

<PAGE>


indemnified party of its election to assume the defense of such action and
approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party will not
be liable to such indemnified party under Section 9 for any legal or other
expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
the defense thereof unless (i) the indemnifying party has agreed in writing
to pay such fees and expenses, (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have
employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the
indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of
the action or (iii) the named parties to any such action (including any
impleaded party) include such indemnified party and the indemnifying party
and such indemnified party shall have been advised in writing by counsel
having experience in securities litigation that there may be one or more
legal defenses available to it which are different from or additional to
those available to the indemnifying party (in which case if such indemnified
party notifies the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall, in
connection with any one such action or separate but substantially similar or
related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general
allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses
of not more than one separate firm of attorneys for all such indemnified
parties) and which, in the opinion of such counsel, would make it impractical
to have common representation.  The indemnifying party shall not be liable
for any settlement of any such action effected without its written consent,
but if settled with its written consent, or if there shall be a final
judgment for the plaintiff in any such action and the time for filing all
appeals has expired, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless any indemnified party and any such controlling person from and
against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.

   
          (f)  (i)  If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 is
unavailable as a matter of law to an indemnified party in respect of any losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein, then the
indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder,
shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a
result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (A) in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the
Company, the Selling Shareholder  and the Underwriter from the offering of the
Shares or (B) if the allocation provided by clause (A) above is not permitted by
applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the
relative benefits referred to in clause (A) above but also the relative fault of
the Company, the Selling Shareholder and of the Underwriter in connection with
the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
The respective relative benefits received by the Company, the Selling
Shareholder  and the Underwriter shall be deemed to be in the same proportion,
in the case of the Company and the Selling Shareholder, as the total price paid
to the Company or the Selling Shareholder, as the case may be, for the Shares by
the Underwriter (net of underwriting discounts and commissions but before
deducting expenses), and, in the case of the Underwriter, as the underwriting
commissions received by it, bears to the total of such
    

                                       -30-

<PAGE>


amounts paid to the Company and received by the Underwriter as underwriting
commissions in each case as contemplated by the Prospectus.  The relative
fault of the Company, the Selling Shareholder and of the Underwriter shall be
determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to
state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company, the
Selling Shareholder or by the Underwriter and the party's relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
statement or omissions.
   
               (ii) The Company, the Selling Shareholder and the Underwriter
agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this
Section 9(f) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of
allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred
to in subsection (f)(i).  The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as
a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to in
subsection (f)(i) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set
forth in this Section 9(f), any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by
such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such
action or claim.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9(f), the
Underwriter shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the
amount of the total underwriting commissions received by the Underwriter in
connection with the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public.  No
person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11
(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was
not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

          (g)  The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this
Section 9 and the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in
this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless
of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Underwriter or any person
controlling the Underwriter, the Selling Shareholder, the Company or its
directors or officers (or any person controlling any such person), (ii)
acceptance of any Shares and payment therefor or hereunder and (iii) any
termination of this Agreement.  A successor or assign of the Underwriter, the
Selling Shareholder, the Company or its directors or officers and their legal
and personal representatives (or of any person controlling an Underwriter or the
Company) shall be entitled to the benefits of the indemnity, contribution and
reimbursement agreements contained in this Section 9.
    

     SECTION 10.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Agreement shall become effective
immediately as to Sections 7, 9 and 11  and as to all other provisions upon
execution and delivery of the Pricing Agreement.

     SECTION 11.  TERMINATION.  Without limiting the right to terminate this
Agreement pursuant to any other provision hereof, this Agreement may also be
terminated by you in


