EXHIBIT 23.1


                          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP


                                       14

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-8 pertaining to the Wintrust Financial Corporation Retirement Savings
Plan of our report dated February 16, 2000, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Wintrust Financial Corporation incorporated by reference
in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, Illinois
December 22, 2000
        -----

                                       15



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission