Wintrust Financial

Wintrust Financial is a financial services company based in Rosemont, Illinois. It was founded in 1991 and has grown to become one of the largest banks in the Chicago area. The company offers a range of financial products and services including commercial and personal banking, wealth management, and mortgage services.
Wintrust Financial operates through its network of community banks, which include banks such as Wintrust Bank, Lake Forest Bank & Trust, Hyde Park Bank, and North Shore Community Bank. The company also has subsidiaries that provide specialty services such as insurance and leasing.
The company prides itself on its commitment to community banking and building strong relationships with its customers. It has a focus on serving local businesses and individuals, and many of its employees are actively involved in community organizations and charities.
In addition to its local presence, Wintrust Financial has a national footprint through its subsidiary, Wintrust Mortgage, which provides mortgage services in all 50 states. The company has also expanded its reach through acquisitions of other community banks and financial institutions.
Wintrust Financial is publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol WTFC. It has received numerous industry accolades and recognition for its financial performance and commitment to customer service.

1. Locally focused: Wintrust Financial is a company that is primarily focused on serving the local community in the Chicago area. They have a network of community banks and financial institutions that provide personalized and localized financial solutions to their customers.
2. Strong financial performance: Wintrust Financial has consistently shown strong financial performance and has been listed as one of the top performing banks in the country. This is a testament to its solid management and effective business strategies.
3. Diverse range of services: The company offers a diverse range of financial services including banking, lending, wealth management, and insurance. This allows customers to access all their financial needs in one place.
4. Customer-centric approach: Wintrust Financial is known for its customer-centric approach, where it prioritizes building relationships and providing personalized services to meet the unique needs of its customers.
5. Commitment to the community: The company is committed to giving back to the communities it serves through various charitable initiatives and community development projects.
6. Employee-focused culture: Wintrust Financial has a strong emphasis on creating a positive work culture for its employees. This has been recognized by various workplace awards and accolades.
7. Innovation and technology: The company has embraced innovation and technology in its operations, offering digital banking solutions and investing in new technologies to enhance customer experience.
8. Strong governance and ethics: Wintrust Financial has a strong commitment to corporate governance, transparency, and ethical business practices, which has earned it a good reputation in the industry.
9. Continued growth: Despite its local focus, Wintrust Financial has seen steady growth over the years, expanding its operations and acquiring new companies to strengthen its position in the market.
10. Awards and recognition: The company has received numerous awards and recognition for its financial performance, workplace culture, and commitment to the community. This speaks to its strong reputation and credibility in the industry.

Wintrust Financial Corporation is a financial services company that provides banking, wealth management, and insurance services to individuals, businesses, and institutions. Its business model is primarily focused on building and maintaining relationships with its clients through delivering personalized and comprehensive financial solutions.
The company operates through three main business segments: community banking, specialty finance, and wealth management. The community banking segment includes more than 170 community banks and offers traditional banking services including checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and other financial products to individuals and small businesses in the Chicago metropolitan area.
The specialty finance segment provides commercial and life insurance premium finance services, leasing and financing for healthcare equipment and software, and small business lending and financing solutions through partnerships with other financial institutions.
The wealth management segment offers wealth management and trust services, investment management, tax-advantaged investment strategies, and financial planning services through its subsidiaries.
Wintrust’s business model also includes a strong focus on local community involvement and building long-term relationships with its clients. The company prides itself on providing personalized and responsive support to its customers, along with a strong commitment to its employees, shareholders, and the communities it serves.

1. The company was founded in 1991 as First National Bank of Hinsdale, and later changed its name to Lake Forest Bank and Trust Company.
2. In 2000, the company became part of the Wintrust Financial Corporation, a financial services holding company that operates 15 community banks throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
3. The company has a strong focus on community involvement and philanthropy, with initiatives such as the Wintrust Community Banks’ “Giving Tree” program, which donates money to charities chosen by employees.
4. Wintrust Financial has been recognized for its strong financial performance, ranking on Forbes’ 2021 list of America’s Best Banks.
5. The company offers a diverse range of financial services, including commercial and personal banking, mortgage and lending services, insurance, and wealth management.
6. In 2011, Wintrust Financial became the official bank of the Chicago Bulls, and in 2015, they also became the official bank of the Chicago Cubs.
7. Wintrust Financial Corporation is known for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, being recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity in 2020.
8. The company has been consistently recognized for its workplace culture, being named one of the Best Places to Work in Illinois for 13 consecutive years.
9. As of 2021, Wintrust Financial Corporation has over 180 branches and 200 ATMs throughout the Chicagoland area.
10. The company has been involved in several high-profile mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisition of First Community Financial Corporation in 2016, expanding its presence in the western suburbs of Chicago.
See Company Q&A