SURETY CAPITAL CORP /DE/
10-K, 1997-04-01
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                ----------------

                                    FORM 10-K
Mark One

[X]  ANNUAL  REPORT  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION  13 OR  15(d)  OF THE  SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE  ACT OF 1934 For the  Fiscal  Year  Ended  December  31,  1996 ---
     Commission File Number 33-1983; OR

[ ]  TRANSITION  REPORT  PURSUANT  TO SECTION  13 OR 15(d) OF THE  SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE  ACT OF  1934  For  the  Transition  Period  From  ___________  to
     ___________.

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

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

       Delaware                                           75-2065607
       --------                                           ----------
(State of Incorporation)                      (IRS Employer Identification No.)

             1845 Precinct Line Road, Suite 100, Hurst, Texas 76054
             ------------------------------------------------------
                    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

                                 (817) 498-2749
                                 --------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

     Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                         Name of each exchange
        Title of each class                               on which registered
        -------------------                               -------------------
   Common Stock, $0.01 par value                        American Stock Exchange


     Securities  registered  pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock,
$0.01 par value

     Indicate  by check mark  whether the  Registrant  (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
Registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X]   No [ ]

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's  knowledge,  in definitive proxy or information  statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]

     The  aggregate  market value of Common Stock held by  nonaffiliates  of the
Registrant,  based on the quoted  price of the Common  Stock as  reported on the
American Stock Exchange on March 20, 1997, was $22,097,559. For purposes of this
computation,  all officers, directors and 5% beneficial owners of the Registrant
are  deemed  to be  affiliates.  Such  determination  should  not be  deemed  an
admission  that such officers,  directors or 5% beneficial  owners are, in fact,
affiliates of the Registrant.  As of March 20, 1997,  5,750,554 shares of Common
Stock were outstanding.

     Documents  Incorporated  by  Reference:  Portions  of the  Company's  Proxy
Statement  dated not later  than 120 days  after the end of the  Company's  most
recent fiscal year, filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934 for the 1997  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders  of  Surety  Capital
Corporation, are incorporated by reference into Part III.


<PAGE>

                                     PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

General

     Surety Capital  Corporation  (the  "Company"),  a corporation  incorporated
under the laws of the  state of  Delaware  in 1985,  is a bank  holding  company
registered  under the Bank  Holding  Company Act of 1956,  as amended  (the "BHC
Act").  The  Company  owns all of the issued and  outstanding  shares of capital
stock of Surety  Bank,  National  Association,  formerly  Texas  Bank,  National
Association and formerly Texas National Bank, Lufkin,  Texas (the "Bank"),  with
full service offices in Chester, Hurst, Kennard, Lufkin, Midlothian, Waxahachie,
Wells and Whitesboro, Texas.

     The Company's principal executive offices are located at 1845 Precinct Line
Road,  Suite 100, Hurst,  Texas 76054, and its telephone number is 817-498-2749.
The Bank's principal  offices are located at 1845 Precinct Line Road, Suite 100,
Hurst, Texas 76054, and its telephone number is 817-498-2749.

The Company

     At  December  31,  1996  the  Company  had  consolidated  total  assets  of
$176,439,310,  total net loans of $101,866,914,  consolidated  total deposits of
$155,690,341, and consolidated total shareholders' equity of $19,230,552.

     The Company acts as a registered  bank holding  company  under the BHC Act.
The Company does not have any  independent  material  business  activities,  and
anticipates that its future  activities will be limited to acting as a source of
support for the Bank.

     As a result  of the  consolidation  of the Bank and  First  National  Bank,
Midlothian, Texas, under the charter of the Bank, and under the title of "Surety
Bank,  National  Association"  effective as of the close of business on February
29, 1996, the Company owns 100% of the issued and  outstanding  shares of common
stock of the Bank. See "Item 1. Business - Acquisitions."

     The  Company's  business  is neither  seasonal  in nature nor in any manner
related to or dependent upon patents, licenses,  franchises or concessions,  and
the Company has not spent material amounts on research activities.

     The following  table sets forth in summary form the revenues,  expenses and
income for the Company and the Bank as of, and for the year ended,  December 31,
1996:

Balance Sheet Data             Company Only      Bank Only       Consolidated
- ------------------             ------------      ---------       ------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents       $   756,813    $ 22,866,457      $ 22,866,457
Total Net Loans                                 101,866,914       101,866,914
Total Assets                     19,230,552     176,469,414       176,439,310
Deposits                                        156,447,153       155,690,341
Total Liabilities                               158,151,409       157,208,758
Shareholders' Equity             19,230,552      18,318,004        19,230,552



                                       -2-

<PAGE>


Income Statement Data            Company Only     Bank Only   Consolidated
- ---------------------            ------------     ---------   ------------
Interest Income                  $    40,045    $14,390,362   $14,390,362
Interest Expense                       6,612      5,395,122     5,361,689
Non-Interest Expense                 169,610      7,999,228     8,135,012
Net Income                         1,697,987      1,788,489     1,697,987


The Subsidiary Bank

     The Bank was chartered as a national  banking  association  in 1963 and has
its main  offices  located in Hurst,  Texas.  The Bank also  operates  seven (7)
branches  in  Chester,  Kennard,  Lufkin,  Midlothian,   Waxahachie,  Wells  and
Whitesboro, 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 large portion of the Bank's loan portfolio  represents  insurance premium
financing loans. Some of the major services are described below.

     COMMERCIAL  BANKING.  The Bank provides general commercial banking services
for corporate and other business  clients located in Tarrant County,  Texas, and
through its branches located in Angelina,  Cherokee, Ellis, Grayson, Houston and
Tyler  Counties,  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.  Most 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 1996 for the Bank's commercial  lending activities
was 13%. The Bank's commercial loans usually have maturities of twelve months or
less. The Bank also offers programs for medical claims factoring.

     CONSUMER  BANKING.  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.

     INSURANCE PREMIUM FINANCING. As described in greater detail below, the Bank
makes insurance premium financing loans in Texas and in other states.  See "Item
1. Business - Insurance Premium Financing."

     At December  31,  1996  approximately  27%,  36% and 37% of the Bank's loan
portfolio  represented  commercial  banking  loans,  consumer  banking loans and
insurance premium financing loans, respectively.

Acquisitions

     Effective as of the close of business on March 22, 1993,  the Bank acquired
Bank of East Texas, Chester,  Texas ("Bank of East Texas") and First State Bank,
Wells, Texas ("First State Bank"). The


                                       -3-

<PAGE>



acquisitions were effected by the Bank through the mergers of Bank of East Texas
and First State Bank with and into the Bank.  Pursuant to the mergers,  the Bank
paid $645,676 and $1,090,203,  respectively, to the shareholders of Bank of East
Texas and First State Bank.  The  purchase  prices were based on the  respective
book values of the Bank of East Texas and First  State Bank as of  February  28,
1993,  subject to certain  agreed upon  adjustments.  The Company  financed  the
acquisitions with internally-generated cash reserves.

     Effective  as of the close of business on May 31, 1994,  the Bank  acquired
The Farmers Guaranty State Bank of Kennard,  Kennard, Texas ("Farmers Bank") for
$1,200,000.  The  acquisition  was  effected  by the Bank  through the merger of
Farmers Bank with and into the Bank.  The purchase price was based on a multiple
of the book value of Farmers Bank as of May 31, 1994,  subject to certain agreed
upon adjustments. The Company financed the acquisition with internally-generated
cash reserves.

     Effective  as of the  close of  business  on  December  8,  1994,  the Bank
acquired  First  National  Bank,  a  national  banking  association  located  in
Whitesboro,  Texas ("First  National Bank") for $6,000,000.  The acquisition was
effected by the Bank through the merger of First National Bank with and into the
Bank.  The  purchase  price was  approximately  150% of the book  value of First
National Bank as of the effective date of the merger.  The Company  financed the
acquisition in part through a private placement of its common stock, and in part
through a loan from a financial institution.

     Effective  as of the close of  business on  September  28,  1995,  the Bank
purchased  certain assets and assumed certain  liabilities of the branch of Bank
One,  Texas,  National  Association  located  in  Waxahachie,  Texas  ("Bank One
Branch").  At the  closing,  the Bank  assumed  deposits  and other  liabilities
totaling approximately $16,539,000. In addition, the Bank acquired certain small
business  and  consumer  loans  totaling  approximately  $875,000,  certain real
property,  furniture and equipment totaling approximately $274,000, and cash and
other assets totaling approximately $15,426,000.  After paying a deposit premium
of two percent (2%) on the deposits assumed totaling approximately $331,000, the
Bank  received  approximately  $15,419,000  in cash  from  Bank  One  Branch  as
consideration for the net deposit liabilities  assumed. The Company financed the
acquisition with internally-generated cash reserves.

     On February 29, 1996, the Company acquired First Midlothian Corporation,  a
Texas bank holding  company located in Midlothian,  Texas ("First  Midlothian"),
and its  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  First  National  Bank,  a  national  banking
association also located in Midlothian,  Texas ("First National Bank"),  through
the  merger of a  wholly-owned  operating  subsidiary  of the Bank with and into
First  Midlothian.  In  connection  with the  merger,  the Bank  paid a total of
$6,595,707,  of which  $5,976,000 was paid to the former  shareholders  of First
Midlothian in exchange for their shares of common stock of First  Midlothian and
$619,707 was applied to the repayment in full of certain outstanding  debentures
of First  Midlothian.  The purchase  price was  approximately  one hundred fifty
percent (150%) of the book value of First National Bank as of the effective date
of the merger.  Following  the  consummation  of the merger,  the Bank and First
National  Bank were  consolidated  under  the  charter  of the  Bank,  and First
Midlothian  was  liquidated.  The Company  financed the  acquisition  through an
$7,394,293  underwritten  public  offering of its shares of common stock,  which
closed in February 1996.

     Effective  March 15, 1996,  the Bank acquired all of the assets and assumed
certain of the  liabilities  in the  approximate  amount of $50,000 of Providers
Funding  Corporation  ("PFC"),  a Dallas based medical claims servicing company,
for a purchase price of $1,000,000.



                                       -4-

<PAGE>



Insurance Premium Financing

     Insurance  premium  financing  involves  lending  money  to  purchasers  of
property  and  casualty  insurance  (the  "insureds")  for the  payment of their
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.  Insurance premium financing is generally considered a low
risk form of lending for three reasons:

     1.  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.

     2. 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.

     3. 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 in excess of the loan  balance,  including  accrued
interest.

     The Company,  and subsequently  the Bank, has engaged in insurance  premium
finance  lending  since 1986,  and the business has grown in terms of volume and
outstanding  loan balances since that time.  Since its  acquisition in 1989, the
Bank has made all of the insurance  premium financing loans. The following table
shows the outstanding balance of premium finance loans at the end of each of the
years indicated:

                   INSURANCE PREMIUM FINANCE LOANS OUTSTANDING

                                      Gross Loans
                         Year         Outstanding
                         ----         -----------
                         1989         $ 4,682,321

                         1990           7,061,880

                         1991           8,265,490

                         1992           7,267,889

                         1993          14,518,680

                         1994          20,931,642

                         1995          22,409,356

                         1996          39,168,604


     The typical insurance  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  product  requires  highly
sophisticated data processing systems. Over the past several years, the


                                       -5-

<PAGE>



Bank 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 Bank's  computer  system
handles the preparation of loan documents,  billing of insureds,  preparation of
notices,  calculation  and  billing  of late  charges,  notification  of  policy
cancellations, and preparation of premium rebate requests to insurance companies
when a policy is canceled.

     The insurance premium finance division is managed by G.M. Heinzelmann, III.
The division's central operations department is located in the Bank's offices in
Hurst, Texas. This location is staffed with nine (9) operations people and three
(3)  marketing  managers.  The  division  also has a loan  production  office in
Atlanta,  Georgia.  The  Atlanta  office is  currently  staffed  with a regional
manager, two (2) part-time employees, and four (4) marketing managers.

     The  marketing  managers  devote  all  of  their  time  to  developing  and
maintaining  the  Bank's  relationships  with  insurance  companies,   insurance
brokers,  and insurance  agencies.  Currently the Bank has active  relationships
with  approximately 600 insurance  companies and  approximately  5,000 insurance
agents.  These parties refer insurance  purchasers who request  financing to the
Bank, although in most cases the relationships are not exclusive.

     A majority of the insurance premiums are financed by the Bank and 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 Bank relies on rebates of the unearned  premiums as collateral to
pay off defaulted  insurance  premium  loans,  the Bank  evaluates the financial
strength of the insurance  companies as well as each insured.  In order to avoid
excessive concentrations, the Bank limits the dollar amount of premium financing
for policies written by any single insurance company.  The Bank'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 & Company,
Inc. ("Best"),  and to certain unrated insurance  organizations which the Bank's
management has  determined to be financially  strong.  Lower  percentage  limits
apply to  insurance  companies  which have ratings of less than "A" from Best or
are not rated by Best. For example,  the aggregate  premium loans related to any
insurance  entity that is not rated by 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.

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

                           A++, A+          Superior
                           A, A-            Excellent
                           B++, B+          Very Good
                           B, B-            Adequate
                           C++,C+           Fair
                           C, C-            Marginal

     In addition to these  ratings,  Best has a variety of ratings for companies
for which the standard  ratings are not  applicable.  These  additional  ratings
simply indicate the reason no rating is assigned and


                                       -6-

<PAGE>



are not  necessarily  qualitative  assessments.  The following  table provides a
breakdown of the Bank's  insurance  premium  financing  loans  outstanding as of
December 31, 1996 by the type and,  where  applicable,  the rating of the entity
providing the insurance:


Insurance companies rated AA++, A+, A or A- by Best          71.0%

Insurance companies rated AB++, B+, B or B- by Best           6.0%

Texas Workers Compensation Insurance Fund                     5.3%

Insurance syndicates operating through established            5.3%
insurance exchanges

Non-rated insurance companies admitted in Texas               7.4%

Non-rated insurance companies not admitted in Texas           5.0%
                                                            ------

                                     Total                  100.0%
                                                            ======

     Management  believes the structure of these loans results in limited credit
losses.  The Bank may incur losses in its insurance premium  financing  business
for a number of reasons,  including  fraud,  refusal of an insurance  company to
refund a premium, insurance company insolvency,  failure of the Bank to properly
notify an insurance  company of the Bank's  interest in unearned  premiums under
applicable  law and other  reasons.  The Bank'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 Bank has limited
its exposure to non-rated companies,  as described above, and has experienced no
net  credit  losses  on  premium  financing  loans.  See  "Item 7.  Management's
Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and Results of  Operations -
Allowance for Credit Losses."

Medical Receivables Factoring

     The Bank 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,  and
are purchased by the Bank at a price equal to approximately  50% to 60% of their
face amount.  When the receivable is paid the Bank 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 Bank's  medical  receivables  portfolio is rapid and is
attributable to each factored receivable having an average life of approximately
nine weeks.  During the year ended  December  31,  1996,  the yield on the funds
committed to this  activity  was 37.8%.  During the first  quarter of 1996,  the
administration  of the  medical  receivables  was handled by  Providers  Funding
Corporation  ("PFC"),  a  company  which  specialized  in  the  acquisition  and
processing of medical receivables. PFC developed specialized computer systems to
automate much of the administration of the medical receivables. In addition to a
review of the receivables conducted by PFC, the Bank had two employees conduct a
secondary  review of the receivables to make sure they met the Bank's  criteria.
Effective  March 15, 1996,  the Bank  acquired  PFC,  which is now operated as a
division of the Bank and now conducts in-house the acquisition and processing of
medical receivables.

     The Bank has  experienced  no material  losses in its  medical  receivables
factoring  business  since the Bank began this type of lending in 1990. The only
losses experienced by the Bank in its medical


                                       -7-

<PAGE>



receivables  factoring business occurred in the second half of 1996 and amounted
to  $12,724.  However,  the Bank 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 Bank generally has no recourse against the health care provider for
payment of a medical  receivable which is not otherwise paid,  although the Bank
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 Bank regarding
that  receivable  may,  under  certain  circumstances,  be  applied to an unpaid
receivable.  Medical receivables factoring, like insurance premium financing, is
a  specialty  type  of  financing   which  provides  high  yields  and  requires
specialized  expertise and systems.  The Bank considers the market for this type
of financing to be  relatively  broad,  and to extend  beyond the local  markets
served by its branches.

Competition

     There is significant  competition among banks and bank holding companies in
Angelina,  Cherokee, Ellis, Grayson, Houston, Tarrant and Tyler Counties, Texas,
and the Bank  believes that such  competition  among such banks and bank holding
companies,  many of which have far greater  assets and financial  resources than
the Bank,  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 States,  many of which
are larger in terms of capital,  resources and personnel. The casualty insurance
premium financing 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 insurance  premium  financing
loans.

Employees

     As of December 31, 1996 the Company and the Bank had one hundred thirty one
(131) full-time employees and two (2) 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 believes that their respective  employee  relations are
good.

                           SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

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 the 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.


                                       -8-

<PAGE>




     To the extent 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.

Federal Bank Holding Company Regulation

     The Company is a bank  holding  company  within the meaning of the BHC Act,
and therefore is subject to regulation and supervision by the Board of Governors
of the  Federal  Reserve  System  (the  "FRB").  The Company is required to file
reports  with,  and to furnish  such other  information  as, the FRB may require
pursuant to the BHC Act, 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 BHC
Act 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
Office of the  Comptroller  of the Currency  ("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 BHC Act 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  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.


                                       -9-

<PAGE>




     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 of 1977 (the "CRA").

     As of December 31, 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 Texas, which limit
control of in-state  insured  deposits to a greater  extent than the  Interstate
Banking Act will be given effect. 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 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 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.  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


                                      -10-

<PAGE>



minimum age provisions  applicable to interstate bank acquisitions also apply to
interstate  bank mergers.  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 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. Texas has elected not to permit de novo branching through 1999.

     The Bank is subject to certain  limitations on  transactions by and between
the Bank 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.  Additionally, under the BHC Act 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.

National Bank Regulation

     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 "Item 7.  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 insurance premium


                                      -11-

<PAGE>



finance loan is regulated  by the Texas State Board of  Insurance.  See "Item 1.
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 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 federal  bank  regulators  to take "prompt  corrective
action" with respect to any depository institution 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  federal  bank  regulators  to take  supervisory  action
regarding  any  depository   institution  that  is  not  at  least   "adequately
capitalized." Under these regulations, which became effective December 19, 1992,
a depository  institution  is considered  "well  capitalized"  if it has a total
risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of
6% or greater,  and a leverage ratio of 5% 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 depository  institution  is considered  "adequately  capitalized"  if it has a
total  risk-based  capital ratio of 8% or greater,  a Tier I risk-based  capital
ratio and leverage  ratio of 4% or greater (or a leverage ratio of 3% or greater
if the depository  institution is rated composite 1 in its most recent report of
examination,  subject to appropriate federal banking agency guidelines), and the
depository  institution  does  not meet the  definition  of an  undercapitalized
institution. A depository institution is considered "undercapitalized" if it has
a total  risk-based  capital ratio of less than 8%, a Tier I risk-based  capital
ratio of less than 4%, or a leverage  ratio of less than 4% (or a leverage ratio
of less than 3% if the depository  institution is rated  composite 1 in its most
recent report of  examination,  subject to  appropriate  federal  banking agency
guidelines).  A "significantly  undercapitalized"  depository institution is one
which has a total risk-based  capital ratio of less than 6%, a Tier I risk-based
capital  ratio  of less  than  3%,  or a  leverage  ratio  of less  than  3%.  A
"critically undercapitalized" depository institution is one which has a ratio of
tangible equity to total assets of equal to or less than 2%.

     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  will also 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


                                      -12-

<PAGE>



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 ninety (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 December 31, 1996, 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.

     As a result of the enactment of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery
and Enforcement Act of 1989 ("FIRREA"),  a depository institution insured by the
FDIC,  such as the  Bank,  can be held  liable  for any  loss  incurred  by,  or
reasonably  expected to be incurred  by, the FDIC in  connection  with:  (i) the
default of a commonly  controlled FDIC insured depository  institution;  or (ii)
any  assistance  provided  by the FDIC to a  commonly  controlled  FDIC  insured
depository  institution in danger of default.  "Default" is defined generally as
the  appointment  of a  conservator  or  receiver  and "in danger of default" if
defined  generally as the  existence  of certain  conditions  indicating  that a
"default" is likely to occur in the absence of regulatory assistance.

Deposit Insurance

     As an FDIC  member  institution,  the  deposits  of the Bank are  currently
insured to a maximum of $100,000 per depositor  through the Bank  Insurance Fund
("BIF"),  administered  by the FDIC.  Generally,  banks are  assessed  insurance
premiums  according  to how much risk they are deemed to  present to BIF.  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.  Under the rate structure which went into
effect in  January  1996,  assessments  range  from zero to 27 cents per $100 of
domestic  deposits,  subject  to a minimum  assessment  of  $2,000.  Under  this
structure,  the Bank in 1996 was  assessed  at a zero rate and paid the  minimum
assessment  rate of $2,000.  In November of 1996 the FDIC's  Board of  Directors
voted to retain the existing BIF  assessment  schedule for 1997,  but eliminated
the minimum assessment amount, and approved an assessment against BIF-assessable
deposits to be paid to the  Financing  Corporation  ("FICO") to assist in paying
interest on FICO bonds,  which  financed the resolution  of the thrift  industry
series.  The FICO  assessment is  approximately  1.3 basis points on BIF-insured
deposits.  The first quarter 1997 FICO  assessment of the Bank is  approximately
$4,800.

Internal Operating Requirements

     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.



                                      -13-

<PAGE>



     Under  the  Community  Reinvestment  Act  of  1977  (the  "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, and 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.

     The  minimum  standard  for the ratio of  capital to  risk-weighted  assets
(including  certain  offbalance  sheet  obligations,  such as standby letters of
credit) is 8%. 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 credit 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% to 5%. 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


                                      -14-

<PAGE>



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 December 31, 1996, the Company's Tier I risk-based  capital ratio was
11.10%, its total risk-based capital ratio was 12.29% and its leverage ratio was
7.02%, 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 "Item 7.
Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and Results of
Operations - Capital Resources."

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

     The Bank has eight banking facilities. The Bank's main office is located in
Hurst,  Texas,  and its  branches  are  located  in  Chester,  Kennard,  Lufkin,
Midlothian, Waxahachie, Wells and Whitesboro, Texas.

     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 Bank is on a graduated  lease
payment schedule as follows:

           Period                                Monthly Rent
           ------                                ------------
    01-01-97 to 12-31-98                          $10,922.37

    01-01-99 to 12-31-99                          $11,391.36


     The Company also  occupies a portion of the office space leased by the Bank
under this lease.

     The Chester facility is located in a two-story building 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 Kennard  facility is located in a  one-story  building 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 Lufkin  facility  is a  two-story  building  located at 600 South First
Street in Lufkin,  Texas.  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.



                                      -15-

<PAGE>



     The Midlothian  facility is located in a one and one-half story building at
910 North 9th Street in Midlothian,  Texas.  This  building,  and the underlying
tract of land  consisting of  approximately  71,330 square feet are owned by the
Bank. The building includes approximately 17,116 square feet of office space.

     The  Waxahachie  facility  is located in a  two-story  building  at 104 Elm
Street in Waxahachie,  Texas.  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 Wells facility is located in a one-story building 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 Whitesboro  facility is located in a one-story building 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.

ITEM 3. 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 the  Tennessee  Commissioner  of
Commerce and Insurance  ("Tennessee"),  appointed by the Chancery  Court for the
State of Tennessee,  Twentieth Judicial District,  Davidson County, to liquidate
Anchorage Fire and Casualty Insurance Company ("Anchorage"), including Anchorage
deposits  at the Bank.  Tennessee  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. ("Shortline"), is the holder of a
Florida  judgment  against  MacGregor  who  seeks  to  recover  funds  allegedly
belonging to MacGregor which were held by the Bank.

     Both cases arise out of the Bank's alleged  exercise of control over funds,
representing  the  Bank's  collateral,  held  in  accounts  at  the  Bank  under
agreements with Anchorage and MacGregor. The Bank asserts that it had a right to
exercise control over its collateral under  contractual  agreements  between the
Bank and the respective  insurance companies or the Bank and the policy holders,
and also in order to protect the Bank against the  possibility  of  inconsistent
orders regarding the same funds. Tennessee also seeks to recover funds allegedly
transferred in and out of the Anchorage/MacGregor accounts at the Bank during an
approximate four month period in 1993.


                                      -16-

<PAGE>




     When the MacGregor case was initially filed, Shortline sought a restraining
order against the Bank  concerning the MacGregor  funds.  When the Bank received
notice of competing claims to some or all of these funds by Tennessee,  the Bank
intervened  and  interpled  approximately  $600,000  into the court's  registry.
Shortline  now  seeks,  inter  alia,  damages  against  the Bank from an alleged
wrongful offset wherein the Bank allegedly  exercised control over the MacGregor
funds at the Bank pursuant to agreements with MacGregor.  The Bank moved for and
obtained a summary  judgment that its intervention and interpleader of funds was
proper.  Shortline  also sought and obtained a summary  judgment  from the trial
court that the funds interpled by the Bank into the court's registry belonged to
Shortline.  Tennessee  appealed the summary  judgment to the Fort Worth Court of
Appeals.  The Fort Worth Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's ruling that
the Bank's  intervention  and  interpleader  was proper but  reversed  the trial
court's  ruling that the funds in the court  belonged to  Shortline.  Currently,
Shortline  and  Tennessee  have made  application  to the Texas Supreme Court to
allow an appeal of the ruling from the Fort Worth Court of Appeals.

     In the Anchorage case, Tennessee claims that the Bank allegedly transferred
funds in and out of the Anchorage  accounts after allegedly  receiving notice of
court  orders  prohibiting  such  transfers.  Discovery  in this  case is in the
initial stages and the damages sought by Tennessee are not yet certain.

     The Bank believes both of these cases lack merit and intends to defend them
vigorously. The outcome of both of these cases is uncertain at this time.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

     No matter was submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company during
the fourth quarter of 1996.

ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION.

     The  executive  officers of the  Corporation,  each elected to serve at the
pleasure of the Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of the Board of
Directors to be held on May 29, 1997,  their  respective ages, and their present
position with the Corporation are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 Position With                            Position
      Name                  Age                   Corporation                            Held Since
      ----                  ---                   -----------                            ----------
<S>                         <C>        <C>                                              <C>
C. Jack Bean                68         Chairman of the Board and Director                March 1987


Bobby W. Hackler            51         Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief                 January 1997
                                       Operating Officer and Director


G. M. Heinzelmann, III      34         President and Director                            July 1992


B. J. Curley                33         Secretary, Chief Financial Officer and            June 1996
                                       Vice President
</TABLE>


     The business experience of each of these executive officers during the past
five (5) years is set forth below:



                                      -17-

<PAGE>



     C. Jack Bean has been  Chairman  of the Board and a director of the Company
since March 1987, and served as President of the Company from March 1987 to July
1992.  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.  Mr.  Bean has served as a director of Dallas Fire  Insurance  Company,  a
licensed Texas stock  insurance  company,  since November 1996. The president of
Dallas Fire Insurance Company is also a director of the Company.

     Bobby W. Hackler has been Vice Chairman of the Company since February 1997,
Chief  Operating  Officer  since  June 1996 and a  director  since May 1994.  He
previously  served as Senior Vice  President  of the  Company  from June 1996 to
January 1997, as Chief Financial  Officer from January 1992 to October 1995, and
as Vice President and Secretary from January 1992 to June 1996. He has served as
Vice Chairman of the Bank since February 1997, as President since February 1994,
as Chief  Executive  Officer since July 1992,  and as a director  since December
1990. Mr. Hackler  previously served as Chief Operating Officer of the Bank from
January 1992 to July 1992.  Mr.  Hackler has served as a director of McCoy Myers
and  Associates,  Inc.,  a computer  data  processing  company for banks,  since
November 1996. The Bank owns a 17% interest in McCoy Myers and Associates, Inc.

     G. M.  Heinzelmann,  III has been  President of the Company since July 1992
and a director  since July 1993. He previously  served as Vice  President of the
Company from May 1987 to July 1992. Mr. Heinzelmann has served as Executive 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 nonoperating  publicly-held  corporation,  since November
1988.

     B. J. Curley has been  Secretary  of the Company  since June 1996 and Chief
Financial  Officer and Vice President since October 1995. Since December 1994 he
has served as Chief Financial  Officer and Senior Vice President 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, Inc.

     No family relationships exist among the executive officers and directors of
the  Corporation  except as follows:  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.


                                      -18-

<PAGE>



                                     PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCK- HOLDER MATTERS.

Market Information

     Since  January 10, 1995 the  Company's  Common Stock has been traded on the
American Stock Exchange,  Inc.'s  ("AMEX")  primary list 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, low
and close 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 January 1, 1995 through January 9, 1995.

- ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                  High         Low       Close
- ----------------------------------------------------------------

1995 Fiscal Year
First Quarter                    $4.38       $3.06       $4.13
Second Quarter                    6.75        3.19        3.44
Third Quarter                     5.13        3.50        4.75
Fourth Quarter                    5.00        3.50        3.50

1996 Fiscal Year
First Quarter                     4.50        3.25        3.75
Second Quarter                    4.93        3.63        4.56
Third Quarter                     4.93        4.00        4.50
Fourth Quarter                    4.88        4.00        4.06


Stockholders

     As of March 20, 1997 there were 444 record holders of the Company's  Common
Stock.



                                      -19-

<PAGE>



Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (dollars in thousands,        First Quarter      Second Quarter     Third Quarter     Fourth Quarter        Total Year
     except per share data)                                                                                        to Date
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                  <C>              <C>                 <C>                 <C>
1995 Fiscal Year
- ----------------
Interest income                        $2,210               $2,323            $2,339             $2,663               $9,535
Net interest income                   368,292              350,383           338,149            362,243            1,419,067
Income before income taxes                311                  273               365                389                1,338
Net Income                                210                  187               251                239                  887
Earnings per share                        .07                  .06               .07                .07                  .27
Weighted average shares and
     share equivalents              3,113,483            3,156,771         3,500,871          3,506,429            3,279,448

1996 Fiscal Year
- ----------------
Interest income                        $2,951               $3,756            $3,769             $3,915              $14,390
Net interest income                   397,269              482,843           474,663            522,679            1,877,454
Income before income taxes                363                  686               678                875                2,636
Net Income                                244                  446               443                565                1,698
Earnings per share                        .06                  .08               .08                .10                  .32
Weighted average shares and
     share equivalents              4,319,721            5,746,512         5,746,512          5,747,243            5,389,366
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Dividend Policy

     THE COMPANY.  The Company  currently  intends not to pay  dividends for the
foreseeable future, but 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, 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 "Item 1. Business - Supervision  and Regulation" 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.  60, which provides that no dividends may
be  declared  or  paid  without  the  approval  of the 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.  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 "Item 1. Business
- - Supervision and Regulation" for a discussion of regulatory  constraints on the
payment of dividends by national banks and bank holding companies generally.


                                      -20-

<PAGE>



ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

     The following summary consolidated financial data of the Company is derived
from the financial  statements of the Company as of and for the five years ended
December 31, 1996.  The following  summary  consolidated  financial  data of the
Company should be read in connection with the consolidated  financial statements
of the  Company  and the  notes  thereto  and the  information  in  Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Years Ended December 31,
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 1996(1)     1995(2)      1994(3)     1993(4)        1992
                                                                 -------     -------      -------     -------        ----
<S>                                                              <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C> 
Income Statement Data:  ($ in 000's)
  Interest income                                                $14,390      $9,535       $5,387      $3,995      $3,344
  Interest expense                                                 5,362       3,678        1,488       1,124         978
      Net interest income                                          9,028       5,857        3,899       2,871       2,366
  Provision for credit losses                                        135          60          107          91         300
      Net interest income after provision for credit losses        8,893       5,797        3,792       2,781       2,067
  Noninterest income                                               1,877       1,419        1,160       1,182         784
  Noninterest expense                                              8,135       5,878        4,462       3,592       2,835
  Earnings before income taxes                                     2,636       1,338          490         371          16
  Income taxes                                                       938         451           17
  Net earnings (loss)                                            $ 1,698       $ 887        $ 473       $ 371       $  16
Common Share Data:(5)
  Net earnings (loss)                                            $  0.32     $  0.27      $  0.20     $  0.19     $  0.00
  Book value                                                        3.34        2.94         2.65        2.32        2.05
  Weighted average common shares
     outstanding (in 000's)                                        5,389       3,279        2,394       2,002       1,952
  Period end shares outstanding (in 000's)                         5,748       3,506        3,041       2,273       1,981
Balance Sheet Data:  ($ in 000's)
  Total assets                                                  $176,439    $121,339     $102,294     $49,036     $30,964
  Insurance premium finance loans, net                            38,224      21,905       20,497      14,209       7,051
  Other loans, net                                                64,935      45,197       44,167      17,417      12,442
  Allowance for credit losses                                      1,285         703          698         401         325
  Total deposits                                                 155,690     109,599       92,027      43,596      26,840
  Shareholders' equity                                            19,231      10,295        8,066       5,281       4,058
Performance Data
  Return (loss) on average total assets                              1.0%         .8%          .8%         .8%         .1%
  Return (loss) on average shareholders' equity                      9.8         9.5          7.4         8.7          .4
  Net interest margin                                                6.2         6.1          7.1         7.0         8.7
  Loans to deposits                                                 65.4        60.6         70.3        72.5        72.6
Asset Quality Ratios
  Nonperforming assets to total assets                                .6%         .1%          .2%         .3%         .7%
  Nonperforming loans to total loans                                  .2          .1           .2          .3          .8
  Net loan charge-offs to average loans                               .2          .1           .4          .3         1.6
  Allowance for credit losses to total loans                         1.2         1.0          1.1         1.3         1.7
  Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans               502.5       996.1        574.8       425.8       201.1
Capital Ratios
  Tier I risk-based capital                                        11.10%      10.76%       10.13%      11.37%      14.44%
  Total risk-based capital                                         12.29       11.72        11.17       12.57       15.69
  Leverage                                                           7.0         6.9          5.6        10.0        11.9

</TABLE>



                                      -21-

<PAGE>




(1)  On February 29, 1996 the Company  acquired 100% of the  outstanding  common
     stock of First Midlothian Corporation,  Midlothian,  Texas and on March 15,
     1996  the  Bank  completed  the  acquisition  of  certain  assets  and  the
     assumption of certain liabilities relating to Providers Funding Corporation
     located in Dallas, Texas.

(2)  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.

(3)  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.

(4)  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.

(5)  The  information   provided  for  1992  has  been  restated  to  reflect  a
     one-for-ten reverse stock split in June 1993.



                                      -22-

<PAGE>



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
     OF OPERATIONS.

                                     GENERAL

     The  information  presented  below reflects the lending and related funding
business of the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Year             Year           Year
                                          Ended            Ended          Ended
                                        12/31/96         12/31/95       12/31/94
                                        --------         --------       --------
<S>                                   <C>             <C>             <C>
INSURANCE PREMIUM FINANCING:
Average Balance Outstanding           $ 29,210,848    $ 23,532,953    $ 19,370,887
Average Yield                                 12.2%           11.6%           11.2%
Interest Income                       $  3,563,467    $  2,739,060    $  2,172,038

CONSUMER, COMMERCIAL AND
REAL ESTATE FINANCING:
Average Balance Outstanding Average   $ 55,708,207    $ 44,351,305    $ 20,766,039
Yield                                         12.9%           11.0%           12.0%
Interest Income                       $  7,216,254    $  4,862,756    $  2,482,099

COST OF FUNDS:
Average Balance of Deposits           $145,572,001    $ 96,198,295    $ 54,458,467
Average Interest Rate                          3.7%            3.7%            2.7%
Interest Expense                      $  5,361,689    $  3,554,900    $  1,476,656

COST OF SHORT TERM DEBT:
Average Balance of Debt               $     60,108    $  1,114,355    $    146,756
Average Interest Rate                         11.0%           11.0%            9.5%
Interest Expense                      $      6,612    $    122,579    $     13,914
</TABLE>

Note: Average balances are computed using daily balances throughout each period.

     The  following  discussion  highlights  the  major  changes  affecting  the
operations  and  financial  condition  of the  Company for the three years ended
December  31,  1996.  The  discussion  should  be read in  conjunction  with the
consolidated  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes  included  in this
report.

     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.  As of  December  31,  1996 the  Company  had total  assets of
$176,439,310,  net loans of $101,866,914,  total deposits of  $155,690,341,  and
total  shareholders'  equity of $19,230,552.  The Company reported net income of
$1,697,987  for the year ended  December  31, 1996  compared  with net income of
$886,886  for the year ended  December  31,  1995 as a result of  internal  loan
growth within its niche  products of insurance  premium  financing and insurance
medical  claims  factoring,  and  its  acquisition  of a  community  bank  and a
factoring company.

     On May 31,  1994 the Bank  acquired  The  Farmers  Guaranty  State  Bank of
Kennard,  Texas.  On December 8, 1994 the Bank  acquired  First  National  Bank,
Whitesboro,  Texas and on  September  28, 1995 the Bank  acquired the assets and
assumed the  liabilities  of the  Waxahachie,  Texas branch of Bank One,  Texas,
National Association. On February 29, 1996 the Company acquired First Midlothian
Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary,  First National Bank. These banking
facilities are all operated


                                      -23-

<PAGE>



as  branches  of the Bank.  In  addition,  on March 15,  1996 the Bank  acquired
certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Providers Funding Corporation.
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 insurance  premium financing and insurance medical claims
factoring. The Company's strategy is to continue to acquire community banks with
low loan-to-deposit  ratios and to use excess deposits to fund insurance premium
financing   and  other  niche  lending   products.   See  "Item  1.  Business  -
Acquisitions."

                              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Earnings

     Net earnings were $1,697,987  ($0.32 per share) for the year ended December
31, 1996,  compared with net earnings of $886,886 ($0.27 per share) for the year
ended December 31, 1995, an increase of $811,101 or 91.4%.  Factors contributing
to the  increase in earnings in 1996  compared  with 1995 include an increase in
net interest income, growth in the Company's niche lending products,  and growth
of noninterest  income mainly as a result of the acquisition of First Midlothian
Corporation,   Midlothian,  Texas  and  the  acquisition  of  Providers  Funding
Corporation. See "Item 1. Business Acquisitions."

     Net earnings  were  $886,886 for 1995 ($0.27 per share),  compared with net
earnings of $472,760 for 1994 ($0.20 per share).  The 87.6% increase in earnings
in 1995,  compared with 1994,  was  attributable  to an increase in net interest
income  resulting  from improved asset  quality,  growth in the Company's  niche
lending products and acquisitions of community banks.

Earnings Before Income Taxes

     Earnings  before income taxes were  $2,636,115  for the year ended December
31, 1996,  compared  with  $1,337,817  for the year ended  December 31, 1995, an
increase of $1,264,472 or 94.5%.  Earnings  before income taxes were  $1,337,817
for the year ended December 31, 1995,  compared with $490,448 for the year ended
December 31, 1994, an increase of $847,369 or 173%.  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,  compared with a nominal  effective tax rate for 1994. As a result,
the net  income  for the  years  ended  December  31,  1996 and 1995 may be more
indicative of operating trends in the future. Conversely, earnings before income
taxes in the 1994 period may be more useful when  comparing  results  with prior
periods.

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 $8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1996,
an increase of $3.1 million or 53.4%  compared with the year ended  December 31,
1995, resulting principally from an


                                      -24-

<PAGE>



increase  in  average  interest-earning  assets  from  $96.3  million  to $145.9
million,  a significant  portion of which was comprised of loans  (typically the
highest yielding  asset).  The increase in average  interest-earning  assets was
offset by an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities from $84.4 million
to $125.5 million.  In addition,  the Company experienced an increase in the net
interest  spread  of 10  basis  points  from  6.1% to 6.2% for the  years  ended
December  31,  1995 and 1996,  respectively.  The  foregoing  increase  resulted
principally  from  the  fact  that  the  cost  of  interest-bearing  liabilities
decreased by 10 basis points while the yield on interest-earning assets remained
unchanged at 9.9% for 1996 and 1995.  Net  interest  income was $5.8 million for
1995, an increase of $2.0 million or 52.6% compared with net interest  income of
$3.8  million  for 1994,  which  represented  an increase of $1 million or 35.8%
compared  with net  interest  income of $2.8  million  for 1993.  The  Company's
average total interest-earning assets increased from approximately $54.8 million
for 1994 to $96.3  million for 1995,  representing  a 75.7%  increase  resulting
principally  from an increase in loans. The net interest margin of 6.1% for 1995
decreased  100 basis points from 7.1% for 1994 and is attributed to the decrease
in the average loan to deposit ratio in 1995.  The average loan to deposit ratio
for 1995 was 69.7% as compared to 73.8% for 1994.  The  Company's  average total
interest-earning  assets  increased from $41.2 million for 1993 to $54.8 million
for 1994,  representing a 33.1% 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  net  yield  on  total
interest-earning  assets  from  1995  to 1996  remained  unchanged  at 9.9%  and
resulted principally from an increase in the average yield on all loan products.
The yield on the investment portfolio and federal funds sold decreased from 1995
to 1996 as a result of changes in interest  rates  within the  marketplace.  The
yield on loans  increased  to 12.1% for the year ended  December  31,  1996 from
11.2%  for the year  ended  December  31,  1995.  The  cost of  interest-bearing
liabilities decreased to 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 1996 from 4.4% for
the year  ended  December  31,  1995.  The  following  table 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 three years ended December 31, 1996,  1995 and 1994. 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.




                                      -25-

<PAGE>



            AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Year ended December 31, 1996                 Year ended December 31, 1995
                                                    ----------------------------                 ----------------------------
                                                                 Interest                                    Interest
                                              Average            Income/       Average       Average         Income/       Average
                                              Balance            Expense        Rate         Balance         Expense        Rate
                                              -------            -------        ----         -------         -------        ----
<S>                                        <C>               <C>              <C>         <C>              <C>              <C>
ASSETS
Interest-earning assets:
    Interest-bearing deposits              $   531,688         $   42,117       7.9%      $ 1,388,817      $   101,408       7.3%
    U.S. Treasury and agency                38,229,219          2,489,906       6.5        16,659,034        1,173,748       7.1
       securities(1)
    Federal funds sold                      19,291,373          1,078,618       5.6        11,102,928          657,809       5.9
    Loans (2) (3)                           88,985,654         10,779,721      12.1        67,884,258        7,601,816      11.2
    Allowance for credit losses             (1,162,713)             N/A         N/A          (713,629)            N/A        N/A
                                          ------------        -----------      ----        ----------        ---------       ---
Total interest-earning assets             $145,875,221        $14,390,362       9.9%      $96,321,408       $9,534,781       9.9%
                                          ------------        -----------      ----       -----------       ----------       ---
    Cash and due from banks                  6,231,693                                      4,637,833
    Premises and equipment                   3,806,385                                      2,495,279
    Accrued interest receivable              1,010,323                                        646,012
    Other real estate owned                    585,587                                         77,197
    Other assets                             6,965,368                                      3,076,316
                                             ---------                                     ----------
Total assets                              $164,474,577                                   $107,254,045
                                           ===========                                    ===========
LIABILITIES
Interest-bearing liabilities:
    Interest-bearing demand deposits       $36,910,314         $  880,776       2.4%      $23,106,404       $  678,303       2.9%
    Savings deposits                         8,174,212            176,108       2.1         5,329,462          127,211       2.4
    Time deposits                           80,397,763          4,298,193       5.3        54,873,148        2,749,386       5.0
    Notes payable                               60,108              6,612      11.0         1,114,355          122,579      11.0
                                          ------------         ----------      ----       -----------      -----------      ----
Total interest-bearing liabilities        $125,542,397         $5,361,689       4.3%      $84,423,369       $3,677,479       4.4%
                                          ------------         ----------      ----       -----------       ----------       ---
    Noninterest-bearing deposits            20,089,712                                     12,889,281
    Other liabilities                        1,564,827                                        630,055
                                          ------------                                     ----------
Total liabilities                          147,196,936                                     97,942,705
Shareholders' equity                        17,277,641                                      9,311,340
                                          ------------                                     ----------
Total liabilities and equity              $164,474,577                                   $107,254,045
                                          ============                                   ============
Net interest income                                            $9,028,673                                   $5,857,302
                                                               ==========                                   ==========
Net interest spread                                                             5.6%                                         5.5%
                                                                                ===                                          ===
Net interest margin                                                             6.2%                                         6.1%
                                                                                ===                                          ===

</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.

     The following table reflects the changes in net interest  income  resulting
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 rate and volume on a pro rata basis.



                                      -26-

<PAGE>



                   RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Years Ended                                         Years Ended
                                                December 31, 1996                                   December 31, 1995
                                                  Compared with                                       Compared with
                                                December 31, 1995                                   December 31, 1994
                                   ---------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------
                                         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              $(68,743)       $9,452      $(59,291)          $29,607        $3,628        $33,235
  U.S. Treasury and Agency
     Securities                           1,397,764       (81,606)    1,316,158           573,825       237,845        811,670
  Federal funds sold                        455,576       (34,767)      420,809           259,876        95,312        355,188
  Loans                                   2,625,216       552,689     3,177,905         3,112,412      (164,733)     2,947,679

  Total interest income                  $4,409,813      $445,768    $4,855,581        $3,975,720      $172,052     $4,147,772

  Interest Expense:
  Interest-bearing demand
    deposits                             $  294,815      $(92,342)   $  202,473       $   194,483    $  224,707     $  419,190
  Savings deposits                           59,812       (10,915)       48,897            47,128       (13,927)        33,201
  Time deposits                           1,353,797       195,010     1,548,807         1,255,544       370,309      1,625,853
  Federal funds purchased                  (115,969)            2      (115,967)          104,267         7,237        111,504
    and other borrowed funds

  Total interest expense                 $1,592,455      $ 91,755    $1,684,210       $ 1,601,422    $  588,326     $2,189,748

  Net interest margin                    $2,817,358      $354,013    $3,171,371        $2,374,298    $ (416,274)    $1,958,024

</TABLE>

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

Provision for Credit Losses

     The amount of the  provision  for credit  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 insurance premium  financing and non-insurance  premium financing
loans. The Company's loss experience on insurance  premium financing lending was
adversely  affected  during the second half of 1991 by the failure of a non-Best
rated  insurance  company.  The Company has  implemented  certain changes in its
lending  policies and  procedures  with respect to insurance  premium  financing
lending which have reduced the maximum concentration by insurance carrier except
as approved by the Board of Directors  and have also reduced the amount of loans
secured  by  unearned  premiums  of  insurance  policies  written  by  non-rated
carriers.  See "Item 1. Business - Insurance Premium  Financing." As a result of
these changes in loan policy and recoveries of previously  charged-off insurance
premium  financing  loans,  the  Company's  historical  loss factor on insurance
premium finance loans has improved from 0.15% in 1993 to 0.00% in 1994, 1995 and
1996.


                                      -27-

<PAGE>




     The Company recorded a $135,000 provision for credit losses during the year
ended  December 31, 1996  compared  with  $60,000 in 1995,  $106,899 in 1994 and
$90,584 in 1993. The 125% increase in the 1996 provision when compared with 1995
was necessitated by the growth in the loan portfolio.  The 43.9% decrease in the
1995  provision  when  compared  with  1994  was  due to an  improvement  in the
Company's ratio of net charge-offs to average loans improved for this period.

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 year ended December 31, 1996 was
$1,877,454, an increase of $458,387 or 32.3% compared with noninterest income of
$1,419,067  for the year ended  December 31, 1995.  The increase in  noninterest
income is attributed to the acquisition of First Midlothian  Corporation and its
wholly-owned subsidiary, First National Bank, Midlothian, Texas, during 1996, as
well as an increase in loans outstanding. The acquisition of First National Bank
increased the number and balance of loans  outstanding along with the number and
balance of noninterest and interest-bearing  deposit accounts, which resulted in
increased noninterest income.

     Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 1995 was $1,419,067,  an
increase of $259,060 or 22.3% compared with noninterest income of $1,160,007 for
the year  ended  December  31,  1994.  The  increase  in  noninterest  income is
attributed to the acquisition of the Farmers Guaranty State Bank, Kennard, First
National Bank,  Whitesboro  during 1994,  and the Waxahachie  branch of Bank One
during 1995, as well as an increase in loans outstanding. The acquisition of the
three banks increased the number and balance of loans  outstanding and increased
the number and balance of noninterest  and  interest-bearing  deposit  accounts,
which resulted in increased noninterest income.

     The following table sets forth the various categories of noninterest income
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

                               NONINTEREST INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Years Ended December 31,
                                       -----------------------------------------------------
                                               1996              1995              1994
                                               ----              ----              ----
<S>                                      <C>              <C>                <C>
Noninterest income
    Nonsufficient fund charges             $460,156          $291,954          $263,315
    Late fee charges                        681,644           501,960           426,476
    Service charges                         372,456           220,086           163,336
    Collection fees                         135,533           115,478            96,162
    Credit life insurance                    57,509            75,435            44,402
    Secured credit card annual fee            4,447             6,561            15,905
    Other                                   165,409           207,593           150,411
                                         ----------        ----------        ----------
 Total noninterest income                $1,877,454        $1,419,067        $1,160,007
                                         ==========        ==========        ==========
</TABLE>


Noninterest Expense

     Noninterest expense was $8,135,012 for the year ended December 31, 1996, an
increase of $2,256,460 or 38.4% compared with noninterest  expense of $5,878,552
for the year ended December 31, 1995. This increase  resulted  principally  from
the acquisition of First Midlothian Corporation and its


                                      -28-

<PAGE>



wholly-owned subsidiary, First National Bank, and Providers Funding Corporation.
The addition of First National Bank and Providers Funding  Corporation  resulted
in additional  personnel,  occupancy and office  expenses.  The  amortization of
intangibles  increased in 1996 as a result of the addition of goodwill and costs
in the amount of $106,426 associated with the acquisition of First National Bank
and the addition of goodwill and costs in the amount of $58,021  associated with
the acquisition of Providers Funding Corporation.

     Noninterest expense was $5,878,552 for the year ended December 31, 1995, an
increase of $1,416,614 or 31.7% compared with noninterest  expense of $4,461,938
for the year ended December 31, 1994. This increase  resulted  principally  from
the acquisition of The Farmers Guaranty State Bank of Kennard,  Kennard,  Texas,
First National Bank, Whitesboro, Texas during 1994, and the Waxahachie branch of
Bank One during  1995.  The addition of the three banks  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 of Kennard in the amount
of $296,164,  the addition of goodwill and costs associated with the acquisition
of First  National Bank in the amount of $1,886,682 and the addition of goodwill
and costs  associated with the acquisition of the Waxahachie  branch of Bank One
in the amount of $148,772.

     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 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.  Under
the new rate structure,  which became  effective  September 1995, the best-rated
institutions  insured by the BIF paid $0.04 per $100 of domestic deposits,  down
from the rate of $0.23 per $100.  Effective  January  1996 the  FDIC's  Board of
Directors  voted again to reduce the  deposit  insurance  premiums  paid by most
banks.  Under the new rate structure,  assessments  ranged from zero to 27 cents
per $100 of domestic deposits, subject to a minimum annual assessment of $2,000.
Under this structure,  the Bank in 1996 was assessed at a zero rate and paid the
minimum  assessment  rate of $2,000.  In  November  of 1996 the FDIC's  Board of
Directors  voted to retain the existing BIF  assessment  schedule for 1997,  but
eliminated the minimum  assessment  amount,  and approved an assessment  against
BIF-assessable  deposits  to be paid to the  Financing  Corporation  ("FICO") to
assist in paying  interest on FICO bonds,  which  financed the resolution of the
thrift industry series. The FICO assessment is approximately 1.3 basis points on
BIF-insured  deposits.  The first  quarter 1997 FICO  assessment  of the Bank is
approximately $4,800. See "Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation."



