ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION
NON-QUALIFIED OPTION AGREEMENT
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-10.37
<SEQUENCE>11
<FILENAME>0011.txt
<DESCRIPTION>NON-QUALIFIED OPTION AGREEMENT
<TEXT>

<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 10.37
                                                                   -------------


                        ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION
                         1999 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
                         -----------------------------

                      Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement


Date of Grant: January 1, 2000

     This Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered
into as of December 31, 1999, between RICHARD MURRAY, IV ("Optionee") and
Alabama National BanCorporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company").

                                   Recitals
                                   --------

     Whereas, the Company has previously adopted the 1999 Long Term Incentive
Plan ("Plan");

     Whereas, the Committee (as defined in the Plan) desires to grant a non-
qualified stock option to Optionee pursuant to the Plan; and

     Whereas, Optionee desires to accept such option.

                                   Agreement
                                   ---------

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing facts and the mutual
promises set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

     1.   Grant of Option. Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set
          ---------------
forth, the Company, with the approval and at the direction of the Committee,
hereby grants to the Optionee, as of the date first written above (the "Date of
Grant"), an option to purchase up to Fifteen Thousand (15,000) shares of Stock
(the "Granted Shares") at a price of $18.875 per share, the Fair Market Value of
the Stock on the Date of Grant.  Such option is hereinafter referred to as the
"Option," and the shares of Stock purchased upon exercise of the Option are
hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Option Shares."  The Option is not
                                                                         ---
intended by the parties to be, and shall not be treated as, an incentive stock
                                         ---
option (as such term is defined under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended).

     2.   Vesting of Option. Subject to such further limitations as are provided
          -----------------
herein, the Option shall become exercisable during the term of Optionee's
employment in three (3) equal annual installments of one-third (1/3) of the
Granted Shares, the first installment to be exercisable on the January 1, 2003,
with an additional one-third of such Granted Shares becoming exercisable on each
of January 1, 2004 and January 1, 2005. The installments shall be cumulative
(i.e. this Option may be exercised, as to any or all Granted Shares covered by
an installment, at any time or times after an installment becomes exercisable
and until expiration of the Option Term (as hereinafter defined) or other
termination of this Option).

     3.   Option Term. The Option shall not be exercisable more than ten (10)
          -----------
years after the Date of Grant (the "Option Term").

     4.   Method of Exercise. Subject to Section 2 above and the other terms and
          ------------------
conditions of this Agreement, the Option may be exercised in whole or in part by
giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying the number of Option
Shares to be purchased, accompanied by payment in full of the purchase price, in
cash, by check or such other instrument as may be acceptable to the Committee.
As determined by the Committee, in its sole
<PAGE>

discretion, payment in full or in part may also be made in the form of (a)
unrestricted Stock owned by the Optionee or (b) Restricted Stock owned by the
Optionee awarded under the Plan, based, in either case, on the Fair Market Value
of such Stock on the date the Option is exercised, as determined by the
Committee. If payment of the Option exercise price is made in whole or in part
with shares of Restricted Stock, the Option Shares received upon the exercise of
such Option shall be restricted or deferred, as the case may be, in accordance
with the original term of the Restricted Stock award in question, except that
the Committee may direct that such restrictions or deferral provisions shall
apply only to the number of such Option Shares equal to the number of shares of
Restricted Stock surrendered upon the exercise of such Option. No Option Shares
shall be issued until full payment therefor has been made. Optionee shall have
the rights to dividends or other rights of a stockholder with respect to Option
Shares subject to the Option when Optionee has given written notice of exercise
and has paid in full for such Option Shares.

     5.   Transferability of Options. The Option shall not be transferable by
          --------------------------
Optionee other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall
be exercisable, during Optionee's lifetime, only by Optionee; provided, however,
that the Option shall be transferable to members of Optionee's immediate family
(which shall include Optionee's spouse, children and grandchildren, whether
natural or adopted) and to trusts for the benefit of such family members and
partnerships or limited liability companies in which such family members are the
only partners or members.  For purposes of Sections 6, 7 and 8 of this
Agreement, a transferred Option may be exercised by the transferee only to the
extent that Optionee would have been entitled had the Option not been
transferred.