                                       -31-

<PAGE>


your absolute discretion, without liability on your part to the Company or to
the Selling Shareholder, by notice given to the Company and the Selling
Shareholder, if prior to the First Closing Date or, with respect to the
Additional Shares, on or prior to any later date on which the Additional
Shares are to be purchased, as the case may be, (i) there has been, since the
date of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information
is given in the Prospectus any material adverse change in the condition,
financial or otherwise, or the earnings, business affairs or business
prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries, or First Midlothian and its
subsidiaries, considered as a whole, whether or not arising in the ordinary
course of business; or (ii) trading in securities generally on the New York
Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System shall have been suspended, or
if there is a significant decline in the value of securities generally on
such exchanges or such market, or minimum or maximum prices for trading shall
have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities generally shall
have been required on either of such exchanges or on such market, by the
exchanges, market or by order of the Commission or any other governmental
authority having jurisdiction; or (iii) a general moratorium on savings bank,
savings and loan association or commercial banking activities in the United
States or in New York or Texas shall have been declared by either Federal or
state authorities; or (iv) there shall have occurred any outbreak or
escalation of hostilities or other international or domestic calamity, crisis
or change in political, financial or economic conditions the effect of which
on the financial markets of the United States is such as to make it, in your
judgment, impracticable or inadvisable to market the Shares or to enforce
contracts for the purchase of Shares.  Notice of such cancellation shall be
given to the Company and the Selling Shareholder by telegraph, telephone or
facsimile but shall be subsequently confirmed by letter.

   
     SECTION 12.  REPRESENTATIONS AND INDEMNITIES TO SURVIVE DELIVERY.  The
respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other
statements of the Company, the Selling Shareholder and the Underwriter set forth
in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect,
regardless of any termination of this Agreement or investigation made by or on
behalf of the Underwriter, the Selling Shareholder or the Company or any of its
or their partners, officers or directors or any controlling person, and will
survive delivery of and payment for the Shares sold hereunder.
    

     SECTION 13.  NOTICES.  All communications hereunder will be in writing and,
if sent to the Underwriter will be mailed, delivered or telegraphed and
confirmed to Hoefer & Arnett Incorporated, 353 Sacramento Street, 10th Floor,
San Francisco, California 94111, with a copy to Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P.,
711 Louisiana St., Suite 2900, Houston, Texas 77002, Attention:  John R.
Brantley; if sent to the Company will be mailed, delivered or telegraphed and
confirmed to the Company at its corporate headquarters with a copy to Secore &
Waller, L.L.P., 13355 Noel Road, LB 75, Dallas, Texas 75240-6657, Attention:
Dan Waller; if sent to the Selling Shareholder will be mailed, delivered or
telegraphed and


                                       -32-

<PAGE>

confirmed to the Selling Shareholder c/o Tennessee Receiver's Office, 7000
Executive Center Drive, The Waverly Building, Suite 200, Brentwood, Tennessee
37027, with a copy to Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, 1500 Nashville City Center,
Nashville, Tennessee 37219, Attention: Daniel B. Brown.

     SECTION 14.  SUCCESSORS.  This Agreement and the Pricing Agreement will
inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their
respective successors, personal representative and assigns, and to the benefit
of the officers and directors and controlling persons referred to in Section 9,
and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder.  The term
"successors" shall not include any purchaser of the Shares as such from the
Underwriter merely by reason of such purchase.

     SECTION 15.  PARTIAL UNENFORCEABILITY.  If any section, paragraph or
provision of this Agreement is for any reason determined to be invalid or
unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other section, paragraph or provision hereof.

     SECTION 16.  APPLICABLE LAW.  This Agreement and the Pricing Agreement
shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
California.



                                       -33-

<PAGE>



     If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement,
kindly sign and return to us the enclosed duplicates hereof, whereupon it will
become a binding agreement among the Company, the Selling Shareholder and the
Underwriter, all in accordance with its terms.

                              Very truly yours,

                              SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION


   
                              By:_______________________________
                                   B.J. Curley
                                   Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

                              ANCHORAGE FIRE AND CASUALTY
                                INSURANCE COMPANY, IN LIQUIDATION


                              By:_______________________________
                                   Jeanne Barnes Bryant,
                                   Special Deputy Commissioner
                                   Tennessee Department of Commerce and
                                   Insurance, as Liquidator
    


The foregoing Agreement is hereby
confirmed and accepted as of
the date first above written.