                                      -29-

<PAGE>



                               NONINTEREST EXPENSE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Years ended December 31,
                                            -----------------------------------------------------
                                                1996                  1995               1994
                                                -----                 -----              ----
<S>                                          <C>                  <C>                 <C>
Salaries and employee benefits               $4,244,874           $2,923,118          $2,201,188
Occupancy and equipment                       1,244,551              907,286             669,936
General and administrative expense:
    Professional fees                           467,662              416,006             315,434
    Office supplies                             386,114              253,542             201,028
    Travel and entertainment                     96,577               68,987              60,162
    Telephone                                   283,564              166,858             128,407
    Advertising                                 174,335              104,499              54,683
    Postage                                     299,388              230,807             133,887
    Amortization of intangibles                 359,717              184,332              51,201
    Dues and subscriptions                       70,559               49,331              54,609
    Insurance                                   167,245              130,335              97,473
    Credit cards                                  7,472               19,868              59,573
    Bank service charge                         110,881               57,196              25,808
    FDIC assessment                               3,553              123,310             133,112
    Credit reports                               22,850               40,105              17,714
    Other                                       195,670              202,972             257,723
     Total general and administrative         2,645,587            2,048,148           1,590,814
    Total noninterest expense                $8,135,012           $5,878,552          $4,461,938
</TABLE>


Income Taxes

    
     The Company and the Bank will file a consolidated  tax return for 1996. The
Company estimates that its effective tax rate for 1996 will be approximately 35%
and has  recognized  income tax expense of $938,128  on income  before  taxes of
$2,636,115  for the year ended  December  31, 1996 as  compared  with income tax
expense of  $450,931 on income  before  taxes of  $1,337,817  for the year ended
December 31, 1995.

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.



                                      -30-

<PAGE>



     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 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 December 31, 1996:



                                      -31-

<PAGE>



                 INTEREST-RATE SENSITIVE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          3 months       6 months       1 year
                                         3 months            to             to            to            Over
                                          or less         6 months        1 year        5 years        5 years          Total
                                        ------------    ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                     <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Interest-earning assets:
  Interest-earning deposits in
    financial institutions              $     95,265    $     95,577                  $     95,000                  $    285,842
  Investment securities                    3,221,113       2,017,285   $  5,146,741     18,714,657   $  9,682,747     38,782,543
  Federal funds sold                      16,772,000                                                                  16,772,000
  Loans                                   41,641,731      20,446,883     16,949,696     19,063,757      5,049,621    103,151,688
                                        ------------    ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------

Interest-earning assets                 $ 61,730,109    $ 22,559,745   $ 22,096,437   $ 37,873,414   $ 14,732,368   $158,992,073
                                        ------------    ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------

Interest-bearing
  liabilities:
  Interest-bearing demand
     deposits                           $ 40,874,278                                                                $ 40,874,278
  Savings deposits                         7,493,087                                                                   7,493,087
  Time deposits                           27,123,281    $ 16,076,329   $ 31,946,685   $  8,297,937                    83,444,232
                                        ------------    ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------

Interest-bearing
  liabilities                           $ 75,490,646    $ 16,076,329   $ 31,946,685   $  8,297,937                  $131,811,597
                                        ------------    ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------

Period interest sensitivity
  gap                                   $(13,760,537)   $  6,483,416   $ (9,850,248)  $ 29,575,477   $ 14,732,368   $ 27,180,476
                                        ============    ============   ============   ============   ============   ============

Cumulative interest  sensitivity
gap                                     $(13,760,537)   $ (7,277,121)  $(17,127,369)  $ 12,448,108   $ 27,180,476   $ 27,180,476
                                        ============    ============   ============   ============   ============   ============

Cumulative gap as a
  percent of total assets                       (7.8)%          (4.1)%         (9.7)%          7.0%          15.4%          15.4%

Cumulative interest-
  sensitive assets as
  percent of cumulative
  interest-sensitive                            81.8%           92.1%          86.1%         109.4%         120.6%         120.6%
  liabilities
</TABLE>


     The   cumulative   rate-sensitive   gap   position   at  one   year  was  a
liability-sensitive  position  of $17.9  million,  or negative  10.1%.  A closer
examination  of the  investment  securities  reveals  that the call  options  on
securities  within the portfolio  that are expected to be exercised  will change
the cumulative  rate-sensitive gap position at one year to a liability-sensitive
position of $8.3 million,  or negative 4.7%, 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.


                                      -32-

<PAGE>




     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  $536,340 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.

                         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 December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992:

                             LOAN PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            December 31,
                                      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1996                1995              1994             1993            1992
                                      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>                  <C>               <C>              <C>            <C>

                                                                     Aggregate Principal Amount
                                                                     --------------------------

Loans, net of unearned interest:

    Insurance premium financing            $ 39,168,604         $22,409,356       $20,931,642      $14,518,680     $ 7,267,889

    Commercial loans                         22,745,139          16,301,840        13,205,698        5,204,120       4,142,926

    Installment loans                        12,631,520          10,645,406        12,029,243        9,016,179       7,386,598

    Real estate loans                        24,774,167          16,281,558        17,297,636        1,878,030         809,215

    Medical claims receivable                 6,377,061           3,353,540         2,705,974        2,379,482       1,094,461
                                          -------------        ------------      ------------     ------------     -----------

     Total loans                            105,696,491          68,991,700        66,170,193       32,996,491      20,701,089

    Less:  Unearned interest                 (2,544,803)         (1,889,461)       (1,506,843)      (1,370,229)     (1,207,469)

      Allowance for credit losses            (1,284,774)           (702,927)         (697,948)        (401,227)       (324,728)
                                          -------------        ------------      ------------    -------------     -----------

                  Total net loans          $101,866,914         $66,399,312       $63,965,402      $31,225,035     $19,168,892
                                           ============         ===========       ===========      ===========     ===========


                                                                    Percentage of Loan Portfolio
                                                                    ----------------------------
  Loans, net of unearned interest:

    Insurance premium financing                    37.1%               32.5%             31.6%            44.0%           35.1%

    Commercial loans                               21.5                23.6              19.6             15.8            20.0

    Installment loans                              11.9                15.4              18.2             27.3            35.7

    Real estate loans                              23.4                23.6              26.1              5.7             3.9

    Medical claims receivable                       6.1                 4.9               4.5              7.2             5.3
                                                 ------            --------           -------         --------        --------

                            Total                 100.0%              100.0%            100.0%           100.0%          100.0%
                                                =======            ========          ========         ========        ========

</TABLE>


     The  concentration of insurance premium financing loans may expose the Bank
to greater risk of loss than would a more diversified loan portfolio.


                                      -33-

<PAGE>




     As of December  31,  1996 and 1995  commitments  of the Bank under  standby
letters of credit and unused lines of credit  totaled  approximately  $3,976,000
and $3,698,000, respectively.

     Stated  loan  maturities  (including  floating  rate loans  reset to market
interest  rates) of the total loan  portfolio,  net of  unearned  income,  as of
December 31, 1996 were:

                             STATED LOAN MATURITIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                One
                                                             Within           Year to              After
                                                              One              Five                Five
                                                              Year             Years               Years              Total
                                                              ----             -----               -----              -----
<S>                                                      <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
Stated Loan Maturities/Floating Rates Reset:
    Insurance premium financing                          $ 38,782,543                                             $ 38,224,213
    Commercial and real estate loans                       34,480,091       $19,063,757         $ 5,049,621         58,593,469
    Medical claims receivable                               6,334,006                                                6,334,006
                                                          -----------       -----------         -----------        -----------
          Total                                          $ 79,596,640       $19,063,757         $ 5,049,621       $103,151,688
                                                          ===========        ==========          ==========        -----------
</TABLE>


     Rate sensitivities of the total loan portfolio before unearned income as of
December 31, 1996 were as follows:

                                                  LOAN REPRICING
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        One Year              After
                                   Within               to Five               Five
                                  One Year               Years                Years                 Total
                                  --------               -----                -----                 -----
<S>                            <C>                  <C>                    <C>                 <C>
Fixed Rate                     $  54,623,671        $  18,259,465          $ 5,049,621         $  77,932,757
Variable Rate                     24,405,104              669,971                                 25,075,075
Non Accrual                            9,535              134,321                                    143,856
                               -------------         ------------          -----------          ------------

     Total                     $  79,038,310        $  19,063,757          $ 5,049,621         $ 103,151,688
                                ============         ============           ==========          ============
</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 borrowers  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


                                      -34-

<PAGE>



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 December 31, 1996 and 1995:

                              NONPERFORMING ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996             1995
                                                            ----             ----
<S>                                                       <C>             <C> 
Nonaccrual loans                                          $ 143,856        $ 31,000

         Loans 90 days past due and still                   111,797          39,568
                                                           --------       ---------
         accruing interest

         Total nonperforming loans                          255,653          70,568

         Other real estate owned and other assets           738,198          85,528
                                                          ---------        --------

         Total nonperforming assets                        $993,851        $156,096
                                                            =======         =======

         Nonperforming assets to total assets                  0.6%            0.1%

         Nonperforming loans to total loans                    0.2%            0.1%
</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.

     The  following  table sets forth a summary of other real  estate  owned and
other collateral acquired as of December 31, 1996:

               OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED & OTHER COLLATERAL ACQUIRED

                                    Number of            Net Book
        Description               Parcels/Autos       Carrying Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Vacant land or unsold lots             8                 $571,428

Repossessed automobiles                29                $166,770
                                                         --------

                                                         $738,198


Allowance for Credit 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  collaterialized  loan,
the quality of the  collateral  for such loan.  The  allowance for credit 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


                                      -35-

<PAGE>



performed by regulatory agencies.  The Company makes an ongoing evaluation as to
the adequacy of the allowance for credit  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  $1,284,774,  at
December 31, 1996.

     The allowance for credit 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 credit losses for the year
ended  December 31, 1996 and for the years ended December 31, 1995,  1994,  1993
and 1992:



                                      -36-

<PAGE>



                           ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     December 31,
                                                                                     ------------
                                                         1996            1995            1994            1993            1992
                                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Beginning balance                                   $     702,927   $     697,948   $     401,227   $     324,728   $     343,206
                                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Charge-offs:
  Commercial loans                                        (18,875)        (13,151)        (41,537)        (48,681)       (202,777)
  Installment loans                                      (188,419)       (104,295)       (163,669)       (179,713)       (287,113)
  Real estate loans                                       (21,185)                         (5,350)
  Insurance premium finance                                  (939)                         (1,710)        (19,380)       (182,423)
                                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

Total charge-offs                                        (229,418)       (117,446)       (212,266)       (247,774)       (672,313)
                                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

Recoveries:
  Commercial loans                                          5,067           1,012          15,698           1,412          30,081
  Installment loans                                        43,538          37,366          43,070          88,511          89,005
  Real estate loans                                        10,240          13,288
  Insurance premium finance                                 2,720                           2,488          71,790         235,194
                                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

Total recoveries                                           61,565          51,666          61,256         161,713         354,280
                                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Net charge-offs                                          (167,853)        (65,780)       (151,010)        (86,061)       (318,033)
Bank acquisition                                          614,700          10,759         340,832          71,976

Provision for credit losses                               135,000          60,000         106,899          90,584         299,555
                                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

Ending balance                                      $   1,284,744   $     702,927   $     697,948   $     401,227   $     324,728
                                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============

Period end total loans, net of                      $ 103,151,688   $  67,102,239   $  64,663,350   $  31,626,262   $  19,493,620
                                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
   unearned interest

Average loans                                       $  88,985,654   $  67,884,258   $  40,136,926   $  26,008,833   $  20,496,380
                                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============

Ratio of net charge-offs to average                           0.2%            0.1%            0.4%            0.3%            1.6%
                                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
   loans
Ratio of provision for credit losses to
   average loans                                              0.1%            0.1%            0.3%            0.3%            1.5%
                                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
Ratio of allowance for credit losses to
   ending total loans                                         1.2%            1.0%            1.1%            1.3%            1.7%
                                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
Ratio of allowance for credit losses to
   total nonperforming loans                                502.5%          996.1%          574.8%          425.8%          201.1%
                                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
Ratio of allowance for credit losses
   to total nonperforming assets                            129.3%          450.3%          287.5%          311.2%          148.5%
                                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
</TABLE>

     The  following  table sets forth an  allocation of the allowance for credit
losses among  categories as of December 31, 1996 and 1995. The Company  believes
that any allocation of the allowance for credit 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.


                                      -37-

<PAGE>



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.

                    ALLOCATION OF ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES


                                 December 31, 1996           December 31, 1995
                                -------------------         ------------------

                                           Percent of                 Percent of
                                           Allowance                  Allowance
                               Amount     by Category      Amount    by Category

  Insurance premium
    financing loans         $  217,734       17.0%        $154,644       22.0%

  Commercial loans             396,031       30.8%         179,246       25.5%

  Installment loans            397,353       30.9%         222,828       31.7%

  Real estate loans            273,656       21.3%         146,209       20.8%
                           -----------      ------        --------      ------

         Total              $1,284,774      100.0%        $702,927      100.0%
                            ==========      ======        ========      ======



Investment Activities

     The investment  portfolio,  which was 24.6% of the Company's  earning asset
base as of December 31, 1996, 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 December  31,  1996,  $22.6  million in  investment  securities  were
classified   as   held-tomaturity   and  $16.2   million  were   classified   as
available-for-sale.  On  February  29,  1996  the  Bank's  investment  portfolio
increased  by $21.2  million as a result of the  acquisition  of First  National
Bank,  Midlothian,  Texas.  The  securities  added to the  investment  portfolio
through  the  acquisition  increased  the size of the  investment  portfolio  by
approximately  106%. The securities  acquired  through the  acquisition  closely
matched the investment  objectives of the Bank;  therefore,  no securities  were
sold after the acquisition.  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 December 31, 1996 proceeds from the maturity of
held-to-maturity   securities   were  $15.5   million   and  the   maturity   of
available-for-sale  securities  were $0.9  million.  During  1996  purchases  of
held-to-maturity    securities    were   $3.1    million   and    purchases   of
available-for-sale  securities were $7.2 million. No securities were sold during
1996.


                                      -38-

<PAGE>


     The amortized cost of the held-to-maturity  securities was $22.6 million as
compared  with their  estimated  market  value of $22.8  million on December 31,
1996. The unrealized gain on the held-to-maturity  securities was $201,982.  The
securities within the available-for-sale classification had an amortized cost of
$16.2  million and an estimated  market  value of $16.2  million on December 31,
1996. The unrealized loss in the available-for-sale securities was $22,376 as of
December  31,  1996.  These  unrealized  losses are the result of interest  rate
movements during 1996 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 $385,071 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 $178,268 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 December 31, 1996:

                              INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

                                            Held-to-               Available-
                                            Maturity               for-Sale

  U.S. Treasury notes                          $ 3,001,104        $ 5,208,904
  U.S. Government agencies                      14,149,123          9,388,104
  State and County Municipal securities          5,025,972            403,105
  Mortgage backed securities                       385,071            178,268
  Other investments                                                 1,042,892
                                               -----------        -----------

                     Total                     $22,561,270        $16,221,273
                                               ===========        ===========





                                      -39-

<PAGE>



                INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO MATURITY/REPRICING SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Maturing or Repricing
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                             After 1 Year but           After 5 Years but
                                      Within 1 Year           Within 5 Years             Within 10 Years        Other Securities
                                  --------------------    --------------------        --------------------      ----------------

                                     Amount      Yield      Amount       Yield          Amount       Yield      Amount     Yield
                                     ------      -----      ------       -----          ------       -----      ------     -----
<S>                                <C>            <C>     <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>       <C>         <C>
Held-to-Maturity

  U.S. Treasury notes              $3,001,104     5.7%
  U.S. Government agencies            999,744     6.1%    $11,362,654     6.2%         $1,786,725     6.9%
  Municipals                          189,851     5.5%      2,634,459     6.1%          2,201,662     6.2%
  Mortgage-backed securities                                                                                    $385,071     5.7%
                                   ----------             -----------                  ----------               --------
            Total                  $4,190,699             $13,997,113                  $3,988,387               $385,071
                                   ==========             ===========                  ==========               ========

Available-for-Sale

  U.S. Treasury notes              $5,010,310     5.7%       $198,594     7.6%
  U.S. Government agencies             99,670     6.0%      4,391,614     7.2%         $4,896,820     6.7%
  Mortgage-backed securities                                                                                    $178,269     7.6%
  Federal Reserve Bank stock                                                                                     446,250     N/A
  Municipals                                                                              403,104     4.7%
  Other investments                                                                                              596,642     N/A
                                   ----------              ----------                  ----------             ----------
            Total                  $5,109,980              $4,590,208                  $5,299,924             $1,221,161
                                   ==========              ==========                  ==========             ==========
</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  $145,632,109  for the year ended December
31, 1996,  representing  an increase of  $49,433,814  or 51.4% compared with the
average  balance of total  deposits for the year ended  December  31, 1995.  The
Company's  average  balance of total deposits was $96,198,295 for the year ended
December 31, 1995,  representing  an increase of  $41,886,584  or 77.1% compared
with the average balance of total deposits for the year ended December 31, 1994.
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 December 31, 1996 and 1995:



                                      -40-

<PAGE>



                                AVERAGE DEPOSITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               December 31, 1996                                      December 31, 1995
                                    ------------------------------------------          -----------------------------------------

                                       Average        Percent       Average                Average       Percent       Average
                                        Amount       of Total      Rate Paid                Amount       of Total     Rate Paid
                                        ------       --------      ---------                ------       --------     ---------
<S>                                  <C>              <C>           <C>                  <C>             <C>            <C>
Noninterest-bearing demand           $20,089,712       13.8%          N/A                 $12,889,281      13.4%         N/A
   deposits

Interest-bearing demand               36,910,314       25.3%          2.4%                 23,106,404      24.0%         2.9%
   deposits

Savings deposits                       8,174,212        5.6%          2.1%                  5,329,462       5.5%         2.4%

Time deposits                         80,397,763       55.3%          5.3%                 54,873,148      57.1%         5.0%
                                      ----------      =====           ---                  ----------     =====          ---

       Total average deposits       $145,572,001      100.0%          4.3%                $96,198,295     100.0%         4.4%
                                     ===========      =====           ===                  ==========     =====          ===
</TABLE>


     As  of  December  31,  1996   non-brokered   time  deposits  over  $100,000
represented 13.0% of total deposits, compared with 14.1% of total deposits as of
December 31, 1995.  As of December  31, 1996 jumbo  certificates  of deposits in
excess of $100,000  accounted for  $20,276,235 of the Bank's  deposits.  Of this
amount,  $19,227,000  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 December 31, 1996 and 1995:

                        TIME DEPOSITS OF $100,000 OR MORE


               Maturity Range           December 31, 1996    December 31, 1995
               --------------           -----------------    -----------------

         Three months or less              $8,626,435           $6,679,584

         Three through six months           3,843,571            3,368,061

         Six through twelve months          7,687,144            3,821,337

         Over twelve months                   119,085            1,603,692
                                           ----------         ------------

                      Total               $20,276,235          $15,472,674
                                           ==========           ==========


Return on Equity and Assets

     The  following  are  various  ratios for the  Company  for the years  ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995:

                           RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

                                    For the Year Ended December 31,
                                    -------------------------------
                                          1996           1995
                                          ----           ----

Return on average assets                   1.0%          0.8%

Return on average equity                   9.8%          9.5%

Average equity to average assets          10.5%          8.7%




                                      -41-

<PAGE>



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  December  31,  1996,  13.0%  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 43% maturing in the
first quarter of 1996,  19% maturing in the second quarter of 1996, 38% maturing
in the second half of 1996, and the remaining 0.6% maturing thereafter. The Bank
monitors  those  maturities  in an  effort to  minimize  any  adverse  effect on
liquidity.  The  Bank is  limited  through  regulatory  commitments  from  using
brokered funds without prior approval.

     On February 28, 1996 the Company completed a primary and secondary offering
of its  Common  Stock.  The  offering  was  underwritten  by  Hoefer  &  Arnett,
Incorporated,  a San  Francisco  investment  banking  firm. A total of 2,388,759
shares of Common  Stock were sold in the offering at a price of $3.75 per share,
including 288,759 shares of Common Stock sold as an  over-allotment  and 174,939
shares of Common Stock held by a shareholder  of the Company.  The proceeds from
this  offering  were used by the  Company to finance  the  acquisition  of First
National Bank, Midlothian,  Texas, to retire the Company's outstanding bank debt
and for general corporate purposes.

     On  February  29,  1996 the  Company  completed  the  acquisition  of First
National Bank, Midlothian,  Texas ("First National"),  through the consolidation
of First  National and the Bank. In connection  with the  transaction,  the Bank
changed  its  main  office  to the  former  main  office  of First  National  in
Midlothian, Texas, and operated its own former main office in Lufkin, Texas as a
branch.  Effective  April 18,  1996,  the Bank  changed the location of its main
office to Hurst, Texas, and operates its former main office in Midlothian, Texas
as a branch.

     With the completion of this acquisition,  the Bank increased its asset size
by approximately 42%. As of December 31, 1995 First National had total assets of
$51,253,000 and the Bank had total assets of $121,262,000. In the transaction, a
subsidiary  of the Bank was first merged with and into First  National's  parent
holding company, First Midlothian Corporation ("First Midlothian"),  pursuant to
which merger the shareholders of First Midlothian  received cash in exchange for
their  shares  of  capital  stock  of First  Midlothian  in an  amount  equal to
approximately  one  hundred  fifty  percent  (150%)  of the book  value of First
National.  Immediately  following  the  merger,  First  National  and  the  Bank
consolidated under the charter of the Bank.

     The  acquisition  has been accounted for as a purchase in the  accompanying
consolidated financial statements.  The assets and liabilities of First National
have been recorded at their fair values as of February 29, 1996.

     The Company  raised $1.2  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


                                      -42-

<PAGE>



additional  capital could  adversely  impact the growth of the Bank or result in
its failure to comply with applicable  regulatory  capital  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
"Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation: 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 "Item 1.
Business - Supervision and Regulation."

Capital Resources

     The Company's  shareholders' equity at December 31, 1996 was $19.2 million,
compared with $10.3 million at December 31, 1995.  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  income of $1,697,987 for the year ended
December  31, 1996.  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  ratio  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  11.10% and 12.29%,  respectively,  at December  31,  1996,  and 10.76% and
11.72%,  respectively,  at December 31, 1995. The Bank is currently, and expects
to continue to be, in compliance with these guidelines.  See "Item 1. Business -
Supervision and Regulation: Capital Adequacy Guidelines."

     The Board of Governors of the Federal  Reserve System ("FRB") has announced
a policy  sometimes known as the "source of strength  doctrine" which 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:



                                      -43-

<PAGE>



                            RISK-BASED CAPITAL RATIOS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      Minimum         Well-
                                                                                                      Capital      Capitalized
                                                       December 31,                                   Ratios          Ratios
                             -----------------------------------------------------------------    -------------------------------
                                   1996           1995           1994            1993
                                  ------         ------         ------           ----
<S>                              <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>                   <C>            <C> 
Tier I risk-based capital        $12,013,000     $7,964,000      $6,790,000    $3,821,000
Tier II risk-based capital         1,285,000        703,000         698,000       401,000
  Total capital                   13,298,000      8,667,000       7,488,000     4,222,000
Risk-weighted assets             108,208,000     73,983,000      67,011,000    33,594,000
Capital ratios:
  Tier I risk-based capital          11.10%         10.76%          10.13%        11.37%              4.00%           6.00%
  Tier II risk-based capital         12.29          11.72           11.17         12.57               8.00           10.00
      Leverage ratio                  7.02           6.88            5.56          9.96               4.00            5.00
</TABLE>


Accounting Matters

     In May 1993 the Financial  Accounting  Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
No. 114  "Accounting  by Creditors for  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 October 1995 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 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.  The Company  adopted this
Statement effective January 1, 1996.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     In June 1996, FASB issued Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No.
125,   "Accounting   for  Transfers  and  Servicing  of  Financial   Assets  and
Extinguishments of Liabilities" ("SFAS 125"). This Statement provides consistent
standards for distinguishing transfers of financial assets that are sales from


                                      -44-

<PAGE>



transfers  that are secured  borrowings.  This  Statement  requires that after a
transfer of financial  assets,  an entity recognizes the financial and servicing
assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred,  derecognizes  financial
assets when control has been  surrendered,  and derecognizes  liabilities it has
incurred,  derecognizes financial assets when control has been surrendered,  and
derecognizes  liabilities  when  extinguished.  This  Statement is effective for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and  extinguishments  of liabilities
occurring  after December 31, 1996. In December 1996,  FASB issued  Statement of
Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 127,  "Deferral of the  Effective  Date of
Certain  Provisions  of FASB  Statement  No. 125." This  Statement  deferred the
effective  date of  FASB  Statement  No.  125 for  secured  lending,  repurchase
agreement,   dollar-roll,   securities  lending,  and  similar  transactions  to
transactions occurring after December 31, 1997.

     In February 1997, FASB issued Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards
No. 128,  "Earnings per Share" ("FAS 128"). FAS 128 simplifies the standards for
computing  earnings per share  ("EPS")  previously  found in APB Opinion No. 15,
"Earnings per Share"  ("Opinion 15"), and make them comparable to  international
EPS  standards.  FAS  128  replaces  the  presentation  of  primary  EPS  with a
presentation  of basic EPS.  Basic EPS  excludes  dilution  and is  computed  by
dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average  number
of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential
dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock
were  exercised  or  converted  into common stock or resulted in the issuance of
common  stock that then shared in the  earnings  of the  entity.  Diluted EPS is
computed  similarly  to fully  diluted EPS  pursuant to Opinion 15. FAS 128 also
requires  dual  presentation  of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income
statement for entities with complex capital  structures and a reconciliation  of
the numerator and  denominator of the basic EPS computation to the numerator and
denominator of the diluted EPS  computation.  FAS 128 is effective for financial
statements issued for periods ending after December 31, 1997,  including interim
periods;  earlier application is not permitted.  FAS 128 requires restatement of
all prior-period EPS data presented.

