WWTFCWintrust Financial Corporation

Wintrust runs dozens of local banks under their own names around Chicago.

The structure is unusual: instead of one branch network, independent banks with their own names tied to particular suburbs and their own managers making credit decisions. The customer sees a local bank, while capital, information systems and oversight are shared.

A distinct and unusual line is insurance premium finance: the company pays a business's annual premium to the insurer and is repaid in instalments. That is short, secured, high-yielding credit unconnected to the local economy. Risks: commercial real estate, deposit costs and the expense of maintaining many brands. A dividend is paid and raised.