     6.   Termination of Employment by Reason of Death. If Optionee's employment
          --------------------------------------------
with the Company and/or any Subsidiary terminates by reason of death, then the
Option shall immediately become exercisable in full (notwithstanding Section 2
above), and the Option may thereafter be exercised, in whole or in part, by the
legal representative of the estate or by the legatee of Optionee under the will
of Optionee, for a period of three (3) years from the date of death or until the
expiration of the Option Term, whichever period is the shorter.

     7.   Termination of Employment by Reason of Disability. If Optionee's
          -------------------------------------------------
employment with the Company and/or any Subsidiary terminates by reason of
Disability, then the Option shall immediately become exercisable in full
(notwithstanding Section 2 above), and the Option may thereafter be exercised,
in whole or in part, for a period of three (3) years from the date of such
termination of employment or until the expiration of the Option Term, whichever
period is the shorter; and if Optionee dies within such period, any unexercised
Option held by Optionee shall thereafter be exercisable, in whole or in part,
for the remainder of such period.

     8.   Termination of Employment by Reason of Retirement. If Optionee's
          -------------------------------------------------
employment with the Company and/or any Subsidiary terminates by reason of
Retirement (with Committee consent) under a formal plan or policy of the
Company, then the Option may thereafter be exercised for a period of three (3)
years from the date of such termination of employment or until the expiration of
the Option Term, whichever period is the shorter, to the extent, but only to the
extent, that Optionee could have exercised the Option as of the date of
Retirement; and if Optionee dies within such period, any unexercised Option that
was exercisable at the time of death shall thereafter be exercisable for the
remainder of such period.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the
Committee may, in connection with such Retirement, make such adjustments in the
terms and conditions of the Option as the Committee in its sole discretion
determines are equitably warranted under the circumstances, including, without
limitation, acceleration of exercise terms.

     9.   Other Termination of Employment. If Optionee's employment with the
          -------------------------------
Company and/or any Subsidiary terminates for any reason, whether voluntarily or
involuntarily, other than (a) death, (b) Disability or (c) Retirement, the
Option may thereafter be exercised, in whole or in part, for a period of three
(3) months following such termination of employment or until the expiration of
the Option Term, whichever period is the shorter, to the extent, but only to the
extent, that the Option was exercisable as of the date of termination of
employment and had not previously been exercised.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

     10.  Change in Control.
          -----------------

          (a)   In the case of a merger or consolidation in which the Company is
not the surviving corporation, or a sale or other transfer of all or
substantially all of the business or property of the Company (including, but not
limited to, the sale or other transfer of one or more of the Company's principal
Subsidiary banks if such sale or transfer could constitute a substantial
majority of the Company's business or assets), or liquidation or dissolution of
the Company, or in the event of a tender offer or any other change involving a
threatened change in control of the Company which, in the opinion of the
Committee, could deprive Optionee of the benefits intended to be conferred by
the award granted hereunder, the Committee may, in anticipation of any such
transaction event,  make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of the
Option as the Committee in its sole discretion determines are equitably
warranted under the circumstances, including, without limitation, acceleration
of exercise terms.  Upon the Committee's determination to make any such
adjustments, the terms and conditions of the Option and of this Agreement shall
automatically, without any further action on the part of any party, be deemed to
have been amended to incorporate such adjustments.

          (b)   In addition, and not as a limitation, to rights conferred in
Section 10(a) above, in the event of a Change in Control (as defined below), the
Option shall immediately become exercisable in full (notwithstanding Section 2
above), and the Option may thereafter be exercised, in whole or in part, for a
period of three (3) years from the date of such Change in Control or until the
expiration of the Option Term, whichever period is the shorter; and if Optionee
dies within such period, any unexercised Option held by Optionee shall
thereafter be exercisable, in whole or in part, for the remainder of such
period.