     In February 1997, FASB issued Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards
No. 129,  "Disclosure of Information  about Capital  Structure" ("FAS 129"). FAS
129 establishes  standards for disclosing  information about an entity's capital
structure,  including the pertinent rights and privileges of various  securities
outstanding.  FAS 129 is effective for financial  statements  issued for periods
after December 15, 1997.

     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
in this  report  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


                                      -45-

<PAGE>



fiscal  policies  of  the  United  States   government  and  federal   agencies,
particularly  the Federal  Reserve  Bank.  The Federal  Reserve Bank  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 Federal Reserve Bank 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.

Related Party Transactions

     In the ordinary course of business,  the Bank has loans, deposits and other
transactions with its executive officers and directors and businesses with which
such  persons  are  associated.  It  is  the  Company's  policy  that  all  such
transactions  are  entered  into  on  substantially  the  same  terms  as  those
prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated third parties.
During 1996, the Bank extended loans of $398,000 to director-related companies.

Subsequent Events

     None.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

     The financial  statements and supplementary data required to be included in
this Item 8 are set forth in Item 14 of this Report.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES  IN  AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH  ACCOUNTANTS  ON  ACCOUNTING  AND
     FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

     The Company has had no changes in  accountants  or  disagreements  with its
accountants on accounting and disclosure to report under this Item 9.


                                      -46-

<PAGE>



                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

     This information is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive
Proxy  Statement for the Company's 1997 annual meeting for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, to be filed no later than April 30, 1997.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

     This information is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive
Proxy  Statement for the Company's 1997 annual meeting for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, to be filed no later than April 30, 1997.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

     This information is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive
Proxy  Statement for the Company's 1997 annual meeting for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, to be filed no later than April 30, 1997.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

     This information is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive
Proxy  Statement for the Company's 1997 annual meeting for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, to be filed no later than April 30, 1997.


                                      -47-

<PAGE>



                                     PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a)  Documents filed as part of Report.

     1.   Financial Statements                                              Page

         The following financial statements of the Company required to be
         included in Item 8 are filed under Item 14 at the page indicated:

        Report of Independent Accountants                                   F-1
        Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995           F-2
        Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended
           December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                                 F-3
        
        Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the 
           years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                     F-4
        
        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years 
           ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                           F-5
        
        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                          F-7


     2.   Financial Statement Schedules

          No  schedules  are  required  because  they  are  inapplicable  or the
          information  is otherwise  shown in the financial  statements or notes
          thereto.

     3.   Exhibits

     2.01 Reorganization  Agreement by and between Bancwell Financial Corp.; 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
          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)



                                      -48-

<PAGE>




     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; Lloyd W.
          Butts, D. C. Degan, Norman Denton, Murriel Gilbreath, Robert S. Light,
          and 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; certain individual  shareholders and directors of
          First  Midlothian  Corporation  and First National Bank;  Surety Bank,
          National  Association;  and Surety Capital Corporation,  dated October
          17, 1995. (10)

     2.06 Amendment Number One to  Reorganization  Agreement,  dated January 16,
          1996. (11)

     2.07 Amendment Number Two to Reorganization  Agreement,  dated February 29,
          1996. (11)

     2.08 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 and 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. (10)

     2.09 Amendment Number One to 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, dated February 29, 1996. (11)

     2.10 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 January
          16, 1996. (10)

     3.01 Certificate of Incorporation. (1)

     3.02 Certificate  of Amendment of Certificate  of  Incorporation,  as filed
          with the Delaware Secretary of State on April 8, 1987. (2)


     3.03 Certificate of Amendment to the 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,
          as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on January 31, 1992. (5)



                                      -49-

<PAGE>




     3.06 Certificate of Amendment to the 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)

    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,  National  Association owned by Surety
          Capital Corporation. (9)

    10.04 Promissory  Note in the  original  principal  amount of $500,000  with
          Surety  Capital  Corporation  as borrower  and Overton Bank and Trust,
          N.A. as lender,  dated June 23,  1995 with a maturity  date of January
          23, 1996; and related Security Agreement (Collateral Pledge Agreement)
          dated June 23, 1995. (10)

    10.05 Surety Capital Corporation 1988 Incentive Stock Option Plan. (5)

    10.06 Form of  Change in  Control  Agreement  entered  into  between  Surety
          Capital  Corporation  and C. Jack  Bean,  Bobby W.  Hackler  and G. M.
          Heinzelmann, III, dated August 16, 1994. (8)

    10.07 Lease  agreement  between  Precinct  Campus,  Inc.,  as landlord,  and
          Surety Capital Corpo- ration, 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   Agreements  and  related
          Adoption  Agreements with  Designation of  Beneficiaries  entered into
          between  Surety  Capital  Corporation  and Bobby W.  Hackler and G. M.
          Heinzelmann, III, dated August 15, 1995. (10)

    10.10 Form of Letter  Agreements  between  Surety  Capital  Corporation  and
          Bobby W. Hackler and G. M.  Heinzelmann,  III  regarding  provision by
          Surety  Capital  Corporation of term life  insurance  coverage,  dated
          August 15, 1995. (10)

    10.11 Change in  Control  Agreement  entered  into  between  Surety  Capital
          Corporation and B. J. Curley, dated February 9, 1996. (12)

    10.12 Asset   Purchase   Agreement  by  and  among  Surety  Bank,   National
          Association,    Surety   Capital   Corporation,    Providers   Funding
          Corporation,  and  Lawrence C.  Blanton,  Barry T. Carroll and Bill M.
          Ward; Employment, Non-Competition and Confidentiality Agreement by and
          between Surety Bank, National Association, Surety Capital Corporation,
          and Barry T. Carroll; Non-Competition and Confidentiality Agreement by
          and  between  Surety  Bank,  National   Association,   Surety  Capital
          Corporation,  and  Lawrence  C.  Blanton;  and  Non-  Competition  and
          Confidentiality   Agreement  by  and  between  Surety  Bank,  National
          Association,  Surety Capital Corporation,  and Bill M. Ward; all dated
          March 15, 1996. (12)



                                      -50-

<PAGE>




    10.13 Executive  Deferred   Compensation   Agreement  and  related  Adoption
          Agreement  with  Designation  of  Beneficiaries  entered  into between
          Surety Capital Corporation and B. J. Curley, dated January 21, 1997. *

    10.14 Letter Agreement  between Surety Capital  Corporation and B. J. Curley
          regarding  provision  by  Surety  Capital  Corporation  of  term  life
          insurance coverage, dated January 21, 1997. *

    10.15 Surety Capital  Corporation Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan for
          Directors, and Form of Stock Option Agreement. *

     21   Subsidiaries of the Registrant. *

     23   Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. *

     24   Special Power of Attorney. *

     27   Financial Data Schedule. *



     (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  Form  10-K  dated  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.

     (10) Filed  with  Registration  Statement  No.  33-64789  on  Form  S-1 and
          incorporated by reference herein.

     (11) Filed  with  the  Company's  Form  8-K  dated  February  29,  1996 and
          incorporated by reference herein.

     (12) Filed  with the  Company's  Form  10-K  dated  December  31,  1995 and
          incorporated by reference herein.

     *    Filed herewith.




                                      -51-

<PAGE>




(b)  Reports on Form 8-K.

     No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company  during the fourth quarter
of 1996.

(c)  Exhibits Required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

     The  exhibits  listed in Part IV,  Item  14(a)(3) of this  report,  and not
incorporated  by reference to a separate file, are included after  "Signatures,"
below.

(d)  Financial  Statement  Schedules Required by Regulation S-X. (Included under
     Part IV, Item 14(a)(2)).

     All schedules are omitted  because they are not required,  inapplicable  or
the information is otherwise shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.


                                      -52-

<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the  requirements  of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act
of 1934,  the  Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                            SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION



Date:  March 28, 1997                       By: /s/ C. Jack Bean
                                                -----------------
                                            C. Jack Bean, Chairman of the Board

     Pursuant to the  requirements  of the  Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed  below by the  following  persons in the  capacities
indicated on this 28th day of March, 1997.

 Signature                                   Capacity
 ---------                                   --------

/s/ C. Jack Bean               Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
- ----------------               and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
C. Jack Bean


/s/ G. M. Heinzelmann, III     President and Director
- --------------------------
G. M. Heinzelmann, III


/s/ Bobby W. Hackler           Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Operating
- --------------------           Officer and Director
Bobby W. Hackler


/s/ B. J. Curley               Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
- ----------------               Secretary (Principal Financial Officer and Chief
B. J. Curley                   Accounting Officer)


*                              Director
- -----------------
William B. Byrd


*                              Director
- -----------------
Joseph S. Hardin


*                              Director
- -----------------
Michael L. Milam



                                      -53-

<PAGE>






*                              Director
- -----------------
Garrett Morris


*                              Director
- -----------------
Cullen W. Turner



*  By: /s/ C. Jack Bean
       C. Jack Bean, as Attorney-in-Fact
       for each of the persons indicated




                                      -54-

<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, 1996 and 1995,  and the  related  consolidated
statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996. 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, 1996 and 1995, and the  consolidated  results of
operations  and its cash flows for each of the three  years in the period  ended
December 31, 1996, 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 in 1994.


Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Fort Worth, Texas
January 21, 1997





                                      F-1
<PAGE>


                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           December 31, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     ASSETS
                                                                             December 31,        December 31,
                                                                                 1996                1995
                                                                           ---------------     ----------------
<S>                                                                        <C>                 <C>
Assets:
      Cash and due from banks                                                  $6,094,457           $4,727,018
      Federal funds sold                                                       16,772,000           18,490,000
      Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions                         285,842            1,046,297
      Investment securities:
           Available-for-sale                                                  16,221,273           10,128,157
           Held-to-maturity                                                    22,561,270           13,780,538
                                                                           ---------------     ----------------
                Total investment securities                                    38,782,543           23,908,695

      Loans                                                                   105,696,491           68,991,700
      Less:  Unearned interest                                                 (2,544,803)          (1,889,461)
             Allowance for credit losses                                       (1,284,774)            (702,927)
                                                                           ---------------     ----------------
                  Loans, net                                                  101,866,914           66,399,312

      Premises and equipment, net                                               3,970,193            2,775,688
      Accrued interest receivable                                               1,083,336              781,031
      Other real estate and repossessed assets                                    738,198               85,528
      Other assets                                                                607,214              467,147
      Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired, net of
        Accumulated amortization of $719,288 and $359,572 at
        December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively                                6,238,613            2,658,557
                                                                           ---------------     ----------------
            Total assets                                                     $176,439,310         $121,339,273
                                                                           ===============     ================
Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
      Demand deposits                                                         $23,878,744          $13,182,888
      Savings, NOW and money markets                                           48,372,642           30,612,855
      Time deposits, $100,000 and over                                         20,276,235           15,472,674
      Other time deposits                                                      63,162,720           50,330,085
                                                                           ---------------     ----------------
            Total deposits                                                    155,690,341          109,598,502

      Note payable                                                                                     375,000
      Accrued interest payable and other liabilities                            1,518,417            1,071,299
                                                                           ---------------     ----------------
            Total liabilities                                                 157,208,758          111,044,801
                                                                           ---------------     ----------------

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Notes 10 & 16)

Shareholders' equity:
      Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,  
          none issued at December 31, 1996 and 1995                  
      Common stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
        5,763,737 and 3,516,595 shares issued at December 31, 1996 and
        1995, respectively, and 5,748,119 and 3,506,429 outstanding at
        December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively                                   57,637               35,166
      Additional paid-in capital                                               16,752,003            9,356,469
      Retained earnings                                                         2,509,771              811,784
      Treasury stock, 15,618 and 10,166 shares carried at cost at Decem-
         ber 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively                                      (74,539)             (50,830)
      Unrealized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax         (14,320)             141,883
                                                                           ---------------     ----------------
            Total shareholders' equity                                         19,230,552           10,294,472
                                                                           ---------------     ----------------
            Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                       $176,439,310         $121,339,273
                                                                           ===============     ================
</TABLE>

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

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
              for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1996          1995          1994
                                                    ----          ----          ----
<S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>
Interest income:
  Commercial and real estate loans ..........   $ 5,772,065   $ 3,664,124   $ 1,422,911
  Consumer loans ............................     1,444,189     1,198,632     1,059,188
  Insurance premium financing ...............     3,563,467     2,739,060     2,172,038
  Federal funds sold ........................     1,078,618       657,809       302,621
  Investment securities
    Taxable .................................     2,165,301       905,046       338,286
    Tax-exempt ..............................       324,605       268,702        23,792
  Interest bearing deposits .................        42,117       101,408        68,173
                                                -----------   -----------   -----------
      Total interest income .................    14,390,362     9,534,781     5,387,009
                                                -----------   -----------   -----------
Interest expense:
  Savings, NOW and money market .............     1,056,884       805,514       353,123
  Time deposits, $100,000 and over ..........     1,106,754       792,098       362,700
  Other time deposits .......................     3,191,439     1,957,288       760,833
  Other interest expense ....................         6,612       122,579        11,075
                                                -----------   -----------   -----------
      Total interest expense ................     5,361,689     3,677,479     1,487,731
                                                -----------   -----------   -----------
       Net interest income before
        provision for credit losses .........     9,028,673     5,857,302     3,899,278

Provision for credit losses .................       135,000        60,000       106,899
                                                -----------   -----------   -----------
      Net interest income ...................     8,893,673     5,797,302     3,792,379
                                                -----------   -----------   -----------
Noninterest income ..........................     1,877,454     1,419,067     1,160,007
                                                -----------   -----------   -----------
Noninterest expense:
  Salaries and employee benefits ............     4,244,874     2,923,118     2,201,188
  Occupancy and equipment ...................     1,244,551       907,286       669,936
  General and administrative ................     2,645,587     2,048,148     1,590,814
                                                -----------   -----------   -----------
      Total noninterest expense .............     8,135,012     5,878,552     4,461,938
                                                -----------   -----------   -----------
       Income before income taxes ...........     2,636,115     1,337,817       490,448

Income tax expenses:
  Current ...................................       938,128       263,007        36,697
  Deferred ..................................             0       187,924       (19,009)
                                                -----------   -----------   -----------
      Net income ............................   $ 1,697,987   $   886,886   $   472,760
                                                ===========   ===========   ===========
Net income per share of common stock ........   $       .32   $       .27   $       .20
                                                ===========   ===========   ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding .........     5,389,366     3,279,448     2,393,841
                                                ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

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

                                      F-3
<PAGE>


                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
              for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      
                                                                                                    Unrealized
                                                                                                      Gain/
                                     Common Stock                                                   (Loss) on
                                 ---------------------  Additional      Retained                    Available-
                                               Par        Paid-in      Earnings/      Treasury       for-Sale         Total
                                   Shares     Value       Capital      (Deficit)        Stock       Securities       Equity
                                 ----------- ---------  ------------  ------------- -------------- --------------  ------------
<S>                              <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>   
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                                                                          $ (2,839)       (2,839)
   tax of $1,462                 ----------- ---------  ------------  ------------- -------------- --------------  ------------

Balance at December 31, 1994      3,040,829    30,408     8,113,214        (75,102)             -         (2,839)    8,065,681
                                 ----------- ---------  ------------  ------------- -------------- --------------  ------------

Sale of Common Stock                459,500     4,595     1,192,587                                                  1,197,182

Purchase of Treasury Stock                                                              $ (50,830)                     (50,830)

Net Income                                                                 886,886                                     886,886

Exercise of stock options            16,266       163        50,668                                                     50,831

Change in unrealized
   gain/(losses)
   on available-for-sale
   securities,
   net of tax of $74,544                                                                                 144,722       144,722
                                 ----------- ---------  ------------  ------------- -------------- --------------  ------------

 Balance at December 31, 1995     3,516,595    35,166     9,356,469        811,784        (50,830)       141,883    10,294,472
                                 ----------- ---------  ------------  ------------- -------------- --------------  ------------

Sale of Common Stock              2,239,218    22,392     7,371,901                                                  7,394,293

Purchase of Treasury Stock                                                                (23,709)                     (23,709)

Net Income                                                               1,697,987                                   1,697,987

Exercise of stock options             7,924        79        23,633                                                     23,712

Change in unrealized
   gain/(losses)
   on available-for-sale
   securities,
   net of tax of $81,147                                                                                (156,203)     (156,203)
                                 ----------- ---------  ------------  ------------- -------------- --------------  ------------

Balance at December 31, 1996      5,763,737   $57,637   $16,752,003     $2,509,771      $ (74,539)     $ (14,320)  $19,230,552
                                 =========== =========  ============  ============= ============== ==============  ============
</TABLE>

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

                                      F-4
<PAGE>


                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
              for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      December 31,
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       1996                1995               1994
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------    ----------------
<S>                                                              <C>                  <C>                <C> 
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income                                                          $1,697,987           $886,886            $472,760
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
       cash provided by operating activities:
           Provision for credit losses                                    135,000             60,000             106,899
           Provision for depreciation                                     573,745            500,725             330,644
           Amortization of intangible assets                              359,717            184,332              51,201
           Gain on sale or disposal of assets                             (22,879)            (8,477)            (15,508)
           Net increase in unearned interest on loans                     655,342            382,618             136,614
           Net (decrease) increase in other assets                         14,925           (353,503)           (220,707)
           Net (decrease increase in accrued interest payable
              and other liabilities                                      (101,725)           411,209            (122,438)
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------    ----------------

                    Net cash provided by operating activities           3,312,112          2,063,790             739,465
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------    ----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Net increase in loans                                              (15,070,139)        (1,486,861)         (7,760,672)
   Payments received on purchased medical claims receivables           14,229,677         15,716,784          12,290,141
   Purchases of medical claims receivables                            (17,480,467)       (16,688,775)        (11,229,044)
   Purchases of available-for-sale securities                          (7,239,958)        (7,356,633)
   Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities                                    4,736,638
   Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities              909,492          2,670,121             169,971
   Purchases of held-to-maturity securities                            (3,081,744)        (7,048,483)           (316,276)
   Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities             15,515,641          2,808,990           4,556,981
   Purchases of interest bearing deposits in financial                                       (99,081)            500,000
      institutions
   Proceeds from maturities of interest bearing deposits in
      financial institutions                                            1,034,697            576,972             712,743
   Purchases of bank premises and equipment                              (518,010)          (609,135)           (420,487)
   Proceeds from sales of bank premises and equipment                       4,437              6,000              16,308
   Proceeds from sale of other real estate and repossessed                428,217            507,208
      assets
   Net cash acquired in acquisitions                                    3,731,462         15,370,125           2,509,161
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------    ----------------

            Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities        (7,536,695)         9,103,870           1,028,826
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------    ----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
   Net (decrease) increase in deposits                                 (3,145,274)         1,032,815          (1,525,190)
   Proceeds from issuance of note payable                                                                      1,750,000
   Principal payments on note payable                                    (375,000)        (1,375,000)
   Purchase of treasury stock                                             (23,709)           (50,830)
   Exercise of stock options                                               23,712             50,831
   Proceeds from the sale of stock                                      7,394,293          1,197,182           2,314,772
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------    ----------------

            Net cash provided by financing activities                   3,874,022            854,998           2,539,582
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------    ----------------

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents                     (350,561)        12,022,658           4,307,873

Beginning cash and cash equivalents                                    23,217,018         11,194,360           6,886,487
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------    ----------------

Ending cash and cash equivalents                                      $22,866,457        $23,217,018         $11,194,360
                                                                 =================    ===============    ================
</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 years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    December 31,
                                                               --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     1996                1995                1994
                                                               ------------------   ----------------    ---------------
<S>                                                                  <C>                <C>               <C> 
Supplemental disclosure:
   Cash paid during the period for interest                          $ 5,190,521        $ 3,421,225        $ 1,339,223
   Cash paid during the period for federal income taxes                $ 545,000           $ 22,733           $ 12,000

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
       Transfers of repossessed collateral to other assets             $ 752,648          $ 457,483          $ 241,189
       Additions to loans to facilitate the sale of OREO
       and other assets                                                $ 212,715                             $ 162,385

Supplemental schedule of investing activities:

   Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions                 $ 274,242                           $ 1,588,931
   Investment securities                                              21,214,629                            16,196,901
   Loans, net                                                         18,476,948          $ 875,159         26,363,109
   Premises and equipment, net                                         1,270,401            273,677            999,713
   Other assets                                                          959,648              6,569            474,002
   Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired               3,939,773            151,365          2,239,171
   Deposits                                                          (49,237,113)       (16,538,565)       (49,956,393)
   Other liabilities                                                    (629,990)          (138,330)          (414,595)
                                                               ------------------   ----------------    ---------------

Net cash acquired in acquisitions                                   $ (3,731,462)     $ (15,370,125)      $ (2,509,161)
                                                               ==================   ================    ===============
</TABLE>

                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                    of the consolidated 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  wholly-owned  subsidiary,   Surety  Bank,  National
     Association  (the  "Bank"),  which 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 debt and equity securities that
     have readily determined fair values.

     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.  Unrealized  gains and losses,  net of taxes,  related to securities
     available-for-sale  are recorded as a separate  component of  shareholders'
     equity.  Securities  purchased  and held  principally  for the  purpose  of
     selling them in the near term are classified as trading. The Company had no
     securities  classified as trading as of December 31, 1996 or 1995. The cost
     of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

     Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses

     Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the
     foreseeable  future or until  maturity  or pay-off  are  reported  at their
     outstanding  principal  adjusted for any  charge-offs,  the  allowance  for
     credit  losses,  and  deferred  fees or costs  on  originated  loans.  Loan
     origination fees and certain direct  origination  costs are capitalized and
     recognized as an  adjustment  of the yield of the related  loan.  Loans are
     stated at the amount of unpaid principal,  reduced by unearned interest and
     an  allowance  for  credit  losses.  The  allowance  for  credit  losses is
     established  through a provision for credit losses charged  against current
     earnings.

     A loan is considered  impaired if, based on current information and events,
     it is  possible  that the Company  will be unable to collect the  scheduled
     payments of principal  and interest when due,  according to the  contracted
     terms of the loan agreement.  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 borrower's  ability to pay. The measurement
     of impaired loans and the related  allowance for credit losses is generally
     based on the fair  value of the  collateral.  Smaller  balance  homogeneous
     loans consisting of residential  mortgages and consumer loans are eveluated
     for reserves collectibility based on historical loss experience.  Loans are
     charged  against the allowance for credit losses when  management  believes
     that the collectibility of the principal is unlikely.

     The  accrual  of  interest  on  impaired  loans is  discontinued  when,  in
     management's  opinion,  the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they
     become due.  When  interest  accrual is  discontinued,  all unpaid  accrued
     interest is reversed.  Interest income subsequently  recognized only to the
     extent cash payments are received.


                                      F-7
<PAGE>




2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued:

     Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued:

     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
     credit losses as deemed appropriate.

     
     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

     Real estate properties  acquired  through,  or in lieu, of loan foreclosure
     are to be sold  and are  initially  recorded  at fair  value at the date of
     foreclosure  establishing a new cost basis. After  foreclosure,  valuations
     are periodically  performed by management and the real estate is carried at
     the lower of  carrying  amount or fair value  less cost to sell.  Any write
     down to fair market value at the date of acquisition is charged against the
     allowance for credit 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, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

     Income Taxes

     The Company's  method of accounting  for income taxes utilized an asset and
     liability  approach  for  financial  statement   purposes.   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
     credit  losses,  property  and  equipment,  investment  securities  and net
     operating loss carryforwards.

     Purchase Method of Accounting

     Net assets  acquired in purchase  transactions  are  recorded at their fair
     value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the
     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 its
     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  asset has occurred and that no reduction of
     amortization period is warranted.


                                      F-8
<PAGE>

2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued:

     Fair Values of Financial Instruments

     The following  methods and assumptions  were used by the Bank in estimating
     fair values of financial instruments as disclosed herein:

     Cash  and  short-term  instruments.   The  carrying  amounts  of  cash  and
     short-term instruments approximate their fair value.

     Available-for-sale  and  held-to-maturity   securities.   Fair  values  for
     securities,  excluding  restricted equity  securities,  are based on quoted
     market  prices.   The  carrying  values  of  restricted  equity  securities
     approximate their fair values.

     Loans receivable.  For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and have
     no  significant  change in credit  risk,  fair  values are base on carrying
     values.  Fair values for certain mortgage loans, (for example,  one-to-four
     family  residential)  and other  consumer  loans are based on quoted market
     prices  of  similar   loans  sold  in   conjunction   with   securitization
     transactions, adjusted for differences in loan characteristics. Fair values
     for  commercial  real  estate  and  commercial  loans are  estimated  using
     discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered
     for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit  quality.  Fair
     values for impaired loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses
     or underlying collateral values, where applicable.

     Deposit liabilities.  The fair values disclosed for demand deposits are, by
     definition,  equal to the amount  payable on demand at the  reporting  date
     (that is, their carrying  amounts).  The carrying amounts of variable-rate,
     fixed-term   money  market  accounts  and  certificates  of  deposit  (CDs)
     approximate  their  fair  values at the  reporting  date.  Fair  values for
     fixed-rate CDs are estimated using a discounted cash flow  calculation that
     applies  interest  rates  currently  being  offered  on  certificates  to a
     schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

     Accrued  interest.  The carrying  amounts of accrued  interest  approximate
     their fair values.

     Off-balance  sheet  instruments.  Fair values for off-balance sheet lending
     commitments  are based on fees  currently  charged  to enter  into  similar
     agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements.

     Use of Estimates

     The  preparation  of financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
     accepted  accounting  principles  requires management to make estimates and
     assumptions  that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
     disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities  at  the  date  of the
     financial  statements  and the  reported  amounts of revenues  and expenses
     during  the  reporting  period.  Actual  results  could  differ  from those
     estimates.

     Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     In June 1996, the FASB issued Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards
     No. 125,  "Accounting  for Transfers and Servicing of Financial  Assets and
     Extinguishments  of  Liabilities"  ("SFAS 125").  This  Statement  provides
     consistent standards for distinguishing  transfers of financial assets that
     are sales  from  transfers  that are  secured  borrowings.  This  Statement
     requires that after a transfer of financial  assets,  an entity  recognizes
     the financial and servicing  assets it controls and the  liabilities it has
     incurred,  derecognizes financial assets when control has been surrendered,
     and derecognizes liabilities it has incurred, derecognizes financial assets
     when  control  has been  surrendered,  and  derecognizes  liabilities  when
     extinguished.  This  Statement is effective  for transfers and servicing of
     financial  assets  and  extinguishments  of  liabilities   occurring  after
     December 31, 1996. In December 1996, the FASB issued Statement of Financial
     Accounting  Standards No. 127,  "Deferral of the Effective  Date of Certain
     Provisions  of  FASB  Statement  No.  125."  This  Statement  deferred  the
     effective  date of FASB Statement No. 125 for secured  lending,  repurchase
     agreement,  dollar-roll,  securities lending,  and similar  transactions to
     transactions occurring after December 31, 1997.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>


2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued:

     In  February  1997,  the FASB  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
     Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share" ("FAS 128"). FAS 128 simplifies the
     standards for computing  earnings per share ("EPS") previously found in APB
     Opinion  No.  15,  "Earnings  per  Share"  ("Opinion  15"),  and make  them
     comparable  to   international   EPS   standards.   FAS  128  replaces  the
     presentation  of primary EPS with a  presentation  of basic EPS.  Basic EPS
     excludes  dilution and is computed by dividing  income  available to common
     stockholders by the  weighted-average  number of common shares  outstanding
     for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects  the  potential  dilution  that could
     occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised
     or converted  into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock
     that then shared in the  earnings  of the  entity.  Diluted EPS is computed
     similarly  to fully  diluted  EPS  pursuant  to  Opinion  15.  FAS 128 also
     requires  dual  presentation  of basic and  diluted  EPS on the face of the
     income  statement  for  entities  with  complex  capital  structures  and a
     reconciliation   of  the  numerator  and   denominator  of  the  basic  EPS
     computation   to  the  numerator  and   denominator   of  the  diluted  EPS
     computation.  FAS 128 is  effective  for  financial  statements  issued for
     periods ending after December 31, 1997, including interim periods;  earlier
     application  is  not  permitted.   FAS  128  requires  restatement  of  all
     prior-period EPS data presented.

     In  February  1997,  the FASB  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
     Standards No. 129,  "Disclosure  of  Information  About Capital  Structure"
     ("FAS 129"). FAS 129 establishes standards for disclosing information about
     an  entity's  capital   structure,   including  the  pertinent  rights  and
     privileges  of various  securities  outstanding.  FAS 129 is effective  for
     financial statements issued for periods ending after December 15, 1997.

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


3.   Acquisitions:

     Bank One, Texas, National Association Branch in Waxahachie, Texas

     On September 28, 1995, the Bank acquired certain assets  (principally cash)
     and assumed certain liabilities (principally customer deposits) relating to
     the branch of Bank One, Texas, National Association ("Bank One") located in
     Waxahachie,  Texas,  (the  "Waxahachie  Branch").  The  Bank  financed  the
     acquisition through the use of internally-generated funds.

     At the closing,  the Bank assumed deposits and other  liabilities  totaling
     approximately  $16,539,000.  In addition,  the Bank acquired  certain small
     business and consumer loans totaling approximately  $875,000,  certain real
     property, furniture and equipment totaling approximately $274,000, and cash
     and other assets totaling approximately $15,426,000. After paying a deposit
     premium of two percent (2%) on the deposits assumed totaling  approximately
     $331,000, the Bank 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
     the Bank's existing branch network.

     First National Bank, Midlothian, Texas

     On February 28, 1996 the Company completed a primary and secondary offering
     of its Common  Stock.  The  offering was  underwritten  by Hoefer & Arnett,
     Incorporated, a San Francisco investment banking firm. A total of 2,388,759
     shares of Common  Stock were sold in the  offering  at a price of $3.75 per
     share,  including  288,759 shares of Common Stock sold as an over-allotment
     and 174,939  shares of Common Stock held by a  shareholder  of the Company.
     The  proceeds  from this  offering  were used by the Company to finance the
     acquisition  of First  National  Bank,  Midlothian,  Texas,  to retire  the
     Company's outstanding bank debt and for general corporate purposes.

     On  February  29,  1996 the  Company  completed  the  acquisition  of First
     Midlothian Corporation, a Texas bank holding company located in Midlothian,
     Texas ("First Midlothian"), and its wholly owned subsidiary, First National
     Bank, Midlothian, Texas ("First National").

                                      F-10
<PAGE>

3.   Acquisitions, continued:

     With the completion of this acquisition,  the Bank increased its asset size
     by  approximately  42%. In the  transaction,  a subsidiary  of the Bank was
     first merged with and into First  Midlothian,  pursuant to which merger the
     shareholders of First Midlothian received cash in exchange for their shares
     of capital stock of First  Midlothian  in an amount equal to  approximately
     one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the book value of First  National.  The
     Bank paid $5,976,000 to the  shareholders of First National in exchange for
     all of the issued and outstanding  shares of common stock of First National
     plus an additional $619,707 to repay in full all outstanding  debentures of
     First Midlothian. The purchase of First National resulted in cost in excess
     of net assets acquired amounting to $2,553,638, which is being amortized on
     a straight line basis over a 15-year period.  The assets and liabilities of
     First  National  have been recorded at their fair values as of February 29,
     1996.  Purchase accounting  mark-to-market  adjustments for the purchase of
     First  National   resulted  in  a  net  increase  in  assets  of  $268,818.
     Immediately  following the merger, First National and the Bank consolidated
     under the charter of the Bank. The  acquisition has been accounted for as a
     purchase in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

     Included in the  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  are the
     following  amounts for First  National as of December  31, 1996 and for the
     twelve months ended December 31, 1996:

    Balance sheet data:
        Cash and due from banks                      $     310,442
        Federal funds sold                              12,000,000
        Investment securities                           15,246,465
        Net loans                                       14,942,495
        Premises and equipment, net                      1,395,777
        Accrued interest receivable                        106,788
        Other assets                                       589,064
                                                     ---------------

        Total assets                                 $  44,591,031
                                                     ===============

        Deposits                                     $  43,980,472
        Accrued interest payable                           264,692

    Income statement data:
        Total interest income                        $   2,382,278
        Total interest expense                           1,163,786
        Other income                                       312,154
        Noninterest expense                              1,276,156
                                                     ---------------

        Net income                                   $     254,490
                                                     ===============

     The  consolidated  results of  operations  include the  operations of First
     National  subsequent to March 1, 1996. The unaudited pro forma  information
     for the twelve  months ended  December 31, 1996 and the unaudited pro forma
     information for the twelve months ended December 31, 1995, presented below,
     reflect the  acquisition of First National as if it had been acquired as of
     January 1, 1995. Pro forma adjustments consisting of a provision for income
     taxes and interest expense have been made to properly reflect the unaudited
     pro forma information.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Twelve months ended    Twelve months ended
                                             December 31, 1996      December 31, 1995
                                             -----------------      -----------------
     <S>                                        <C>                   <C>
     Interest income                            $14,998,219           $ 13,179,319
     Net income                                   1,274,313              1,128,635
     Net income per share of common stock             $0.22                  $0.20

</TABLE>


                                      F-11
<PAGE>

3.   Acquisitions, continued:

     Providers Funding Corporation

     On March 15, 1996, the Bank completed the acquisition of Providers  Funding
     Corporation  ("PFC"), a Dallas-based  medical claims servicing company. The
     acquisition  was  accomplished  through  the  purchase  of  certain  assets
     consisting  of  accounts  receivables  along  with  certain  furniture  and
     equipment and the assumption of certain liabilities of PFC by the Bank. The
     Bank used cash on hand in the amount of  $1,000,000  to fund this  purchase
     (before  deducting the then outstanding  balance of principal plus interest
     on the  indebtedness  of PFC to the  Bank).  The  Bank  also  entered  into
     non-competition and  confidentiality  agreements with certain principals of
     PFC in  consideration  for which the Company issued 25,398 shares of Common
     Stock of the Company to such  principals.  The  purchase of PFC resulted in
     cost in excess of net assets acquired  amounting to $1,338,364 and is being
     amortized on a straight line basis over a 15-year period.  Due to the short
     term nature of the receivables (average life of 90 days) and the short term
     nature of the  liabilities  (less  than 30 days),  no  purchase  accounting
     mark-to-market   adjustments  were  necessary.  The  acquisition  has  been
     accounted  for as a purchase  in the  accompanying  consolidated  financial
     statements. The Bank operates PFC as a division titled "Providers Funding a
     division of Surety Bank, N.A.".


4.   Investment Securities:

     Investment  securities  consisted of the following at December 31, 1996 and
     1995:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          December 31, 1996:                                             Gross            Gross         Estimated
                                                      Amortized       Unrealized       Unrealized        Fair
                                                        Cost            Gains            Losses          Value
                                                   -------------       ----------       ----------    ------------
              <S>                                  <C>                  <C>               <C>         <C>
             Available-for-Sale:
              U.S. Treasury                        $   5,193,782        $  15,122                     $  5,208,904
              Obligations of other U.S.
                 Government agencies and
                 corporations                          9,423,964           39,027       $   74,887       9,388,104
              State and county municipals                409,498               15            6,408         403,105
              Mortgage-backed securities                 173,513            4,755                          178,268
              Other securities                         1,042,892                                         1,042,892
                                                   -------------       ----------      -----------    ------------

                       Total available-for-sale      $16,243,649        $  58,919       $   81,295    $ 16,221,273
                                                   =============       ==========      ===========    ============


             Held-to-Maturity:
              U.S. Treasury                          $ 3,001,104        $   4,216                     $  3,005,320
              Obligations of other U.S.
                 Government agencies and
                 corporations                         14,149,123           42,723       $   15,697      14,176,149
              State and county municipals              5,025,972          170,621              238       5,196,355
              Mortgage-backed securities                 385,071              357                          385,428
                                                   -------------       ----------       ----------    ------------

                       Total held-to-maturity        $22,561,270        $ 217,917       $   15,935    $ 22,763,252
                                                   =============       ==========       ==========    ============

</TABLE>

                                      F-12
<PAGE>

4.   Investment Securities, continued:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          December 31, 1995:                                             Gross            Gross         Estimated
                                                       Amortized       Unrealized       Unrealized        Fair
                                                         Cost            Gains            Losses          Value
                                                         ----            -----            ------          -----
              <S>                                    <C>               <C>               <C>          <C>
              Available-for-Sale:
               U.S. Treasury                         $   485,991        $  11,978                     $    497,969
               Obligations of other U.S.
                 Government agencies and
                 corporations                          8,525,194          199,736                        8,724,930
               State and county municipals               411,394              338        $   7,475         404,257
               Mortgage-backed securities                209,529           10,397                          219,926
               Other securities                          281,075                                           281,075
                                                     -----------        ---------       ----------    ------------

                       Total available-for-sale      $ 9,913,183        $ 222,449        $   7,475    $ 10,128,157
                                                     ===========        =========       ==========    ============


              Held-to-Maturity:
               U.S. Treasury
               Obligations of other U.S.
                 Government agencies and
                 corporations                        $ 8,563,315        $  59,020        $   3,882     $ 8,618,453
               State and county municipals             4,730,921          245,828                        4,976,749
               Mortgage-backed securities                486,302              325            3,811         482,816
                                                     -----------        ---------       ----------    ------------

                       Total held-to-maturity        $13,780,538        $ 305,173        $   7,693    $ 14,078,018
                                                     ===========        =========       ==========    ============
</TABLE>

     The amortized cost and estimated  market value of investment  securities at
     December  31,  1996 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>
                                                                                                         Estimated
          December 31, 1996:                                              Amortized                        Fair
                                                                            Cost                           Value
                                                                            ----                           -----
<S>                                                                  <C>                             <C>
          Available-for-Sale:
              Due within one year                                      $  5,100,083                    $  5,109,980
              Due after one year through five years                       4,579,871                       4,590,208
              Due after five years through ten years                      5,347,290                       5,299,924
              Mortgage-backed securities                                    173,513                         178,269
              Other securities                                            1,042,892                       1,042,892
                                                                      -------------                  --------------
                     Total available-for-sale                           $16,243,649                     $16,221,273
                                                                      =============                  ==============

          Held-to-Maturity:
              Due within one year                                       $ 4,190,699                    $  4,191,974
              Due after one year through five years                      13,997,113                      14,114,613
              Due after five years through ten years                      3,988,387                       4,071,237
              Mortgage-backed securities                                    385,071                         385,428
                                                                        -----------                   -------------

                     Total held-to-maturity                             $22,561,270                     $22,763,252
                                                                        ===========                   =============

</TABLE>

     No sales of available-for-sale  investment securities occurred during 1996.
     Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale  investment securities during the
     year ended December 31, 1995 were $4,736,538 with gross recognized gains of
     $100 and no losses.


                                      F-13
<PAGE>

4.   Investment Securities, continued:

     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.

     At December 31, 1996 and 1995 the carrying  values of Federal  Reserve Bank
     stock were $446,250, and $261,150,  respectively.  The Federal Reserve Bank
     stock's  market value was estimated to be the same as its carrying value at
     all dates.

     At  December  31,  1996 and  1995  securities  with a  carrying  amount  of
     $20,927,000 and $10,734,000,  respectively,  were pledged as collateral for
     public deposits, as required or permitted by law.

     
5.   Loans, net:

     At  December  31, 1996 and 1995,  the loan  portfolio  was  composed of the
     following:

                                             December 31,        December 31,
                                                 1996                1995
                                           ---------------     ----------------
           Insurance premium financing        $39,168,604          $22,409,356
           Installment loans                   12,631,520           10,645,406
           Commercial loans                    22,745,139           16,301,840
           Real estate loans                   24,774,167           16,281,558
           Medical claims receivable            6,377,061            3,353,540
                                           ---------------     ----------------

           Total gross loans                  105,696,491           68,991,700

           Unearned interest                   (2,544,803)          (1,889,461)
           Allowance for credit losses         (1,284,774)            (702,927)
                                           ---------------     ----------------

           Loans, net                        $101,866,914          $66,399,312
                                           ==============      ================

     Loans on which the accrual of interest  has been  discontinued  amounted to
     approximately   $144,000  and  $27,000  at  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
     respectively.

     A summary of changes in  allowance  for credit  losses for the years  ended
     December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 were as follows:

                                                   December 31,     December 31,
                                                       1996             1995
                                                   ------------     -----------
        Balance at beginning of year                 $702,927         $697,948
        Additions (deductions):
         Provision for credit losses                  135,000           60,000
         Bank acquisitions                            614,700           10,759
         Loans charged off                           (229,418)        (117,446)
         Recoveries of loans previously charged-off    61,565           51,666
                                                   ----------         --------
        Balance at end of year                     $1,284,774         $702,927
                                                   ==========         ========


                                      F-14
<PAGE>

5.   Loans, net, continued:

     At  December  31,  1996 and  December  31,  1995,  the  Company's  recorded
     investment in loans for which  impairment has been recognized in accordance
     with Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 114,  "Accounting by
     Creditors  for  Impairment  of a Loan,"  (SFAS 114)  consists  primarily of
     commercial loans and installment loans as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           December 31,        December 31,
                                                                              1996                 1995
                                                                           ----------           ----------
     <S>                                                                   <C>                  <C>
     Impaired loans                                                        $4,837,271           $1,282,701
     Impaired loans with related allowance calculated under SFAS 114        3,209,403              950,196
     Allowance on impaired loans calculated under SFAS 114                    387,386               76,692
     Impaired loans with no allowance calculated under SFAS 114             1,627,868              332,505

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              For the year ended December 31,
                                                                  1996           1995
                                                               ----------     ----------
          <S>                                                  <C>            <C>
          Average impaired loans                               $3,436,870     $1,102,871
          Interest income recognized on impaired loans            415,861        123,522
</TABLE>

     As of December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, there were no commitments to
     lend additional funds for loans considered impaired.


6.   Premises and Equipment:

     Premises  and  equipment at December  31, 1996 and 1995 are  summarized  as
     follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Estimated Useful
                                                    Lives              1996           1995
                                                --------------     -----------    -----------
          <S>                                    <C>               <C>            <C>
          Buildings                              5 - 30 years       $2,203,262     $1,397,245
          Furniture, fixtures and computers      3 - 10 years        2,795,616      2,148,112
          Automobiles                            3 - 5 years           375,361        264,709
          Leasehold improvements                 3 - 5 years           100,470         93,840
                                                                   -----------    -----------
                                                                     5,474,709      3,903,906

          Less accumulated depreciation                             (1,920,545)    (1,346,747)

          Land                                                         416,029        218,529
                                                                   -----------    -----------
          Net premises and equipment                                $3,970,193     $2,775,688
                                                                   ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

7.   Deposits:

     At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the scheduled maturities of time deposits of
     less than $100,000 are as follows:

                                                      1996          1995
                                                  -----------   -----------
            Three months or less                  $18,379,000   $12,701,000
            Over three months through 12 months    36,698,000    28,142,000
            Over one year                           8,086,000     9,487,000
                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                  $63,163,000   $50,330,000
                                                  ===========   ===========



                                      F-15
<PAGE>


7.   Deposits, continued:

     At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the scheduled maturities of time deposits of
     $100,000 or more are as follows:

                                                       1996          1995
                                                   -----------   -----------
            Three months or less                    $8,626,000    $6,680,000
            Over three months through 12 months     11,531,000     7,189,000
            Over one year                              119,000     1,604,000
                                                   -----------   -----------
                                                   $20,276,000   $15,473,000
                                                   ===========   ===========

8.   Shareholders' Equity:

     During the year ended December 31, 1996,  2,239,218 shares of the Company's
     common stock were sold in a public offering for a total consideration,  net
     of  expenses,  of  $7,394,293.  During the year ended  December  31,  1995,
     459,500  shares  of the  Company's  common  stock  were  sold in a  private
     offering for a total consideration,  net of expenses, of $1,197,182. During
     the year 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.


9.   Stock Options and Warrants:

     The Company has three stock-based  compensation  plans, which are described
     below.  The Company applies  accounting  Principles  Board Opinion 25 ("APB
     25")  and  related   Interpretations   in  acounting  for  its  stock-based
     compensation  plans.  In 1995,  the FASB  issued  FASB  Statement  No.  123
     "Accounting  for  Stock-Based  Compensation"  ("SFAS 123") which,  if fully
     adopted by the  Company,  would  change the methods the Company  applies in
     recognizing the cost of its stock-based compensation plans. Adoption of the
     cost  recognition  provisions  of SFAS 123 is optional  and the Company has
     decided  not to elect  these  provisions  of SFAS 123.  However,  pro forma
     disclosures as if the Company  adopted the cost  recognition  provisions of
     SFAS 123 in 1995 are required by SFAS 123 and are presented below.

     The Company has adopted three stock option plans,  the 1988 Incentive Stock
     Option Plan and the 1995  Incentive  Stock Option Plan,  and the  Directors
     Stock Option Plan  (collectively,  the "Stock  Option  Plans").  Under each
     Stock Option Plan,  the Company is authorized to issue up to 100,000 shares
     of Common  Stock  pursuant  to stock  options  to  selected  employees  and
     directors.  The Company is authorized under the Stock Option Plans to grant
     stock options as incentive stock options (intended to qualify under Section
     422 of the  Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended) to  employees  and
     nonstatutory stock options to directors.

     The Stock Option Plans provide that the exercise  price of any stock option
     may not be less than the fair market  value of the Common Stock on the date
     of the grant. Options granted in 1995 have contractual terms of 5 years and
     options  granted  in 1996  have  contractual  terms of 10  years.  The 1995
     options are 100% vested as of the date of the grant.  Of the 1996  options,
     15,000 are 100%  vested as of the date of grant and 25,000 are 100%  vested
     at the first  anniversary of the date of grant.  The Company granted 39,769
     options in 1995 and 40,000 in 1996. In accordance  with APB 25, the Company
     has not recognized any  compensation  cost for the Stock Options granted in
     1995 and 1996.


                                      F-16
<PAGE>

9.   Stock Options and Warrants, continued:

     A summary of the status of the  Company's  stock options as of December 31,
     1996,  1995, and 1994 and the changes during the yaer ended on that date is
     presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  1996                 1995                    1994
                                  ----                 ----                    ----
                          Number of  Weighted   Number of  Weighted    Number of  Weighted
                           Shares    Average     Shares    Average      Shares    Average
                         Underlying Exercise   Underlying Excercise   Underlying  Exercise
                          Options    Prices      Options   Prices       Options   Prices
                          -------    ------      -------   ------       -------   ------
<S>                       <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>        <C>
Outstanding at
  begining of the year     55,216     $4.36       31,713    $5.27       26,713    $ .53
Granted                    40,000     $3.59       39,769    $3.13       10,000    $4.68
Exercised                   7,924     $2.99       16,266    $3.13         --        --
Forfeited                    --         --          --        --          --        --
Expired                      --         --          --        --         5,000    $4.45
Outstanding at
  end of year              87,292     $4.13       55,216    $4.36       31,713    $5.27
Exercisable at
  end of year              62,292     $4.28       55,216    $4.36       31,713    $5.27
Weighted-average
Fair Value of options          $1.15                  $1.79                   N/A
granted during the 
year

</TABLE>


     The fair value of each stock  option  granted is  estimated  on the date of
     grant  using the  Black-Scholes  option-pricing  model  with the  following
     weighted-average  assumptions  for  grants in 1996 and 1995,  respectively:
     dividend yield of 0.00% for both years;  expected  volatility of 48.85% for
     both  years;  risk-free  interest  rates  are from  5.37% to 7.76%  and the
     expected lives of the options are 5 years for 1996 grants and 2.5 years for
     1996 grants and 2.5 years for 1995 grants.

     The following table summarizes  information about stock options outstanding
     at December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Options Outstanding                     Options Exercisable
                               -------------------                     -------------------
                                   Weighted  
                                    Average
                                   Remaining       Weighted                          Weighted
   Range of            Number     Contractual      Average          Number            Average
Excercise Prices    Outstanding      Life      Excercise Price   Excercisable     Excercise Price
- ----------------    -----------      ----      ---------------   ------------     ---------------
<S>                  <C>             <C>        <C>              <C>               <C> 
$2.34 to $5.00        74,095         5.62           $3.72           46,095            $3.70
$5.01 to $7.22        13,197         0.74           $6.42           13,197            $6.42
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$2.34 to $7.22        87,292         4.88           $4.13           62,291            $4.28

</TABLE>

     Had the compensation cost for the Company's stock-based  compensation plans
     been  determined  consistent  with SFAS 123, the  Company's  net income per
     common  share for 1996 and 1995  would  approximate  the pro forma  amounts
     below:

                                         1996                       1995
                                         ----                       ----
                              As Reported    Pro Forma   As Reported  Pro Forma
                              -----------    ---------   -----------  ---------
SFAS 123 Charge                      --        $59,189          --      $45,713
APB 25 Charge                        --            --           --          --
Net Income                    $1,697,987    $1,642,519     $886,886    $856,593
Net Income Per Common Share        $0.32         $0.30        $0.27       $0.26

     The  effects  of  applying  SFAS 123 in this pro forma  disclosure  are not
     indicative of future amounts. SFAS does not apply to awards prior to 1995.


10.  Financial  Instruments  With  Off-Balance-Sheet  Risk and  Concentration of
     Credit Risk:

     The 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-17
<PAGE>

10.  Financial  Instruments With  Off-Balance-Sheet  Risk and  Concentrations of
     Credit Risk, continued:

     The  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 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
     December 31, 1996 and 1995 are as follows:


                                                           December 31,
                                                   -------------------------
                                                      1996          1995
                                                      ----          ----

                    Unfunded loan commitments      $3,721,000    $3,289,000
                    Letters of credit                 255,000       409,000 

     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 Bank evaluates each customer's  creditworthiness on a case by
     case basis. The amount of collateral  obtained,  if deemed necessary by the
     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 Bank
     had certificates of deposit,  or other deposit  accounts,  in the amount of
     $220,500  and  $230,500 at December  31,  1996 and 1995,  respectively,  as
     collateral   supporting  those  letter  of  credit  commitments  for  which
     collateral is deemed necessary.

     The Bank sold $16,772,000,  $18,490,000, and $7,265,000 in federal funds at
     December  31,  1996,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  These funds  represent
     uncollateralized  loans made by the Bank, in varying amounts, to commercial
     banks  with  whom  the  Bank  has  correspondent  relationships.  The  Bank
     maintains  deposits  with other  financial  institutions  in amounts  which
     exceed FDIC insurance coverage.  The Bank has not experienced any losses in
     such  accounts  and  believes it is not exposed to any  significant  credit
     risks on cash and cash equivalents.

     The Bank has  geographic  concentrations  of credit in its principal  trade
     areas of Angelina,  Cherokee,  Ellis, Grayson,  Houston,  Tarrant and Tyler
     Counties, Texas. Additionally,  the Bank has a significant concentration of
     credit,  based  upon like  collateral,  in its  insurance  premium  finance
     portfolio. Insurance premium finance comprises approximately $39,169,000 or
     37% and $22,409,000 or 33% of  consolidated  total loans as of December 31,
     1996 and 1995, respectively.


11.  Related Party Transactions:

     In the ordinary  course of business,  loans have been granted to directors,
     executive  officers and  employees.  Loans to these  related  parties total
     approximately  $398,000,  and  $428,000 as of  December  31, 1996 and 1995,
     respectively.

12.  Net Income Per Common Share:

     Net income per common share for the year ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and
     1994 was based upon 5,389,366,  3,279,448,  and 2,393,841  weighted average
     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.


