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If Texas were an independent country, its economy would rank as the world's eighth-largest. "France is the seventh largest economy in the world and I don't think it'll take as much time at all to catch them," laughs Texas Bankers Association Chairman Ron Butler. On the latest episode of the ABA Banking Journal Podcast, Butler — who is also vice chairman and chief administrative officer of $14 billion-asset, Abilene-based First Financial Bank — talks about:

What makes the Lone Star State a compelling economic story and an attractive market for investment (and out-of-state bank acquisitions).
First Financial's approach to balancing organic growth and M&A.
The urgency of accelerating de novo bank activity.
How he and Texas bankers are approaching questions of deposit insurance reform.
How Texas bankers have been engaging the global economy.