          (c)   For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" of the
Company shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day that any one or
more of the following conditions have been satisfied:

          (i)   Any Person (other than those Persons in control of the
          Company as of the Date of Grant, or other than a trustee or
          other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit
          plan of the Company, or a corporation owned directly or
          indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in
          substantially the same proportions as their ownership of
          stock of the Company) becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly
          or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing
          twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of
          the Company's then outstanding securities; or

          (ii)  Individuals, who as of the Date of Grant, constitute
          the Board of Directors of the Company (and any new Director,
          whose election by the Company's stockholders was approved by
          a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors then in
          office who either were Directors as of the Date of Grant or
          whose election or nomination for election was so approved,
          but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose
          initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual
          or threatened election contest with respect to the election
          or removal of directors or other actual or threatened
          solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a
          Person other than the Board) cease for any reason to
          constitute at least sixty percent (60%) thereof; or

          (iii) Consummation of: (A) a complete liquidation of the
          Company; or (B) a sale or disposition of all or
          substantially all the Company's business or assets
          (including, but not limited to, the sale or other transfer
          of one or more of the Company's principal Subsidiary banks
          if such sale or transfer could constitute a substantial
          majority of the Company's business or assets); or (C) a
          merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company with
          or involving any other corporation or entity, other than a
          merger, consolidation or reorganization that

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

          would result in the voting securities of the Company
          outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to
          represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being
          converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at
          least fifty-one percent (51%) of the combined voting power
          of the voting securities of the Company (or the surviving
          entity, or an entity which as a result of such transaction
          owns the Company or all or substantially all of the
          Company's assets either directly or through one or more
          subsidiaries) outstanding immediately after such merger,
          consolidation or reorganization.

     For purposes of this Section 10(c), the following terms have the following
meanings:

          "Beneficial Owner" shall have the meaning ascribed to such
          term in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations
          under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
          ("Exchange Act").

          "Person" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
          Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections
          13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a "group" as defined in
          Section 13(d).

     11.  Stock Certificates. All certificates for Option Shares delivered under
          ------------------
this Agreement shall be subject to such stock transfer orders and other
restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations
and other requirements of the Commission, any stock exchange upon which the
Stock is then listed, any applicable Federal or state securities law, and the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, and the Committee may cause a legend or
legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such
restrictions.

     12.  Withholding Taxes.
          -----------------

          (a)  Optionee shall, no later than the date as of which the value of
Option Shares first becomes includable in the gross income of Optionee for
Federal income tax purposes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements
satisfactory to the Committee regarding payment of, any Federal, state or local
taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to the award. The
obligations of the Company under this Agreement and the Plan shall be
conditioned on such payment or arrangements, and the Company (and, where
applicable, its Subsidiaries), shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the
right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to
Optionee.

          (b)  Subject to applicable laws and regulations regarding transactions
in Stock by persons who are deemed insiders, Optionee may elect to have the
withholding tax obligations or, if the Committee so determines, any additional
tax obligation with respect to any Option Shares acquired hereunder satisfied by
(i) having the Company withhold Option Shares otherwise deliverable to the
participant with respect to the Option or (ii) delivering to the Company shares
of unrestricted Stock.

     13.  Adjustment of and Changes in Common Stock of the Company. In the event
          --------------------------------------------------------
of a reorganization, recapitalization, change of shares, stock split, spin-off,
stock dividend, reclassification, subdivision or combination of shares, merger,
consolidation, rights offering, or any other change in the corporate structure
or shares of capital stock of the Company, the Committee shall make such
adjustment as it deems appropriate in the number and kind of shares of Stock
subject to the Option or in the option price; provided, however, that no such
adjustment shall give the Optionee any additional benefits under the Option.
Upon the Committee's determination of any such adjustments, the terms and
conditions of the Option and of this Agreement shall automatically, without any
further action on the part of any party, be deemed to have been amended to
incorporate such adjustments.

     14.  Employment Not Affected. Neither the granting of the Option nor its
          -----------------------
exercise shall be construed as granting Optionee any right with respect to
continuance of employment by the Company or a Subsidiary.  The right

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

of the Company and Subsidiaries to terminate at will the Optionee's employment
with it at any time (whether by dismissal, discharge, retirement or otherwise)
is specifically reserved by the Company and acknowledged by Optionee.

     15.  Notice. Any notice to the Company provided for in this Agreement shall
          ------
be addressed to it in care of its Secretary at its executive offices at 1927
First Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, and any notice to Optionee shall
be addressed to Optionee at the current address shown on the payroll records of
the Company. Any notice shall be deemed to be duly given if and when properly
addressed and posted by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid.

     16.  Incorporation of Plan by Reference. The Option is granted pursuant to
          ----------------------------------
the terms of the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference,
and the Option shall in all respects be interpreted in accordance with the Plan.
The Committee shall interpret and construe the Plan and this instrument, and its
interpretations and determinations shall be conclusive and binding on the
parties hereto and any other person claiming an interest hereunder, with respect
to any issue arising hereunder or thereunder. Terms used herein not otherwise
defined shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Plan.

     17.  Governing Law. The validity, construction, interpretation and effect
          -------------
of this instrument shall exclusively be governed by and determined in accordance
with the law of the State of Alabama without regard to principles of conflict of
laws, except to the extent preempted by federal law, which shall to such extent
govern, and Title 9 of the U.S. Code.

     18.  Dispute Resolution; Arbitration.
          -------------------------------

          (a) Basis for Arbitration. The parties hereto agree that the subject
              ---------------------
matter of this Agreement and any agreement that may be entered in connection
therewith both involve and affect interstate commerce within the meaning of the
commerce clause of the United States Constitution and Title 9 of the U. S. Code.
This Agreement shall be irrevocable and is binding upon the parties and is
subject to being specifically enforced. The parties hereto understand and
acknowledge that each party is waiving his or its right to a jury trial of
Disputes (as defined below) by entering into this Agreement.

          (b) Mandatory Arbitration of Disputes. Any action, dispute, claim,
              ---------------------------------
counterclaim or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the
parties, including, without limitation, any claim based on, or arising from, an
alleged tort or contract, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below.
As used herein, Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims,
counterclaims or controversies arising in connection with any commitment or
provision set forth in this Agreement or any of its exhibits or in any other
agreement entered by the parties in connection with this Agreement; any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing; any past, present and future agreements, whether written or oral,
between or among the parties, including, without limitation, this Agreement; or
any agreement entered in connection with this Agreement. All Disputes shall be
resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with Title 9 of the U. S. Code and
the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association
("AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and
similar doctrines, that would otherwise be applicable to an action brought by a
party, shall be applicable in any such arbitration proceeding, and the
commencement of an arbitration proceeding with respect to this Agreement shall
be deemed the commencement of an action for such purposes.

          (c) Selection of Arbitrator. Whenever an arbitration is required under
              -----------------------
this Section 18, the arbitrator shall be selected, except as otherwise provided,
in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration rules of the AAA. The AAA shall
designate a panel of ten (10) potential arbitrators knowledgeable in the subject
matter of the Dispute. Each of the parties shall designate, within thirty (30)
days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators, one of the potential
arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated shall select a third
arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators. The panel of three
(3) arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

          (d) Place of Arbitration. Whenever an arbitration is required, such
              --------------------
arbitration shall be conducted in Birmingham, Alabama.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

          (e) Miscellaneous. Any arbitration questions arising under this
              -------------
Agreement shall be governed in accordance with Title 9 of the U. S. Code. This
Section constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to its
subject matter and supersedes all prior discussions, arrangements, negotiations
and other communications on dispute resolutions. The provisions of this Section
shall survive any termination, amendment or expiration of the Agreement in which
this Section is contained, unless the parties otherwise expressly agree in
writing. In the event of any Dispute governed by this Section, each of the
parties shall pay all of its own expenses, and, subject to the award of the
arbitrator, shall pay an equal share of the arbitrators' fees. The arbitrator
shall have the power to award recovery of all costs and fees (including
attorneys' fees, administrative fees, arbitrators' fees and court costs) to the
prevailing party. This Section may be amended, changed or modified only by the
express provisions of a writing which specifically refers to this Section and
which is signed by all the parties hereto.



     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused its duly authorized officer to
execute  this Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, and Optionee has placed his
or her signature hereon, effective as of the Date of Grant.


                              Alabama National BanCorporation


                              By: /s/ John H. Holcomb, III
                                  --------------------------------------------

                                 Its: Chairman and CEO
                                      ----------------------------------------


                              AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:


                              By: /s/ Richard Murray, IV
                                  --------------------------------------------
                                              Optionee

                              Richard Murray, IV
                              ------------------------------------------------
                              (Print Name)

                              14 Honeysuckle Lane
                              ------------------------------------------------
                              (Address)

                              Birmingham, Alabama    35213
                              ------------------------------------------------
                              (City)      (State)    (Zip)

                                      -6-
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