                                      F-18
<PAGE>

13.  Employee Benefit Plan:

     Effective  October 1, 1993 the Company  adopted the Surety Bank 401(k) Plan
     (the "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 gross pay. The Company  contributes amounts equal to a maximum
     of 2.5% of the employee's  gross wages,  subject to statutory  limits.  The
     expense and employer contribution for the Plan for the years ended December
     31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $85,886, $88,982, and $58,745, respectively.


14.  Federal Income Tax:

     The components of the net deferred asset/(liability) recognized at December
     31, 1996 and 1995 are as follows:

                                            December 31,      December 31,
                                                1996              1995
                                            ------------      ------------

Deferred tax liability:
  Depreciation and amortization               $(463,817)        $(299,557)
  Securities                                     (1,011)          (34,286)
  Deferred loan costs                           (63,050)          (46,819)
  Other                                            (830)          (52,750)
  Net unrealized gain on
    available-for-sale investment securities                      (73,091)
                                              ----------        ----------
                                               (528,708)         (506,503)

Deferred tax asset:
  Net unrealized loss on 
    available-for-sale investment securities      8,056
  Tax net operating losses                       35,326            40,373
  Depreciation                                   24,878            31,620
  Allowance for credit losses                   194,274           145,080
  Securities                                     59,409            50,088
  Other                                          27,183            27,397
  Other real estate losses                       61,155
                                              ----------        ----------
                                                410,281           294,558
                                              ----------        ----------
         Net deferred tax asset/(liability)   $(118,427)        $(211,945)
                                              ==========        ==========



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

                                                 December 31,
                                       --------------------------------
                                         1996        1995        1994
                                         ----        ----        ----
        U.S. statutory rate              34.0%       34.0%       34.0%
        Other                              .9         1.7
        Goodwill                          4.4         4.2
        Valuation allowance                                     (33.0)
        Tax-exempt interest              (3.7)       (6.2)       (1.1)
                                        ------      ------      ------

        Effective tax rate               35.6%       33.7%       (.1)%
                                         ====        ====        ===  


                                      F-19
<PAGE>

14.  Federal Income Tax, continued:

     As of December 31, 1996, the Company has a net operating loss  carryforward
     of approximately  $104,000 for income tax reporting purposes which expires,
     if not used, in 2002 through 2004.  The  utilization  of this net operating
     loss carryforward is limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code to
     approximately $15,000 annually until its expiration.

     The  comprehensive  provision for federal  income taxes for the years ended
     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         December 31,
                                                                        ---------------------------------------------
                                                                           1996             1995             1994
                                                                           ----             ----             ----
                 <S>                                                    <C>             <C>               <C>
                 Current:
                    Federal                                               $916,674         $247,359          $18,430
                    State                                                   33,826           15,648           18,267
                                                                        -----------      -----------      -----------
                                                                           950,500          263,007           36,697
                                                                        -----------      -----------      -----------

                 Deferred:
                    Federal                                                (12,372)         187,924          (19,009)
                    State
                                                                        -----------      -----------      -----------
                                                                           (12,372)         187,924          (19,009)
                                                                        -----------      -----------      -----------

                 Provision for tax expense charged to results
                    of operations                                          938,128          450,931           17,688
                 Tax expense charged to goodwill                                             86,706
                 Tax on unrealized gain on available-for-sale
                    securities                                             (81,147)          73,092
                                                                        -----------      -----------      -----------

                 Comprehensive provision for federal income taxes         $856,981         $610,729          $17,688
                                                                        ===========      ===========      ===========

</TABLE>

15.  Other Noninterest Income and Expense:

     Other  noninterest  income for the years ended December 31, 1996,  1995 and
     1994 was composed of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                1996         1995        1994
                                                            ------------ ----------- -----------
                     <S>                                    <C>          <C>         <C>
                     Noninterest Income:
                       Nonsufficient fund charges            $ 460,156     $291,954    $263,315
                       Late fee charges                        681,644      501,960     426,476
                       Service charges                         372,756      220,086     163,336
                       Collection fees                         135,533      115,478      96,162
                       Credit life insurance                    57,509       75,435      44,402
                       Secured credit card annual fee            4,447        6,561      15,905
                       Other                                   165,409      207,593     150,411
                                                           ------------ ----------- -----------

                         Total                              $1,877,454   $1,419,067  $1,160,007
                                                            ============ =========== ===========

</TABLE>

                                      F-20
<PAGE>


15.  Other Noninterest Income and Expense, continued:

     Other  noninterest  expense for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
     1994 was composed of the following:

                                                1996        1995        1994
                                             ----------- ----------- -----------

     General and administrative expense:
       Professional fees                       $467,662    $416,006    $315,434
       Office supplies                          386,114     253,542     201,028
       Travel and entertainment                  96,577      68,987      60,162
       Telephone                                283,564     166,858     128,407
       Advertising                              174,335     104,499      54,683
       Postage                                  299,388     230,807     133,887
       Amortization of intangibles              359,717     184,332      51,201
       Dues and subscriptions                    70,559      49,331      54,609
       Insurance                                167,245     130,335      97,473
       Credit cards                               7,472      19,868      59,573
       Bank service charge                      110,881      57,196      25,808
       FDIC assessment                            3,553     123,310     133,112
       Credit reports                            22,850      40,105      17,714
       Other                                    195,670     202,972     257,723
                                             ----------- ----------- -----------
                                             $2,645,587  $2,048,148  $1,590,814
                                             ==========  ==========  ==========


16.  Commitments and Contingencies:

     As of December 31, 1996 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:

                                                             
                For the years ending:
                    ----------
                      1997                $138,865
                      1998                 131,068
                      1999                 136,696
                                          --------
                      Total               $406,629
                                          ========


     Rent expense was $161,862 for the year ended December 31, 1996, $94,713 for
     the year ended  December  31, 1995 and $83,062 for the year ended  December
     31, 1994.

     The Company has entered into change in control  agreements  with certain of
     its executive  officers.  The change in control  agreements provide for the
     payment under certain circumstances of benefits to these executive officers
     in the  event  of a  change  in  control  of the  Company  followed  by the
     termination of employment of the officers.

     A "change in control" is deemed to have occurred if (i) any person  becomes
     the beneficial  owner,  directly or indirectly,  of twenty percent (20%) or
     more of the Common Stock of the  Company,  or (ii) during any period of two
     (2) consecutive years during the term of the change in control  agreements,
     individuals  who at the  beginning of such period  constitute  the Board of
     Directors  cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority  thereof,
     unless  the  election  of  each  director  who was  not a  director  at the
     beginning  of such  period  has  been  approved  in  advance  by  directors
     representing  at least 66 2/3% of the  directors  then in  office  who were
     directors at the beginning of the period.

                                      F-21
<PAGE>

16.  Commitments and Contingencies, continued:

     Under the change in control  agreements,  officers  who,  during the period
     commencing on the effective  date of a change of control and ending two (2)
     years  thereafter,  are terminated by the Company for any reason other than
     for cause or who  terminate  their  employment  with the Company  with good
     reason are  entitled to receive a change in control  payment at the time of
     such termination. The change in control payment payable under the change in
     control  agreements may, at the election of the officers,  be either in the
     form of a lump  sum cash  payment  or in the  form of  Common  Stock of the
     Company.

     The amount of the lump sum cash payment is equal to each  officer's  annual
     base salary rate (but excluding all other compensation, such as bonuses and
     fringe  benefits) in effect  immediately  before the effective  date of the
     change in control,  multiplied by three (3). The stock payment  consists of
     shares of Common  Stock of the  Company  in an amount  equal to the  result
     obtained  by dividing  the cash  payment the  officer  would  otherwise  be
     entitled  to  receive  by the  market  value  of the  Common  Stock  on the
     effective date of the change in control.

     The change in control  agreements  continue in effect through  September 1,
     1997.  On each  successive  September 1, the terms of the change in control
     agreements  will be  automatically  extended for one (1)  additional  year,
     unless not later than by  December  31 of the  preceding  year the  Company
     shall have  given  notice to the  officers  that it does not wish to extend
     such change in control agreements.

     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 the  Tennessee  Commissioner  of
     Commerce and Insurance  ("Tennessee"),  appointed by the Chancery Court for
     the State of Tennessee,  Twentieth Judicial  District,  Davidson County, to
     liquidate  Anchorage  Fire and Casualty  Insurance  Company  ("Anchorage"),
     including  Anchorage  deposits  at the  Bank.  Tennessee  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. ("Shortline"), is the holder of a Florida judgment
     against MacGregor General Insurance Company,  Ltd.  ("MacGregor") who seeks
     to recover funds  allegedly  belonging to MacGregor  which were held by the
     Bank.

     Both cases arise out of the Bank's alleged  exercise of control over funds,
     representing  the Bank's  collateral,  held in  accounts  at the Bank under
     agreements  with  Anchorage and  MacGregor.  The Bank asserts that it had a
     right to exercise control over its collateral under contractual  agreements
     between the Bank and the respective insurance companies or the Bank and the
     policy  holders,  and  also in  order  to  protect  the  Bank  against  the
     possibility of inconsistent orders regarding the same funds. Tennessee also
     seeks  to  recover  funds   allegedly   transferred   in  and  out  of  the
     Anchorage/MacGregor  accounts at the Bank during an approximate  four month
     period in 1993.

     When the MacGregor case was initially filed, Shortline sought a restraining
     order  against  the Bank  concerning  the  MacGregor  funds.  When the Bank
     received  notice  of  competing  claims  to some or all of  these  funds by
     Tennessee,  the Bank intervened and interpled  approximately  $600,000 into
     the court's registry.  Shortline now seeks, inter alia, damages against the
     Bank from an alleged  wrongful offset wherein the Bank allegedly  exercised
     control over the MacGregor  funds at the Bank  pursuant to agreements  with
     MacGregor.  The Bank  moved for and  obtained a summary  judgment  that its
     intervention  and  interpleader of funds was proper.  Shortline also sought
     and  obtained  a  summary  judgment  from the  trial  court  that the funds
     interpled  by the Bank into the court's  registry  belonged  to  Shortline.
     Tennessee appealed the summary judgment to the Fort Worth Court of Appeals.
     The Fort Worth Court of Appeals  affirmed the trial court's ruling that the
     Bank's  intervention  and  interpleader  was proper but  reversed the trial
     court's  ruling  that  the  funds  in  the  court  belonged  to  Shortline.
     Currently,  Shortline  and  Tennessee  have made  application  to the Texas
     Supreme Court to allow an appeal of the ruling from the Fort Worth Court of
     Appeals.

                                      F-22
<PAGE>

16.  Commitments and Contingencies, continued:

     In the Anchorage case, Tennessee claims that the Bank allegedly transferred
     funds in and out of the Anchorage accounts after allegedly receiving notice
     of court orders  prohibiting  such transfers.  Discovery in this case is in
     the initial stages and the damages sought by Tennessee are not yet certain.

     The Bank believes both of these cases lack merit and intends to defend them
     vigorously. The outcome of both of these cases is uncertain at this time.


17.  Regulatory Matters:

     The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered
     by  the  federal  banking   agencies.   Failure  to  meet  minimum  capital
     requirements   can   initiate   certain    mandatory-possibly    additional
     discretionary-actions  by  regulators  that,  if  undertaken,  could have a
     direct material effect on the Bank's  financial  statements.  Under capital
     adequacy  guidelines  and the  regulatory  framework for prompt  corrective
     action,  the Bank  must  meet  specific  capital  guidelines  that  involve
     quantitative  measures  of the  Bank's  assets,  liabilities,  and  certain
     off-balance-sheet   items  as  calculated   under   regulatory   accounting
     practices.  The Bank's capital amounts and  classification are also subject
     to  qualitative  judgments by the  regulators  regarding  components,  risk
     weightings, and other factors.

     Quantitative  measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy
     require the Bank to maintain  minimum  amounts and ratios (set forth in the
     table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to
     risk-weighted assets (as defined in the regulations), and of Tier I capital
     (as  defined)  to average  total  consolidated  assets  (as  defined in the
     regulations) also known as the leverage ratio.  Management believes,  as of
     December 31, 1996, that the Bank has met all capital adequacy  requirements
     to which it is subject.

     As of September 30, 1996, the most recent  notification  from the Office of
     the  Comptroller  of  the  Currency  categorized  the  Bank  as  adequately
     capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To
     be categorized  as adequately  capitalized  the Bank must maintain  minimum
     total  risk-based,  Tier I  risk-based,  and Tier I leverage  ratios as set
     forth in the following table.  There are no conditions or events since that
     notification that management believes have changed the Bank's category.

     The Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the table for
     the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Minimum         Well-
                                                                       Capital      Capitalized
                                              December 31,             Ratios         Ratios
                                       --------------------------    ------------------------------
                                           1996           1995
                                           ----           ----
        <S>                           <C>             <C>              <C>            <C>
        Tier I risk-based capital     $12,013,000     $7,964,000
        Tier II risk-based capital      1,285,000        703,000
         Total capital                 13,298,000      8,667,000
        Risk-weighted assets          108,208,000     73,983,000
        Capital ratios:
          Tier I risk-based capital         11.10%         10.76%       4.00%           6.00%
          Tier II risk-based capital        12.29          11.72        8.00           10.00
          Leverage ratio                     7.02           6.88        4.00            5.00


</TABLE>

                                      F-23
<PAGE>


17.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

     Fair values for  investment  securities  are based on quoted market prices,
     where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are
     based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

     For variable-rate  loans that reprice frequently with no significant change
     in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying  values.  The fair values
     of other loans are estimated  using  discounted  cash flow analysis,  which
     utilize interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms
     to borrowers of similar credit quality.

     The fair values of noninterest and interest-bearing demand deposits are, by
     definition,  equal to the amount  payable on demand,  i.e.,  their carrying
     amount.  The fair values of  interest-bearing  time  deposits are estimated
     using a  discounted  cash flow  calculation  that  applies  interest  rates
     currently being offered on certificates of similar maturities.

     The  carrying  amounts  for cash and due from  banks,  federal  funds sold,
     accrued  interest  receivable,  notes payable and accrued  interest payable
     approximate the fair values of such assets and liabilities.

     Fair values for the Company's off-balance sheet instruments,  which consist
     of lending  commitments  and standby  letters of credit,  are based on fees
     currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the
     remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties'  credit standing.
     Management  believes the value of these  off-balance  sheet instruments are
     not materially different from the commitment amount.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           At December 31, 1996           At December 31, 1995
                                           --------------------           --------------------
                                         Carrying         Estimated    Carrying        Estimated
                                          Amount          Fair Value    Amount         Fair Value
                                          ------          ----------    ------         ----------
                                               (in Thousands)               (in Thousands)
<S>                                      <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>
Financial Assets:
 Cash and interest bearing liabilities    $  6,094          $6,094       $5,773           $5,773
 Federal funds sold                         16,772          16,772       18,490           18,490
 Available-for-sale securities              16,221          16,221       10,128           10,128
 Held-to-maturity securities                22,561          22,763       13,781           14,078
 Loans receivable                          101,867         101,298       66,399           66,499
 Accrued interest receivable                 1,083           1,083          781              781

Financial Liabilities:
 Noninterest bearing deposits               23,879          23,879       13,183           13,183
 Interest bearing deposits                 131,811         131,845       96,416           96,444
 Other short-term borrowings                                                375              375
 Accrued interest payable                    1,518           1,518          520              520

 Off-balance sheet instruments               2,550           2,550        3,698            3,698

</TABLE>


                                      F-24
<PAGE>
19.  Parent Company Financial Information:



                          Condensed Parent Company Only
                             Statements of Condition
                        as of December 31, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        December 31,          December 31,
                                                                            1996                  1995
                                                                       -------------          ------------
        <S>                                                            <C>                   <C>
        Assets:
           Cash                                                          $   756,813           $    59,525
           Receivable from subsidiary                                        103,760                67,998
           Investment in subsidiary, at equity                            18,318,004            10,493,698
           Other assets                                                       51,975               107,057
                                                                         -----------           -----------

                 Total assets                                            $19,230,552           $10,728,278
                                                                         ===========           ===========

        Liabilities:
           Note payable                                                            -           $   375,000
           Accrued liabilities                                                     -                58,806
                                                                         -----------           -----------
              Total liabilities                                                    -               433,806
                                                                         -----------           -----------
        Shareholders' equity:
           Common stock                                                  $    57,637           $    35,166
           Additional paid-in capital                                     16,752,003             9,356,469
           Retained earnings                                               2,509,771               811,784
           Treasury stock                                                    (74,539)              (50,830)
           Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities           (14,320)              141,883
                                                                         -----------           -----------
 
              Total shareholders' equity                                  19,230,552            10,294,472
                                                                         -----------           -----------

                 Total liabilities and  shareholders' equity             $19,230,552           $10,728,278
                                                                         ===========           ===========
</TABLE>


                                      F-25
<PAGE>

19.  Parent Company Financial Information, continued:



                          Condensed Parent Company Only
                              Statements of Income
              for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              December 31,
                                                          ----------------------------------------------------
                                                               1996               1995               1994
                                                          ---------------    --------------    ---------------
<S>                                                       <C>                <C>               <C>
Interest income                                                  $40,045            $7,395            $24,685

Interest expense                                                   6,612           122,579             11,075
                                                          ---------------    --------------    ---------------

   Net interest income (expense) before
      provision for credit loss                                   33,433          (115,184)            13,610

Recovery on credit loss                                                                                 3,101
                                                          ---------------    --------------    ---------------

   Net interest income/(expense)                                  33,433          (115,184)            16,711

Noninterest expense                                             (169,610)         (230,252)          (207,473)

Equity in net income of subsidiary                             1,788,489         1,140,603            390,797
                                                          ---------------    --------------    ---------------

      Net income before income taxes                           1,652,312           795,167            200,035

Income tax (benefit) expense:
   Current                                                       (45,675)         (120,612)          (242,493)
   Deferred                                                                         28,893            (30,232)
                                                          ---------------    --------------    ---------------

      Net income                                            $  1,697,987      $    886,886         $  472,760
                                                          ===============    ==============    ===============

</TABLE>


                                      F-26
<PAGE>


19.  Parent Company Financial Information, continued:



                          Condensed Parent Company Only
                            Statements of Cash Flows
              for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             December 31,
                                                             -----------------------------------------
                                                                 1996           1995           1994
                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>            <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                 $ 1,697,987    $   886,886    $   472,760
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to
    Net cash used in operating activities:
    Net increase in receivable from subsidiary                   (35,762)       174,495       (242,493)
    Equity in net income of subsidiary                        (1,810,509)    (1,137,764)      (393,636)
    Net decrease (increase) in deferred tax asset                                30,232        (30,232)
    Net (decrease) increase in other assets                       55,082        (86,057)       (21,000)
    Net (decrease) increase in accrued liabilities               (58,806)        44,892         13,914
                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------

       Net cash used in operating activities                    (209,814)       (87,316)      (200,687)
                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from the maturity of interest                                                       450,000
  Investment of subsidiary                                    (6,170,000)                   (5,000,000)
                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------

       Net cash used in investing activities                  (6,170,000)                   (4,550,000)
                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Sale of common stock                                         7,394,293      1,197,182      2,314,772
  Short-term debt                                                                            1,750,000
  Exercise of stock options                                       23,712         50,831
  Payments on borrowings                                        (375,000)    (1,375,000)
  Purchase of treasury stock                                     (23,709)       (50,830)
                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------

       Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     7,077,102       (177,817)     4,064,772

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents             697,288       (265,133)      (685,915)

Beginning cash and cash equivalents                               59,525        324,658      1,010,573
                                                             -----------    -----------    -----------

Ending cash and cash equivalents                             $   756,813    $    59,525    $   324,658
                                                             ===========    ===========    ===========

</TABLE>

                                      F-27
<PAGE>


                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit
Number                           Exhibit
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


10.13 Executive Deferred  Compensation  Agreement and related Adoption Agreement
      with  Designation  of Beneficiaries  entered into between  Surety  Capital
      Corporation and B. J. Curley, dated January 21, 1997


10.14 Letter Agreement  between  Surety  Capital  Corporation  and B. J.  Curley
      regarding  provision by Surety  Capital Corporation of term life insurance
      coverage, dated January 21, 1997


10.15 Surety  Capital Corporation  Amended and  Restated  Stock  Option Plan for
      Directors, and Form of Stock Option Agreement


21    Subsidiaries of the Registrant


23    Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.


24    Special Power of Attorney


27    Financial Data Schedule






                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.13

                    EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT
                       BETWEEN SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                                AND B. J. CURLEY

     This Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by Surety Capital Corporation,
a Delaware  corporation (the  "Corporation"),  and B. J. Curley ("Curley").  The
Corporation and Curley are collectively referred to as the "Parties."

     In  consideration  of the mutual covenants set forth below, it is agreed as
follows:

     1. PURPOSE.  The purpose of this Agreement is to assist the  Corporation in
attracting and retaining in its employ  executives of outstanding  competence by
providing  such  executives  with  an  economic   incentive  to  continue  their
employment with the Corporation.

     2. DEFINITIONS.  For purposes of this Agreement,  the following terms shall
have the following meanings:

          (a) "Cause" shall mean any act that is materially  adverse to the best
     interests of the Corporation and constitutes, on the part of Curley, common
     law fraud, a felony or other gross malfeasance of duty.

          (b)  "Change in Control"  shall be deemed to have  occurred if (A) any
     "person"  (as  such  term  is used  in  Sections  13(d)  and  14(d)  of the
     Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,  the "Exchange  Act"),  other
     than a trustee or other  fiduciary  holding  securities  under an  employee
     benefit plan of the Corporation,  is or becomes the "beneficial  owner" (as
     defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act),  directly or indirectly,  of
     securities of the Corporation  representing twenty percent (20%) or more of
     the combined  voting power of the  Corporation's  then  outstanding  voting
     securities;  or (B) during any period of two (2)  consecutive  years during
     the term of this Agreement, individuals who at the beginning of such period
     constitute the Board of Directors of the  Corporation  cease for any reason
     to  constitute  at least a majority  thereof,  unless the  election of each
     director  who was not a director at the  beginning  of such period has been
     approved in advance by directors  representing at least two-thirds (2/3rds)
     of the directors  then in office who were directors at the beginning of the
     period.

          (c)  "Disability"  shall  mean the  inability  of Curley to manage the
     Corporation's property, business or financial affairs by reason of illness,
     infirmity, insanity, mental incompetency or otherwise, determined to be (or
     reasonably  expected to be, based upon then available medical  information)
     of not less  than  twelve  (12)  calendar  months'  duration.  The  initial
     determination (or reasonable expectancy) shall be determined by the opinion
     of the  Physician  (defined as a person  licensed  to practice  medicine in
     Texas) regularly  attending Curley. If the Corporation's Board of Directors
     (the  "Corporation's  Board") disagree with the Physician's  opinion, or if
     Curley has not engaged a Physician,  the Corporation's  Board may engage at
     the  Corporation's  expense a  Physician  to  examine  Curley,  and  Curley
     consents to such  examination  and to waive,  if applicable,  any privilege
     between  the  Physician  and  Curley  that may  arise  as a result  of said
     examination.  If Curley has not  engaged a  Physician,  the  opinion of the
     Physician engaged by the Corporation's  Board shall control.  If Curley has
     engaged a Physician,  and if, after conferring,  Curley's Physician and the
     Corporation's  Physician cannot agree on a final opinion, they shall within
     thirty  (30) days  thereafter  choose a third  consulting  Physician  whose
     opinion shall control.  The expense of the third consulting Physician shall
     be borne equally by Curley and the Corporation.

          (d) "Good Reason" shall mean:

               (1) a material reduction of Curley's duties, responsibilities and
          status with the  Corporation  as they existed  immediately  before the
          effective date of a Change in Control;


<PAGE>




               (2) a  reduction  of  Curley's  base  salary  from that in effect
          immediately before the effective date of a Change in Control; or

               (3) Curley's  relocation to offices of the Corporation  more than
          thirty  (30) miles from the  location of the  Corporation's  principal
          offices immediately before the effective date of a Change in Control.

     3.  Amount  of  Deferral.  Subject  to the  limitations  set  forth in this
Agreement,  Curley  shall be entitled to deferred  compensation  payments on his
continuing  employment with the Corporation until he reaches age sixty-five (65)
or at such earlier age as provided for in this  Agreement.  Although the varying
amounts payable to Curley as deferred compensation in the event of a termination
of his  employment  prior to his reaching age  sixty-five  (65) are set forth in
this Agreement, no funds or other property shall be set aside for the payment of
any amounts due to Curley.  Curley's rights are limited to the rights to receive
payments as provided under this Agreement, and his position with respect thereto
is that of a general, unsecured creditor of the Corporation.

          (a)  Deferral  Amount at Age  Sixty-Five.  On  Curley's  reaching  age
     sixty-five  (65) and his  employment  by the  Corporation  not having  been
     terminated as provided for in  subsections  (b) and (c) below prior to such
     date, he shall be entitled to, and the Corporation  agrees to pay, payments
     equaling  Twenty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($25,000.00) per year for
     a period of fifteen  (15) years.  Curley  shall be entitled to the payments
     without regard to whether he continues in the employment of the Corporation
     after age sixty-five (65).

          (b) Deferral  Amount Prior to Age Sixty-Five - Employment  Termination
     Due to Change in Control,  Disability,  by Death, or For Reasons Other than
     for Cause. If Curley's employment by the Corporation is terminated prior to
     his reaching age sixty-five (65):

               (1) for any  reason  other  than for  Cause (as  herein  defined)
          during the period  commencing  with the effective  date of a Change in
          Control and ending two (2) years thereafter,

               (2) by Curley  with Good  Reason (as herein  defined)  during the
          period  commencing  with the effective date of a Change in Control and
          ending two (2) years thereafter,

               (3) as a result of the Disability (as herein defined) of Curley,

               (4) as a result of the death of Curley, or

               (5) for any other reason other than Cause

          he shall be entitled to a single  payment  either in the amount of the
     then cash surrender value of that certain  $300,000  universal key man life
     insurance policy on the life of Curley (Policy Number  A10161400L issued by
     American  General Life Insurance  Company and owned by the Corporation) or,
     in the event such life insurance policy is no longer then in effect, in the
     amount set forth on Exhibit A to this Agreement.

