Whitley Penn Named Tier 3 Recipient of IBAT Five*Star Award for 2026
Austin, TX (June 16, 2026)
Whitley Penn has been named a Tier 3 recipient of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) Five*Star Award for 2026. This marks another year of recognition for the firm’s ongoing commitment to serving and supporting community banks across Texas.
Since 2002, IBAT has honored its associate members with the Five*Star Award, recognizing companies that consistently deliver excellent service and innovative solutions that help community banks grow, enhance profitability, and improve efficiency. To qualify, associate members must earn engagement points through active involvement in IBAT events over the prior year. Award recipients are selected based on community banker votes and company size, with three winners recognized annually across tiers.
Whitley Penn joins IntraFi (Tier 1) and Ncontracts (Tier 2) as this year’s award recipients. The firms will be honored during IBAT’s Connecting Leaders Conference, taking place June 25–27, 2026, at the Kalahari Resort & Spa in Round Rock, Texas.
“We believe this award reflects our team’s continued involvement, passion, and commitment to the community banking industry,” said Brett Murphy, Whitley Penn Partner-in-Charge of the Financial Institutions Industry and IBAT Leadership Division Board Member. “We recognize the vital role community banks play in supporting local economies and the vital role that IBAT plays for community banks, and we are proud to partner with our clients and IBAT to help drive their success and strengthen the communities they serve.”
Whitley Penn serves more than 80 community banks across Texas, providing audit, tax, and advisory services tailored to the evolving needs of financial institutions.
About Independent Bankers Association of Texas
Formed in 1974, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) represents Texas community banks. The Austin-based group is the largest state community banking organization in the nation with membership comprised of over 2,500 banks and branches in more than 700 Texas communities. Providing safe and responsible financial services to all Texans, IBAT member bank assets range in size from $28 million to $51 billion with combined assets statewide of $296 billion. IBAT member banks are committed to supporting and investing in their local communities. https://ibat.org/
About Whitley Penn, LLP
For more than 40 years, Whitley Penn tax, audit, and advisory professionals have been dedicated to the success of our clients. Our mission is to provide transformative solutions that deliver valuable results and develop strong relationships. With an established presence in the Southwest and as an independent member of HLB International, we are strategically positioned to help you grow both locally and globally. At Whitley Penn, your future is our focus. www.whitleypenn.com.