HOEFER & ARNETT INCORPORATED


By:_______________________________
     Greg H. Madding
     Partner



                                       -34-

<PAGE>

                               EXHIBIT A

                       SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION

                     2,100,000 Shares Common Stock*

                            PRICING AGREEMENT

                                                            February __, 1996

Hoefer & Arnett Incorporated
353 Sacramento Street, 10th Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Reference is made to the Underwriting Agreement dated February 21, 1996
(the "UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT") relating to the sale by the Company and the
Selling Shareholder and the purchase by Hoefer & Arnett Incorporated (the
"UNDERWRITER"), of the above Shares. All terms herein shall have the
definitions contained in the Underwriting Agreement except as otherwise
defined herein.

     Pursuant to Section 4 of the Underwriting Agreement, the Company agrees
with the Underwriter as follows:

     1.   The initial public offering price per share for the Shares shall be
$_____.

     2.   The purchase price per share for the Shares to be paid by the
Underwriter shall be $_____ being an amount equal to the initial public
offering price set forth above less $___ per share.


_____________
     * Plus an option to acquire up to 288,759 additional shares to cover
overallotments.


                                     A-1

<PAGE>

     If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our
agreement, kindly sign and return to us the enclosed duplicates hereof,
whereupon it will become a binding agreement among the Company, the Selling
Shareholder and the Underwriter, all in accordance with its terms.


                                       Very truly yours,



                                       SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION


                                       By:
                                          -----------------------------------
                                           B.J. Curley
                                           Vice President and Chief
                                           Financial Officer

                                       ANCHORAGE FIRE AND CASUALTY
                                        INSURANCE COMPANY, IN LIQUIDATION


                                       --------------------------------------
                                       By: Jeanne Barnes Bryant,
                                       Special Deputy Commissioner,
                                       Tennessee Department of Commerce
                                       & Insurance, as Liquidator

The foregoing Agreement is hereby
confirmed and accepted as of
the date first above written.

HOEFER & ARNETT INCORPORATED


By:
   ----------------------------------
        Greg H. Madding
        Partner


                                     A-2

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT B

                     Comfort Letter of Coopers & Lybrand LLP

     (1)   They are independent public accountants with respect to the
Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning of the 1933 Act.

     (2)   In their opinion the consolidated financial statements and any
supplementary financial information and schedules (and all pro forma
financial information) of the Company and its subsidiaries included in the
Registration Statement comply as to form in all material respects with the
applicable accounting requirements of the 1933 Act.

     (3)   On the basis of specified procedures (but not an examination in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards), including inquiries
of certain officers of the Company and its subsidiaries responsible for
financial and accounting matters as to transactions and events subsequent to
December 31, 1994, a reading of minutes of meetings of the shareholders and
directors of the Company and its subsidiaries since December 31, 1994, a
reading of the latest available interim unaudited consolidated financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries (with an indication of the
date thereof) and other procedures as specified in such letter, nothing came
to their attention which caused them to believe that (i) the unaudited
consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries
included in the Registration Statement do not comply as to form in all
material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the 1933 Act
or that such unaudited financial statements are not fairly presented in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and (ii) at a
specified date not more than five days prior to the date thereof in the case
of the first letter and not more than two business days prior to the date
thereof in the case of the second and third letters, there was any change in
the capital stock or long-term debt or short-term debt (other than normal
payments) of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or any
decrease in consolidated shareholders' equity as compared with amounts shown
on the latest unaudited balance sheet of the Company included in the
Registration Statement or for the period from the date of such balance sheet
to a date not more than five days prior to the date thereof in the case of
the first letter and not more than two business days prior to the date
thereof in the case of the second and third letters, there were any
decreases, as compared with the corresponding period of the prior year, in
consolidated net interest income, consolidated noninterest income or in the
total or per share amounts of net earnings, except, in all instances, for
changes or decreases which the Prospectus discloses have occurred or may
occur or which are set forth in such letter.

     (4)   They have carried out specified procedures, which have been agreed
to by the Underwriters, with respect to certain information in the Prospectus
specified by the Underwriters, and on the basis of such procedures, they have
found such information to be in agreement with the general accounting records
of the Company and its subsidiaries.


                                     B-1



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