          (c)  Deferral  Amount Prior to Age  Sixty-Five - For Cause  Employment
     Termination.  If Curley's  employment by the  Corporation is terminated for
     Cause prior to his reaching age  sixty-five  (65), he shall not be entitled
     to any amounts  under this  Agreement,  and the  Corporation's  obligations
     under this Agreement shall terminate on the date of termination of Curley's
     employment.


                                       -2-

<PAGE>




     4. Payment Procedures for Deferred Amounts.

          (a) Deferral Payments at Age Sixty-Five.  If the deferred compensation
     payable to Curley is determined  under the  provisions of Section 3(a), the
     first installment of the annual deferred compensation amount of Twenty-Five
     Thousand and No/100 Dollars  ($25,000.00) shall be paid to him on or before
     thirty (30) days  following  his  reaching  age  sixty-five  (65),  and the
     fourteen  successive annual  installments shall be paid to him on or before
     the annual anniversary date of the first installment.

          (b) Deferral Payments Prior to Age Sixty-Five.

               (1) If Curley's employment by the Corporation is terminated under
          the  provisions  of Section  3(b),  the payment  amount as  determined
          pursuant to Section  3(b) shall be paid to Curley  within  ninety (90)
          days after the termination of his  employment,  and such payment shall
          terminate all obligations of the Corporation under this Agreement.

               (2) If Curley's employment by the Corporation is terminated under
          the  provisions  of Section  3(c), no payment shall be owed to Curley,
          and the Corporation's obligations under this Agreement shall terminate
          on the effective date of Curley's termination of employment.

               (c) Party to  Receive  Payment.  All  payments  owed  under  this
          Agreement  shall be made to Curley or, in the event of Curley's death,
          to the  beneficiary  designated by Curley or to Curley's estate in the
          event he does not designate a beneficiary. Curley shall have the right
          to  designate  a  beneficiary  to  receive  any  payments  under  this
          Agreement  which  may  remain  unpaid  at the time of his  death.  The
          designation shall be delivered in writing to the Corporation's  Board.
          The  designation  may be  changed  by  Curley at any time in a similar
          manner without the consent of any prior designated beneficiary.  If no
          designation   of  a   beneficiary   is  delivered  by  Curley  to  the
          Corporation's  Board, any payments remaining unpaid at the time of the
          Curley's  death  shall be paid to his  estate at such time and in such
          manner  as if he  had  remained  living.  If in  the  judgment  of the
          Corporation's  Board Curley or his beneficiary is legally,  physically
          or mentally  incapable of personally  receiving any payments due under
          this  Agreement,  the payment  shall be made to the  guardian or other
          legal  representative  of Curley or his beneficiary,  or to such other
          person or institution who in the opinion of the Corporation's Board is
          then maintaining or has custody of Curley or the beneficiary.  Payment
          shall constitute a full discharge with respect to such benefits.

     5.  Insurance.  To provide a fund with which to pay any amounts  owed under
this  Agreement,  the  Corporation may (but shall not be obligated to) apply for
insurance on Curley's life. The  Corporation  shall be the owner and beneficiary
of any such insurance policy,  and it may discontinue the insurance  coverage at
any time without any obligation to obtain replacement  insurance.  Curley agrees
to  submit  to  such  reasonable  physical   examinations  and  to  provide  any
information  as may be  necessary  in  connection  with  the  purchase  of  such
insurance.  The Corporation  shall collect all proceeds or termination  value of
the  insurance,  if any,  and may (but  shall  not be  obligated  to)  apply the
proceeds  toward the  payment of any  amounts  owed  under this  Agreement.  Any
insurance  policy owned by the Corporation on Curley's life, and the proceeds or
termination  value  of  such  policy,  shall  not  be  encumbered  or  otherwise
restricted by the Corporation's obligations under this Agreement,  except to the
extent such policy or proceeds  are the general  assets of the  Corporation.  If
Curley's  employment by the  Corporation is terminated for any reason other than
his death and the Corporation then owns a life insurance policy on his life, the
Corporation  agrees that, if permitted by the issuing company and not prohibited
by any agreement or limitation to which the Corporation may then subject, Curley
may acquire the life insurance  policy from the  Corporation  for the lesser of:
(1) the then cash surrender value

                                       -3-

<PAGE>



of the policy,  or (2) the total premium  payments made by the Corporation  with
respect to the policy prior to such date (as same is  determined  by the issuing
company).

     6. Restrictions.  No right or benefit under this Agreement shall be subject
to anticipation,  alienation,  sale, assignment,  pledge, encumbrance, or charge
and any such actions  shall be void.  No right or benefit  under this  Agreement
shall  in  any  manner  be  liable  for or  subject  to  the  debts,  contracts,
liabilities,  or torts of the person  entitled to such benefits.  If Curley or a
beneficiary of Curley should become bankrupt or attempt to anticipate, alienate,
sell,  assign,  pledge,  encumber,  or charge any right to a benefit  under this
Agreement,  the right or benefit shall  automatically  terminate as to Curley or
the beneficiary;  but, in such event,  Corporation may hold or apply the same or
any  part  thereof  for the  benefit  of  Curley's  spouse,  children,  or other
dependents  or  any  of  them,  in  such  manner  and  in  such  portion  as the
Corporation's Board may deem proper in its sole discretion.

     7.  Unsecured  Promise.  This  Agreement  shall  create  only an  unfunded,
unsecured promise by the Corporation to pay the benefits provided herein. Curley
does not have,  nor will  Curley  have,  any claim,  by means of a  security  or
collateral interest or otherwise,  to any of the assets of the Corporation,  the
same being owned solely by the Corporation.

     8. Adjustment to Payment Amount. The deferred  compensation  amount payable
to Curley under this  Agreement,  if any, shall be reduced by any amounts Curley
owes the Corporation. These amounts may include, but are not limited to, amounts
owed by Curley for loans, advances, and expense reimbursements.

     9. Continuation of Employment. Neither this Agreement nor Curley's right to
receive  payment of any  benefits  under this  Agreement  shall be  construed as
giving Curley any right to be retained as an employee of the Corporation.

     10.  Invalid  Provision.  In the event any of the  provisions,  or portions
thereof,  of this Agreement are held to be invalid,  illegal or unenforceable by
any court of competent jurisdiction,  the validity,  legality and enforceability
of the  remaining  provisions,  or  portions  thereof,  shall  not be  affected.
Moreover,  so far as is reasonable  and  possible,  effect shall be given to the
intent manifested by the portion held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable.

     11. Construction.

          (a) Form and Gender.  Whenever  required by the context in which it is
     used, the singular  number shall include the plural,  and the plural number
     shall include the  singular.  In like manner,  the  masculine  gender shall
     include the feminine, and the feminine gender shall include the masculine.

          (b) Captions.  The captions or headings in this Agreement are made for
     convenience  and  general  reference  only and  shall not be  construed  to
     describe,  define,  or limit the scope or intent of the  provisions of this
     Agreement.

     12.  Governing  Law.  This  Agreement  has been  executed  in and  shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Texas.  The Parties agree that the terms of
this  Agreement  shall be performed  and all legal  proceedings  involving  this
Agreement shall be conducted in Tarrant County, Texas.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>



     13.  Inurement.  This Agreement  shall extend to and be binding upon Curley
and his heirs,  legatees,  legal  representatives,  and  successors,  and on the
Corporation,  its  successors  or  assigns.  The  rights  of Curley  under  this
Agreement may not be assigned.

     14.  Amendment.  All  amendments or changes to this  Agreement  shall be in
writing.

     15. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts,
each of which shall be an original  Agreement.  All counterparts  together shall
represent but one and the same instrument.  The counterpart executed and held in
the  Corporation's  corporate  minute  book  shall  control  in the event of any
dispute or in cases of difference between the counterparts.

     16. Further Assurances.  Each party to this Agreement agrees to perform any
further acts and to execute and deliver any documents or legal instruments which
may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.  Each
party also agrees not to enter into any  Agreement or contract  with others that
will  tend  to  alter,  amend,  abrogate  or in any  way  adversely  affect  the
provisions of the Agreement.

     17. Entire  Agreement.  This  Agreement  contains the entire  understanding
between the  undersigned  concerning the subject matter of the Agreement.  There
are no other representations,  agreements, arrangements, or understandings, oral
or written, between or among the parties, relating to the subject matter of this
Agreement, which are not fully expressed herein.

     18.  Authorization.  The  Corporation  is  authorized  to enter  into  this
Agreement by virtue of resolutions duly adopted by Corporation's Board.

     19.  Effective  Date.  The effective  date of this Agreement is January 21,
1997.

SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION



By:   /s/ C. Jack Bean                                 /s/ B. J. Curley
- ----------------------                                 ----------------
Name:  C. Jack Bean                                    B. J. Curley
Title: Chairmal of the Board

                                       -5-

<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT A
                                       to
                    EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT
                       BETWEEN SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                                AND B. J. CURLEY


                    Age on Date of                   Section 3(b) Payment
                      Employment                       for Termination
                      Termination                        of Agreement

                           34                            $   1,334.00
                                                          -----------
                           35                            $   2,757.00
                                                          -----------
                           36                            $   4,275.00
                                                          -----------
                           37                            $   5,894.00
                                                          -----------
                           38                            $   7,620.00
                                                          -----------
                           39                            $   9,506.00
                                                          -----------
                           40                            $  12,276.00
                                                          -----------
                           41                            $  15,462.00
                                                          -----------
                           42                            $  18,837.00
                                                          -----------
                           43                            $  22,375.00
                                                          -----------
                           44                            $  26,239.00
                                                          -----------
                           45                            $  30,314.00
                                                          -----------
                           46                            $  34,664.00
                                                          -----------
                           47                            $  39,301.00
                                                          -----------
                           48                            $  44,901.00
                                                          -----------
                           49                            $  50,907.00
                                                          -----------
                           50                            $  57,108.00
                                                          -----------
                           51                            $  63,939.00
                                                          -----------
                           52                            $  70,931.00
                                                          -----------
                           53                            $  78,325.00
                                                          -----------
                           54                            $  85,564.00
                                                          -----------
                           55                            $  93,279.00
                                                          -----------
                           56                            $ 101,496.00
                                                          -----------
                           57                            $ 110,257.00
                                                          -----------
                           58                            $ 119,612.00
                                                          -----------
                           59                            $ 129,628.00
                                                          -----------
                           60                            $ 140,368.00
                                                          -----------
                           61                            $ 151,872.00
                                                          -----------
                           62                            $ 164,260.00
                                                          -----------
                           63                            $ 177,620.00
                                                          -----------
                           64                            $ 192,043.00
                                                          -----------


<PAGE>



                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                       1845 Precinct Line Road, Suite 100
                               Hurst, Texas 76054

                                January 21, 1997


Mr. B. J. Curley
Surety Capital Corporation
1845 Precinct Line Road, Suite 100
Hurst, Texas  76054


                          Re:  Executive Deferred Compensation Agreement Between
                               Surety Capital Corporation and B. J. Curley

Dear Bud:

     A copy of your Executive Deferred Compensation  Agreement (the "Agreement")
with Surety  Capital  Corporation  ("Surety")  is  attached  for your review and
records.  This  Agreement has been approved by the Board of Directors of Surety,
and it contains the entire agreement  between yourself and Surety with regard to
all deferred compensation benefits previously discussed with you.

     If the  Agreement is  acceptable  to you,  please sign the enclosed copy of
this letter and return the signed copy to my attention.  Also,  please complete,
sign, have notarized, and return the enclosed beneficiary designation form. Your
signature  on the  enclosed  letter  and  your  completion  of  the  beneficiary
designation form will complete the paperwork for the Agreement.

     If any questions arise, please do not hesitate to let me know.

                                                         Sincerely,

                                                         /s/ C. Jack Bean

                                                         C. Jack Bean, Chairman

Agreed and Accepted Effective
January 21, 1997



By: /s/ B. J. Curley
    B. J. Curley

Attachments:
         Beneficiary Designation Form
         Executive Deferred Compensation Agreement


<PAGE>



                           DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY

TO:      Surety Capital Corporation
         Board of Directors

FROM:    B. J. Curley


     Pursuant to Section 4(c) of the Executive Deferred  Compensation  Agreement
Between B. J. Curley and Surety Capital Corporation (the "Agreement") permitting
the designation of a beneficiary or beneficiaries by myself for benefits payable
under the  Agreement,  I hereby  designate  the  following  person or persons as
primary and secondary  beneficiaries of any amounts under the Agreement  payable
by reason of my death:

Primary Beneficiary

         Name:____________________________________________

         Address:_________________________________________

                 _________________________________________

         Social Security Number:__________________________

         Relationship:____________________________________

Secondary Beneficiary

         Name:____________________________________________

         Address:_________________________________________

                 _________________________________________

         Social Security Number:__________________________

         Relationship:____________________________________

     I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REVOKE OR CHANGE ANY  BENEFICIARY  DESIGNA-  TION. I
HEREBY  REVOKE  ALL PRIOR  DESIGNATIONS  (IF ANY) OF PRIMARY  BENEFICIARIES  AND
SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES.

     All sums payable under the Agreement by reason of my death shall be paid to
my primary  beneficiary,  if he or she  survives  me. If no primary  beneficiary
survives me, the sums shall be paid to the secondary beneficiary. If none of the
named beneficiaries survive me, any amounts payable under the Agreement shall be
paid in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement.


                                                   ---------------
                                                   B. J. Curley


<PAGE>



STATE OF TEXAS

COUNTY OF TARRANT


     This instrument was acknowledged before me on  _______________,  1997 by B.
J. Curley.


                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Notary Public in and for the State of Texas



                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.14

                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                       1845 Precinct Line Road, Suite 100
                               Hurst, Texas 76054

                                January 21, 1997

Mr. B. J. Curley
Surety Capital Corporation
1845 Precinct Line Road, Suite 100
Hurst, Texas  76054

                                            Re:   Level Term Life Insurance

Dear Bud:

     We  have  previously   discussed  Surety  Capital  Corporation   ("Surety")
providing life insurance  coverage for you during the period you are an employee
of Surety,  and this letter is intended to outline the agreement we have reached
for such coverage.

          1. Insurance Coverage and Premium Payments.

               (a) You have  applied  for and  received  a term  life  insurance
          policy insuring your life in the face amount of $250,000.  This policy
          was issued by First Colony Life Insurance  Company (Policy  #2748840),
          and Surety will be provided with a copy of the  insurance  application
          and  policy.  You  are the  owner  of the  policy  and  Surety  has no
          ownership  interest in the policy or the  proceeds  payable  under the
          policy,  but Surety will pay the policy  premiums until the earlier of
          (1) your reaching age  sixty-five  (65), or (2) a termination  of your
          employment by Surety (subject to the other provisions in this letter).

               (b)  During  the  term of your  employment  by  Surety,  you will
          provide  Surety with a copy of the  periodic  premium  statement,  and
          Surety  will  either  pay same  prior to its due date or,  if you have
          previously  paid the  statement,  Surety  will  reimburse  the premium
          amount  to you  within  thirty  days  after  Surety's  receipt  of the
          statement.  The premium  amount that Surety is  obligated to reimburse
          shall be  limited to the cost of level  term life  insurance  from the
          issuing insurance company for a male who is your age and who qualifies
          for  the  company's  standard  rating  for a  non-smoker  without  any
          restrictive health conditions.

          2. Premium Payments - Employment  Termination Prior to Age Sixty-Five.
     The following  provisions shall apply with regard to Surety's obligation to
     pay the premium  payments in the event of a termination of your  employment
     prior to your reaching age sixty-five (65).

               (a) If your  employment  by  Surety is  terminated  prior to your
          reaching age sixty-five (65):

                    (1) for any reason other than for Cause (as herein  defined)
               during the period  commencing with the effective date of a Change
               in Control and ending two (2) years thereafter,

                    (2) by you with Good Reason (as herein  defined)  during the
               period  commencing with the effective date of a Change in Control
               and ending two (2) years thereafter,

                    (3) as a result of your Disability, or


<PAGE>

Mr. B. J. Curley
January 21, 1997
Page 2


                    (4) for any other reason other than Cause,

                    Surety shall be  obligated to continue the premium  payments
               until the earlier of your  reaching age  sixty-five  (65) or your
               death.

               (b) If your employment by Surety is terminated for Cause prior to
          your  reaching  age  sixty-five  (65),  Surety  shall  have no further
          obligations   to  pay  the  premiums  on  the  policy,   and  Surety's
          obligations  under this Agreement  shall terminate on the date of your
          employment termination.

               (c) For purposes of this letter,  the following  terms shall have
          the following meanings:

                    (1) "Cause" shall mean any act that is materially adverse to
               the best  interests  of Surety  and  constitutes,  on your  part,
               common law fraud, a felony or other gross malfeasance of duty.

                    (2) "Change in Control"  shall be deemed to have occurred if
               (A) any  "person"  (as such  term is used in  Sections  13(d) and
               14(d) of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,  as amended,  the
               "Exchange Act"),  other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding
               securities  under  an  employee  benefit  plan of  Surety,  is or
               becomes  the  "beneficial  owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under
               the Exchange  Act),  directly or  indirectly,  of  securities  of
               Surety  representing twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined
               voting power of Surety's then outstanding voting  securities;  or
               (B)  during any period of two (2)  consecutive  years  during the
               term of this  letter,  individuals  who at the  beginning of such
               period  constitute the Board of Directors of Surety cease for any
               reason to  constitute  at least a  majority  thereof,  unless the
               election of each director who was not a director at the beginning
               of  such  period  has  been  approved  in  advance  by  directors
               representing at least  two-thirds  (2/3rds) of the directors then
               in office who were directors at the beginning of the period.

                    (3)  "Disability"   shall  mean  your  inability  to  manage
               Surety's  property,  business or  financial  affairs by reason of
               illness,  infirmity,  insanity, mental incompetency or otherwise,
               determined to be (or  reasonably  expected to be, based upon then
               available  medical  information)  of not less  than  twelve  (12)
               calendar  months'   duration.   The  initial   determination  (or
               reasonable expectancy) shall be determined by the opinion of your
               regularly  attending  Physician  (defined as a person licensed to
               practice  medicine  in Texas).  If  Surety's  Board of  Directors
               ("Surety's Board") disagree with your Physician's  opinion, or if
               you have not engaged a Physician,  Surety's Board may engage,  at
               its expense,  a Physician to examine you, and you consent to such
               examination and waive, if applicable,  any privilege  between the
               Physician  and  yourself  that  may  arise  as a  result  of said
               examination.  If you have not engaged a Physician, the opinion of
               the Physician  engaged by Surety's  Board shall  control.  If you
               have  engaged  a  Physician,  and  if,  after  conferring,   your
               Physician and Surety's Physician cannot agree on a final opinion,
               they shall  within  thirty  (30) days  thereafter  choose a third
               consulting  Physician whose opinion shall control. The expense of
               the third consulting  Physician shall be borne equally by you and
               Surety.

                    (4) "Good Reason" shall mean:

                         (A)   a   material    reduction    of   your    duties,
                    responsibilities  and  status  with  Surety as they  existed
                    immediately  before  the  effective  date  of  a  Change  in
                    Control;

<PAGE>
  
Mr. B. J. Curley
January 21, 1997
Page 3

                         (B) a reduction of your base salary from that in effect
                    immediately  before  the  effective  date  of  a  Change  in
                    Control; or

                         (C) your  relocation  to  offices  of Surety  more than
                    thirty (30) miles from the  location  of Surety's  principal
                    offices immediately before the effective date of a Change in
                    Control.

     3.  Other  Documents.  Both you and  Surety  agree to enter into such other
documents or agreements  that may be necessary to fulfill the provisions of this
letter.

     If  this  letter   properly   outlines  your   understanding   of  Surety's
obligations,  please  sign  one  copy  of  this  letter  and  return  it to  the
undersigned.

                                                         Sincerely,

                                                         /s/ C. Jack Bean

                                                         C. Jack Bean, Chairman


Agreed and Accepted:


/s/ B. J. Curley                            
- ----------------                            
B. J. Curley
Date: January 21, 1997


                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.15

                           SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                         STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR DIRECTORS


Section 1. Purposes.

     The purposes of this Amended and Restated  Stock Option Plan for  Directors
are to promote the  continued  prosperity  of Surety  Capital  Corporation  (the
"Corporation") by aligning the long-term financial interests of the directors of
the  Corporation  who are not officers or otherwise  employed by the Corporation
with those of the  stockholders  of the  Corporation,  to provide an  additional
incentive for such individuals to remain as directors of the Corporation, and to
provide  a means  through  which  the  Corporation  may  attract  well-qualified
individuals to serve as directors of the Corporation.

Section 2. Definitions.

     A. The following words and phrases,  wherever  capitalized,  shall have the
following meanings respectively, unless the context otherwise requires:

          1.  "Agreement"  means a written  agreement which sets forth the terms
     and  conditions  of an Annual  Option grant under the Plan,  including  any
     amendment to such  written  agreement.  Agreements  shall be subject to the
     express terms and conditions set forth herein.

          2. "Annual Option" shall mean a stock option granted under the Plan on
     a Grant Date  pursuant to Section 5. All Annual  Options  granted under the
     Plan shall be  "nonstatutory  stock  options,"  i.e.,  options which do not
     qualify under Sections 422 or 423 of the Code.

          3. "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

          4.  "Business  Day" means a Monday,  Tuesday,  Wednesday,  Thursday or
     Friday,  unless such date is a legal holiday, in which event "Business Day"
     shall be the next  succeeding day which is not a Saturday,  Sunday or legal
     holiday.

          5.  "Change  in Control  of the  Corporation"  shall be deemed to have
     occurred if (A) any  "person"  (as such term is used in Sections  13(d) and
     14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding
     securities under an employee benefit plan of the Corporation, is or becomes
     the  "beneficial  owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act),
     directly or  indirectly,  of  securities  of the  Corporation  representing
     twenty  percent  (20%)  or  more  of  the  combined  voting  power  of  the
     Corporation's then outstanding securities;  or (B) during any period of two
     (2)  consecutive  years,  individuals  who at the  beginning of such period
     constitute the Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority
     thereof, unless the election of each director who was not a director at the
     beginning  of such  period  has  been  approved  in  advance  by  directors
     representing at least  two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then in office who
     were directors at the beginning of the period;  (C) the stockholders of the
     Corporation  approve a merger or  consolidation of the Corporation with any
     other corporation,  other than a merger or consolidation which would result
     in the voting securities of the Corporation  outstanding  immediately prior
     thereto  continuing  to represent  (either by remaining  outstanding  or by
     being  converted into voting  securities of the surviving  entity) at least
     seventy-five (75%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of
     the Corporation or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such
     merger or consolidation, or (D) the stockholders of the Corporation approve
     a plan of complete  liquidation of the  Corporation or an agreement for the
     sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets.



<PAGE>



          6. "Code" means the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended and in
     effect from time to time.

          7. "Committee" shall mean the Stock Option Committee of the Board.

          8. "Common  Stock" means shares of $0.01 par value common stock of the
     Corporation, subject to adjustment and substitution pursuant to Section 7.

          9.  "Corporation"  means  Surety  Capital   Corporation,   a  Delaware
     corporation.

          10.  "Disabled"  or  "Disability"   means  unable  to  engage  in  any
     substantial  gainful  activity  by  reason  of any  medically  determinable
     physical or mental  impairment  which can be expected to result in death or
     to be of long-continued and indefinite duration. An individual shall not be
     considered to be disabled  unless he furnishes  proof of the existence of a
     disability in such form as the Committee may require.

          11. "Effective Date" means July 16, 1996.

          12.  "Eligible  Person" means a director of the Corporation on a Grant
     Date who is not on such Grant Date either an officer or otherwise  employed
     by the Corporation or any Subsidiary of the Corporation. "Eligible Persons"
     means more than one Eligible Person.

          13.  "Exchange  Act" means the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934,  as
     amended.

          14. "Exercise Price" means, with respect to each share of Common Stock
     subject to an Annual Option, the price at which such share may be purchased
     from the Corporation pursuant to the exercise of such Annual Option.

          15. "Fair Market Value" means the closing price of the Common Stock on
     the American Stock Exchange as reported on the composite  tape, or if it is
     not  listed  on the  American  Stock  Exchange,  the  closing  price on the
     exchange or  established  market  system on which the Common  Stock is then
     listed; if, however, there is no trading of the Common Stock on the date in
     question,  then the closing price of the Common Stock,  as so reported,  on
     the last preceding date on which there was trading shall instead be used to
     determine  Fair  Market  Value;  or if Fair  Market  Value  for any date in
     question  cannot be determined as hereinabove  provided,  Fair Market Value
     shall be  determined  by the  Committee  by  whatever  method  or means the
     members, in the good faith exercise of their discretion, at that time shall
     deem appropriate.

          16.  "Grant  Date"  shall  mean the date on which an Annual  Option is
     granted.  The Grant Date for each Annual Option shall be the first Business
     Day of each  calendar  year  during the term of the Plan,  commencing  with
     calendar year 1997, and shall be July 16, 1996 for calendar year 1996.

          17.   "Legal    Representative"   means   the   "guardian   or   legal
     representative"  of the  grantee  as those  terms are  construed  under the
     Exchange Act who, upon the  Disability  or  incapacity of a grantee,  shall
     have acquired on behalf of the grantee,  by legal  proceeding or otherwise,
     the right to exercise the grantee's  rights and receive his benefits  under
     the Plan.

          18.  "Non-Employee  Director"  means a  director  of the  Corporation,
     provided such individual (1) is not an officer (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f)
     under the Exchange Act) of, or otherwise

                                       -2-

<PAGE>



     employed by, the  Corporation or any Subsidiary of the  Corporation and (2)
     is not directly or indirectly  receiving  compensation from the Corporation
     or any Subsidiary of the  Corporation for services other than as a director
     or  otherwise  has an  interest  or  business  relationship  which  must be
     disclosed pursuant to Regulation S-K.

