RECENT NEWS
		IBAT felt compelled to file an Amicus Brief in the case of Citizens Bank of Texas v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., now before the Texas Supreme Court.  This case is about a large monetary loss that a community bank suffered as a result of using Wells Fargo as its correspondent bank clearing agent for checks.  The community bank and Wells Fargo shared a large customer, for whom Wells had set up a zero-balance sweep account at a remote Wells Fargo Bank in Ohio.  Wells was able to use its position as correspondent bank to shift the loss in the resulting large kiting scheme to the community bank.  This is an outrage!  IBAT's legal arguments are more fully set forth in the brief [click HERE for a copy of the brief].      In addition to this particular case, IBAT receives calls from members involving check kites or other losses that involve mega-banks, where the loss has been caused by the mega-bank's failure to follow the rules.  Often, the mega-bank will stonewall, knowing that the cost of litigation outweighs the benefit of any recovery.  We are hopeful that the Texas Supreme Court will accept this case and clarify the roles and rules in the check clearing process.
LEGAL EASE QUESTION OF THE WEEK
		Question:  We suspect that one of our tellers may be involved in a kite.  We aren't sure which of several it is, however.  Can we require them all to take a polygraph?      To find out the answer, click on the flashing question mark.  And you can also check out our searchable database of other frequently asked questions.
IBAT'S POST-ICBA CONVENTION PROGRAM
		If you plan to attend the ICBA Convention in Honolulu next spring, you won't want to miss our post-convention program in Maui.  Mike Woody will present a special workshop entitled "Maximization of Your Investment."  The program is scheduled March 8-11 at the luxurious Fairmont Kea Lani.  Registration deadline is December 1, and we only have a few rooms left!      Download the Flyer
SOLUTIONS FROM SERVICES
		EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it!!      Discover® Debit Wins Independent Bankers Association of Texas Endorsement      The IBAT Board of Directors has voted unanimously to endorse Discover® Debit, a new signature debit program developed jointly by PULSE EFT Association LP and Discover®.  Click HERE for more information.
BAKER WEEKLY
		This week was relatively low-key in terms of economic releases, but volatility rose as the mid-term elections brought on tensions ranging from possible tax increases to political gridlock...Read more in this week's Baker Weekly. Although this information has been obtained from sources, which we believe to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This is for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security.
ON THE EDUCATION FRONT
		Thank you to everyone who attended the FDIC banker outreach programs in San Antonio and Richardson.  We had a great turnout!   Financial Literacy Summit December 5-6, 2006 - Federal Reserve Bank, Houston More information...      If you've been curious about what your bank can do in 2007  to be a proactive financial literacy resource in your area...make plans to attend the Financial Literacy Summit at the Houston Federal Reserve Bank   Winter Summit VII January 28-30, 2007 - South Lake Tahoe, NV More information...      At the recent IBAT Annual Convention, a number of you asked about the registration information for the upcoming IBAT Winter Summit VII.  While we are in process of sending brochures to the member banks, those of you who can't wait will be able to download the information here.  This very popular program is a classic example of the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" rule.  We will again be joined by the senior regulatory officials from all of the banking regulatory agencies, hear from two of Texas' most respected banking attorneys, have ample opportunities to network and "play", and do all of this in one of the most beautiful places in the country - Lake Tahoe.  We look forward to seeing many old and new friends in January.
COMING SOON
		For a complete listing of upcoming events, click here. Meanwhile, please mark your calendar for some of our key events for 2006 and 2007.     Financial Literacy Summit December 5-6, 2006 - Houston   IBAT Winter Summit VII January 28-30, 2007 - South Lake Tahoe, NV   IBAT Legislative Luncheon February 14, 2007 - Austin   Post-ICBA Convention Program March 8-11, 2007 - Maui, HI IBAT Leadership Conference June 14-16, 2007 - Hyatt Lost Pines Resort IBAT 33rd Annual Convention September 30 - October 2, 2007 - Fort Worth