          19.  "Personal  Representative"  means the executor,  administrator or
     personal  representative  appointed to  administer  the  grantee's  probate
     estate,  or if the  individual  has no probate  estate,  then the successor
     trustee(s) of any revocable living trust the individual  established during
     his lifetime.

          20. "Plan" means the plan set forth herein which shall be known as the
     "Surety Capital  Corporation  Stock Option Plan for Directors," as same may
     from time to time be amended.

          21. "Qualified  Domestic Relations Order" means a "qualified  domestic
     relations order" as defined in the Code.

          22.  "Subsidiary"  means any  corporation  of which a majority  of the
     outstanding voting capital stock is owned,  directly or indirectly,  by the
     Corporation. With respect to non-corporate entities, it means any entity in
     which the  Corporation  owns,  directly  or  indirectly,  a majority of the
     equity and voting interest.

          23.  "Regulation  S-K" means  adopted by the  Securities  and Exchange
     Commission, as amended.

     B. Except  when  otherwise  indicated  by the  context,  any  masculine  or
feminine  terminology  when used in the Plan shall  also  include  the  opposite
gender; and the definition of any term herein in the singular shall also include
the plural, and vice versa.

Section 3. Shares Available Under the Plan.

     A. The  aggregate  number  of shares  which  may be issued  and as to which
grants of Annual  Options may be made under the Plan is 100,000 shares of Common
Stock,  subject to adjustment and substitution as set forth in Section 7. If any
Annual Option granted under the Plan is canceled by mutual consent or terminates
or expires for any reason  without  having been exercised in full, the number of
shares of Common Stock subject  thereto shall again be available for purposes of
the Plan.  The shares of Common  Stock which may be issued under the Plan may be
either authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares or partly each.

Section 4. Administration of the Plan.

     A. The Plan shall be administered  by the Committee,  which shall have full
power and  authority,  subject to the  provisions  of the Plan, to supervise the
administration  of the Plan,  to interpret  the  provisions  of the Plan and any
Annual Options granted under the Plan, and to prescribe such rules,  regulations
and  procedures  in  connection  with the operation of the Plan as it shall deem
necessary and advisable for the  administration  of the Plan consistent with the
purposes of the Plan.  Any decision by the Committee  shall be final and binding
on  all  parties.   No  member  of  the  Committee   shall  be  liable  for  any
determination, decision or action made in good faith with respect to the Plan or
any Annual  Options  granted  under the Plan.  The  Committee  may  delegate the
day-to-day  administration of the Plan to any individual or individuals it deems
appropriate and may retain advisors to advise it.


                                       -3-

<PAGE>



     B. The  Committee  shall  consist  solely  of two (2) or more  Non-Employee
Directors.

     C. A majority of the  Committee  shall  constitute a quorum at any meeting,
and the acts of a majority  of the  members  present  at any  meeting at which a
quorum is  present,  or acts  approved  in  writing  by all the  members  of the
Committee, shall constitute acts of the Committee.

     D. The selection of the Eligible  Persons to whom Annual  Options are to be
granted,  the timing of such grants,  the number of shares subject to any Annual
Option,  the exercise price of any Annual  Option,  the periods during which any
Annual Option may be exercised and the term of any Annual Option shall be as set
forth  in the  Plan,  and the  Committee  shall  have no  discretion  as to such
matters.

     E. The Committee shall have overall  responsibility for keeping records and
providing  necessary  communications  to grantees under the Plan. The records of
the Committee  with respect to the Plan shall be  conclusive  and binding on all
grantees and all persons or entities claiming through or under them.

     F.  The  cost of  settling  Annual  Options  pursuant  to the  Plan and the
expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Corporation.

Section 5. Grant of Annual Options.

     A. Only Eligible  Persons are eligible to receive  Annual Options under the
Plan on a Grant Date.

     B. Each  Eligible  Person on a Grant Date shall  automatically  be granted,
without further action by the Board or the Committee, effective as of such Grant
Date,  an Annual  Option to purchase  2,000 shares of Common  Stock,  subject to
adjustment and substitution as set forth in Section 7.

     C. If the number of shares then remaining available for the grant of Annual
Options under the Plan is not sufficient for each Eligible  Person to be granted
an Annual  Option for 2,000  shares (or the number of  adjusted  or  substituted
shares  pursuant to Section 7), then each  Eligible  Person  shall be granted an
Annual  Option for a number of whole  shares  equal to the number of shares then
remaining available divided by the number of Eligible Persons,  disregarding any
fractions of a share.

Section 6. Terms and Conditions Applicable to Annual Option Grants.

     A. Annual Options  granted under the Plan shall be subject to the following
terms and conditions:

          1. The  Exercise  Price with  respect  to each  share of Common  Stock
     covered by an Annual Option shall be one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair
     Market Value of such share as of the Grant Date.

          2. The term of each  Annual  Option  shall be ten (10)  years,  unless
     terminated earlier pursuant to Section 6.A.5.

          3. Except as otherwise  provided in this Section  6.A.3.,  each Annual
     Option  shall be  exercisable  with  respect to all of the  shares  subject
     thereto from and after the first  anniversary  of the Grant Date. An Annual
     Option, to the extent exercisable, may be exercised in whole or in part.

                                       -4-

<PAGE>



     Notwithstanding  any other  provision  contained  in the Plan,  each Annual
     Option shall become fully  exercisable  upon the occurrence of either:  (a)
     the grantee's death or withdrawal from the Board by reason of Disability or
     (b) a Change in Control of the Corporation.

          4. No Annual  Option shall be  transferable  by the grantee  otherwise
     than by will, or if the grantee dies intestate,  by the laws of descent and
     distribution  of the state of  domicile of the grantee at the time of death
     or pursuant to a Qualified  Domestic  Relations  Order.  All Annual Options
     shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the grantee only by the grantee
     or by the grantee's Legal Representative.

          5. If a grantee  ceases to be a director of the  Corporation,  for any
     reason  whatsoever,  including due to his  retirement,  Disability,  death,
     resignation  or removal from office,  any  outstanding  Annual  Options the
     grantee then holds shall be  exercisable  by the  grantee,  or by his Legal
     Representative or Personal Representative,  as the case may be (but only to
     the extent such grantee is vested therein at the time he ceases to serve as
     a director of the  Corporation)  if exercisable by the grantee  immediately
     prior to ceasing  to be a  director),  at any time prior to the  expiration
     date of such Annual Option or within one (1) year immediately following the
     date the grantee ceases to be a director,  whichever period is shorter.  An
     Annual  Option  held by a grantee  who has ceased to be a  director  of the
     Corporation  shall expire at the end of such exercise  period  specified in
     this Section 6.A.5.

          6. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 6 and the other
     provisions of the Plan,  any Annual Option  granted under the Plan shall be
     subject to such  restrictions  and other terms and  conditions,  if any, as
     shall be determined by the Committee in its  discretion and set forth in an
     Agreement;  except that in no event shall the  Committee  or the Board have
     any  power or  authority  which  would  cause the Plan to fail to be a plan
     described in Rule 16b-3(c)(2)(ii)  under the Exchange Act, or any successor
     rule. Furthermore, transactions under this Plan are intended to comply with
     all  applicable  conditions  of Rule  16b-3  or its  successors  under  the
     Exchange  Act.  To the  extent any  provision  of the Plan or action by the
     Committee  fails to so  comply,  it shall be deemed  null and void,  to the
     extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Committee.

          7. All grants of Annual  Options  shall be  evidenced  by an Agreement
     which shall be executed on behalf of the Corporation by a representative of
     the Committee.

     B. Annual Options granted under the Plan may be exercised by the grantee or
by his Legal Representative or Personal  Representative,  as the case may be, as
follows:

          1. Each Annual  Option may be exercised by delivery of written  notice
     to the Corporation  stating the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
     the exercise, form of payment, and proposed closing date.

          2.   The   grantee,   or  his   Legal   Representative   or   Personal
     Representative,  as the case may be, shall furnish the  Corporation  before
     closing such other  documents or  representations  as the  Corporation  may
     require to assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

          3. The  Exercise  Price for each Annual  Option  shall be paid in full
     upon exercise and shall be payable in cash (including  check, bank draft or
     money  order);  provided,  however,  that in lieu of cash,  the  individual
     exercising  the Annual  Option may pay the Exercise  Price,  in whole or in
     part, by delivering to the Corporation shares of Common Stock having a Fair
     Market  Value on the date of  exercise  of the Annual  Option  equal to the
     Exercise  Price of the  shares  being  purchased;  provided,  however,  any
     portion of the Exercise  Price  representing a fraction of a share shall in
     any event be paid

                                       -5-

<PAGE>



     in cash. Delivery of shares may also be accomplished  through the effective
     transfer to the Corporation of shares held by a broker or other agent.  The
     Corporation  will also cooperate  with any individual  exercising an Annual
     Option who participates in a cashless exercise program of a broker or other
     agent under which all or part of the shares  received  upon exercise of the
     Annual Option are sold through the broker or other agent or under which the
     broker or other agent makes a loan to such individual.  Notwithstanding the
     foregoing,  the exercise of the Annual  Option shall not be deemed to occur
     and no shares  of Common  Stock  will be  issued  by the  Corporation  upon
     exercise of the Annual Option until the Corporation has received payment of
     the Exercise Price in full.

          4. The date of exercise of an Annual Option shall be determined  under
     procedures established by the Committee, and as of the date of exercise the
     individual  exercising  the  Annual  Option  shall  be  considered  for all
     purposes  to be the owner of the  shares  with  respect to which the Annual
     Option has been exercised.

          5.  Payment of the  Exercise  Price with shares shall not increase the
     number  of shares of  Common  Stock  which may be issued  under the Plan as
     provided in Section 3.

     C. The obligation of the  Corporation to issue shares of Common Stock under
the Plan shall be subject to (i) the  effectiveness of a registration  statement
under the  Securities Act of 1933, as amended,  with respect to such shares,  if
deemed  necessary  or  appropriate  by  counsel  for the  Corporation;  (ii) the
condition that any shares to be issued shall have been listed (or authorized for
listing upon official notice of issuance) upon each stock  exchange,  if any, on
which the Common Stock may then be listed;  and (iii) all other applicable laws,
regulations, rules and orders which may then be in effect.

Section 7. Adjustment and Substitution of Shares.

     A. In the event any change  occurs in the number of shares of Common  Stock
outstanding as a result of any stock split,  stock  dividend,  recapitalization,
merger,  consolidation,  reorganization,  combination  or  exchange  of  shares,
split-up,   split-off,   spin-off,   liquidation  or  other  similar  change  in
capitalization,  or any  distribution to holders of Common Stock other than cash
dividends,  the  number  or kind of  shares  that may be  issued  under the Plan
pursuant to Section 3,  including  shares  covered by existing  Annual  Options,
shall be automatically  adjusted to preserve the proportionate  interests of the
grantees in the Corporation as represented by their outstanding  Annual Options,
and the  proportionality  of the share  pool under the Plan in  relation  to the
total number of shares outstanding.

     B. If the  outstanding  shares of the Common Stock shall be changed into or
become  exchangeable  for a different number or kind of shares of stock or other
securities  of  the   Corporation  or  another   corporation,   whether  through
reorganization, reclassification,  recapitalization, stock split-up, combination
of shares,  merger or  consolidation,  then there shall be substituted  for each
share of the Common Stock set forth in Section 3,  including  shares  covered by
existing  Annual  Options,  the  number  and  kind of  shares  of stock or other
securities into which each outstanding share of Common Stock shall be so changed
or for which each such share shall become exchangeable.

     C. In case of any  adjustment  or  substitution  as provided for in Section
7.A. or 7.B.,  the aggregate  Exercise Price for all shares subject to each then
outstanding  Annual Option prior to such adjustment or substitution shall be the
aggregate Exercise Price for all shares of stock or other securities  (including
any  fraction)  into which such shares shall have been  converted or which shall
have been substituted for such shares. Any new Exercise Price per share shall be
carried to at least three  decimal  places with the last decimal  place  rounded
upwards to the nearest whole number.


                                      -6-

<PAGE>



     D. If the  outstanding  shares of Common Stock shall be changed in value by
reason  of  any  spin-off,   split-off  or  split-up,  or  dividend  in  partial
liquidation,  dividend in property other than cash or extraordinary distribution
to holders of Common Stock, the Committee shall make any adjustments to any then
outstanding  Annual Option which it determines are equitably required to prevent
dilution or enlargement of the rights of grantees which would  otherwise  result
from any such transaction.

     E. No  adjustment  or  substitution  provided  for in this  Section 7 shall
require  the  Corporation  to  issue  or sell a  fraction  of a share  or  other
security.  Accordingly,  all fractional  shares or other securities which result
from any such  adjustment or  substitution  shall be eliminated  and not carried
forward to any subsequent adjustment or substitution.

     F. Except as provided in this Section 7, a grantee  shall have no rights by
reason  of  issuance  by the  Corporation  of stock of any  class or  securities
convertible  into stock of any class, any subdivision or consolidation of shares
of stock of any class,  the payment of any stock  dividend or any other increase
or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class.

Section 8. Amendment and Termination.

     A. The  right to amend  the Plan at any time and from  time to time and the
right to terminate the Plan at any time are hereby specifically  reserved to the
Board;  provided,  however,  that  no  such  termination  shall  result  in  the
cancellation of any  outstanding  Annual Options  theretofore  granted under the
Plan;  and  provided  further  that no  amendment of the Plan shall cause Annual
Options  granted under the Plan to directors of the  Corporation  not to qualify
for the exemption provided by Rule 16b-3, or any successor rule. No amendment or
termination of the Plan shall,  without the written  consent of the holder of an
Annual Option theretofore granted under the Plan, adversely affect the rights of
such holder with respect thereto.

     B. Notwithstanding  anything contained in the preceding paragraph or in any
other provision of the Plan or in any Agreement,  the Board shall have the power
to amend the Plan in any manner  deemed  necessary  or  advisable so that Annual
Options granted under the Plan qualify for the exemption  provided by Rule 16b-3
(or any successor  rule relating to exemption from Section 16(b) of the Exchange
Act), and any such amendment  shall, to the extent deemed necessary or advisable
by the Board,  be  applicable  to any  outstanding  Annual  Options  theretofore
granted under the Plan notwithstanding any contrary provisions in any Agreement.
In the event of any such  amendment to the Plan, the holder of any Annual Option
outstanding  under  the Plan  shall,  upon  request  of the  Committee  and as a
condition  to the  exercisability  of such Annual  Option,  execute a conforming
amendment in the form  prescribed by the Committee to the Agreement  referred to
in Section 6.A.7.  within such reasonable time as the Committee shall specify in
such request.

Section 9. Effective Date and Duration of Plan.

     A. The Plan shall become effective on the Effective Date and shall continue
until all Annual  Options  granted  under the Plan have been  exercised  or have
lapsed or otherwise been terminated pursuant to the Plan.

     B. Expiration or other termination of the Plan shall not affect outstanding
Annual Options.


                                       -7-

<PAGE>



Section 10. Miscellaneous.

     A. Nothing in the Plan, in any Annual Option  granted under the Plan, or in
any Agreement  shall confer any right to any person to continue as a director of
the Corporation,  or interfere in any way with the rights of the stockholders of
the Corporation to elect and remove directors.

     B. The Corporation shall have the right, in connection with the exercise of
an Annual  Option,  to require the grantee to pay to the  Corporation  an amount
sufficient to provide for any withholding tax liability  imposed with respect to
such exercise.

     C. To the  extent  that  federal  laws  (such as the  Code and the  federal
securities  laws) do not  otherwise  control,  the Plan  shall be  governed  and
construed in all respects in accordance with Texas law.

                                       -8-

<PAGE>



                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


     This STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT  ("Agreement") is made this ___ day of January,
199___  between  Surety  Capital   Corporation,   a  Delaware  corporation  (the
"Corporation"), and _______________ (the "Director").

     WHEREAS, on July 16, 1996 the Board of Directors of the Corporation adopted
the Stock Option Plan For Directors of the Corporation,  as amended and restated
in its entirety by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on January 21, 1997
(the "Plan"); and

     WHEREAS,  the Plan provides for the automatic annual grant of non-statutory
stock options to the directors of the  Corporation  who are not employees of the
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; and

     WHEREAS, the Director is eligible to participate under the Plan; and

     WHEREAS,  on January ___,  199___,  an annual Grant Date (as defined in the
Plan) under the Plan,  the  Director  was  granted an annual  option to purchase
2,000 shares of common stock,  $0.01 par value, of the Corporation  (the "Common
Stock"), subject to the restrictions set forth in the Plan; and

     WHEREAS,  the  Corporation  and the  Director  desire  to  memorialize  the
granting of such annual  stock  option,  and the terms and  conditions  relating
thereto;

     NOW,  THEREFORE,  in consideration of the mutual covenants  hereinafter set
forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

     1.  Grant of  Option.  The  Corporation  hereby  irrevocably  grants to the
Director  the option (the  "Annual  Option")  to purchase  all or any part of an
aggregate  of 2,000  shares  of Common  Stock  (such  number  being  subject  to
adjustment  as  provided  in Section 7 of the Plan) on the terms and  conditions
herein set forth and subject  further to all of the terms and  provisions of the
Plan which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

     2. Exercise  Price.  The exercise  price of the Common Stock covered by the
Annual Option shall be $_________ per share, which is one hundred percent (100%)
of the Fair  Market  Value (as that term is defined in the Plan) of such  Common
Stock on the date of grant thereof.

     3. Term of Annual  Option.  The term of the  Annual  Option  shall be for a
period of ten (10) years from the date hereof, subject to earlier termination as
herein  provided.  If  the  Director  ceases  to  serve  as a  director  of  the
Corporation,  for  any  reason  whatsoever,  including  due to  his  retirement,
Disability (as that term is defined in the Plan), death,  resignation or removal
from  office,  the Annual  Option  granted  hereunder  may be  exercised  by the
Director  at any time  prior to the  expiration  date of such  Annual  Option or
within one (1) year  immediately  following the date the Director ceases to be a
director of the Corporation, whichever period is shorter. The Annual Option held
by the Director in the event he ceases to be a director of the Corporation shall
expire  at the end of the  exercise  period  specified  herein.  Subject  to the
foregoing  limitations,  each Annual  Option may be  exercised at one time or on
several successive occasions.

     4.  Vesting.  The Annual Option is  exercisable  with respect to all of the
shares of Common Stock subject  thereto from and after the first  anniversary of
the date hereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  the Annual Option shall become
fully exercisable upon the occurrence of either (a) the


<PAGE>



Director's death or withdrawal from the Board of Directors of the Corporation by
reason of Disability or (b) a Change in Control of the Corporation (as that term
is defined in the Plan).

     5. Payment of Exercise Price. The exercise price of the shares Common Stock
as to which the Annual Option may be exercised shall be paid in full in cash, or
by the delivery of previously  owned shares of Common Stock of the  Corporation,
at the time of  exercise  and as  provided  by the Plan.  The Plan also  permits
"cashless  exercises" of the Annual  Option,  which  involves a program  through
which the shares of Common Stock underlying the Annual Option are delivered to a
broker as collateral  for a margin loan which is used to pay the exercise  price
or,  alternatively,  the broker may sell a portion of the shares of Common Stock
underlying the Annual Option  received and use the proceeds from the sale to pay
the exercise price of the Annual Option.

     6. Further  Restrictions.  The Annual Option may not be exercised unless at
the date of exercise a  registration  statement on Form S-8 under the Securities
Act of 1933,  as amended  (the  "Act"),  relating  to the shares  covered by the
Annual  Option  shall be in effect,  or if, in the  opinion  of counsel  for the
Corporation,  the  exercise  and  issuance of Common  Stock would be exempt from
registration  requirements  under the Act and under applicable  securities laws.
The  Corporation  is under no obligation  to register the shares  covered by the
Annual Option under the Act.

     7.  Nontransferability.  The Annual Option shall not be transferable by the
Director otherwise than by will, or if the Director dies intestate,  by the laws
of descent and distribution of the state of domicile of the Director at the time
of death or pursuant to a Qualified  Domestic Relations Order (as defined in the
Plan).  All Annual  Options  shall be  exercisable  during the  lifetime  of the
Director  only by the Director or by the  Director's  Legal  Representative  (as
defined in the Plan).

     8. Method of Exercising Annual Option.  This Annual Option may be exercised
by written notice to the  Corporation on the form as attached to this Agreement,
as same may be changed  from time to time by the  Committee,  and subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in Section 6 of the Plan.

     9. Other Matters.  The Director  acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan
and  represents  that the  Director  is familiar  with the terms and  provisions
thereof.  The Director  hereby  accepts this Annual Option subject to all of the
terms  and  provisions  of the Plan.  The  Director  hereby  agrees to accept as
binding,  conclusive and final all decisions and interpretations of the Board of
Directors of the Corporation and, where applicable,  the Committee (as that term
is defined  in the  Plan),  upon any  questions  arising  under the Plan or this
Agreement.  As a  condition  to the  issuance  of shares of Common  Stock of the
Corporation  under this  Agreement,  the Director  authorizes the Corporation to
withhold in accordance  with  applicable law from any regular cash  compensation
payable  to him any taxes  required  to be  withheld  by the  Corporation  under
federal, state or local law as a result of his exercise of this Annual Option.

     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  Corporation has caused this Agreement to be duly
executed  by its  officers  thereunto  duly  authorized,  and the  Director  has
hereunto set his hand, all on the date and year first above written.

CORPORATION:                                  SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION


                                              By:_______________________
                                                 C. Jack Bean, Chairman


                                       -2-

<PAGE>





DIRECTOR:
                                          -------------------------


                                          -------------------------
                              
                                          -------------------------
                                             (Address)


                                       -3-

<PAGE>


                                  EXERCISE FORM


         (To be completed and delivered to the Corporation for exercise)

     The undersigned hereby: (1) irrevocably subscribes for ______ shares of the
Common Stock  pursuant to his Stock  Option  Agreement  dated  ________________,
19___,  and  encloses  payment of  $__________  therefor;  (2)  requests  that a
certificate  for  the  shares  be  issued  in the  name of the  undersigned  and
delivered to the  undersigned  at the address  below;  and (3) if such number of
shares is not all of the shares  purchasable  under the Stock Option  Agreement,
that a new Stock Option Agreement of like tenor for the balance of the remaining
shares be issued in the name of the undersigned and delivered to the undersigned
at the address below.


Date:____________________                              ________________________


                                                       ________________________

                                                       ________________________
                                                              (Address)




                                                                    EXHIBIT 21

                   SUBSIDIARIES OF SURETY CAPITAL CORPORATION


                                                         Jurisdiction
           Subsidiary                                   of Organization
           ----------                                   ---------------

     Surety Bank, National                              National Banking
          Association                                      Association





                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the registration  statements of
Surety Capital  Corporation on Form S-8 (File No. 33-35415),  Form S-8 (File No.
33-63695), Form S-8 (File No. 333-20615),  Form S-3 (File No. 33-89264) and Form
S-3 (File No.  33-44893) of our report dated  January 21, 1997, on our audits of
the  consolidated  financial  statements  of Surety  Capital  Corporation  as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for the years ended December 31, 1996,  1995 and
1994,  which  report is included in the Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended  December 31, 1996. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the
caption "Experts."


/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Fort Worth, Texas
March 28, 1997


                                                                     EXHIBIT 24

                            SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY


     The undersigned hereby appoint C. Jack Bean and Bobby W. Hackler,  and each
of them severally, as attorneys and agents for the undersigned,  with full power
of substitution,  for and in the name,  place and stead of the  undersigned,  to
sign and file with the Securities  and Exchange  Commission the Annual Report on
Form 10-K of Surety  Capital  Corporation  (the "Form 10-K") for the fiscal year
ended  December 31, 1996,  with said attorneys and agents to have full power and
authority  to do and  perform  in the name of and on behalf of the  undersigned,
every act whatsoever  necessary or advisable to be done in the premises as fully
and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned  might or could do in person,
such power to extend to the execution of any amendment to the Form 10-K.

     Executed this 21st day of January, 1997.



                                              /s/ C. Jack Bean
                                              ----------------
                                              C. Jack Bean


                                              /s/ William B. Byrd
                                              -------------------
                                              William B. Byrd


                                              /s/ Bobby W. Hackler
                                              --------------------
                                              Bobby W. Hackler


                                              /s/ Joseph S. Hardin
                                              --------------------
                                              Joseph S. Hardin


                                              /s/ G. M. Heinzelmann, III
                                              --------------------------
                                              G. M. Heinzelmann, III


                                              /s/ Michael L. Milam
                                              --------------------
                                              Michael L. Milam


                                              /s/ Garrett Morris
                                              ------------------
                                              Garrett Morris


                                              /s/ Cullen W. Turner
                                              --------------------
                                              Cullen W. Turner



<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                                            9
<LEGEND>
     (Replace this text with the legend)
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                                 JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                   DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           6,094,457
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                             285,842
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                16,772,000
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                         0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                     16,221,273
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                          22,561,270
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                            22,763,252
<LOANS>                                        105,696,491
<ALLOWANCE>                                     (2,544,803)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 176,439,310
<DEPOSITS>                                     155,690,341
<SHORT-TERM>                                             0
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                              1,518,417
<LONG-TERM>                                              0
                                    0
                                              0
<COMMON>                                            57,637
<OTHER-SE>                                      19,172,915
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                 176,439,310
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                 10,779,721
<INTEREST-INVEST>                                3,610,641
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                         0
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                14,390,362
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                               5,855,077
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,361,689
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                            9,028,673
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                      135,000
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                       0
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                  8,135,012
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  2,636,115
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                       2,636,115
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                          0
<CHANGES>                                                0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,697,987
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                         0.32
<EPS-DILUTED>                                         0.32
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                        6.20
<LOANS-NON>                                        144,000
<LOANS-PAST>                                       112,000
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                         0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                          0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                   702,927
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                      229,418
<RECOVERIES>                                        61,565
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                1,284,774
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                             1,284,774
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                                  0
        


</TABLE>


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